Private/Closed The Lottery Tournament Semi finals

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Vigroth growled as the Magikarp jumped back up, preparing an attack that appeared to oddly glow green. As the Magikarp was suddenly told to preform Hydro Pump, the confident Vigroth appeared bewildered, turning its attack into more of a cautious one.

Using Secret Power, Vigroth summoned forth mud bombs out from the ground beneath him, colliding with the hydro pump. While weakening the attack, the bombs were overpowered by the by the stream of water, the concussion of the attack sent the mud bomb’s force against it’s user, forcing him to the ground, face first into mud.

“Woah! Watch out there! You have to be careful with that attack Vigroth, it’s still freshly learned!”

A cartoonishly big eye popping out of the mud, the vigroth shook the majority of the rest off like a dog, growling in anger.

“Looks like your beast isn’t kidding around...looks like we have to get you first before you get us! Swarm him Vigroth! Slash!”

Barking in agreement, Vigroth rushed at Magikarp, being relatively close by anyway. He pounced at him, slashing down at him, trying to prevent another hydro pump from the little guy.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

"Hydro Escape!" Shiori yelled. Beast opened it's mouth once again and fired a Hydro Pump. However, this time instead of aiming at the Vigoroth, the Magikarp aimed at the ground. The Magikarp was propelled by the Hydro Pump, sliding across the top of the mud and barely dodging the slash from the Vigroth. Righting itself, Beast began to half skip/half swim through the puddles. It dove into the small river, swimming around to face the direction of the Vigroth.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Vigroth slashed thin air as the flopping magikarp flopped into a body of water, sinking into the puddle. Vigroth growled, hopping over to the pool of water.

“Huh...well that should be an issue! You forget the attack you just fought! Secret power Vigroth! Take ‘em out!”

a green light surrounded his talons again, summoning a water torrent around the water. Suddenly, a water pulse was conjured from the very bottom of the pool, pulsing all the way to the top of it, hoping to fish it out of the water. If it was brought up, Vigroth prepared to pounce and slash the exposed fish.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

The water in the river began to churn as the water-pulse like technique pushed water from the bottom to the top. For a moment, Beast attempted to resist the current by swimming down against it. Swimming down a little bit the Magikarp turned and swam up, with the pulse, with all its strength. Beast rocketed out of the water at a high speed, facing the Vigroth. And Shiori was ready with a command.

"Even so, the water is where Beast excels! Beast, Dragon Rage!" Shiori commanded. A bolt of purple dragon fire burst from the Magikarp's mouth towards the Vigroth, the fish Pokemon's eyes glowing with purple energy.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Dragon rage wasn’t a powerful move by any means, but it did do consistent damage no matter the defenses and had almost paranormal accuracy. It struck Vigroth whilst he slashed at Magikarp, the pair hitting one another in the air. The purple energy radiated on him, the Vigroth cringing enough to Stumble on landing, purple energies emitting from it’s fur from the attack.

“Good take away Vigroth! Two attacks for taking one!” Brace gave encouragement, not knowing how much slash did. “Let’s assure we win this fight! Faint attack!”

warping into shadows, Vigroth phased over Magikarp, aiming the plant it’s attack square on it’s back, which would sent it plummeting into the ground, hopefully knocking it out. Secret power, slash, and faint attack. A dreadful combination that would subdue many foes, let alone one of this species...which said a lot about this Magikarp.

 

[Martin Pine]

Finion smiled at Shiori’s choice of Pokemon, knowing from past experiences that was no useless fish. “I think the Magikarp may surprise you, it’s no normal one I’ll tell you that” Even without it’s special moves, Finion still thought Magikarp was a somewhat good choice. The fish could slip and slide over the mud and speedily swim through the shallows, essentially running circles around the Vigoroth who’d have to move carefully in the mud. Brace’s decision to use attacks to safely move was also a clever one.

As Shiori demonstrated the power the Magikarp had Finion looked over to Toby, interested by what his reaction would be to a hydro pumping Magikarp.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

The attack knocked the Magikarp back onto the Swamp ground, and the Pokemon was clearly hurting. In its scales, an Evolite glowed continuously from the energy it had been able to absorb from the attacks. Still, this Pokemon wasn't giving up that easily.
"Bounce!" Shiori commanded. It was a common strategy he had tested out with a similar move that his Braviary, Courage would do. Beast would be able to 'dodge' the undodgeable attack of Aerial Ace by launching itself into the air with Bounce.

Unfortunately in this situation, the timing was just too off. Beast launched itself into the air right as the Vigroth used it's Faint Attack technique, appearing and swatting Beast back down before the Magikarp could be out of range of the Vigroth's attack. Letting out a final, pathetic 'Karp!', the Pokemon fainted.

Shiori found his hands balling up into fists at the sight of his partner falling, a holy rage building up in his chest.
"You took us down before we could use our special technique... Lucky you. But you won't be as lucky this time!" Shiori yelled. Unclipping the Ultra Ball from his belt, Shiori threw it out. "Courage! Avenge our fallen friend!"

