Pokémon: Amber [IC]

[Britanania]

Ananka

The Hex Maniac said nothing since the Pokemon professor stopped her from leaving, and now she founds herself in a group of complete strangers at Acai's laboratory. Suffice it to say, Ananka was feeling less than comfortable and kept to herself the entire duration of the visit. That is, until she finally had enough when the supposed gym leader left to return to his gym and Acai called them for some adventure.

My adventure is my own, Ananka thought as she pushed off the wall she was leaning on and made for the door.

[Amistrinal]

Andy Klipsen
Selverde City Gym

---

Part 1 of Collab with Mundeo

The gym stood out like a sore thumb in Selverde City. In the middle of a metropolis of soaring skycrapers, it took the likeness of a giant tree. Actually, it was a giant tree! A set of double doors with a league logo above it led to the hollowed out interior. Like any gym, there was an attendance desk with a man sitting behind it that said:

"Greetings, champ to be! Welcome to Selverde City Gym! Our Liana uses a team of mighty-strong grass-type pokémon! Fire, flying, ice, and bug types will give you the advantage! Don't worry about the fire types, though. The whole building's fireproofed"

A spiral staircase that hugged the walls led up to a higher level. Besides that, there wasn't much else to see; this room certainly was not where the gym battles were held. Did Andy have to go up to the second floor!

"Hello there!"

An enthusiastic voice turned Andy's attention to the staircase. Standing near the top of the staircase was a girl, not much older than Andy. She had dark skin and long, forest-green hair; and wore a brown, short-sleeved shirt; gray shorts, and a green cape. After waving to Andy, she said, "Come up here!" before going all the way up the staircase.

"Grass type Pokemon, huh?" Andy said to himself as he ascended the staircase, glancing at Aipom. "We're not at a disadvantage, but... you only know normal type moves, right Aipom?"
Aipom nodded, but it's grin only widened. Aipom sped up hiss own ascent, and Andy chased behind him, a small smile popping up on his face. Aipom was pretty strong after all, even without a type advantage they'd probably be fine.

"Wait, what was up with that girl? Was she another trainer or something?" Andy found himself thinking. The staircase didn't last forever though, and eventually the two reached the top.
At the top of the staircase, they found themselves back in the sunlight. They were on the roof of the building, which was a circular wooden platform built into the tree's canopy. Boughs reached up the sky at the edges of the platform with, forming a rudimentary barrier, although someone can easily go between the boughs. Sunlight reached the platform in patches through the leaves. The platform had markings that were indicative of an arena.

"I'm up here!" The girl called out, making Andy look up. The girl was sitting a branch that over over the platform. She then jumped down, doing a frontflip before landing safely on her feet. "You wanna take on the gym leader, right? Well that'd be me, Liana!" She pointed to herself with her thumb, wearing an excited grin. "I haven't been the gym leader for long, but that doesn't mean that I don't know how to battle! I'm going to test the bong between you and your pokémon!"

Andy was certainly impressed. He hadn't expected her to be the gym leader. Aipom on the other hand was more impressed with the frontflip. If she was that skilled, her pokemon must have been even better. Aipom ran to his side of the arena, and jumped between his feet, eager to fight.
Andy smiled at his pokemon's enthusiasm. "Well, then let's get started." Andy straightened up. "My name is Andy Klipsen from Novela town, and I'm challenging Selverde Gym with my Aipom! Let's have a good match!"

He relaxed, and looked at his pokemon. "You ready buddy?"

Aipom turned to Andy, and gave a firm nod, before turning back towards Liana. He was ready indeed.

[Mundeo]

Gym Leader Liana challenges you to a battle!

"Good luck! Now go Sewaddle!" Liana threw her first pokéball, releasing the sewing pokémon. Sewaddle landed onto the wooden platform with a determined look in her beady eyes.

"Start off with String Shot!" Liana called out. After nodding her head, Sewaddle spat out sticky string towards Aipom to wrap him up.

"Dodge it Aipom!"

Aipom dashed to the left, having already been ready to dodge. He watched the Sewaddle's movements, preparing his next couple of moves. That string shot was dangerous, and getting closer meant that he might get hit. So for now, he would try and set up a nasty plot on the run, and then followup with a swift. That way, he could try and maintain distance.

"Move in and use fury swipes!" And a bad idea from his trainer. Didn't Andy realize that would just get him webbed up? He decided to ignore him, and just keep going along with the original plan.

"Don't let up, Sewaddle!" Liana shouted. The bug pokémon kept on firing string shots, trying to lead her shots until she was struck by the Swift, creating a small cloud of smoke.

"Sewaddle! Are you okay?"

"Wa!" Sewaddle cried out confidantly in the middle of the smoke. When the cloud faded, the pokémon was still standing, but obviously injured.

"Great! Now, use Razor Leaf!"

The leaf that surrounded Sewaddle's head began to glow, then started to fire razor-sharp leaves towards Aipom.

"Get around it Aipom!" Andy shouted, panicking at the sight of the razor leaf. If Aipom wasn't careful, that kind of attack could do serious damage.

Aipom had a different idea, and sprinted at the hail of projectiles, jumping and curling up. It stung, and hurt, but he would live. He came out of the curl close to sewaddle, and lashed out with a scratch.

The Sewaddle was thrown back, and this time, she did not get back on her feet.

