The Pokemon Masters League (A Tribute to ASB)

[Chris 2.1]

Hello all. Excuse the slightly...how do I say this...cheesy title. Admittedly this wasn't perhaps the most elegant title, but as you can see, it is abbreviated to TPML...which is TPM, with an L...clever? No, not really.

This fanfic is nothing too serious and a small project I am doing based on the antics of ASB. For those unfamilliar with ASB - get down there! You basically choose a team of 4 Pokemon and battle them with other members, winning points to evolve current team members or catch new ones. I was made moderator there not too long ago, and have taken the ASB concept, as well as the characters, events, landmarks and battles and made them into a little fanfic. Obviously in this setting, Anime Style Battling is something of a weak and odd name, since the Anime won't exist there. Henceforth the name change to TPML.

Many characters are here, from (Oz)Andrew, Razor Leaf, The_Missing_Link, The Arbiter, Aragornbird, Pichu, Chris Watarimono, and Syberia, with many more to come. Each chapter focuses on a particular character from ASB.


So here we go! Please read + rate. I hope some ASB-ers do arrive in here and give me some feedback. Ch1 is mainly a prologue and does not take place at TPML Village. Ch1 is also the only chapter in 3rd person.



Below is a chapter guide with links to each chapter.

Chapter 1: The Missing Link
Chapter 2: Girafarig (Part 1)
Chapter 3: Girafarig (Part 2)
Chapter 4: Razor Leaf (Part 1)
Chapter 5: OzAndrew (Part 1)
Chapter 6: OzAndrew (Part 2)
Chapter 7: The Arbiter
Chapter 8: Aragornbird VS Pichu
Chapter 9: Hanada Tattsu
Chapter 10: Wolfsong (Part 1)
Chapter 11: 04621 (Part 1)
Chapter 12: 04621 (Part 2)
Chapter 13: Crystal Tears
Chapter 14: FabuLass
Chapter 15: Knight of Time
Chapter 16: Razor Leaf (Part 2)
Chapter 17: Razor Leaf (Part 3)
Chapter 18: Razor Leaf (Part 4)
Chapter 19: The Blue Avenger
Chapter 20: The Weakest Link
Chapter 21: Cocoa Sting
Chapter 22: Girafarig (Part 3)
Chapter 23: Wolfsong (Part 2)
Chapter 24: Chris 2.0
Chapter 25: Salon Maiden Annabel
Chapter 26: Charles Legend
Chapter 27: Pike Queen Lucy (Part 1)
Chapter 28: Pike Queen Lucy (Part 2)
Chapter 29: Hanada Tattsu (Part 2)

Chapter One
The Missing Link

The sun cast a bright glow over the hills as a new day slowly began. It was the start of the summer…finally. In the city; the big, metropolitan city, businessmen and women alike sat in cars, sweltering in the heat of their small cars, stuck in heavy traffic during the rush hour. Housewives bode farewell to husbands for the day, standing in their disinfected confines for another stale day. Meanwhile, the children had finished school for the next couple of months. Now they were free from the shackles of education, the city was theirs. Ice cream parlors and burger bars were raking in excess cash and high profits.

The sky was a beautiful, pastel blue. Its vivid colours stretched across the sky as far as the eye could see. The sun sat behind a collection of fluffy white clouds which began to gently drift across the atmosphere.

Two people were wandering out of the city and up a dusty ridge towards a long, flat stone arena overlooking the beautiful city. One, a young man of 16 years, took a swig from a bottle of water and hiked farther and farther. His light brown hair was very dark in some places, and came down to the bridge of his nose. He had a well defined face. Carrying the gaze of his hazel eyes around, he saw his companion huffing and puffing as she walked slightly behind him.

Both were in light-coloured T-shirts, as it was a sweltering day, especially when one was this high up in the mountains. The male, who went by the name of Chris, wore a white t-shirt, which already showed sweaty patches underneath it. The girl, however, wore a light coloured yellow t-shirt. Both were in shorts.

“Can we have a break now?” the girl asked, tying her light brown hair in a ponytail. She took much precision in keeping two strands either side of her face. She dabbed on some more foundation with a brush, and pursed her lips. She fluttered her eyelashes and admired herself. She was of a similar age to her boyfriend, and had a very pretty face. This was Jenny. Jenny had often been told she had the face of a model. She would never disagree.

“Sure,” Chris replied glumly. The two then sat down on the large, flat rocks surrounding the area, sighing as the heat and humidity began to get to them. Grabbing four red and white balls on her belt, Jenny, with her eyelids half-shut in fatigue, dropped the balls to the floor and let the creatures within take form.

First was her fluffy yellow sheep, Mareep, nicknamed Bleats. It was adorable, and Jenny’s favorite Pokemon to show off. The little sheep seemed very flustered by the heat. Besides Bleats was Jenny’s next Pokemon, a Sunflora. She had a big, wide, plate-like face of enthusiasm, with bright leaves and a sturdy stem. It was nicknamed Flora. Flora absorbed the sunlight with gusto. Thirdly was Jenny’s Mudkip, nicknamed Skip. Skip was the only male in the group, and as he came out, he gave a happy little cry. Jenny chuckled. Finally, Jenny’s Meowth, Paris, emerged, looking elegant and refined. She was a lot like her trainer; often very hissy and quick to strike. Paris sat by her trainer and cleaned herself while Bleats, Flora and Skip ran around merrily.

“Skip, honey, can you use a water gun to cool us off?” Jenny asked, stroking Paris. Skip complied, firing a jet of water high into the air, letting it fall as droplets of rain over the group. Bleats instantly shouted cries of gratitude, while Flora dug her root-like feet into the ground and Paris just watched the group from Jenny’s arms.

“This hike is really exhausting,” Jenny said. “I hope it’s worth it!”

“Of course it’s worth it,” Chris replied, drinking his water. “The initiation test is the first step.”

“Naturally you’re going to do fine,” Jenny replied placidly, sipping her water elegantly. “I just hope I’m up to scratch…”

“As long as Paris doesn’t think she’s too good for fights,” Chris replied. Paris hissed loudly, slashing the air.

“Paris doesn’t think like that!” Jenny said defensively, stroking her cat to calm her down. “All my Pokemon enjoy battles.”

Jenny looked at her boyfriend.

“Why aren’t you releasing your Pokemon?” she asked. “They want to stretch their legs, I bet.”

“They’re fine,” Chris replied. “Honestly. They’ll just get distracted.”

A figure wandered towards them. He looked young. He had mousey brown hair in a mop-like shape over his eyes. His expression was one of utter emptiness.

“Are you ok?” Chris asked.

“Yea…” he muttered. “I just had my Initiation match.”

“Oh, how did it go?” Chris asked, suddenly excited and keen to hear this boy’s story.

“I didn’t get in,” he sighed. “I lost my match.”

“What Pokemon do you have?” Jenny inquired.

“I used my Raticate,” replied the boy. “But…well, the examiner is strong. She uses evolved forms. Good luck.”

And with that, the boy wandered off past them. Every Pokemon had their eyes on the defeated trainer as he made his way back the way Chris and Jenny had come. The two watched the boy go.

“Evolved forms?” Chris asked. “Uh-Oh.”

In truth, he had no evolved Pokemon whatsoever. It depended what evolved forms the examiner had. Tyranitar or Charizard would be tough, but an evolved form like Butterfree or Pidgeotto would probably pose little or no challenge.

For the next ten minutes, Jenny made sure her Pokemon were all psyched up for their initiation battle. While Paris did seem somewhat too good for fighting, Jenny assured herself she could count on the somewhat snobby Pokemon. When Chris was sick of sitting there in the heat, he asked Jenny to recall her Pokemon and keep going. She did so, and the two made their way further up the mountain trail towards the top.

They talked very little. In all honesty, Chris found a lot of frustration in his girlfriend. He did like her, and she was very beautiful, but she was clumsy and often very hotheaded. The hike up the mountains had already exhausted him of his tolerance.

A figure watched from the top of the mountains. It was evident she was a woman, but she was cloaked in black, so her looks were not distinguishable. She could see the two figures making their way up to the top of the mountain, and had already grown to dislike Jenny from her actions before. Plucking a Pokeball from her belt, she hurled it over the side of the mountain and ran back a few feet to avoid being seen.

As Chris and Jenny continued to walk, they stopped as a Pokemon ran from around the corner. It was an Absol – these dog, wolf-like creatures had an upturned scythe on the side of their head. Powerful, they often sought challenges from anyone invading their territory.

“Oh my god! An Absol!” Jenny remarked.

“It wants to fight,” Chris noticed. He drew a Pokeball. “I’ll do the honors.”

Clutching the cold, smooth ball, Chris maximized it and threw it forward, opening it up and releasing his chosen Pokemon in a flash of bright light. Smaller than Absol, a navy blue in colour, Sneasel emerged. With sharp claws and a piercing glare, this agile weasel was severely underestimated by many. It watched Absol.

“Get in there with the first move,” Chris ordered. “Quick attack!”

As Sneasel swept along the dirty ground, feet moving rapidly and claws stretched back, Sneasel prepared to make contact. With a quick slash, Sneasel turned and sped back to his trainer. Unlike Jenny, Chris did not name his Pokemon. Absol did not take much damage, but charged energy in her scythe. The scythe-like appendage glowed a feverish white.

“That’s a razor wind,” Chris noted. “Take it Sneasel!”

The slash of energy was hurled from Absol’s scythe, slamming right into Sneasel. Sneasel, arms crossed in defense, skidded back and managed to take minimal damage.

“Now, use an agility blizzard combo!” Chris shouted. Sneasel sped through the air – this time on all fours, before leaping up over Absol’s head and spreading his arms wide. A chilled beam of frosty winds swept towards the Pokemon and engulfed it, freezing it all over with icy paticles. Absol looked pretty tired, prompting Sneasel to soar down towards it and deliver a focus punch right in the face.

Absol fell backwards. Sneasel leapt back to his trainer. Absol slowly got up and ran around the corner. Giving chase, Chris and Jenny ran around the corner to see that, somehow, it had disappeared completely. Luckily, they did see a stone staircase leading to the very top of the mountain.

“We must be near,” Chris informed Jenny, who was curious as to where Absol went. The two went up the stairs together, Chris recalling Sneasel into his Pokeball, wondering what was up at the top.

The walk was not much farther. Chris did feel a painful throbbing in his calves; it was evident they were protesting the hike in the only way they knew. Jenny kept giving off dramatic sighs to herself as they walked, shooting glances at Chris.

Up the stone staircase they went. Each step sent a tiring ache up Chris’ leg. He sighed as the sun pulsated strongly; steadily drenching him with sweat, sweat that cascaded down his forehead. Jenny was fanning herself with a piece of paper, contemplating sending Skip out to cool them off. Chris did not like the idea.

“We need an element of surprise in this match,” Chris warned his girlfriend. “If we send our Pokemon out alongside us, well, the examiner could manipulate that into a strategy.”