With a screech, a larger than normal Braviary appeared in front of Shiori. Instantly the large bird Pokemon saw the fallen fish Pokemon, and like its trainer a holy rage began to build in it.
"Courage! Retaliate!" Shiori commanded. The Braviary let out another screech, this one resonating with anguish over its fallen comrade. At the same time, the Normal Gem attached to its ankle exploded into glowing white shards that covered Courage. Glowing with powerful energy from the Normal Gem and its eyes filled with rage, the Braviary rocketed towards the Vigroth with blinding speed and attempted to slash at it with its wings as it blew past.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Vigroth slashed in the air in victory as Magikarp lay defeated in the muck. Brace cheered in for Vigroth as they got a good strong lead now. Things however got heated as soon a Braviary was released. It started with a bang...literally as it jetted toward him.

Vigroth tried to counter using a slash attack on the wings, but due to the momentum and gem powered attack, slash could barley manage to soften it and Vigroth was plowed into the mud, blundering through it and creating a big loud *SPLORT!*

“Vigroth!” Brace shouted in concern.

After a few moments the Mud pile he was covered in budged, but the weight was enough to keep the Vigroth constricted. It would be counted out at this rate...! Trying to find out a way to keep Vigroth in the match, Brace got an idea!

“Secret Power Vigroth! Get the mud off!”

the mountain of mud began to rumble. It sloshed and bubbles as the quagmire was disturbed by the forming attack. Suddenly, the mound exploded into a plume of mud, several normal type mud Attacks flying indiscriminately across the battlefield, freeing Vigroth from underneath it.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

After striking the Vigroth, Courage soared into the air and circled above the arena. Shiori grinned.
"Well, a good effort on the part of your Vigroth. He managed to take down my partner, which really says-" Shiori was interrupted by the Vigroth launching the mud off of it, all around itself. Some of the mud even made its way to Courage, splattering the bird Pokemon but not doing much more than annoying it. Shiori was rather shocked. That was Courage's strongest move! Sure, Beast hadn't done amazingly against the Vigroth, but this Pokemon must be extremely tough to take that much punishment!

Shiori's expression turned from shock to admiration, and he gestured once again to Brace's Vigroth.
"My apologies for underestimating your abilities! That's something that I try to never do, but I suppose none of us are perfect. Courage, Aerial Ace!" Shiori said. The bird Pokemon spun in midair before corkscrewing down towards the Vigroth, feinting to the left but changing directions at the last moment and attacking to the right.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“Yeah...he’s pretty sturdy...! I think?”

He couldn’t really judge the power Vigroth could take, between the slash softening the attack on the clash and the mud bath catching his landing. He was just lucky Vigroth was under the right conditions to do continue...however that would soon change. An aerial ace swooped in, slashing Vigroth on his right side, knocking him into a pool of water.

Bubbles surfaces from the water, Vigroth’s body floating to the surface unconscious. Even with all that softening he couldn’t handle the subsequent attack. Brace cringed, recalling him into a pokeball, a rattling seen on his hip. The Heavy Ball on his hip vibrated uncontrollably, Brace reluctant to send out the pokeball inside, instead called upon aipom.

“Your up purple, let’s make a good first impression. Please be enough to finish this battle off, I can’t risk him coming out, okay?”

Purple nodded, knowing full well what was in the other ball. Aipom then ran onto the battlefield, leaping up using it’s tail to get to the hostile bird’s height. With a chuckle, the aipom clapped it’s hands together in it’s face as he rose up, and then crashed it’s palm down toward it’s head. It was fake out, the same move that blindsided Zoroark!

 

[Captain Cardboard]

The Braviary flinched back from the attack, disoriented and struggling to stay in the air. At the sight of the opponent's familiar Aipom, Shiori grinned.
"I was hoping your little friend would show up again! Its time for a little payback!" Shiori called over to Brace. The actor turned his attention to Courage, cupping his hands around his mouth to be heard better.

"Courage!" Shiori yelled up to the Braviary. "This is the one that struck down Raza! He took her down with a cowardly sneak attack from behind, not announcing his presence! Raza didn't even have a moment to realize what she was up against. It is up to you to defend her!"
Shaking off the stunning attack of the Fake Out, Courage realized what his trainer was saying. The large bird Pokemon stared down towards Purple, his eyes seeming to burn with holy rage. Letting out an enraged screech, it swooped down towards the Aipom with its talons extended. The Braviary slashed at the Aipom with a Crush Claw attack, but this technique was slightly different. Instead of attempting to use this attack to lower the opponent's defense, as one normally does with this attack, Courage instead used that energy to empower his attack even more. This was the power of his Sheer Force special ability.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

It seemed like his opponent knew that this attack was going to happen, purple being quickly attacked by a retaliatory crushing claw from the screeching bird. Despite it’s item being used up, it attacked with alarming ferocity. The Crush claw slashing at Aipom, sending the monkey right back down to the ground.