"You did great, buddy, now return" Liana said, the bug pokémon being sent back to its pokéball. "I gotta admit, for him being your only pokémon, your Aipom sure is something. But I don't know how far you will go when it doesn't listen to you" The gym leader than slowly looked down, indicating that Andy should look two.

Aipom had landed where Sewaddle had previously fired a String Shot.

"Now's my chance! Go, Fomantis!" Liana threw out her second pokéball, releasing the Sickle Grass pokémon, Fomantis, who hummed when she appeared on the arena.

"While he's stuck, use Razor Leaf!" The gym leader called out. The Fomantis' arms then began to glow, and she threw out leaves just like Sewaddle did, but now towards an immobilized Aipom.

"A-Aipom!" Andy cried out. "Come on, try to get out of it!"

Aipom tugged at the strands trapping his feet, and hunkered down when he saw the attack coming at him, covering his head with his tail and front paws in an attempt to weather the attack.

[Amistrinal]

Andy Klipsen
Selverde City Gym

---

"AIPOM!" Andy shouted fearfully, clutching his fists.
"Come on Aipom, there's gotta be a way out, right?" he whispered to himself, staring at the struggling pokemon.
Aipom was thinking the same thing. He could think of a way out, he just had to move at the right moment, and then the fury cutter would cut the strings instead of him. The action was already in motion, though, and Aipom wasn't fast enough.

There was nothing he could do. His grin faded, and he watched as it came towards him. Closer and closer. He really thought that he'd be able to win. He was strong, he could fight well. He was tough, he could take a hit. He was fast, but apparently he wasn't fast enough.

Closer.

If only he were just a little faster. He didn't want to lose like this, tied down.

Closer. Faster.

He just needed to be a little bit...

Closer.

Closer.

Faster.
Faster.
Closer.
FASTER.

The attack came into contact, and Aipom blurred. The fury cutter grazed his side, and the pain registered even more perhaps with his heightened speed, but the goal was accomplished. He had some room to move now. Aipom positioned his tail around the fomantis to keep it from getting away, and unleashed it's fury swipes.

"AI-POM POM POM POM...!"

It pulled it's tail back, and shouted as it swung forwards with the larger appendage.

"POM!"

The Fomantis was sent backwards and Aipom breathed heavily, resisting the urge to fall to it's knees. It wouldn't be much longer now, he just had to hold out a little longer.

Andy covered his mouth. He'd never seen Aipom that hurt, or that exhausted. That looked like an agility, but Aipom didn't know agility. Even if he had just learned it, it looked... crude. It had taken a lot more out of Aipom than it should have. He didn't know what to do. Aipom wasn't backing down... maybe he could still do it? Andy tried to convince himself of this, but the look of fear remained on his face.

[Arctica-Aleutia]

Duncan
Professor Açai's lab

Duncan's dreams were still filled with noisy chatots, but now they were being drowned out by singers singing the classic rock he had listened to on the way to the city. A brawl had broken out between the chatots and the singers, and Duncan was in a swordfight with David Bowie when he suddenly snapped awake. He was never more glad in his life to be awake than he was now.

As he came to his senses, Duncan silently observed his surroundings. He was on a clean white lab table in what appeared to be a laboratory of some kind. Had he been captured? Had his worst nightmares come true?

But then he saw the Professor, speaking with three people who looked to be trainers. He was safe... probably. Duncan hoped beyond hope that he hadn't talked in his sleep. If he had, the Professor, and possibly others, would have heard him. Still, the Professor was hardly the worst person to discover his secret.

Duncan jumped down from the table and walked across the room to the others. He sat a few feet away from them, listening and waiting to see what the Professor had planned for him.

[Finsternia]

Halden Certamen

"Good job, Phobos!" The small Pokemon mewed his delight before jumping into Halden's arms. "You're really good, aren't ya? You brought that Scrafty down with just two Draining Kisses!" After both trainer and starter was done with the celebratories, Halden hugged Phobos to his chest like a small plush toy and followed the Professor and the two other trainers back to his laboratory. As expected, all machines and equipments were top notch. Phobos looked around with familiarity at his home for five whole years since his hatching and with some kind of longing. He knew that after this, he's going to leave the nest to fly with his trainer around the region and even outside.

Halden listened to Professor Açai and his lecture upon the evil organisations. Team Rocket, who is a syndicate that exploited both Kanto and Johto for money. Team Magma and Aqua, who have awakened the primal power of the titans of nature and nearly destroyed Hoenn because of the intense calamity that they've brought. Team Galactic, which was just a puppet by their rumored soulless leader to harness the powers of Dialga and Palkia, only to be thwarted by the third of the Trio. Team Plasma, who have subdued Unova twice. Team Flare, who used the power of the Ultimate Weapon to wipe out the face of the Earth. And Team Skull, who were only puppets of the Aether Foundation's crazed President Lusamine.

They've been all over the news and all over the study materials that the Academy have given to their students so that they would know what to do when it comes to combating these kinds of people and to prevent the younger generations to do such heinous crimes. Halden raised his hand in question. "Professor, the grunts awhile ago seemed to be an offshoot between Team Rocket and Team Skull. Perhaps they've been influenced by the feats of these two teams?" That made him think about the Alola situation, how everything was just controlled by an organization who everyone thought as a friend.

As Ferris left, Halden waved his hand. "Thank you for the help awhile ago, sir!" The young trainer then turned towards Professor Açai and asked. "Sir, can I ask for a Pokedex? And I wanted to know what kind of Pokemon Phobos is."

[Mundeo]

Selverde City Gym
Battle! Gym Leader Liana Part 4!