Huffing to herself, Jenny plodded onwards, eventually getting her mobile phone out and ringing her friend Daphne. Blabbering about fashion, Jenny found the time simply flew by as she boasted about Paris and her other Pokemon. Chris sighed and saw the top of the mountain get closer and closer.

Eventually, after what seemed an age, they arrived up at the top. It was a long, barren wasteland up at the top. It was even hotter than usual with the cloudless sky wavering through their eyes. A figure stood on one end of an arena, the arena itself having been constructed by a twig running through the sand, probably. The woman was dressed in all black, covering her face save for her eyes. She looked very odd.

“Challengers,” she said.

“Yea, we’re here for the initiation,” Chris informed the woman. “I’m Chris, this is Jenny.”

“Hi!” Jenny cried nervously. The woman grabbed her black garments and threw them off, revealing a powerful-looking pinstripe suit over a young woman’s body. A refreshing, mint-green shirt was under her suit, and she wore black trousers. Her shoes had small heels. The woman was, in actuality, young-looking. Chris was reminded of a lawyer. Her hair was a few shades of brown, and it just reached her shoulders. She wore a pair of classy shades, so Chris was unable to see her face. Chris put her at about 18, possibly 19 or even 20. She looked very mature.

“My name is Rebecca,” the woman stated. “Or Becca for short. I am your examiner for the TPML.”

She grabbed two Pokeballs.

“We will have a standard double battle, during which I will assess your performance and decide whether or not you are qualified enough to enter the league.”

Throwing the two Pokeballs forward, Becca released her Pokemon. One was a purple colour. It was like two star-shapes backed onto each other, with a chunky, red gem in the center. Starmie. Despite being a genderless Pokemon, there was a distinct gruffness in Starmie’s equally feminine cry that suggested it may be a male.

Materializing next to Starmie was a crimson Pokemon. It had a steel body and two pincers for hands. Wearing a rather serious look, the Scizor in question stood at about Becca’s height.

“Meet Chiron, the Starmie, and Orion, the Scizor,” Becca said proudly.

“Ok…no worries here, right?” Chris asked Jenny, although his voice did sound higher than usual.

“No worries,” Jenny smiled. “Go Bleats!”

Mareep emerged, bleating happily. Dancing around, Bleats did not realize how immature she looked in front of Orion and Chiron. Chris grabbed a ball from his belt and threw it forward, releasing his choice. The little Magby emerged, smiling and waggling his little tail. Despite being small, he was a powerful Pokemon. Magby flexed his arms, eyes wide in over joyous anticipation of the match ahead.

“So it is Orion and Chiron versus…Bleats and Magby,” Becca noted, trying not to laugh at Mareep’s nickname. “BEGIN!”

“Bleats, thunderbolt at Chiron!” Jenny cried.

“Flamethrower, Magby,” Chris added. “Aim for Orion’s torso.”

Bleats flashed yellow as her fur began to charge up. Static electricity bounced around and soon, the sheep’s wool was like candy floss. Releasing the discharge in a jagged bolt of electricity, Bleats cried out in succession as it soared through the air. As it approached, however, Chiron began to spin on one point. Faster and faster he got, and as the thunderbolt hit this radius of spinning energy, it was sent flying towards Magby at an angle. Magby leapt from the attack, rolling and spurting flames from his mouth. They scorched Orion lightly, who shielded himself with his claws.

“Chiron, use a bubblebeam,” Becca ordered. “Orion, use quick attack.”

As Orion sped through the air, crying his name in a deep, focused manner as he headed towards Bleats, Chiron simultaneously spewed a collection of large bubbles through the air. Glowing a feverish blue, they sped at Magby and peppered him severely. Magby was thrown back to Chris’ feet, but he still got back up.

“Quickly,” Chris cried. “Use a fire spin in front of Bleats.”

As Magby watched Orion speed towards his ally, he opened wide and fired a cone of fire. It smashed into the ground and twirled upwards into a demolishing spiral of heat. Orion sped right into it and gave a long roar of pain. Bleats smiled at Magby.

Becca smirked.

“Chiron, use sharpen followed by double edge, aim for Magby!” she ordered. “Orion, use a swords dance and then a slash at Bleats!”

“Bleats, thunderbolt!” Jenny ordered.

“Magby, use smokescreen!” Chris cried.

Orion began spinning at an incredible speed. Ghostly images of swords slowly surrounded him, creating a swirl of dust. Chiron flashed white as all of his points seemed to get sharper. As this happened, Magby blasted a cloud of smoke into the arena. It obscured everybody’s vision. The thunderbolt failed, missing both opponents, and even though Chiron sped through the air, he still missed both foes and jammed into the ground. Orion slashed a streak of energy, too, and it managed to smash into Magby.

“You do not have long left to make a good impression,” Becca reminded them. “The match cannot exceed five minutes…”

“Damn,” Chris muttered. “Magby, use double team!”

“Bleats, use a headbutt!” Jenny shouted. As Magby created several clones to increase his evasiveness, Bleats charged right through the smoke. Chiron, currently jammed into the earth, used a teleport to return back to his usual place.

“Psychic to locate Bleats, then use psychic to slam it into the ground, Chiron,” Becca said. “Orion, use a skull bash on Magby.”

As Bleats charged, a psychic aura soon surrounded her. Feeling herself float up into the air, Bleats gave a cry as she was slammed into the ground mercilessly. Jenny was shocked that everything was so brutal.

“STOP!” she cried.

“Jenny, just –

Chris was interrupted by Becca, who reminded him he could not help his ally with strategies. Cursing, Chris simply tried to counter Orion.

“Fire Blast!”

As Orion sped forward, a huge cone of flames shrouded him completely. Giving a large cry, he flapped backwards and felt burns covering his body. Orion flapped his wings and sent a shivering silver wind speeding at both Magby and Bleats. Bleats gave a shrill scream as she was still mercilessly thrown into the ground. Magby took damage from the attack, too.

“Bleats, thunderbolt!” Jenny shouted. Unfortunately, this did not work. Chiron’s core glowed a feverish orange, and a hyper beam was sent speeding forward. It smashed into Bleats, ending the psychic connection and causing Bleats to suffer extreme damage. She fell down, and Jenny gave a shocked cry.

“Return!” she cried out. “You ruthless cow!”

“This is how Pokemon Battles work,” Becca stressed calmly. “Orion! Hyper beam. Chiron, bubblebeam.”

“Magby! Barrier!” Chris shouted. His clones were obliterated by the flurry of bubbles streaming through the air. Magby cried his name out and started wiping the air in front of him. This produced a pink barrier which absorbed the large hyper beam attack. However, following this, it shattered completely.

“Magby, good work,” Chris sighed. “Now use a flamethrower brick break combo!”

Magby sped through the air, spewing an onslaught of flames. Orion instinctively blocked them, crossing his arms, which allowed Magby to leap up, charge energy into his hands and release a series of chops at his foe. Orion took them, leading Magby to leap up and spew more flames at his foe.

“Great job,” Chris told his Pokemon.

“Orion, reversal,” Becca commanded. Chris sighed. Orion sent a glowing orb of energy rising above his head. The energy came from all parts of his body, and combined into a huge ball. He hurled it through the air, and Chiron then responded by firing a beam of chilled icy moisture at his foe. Magby watched as he was smashed into by the orb, feeling all the damage Orion took that match, and following that, was finished off by the ice beam, despite its weakness.

“Magby!” Chris gasped. “Nice try. Return.”

He shot the Pokeball beam forward and recalled his Pokemon.

“That’s all,” Becca announced. “I can tell a lot about both of you by the way you conducted that battle. Chris, I could see how you could often apply strategies to the situations that the battle put you into. You didn’t seem to fall under pressure, which worked in your favor. I am happy to say you are now accepted into the TPML.”

“Yes!” Chris cried out.

“However,” Becca said, turning to Jenny. “Jenny, you will not be joining Chris. I’m afraid your general performance was poor. You relied on basic attack strategies to get by, and it did not work. I noticed you rarely made use of Mareep’s more stable attacks. An iron tail could have severely weakened Chiron, and using Orion as a lightening rod would also be a plausible idea. However, your failure to implement a strategy means you are not accepted into the TPML.”

Jenny’s face dropped.

“You’re KIDDING?” she snapped.

“No, I am not,” Becca responded calmly, Starmie and Scizor by her side. “Now Chris, I’ll give you a lift.”

“Really? Cool!” Chris said happily.

“If you hang around central park tomorrow afternoon I’ll pick you up there,” Becca replied coolly.

“Hold on!” Jenny snapped. “Chris, you are NOT going!”

“What? But I passed!” cried Chris in defense.

“If I can’t go, then neither can you!” Jenny snapped. Her face was blotchy with anger, and she looked utterly frustrated at how things were turning out. “YOU’LL GET WITH ANOTHER GIRL!”

“Oh, not this again?” Chris muttered.

“YES, THIS AGAIN!” Jenny screamed. Becca intervened, plucking a Pokeball from her belt. Throwing it to the ground, a Kadabra emerged. It was about three and a half feet tall in height, with a fat tail but an otherwise thin body. It had a star on its forehead, and held a spoon in one hand.

“Nightshade, use teleport,” Becca muttered. With a loud cry, Nightshade waved his spoon, and within a few seconds, Jenny had teleported completely from view. She was gone. Chris’ eyes widened.

“Where did she go?” he asked.

“Outside the mall,” Becca replied coolly. “She’ll be fine.”

“Well…thanks, I guess,” Chris replied.

“You’d better head off home,” Becca warned him. “Say your goodbyes make last-minute preparations, that sort of thing. You’ll be gone a while.”

“Right,” the boy replied. “Well, nice meeting you.”

“Sure,” she replied firmly, watching Chris walk down the mountain path, Nightshade by her side. “Oh, and Chris?”

He turned to face her from a few steps down the mountain.

“Yea?”

“That Absol was mine - that is Lyra.” Becca added. Chris looked up at her.

“Yea, I thought so.”

And, more casually than when on the way up, Chris hitched his backpack up his shoulders, turned his music on and popped his earpieces in. Without a care in the world, he strolled down the mountain in the scorching heat, now with one less thing to worry about.

Becca watched him, sweeping her shades off to reveal beautiful eyes, mixed with shades of grey and blue. She scanned the area, recalling Nightshade, and sighed to herself. Turning her heel, she wandered across the top of the mountain, lost in thought.

[Crystal Tears]

I saw your update on ASB and just had to read this fic.

I want to see more of this pokemon masters league, which is sort of garenteed because of the fact Chris got in.
I love the discriptions of the battles, and the characters, and I especially love the short lived arguement between Jenny and Chris, especially the way it was resolved.

On a Side note: Jenny scares Me.

Yes um, forgive me, I'm not much of a critic.

[RaZoR LeAf]

Heh, great work Chris, who's Jenny though? NPC? Secret girlfriend? *nudge nudge, wink wink* Heh. Looking forward to chapter 4 and 5.