“That was a heck of a strong attack...don’t let that bird get close to you! Use swift!”

Purple staggered to his feet, shaking the dust off and flared up at Courage. With a flick of it’s tail, a field of flashy stars like projectiles enjoyed in a stream, homing in around the Bird’s position. After the last Star was launched, aipom hitched a ride on it, surfing the star before he cartwheeled off of it, aiming to deliver an ice punch down to the bird’s back.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

After slashing at the Aipom, Courage swooped back up and circled for another strafing attack. But when the Braviary turned, the large bird Pokemon found that the Aipom was already firing another attack. A half a dozen or so stars flew towards Courage, but the Braviary didn't care. Courage recklessly flew though the attacks, the stars slamming into him and knocking him around in the air. But throughout the whole time, his rage-filled glare never wavered from the Aipom.

"Courage, Close Combat!" Shiori yelled. The Aipom's Ice Punch struck the Braviary in the chest, causing Ice to form around the bird Pokemon's torso. Courage let out a screech in pain, but the Braviary's fury could not be cooled so easily. Already up close and personal with the Aipom, the Braviary let loose a barrage of attacks with its talons, wings, and beak, hoping to pound the Aipom into submission with a reckless but powerful attack.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

As the ice formed on Courage as well as the swift attack nailing him, this would be enough disorientation to go for the finishing move.

“Good going Purple! Now finish him off with a thunderbolt!”

Aipom winked, charging up a powerful electric attack, calling electricity from the sky. Before however he could finish the second half, Close Combat had struck him. The monkey was subjected to to talons, beak, wings, and other in a savage attack. While caught up in the attack, he couldn’t run away from the blast zone of the thunderbolt crashing down from the sky! Purple was on the verge of fainting. If close combat didn’t knock it out, the incoming thunderbolt would.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

The Braviary continued its barrage of attacks, not realizing what was happening. It's focus was too much on the Aipom it was currently striking again and again.
"Courage, move!" Shiori yelled, but it was too late. The Thunderbolt attack struck down from the heavens, shocking the bird Pokemon with 100,000 volts of electricity. Courage let out another cry in pain before it's eyes rolled back and it went limp in midair. The bird Pokemon fell unconscious, and began to plummet back towards the ground.

Acting quickly, Shiori recalled his avian friend back to its Ultra Ball. The actor took a moment to look at the Ultra Ball, saying a silent thanks to his friend. Putting the Ultra Ball back on his belt, Shiori pulled out his last Pokeball. It eagerly shook, waiting and wanting to be released. But Shiori waited, wanting to see what became of Brace's Aipom.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

As courage was struck by the lightning, Purple was caught in it as well, taking the bird down with him. Purple was zapped, tumbling down to the ground, steam coming from him from the vaporized moisture of the mud. Red and Green hopped up onto the battlefield, hoisting his arms around their shoulders, helping him off the stage.

“You did great purple, at least you took someone out too...”

Oh great...I only have HIM left. I haven’t used him in the tournament yet due to his...well...HIM. Maybe I should concede now, don’t want to-

As if on cue, the Heavy ball on his side rattled heavily, knocking itself out of the clip it was attached to. Brace tried to grab it before it could hit the ground, but it was too late. With a flash of light, a large Pokémon emerged from the ball. It was a massive primeape, bigger than any normal sized one...nearly two or three times the natural size! The Goliath of a Pokémon huffed and puffed before pounding the ground, mud and water splashing everywhere.

“GAAAAROOOGAAAAHHH!!!”

 

[Captain Cardboard]

At the sight of such as massive Pokemon, the actor's grin grew.
"Well! If my counting is correct, then we're both down to our last Pokemon! And it looks to me that you've saved your toughest-looking Pokemon for last!" Shiori called over to Brace. The actor pointed to his opponent. "I've been saving my strongest for last as well."

Shiori suddenly struck a dynamic pose low to the ground.

"From the darkest trenches of the ocean, my Pokemon has swam!"

Shiori's pose quickly changed as the actor pointed towards the sky.

"He has pierced the heavens, climbing the waterfall of justice!"

Shiori twirled before taking a third pose, one resembling a fighting stance.

"Together, we have roamed the land honing our skills and working together, forging a bond of indisputable friendship and camaraderie!"

Shiori took a fourth pose, pointing to Brace and his Primape once again while keeping the hand with his Pokeball behind his back.

"Now prepare yourself... For Hyper Tsunamu!" Shiori yelled, pointing to the skies. At the same time, Shiori released his Gyarados from his Pokeball. These actions gave the illusion of the Gyarados bursting from the ground behind Shiori, flying into the air and over his trainer. It let out a wild and menacing roar that echoed throughout the arena, it's Intimidate Ability activating. People in the stands close to the arena shrunk back a little bit at the sight of the Gyarados.

