- Sitting around, staring at one of my notebooks -
Hmm...
DS' mindscape
Curiousity: (trying to shove a giant concrete block with a Smeargle's tail out of her room) Stupid writers block...
back
-Ren watches as Herbert Starts is challenge-
If the E4 think they can stomp this guy like others they have another think coming.
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Marshal's Room
Herbert: Okay, Bishop, you're up first! Let's show him just how tough we are!
Marshal: Mienshao, go!
Bishop: <Your orders, Herbert?>
Herbert: Aerial Ace, Bishop!
Bishop: <Very well. Apologies if this hurts.>
-Bishop takes off and darts straight at the Meinshao, slashing at it as he passes by and dealing a good deal of damage.-
Mienshao: <You're not the only one that can do that, you know.>
Bishop: <Urk!>
-Bishop retreats backwards to a safe distance, having been taken down to the high yellow.-
Herbert: Hmm... alright, Swords Dance, then Aerial Ace again!
Marshal: Your strength is impressive. As is that of your Scyther. Time to step things up a notch! Throh, you're up!
Throh: <Ready to taste defeat, challenger?>
Bishop: <If you think I will let us lose here, then I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed.>
Marshal: Stone Edge, Throh!
-The Throh fires a hail of razor-sharp rocks at Bishop... only for him to dart out of the way at the last minute, weaving through the air before facing the Throh again.-
Bishop: <Do remind me to thank Seth for that at some point.>
Sawk: <Gack! Right then, let's see you get out the way of this one!>
Bishop: <Too slow.>
Throh: <GRAH!>
-This time, the attack hits Bishop and he crashes to the ground, pinned underneath a massive pile of rocks.-
Bishop: <Urk... not quite there yet, I suppose...>
Herbert: Good work there, Bishop! But we're not finished yet. Maul, you're up!
Maul: <...>
Herbert: I realise this might be a bit of a tall order for you, Maul, seeing how you haven't had much practice since your injury and all. But that's okay. Just do the best you can, and I'm certain we'll be able to-
-Maul psionically grabs the Throh and slams it against the chamber walls with a loud THUD.-
Maul: <...>
Marshal: Impressive. I can see you're not holding back. Time to see just how long you can hold out! Go, Sawk!
Sawk: <...>
Maul: <...>
Marshal: Such determination! You've taken me down to my last Pokemon! But it is my duty to test you to your limits, and I will not stop here! Conkeldurr, lead the way!
feeling blue
Unova League
Seth just gives a wave at Jacob and then turns to Sakura "<Hey, Sakura, I need to talk to you, private.>"
"Huh? All right then." said Sakura, rather surprised with that coming out of nowhere
The two of them then go outside to talk with each other.
"Well, all right, I'll go there soon. Might as well talk with Darkrai for a bit, it's been a while" said Lyuri, with a shrug.
Dunsparce Cloud
Unova League, lobby
Breeze: <Yay! Go creepy Alakazam!>
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Regina: <H-Hey Jacob...? Could I talk to you about-?>
Jacob: "Whoa Herbert... with two Pokemon you brought Marshal down to... You've improved."
Regina: <Jacob!>
Jacob: You can talk to me like this, you know.
Regina: Oh... right...
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Meet The New Boss
Unova League
Umbra: Thank you, both of you... And trust me, Dune, Herbert already knows and won't let me hear the end of it. >_<
Squishy: <This Herbert chap is doing marvelously!>
Contact Me!
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Marshal's Room
Herbert: ...You know, I figured you'd have a Scrafty or something. It's an obvious counter to your obvious weakness.
Marshal: Scrafty are more Grimsley's territory, as you'll see when you face him. But I don't need that advantage to demonstrate my strength! Conkeldurr, Stone Edge!
-Maul is crushed beneath a hail of razor-sharp rocks.-
Herbert: No! Damnit, there goes my type advantage... now what am I going to do? The rest of my mons are going to get torn to shreds by Fighting-types...
Marshal: If you needed that advantage to win, was it really a victory in the first place?
Herbert ...You're right. A fight is only really interesting when you're at a disadvantage. Now this is a proper challenge! Kirk, you're up!
Kirk: <Wait, this is Marshal's room. Did you get my ball mixed up with Maul's or something?>
Herbert: Nope. I reckon you're tough enough to finish this battle off, even when you're at a disadvantage. You up for this, Kirk?
Kirk: <Um... I think so.>
Herbert: ...And did I really say all of that out loud?
Marshal: Yup. Remember, a true fighter never lets his opponent know what he's thinking!
Herbert: Well, I certainly don't plan on doing that again. Kirk, Calm Mind, then Psychic.
-Kirk looks slightly uncomfortable upon recieving the mental command, but clears his mind before blasting the Conkeldurr with psionic energy.-
Marshal: Conkeldurr, strike back! Use Hammer Arm!