"Whoa!" Liana gasped. "I think your Aipom just learned a new move! But that doesn't matter, right Fomantis?"

Silence.

The enthusiasm that was in her voice before suddenly faltered. "Fomantis?" The gym leader's eyes widened to see her pokémon knocked out on the ground. She was standing just a moment ago, but the damage from all of the fury swipes was just too much. For a moment, Liana was stunned, but after some realization, her confidence returned.

"Fomantis, return. Now it's time for you to show them what it's like to fight a gym leader! Nuzleaf!"

Liana threw her final pokéball, releasing the wily pokémon. Just from its appearance, Andy was able to tell that this pokémon had a lot more power behind than the other two - and Liana knew just as well.

"Come on, Aipom! Show 'im what you got!" She taunted, while Nuzleaf stood still, earily watching Aipom.

Andy continued to watch, worried by the nuzleaf. "Aipom, try to, uh. try..." he couldn't think of anything.

Aipom took a hesitant step forwards, trying to hide a wince behind his fading grin. He swung his tail around and sent a weak swift at the Nuzleaf, almost losing his balance from the motion.

"Fake out!" Liana called out. Nuzleaf didn't seem to react to his trainer's command, but when Aipom attacked, he deftly sidestepped to avoid the Swift, then quickly moved in to deliver a quick strike. Aipom was only knocked back slightly, but the move caused him to flinch. Without recieving another order, the Nuzleaf walked up to the weakened pokémon and delivered a final kick to his head.

Aipom was down for the count.

"Nuzleaf, return" Liana said, returning her pokémon. With all of her energy, it would have been expected of her to be jumping for joy in winning her first battle as gym leader; to her, there was something far more important. Despite her victory, there was a surprising calmness to her. She walked over to where Aipom had landed after being knocked out, and knelt down beside him. She took out two items, a potion and a small, yellow crystal. She used the two items in quick succession, and Andy to see that Aipom was back in full health.

"You really are something" The gym leader said as she stood back up, adressing both Andy and his pokémon. "I can tell that you two are going places. But, I think you two could use some training, and improve your bond"

In a split second, her enthusiasm came back in full force. "How about we head over to Selverde Forest and catch you another pokémon!"

Altorre City - Professor Açai's Lab

"Hey! It looks like you're back awake" The Professor saw that Duncan had now recovered from the affects of Sing, and he knelt down to talk to the shiny Zoroa. "You're safe here, and as fascinated as I am of you, I can't keep you here against your will. If there's any specific place you want to go, I can bring you there. Just wait a moment"

He then stood back up and turned to Halden to answer his questions. "I'm not sure if this new team takes inspiration from any past ones, but I do see the comparion to Rocket and Skull. Speaking of which, this team needs a name, doesn't it?"

Açai started to pace around the lab as the thought out loud to himself. "Hm... this isn't a first attack. They've been much smaller, and they've all occurred at night, in the shadows... Aha! How about Team Shade? Yes, that is what we will call them"

Halden then asked if he can have a pokédex. "Of course! Most of them were taken in the attack, but I still have a few laying around here" After a moment, the Professor handed Halden the cellphone-sized device. "Here you go! Like I said to the others, I think you should try to take on the Maderia League, to help the bond between you and Phobos improve. Speaking of which, you should probably get going if you want to catch up to the others"

Outside the Professor's Lab

"Wait" Someone called out. The next moment, Corvo had caught up and passed Ananka, and stood in fornt of her with his arms crossed. "I don't know why my dad made left me to escort you, but obviously he thinks you're important. I want to see just how important you actually are"

The boy then had a pokéball in his hand. "There's a park nearby where they let trainers battle. There's no doubt going to be a bunch of kids there with their new starter pokémon, but I'll make sure there's a space open. If you're up to it, be there"

Then, the boy was off without another word, leaving Ananka with this challenge from the gym leader's son.

[Amistrinal]

Andy Klipsen
Selverde City Gym

---

Andy seemed numb for a second, but quickly responded. "uh, yeah, let's go."
Aipom walked over and climbed up onto Andy's shoulder, a frown on his face. He had expected to win, but even if he'd lost... he thought he'd get a hit in. He was sure he'd get a hit in. But he didn't.

Andy kept walking, trying to ignore the quick defeat. "So, what kind of pokemon are in Selverde Forest?"

[Gurori]

Festaía City

"Better get some research done before nightfall, I guess..." Hideki looked at his Pokédex, which was now displaying a map of the city. "If we go East, we'll be able to reach Route 8 and Garoma Town. Then in the morning we can head North to Altorre." Although if they were to get to the east end of the city, they'd be better off catching a cab.

Festaía City

"I know my way around the region" Aurora said. "But I'm surprised you'd rather head right to Altorre City. The coast is a much more interesting place, in my opinion. But if that's where you wanna go for research, then let's get going" The former trainer then made her way back towards the door of the hotel, and turned her head back to Hideki. "My car is still parked outside, if you don't want to take a cab"

Hideki was then alerted to something on his pokédex. A breaking news report showed the events that had occurred in Altorre City, from the start of the ceremony to the end of the sudden attack by some thugs.

"What?" Aurora heard the broadcast and turned around and watched over Hideki's shoulder. When she watched the first hyper beam strike the stage, she gasped. "This is terrible. Who would do something like this? Now there's a reason for me to head over to Altorre City myself. You coming along?"

All across the region, every television showed the report of the attack, then moved on to live coverage.