"Now! Let's see what your giant Primeape is made of! Tsunamu, Bounce!" Shiori commanded. Letting out another angry roar, the Gyarados launched itself high up into the sky.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Brace himself couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the giant dragon seemingly emerging from the ground behind the Actor, roaring in a fashion reminiscent to classic monster movies. Meanwhile, Primeape just stared at the Gyarados, heavily breathing like it was sizing the thing up.

“that was uh...quite the entrance.” Brace shook off his nerves. “Looks like I don’t have to be so worried about Primeape! Just...uh...bare in mind I have no idea what moves he knows.”

“GAAAAROOOGAAAHH!”

As Tsunamu bounced up in the air, Primeape just glared at the pseudo dragon. It’s muscles began to flex and grow in front of their eyes, the ape was using bulk up! Prepping for the enemy’s attack, it pounded his fist into his palm, his defense and offense rising.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

"Well, you should be worried! Tsunamu, use Gyradawesome Comet!" Shiori said. Reaching the top of its arc, the Gyarados began to fall back towards the Primeape. It zoned in on the Primeape, using its limited flying-type abilities to focus itself in the air towards the Fighting type. As it descended, watery energy began to form around its tail.

Tsunamu attempted to slam into Brace's Primeape, using its entire body as a weapon. At the same time, the Gyarados swung its tail towards the Primeape with an Aqua Tail attack, attempting to hit the monkey-like Pokemon with both moves in a one-two attack.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“...Use Gyradawesome Comet!"

the flashy move showed tremendous force as it came down towards the Primeape. The bulked up guerilla fighter (sorry) Refused to move as the impending doom came his way. The Gyarados slammed into him with the powerful combination right as Primeape seemed to flicker an odd glow.

*BOOM!*

The powerful attack smashed up a huge dust cloud, as the entire stage rocked from the scope of the attack. As the dust cleared...it revealed Primeape, crouched down from the impact, it’s eyes closed from the impact.

“Is he...?”

suddenly, the primeape’s eyes flashed open, it’s muscles showing movement. The entire aura of the Primeape began to glow an orange aura. Brace’s concerned expression turned into one of confidence.

“I think I know this attack...!”

The stage began to rumble as the power of the oncoming move, Primeape looking more and more enraged by the second.

“With Primeape alive from that Devastating move you used, that power can be doubled and fired back right at you! Here’s a guess to what that attack is!”

the orange energy began to erupt from Primeape, the light being intense to even stand around. Brace gave a motion for a punch.

“Here’s the Answer! COUNTER OF GOLIATH!!!”

Suddenly, a massive energy surge exploded outward from Primeape as the powerful super effective attack he tanked before was magnified and fired back and point blank range! Orange beam nearly engulfed the entire other side of the Arena as every bit of detail what was going on was obstructed by the attack. The ground on the stage cracked all over the place and Brace along with his monkeys stumbled to the ground.

that’s when it came to a head, giving a small twinkle before exploding wildly, black fiery smoke pluming in the center of the stage...

 

[Captain Cardboard]

As the smoke cleared, Shiori felt a twinge of victory. The Primeape was down! Was that it? Had he won?

But Shiori's confidence quickly changed to surprise, which changed even quicker to panic as the Primeape slowly stood up. Shiori had grown up watching anime and shows like Power Rangers. It was something that had inspired him to become a trainer and kept him going when he had a serious losing streak. Tropes and common occurances in those types of shows were what he used to make his persona of Karpman. So Shiori knew a power-up turnaround moment when he saw one.

He even gave it a super cool name... dang it...

"Tsunamu, Waterfall!" Shiori called out. But it was too late. As Tsunamu began to cloak itself in water, the Primeape unleashed its Counter attack. The energy surge struck Tsunamu head-on, and the Gyarados was completely obscured by the attack. Shiori had to shield himself from the shockwave of the attack, barely managing to keep his footing.

Just like the attack before, the dust was slow to disperse. But this time, the scene depicted was reversed. Shiori stood up straighter to get a better look at what had happened. It was Tsunamu that was on the ground this time, not the Primeape. And unlike the Primeape, Tsunamu didn't look to be in any position to be getting back up.

Shiori's fists clenched as the actor looked down at the ground. He had been outplayed. This always seemed to happen, a small curse that followed him. He would do great, but then always lose in the semi-finals.

After a moment, Shiori looked back up to Brace and his Pokemon. On his face was a huge, excited grin. The ref decreed that Tsunamu was no longer able to fight, and the crowd burst out in a roar. But Shiori didn't care. It had been one heck of a battle, and an amazingly fun one at that. Not even trying to make himself be heard over the crowd, Shiori gave Brace an enthusiastic thumbs up.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Seeing Gyarados thrown out of commission in a massive crater, Brace let out a chuckle of disbelief, marveling at what just occurred. The clash of two monsters erupting in a final climax of the battle...this truly was a movie! Is this what they meant by movie magic? If so, he was starting to believe in it!