[Chris 2.1]

Oooh feedback.

CT: TPML Village is surely a sight to behold, as it contains the towers (Approval, Rules, Bank etc all), shops, a delightful little cafe, and many idyllic locations that you'll see across the fic. Oh...and I've actuallyhad some ideas for putting you in the fic somewhere!

Yes Jrnny is a scary girl. It seems as if she just wasn't ready for TPML - or rather, TPML wasn't ready for her. Glad you liked it so far.

Dan: Glad you enjoyed the first installment. Jenny was a fictional character, but on an interesting side note my new girlfriend is called Jenny - and she's very lke the character. Pretty creepy 0_o;;. Ch4 and 5 should be a blast, or any chapter with Razor Leaf in it



Thanks for the feedback guys.

[Wolfsong]

It's 1:40, so if somethign i say doens't make sense bear with me. I just finished reading the chapter. I liked the whole chapter especially thedescriptions. ^^ Looking forward to the next chapter.

[The Blue Avenger]

Hehe, I definitely liked this. Very well done battle, and characterization is looking to be good.

You say your girlfriend's like Jenny? ...Um, maybe I missed something, 'cause that doesn't sound like a good thing to me. X_x

Looking forward to the next chapter!

[Vermillion]

Very cool, I liked it alot, whens the next chapter?

[Chris 2.1]

Wolfsong: Thanks, and what are you doing up at that time? *Tut tut*. Thanks for reading.

TBA: Lol! She is similar looks-wise, but slightly less mental and b!tchy. But very nice . I'm glad you liked it so far - it really is something of a preview for what is to come - a delicate balance of character-based plots and Pokemon battles. Thanks for reading!

Vermillion: Thanks a lot. Next chapter won't be for a while, maybe a week or so. Sorry for the wait but I want to sort sort of save the chapters I have, seeing as I am not writing all that often.

[Charles Legend]

Cool chapter Chris, nice battle, hehe I had the same idea once but oh well, at any rate I can't wait for the next chapter,

Oh and I take you are only doing the people who you have battled so far?

~Charles legend

[Chris 2.1]

Charles: Thanks very much for reading. As I've said, I'm trying to split the fic into fantastic battles and clever character development. I have a lot of members who are characters in the fic, and many more will come. But that doesn't mean I only write about ones I have fought so far. Chris fights some trainers in the future, but so do some of the other characters. Some characters will also appear in smaller roles, as opposed to being main characters.


Anyway you've all been very nice, so here is a sneak peek at Chapter 2: Girafarig!


--


“This is great!” a boy cried, about 14 years of age. He ran out from the approval tower, clipping his VS Seeker to his trousers. As he did so, I leapt out from the bushes and grabbed him from behind.

“I CHALLENGE YOU!” I roared.

“Argh! Help me!” the boy cried, grabbing a Pokeball from his belt.

-

“I’ll give you economic standards!” Mum cried, grabbing a frying pan and hurling it towards me. Ducking, I got back up and tried reassuring her.

“I’m sixteen!” came my desperate cry. “I can make my own decisions!”

-

My first impression was how wide and spacious the main part of the village was. Shops were everywhere, as were benches, water fountains, flower boxes and otherwise hotdog stands. There was a burger bar, many souvenir shops and a shop for Pokemon accessories to name but a few. It was crowded, but not bustling. On the contrary, the place seemed to contain an orderly, yet oddly tense atmosphere.

--


I'll post it up soon. Maybe over the next few days.

[Chris 2.1]

[size=4]Chapter Two
[size=3]Girafarig

Life’s a funny little thing. If you look out your window at the bustling world taking place before you, you start to think. Everybody lives a completely different life – some live them slowly, while some live in the fast lane. Others are very reclusive, and some are more up-front and loud. Then there’s me. Chris. How do I live my life? I don’t think. I’ll see a hot dog vendor, buy a hot dog, and then remind myself I’m not hungry. I’ll pick up a brochure on a charity I don’t support. And, likewise, I’ll get myself signed up for some crazy Pokemon League without even thinking about the consequences.

Following my initiation, in which I was accepted and my girlfriend, Jenny, was declined, I awaited my ride to the TPML Village. But I never really explained to you what it was all about. The TPML is the shorthand for The Pokemon Masters League. Basically, you can register for this league, and simply train up against other foes. Whether it be in the TPML Community, in the large city devoted to TPML, or around the world. All over the planet there are various TPML spots, where you log in to alert people where you are. Say, for example, you went traveling to Tokyo. You would find a TPML log-in there, so everyone could see where you were. It’s pretty cool.

As for me, I wanted to simply get the basics first. Unlike my girlfriend, whose Sunflora is an evolved Pokemon; all my troops are in their basic stages. I have Sneasel, Elekid, Magby and Poliwag, all of which are male. They’re all pretty strong, but small. I’ve had battles at school and with my friends, but this is much more serious than them.

I began with Poliwag. He was my first Pokemon, and one I really cherished above all. I never gave him much independence; like a mother to her first born child, I was always worried and apprehensive for my little tadpole. Poliwag knew that and seemed to respect me for it. He never voiced any concern.

Elekid and Magby are both pretty fun-loving Pokemon. Magby is younger than Elekid, in fact the youngest of the four, and while Elekid is still in his smaller stage, I can tell he is getting more mature. I caught Elekid during a power cut – funny story really. I found him sparking up in the streets, and that’s how I managed to see him. He looked pretty hurt, and I wasn’t sure if he had been attacked or abandoned, maybe even both, but I took him under my wing. We’ve been through a lot, but he finally opened up and is now a new Pokemon. Of course, for a while, he played that clichéd ‘I’m a tough guy and I’ll hurt you’ thing.

Magby, meanwhile, is easily distracted and very easily excited. He is high on life and happiness, and I managed to catch this little blighter when I went on a school field trip to a dormant volcano down south. He kept trying to snatch my lunch…and so I sorted him out big style!

Then there was Sneasel. Very much the ‘lone warrior’ of the group, Sneasel had a lot of pride and was damned if he was going to lose it. He was probably a good contender for strongest on the team – his combo attacks were phenomenal, mixing his speed with his strength. Sneasel had a wide move pool and was probably the oldest in the group. He didn’t evolve, so he was naturally strong. I found him in the alleyways of the big city, and he fought bravely to try and avoid capture. Nevertheless, I persevered, and had this ice Pokemon on my side.

So, thinking all about TPML, and how long I’d be away for, I decided I’d better get home as quick as I could. Time to confront the parents…another thing I hadn’t considered…

*

Mum was, as we knew her, the drill sergeant of the household, and she knew it too. She was all about academic education, and often I found myself at the brunt of her excessive revision programs. Dad was much more lenient, although his ridiculous graveyard shifts at work seemed to keep him far away from us all. My older brother, David, was at University…it was that detail that made Mum cherish him above her own limbs. As for me, well, I wasn’t even old enough to go to University. Mum still criticized me for it.

Anyway….I broke the news, and…

“YOU WHAT?” came the deafening roar.

“I’m going to a Pokemon League! ‘TPML – A new economic standard in –

“I’ll give you economic standards!” Mum cried, grabbing a frying pan and hurling it towards me. Ducking, I got back up and tried reassuring her.

“I’m sixteen!” came my desperate cry. “I can make my own decisions!”

“You’re still a child by law!” Mum retaliated. Man, the ‘law card’ again. “Wait until you are older!”

“YOU ALWAYS SAY THAT!” I screamed. “When I was 13, it was ‘wait until you’re 14!’. When I was 14, ‘wait until you’re 15!’ When I was 16….you get the point! And NOW, now I’m legally allowed to smoke (and have sex!), you still deem me immature and unable to cope in the outside world!”

Mum looked at me. Tears filled up in her eyes.

“FINE!” She snapped suddenly. “Just go! See if I care!”

“Mum…”

“No, no, you’re right! You’re a big boy now…and I’m just a silly woman who doesn’t love her son!”

“Come on, Mum…” I muttered.

“Just promise me something,” she replied, calming down somewhat. Opening her arms, she beckoned me for a hug. I walked into her arms and she squeezed me tightly.

“Yea?”

“You’ll go to University after you finish the league,” she replied.

“Erm…well, Mum it doesn’t really work like –”

I stopped. Sighing inside, I considered what I was saying. Mothers were so strongly affected by the words their children spoke. Often you could control how your mother felt simply by saying words she would long to hear. She was, after all, looking out for me…

“Of course I will,” I replied happily, hugging her back. As she beamed at me, I could tell I had made her day.

Following Mum and I’s sudden understanding, she packed my bag for me upstairs, flinging some t-shirts and jeans into my bag. I was only taking a few t-shirts; there must be a dry cleaner there. I took a spare pair of trainers, and also a beanie hat. Gotta look good!

Mum also handed me some brochures and leaflets on University. Naturally I wasn’t going to read them, but as I took them, I gave Mum a convincing look that made her heart soar even higher. It felt weird, but I think my leaving had prompted this sudden bond between us.

“Goodbye,” I said emptily, hugging Mum a final time. Unfortunately, Dad was working late…or early…I forget, but either way, it resulted in him not being able to even hear about my leaving. Mum and I finally parted ways after being interlocked in a gigantic hug. I wandered off into the streets of the big city, waving goodbye as I went. I promised to ring Mum as I traveled.

*

I finally made it to Central Park. The huge spread of grass was a great place. Some people had Pokemon battles here (I saw a particularly engaging match between a Golduck and Grovyle. I wondered if those two trainers had been approved into TPML). Others tanned themselves, played Frisbee, swam in the lake or else just had picnics on the sweeping lawns hidden by the lush canopy of trees. I busied myself with an ice cream, enjoying it thoroughly. Mmm…raspberry syrup…

I saw Becca standing by what looked to be a pretty flash car. She waved stiffly, shades on her face again. I started to wonder if she was blind. I ran over happily, holding my ice cream cone high like an Olympic torch.

“Hey!” I said happily. My mood was somewhat different without Jenny. I felt so obliged to be sensible around her…and now she wasn’t with me, I wasn’t scared of feeling excited about what was to come.

“Hop in,” Becca replied, today wearing…pretty much the same as yesterday, albeit a canary yellow t-shirt replaced her mint coloured one. Today, I was wearing a pretty cool, dusty brown jacket over a deep green t-shirt. Shnazzy. I wore some dark jeans too, and some cool trainers. I had to look good, didn’t I?

As I got into the car, I buckled myself in, all the while keeping the cone firmly in-between my legs. You know, on a nice, warm day, the nice cold ice cream felt good on my…whoa, wait! Wait! PG! PG!

As I grabbed the cone, the worst thing happened. I sneezed, sending my ice cream flying across onto Becca’s pretty dashboard. The lady’s face was frozen with contorting fury as she tried to hide how this was making her feel.

“Sorry!” I cried happily.

“Let’s just go,” Becca sighed, slamming her foot down and screaming out of the city. And off we went.