"We are reporting live from central square in Altorre City! I am with the greatest detective in all of the Maderia Region, Victoria Aguilar. Mrs. Aguilar, what do you have to say about this terrible attack?"

The camera showed a woman in dark clothing, including a black trench coat. She had tan skin and black hair kept in a single braid. Her eyes seemed to pierce into the camera.

"We are fortunate that there were no serious injuries. Even so, we are working hard to find who planned this, and why. We are planning on calling in a member of the International Police to help us with the investigation. This is a serious matter, one that I will make sure is brought to a swift and just conclusion"

"Yeah, we better go quickly. Forget the research for now, we gotta make sure Professor Acai is okay." Hideki's Pokédex lit up, he was receiving another call. "Hideki, it's Professor Filbert. The news has just reached us, I'm going to get there as quickly as possible." The Anglionish Professor said, her Garchomp roaring in the background. That's when the call ended.

"We should get moving." Hideki put his Pokédex away.

[Arctica-Aleutia]

Duncan's mind was racing. He knew at some point he'd have to find someone he could trust if he was ever going to make his secret known and live a somewhat normal life.
He sighed. "Here goes nothing..." Then he began to speak, with a slightly Irish accent.

"I'm glad to be safe. I was hoping to find some people I could travel with, so I wouldn't get caught." He smiled and looked up at the Professor, and then at Halden. "Please don't get scared or anything because I can talk. I've just wanted to be able to do it without people freaking out. I'm tired of hiding it."

He twitched his tail nervously, unsure of what their reaction would be.

[Britanania]

Ananka

Ananka wasn't quite sure what to do after the strange boy challenged her to a Pokemon battle. On the one hand she just wanted to be left alone to start her journey, but then again battle were part of the process so it wasn't like she could simply refuse. She crossed her arms to think.

Plus he's been acting pretty rude since we met...

Ananka telekinetically moved Heka's Pokeball from her satchel and summoned her friend to hear his thoughts on the subject. After some thought, the Abra agreed it was best to battle the boy.

Yes, I think that's the best course of action, he told Ananka. In the next instant Heka teleported them over to the park's entrance to find Corvo.

[Kita-Hinode]

As the boat slowly moved away from Selverde City, a blond young boy stood alone in the crowds. "Welp. That was quite a trip.", Lucas thought. He never quite could get the whole Pokémon craze, his beloved soccer was always first for him, yet he couldn't deny there was something interesting over the creatures. Something special, maybe. In any case, his brother's wish had to be fulfilled, as weird as it was.

He roamed around the city, sight-seeing everything he could find... and to be fair, while it wasn't as impressive as his hometown, it was at least fairly respectable. The sole thing his brother told to, at least, help him out was that there were buildings called Pokémon Gyms, where he was supposed to win his badges.

He pondered if he could find some help there. "What's the worst that can happen?", he thought as he continued to look for that illustrious place.

[Mundeo]

Selverde City Gym

"All kinds of pokémon live in Selverde Rainforest" Liana said as the two walked out of the gym and through the city. It was a strange transition. Being inside the gym was like being in the rainforest itself, but they were still in the middle of a thriving city the whole time. As they walked, they happened to walk past Lucas.

"There are many pokémon that we don't even know about yet. That's the wonder of the rainforest; we just don't know what we'll find there, which is why it's the perfect place to find you another pokémon and to train" The two then reached the outskirts of the city, where civilization met untamed wilderness. Liana looked over at Andy. "You ready?"

Festaía City

"I agree" Aurora curtly responded. She was now beside her car, a sleek, fuschia convertable with its roof open, cream leather seats, and enough room to fit five. "Let's get moving" The former gym leader then swung the driver's-side door open and sat in, looking over at Hideki and waiting for him to get into the passenger's seat. Once he was in, she started driving, and was soon out of the city and on Route 8.

[Amistrinal]

Selverde City Gym

"All kinds of pokémon live in Selverde Rainforest" Liana said as the two walked out of the gym and through the city. It was a strange transition. Being inside the gym was like being in the rainforest itself, but they were still in the middle of a thriving city the whole time. As they walked, they happened to walk past Lucas.

"There are many pokémon that we don't even know about yet. That's the wonder of the rainforest; we just don't know what we'll find there, which is why it's the perfect place to find you another pokémon and to train" The two then reached the outskirts of the city, where civilization met untamed wilderness. Liana looked over at Andy. "You ready?"

Andy Klipsen
Selverde City Rainforest

---

Andy looked out at the rainforest, and noticed that Aipom's frown was beginning to fade, replaced by a much more eager smile.
"I think we're ready. Let's go."

[WhatsamattaU]

Jude Macbeth. Fantano Town.

The light from the setting sun was being filtered by the branches and leaves of the countless sypresc trees that grew along the banks of the Fantano swamp, and even in the swamp itself, when Jude reached the edge of Fantano Town. There were other types tress and bushes as well, but as not many as the syprescs. Jude looked at some of the fruit that was growing, but could not recall the names of them from that field trip, four years ago.

On the way, the breeze had picked up, so Lady and Gasser were in their balls.

He saw one of the town's residents, an older man, carrying a gallon can of lamp oil and a ladder, going from lamp post to lamp post, inspecting, sometimes filling and lighting the streetlamps.

Jude decided to ask for directions to where he might find a room for the night. He walked toward the man and when he was about twelve feet away, said, "Good evening. My name's Jude. Do you know where I might find a room, to rent, for the night?"