“ahaha! That was fun! Good job primea-“

“GOOORAAGH!”

the Primeape slammed a fist in front of him, as if not to come any closer to it or his opponent by threat of violence. Gulping, he knew Primeape took his threats very seriously, as he wanted punted by the beast before. Quickly returning the creature into his heavy ball, he holstered it with a sigh of relief.

he ran over to Shiori, grinning ear to ear. “Woah! I see why your an amazing actor, that was one of the most fun matches I had in a long time! Thanks so much for the battle! You guys rocked!”

he came in to hug Shiori, The three elemental monkeys jumping up to hug on him too!

 

[Captain Cardboard]

Shiori recalled Tsunamu back to his Pokeball.
"I know it's been a while since we've been beaten in one blow. But don't take it too hard. You did great, and you'll have a chance to show it later." Shiori whispered. The actor turned and began to made his way off the field. Making it to the tunnel leading from the pitch, the actor took off his makeshift mask and let out a breath. For a third time that day, Shiori seemed to change. His shoulders slumped slightly, his body relaxed a little more. That was exhausting, but a lot of fun. Shiori grabbed the duffle bag containing his Marine Knight costume, and was about to head back to the VIP box when he heard the sound of someone approaching.

Shiori looked back, and was surprised to see that Brace had crossed the pitch and was approaching him. Before Shiori had the chance to respond, the kid and his three Pokemon sudden hugged Shiori. The actor grunted in surprise and almost lost his balance. Hesitating a moment, Shiori smiled hugged the kid back for a moment before ruffling Brace's hair.
"Thanks, kid. You and your Pokemon are pretty fantastic yourself! I've never seen someone battle like your little guys do." Shiori said, grinning down at Brace's monkeys.

The actor detatched himself from the hug.
"Sorry about the rough Counterpunch from Raza, little guy. No hard feelings?" Shiori said down to Red. Turning his attention back to Brace, the trainer smiled as he made his way towards the Pokemon healing area. "Those were some pretty cool move names you came up with, Flames of the Dragon Fire Punch and Counter of Goliath. Did you make them up on the spot, or have you named them before?"

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Brace gave a toothy grin as his hair was ruffled. He really liked this guy! Far different than that brooding Toby guy.

“Aw, it was nothing really.” The wild boy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “We just improvise really well, hehe...”

Red turned to Shiori, pounding one fist from his chest to him, nodding his head with determination. It was as if he challenging Raza to a rematch in the future! Blue then waltzed by carefree, poking his bruise on his forehead, making the Pansear cringe, growling at Blue. Red then chased him back to the Pokémon healing area, the other monkeys chuckling as they watched it. On the way to the healing area, Shiori made conversation, talking about the names of his moves.

“Wellll remember what I said about improv?” Brace chuckled. “I gotta name moves or else it doesn’t feel like it has enough ‘UMPH’ to it, ya know? Gotta make it sound the part or it won’t do as much! I like to call it the wild style. What about you?? ‘Gyradosawesome comet’? That’s so cool! That should totally be the name of one of your movies!”

 

[Martin Pine]

The first battle came to an end. The spectacular confrontation between the large Primeape and intimidating Gyrados was the perfect crowning piece for had been an entertaining thrill ride. The crowd was cheering until both trainers left and once they did the pitch began to again sink into the belly of the stadium, the vast hole being sealed with a metallic cover that stretched out from either side. On the TV the show would return back to the commentators who would talk about the match they had just witnessed and in the stadium the audience became active once more. Preparations began for the second match.

Shiori and Brace would be greeted by a member of staff once they exited the pitch. This staff member was polite and kind, leading them to an area where there Pokemon could be healed. When they were done with that the same staff member would lead them back to the contenders box. @Captain Cardboard @Shen: King of the Mist

Two different staff members would enter the contenders box after a knock, looking between Finion, Toby and Persophone. One of them spoke up after the other nudged him. "Um, Could ... Toby please come with me one side of the stadium whilst Finion goes with him to another" The nervous member of staff nodded to his more confident counterpart who gave a smile. @DarkHydraT

Finion looked up to Toby with a surprised expression, taking a deep breath and then releasing it. "I'll see you soon" Right, it was go time. Before leaving he moved over to the PC in the room, accessing it and going through the Pokemon he had. He'd hoped that he wouldn't be next, that he would've gotten a good look at everyone's team before having to battle them. One of his advantages was gone but he wasn't going to let that stop him. He at least knew two of Toby's Pokemon and he would use that to his advantage.

 

[Captain Cardboard]

As the group made their way to the healing center, Shiori watched as the Pansear and Panpour chased each other around, amused by all the 'monkeying around'. It was hard to remember that just a few minutes ago this little red Monkey was flying across an arena creating a Flaming Dragon with its powers. Pokemon were pretty great.

A pair of staff members showed up, guiding the trainers towards the healing area.
"Gyrad-awesome comet. The portmanteau is where it is at." Shiori corrected. "Thanks! But I don't really make the movies, I just act in them. But maybe I can convince him to change the title."
Entering into the healing room, Shiori put his Pokeballs on the healing machine and turned back to face Brace.