The journey began!

*

Becca refused to listen to my “Ultimate Car Tape” for the journey. I insisted she heard it, and she threw it out of the window. Her car had a soft-top, so while she enjoyed a brisk breeze sweeping through her hair, I just got flies in my face. Eurgh. The Journey to TPML Village was about two hours long. And we had NO toilet stops.

“Ok, we’re here,” Becca said happily, leaping out of the car and locking it. We were in a very regal looking car park, and as I approached the space, I had seen “The Missing Link” on the space. Weird.

“What’s that on the car space?” I asked.

“My user name,” Becca explained. “You see, in TPML, everybody has an alternate name they use for battles and stuff. Mine is TML – The Missing Link. Everyone calls me that.”

“Ok,” I replied. “What’s my name?”

Becc- I mean, TML produced a folded-up form from her breast-pocket. She unfolded it, got out a rubber stamp (from where? I have no clue, either) and stamped it six times. She then handed it to me.

“Go to the Team Approval Tower and hand this in,” she explained. “And choose a User Name there.”

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“I have work to do,” TML replied calmly. “You can find me in the Rules Tower.”

And she walked off. Granted, TML did not slump her posture as she headed off to a large, multistory tower in the distance. In fact, one would not normally think she resented where she was going. I could somehow tell, however, that she was not as pleased about her position as she may once have been.

“Oh-Ok, thanks for everything!” I cried.

“Thank you for spilling ice-cream in my car,” she replied sarcastically, not bothering to look at me. Maybe she was too busy to look at me. Yea. That was it.

I wandered from the car park, finding myself in a beautifully lush garden. It was nothing like Central Park – this was smaller, more enclosed and much less liberal. Large, bell-shaped flowers of many hues sat in large clumps of soil, set delicately into the soil. Large, weeping willow trees overshadowed benches in the shade. The asphalt path to walk on was durable and easy to work with. This was, apparently, the Battle Park, said the sign I walked past. A popular place for people to hold matches as it was not a bias arena, I thought to myself.

As I went, I saw a battle already taking place. An oriental looking boy was commanding a Charizard, and his foe, looking nervous, was battling with a Golbat.

“Harker, wing attack!” cried the opposition, who had a light welsh accent. He looked to be in his twenties. The blue and purple vampire bat swept through the air as Charizard released a humongous stream of flames in retaliation. Harker flapped backwards, grunting and coughing up smoke and ash.

“Iron tail!” replied the Charizard trainer. Charizard flapped upwards, swinging its tail up and over its head. It smashed into Harker and threw it down into the ground.

I kept walking, wandering through the park. Two pretty girls were comparing their new Eevee evolutions. One had an Espeon, and the other an Umbreon. I wandered onwards, passing through the park altogether and arriving in the main village.

My first impression was how wide and spacious the main part of the village was. Shops were everywhere, as were benches, water fountains, flower boxes and otherwise hotdog stands. There was a burger bar, many souvenir shops and a shop for Pokemon accessories to name but a few. It was crowded, but not bustling. On the contrary, the place seemed to contain an orderly, yet oddly tense atmosphere.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the main square were the many big, black towers stretching high into the air. Circular, there were quite a few. One of which was, I soon realized, the tower TML began to make her way to. I wandered up to one, in order to investigate it further. It read “ATTACK LIST BETA,” on a scrolling sign. I had no idea what that meant. Another was “REFEREE TOWER.”

I found the Approval Tower. I wandered inside, striving to hike up another set of deep black steps. Once I felt I was near the top…I met a queue. And let me tell you, I was queuing there for a considerable amount of time. I wished there was some way to pass the time – the black interior was lifeless and formal. After a while, when I was really losing my tether, the person in front of me was finished with their approval and went through a door behind the desk.

A neon sign saying “NEXT” flashed. I wandered forward, expecting to see a saggy old woman…but instead I was confronted by a Pokemon. An Alakazam, to be precise. It had a trilby hat on and looked very important.

“Kazam!” he cried.

“Erm…yes, *ahem* I-I’m here for my –

“KAZAM! Alakazam!” Alakazam cried.

“Eep!” I murmured. “I…I have this stamped piece of paper from T-TML…”

Suddenly the paper glowed a vivid blue, and Alakazam levitated it from my grip, across the desk and into his claw-like hand. He slotted it into a computer and pressed a few buttons. A whirring, clicking noise could be heard. Something seemed to be loading.

“Kazam, Alakazam,” the Alakazam said casually to another PSI Pokemon typing into a database behind him. “Alakazam!”

The other Alakazam chortled. “Kazam, Kazam!”

The one serving me then eyed me. He gave me an impatient look as the whirring and clicking continued. Something was getting printed off. Slowly.

“Oh, what’s this?” I inquired, as a slip of paper was pulled from the printer’s mouth and handed to me.

“KAZAM!”

“Right,” I replied, looking at the sheet. “Ooook…User Name Request Form.”

“I think I’ll stick with Chris,” I said proudly. A fat little machine in the corner flashed red and gave an incorrect noise.

“Already - taken,” it said in a mechanical noise.

“Ok…Chris The Dude!” I said happily. There was another ‘incorrect’ noise from the machine.

“That – name – sounds – too – crap,” it responded.

“Hey!” I said, blushing. “Fine…go for…erm…Brit Chris!”

I was British, after all. Gotta love your heritage! The machine gave off a noise like a microwave.

“Your – name – has – been – successfully – registered – on – TPML’s – main – server,” it told me. “You may now proceed to the door at the back of the room.”

“Thanks,” I replied. Alakazam handed me something. It was something to clip to the side of my belt. It was like a little computer, able to fit into my palm. I also got handed a brochure reading “Welcome to TPML.”

Intrigued, I wandered through the door Alakazam indicated. In truth, it was just a staircase down to the entrance, but it was less cluttered thanks to the lack of a long queue. I read the brochure, which explained this small computer was called a VS Seeker. It basically recorded any trainers I met or battled and allowed me to sent email-like messages to them to arrange matches. It clipped on the side of my belt, and was pretty handy.

And with that, as I was now approved for TPML, I made my way out of the Approval Tower towards my first battle.

*

Of course, while I was at first incredibly motivated to find myself a battle, it was actually hard finding people who wanted to fight me. I saw those two eeveelution girls before, asking if either wanted to try their luck, and in actuality was quite glad when they declined. I doubt I could beat Espeon or Umbreon – those Pokemon would have had a very strong bond with their trainers if they were in those forms anyway.

Perhaps I could catch a new Pokemon, as making an addition to my team to mark my arrival in TPML. It would certainly be a novel idea. I didn’t exactly know where to find any, though. What were the odds of finding wild Pokemon in the village?

I went into a small cafe on the edge of the village to collect my thoughts. The title on the glass walls said “Latte Days”. Nice. Ordering a coffee, I felt rather mature as I sipped it by a nice quiet seat at the window. Watching the world bustle past was a really interesting way to whittle away the time. I saw many people and Pokemon as I sat, and even some friendly faces appeared in the café along the way, smiling and acknowledging me in some shape or form. I even saw the welsh bloke who owned that Golbat from before. He ordered a drink (I couldn’t hear which one, and wasn’t too bothered anyway) and eyed me mysteriously. He sat down with his back away from me.

Then, I had a pretty clever idea. I had just emerged from the Approval Tower, correct? I had been so psyched when I left it; I knew the perfect way to find a new opponent. If I was psyched when I left the tower, then…

“This is great!” a boy cried, about 14 years of age. He ran out from the approval tower, clipping his VS Seeker to his trousers. As he did so, I leapt out from the bushes and grabbed him from behind.

“I CHALLENGE YOU!” I roared.

“Argh! Help me!” the boy cried, grabbing a Pokeball from his belt. “ONIX GO!”

I leapt back as his Pokeball released a large, rocky snake from its confinements. The Pokemon was huge. I’d never seen it before in real life, but it was petrifying. It reared its head and gave a long roar.

“Oh, so you want a battle?” I asked, getting out my VS Seeker and scanning it on the boy.

Girafarig – Beginner Trainer.
Specializes in rock and ground Pokemon. Really likes Girafarig. A lot.

“Ok Girafarig,” I said cockily. “I’m Brit Chris! And I’m going to challenge you to a Pokemon battle!”

“Ok then!” Girafarig replied. He had a hat on which resembled a Girafarig head. His T-shirt was plain white with a picture of the giraffe Pokemon on the front. He wore baggy cargo pants and chunky trainers. “Can I choose the arena?”

“Yea, ok,” I replied.

“The Crush Quarry,” Girafarig replied. “It’s just out of the village. Lots of rocks lying around…perfect for Pokemon battles.”

“Fine!” I said confidently. Wait, how did he know about arenas already? “Let’s go!”

As I wandered after this spunky opponent, I sighed in understanding. Yes. I do rush into things. Sometimes, I manage to keep things stable and everything works out. Like before – I did leap into this strange new environment, but I’m hopefully going to settle in. Likewise, I met someone, assaulted them…and now I have landed myself in my first ‘friendly’ TPML match against this guy. Little did I realize, jumping into things wasn’t always wise.

[Crystal Tears]

Oh... Funky. Like the last post I made, I like the descriptions, and the way you puts things.

Girafarig- ook... This dudes a bit... odd... You must really like Girafarig to name yourself after them. Anyways, I hope you... Err, Chris Win's the battle!

Side Note: Your mother throws frying pans at you? O_O A little to protective, or a bit to abusive...

[The Blue Avenger]

Ooh, that was a dirty trick. Grabbing the poor kid from behind...

But it was hilarious too. Heh. Also loved the bit about Chris' mom throwing pans at him; that was great.

Also, the VS Seeker (although a minor part) I liked. That seemed really cool to me.

[Chris 2.1]

CT: Haha Girafarig used to be an ASB battler but he isn't really around anymore. I don't think he had a Girafarig, either. Hmm. Let's hope our Chris wins the match. And yes, his mum did throw pans and pots, but in a loving way. *cough* erm...yea.


TBA: Lol Chris had to employ dirty tactics...but his tactics are nothing compared to some of the other TPML members! Glad you found it funny, too. Thanks for the compliment about the VS Seeker - they're a nice addition and will be sort of important really, as they give data on TPML members rather like a Pokedex. It's fun thinking of bio's for each character. And it also has a lot of other uses, too!

[Chris 2.1]

Hey, erm I guess I'll bump this a little. Anyone around?

[Wolfsong]

Sorry it took a while to reply. ^^; First schoolwork then the burn but i finally got around to posting. As before i liked the descriptions. The part with the throwing of the frying pan was funny. I also liked the part where you chose the user name and the scene where you challenged Girafarig. Hopefully it won't take me as long to reply in hte future ^^; I'm looking forward for when the next chapter is out.

[Chris 2.1]

Amy: Thanks! Hope that hands better. I burnt my hand a couple months ago an I still have the (equally cool), red streak across my hand. Looks cool.