"Good evening" The old man said. He was a grim-looking man, his face pale and sunken, and his voice soft and dry. As he spoke, he not remove himself from his task of refilling one of the lamps. "I am afraid we have no place for you to rent. However, there is a place that you may stay the night. It's a rickety old place, but it's all we have. I'll show you"

Without descending from his perch at the lamppost, the man turned his head towards a building. The very sight of the building seemed to cause some uncomfortable memories to resurface for the old man, as he quickly turned back to his work. The building was worn and wooden, filled with holes and overrun by plantlife. There was some sort of symbol above the door, written in faded white paint, that resembled a pokéball.

Jude realized that the old building was the old Fantano Town Pokemon Gym. Wow, how did it come to look like this, he wondered. He tried to remember how it had looked four years ago.

He turned back to the older gentleman and said, "I was here on a field trip, with my school, four years ago. How long has the Gym been closed?" Then Jude asked a second question, "And the town's folk don't mind people squatting there?

The old man hummed to himself. He did not seem to like talking about the gym and the circumstances surrounding it, but once he started talking, he couldn't keep himself from coninuing. He found some sort of catharsis in telling this child the tragic past of this quiet town. As he spoke, he gazed into the soft-burning light of the lamp.

"It must have closed soon after you visited it. You were probably the last people to have seen the gym in its full glory. Oh, that poor girl, so full of hope and adventure, forced to see her dreams crushed. I haven't seen her in years... Our gym was the second to be shut down when they decided what cities would hold the eight League gyms, right after Favela Town's... We don't get any visitors anymore, so we'd be more than glad to have you stay here..."

Jude started listening to the man ramble a bit, to be polite, but then the mention of something tragic caught his attention. His own story probably wasn't so univrsally tragic. So when the man's voice trailed off a bit, he decided to ask.
"What happened to the girl? Who was she? What were her dreams" inquired Jude. He could ask more about the town in a little bit, after he found out about the girl who's dreams were crushed.

The man sighed as he reminisced more. "She was such a kind girl. Had dreams of putting this town on the map. Bruxia was her name. Soon after her gym closed down, a man came to visit, don't know anything about him. Soon after that, she left Fantano, and haven't come back since"

Jude avoided blurting out that he had met a girl named Bruxia. It might not have been the same girl, but if the closing of the Gym had hurt her, then her association with Mr. Noite was understandable. The changes that were coming to the region weren't likely to be good for a lot of people, himself included.

"Wow," Jude answered. "Well, good luck to her, wherever she is."

Jude let a few seconds pass and then asked, "What kind of Pokemon Gym was It? Here in the swampland, it might have been bug, or plant, or poison, or even ghost type."

"She embraced the spirits that often roam the swamp, and used ghost pokémon" The man answered simply, then turning to face Jude directly. "You should get some rest. I doubt you would enjoy to be out in this town in the dead of night."

This seemed like good advice, from the old man. However, before he went to the Gym, or lost sight of this older man, Jude thought to ask a couple more questions.

"That makes sense," said Jude. "But before I leave town, maybe you, or someone else here in town would be willing to help me look for pokemon in the swamp? Maybe croagunk or bulbasaur? I have a little cash. I like to think that I'm smart enough to know I'd probably not do well in the swamp all by myself. I could get lost and die."

.

[Kita-Hinode]

Selverde City Gym. That's at least what it said on the sign. Lucas ran his fingers over the back of his head, thinking over the whole issue. He didn't even bat an eye to the two that just happened to pass by him, yapping about Pokémon. Maybe if he had been a bit more attentive to that, he could ask them about it or something. "Well, I guess this is it." he thought to himself, "My first step towards winning it all. Either that or I can spend years as the perennial competition filler without aging, yet getting to travel across the world." He closed his eyes, sighing. "That'd be hell.".

As he checked the doors, he decided he'd probably need to enter in style. After all, a soccer prospect like himself should, at least, be able to show some sort of showmanship. This was battling with spectacle, wasn't it? At least that's what he could recall from his old friend's ramblings when he went there get that Vulpix. Showmanship, get to it.

He pushed open the doors, walking his way about with strident voice, closed eyes and a goofy stance. "SWIGGITTY SWOOTY, I AM COMING FOR THAT-"

He stopped. He looked around, finding what seemed like all the rain forest one could get in a room... in a room.

"...Badge? Help?"

[Finsternia]

Halden Certamen

"Thank you sir!" Halden accepted the Pokedex and placed Phobos on top of his fancy tricorn hat. Phobos mewed happily as he enjoyed seeing the entire laboratory on top of Halden's quite impressive height. Halden switched the Pokedex on, only to be greeted by the Pokedex's Rotom resident.

"Bzzzt! Bzzzt! I am Rotom Dex! Please enter your name and credentials to register yourself in the Maderia League!"

Halden tapped the keys to input his name, his birthdate, his hometown, and some information needed. He also sent in his picture for his Trainer Card, which was immediate printed out like a small credit card. After stuffing it in his pockets, Halden scanned Phobos to register him as his official partner and starter and to register him in the Rotom Dex's database.

"It is said that those who have seen an Auronis bask in the first rays of the morning are blessed with good fortune. These Pokemon are elusive but are worthwhile companions once their trust has been earned."

The Rotom Dex muttered in an etherial and mechanical voice. Halden checked the map for the little Pokemon's distribution but was only met by the notice of:

"Area Unknown. Data Insufficient."