"As for 'what about me', well... it kind of depends. I battle best when I'm acting a part. Some of the parts I would play, like the Marine Knight, isn't one for yelling out flashy move names. He's more uptight and serious when battling. That's why I switched up halfway through. You weren't really the type of opponent that the Marine Knight did well against. Not to mention, you managed to get me to break character part of the way through the first half of our battle. When that happens, it's harder for me to focus on the battle and stuff."

As Shiori finished speaking, the machine dinged and his Pokemon were fully healed. The actor moved to the side to let Brace use the healing machine, releasing Raza from her Pokeball. The Zoroark stretched before shaking out her hair and looking expectantly to Shiori. The actor merely shrugged.
"You did awesome, Raza. But it looks like the monkeys made monkeys out of us." Shiori said. The Zoroark rolled her eyes, and Shiori turned back to Brace.

"Karpman, on the other hand, was way more fitting for our battle. The over-the-topness of his character made it easier to counter, or at least not be so caught off guard by, your wild strategies. Plus, it was a lot more fun to just relax and enjoy the battle." Shiori said.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Placing his pokeballs on the healer, he listened to what Shiroi had to say, explaining his roles in great detail. From the stoic Marine Knight to the goofy Karpman, he sure played a diverse cast of characters. To change one’s style on a dime...that was a really special gift.

“Ohhhh, so you switch roles out like you switch Pokémon out. I think I get what your sayin’ here...” Brace pieced it together. “Who likes battles that are uptight and Stingy? There no fun in that! Like that Toby guy. He seems to take all this battling stuff really seriously doesn’t he? What gives with that?”

Brace grumbled, crossing his arms. While he was glad not all aces were jerks like him, it bothered him that people like him existed. Meanwhile, Blue was still being chased around by Red. Seeing Raza from the corner of his eye, Blue turned to her, giving a hop mid chase and winked, like he hadn’t forgotten their little kiss and dance in the stadium, before hopping right back into the chase.

 

[DarkHydraT]

"Hmph. Seems that kid won, didn't expect that. At least both of them had some strong Pokémon for the end." Toby's stoic mask was cracked as a lopsided smirk weaseled its way onto his face. "Perhaps we'll finally have some fun in this tournament." When his name was called out by a staff member, he turned around and walked out of the room, ignoring the PC and his raincoat flowing behind him. "I'll see you on the pitch, let's find out if the audience made a good decision by letting you return to the matches." The Johtonian left Finion alone with those words. He was not nervous at all, after all Finion only knew his Hydreigon and Gengar and he knew his Pachirisu which would be demolished by Millennium. Seemingly weak Pokémon put up a fight before though, so he couldn't rest just yet. For all he knew, that Pachirisu had Solar Beam or something. "I'm ready to begin my match, now to wait for Finion." He informed the staff member, seemingly indifferent about their nervousness. He knew he was a bit intimidating, but they had to toughen up some time. Stroking a Dusk Ball, a smirk decorated the normally impassive face of Toby. It was time to fight, and he was not going to lose!

 

[Captain Cardboard]

"Well..." Shiori trailed off, taking a moment to think back to the small bit of conversation between Brace and that Toby character in the VIP box. He watched as Brace crossed his arms, looking almost like he was pouting. It made the actor smile.

"I've found that the people that are the most serious about battling are also the most passionate about battling. Basically, they're serious about battling because that's what they love. They hold other trainers to the same standards that they hold themselves to. So when they see trainers that they think don't fulfill their standards, like you and me, they get annoyed." Shiori said. The actor paused and thought back to the battle he had with Brycen, the Ice-Type Gym Leader of the Unova region. A very serious battler, yet it was clear that both trainers had a good time in the battle. A huge smile suddenly spread across Shiori's face. "I bet that Toby guy had a meltdown when I sent out Beast. I would have loved to see his face."

Raza leaned against the wall, taking a moment to relax from the battle and focus again. Watching the Panpour and Pansear, she definitely noticed it when Blue paused mid-chase and winked at her. Raza felt a sudden flush of embarrassment as she was reminded of the strange circumstances of her battle with Blue. Her embarrassment quickly turned to rage, and for a moment it looked as if Raza would run over to the Panpour and punt him across the room. But instead, Raza took a deep breath and calmed herself. There would be another time for such things.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

Brace giggled at the thought of Toby blowing a gasket when the terrifying Magikarp was released. He wanted to see THAT fight.

“Hehe, I bet beast would knock him a new one!” He put his hands on his hips. “That’s why I don’t have standards! The world’s filled all sorts of awesome Pokémon and stuff to see, why limit yourself to just a small bit of it? That’s not only stubborn, but that’s also boring! Ya know?”

just like how Shiori tried on different personas and roles whilst using a diverse cast of Pokémon, he showed exactly how creative one could be. But Toby...seemed like there was a specific route to victory requiring no deviation.