Conkeldurr: <Stop! Hammer time!>
Kirk: <Seriously? You're actually going to->
-Kirk is hit and knocked back a fair distance, taken down to just below half health.-
Kirk: <Okay, no more messing around.>
Marshal: Now, finish him with a-
Herbert: Kirk, Calm Mind, then Psychic again!
Kirk: <That's it, isn't it? We win. Thank Arceus for that...>
-Herbert observes the scene for a moment, before grinning widely at Marshal.-
Herbert: Hardly an original combination, but it worked, didn't it?
Marshal: Indeed. You and your Pokemon are possessed of a considerable strength. It makes my heart dance! But listen. Even if you lose in battle, if you surpass what you've done before, you have bested yourself. Take the opportunity of a battle to look at your opponent, look at the Pokémon involved, and look at yourself!
Herbert: ...Why are you telling me this?
Marshal: Because I'm guessing that you do not deal with losing well. Rather like I used to be.
-Marshal returns Herbert's smile.-
Marshal: There are three more strong trainers in this Pokemon League that you have to face. They are all far stronger than I am! Do not underestimate them!
Herbert: I won't. Thank you, Marshal.
-He shakes Marshal's hand, then returns to the lobby via the warp pad.-
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Unova League
-Eskay smirks-
Eskay: No reason to doubt him. He beat me, I beat them, so he van beat them. It's simple math.
Unova League
Zeal: -very monotone- Heh. He did well.
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: "Whoo! Keep it up, Herbs! You said it yourself, if you could handle Marshal, you can do the rest of this! And why do I keep forgetting you people can't hear what I say through the screen!?"
-To Eskay- "He's improved a lot since Virbank. He'll be able to go all the way to Iris, no doubt."
-To Zeal- ".... He did. Could I see thos sunglasses for a second? I thought I saw something..."
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Unova League
Zeal: ...What did you see?
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Central Chamber
-Herbert returns here, and looks around for a moment.-
Herbert: Right. Grimsley next. His room is... that one, if I remember correctly.
Unova League, Grimsley's Room
-After healing his Pokemon with a pair of Max Revives and a Full Restore, Herbert steps through the door into Grimsley's room and onto the stairs, only to find his way blocked by a series of huge talons laid across the staircase. He reaches his hand forwards.-
Herbert: Huh. How are you supposed to-
-Suddenly, the blades all swing upwards and open the way through to the staircase, and Herbert's hand darts back.-
Herbert: GAH! Arceus, and I thought Skyla's gym was dangerous...
-Nervously, he makes his way up the staircase, until he steps onto Grimsley's elaborately decorated lounge of a platform. The Elite Four member is slouched on his sofa, but stands up upon Herbert's approach.-
Grimsley: My oh my, there has been a lot of challengers over the past few days, hasn't there? No matter. What will be determined here is which of us can absorb the opponent's light and shine... but who will decide that? It shall be I, Grimsley of the Elite Four, and I will fulfill my duty to be your opponent.
Herbert: Well, I am Herbert of the J-Team, and I will do the same.
-Grimsley gives a small chuckle.-
Grimsley: You are confident, I can see that much. But it is my duty to see whether or not that confidence is misplaced. Now then... heads or tails, Herbert?
Herbert: Huh?
Grimsley: I asked if you would prefer to chose heads or tails.
Herbert: Um... heads, please.
-Grimsley flips a coin up, then snatches it out of the air and places it on the back of his hand. He sighs, before turning back to Herbert.-
Grimsley: Heads it is. You go first.
Dunsparce Cloud
Unova League, lobby
Breeze: -blinks- <Well, that's kind of odd.>
Meanwhile
-Every awkwardly pats Umbra-
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Unova League
Eskay: No doubt he could beat Iris.
feeling blue
Unova League - Outside
"So? What is it?" asked Sakura, curiously
"<Regina.>"
"Oh, you figured it out?"
"<... You knew?>"
Sakura just nods, to which Seth just looks at her with an annoyed expression, he quickly dismisses it though and goes back to the topic in question.
"<Anyway, since you're already informed, what do I do about it?>"
"Well... It depends if you like her or not."
"<... I never really thought of her as more than a friend at best.>"
Sakura got slightly intrigued by that "'At best?'"
"<Well, we had a bad start and in general we don't talk to each other much, hell, one of her recent meetings had me arguing with her while trying to keep a secret.>"
"... Point, well..."
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Grimsley's Room
Herbert: Bishop, you're leading the way again!
Grimsley: Liepard, go!
Herbert: Swords Dance, then X-Scissor!
-Bishop dances forward and slashes at the Liepard with an X-bladed swing, dealing heavy damage.-
Liepard: <Quit dancing and fight me properly, you sissy!>
Bishop: <Was my attack not sufficently powerful? I can attempt to use another buff, if you wish.>
Grimsley: Retaliate with Aerial Ace, Liepard!
Bishop: <Wait, wh->
Bishop: <GAH! How did... how did you manage to do that?>
Liepard: <Practice.>
Herbert: Keep it together, Bishop! Swords Dance again, then Brick Break!