Anyway glad you liked the Chapter. Ch3 is one of the most battle-based chapters I think you'll see during the fic, while many others are character-based.

I'll post Ch3 over the next few days.

[Chris 2.1]

Chapter Three! Sorry for the wait. If you like this chapter post in this topic! I hope a lot of ASBers pay attention, there lots of good tactics in here heh



Chapter Three
Girafarig: Part 2


These days, everybody seems to be talking about having that ‘6th sense’. I swear I had it once. When I was little, on my 6th birthday, I just knew I was going to get the exact OPPOSITE of what I wanted off Mum and Dad. I asked for roller skates and got…a homework desk. Yea, Mum tried setting the train off on the right track…but it got derailed along the way.

Even though not everyone brags about having it, secretly everybody predicts an outcome, even when they’re unsure of the results. But in my first battle against Girafarig, what seemed easy at first went from easy to hard…then easy…then hard…then easy…then hard…and for the first time in a while, I realized that I didn’t know which way this match would go.

The Crush Quarry was a pretty interesting sight. The hard earth was a combination of oranges and browns. Weathered rocks littered the arena, some large, some small, some mere handfuls of gravel scattered around. The sky on this afternoon was a placid blue, stretching as far as the eye could see with not a cloud in sight. Girafarig looked very much at home here, gripping his first Pokeball in anticipation. We already had a referee, standing in-between us on a very high rock with two flags. The sun shone brightly.

“Standard match,” Girafarig rasped. “3-3. That ok with you?”

“Fine,” I snapped back. “You choose first.”

“I choose Rhyhorn!” Girafarig told me. His Pokeball opened, and the huge, stocky rhino emerged. I could tell by now that my new-found opponent seemed to favor Pokemon that were of a big size in their basic stages. Onix sprung to mind. I wonder what else he had.

“Right,” I said firmly. “I choose you, Sneasel!”

Flying forward from his Pokeball was my trusty Sneasel. He got in some uuber-cool ninja pose and watched his bulky foe.

“Round 1” The referee cried. “Rhyhorn vs Sneasel. BEGIN!”

“Rhyhorn, mega horn!” Girafarig ordered. Rhyhorn began charging towards Sneasel as his horn glowed a green colour. Sneasel saw this, also seeing the cloud of dust whipping up from behind the behemoth.

“Quick attack out of the way,” Chris ordered. “Then turn and use metal claw!”

Sneasel darted around Rhyhorn, speeding to the other end of the arena. All of a sudden, Sneasel bolted back towards the rhino, claws pulsating a feverish metallic colour. With a deft sweep of his claws, Sneasel dealt good damage to Rhyhorn from behind.

“Rhyhorn, take down!” Girafarig cried. Rhyhorn turned and began charging at Sneasel again.

“Quick attack!” I cried. “Then ice beam!”

Sneasel bolted out of the way again. On all fours, he was amazingly fast, and as he turned around, he opened wide and from a glistening pearl of energy he fired volleys of ice through the air.

“Flamethrower!” Girafarig roared. Rhyhorn, as he saw the attack fly towards him, opened wide and blasted a torrent of flames spiraling through the air. They melted the ice and smashed into Sneasel, dealing devastating damage. Sneasel fell back.

“Get up!” I cried. I never knew Rhyhorn had access to Fire attacks.

“Swords dance, Rhyhorn,” Girafarig ordered. As Rhyhorn chanted, ghostly swords rose from the ground and circled around him, boosting his strength. “Now, use a stomp!”

“Sneasel, agility, get out of the way!” came my next order. As Sneasel lay there, Rhyhorn galloped forwards, leaping up and pushing the weight into his front legs. In a flash, Sneasel swept out the way and appeared to Rhyhorn’s left.

“Ice Punch!” I cried.

Running fast, Sneasel leapt up and smashed his fist into Rhyhorn’s side. Rhyhorn gave a long moan as he stumbled to the right clumsily.

“He’s unbalanced, strike again!” I roared. “Quick attack metal claw combo!”

Sneasel swept through the air again and Rhyhorn swayed precariously. As Sneasel neared, and my plan began to slot together, Girafarig interrupted.

“Earthquake!”

Damn! The roaring tremor ripped the ground up and managed to somehow re-balance Rhyhorn. He stomped his feet jubilantly as Sneasel was shaken and disorientated.

“Quickly, use flamethrower!” Girafarig snapped. Rhyhorn opened wide and a stream of flames streaked through the air. A magnificent blend of reds and yellows merged together to engulf Sneasel, who lay on the ground in pain. The Earthquake had knocked him down, and the flames had toasted him well.

“Sneasel, icy wind!” I ordered, knowing Sneasel needed to get back into the game. Sneasel threw his arms up in the air and cried out loud. The air started to get slightly colder, and a sweeping wind slashed across the arena. Even the referee looked cold, in his trendy short-shorts and short-sleeved t-shirt. Rhyhorn screwed his eyes shut in concentration.

“Rhyhorn, sunny day!” Girafarig cried. The temperature increased as the icy wind eventually faded. I began sweating profusely as I felt the sunshine bear down on me. Sneasel looked unsettled. Ice attacks would be no use.

“Brick break!” I roared. Sneasel swept forward with his arms held back, swiping them forward in quick, successive chops. Rhyhorn gave an angry roar as his rocky skin shed somewhat.

“Rhyhorn, come on,” Girafarig said, desperation creeping up his throat and escaping his lips. “Rock slide!”

I gave a shuddering gasp as I realised what was about to happen. Rhyhorn smashed his feet into the ground, roaring his name and looking all around. Rocks from high up in the quarry began rolling and crashing down the side of the hills. Sneasel cried his name in confusion as both Girafarig and Rhyhorn grinned.

“Agility! Try and evade the onslaught Sneasel!” I cried urgently. Sneasel got on all fours and dashed around the arena. Rocks smashed down around him and burst into lumps of smaller rock, and still Sneasel maneuvered around in evasion. Rhyhorn watched, as any rocks that hit him shattered upon his thick hide. Eventually Sneasel began to tire.

“Keep moving!” I continued. Sneasel got progressively slower and slower until he was merely plodding around the quarry. A boulder split and smashed down on his back, causing him to cry out in pain.

“Sneasel!” I cried.

“Rhyhorn, another flamethrower,” Girafarig cried mercilessly. Rhyhorn opened wide and delivered a sharp stream of flames to twirl through the air and aim for Sneasel.

“Come on pal,” I cried. “Protect!”

Lying on his stomach, Sneasel produced a white glittering shield around him. The flames smashed against the surface of the protect shield, and Sneasel was saved.

“Keep it up, rain dance!” came my plea. Sneasel got to his feet, swaying precariously, before summoning a sudden and heavy downpour to lash down upon the arena. Large bullets of rain peppered the ground. Rhyhorn felt uncomfortable.

“It’s weak,” Girafarig called out. “Rhyhorn, take down mega horn combo!”

As Rhyhorn charged, his horn glowed with energy. I knew Rhyhorn was going to pack a mighty wallop with his combination of tank-like charge and his piercing blow from his horn.

“Sneasel, metal claw to the legs!” I cried. “Then ice beam!”

Lying in the soft earth, letting the heavy rain splatter against his weak body, Sneasel charged metallic energy up in his claws. As Rhyhorn got near, Sneasel also built up energy in a pearl of ice particles in his mouth.

“HIT IT!” Girafarig roared.

“SLASH IT!” I shouted. Sneasel slashed forward and seriously hurt Rhyhorn’s front legs. Rhyhorn fell down on his front knees like a sort of bow, and Sneasel then unleashed his ice beam, the force of which smashed into Rhyhorn and drove him back across the arena. Rhyhorn was quite clearly defeated.

“No…” Girafarig said slowly. “Fine. Return!”

He grabbed his Pokeball and shot the red beam from it. Rhyhorn was absorbed and brought back into his Pokeball, safe from the destructive battle and the incredible turn of events. I looked down at Sneasel, beaming with pride. I felt like my Mum when I told her I would give Uni a shot. Utterly shaking with pleasure.

“Sneasel, come back,” I said happily. “You were brilliant.”

And with that, firing my Pokeball beam forward, I recalled Sneasel into his Pokeball too. Thinking hard, I considered who to use for my fight. Girafarig was waiting for me to make the first choice. Damn him. I grabbed a Pokeball from my belt, arched my arm backwards and hurled it forward. As the ball hit the ground, opening like an oyster and releasing a globule of white energy, my chosen Pokemon emerged.

“Good luck Poliwag!” I cried to my tadpole Pokemon. Girafarig’s Pokeball smashed against the ground, opening and releasing, luckily, a Larvitar. This little critter wasn’t very big, and would not pose much of a threat, I thought to myself. Poliwag eyed Larvitar.

“Round 2!” The referee cried. “Poliwag VS Larvitar! BEGIN!”

“Larvitar, dig!” Girafarig shouted. Instantly, the little…whatever it is burrowed under the earth. Me and Poliwag watched. It seemed Larvitar was taking the defensive.

“Poliwag, ice beam over the hole!” I cried, my brain cheering over the initial brilliance of my scheme. From his round, pink nose, Poliwag blasted a beam of frosty ice across the arena, sweeping it over the hole Larvitar just burrowed. A sparkling, frosty layer of ice spread over Larvitar’s hole.

“Don’t panic,” Girafarig said coolly. “Sunny Day, followed by rock smash!”

I sighed deeply, knowing my plan was about to fail. The ground beneath the sheet of ice started to glow a bright white, and I soon felt a steady wave of heat simmer around me. The ice melted as a bright white orb flew upwards into the sky, passing through the ice as if it were a ghost; bursting and causing the sun to begin heating things up even more. Seconds later, Larvitar smashed the ice with a punch and landed back on the arena.

“Poliwag, water gun!” I shouted. My little tadpole friend fired a jet of chilled water forward, which struck Larvitar right in the chest. Screwing his eyes shut, Larvitar stumbled back in pain. This was the time to keep striking! “Follow up with doubleslap!”

Poliwag leapt into the air, spinning himself around and slapping Larvitar with his flat tail. Larvitar opened his mouth and crunched down hard on Poliwag’s soft tail, causing great pain to the tadpole Pokemon. Poliwag tumbled backwards, and Larvitar raced forward with a headbutt to deal effective damage.

“Don’t stand for that!” I cried. “Taunt it!”

Poliwag was shouting what I could only presume were rude words and nasty comments. Larvitar was suddenly shocked, flexing his arm muscles, shouting back, and charging towards Poliwag in a rage.

“Let it come to you…” I muttered. “Water gun!”

As Larvitar got to about a foot away from my Poliwag, he opened his mouth and blasted another chilled stream of powerful water. Caught in the blast, Larvitar was thrown backwards and smashed against the hard earth.

“Don’t you know the sun decreases the power of water attacks?” Girafarig snapped.