“I tell ya, he may sound like he’s confident, but i don’t see him smiling. That’s who the real winner is!”

Fun was the main concern of Brace. The entire point of why he entered this tourney was to have fun with others. Some people seemed to forget that fun was a factor...

 

[Captain Cardboard]

Once again, Shiori shrugged. It seemed that Brace had this whole thing thought out. Shiori just hoped that the kid would remember that as he grew up.
"Well, maybe we just haven't seen him smiling yet. Battling tends to bring out different sides of people, it might do the same for Toby." Shiori said. The actor checked the time on his Pokegear. The next matchup would be starting soon, and Finion was the one battling Shiori would not want to miss it.

"Let's make our way back to the VIP box. If my friend's battling next, I'll want to see it." Shiori said. The actor reached into his duffle bag and pulled out a RageCandyBar, breaking off a piece and tossing it to Raza before breaking off a piece for himself. The Zoroark pushed herself off the wall, moving to follow Shiori and catch the piece of candy. The dark type devoured the piece happily, RageCandyBars being one of her favorite snacks. Shiori looked over to Brace and his monkeys before offering the boy the candy bar.
"Want a piece?" Shiori asked to Brace and his Pokemon.

 

[Martin Pine]

Finion watched Toby walk up to his member of staff, unsure of how to take the words left to him by the Jhotonian. “... let’s” There was determination on his face. He would prove the audience had made a good choice.

After swapping a couple of Pokeball’s he moved to join the member of staff that was to escort him. He gave a nod to Toby before the two of them were lead out the room and guided in separate directions. The next time they would see each other would be on the
pitch.

“Hello viewers!” Durant Daniel spoke with excitement as the tv returned to showing both the presenters. “After the exciting first match it is time for our second! The contestants are making their way towards the pitch as we speak!” “The two fighting now will be Toby and Finion!”

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“Oh?? Your friend? Who’s that?”

Brace followed the older competitor, his freshly healed monkeys in tow. He hadn’t exactly been familiar with ALL the faces in the joint. Walking up the stairs to the VIP area, he was then offered a candy bar, a ragecandybar if he heard correctly from the battle. His eyes lit up. He took food very seriously.

“Oh!! Can i??”

breaking a large chunk off, he motioned for the four monkeys to come to him. They hopped to him, each one touching and take hold of one part of the bar.

“Breaksies!”

they all broke a piece off of the same chunk, getting various sizes of the bar. Red boasted, getting the biggest chunk while Green appeared content with the smallest. All of them plopped them into their mouths. After a second all of them exclaimed at the taste. They never tasted something so good!

“Ohhh! They remind me of the super spicy poffins back home!”

Hearing the talk about ragecandybars, Primape’s heavy ball began to rattle again. Primeape never asked for anything...he rather demanded and took it from whomever had it. Knowing this, Brace shoved the Pokeball in his pocket, away from sight.

 

[DarkHydraT]

This was it, at last there were worthy opponents in this tournament. Toby couldn't ignore the bubble of excitement that had been dormant this whole tournament, finally he could go all out! The Johtonian trainer smirked as he made his way to the pitch, an idea taking form inside of his head. Just because he could go all out didn't mean he had to, he was going to have some fun first and he knew just the Pokémon for the job. When he arrived at the pitch, he grabbed the brim of his flat cap and smiled. "It's time, let's do this thing!" Toby said as he raised his head, revealing his face. "I hope this match won't be as boring as the others Finion, so let's give the crowd what they want!"

 

[Martin Pine]

Finion and Toby would quickly be lead to opposite sides of the pitch, the staff members showing them to the waiting rooms and then urging them onto the walkway that would lead to their platform on the pitch.

“WELCOME BACK TO THE SECOND BATTLE!” The announcers voice boomed throughout the stadium like it had done many times before. It was met with applause and cheers from the crowd who only grew more excited as Toby and Finion walked out of the pitch and towards their posts. “THE PITCH FOR THE FIRST HALF WILL BE ... RUINS”

The metallic covering began to slid back into the stadium, revealing the now rising battleground that was to be Toby’s and Finion’s pitch. The ground was flat and covered with short grass however around the entire pitch were pale stoned walls. Some were just taller than a person whilst others only came up to the knee, some were long and reached a few metres in length whilst others were more like posts. In short they varied in height, length and curvature as they all surrounded a medium stone platform in the middle, about the side of a tennis pitch.

When Toby and Finion were to stand on their spots it would rise up slightly, giving them somewhat of an overview of the unique pitch. Finion’s mind was already racing, thinking of how to use the environment to his advantage and how to counter any use Tony could think of. He was trying to think two steps ahead, but with so many paths to take he couldn’t be certain of which steps were in the right direction. As Tony called out to him Finion looked over, straining his ears to hear the other trainer and then smiling in response. “Ready when you are!”