Phobos mewed with curiosity at the Rotom Dex and Halden. "Woah! You're pretty rare huh!" Halden said as he set the Dex back on sleep mode and it flew inside his backpack. Halden took Phobos off his hat and hugged him. He then noticed the small and adorable Zorua, a shiny and talking one at that!

"It's a shiny talking Zorua! Not just telepathy but true vocal speech!" The young man bent down and greeted Duncan. "Hey there! My name's Halden! And this is Phobos!" The Dawn Pokemon waved his paw at Duncan.

"Aurooo!"

"I saw you fight on stage! You're pretty good!"

[Mundeo]

Altorre City - Açai's Lab

Duncan speaking in front of Halden went quite well. The boy did have an excited reaction - who wouldn't? - but was rather quick to accept the fact. Ducan wanted someone to travel with, and perhaps he had just found the perfect companion.

"Unfortunately, my responsibilities are in this lab. It won't be long until I become involved in the Team Shade investigation" The Professor said with a sigh. "But you two would make a great duo! Ananka and Corvo might not be too far, so you can join up with them, too!"

Selverde City Gym

"I'm sorry, sir, but the gym leader isn't here" The attendant said, a bit surprised by Lucas extravagant entrance. "Liana just left with a trainer to go the Selverde Rainforest. You may wait here for her to return, but if you wish to catch up to her, just head north until you reach the outskirts of the city"

Selverde Rainforest

Once Andy said he was ready, the two were off into the rainforest. Liana had brought Andy to the route that connected Selverde City to Novela Town, so they had a path to keep them from getting lost. Nonetheless, all they had was a thin dirt road that separated them from total wilderness. Even as they were approaching the entrance to the rainforest, they were able to see just how diverse the place was. Bug types of all kinds rested on the trees or buzzed through the air, a Treeko scurried up a tree into the canopy, and Chatots, Pikipeks, and other bird pokémon chirped from above. This place with filled to the brim with pokémon!

"I know what you're thinking" Liana started as they walked. "'Whoa! There's so many pokémon! And I can catch any one I want?' Sadly, that's not the case. Most of the time, pokémon don't like to be taken from their homes, and the ecosystem of the rainforest is especially fragile. When I was gathering my team, I let the pokémon come to me and wait for the right opportunity"

And very soon, an opportunity showed itself. After only a few minutes of walking down the path, a Nincada jumped out of the brush and onto the road, and turned towards the two trainers. It looked frightened, and ready to attack if provoked.

[Kita-Hinode]

"Gotcha." Lucas said, a bit embarrassed over the flat answer. "See, I'm new to this whole Pokémon thing, I figured I'd get some pointers here, given how it's all forest and whatnot, probably would be flocking to the max with Pokémon." He sighed. "Kinda hard to find them across the buildings back in my place. See, I used to play soccer back there and-"

Lucas heard a loud thump. His Pokéball had fallen from his pocket, sending out his Vulpix. "Oops. This is my... uh... my friend's Vulpix that I loaned. Her name's Marie." The Vulpix ran in circles. "T-t-tell you what, I think I'll be going on my way to the forest, hopefully I'll find the... uh, leader person."

Lucas and his Pokémon walked out of the gym. "Well, I know it now. Turn on the jets to the forest. I'm pretty sure I can catch up to a couple of toddlers. I wasn't Lightning Lucas at my team for nothing!", he thought as he and the Vulpix darted to the forest.

---

He held his knees. A brief look up as he saw a bunch of trees. "This is probably the Forest." he figured, before looking at a very well-placed sign. "Oof... Time to... poof... get that leader... poof..." Lucas continued to walk forward, looking for the leader.

[Britanania]

Collab with Mund

Corvo vs Ananka

"So you've made the right decision" Corvo said when Ananka appeared in front of him. As always, he had his arms crossed, and didn't give Ananka much attention. The two were standing in one of many dirt arenas that have been built into the park. Battles were going on the other arenas around them.

"This isn't going to be long, anyways" Corvo took out his only pokéball. "Go! Aron!" He tossed the ball into the air, releasing the steel-type pokémon onto the battlefield. "I'll give you the first move, to see what you can actually do"

Ananka moved some of her unruly hair out of her face. It was clear she didn't want to be there and Ananka didn't even greet Corvo as he sent Aron out. Heka, having already teleported them there, was ready as soon as Corvo sent his Aron out.

All right Ananka, he told his trainer. This arrogant trainer thinks he's so good. I'll handle everything. Ananka nodded.

"All right Heka, do your thing." The Abra's eyes slowly opened to reveal his glowing bright eyes as he shot his psychic attack Confusion at the steel type.

Aron stood his ground as the psychic attack approached him. When the attack hit, he closed his eyes and was slowly pushed back, leaving lines in the dirt. He was only pushed back a couple of inches, however, before the attack was finished, and Aron opened his eyes again.

"Your attacks will barely do anything to a steel-type like Aron" Corvo said. "Mine are a different story. Use Headbutt!"

Aron then charged forward, using his metal head as a weapon as he tackled into Heka head-first.

Ananka remained stoic as Corvo's Aron shrugged off Heka's Confusion. If there was one thing she knew about battles, it was that patience was the surest way to victory.

Heka too remained calm as the Aron came charging at him with his Headbutt. Just before he made contact, Heka's eyes lit up again as he created his Reflect barrier.The attack caused Heka to stagger back, but the small Pokemon wasn't quite knocked out, and he responded with another blast of his Confusion.