“Yea, of course,” I replied nonchalantly. “But I’m using the force of the water gun to push Larvitar away, not the type of the attack.”

Girafarig sighed.

“Larvitar, use mud slap!” he cried out. Larvitar kicked up some sloppy mud from the ground, but Poliwag instinctively used a water gun to wash it away. Poliwag leapt up and down happily. Larvitar’s anger was matched by the look on his trainers face.

“Fine,” Girafarig snapped. “Larvitar! Rock slide!”

The ground rumbled again as echoing roars came from the rocks and boulders in the beautiful landscape around us. Girafarig wore his content grin as Larvitar started crying his name like an annoyed child. Poliwag looked at me. I nodded firmly.

“Ok Poliwag, time for some target practice!” I cried. “Use short, decisive water guns in quick spurts as the rocks come towards you! Try to shatter them!”

Huge, lumbering boulders rolled down the hillside dangerously. Poliwag spat two darts of water towards the boulder, hoping they would demolish the boulder getting closest. The water shattered the first boulder into smaller pieces. Larvitar, it seemed, had burrowed underground to avoid getting hurt, not having a rocky body like Rhyhorn. As I began to think, I thought of a way we could still hurt Larvitar.

“Water sport!” I shouted. Poliwag abandoned his target practice for now, instead shooting a jet of water high into the air. It rained down onto the ground in a heavy downpour and began soaking the arena. Puddles grouped and soaked into the hard earth, nourishing it and softening the rocky surface we fought on. And, as I had hoped, as the boulders smashed into the ground, they dented into the somewhat damper, moister earth and left light craters in their wake. Larvitar, who was only slightly in the ground, was being thudded by the boulders while Poliwag used a water gun to push any oncoming ones away.

“No! Larvitar!” Girafarig cried. I was grinning like a Cheshire cat as my plan was actually executed effectively. Larvitar seemed to be suffering. Since I beat Rhyhorn, by beating Larvitar I would secure a win as I would have won 2 out of 3 rounds.

“Larvitar…” Girafarig said slowly.

“Lar, Lar!” cried his…thing.

“I know you’re weak…but…” Girafarig began. “Hyper beam!”

Larvitar created an orb between his paws. It charged up to the size of his body and flashed an orange before a long beam of heated energy erupted forward right at Poliwag. Unsure what to do, I stood there, frozen in shock. Poliwag started panicking as the beam smashed him right off his feet and hurled him back, slamming him into the ground.

“Poliwag!” I shouted. “Get up and use a water gun to Larvitar’s face!”

“Larvitar, there’s no time for rest!” Girafarig ordered, as his little Pokemon panted with increasing fatigue. “Hyper beam again!”

Larvitar gave a sigh as he summoned another sweeping beam of orange energy. It was somewhat weaker than the previous one, but nevertheless went straight for Poliwag. Poliwag was mauled down by the beam and collapsed.

“No!” I cried. Poliwag was too sore to get back up. “Return, Poliwag.”

As Larvitar gasped for breath, I shot the red beam at my poor tadpole as he was recalled back to the safety of his ball. His first battle in TPML…and even though he lost, he did a fantastic job. I began to contemplate who I should release next – Elekid or Magby? Elekid had more experience so he seemed the more logical choice…but Magby had more access to fighting-type moves, which were effective against rock type Pokemon.

Grabbing my third and final Pokeball, I arched my arm back and hurled it forward, watching it burst open and release a warming light which then took the form of my Pokemon.

“Magby!” the little spitfire Pokemon cried happily. “Magby!”

“Ok Magby,” I said firmly. “Get ready! Karate chop!”

Crying his name in unison, Magby ran forward with his paw held back. Larvitar was panting heavily as Magby got near. Magby chopped Larvitar in the base of the neck and the weary thing fell over.

“Leap back, then fire spin!” I cried successfully. Magby crouched before leaping up high, using his spout-like mouth to breathe a curling tornado of flames to engulf the Larvitar and scorch its hide.

“Go down for a rolling kick!” came my next cry.

“Larvitar, mud slap!” Girafarig cried. But it was no use. Larvitar was so sapped of all it energy it gave a weary moan as Magby swung his foot up out of a forward roll and smashed Larvitar in the jaw. Larvitar slumped into the earth. It really was done for.

“Return,” Girafarig spat. As Larvitar disappeared, Girafarig plucked a fresh Pokeball from his belt and held it forward. “Onix, GO!”

From the ball came the huge, sinewy rock beast. It reared its thick head and gave a humongous roar. Magby looked petrified, being roughly the size of Onix’s eye. He stumbled backwards as the cute smile vanished from his face.

“Size doesn’t matter!” I cried. “Go for a karate chop!”

Magby raced across the arena, paw held back and preparing to strike. Onix surveyed this from up high, and responded on his trainers commands by slamming his rocky tail down at Magby. The agile little thing dived to the side and avoided the smashing blow.

“Be relentless!” Girafarig roared. “Use sandstorm to block its vision, then hit it with an iron tail!”

Onix roared out loudly as a swirling mass of sand whipped up around the arena. Magby cried out in fear as Onix slowly disappeared beneath the veil. He looked around in confusion, wondering where his foe was…

…then, from nowhere, a shiny segment of Onix’ tail thwacked Magby in the side and hurled him into a boulder. He gave a scream of pain as he struggled to get up. I could barely see my Pokemon now as the sandstorm worsened.

“Headbutt!” Girafarig cried. As Magby looked around, panic-stricken, the large snake swept through the air and smashed his head into Magby, hurling my Pokemon back. Magby landed just in front of me, bruised and seriously hurt already.

“Magby, karate chop!” I shouted. But he didn’t respond. Girafarig pointed at my Pokemon and commanded the next attack.

“Rock throw!”

With a devastating roar, Onix hurled his rocky tail down and smashed it into Magby. Giving a scream of protest, Magby looked at me with strain in his eyes. He was truly beaten down. The referee saw this and raised Girafarig’s flag.

“Magby is down!” he cried. “The round and match goes to Girafarig!”

My insides dropped as I felt suddenly deflated by the referee’s words. Girafarig recalled Onix nonchalantly and smirked. It was as if he knew he’d win. I recalled Magby, who whimpered lightly, and I put his ball away. The referee handed Girafarig a slip to take to the bank in order to claim a cash prize for a victory. He turned and wandered off. Feeling somewhat lost, I piped up a remark:

“G-Good match!”

“That’s loser talk,” he replied, not even turning to face me. I felt somewhat angry as the cocky git wandered off back through Crush Quarry. The referee wandered off too, leaving me alone, standing on the arena.

I suppose, really, you should never try and anticipate what the future holds. Even if, subconsciously, you have that ‘feeling’ you’ll win or lose, it should never dominate you or try and get in the way of what will actually happen. Sitting on the rock that the referee was standing on while reffing the match, I let the world wander on without me as night began to turn around. Sitting under a canopy of stars, the match was somehow having more of an effect on me than usual. I’ve lost matches before in my city – I’ve been training ages and ages. What was confusing was why this match was upsetting me. Was it that my opponent was an absolutely cocky idiot? Perhaps because it was my first TPML friendly match? I didn’t know.

Letting out a sigh, I realized it was late. And I needed a bed for the night. My Pokemon needed taken care off too. With that in mind, I wandered off from the Crush Quarry, unaware that a figure was watching me from afar in the Quarry. With a Combusken by their side, they watched me go. And as I began to disappear from view, they too swept off into the darkness and became swallowed by the night.

[The Blue Avenger]

Oh man, Girafarig was a jerk... but then again, I'm not sure I can blame him after the tactics Chris employed to get him to battle. Nice battle, by the way; I enjoyed seeing the role the quarry itself played in the match. Girafarig knows how to pick his arenas.

One nit-picky thing: your commands in battle seem a tad too specific and long-winded sometimes. For example, "Use short, decisive water guns in quick spurts as the rocks come towards you!" That could just as well be accomplished by saying "Use quick Water Guns to try and shatter the rocks!" By the time Chris finished odering the first command, Poliwag would've been hit already, heh. Anyway, like I said, that's not a big problem since I only saw it once, but maybe keep it in mind, y'know?

[Charizard04621]

Interesting. I have to get to working on my Computer Science project, which I'm skipping Orchestra for (totally out of character since I never skip anything even if I'm about to collapse from sickness), but the thing just won't be done. I've been working on it for two weeks and I sat for 6 hours straight yesterday programming. It refuses to complete.

Anyway, so, I've only read chapter 1. I'll catch up a bit later. Looks interesting so far - I find Jenny quite funny - but I would like to ask, since when does Starmie learn Sharpen? Or anything besides Porygon, for that matter? I don't see Becca as much of a sharker, or in the story's context, genetic manipulator.

[Chris 2.1]

TBA: Hello! Hmm Girafarig was a real ASB member who was my first ever opponent. The real setup was slightly different but the basic point remains the same. I liked him being a jerk but I don't think he was in real life. Hmm. It's been a while.

Crush Quarry was indeed a location Girafarig took advantage of. There will hopefully be a lot more of this to come, especially in a future chapter against OzAndrew! TPML Village is surrounded by loads of different locations which is distinct enough to test my writing, hehe.

And I'll keep the long-thing in mind. Thanks!


Karin: Hey! Glad you found it interesting. Of course Ch1 is really an opening and it does develop more after that, but I'm pleased you took the time to read it. And in the games, Starmie doesn't learn Sharpen. I'm adopting something of a fanficcy thing people do in which Pokemon have illegal movesets. I felt a Pokemon like Staryu or Starmie could use Sharpen IRL, after all, they're sharp.

Becca isn't really a manipulative woman in the fic. She's really quite a sucessful businesswoman (albeit a young one. As you will soon learn, Becca didn't exactly ask for her job in running TPML...) and although she's quiet and distant, she's really a very normal young woman.


Thanks for the comments guys!

[The Blue Avenger]

TPML Village is surrounded by loads of different locations which is distinct enough to test my writing, hehe.

Hehehe... Can't help but ask, but will a certain submarine maybe show up at some point...?

[Andrew]

Lol, I remember reading this AGES ago.

*I don't know why I feel still hung over from... what... 3 days ago though* And I rather liked the little touches "Really likes Girafathingie. A LOT" or whatnot.

Man, um, top notch as usual... but, I've got to jet.

[Charizard04621]

Ah, I finally finished reading the three chapters. I'll just have to get used to poetic license... Every time I read an illegal attack I flinch =P I go, no! Illegal! Waving a referee flag and realize that I am not a referee and that this is a fanfic. So I tell myself, fanfic, fanfic, fanfic. And then I go, but but but! ^_^;;; But that's my problem, not yours.

Eh, the Combusken trainer is gonna show up in a battle sometime, is he not?

I feel sorry for Magby more than Poliwag =/ I mean, come on. Onix? x_X

Er, and Becca getting stuck with her job was my fault, I didn't realize that when I left everyone else in charge would, too.