“TRAINERS, RELEASE YOUR POKEMON”
Finion had the Pokeball in his hand but hesitated for a moment. He knew which Pokemon he was going to sent out first, he’d chosen it because he believed it was best suited to counter Toby’s Hydregion ... but would he lead with that?

 

[DarkHydraT]

Toby smirked, ruins were great for his lead. "After I'm done with you, you'll be in a worse condition than this field! Come on out Spectre, and scare his socks off!" He threw a Pokéball into the air and out came not an Hydreigon, but a giggling Gengar! The Ghost type seemed to be overly excited to be out of its ball, as it immediately began drawing attention by performing a handstand on one arm as he slowly sank into the floor before jumping out and spinning around in the sky like a star. After the little show, Spectre extended its surprisingly long tongue at Finion before giggling again.

"Let me guess, you expected Scylla? Sorry to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't make such an obvious choice this far in the tournament." Toby crossed his arms and grinned. "Come on, let's see what you've got. You wouldn't want to let everyone who voted you back in down, do you?"

 

[Captain Cardboard]

Glad that the kid and his Pokemon liked the candy, Shiori made his way into the VIP box.
"His name is Finion. Shorter, orange hair, has a grouchy but lovable Pachirisu as his partner. He got voted in for the Wild Card on this tournament." Shiori said. The actor scanned the room to find that neither Finion nor that Toby guy were in there. Looking through the large windows down onto the arena, it was clear that the next battle was starting. The pitch was once again different, instead of a swamp or plain it appeared to be taking place in a ruined area. Very cool.

The tv screen showed a close up on the contestants, both Finion and Toby getting ready for battle. Shiori dropped his duffel bag by the door and excited jumped onto the couch.
"Oh heck yeah! They're getting started!" Shiori said. He watched as Toby sent out his first Pokemon, a Gengar. Shiori had grown up hearing creepy urban legends about that Pokemon, but by now he just thought they were pretty cool. It took a determined and good trainer to keep one.

Meanwhile, Raza went back to leaning against a wall. The Zoroark didn't bother putting up her human illusion, as everyone now knew that she was a Zoroark. So there wasn't much of a point. Raza watched the battle with interest, occasionally swiping a berry or piece of fruit from the table of food and eating it.

 

[Shen: King of Digimon]

“Finion...? Like the fish Pokémon?” The boy questioned. “There’s a lot of focus on fish in this tournament isn’t there? No wonder you guys are friends.”

It wasn’t until he looked over to the screen did he realize that there was a battle taking place. The screen displayed their names as Toby and...Finion! They looked nothing like a fish, and appeared more tough than they were of the beautiful Pokémon.

“It’s that guy you were talking’ about!” Brace exclaimed, hopping on the couch with a bounce. He squinted at the other name. “And Toby...”

As the monkeys piled in to watch the show on TV, Brace pumped his fist into the air.

“Kick his butt finny!”

 

[Martin Pine]

Spectre? That wasn't the Hydregion's name ..

Finion closely watched the Pokeball Toby threw out. Once the Gengar was unleashed he cursed to himself silently. Already Toby was taking a different approach, avoiding his predictions. This wasn't going to be easy, at all. Whilst the Gengar introduced itself to the audience Finion subtly switched his Pokeball, keeping his eyes on the excited ghost now on the pitch. The tongue caused Finion to step back, the orange haired trainer taking a deep breath to try control his nerves. He needed to focus.

He held his Pokeball out in front of him, not throwing it but releasing the Pokemon inside it onto the pitch. Bright light flooded out and took the shape of a bipedal form, standing tall and proud despite it's short stature. "Roger! Let's roll!" It was a Bisharp. The dark/steel type stood completely still but stared Gengar down.

The announcer spoke "BEGIN!"

Finion didn't hesitate this time, immediately giving an order to his Pokemon. "Get up on the walls and use dark pulse" The Bisharp flicked it's arms out and crouched. Black lines with a purple aura began to form in both hands just as he jumped towards one of the walls. Roger landed on top of it, joining his hands together and firing the dark pulse straight at the Spectre.

 

[DarkHydraT]

"A Bisharp, not a bad choice against my Gengar. Wonderful!" Toby slowly clapped his hands to mock Finion, smiling at his opponent. "You'd be sorely mistaken though if you expect a clean sweep! Spectre, fire a Focus Blast at the Dark Pulse!" The Gengar tried to raise its arms above its head and created a ball of yellow energy between them before mimicking a sneeze and launching the projectile at the Dark Pulse. Whilst Focus Blast was stronger than Dark Pulse, it wasn't a Ghost or Poison move and it had an affinity to miss due to its charge-up time. The two moves collided and a dust cloud covered the area. Even from above, the ground could not be seen, effectively hiding Spectre from view and allowing for a sneak attack. Toby chuckled, he knew exactly what he was going to do next. "Oh no, where is Spectre? Did he get hit? Did he melt into the shadows? Where is he?" He said with surprising acting talent, trying to get into Finion's head.