When Aron hit the Reflect, he bounced off, despite causing damage to Heka. He had not hit the ground yet when the Confusion hit, and he didn't have the footing he had last time. The steel type was pushed higher into the air, and came falling back down, created an Aron-sized hole in the dirt.
Despite all of this, Corvo did not look the slightest bit fazed. "Don't get your hopes up" He said. As if on cue, Aron then jumped out of the bit, shaking the dirt off of him. There were sign of damage on him, but not as much as on Heka.

"This battle has gone on for too long already. Aron, use Headbutt again!"

The small steel-type then took off again, his metal head glistening in the summer sunlight. As he neared Heka though, rather than attacking him from the front, he lept into the air and dive-bombed the Abra from above.

The collision of Aron's steel head and the Abra's softer features made a sickening sound that echoed throughout the park. Heka staggered and fell back as Ananka rushed over to her fallen friend to help him up.

"Heka, are you all right?" she asked, clearly concerned.

I will be all right, I think he communicated weakly before passing out. Ananka shot Corvo a look of pure malice as she opened Heka's pokeball and returned him.

"Well, you have your victory," she said spitefully.

"Just as I thought" With a sigh, Corvo returned Aron to his pokéball. "I wanted to know if you were strong, and I got my answer. You should train more, or at least find a better pokémon. Maybe the Professor will give you something"

With that, Corvo turned around and walked away. He was no longer concerned with Ananka, or anyone, for that matter. The only thought on his mind was getting to Selverde City as soon as possible; apparently, there was a strong pokémon to be found deep within the rainforest. The trainer reached into his bag and pulled out what looked like a compact cube of tubes, with a wheel on either side. Like a folding chair, Corvo placed the cube and the ground and opened it up, revealing that the cube was actually a collapsible bicycle. Without another word, the boy rode off.

Ananka snorted as the boy left.

"It isn't just about the strongest Pokemon," she muttered. "If that's all that matters you're in for a rude awakening."

[Arctica-Aleutia]

Duncan
Professor Açai's Lab

Duncan smiled.

"Thanks. I guess I did alright, although it isn't much fun to have to hurt people like that... my name's Duncan, by the way."

He then heard the Professor's comment.

"I'd be happy to travel with Halden if he's alright with it. I'd have to go get my things, though, I left them in the park."

[Cruxa]

Collab w/ Lord of the Rings

---

“Okay,” said Mikey as he reached for a Poké Ball. “Go, Sewaddle!” Tossing the ball into the air, it burst open in a flash, revealing the caterpillar Pokémon. “Waddle!” it shouted as it charged Nima, using Tackle. “Good job, Sewaddle!” said the boy with a smile.

”Nima, dodge it and use Night Slash!” Elika shouted from the other side of the field.
Nima nodded but the Sewaddle turned out to be much faster than expected and managed to hit Nima as he tried to avoid the attack. Luckily no serious harm was done and so Nima turned around and performed his Night Slash on the Sewaddle, who was still within reach.

The Night Slash came in hard and fast, but Sewaddle rolled out of the way, hopping up with a grunt. “Sewaddle, use String Shot!” shouted Mikey. As soon as Nima had his back turned, she shot a long string of webbing out of her mouth, just missing the Scyther and sticking to the floor.

”Now Nima, Quick Attack!”
Nima quickly flew up in the air and made his way to Sewaddle, increasing his speed until he launched the attack against the Sewaddle, knocking it down to the ground.

Sewaddle, hurt but not beaten, got up slowly. She shook her head gently, the bit Nima hard on the knee. “Whoa! Sewaddle learned Bug Bite!” said Mikey in awe. “Good job!”

Both Elika as Nima were surprised by the move, but at the same time this move could only work against itself. ”Nima, resist the pain and use Night Slash!”
Nima held himself strong and lashed out at the Sewaddle, who was still biting on his knee.

Nima’s blade came down hard onto Sewaddle, and the Pokémon rolled away in great pain. It had no more will to fight. Mikey recalled her to her Poké Ball, with a murmured “Good job, Sewaddle.”

Then he cracked his knuckles, and so did the little Cyndaquil on his shoulder. “Okay, Meteor, use Ember!” He hopped off Mikey's shoulder, spitting a ball of hot flames at Nima and scoring a direct hit.

Nima felt himself burning and thought this was just unfair. In fact, he thought the battle was over when he beated Sewaddle. Nima got angry with the Cyndaquil and took a heavy breath, and another one. Nima learned Focus Energy and quickly found Meteor’s weak spot. Elika by now had noticed as well, ”Okay Nima, Night Slash!” she shouted out. It was all or nothing from this point on as she knew that Nima had a big disadvantage against the Fire-type Pokémon. A shine glanced over Nima’s blade once more as he launched his attack against the Cyndaquil.

At the same time that Nima used Night Slash, Meteor began to roll forward, speeding up until his back made him into a wheel of flames. Charging Nima, he slammed into the Bug-type, and the pokémon skittered away, beaten.

As the dust had settled down Elika ran over to Nima, ”Are you okay Nima? You fought bravely” she told. Nima opened his eyes a bit, ”Scy…” he responded, still in pain of the battle.Elika stood up and took out Nima’s Luxury Ball, ”Get some rest Nima, you’ve earned it.” she said.

Once Nima had returned into his Luxury Ball Elika turned to Mikey, ”Congratulations, though next time do let me and Nima know that you’re going to use both of your Pokémon.” she said, knowing that it might cause trouble if Mikey pulled off that trick with other people.