[Chris 2.1]

TBA: Ummm I'll just say...*cough*BINGO!*cough*

Andrew: Glad you like it still. Wait till you see your Bio, it's funny . Hope you keep up with the fic!

Karin: Heh yea the Combusken trainer appears in the future. In fact it's a character which is very interesting indeed. Yup poor Magby He really did get clobbered. And don't worry about how things went. TML rose to do a fantastic job of managing ASB.


Chapter 4 previews:

-A new rival:
“…the name’s Razor Leaf. Don’t forget it.”

-A new companion:
“Great!” I said, bending down and picking the Pokeball up. “Look, Elekid, another team mate!”

-But an old outcome...

[RaZoR LeAf]

I'm in Chapter 4, yahoo! Great chapter Chris, battle was very good. You need to update your sig it's still saying Ch2, but that's not important. I hope I beat you into the ground next chap.. hehehe

[Charizard04621]

Well, he did say a new rival, a new companion, but an old outcome. ^_^; I just hope Chris doesn't get discouraged from two losses in a row, if that's indeed what's planned.

[Haruko.]

Lol. Such a positive attitude towards Chris their RaZoR.

Anyways, I liked your battle scene, very nicely detailed, and all. The way you discribed this Girafarig dude...

I dun like him one bit. Lol. I guess he's a bit to cocky for my liking, but I'm guessing thats because Chris jumped the kid for a battle, without thinking first. *wiggles finger at Chris* Look before you leap Chris.
But yeah.. Onix would umm... Hurt yes... It would sting most definately. No one gets to laugh at Magby's owies. Because all other owies are insignificant against an Onix's damage..

But anyways, nice chappy. ^_~ Keep it up.

[Chris 2.1]

Dan: Thanks. As I've said X many times, big face offs arent that much of an occurance - most matches since Ch3 are 1-1s and double battles. I'm trying to achieve a balance between the comedy, the character development and the matches. Expect some big fights to come though.

And you'll see soon enough if you clobber me or not


Karin: Hmm yea very true. But isn't that a bit too obvious? Who says Chris and Razor Leaf even HAVE a battle? Cou;d the outcome refer to something more subtle? Wait and see.


Haruko: Thanks about the match. I guess Chris got a bit too cocky when he decided to attack Girafarig. I hope he draws strength from the loss. Poor Magby, getting pummelled. Anyway we'll see the reprocussions next chapter.


Thanks for the feedback.

[Wolfsong]

NIce chapter. I loved the detail you included in your story. Poor magby, i would hate to be used as a puching bag for an onix. Ouch. Sorry if i'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before, but i enjoyed it. I'm curious to see what happens in the next chapter.

[Chris 2.1]

Wolfsong: Thanks! That's nice of you to say. And poor Magby indeed.


Chapter 4! Enjoy etc.

[size=4]Chapter Four
[size=3]Razor Leaf

Following my first loss at TPML, I wandered into the large village and managed to get a bed in a very pokey Bed and Breakfast. It was run by an elderly couple that seemed, oddly, very good at business and were very adept at modern accounting and dealership. Anyway, as their fussy Chansey cleaned my plate with a bubblebeam, I slipped out my chair and thanked them. Each was going over product analysis and ways in which to stretch this season’s budget even further. I was in awe.

Wandering in the village, I gave Poliwag, Sneasel and Magby to the Nurse for healing. She explained Sneasel and Poliwag would recover quicker than Magby, who might be in longer due to his fractures. I couldn’t help but feel floods of guilt wash over me as I handed over Magby’s Pokeball. He got slaughtered against Onix, but I didn’t expect any different to be perfectly honest. Sending to his doom was what hurt the most – I knew he wouldn’t (and couldn’t) win against an Onix.

Leaving my guilt in the Pokemon Center, Elekid strutted alongside me as we looked in some of the shops. There were some aviator shades I was really liking so, getting out my wallet I bought them in a snap.

The day seemed to be sluggishly sliding by. Sitting with a bacon roll in the middle of TPML village with Elekid, I let the world around me simply…happen. I saw, from the Charizard and Golbat battle, the Charizard’s trainer, who was of an oriental origin with jet black, rather short hair. He watched me as he passed, giving a brief smile and gentle wave.

“Hi,” I said, waving back. I could see he was treasuring a Pokeball. My guess was that he probably caught a new Pokemon. He wandered off there and then, which got me thinking to myself. Perhaps I should catch a new Pokemon, too.

“What do you think, pal?” I asked Elekid. “Fancy a new team member?”

“Buh-buhh!” cried the little thing. I smirked, leapt off the bench, but was confronted by a figure. I hadn’t seen him appear, but he had just come out of nowhere right in front of me. It was the Golbat trainer that I’d seen a couple of times around. With his short hair, rather impressive height and sharp frown, he looked somewhat angry. He wore a plain black t-shirt with jogging bottoms on. Pokeballs were on a belt around his waist.

“Aren’t we enthusiastic,” he said, in a rather odd voice. His welsh voice and the quietness of his tone made him sound somehow stealthy.

“Hey,” I said cheerily. The man raised an eyebrow. He was definitely in his twenties.

“If you want my advice,” he rasped. “After your astonishing defeat yesterday, you need to be better equipped against rock-type Pokemon.”

“I…you saw my battle?” I asked. He nodded.

“From afar,” he admitted, smirking. “You really did get beaten badly, didn’t you?”

“You must have been far away if that’s what you managed to see,” I retorted. He smiled.

“Even being blind wouldn’t stop me hearing Magby’s tortured scream as you let it get pummeled,” he admitted. I began glowing red with embarrassment. My brain clicked and whirred hard trying to calculate a brilliant comeback…but it never happened. I let him get the better of me.

The man, whose name I still did not know, spoke up again.

“As I was saying,” he began, busily I might add. “You need some more anti-rock Pokemon. Sneasel and Poliwag were ok…but Rock Pokemon are devastatingly strong and big. I’ve been ensuring I can handle almost any type ever since I began TPML. You need to do the same.”

“I was going to get a grass Pokemon,” I replied, trying my best to assure this person I knew what I was doing. I didn’t start training Pokemon just yesterday, which he seemed to be implying. However, he raised his eyebrows.

“Grass?” came his voice. “Well, it’s your choice…”

“What do you mean?” I hollered back. He ignored me and turned to leave. Grabbing his arm, I frowned and he turned to meet my eyes. “What’s wrong with a grass Pokemon?”

He just smirked darkly and heaved his arm from my grip.

“Tell me!” I shouted, my voice harsher and much more demanding of answers than usual. He gave a soft laugh and looked at me.

“Grass types are weak,” he said softly. “The popular types in TMPL are fire, psychic, ice…even flying types. They wipe the floor with grass Pokemon. You want a fighting type.”

“Fighting types are weak to flying and psychic, too,” I retorted. “Stop trying to influence me.”

I walked off firmly. He gave a smirk.

“By the way,” he added, as I clenched my fists and endured the surging anger in my body. “Just so you know…”

I may not have been showing it, but I was hanging onto every word as I walked off through town. He stayed still.

“…the name’s Razor Leaf. Don’t forget it.”

I knew I wouldn’t.

*

Wandering through town, I was introduced to a kiosk which would sell me a memory card for that VS Seeker I obtained upon arriving at TPML. This memory card, merely the size of a thumbnail, would upload a TPML virtual map onto my little computer. I paid some money to the lady at the kiosk and uploaded the map screen.

The village itself was amazing, but surrounding it was a plethora of fantastic places to go. Crush Quarry was listed, as well as a place called Tranquil Shores. A large lake with a sandy shoreline, it seemed to be like a little bit of the seaside in the vicinity. Also drawing my attention were Trolgar Mountains and a place called Ivy Woods. It certainly seemed a great place to catch Pokemon.

For the meantime, I decided to actually head back to Crush Quarry. I wanted to explore it a little bit more, and anyway, there was loads of time to venture into all these sights. Taking the winding road out TPML village, I made my way to the Quarry.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Razor Leaf. I looked him up on the VS Seeker database and managed to unearth a lot of information about him. He was a ‘vet’ – not the animal doctor, but a veteran trainer who has battled in previous years at TPML. This meant he knew a lot – not just about Pokemon, but attack strategies, common Pokemon used in the league and a lot of information on trainers. I deemed him a strong opponent, and learned he currently had 10 Pokemon of mixed type combinations. Again, he seemed to mix a concoction of types into his final team, giving him huge advantages. I was impressed.

With that thought in mind, I made my way to the Quarry with Elekid. My mind flashed back to seeing Sneasel, Poliwag and Magby crying in pain as I recalled them into their Pokeballs. I hoped they would be ok.

As I began to feel the heat of the sun, I was suddenly aware that I was here – Crush Quarry. Wandering within the canyon-like environment, I saw a trainer flying across the skies on a humongous Skarmory. Sandshrew and Sandslash scampered around the large rocks, and it was then that I spotted something.

A Mankey. Leaping up and down, the energetic monkey, with its pig-like snout, was pummeling a nearby rock and smashing it up into gravel. I smiled broadly and my eyes then widened. If Mankey could do that to a rock…and Onix was essentially a rock…

Bingo.

Grabbing Elekid’s Pokeball, I hurled it forward and released my buzzing little friend. As he began swinging his club-like fists around manically, an electric charge built up and Elekid began to send off a thundershock.

“Go!” I shouted. The bolt of electricity shot forward and zapped the unsuspecting Mankey. He toppled backwards and fell of the boulder. As he did, my attention was diverted to something behind him, standing on a jagged rock. It was a little round cactus with long spiky arms. It had a dotted smile and was picking berries. It was a Cacnea.

“Hey…” I thought. “Cacnea’s a grass type! That’s what I wanted anyway!”

Cacnea leapt up from the little rock and the sharp pins on his arms glowed white. A flurry of needles swept through the air and rained down on us. Quickly, I commanded a thunder wave from Elekid, to take the attack and neutralize the pins. It worked, and the pins clattered to the ground. As I stood there, panting, with Elekid in front of me, I realized Cacnea was an alternative, perfect choice. Mankey clambered back up and watched me. Both of these Pokemon would be brilliant members of my team. Feeling my Pokeball belt, I was rather annoyed to learn I only had one Pokeball…

And that’s when it boiled down to the bones. Should I take Razor Leaf’s advice, or not? My clammy hand gripped the empty Pokeball as I watched both Cacnea and Mankey. What should I do?

“Mankey!” cried the hyper monkey. “Mankey Mankey!”

I looked back at Cacnea. He didn’t seem as interested in being caught, but was simply smiling, having used the pins on his body to jab berries and keep them in place. He munched them off contently.

I needed a killing machine, not a glutton. I turned back to Mankey and held my Pokeball ready. Catching Pokemon was an easy feat – I had done so for my Mum on one occasion, hoping that a little Skitty would be the perfect Mother’s Day present. Unfortunately it was rather savage and did not like being addressed as ‘Buttons’.