“Aaah… sorry! I thought…. usually… that's what people do in battles…” Did he screw up? He can't have screwed up.

[Amistrinal]

Selverde Rainforest

Once Andy said he was ready, the two were off into the rainforest. Liana had brought Andy to the route that connected Selverde City to Novela Town, so they had a path to keep them from getting lost. Nonetheless, all they had was a thin dirt road that separated them from total wilderness. Even as they were approaching the entrance to the rainforest, they were able to see just how diverse the place was. Bug types of all kinds rested on the trees or buzzed through the air, a Treeko scurried up a tree into the canopy, and Chatots, Pikipeks, and other bird pokémon chirped from above. This place with filled to the brim with pokémon!

"I know what you're thinking" Liana started as they walked. "'Whoa! There's so many pokémon! And I can catch any one I want?' Sadly, that's not the case. Most of the time, pokémon don't like to be taken from their homes, and the ecosystem of the rainforest is especially fragile. When I was gathering my team, I let the pokémon come to me and wait for the right opportunity"

And very soon, an opportunity showed itself. After only a few minutes of walking down the path, a Nincada jumped out of the brush and onto the road, and turned towards the two trainers. It looked frightened, and ready to attack if provoked.

Andy Klipsen
Selverde City Rainforest

---

Aipom began running at the Nincada, but was stopped by Andy grabbing his tail. "W-wait Aipom, I have a different idea."

Andy dug around in his bag, and pulled out one of his two spare pokeballs. He kneeled down to the ground, and held out the pokeball towards the Nincada. "Hi. My name is Andy. Do you, uh, want to join me?"

Aipom smiled at the Nincada. Hey, maybe he would make a good sparring partner. If he agreed with this sappy stuff, anyway.

[Finsternia]

Duncan
Professor Açai's Lab

Duncan smiled.

"Thanks. I guess I did alright, although it isn't much fun to have to hurt people like that... my name's Duncan, by the way."

He then heard the Professor's comment.

"I'd be happy to travel with Halden if he's alright with it. I'd have to go get my things, though, I left them in the park."

Halden Certamen

Halden smiled at the shiny Zorua. "I'm pleased to meet you Duncan!"

The Professor's idea of them teaming and joining together as they take on the Maderia Pokemon League was indeed an intriguing one. Duncan seems to be agreeing at the idea and Halden isn't someone to brush away such opportunity. "I'd be more than happy to travel with you, Duncan! Just lead the way to the park and we'll follow!"

Halden bowed at the Professor and Phobos waved at his caretaker for the final time. "Thank you Professor! We'll do our best! I'll take care of Phobos and show him the world!"

[WhatsamattaU]

Jude Macbeth. Fantano Town.

"That makes sense," said Jude. "But before I leave town, maybe you, or someone else here in town would be willing to help me look for pokemon in the swamp? Maybe croagunk or bulbasaur? I have a little cash. I like to think that I'm smart enough to know I'd probably not do well in the swamp all by myself. I could get lost and die."

"You can ask, but I don't think you'll find anyone who will comply. There are plenty of different pokémon that you can find in the swamp, depending on the time of day. Like I said; do not go out at night. You'll be okay once the sun is up, just follow the path. There are plenty of Croagunk, but I have never seen a Bulbasaur there in my life. Now, it is late"

The old man had then finished filling the last lamp, and slowly descended and returned to his home. The last rays of the sun's light were beginning to fade, leaving only the light of the lamps.

"Okay," Jude replied to the man's back as he was leaving. " I guess I could try staying on the path. Thank you." Then Jude said to the old man, "If I meet Bruxia, how would I know her and do you have anything like news, or messages, that you want me to give to her?"

The old man stopped before he opened the door to his home. "If you see her, tell her not to get involved in anything she might regret, and that she is always welcome back home" He then opened the door, went inside, and closed it.

Jude watched the man disappear into his house. He thought about what he would say when he next saw Bruxia. Certainly, he would mention that the people he met in Fantano Town would welcome her back. It would be more ticklish to mention that someone had advised her to avoid doing anything regrettable.

Oh, well, that was the future. Now was the time to get shelter. Time to go into the abandoned Gym. Time for sleep. Sleep? How was he to sleep?

This journey was teaching Jude new things, everyday. Jude began to realize that he was quite a novice, when it came to travelling. Sure, he had a backpack, but no blanket or sleeping bag, or pillow.

Well, the temperature was comfortable, he would manage. Jude pushed open the door to the Gym….

Jude let the door to the Gym close, as he realized he had no light with which to navigate the inside of the building. Fortunately, the oil street lamps could be removed from where they hung, so, after climbing a lamppost Jude now had a light to bring into the Gym. Once inside, he found another lamp and a can of lamp oil. After that second lamp had been lit, he released Lady and Gasser from their balls.

Truth be told, the old man's talk and the fact that this had been a ghost type gym had unnerved Jude a bit. So, his Pokemon had his back as he climbed back up the lamppost and return the streetlamp to it's proper place.

Going back into the Gym, he found the Gym Leader's quarters. The mattress was still there, but other travelers must have taken the sheets and pillows. Well, at least there was a mattress.

Lady and Gasser looked okay, resting outside of their balls. It seemed that they understood that Jude was feeling a bit alone and vulnerable. They didn't judge him badly for it.

More tired than he had imagined, Jude quickly fell asleep.