“Elekid, thundershock!” I snapped. The jagged bolt flew through the air and zapped Mankey again. He toppled down, and I hurled the Pokeball forward straight away. In an instant the creature disappeared as a red light pulled him into the capsule. As the ball landed, it pinged to indicate a capture.

“Great!” I said, bending down and picking the Pokeball up. “Look, Elekid, another team mate!”

“Burr-Bahh!” cried my energetic friend. Cacnea watched me, his big, animated eyes holding back tears.

“Nea…” he sighed, sniffing and leaping off. Oh well…I did have only one Pokeball, and I had to make a choice. Either way somebody would have been disappointed.

For most of the way I worked with Mankey on his fighting attacks. His karate chop, the low kick, and even the mega punch were starting to look more and more impressive as we went. Furthermore, upon finding ourselves assaulted by a Geodude, Mankey pulled off a perfect iron tail and gave the large boulder a severe headache.

As the afternoon sailed by, I took Mankey to the main TPML village. I showed him around, although as I did I reminded myself he would probably scurry around here often when the Quarry got boring. I wondered how Cacnea was doing.

During the day I went back to the Pokemoncenter, and found Sneasel and Poliwag were fully treated. Poliwag bounced out keenly, and I gave him a big hug and pat on the head. He smiled through it. Sneasel had a plaster on his arm but otherwise looked fine, watching me darkly as I gave him a thumbs up. I introduced Mankey to both Poliwag and Sneasel, the latter finding the excited monkey a little too much.

I recalled my four, thinking longingly of Magby in the hospital, recovering from his bruises, bashes and broken bones. I walked to the park an ordered a smoothie from the happy lady at the smoothie bar. Hmm…orange and mango delight.

“How fruity,” said a stealthy voice. I looked up to see Razor Leaf standing over me, eyes looking sharply at my smoothie.

“Erm…thanks?” I said.

“Not you, your drink,” he snarled. “So…I see you caught a fighting type.”

“How did you know?”

Razor Leaf lifted his t-shirt up slightly to show a VS Seeker clipped onto his belt, in a stylish silver and black colour.

“I saw your profile was updated,” he began airily. “Anyway…it looks like you took my advice after all. A wise move.”

“Yea…well thanks for the advice,” I said sarcastically. I felt slightly bad for my bitter attitude. After all, I wasn’t here to make enemies. I cleared my throat. “Want to join me?”

“No…” Razor Leaf replied. “No, not really…”

“Oh,” I said, somewhat crestfallen.

“But next time you’re having a little play-date, I do hope you’ll invite me,” he rasped, putting on a fake, sugary smile and skipping off, before muttering words beneath his breath.

“Shut up!” I cried, getting up. “I was being friendly.”

But my words only reached the back of Razor Leaf’s neck, as he was clearly trying to ignore me. He walked on, laughing to himself, which was when I made a bigger decision and clutched Mankey’s Pokeball.

“Come on then!” I shouted. “Battle me!”

He turned on the spot. Watching me with malice, his eyes were lit with a manic happiness as he grabbed a Pokeball of his own. Striding forwards, for he was a big man, Razor Leaf stood facing me with his Pokeball ready.

“Fine!” he cried happily. “1-1?”

“Great,” I said, unenthusiastically, marching over a few feet away. “All we need now is a referee.”

“Oh don’t be daft,” snapped Razor Leaf. “This isn’t an official match.”

“Ok then…” I said slowly, reaching for Mankey’s Pokeball. “I choose you!”

The ball flew from my grip, hitting the ground and bursting open. My brand new Mankey leapt forward, his face ruffled with fur and his little snout squashy and flat. He smirked happily. Razor Leaf saw this, pulling a ball from his belt and throwing it out very plainly. I had expected him to show off a certain degree of flair.

From the ball came a large, floating rock. It was an orange colour with large rocky horns sticking out all around its body, making it look like the sun. Eyes half-shut, it floated in mid-air, murmuring its name. It was a Solrock – a psychic type.

This was just what I needed, I thought, staring down at Mankey. He seemed eager to fight, even though he was going to have a very rough time. I pointed at the rock.

“Karate chop!” I shouted. Mankey leapt up, swiping his hand and dealing moderate damage. He leapt back down and landed clumsily. Solrock watched Mankey with ominous eyes.

“Fire spin!” Razor Leaf cried, as Solrock began spewing a spinning vortex of flames from its mouth. The flames began ensnaring Mankey, trapping him…oh my god! It was like Fantastic Four…where the Human Torch flies around Dr Doom…

“No! Dr Doom- I mean…Mankey!” I cried. “Dig!”

Scurrying underground frantically, Mankey evaded the flames and burrowed underground to a more safe part of the arena we were on. It was a simply arena, made from compressed sand.

“Earthquake!” cried my foe.

“No!”

A cunning tremor rumbled across the ground and rippled, coursing forward angrily and tearing up the firm ground. I heard a muffled scream as Mankey was buried under the mass of heavy sand.

“Mankey!” I cried desperately.

“Psychic,” Razor Leaf muttered, pointing at the jumbled up sand. Solrock hummed, brimming with blue energy as a similar blue aura enraptured Mankey. My Pokemon was gently lifted out of the sand, looking in awful shape. Fur ruffled, scratches over his body, he really was worse for wear. Solrock used its psychic power to hurl Mankey across the upturned sandy arena and at my feet.

“Nice try,” growled Razor Leaf. “Come back when you get some common sense.”

And as simply as that, Razor Leaf turned to walk away. I held Mankey in my arms, stepped forward and felt the anger rise up my body. The cheeky little git really had some nerve.

“HEY!” I snapped, as he walked off. “Don’t just walk off like that!”

But he simply raised a middle finger at me from behind. I fumed, watching him go, his Solrock floating at his side. His Solrock had incredible power, which, as I thought to myself, would have been less of a challenge had I used Sneasel. But the sad truth was I used Mankey to show off my new capture – the very capture Razor Leaf had encouraged me to go for.

“Grass types are weak,” he said softly. “The popular types in TMPL are fire, psychic, ice…even flying types. They wipe the floor with grass Pokemon. You want a fighting type.”

I hadn’t wanted a fighting type. I had wanted that Cacnea. Mankey was a really nice Pokemon, but given the choice I would have much preferred Cacnea. Damnit…I could cover rock types fine! That damn Razor Leaf and his influential ways…

Holding Mankey, I watched Razor Leaf go. The manipulative Veteran obviously had a lot of tricks up his sleeves. Even though I knew I should stay out of his way, a part of me yearned to go after him and make him pay for the humiliation he had demonstrated.

And that’s when it hit me. That’s when I truly appreciated that every action had a consequence, and that it’s the choices we make in life which determine who we are as people. I’d flown off the handle to prove myself Razor Leaf after he mocked my match against Girafarig. I set out to make a statement, and caught Mankey. Head feeling bigger than it should, I challenged him to a match – something he obviously expected, for he defeated me hands down, having probably calculated a way to defeat Mankey once he found out I’d caught it.

After that, I felt I really had learned my lesson. Since then, I don’t think I’ve ever been as arrogant to people. I don’t think I’ve ever been so irrational towards other people, either. When you learn a lesson, it really can hurt, but knowing you’ll never make the same mistake twice is a feeling that eases the pain.





Ch5:

-An popular veteran returns to TPML:

“He took on the entire TPML community at once!” she cried, awe-struck. “The match lasted so long…”

-Mysterys arise...

However, our silence was soon ruptured when there was a long, deep groan from across the lake. Perking up instantly, I looked across the glassy surface and tried to decipher the shape amid the thick fog. A huge shadowy form swept across the surface of the lake, but it was a mere shadow as it was cloaked by this perpetual mist…

-And manipulation is rife:

New Message:
From: Brit Chris

I challenge you to a 1-1 Pokemon match. You choose the location.



-All in Chapter five, coming soon!

[The Blue Avenger]

Hmmm... not a bad chapter. I must say, I quite honestly wasn't expecting Razor Leaf to be so... Ugh. Nasty.

Your battle descriptions continue to be excellent. Man, Chris is sure taking a beating so far... but I guess that's life, huh?

And I have a feeling I know who the star of the next chapter is... and if I'm not mistaken, I was in the battle in question. Heheh.

[Charizard04621]

Heh heh, you had fun twisting up PX's character, didn't you? =P *pokes PX* And don't tell me you changed into that! Ha.

Hmm, next chapter is OzAndrew, I believe. He had four pokémon against four people at once or something like that before. They only had one each, though. I wouldn't call that the whole community, but hey. Hmm, did I even sub ref a round of that...?

[The Blue Avenger]

Naw, I think the match Chris is referring to is when Andrew took on like 10 or 15 people in a mall. It was a fun match.

[Charizard04621]

Yeah, that's the match I was thinking about, except it wasn't that many people. Lots of people DQed out or never showed up. I might have sub-reffed at least one round of that match... Hmm, actually, nevermind, Cyrus might've been reffing and perhaps he showed it to me.

I think Oz had Misdreavus floating around doing nothing while everything else killed each other... Pretty sad, lol.

[The Blue Avenger]

Okay, yeah, it's the same match. But there were originally 10 people versus Andrew, even if about half of them got DQd.

[Charles Legend]

Chris, your doing just fine so far, I like the Charter line up so far, I can't wait to read chapter five, it should be a good one since Andrew style of battling has always been fun to read about.

I bet Chris well go back and Catch Cacnea soon right?

Btw Chris, even though I may not reply here that often don't think that I don't read this, because I do.

Oh yeah I remember that match, that well always be a classic even if it never did get finished...

~Charles legend

[Chris 2.1]

TBA: Hmm I'll leave you to figure out who the star of Ch5 is. Chris' record is crap so far, but he has a long way to go before the Tournament starts, and a long time to perfect his record. I agree Razor Leaf has shown his true colours here, and in the future proves to sink even lower to be as bad as you can get. Thanks for reading.

Karin: It's fun twisting Dan into a horrible devil-man, it really is. But after a while, it's second nature for him to be an absolute bastard when he's in a chapter. As for Ch5, it's a toss up as to who may be the star. I think some of you will guess soon enough. Glad you like it so far.

Charles: Oh I hope you do post frequently because I'm the type who needs support from people. Otherwise I just collapse. Lucky Charms is a fantastic example. I had like 10 rpeliers to Ch1, and it then dwindled to 1 by about Ch3. So I got all ranty and dropped it.

Anyway glad you like the way the fic is incorporating characters. Andrew's battling style is one unlike anything else in ASB, and it should make for some delightful reading. And whether or not Chris catches Cacnea is...well, unknown yet...

Thanks guys.

[RaZoR LeAf]

Oh yeah.. i'm EVIL! Whoo! And I totally owned Chris! I'm such a bastard.. heheh, great chapter Chris, totally looking forward to the next chapter. Especially if it's Andrew in the starring role.

[Wolfsong]

Another nice chapter. Keep up the great work. Congrats on the mankey, its interesting to see them in stories. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.