Liepard: <Hah! Work on your dance routine a bit, bug brain, then you might be able to->
Bishop: <Talk about a delayed reaction...>
Herbert: Good start, Bishop!
Grimsley: Indeed it was. Not a bad choice at all... but nothing in a battle matters but the final outcome. Scrafty, take the field!
Scrafty: <Grr... I'm getting bored of crushing challengers.>
Herbert: ...Seriously? You're sending out a Scrafty to fight a Scyther? You've put yourself at a double weakness here! I know I shouldn't complain about my opponent making mistakes, but you're an Elite Four member, you should know-
Grimsley: Scrafty, Rock Slide.
Herbert: ...
Grimsley: I like you, Herbert, so I'm going to tell you my secret. Do whatever it takes to win! Stack the tables, fix the dice, and don't be afraid to punch below the belt. A beautiful loss is still a loss, and an ugly win is still a win!
Herbert: Your advice is very different to Marshal's.
Grimsley: What did you expect? I am a pragmatist; I fight to win. Marshal fights for the sake of fighting. Now, as fascinating as I am finding this conversation to be, don't we have a battle to be getting on with?
Herbert: Right. Wrex, you're up next!
Wrex: <Yay! Time to fight!>
-Grimsley stares at the Scraggy for a moment, before giving a faintly amused chuckle.-
Grimsley: Did you not have time to finish your training before challenging me? I thought you would have at least taken the time to evolve him before getting this far.
Herbert: Oh, I've tried. Trust me. You'd be surprised. Wrex, use Brick Break!
-With surprising speed, Wrex charges forward and slams the Scrafty with a heavy karate chop, sending it skidding back. Grimsley's smile disappears.-
Grimsley: Fair enough. I'm not going easy on you because you have a kid in the party, though. Scrafty, Hi Jump Kick!
-The Scrafty takes a running jump and aims a kick at Wrex's head, only for the young Scraggy to duck under the attack and dodge it, causing the Scrafty to crash into the opposite wall.-
Wrex: <Ooh! This is fun!>
-The Scrafty staggers back, growling slightly.-
Scrafty: <Right, I'm getting tired of this little game.>
Grimsley: Brick Break, Scrafty.
-The Scrafty hits Wrex hard across the face, only for the Scraggy to bounce back.-
Wrex: <Hey! You copied me! Well now I'm going to copy you!>
Scrafty: <Hurk...>
-Grimsley blinks.-
Wrex: <Yay! I won!>
Grimsley: ...Just what have you been feeding that Scraggy, exactly?
Herbert: Poffins. Lots and lots of Poffins.
Grimsley: Ask no questions and receive no lies, I suppose. Krookodile, deal with this Scraggy!
edited 9th Jun '13 12:13:01 PM by Herbert40k
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: -To Eskay- "No doubt he will. He's won the game, I guess, now we're just watching how he plays it."
-Shakes head- "I'm still a little upset that the entire Elite Four and Champion pulled full teams all with hold items on me. I haven't seen, did they do that for anyone else?"
-Looks back at screen- "Well this is almost embarassing considering what Grimsley got me down to."
-To Zeal- "I thought I saw... nevermind it was obviously my imagination. Regardless could I see those? I don't own any and I'd like to see if I'd like to get some."
Regina: J-Jacob...
Jacob: I promise Regina, we'll talk in a second I mean-
Regina: So watching Herbert and check which Zeal is here is more important than-
Jacob: If it's Red Eyes, then we're in dnager. That's why I want to check. I'll give you full attention after that. You're absolutely right. You're more important than Herbert's match.
edited 9th Jun '13 11:22:16 AM by Verax
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Unova League
-Watches the battle with Grimsly-
Ren: Keep the momentum and constantly push for more. Never let a gambler take a chance.
-Ren can be seen by anyone and is free for interaction-
edited 9th Jun '13 11:21:51 AM by keys2tkingdom
Unova League
Zeal: ...Fine. -Takes off the sunglasses and hands them to Jacob. His eyes are closed.-
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Grimsley's Room
Grimsley: I believe an Earthquake should be enough, Krookodile.
Krookadile: <Yes sir!>
Wrex: <Uh oh...>
Grimsley: I told you I wouldn't go easy on that Scraggy.
Herbert: And you weren't lying. Kirk, time to finish this off!
Kirk: ~Seriously? You're sending me up against a Krookadile? I don't think I can-~
Herbert: You'll be fine, Kirk. You only have to take the one hit.
Grimsley: A Lucario... hmm. Krookodile, use-
Herbert: Aura Sphere, Kirk!
-Kirk takes advantage of his superior speed to blast the Krookadile with a ball of crackling orange Aura, sending it staggering back a bit.-
Krookodile: <Ooh! You've got a really pretty Aura! Can you->
Kirk: <Call me pretty again, and I use Superpower next time.>
Grimsley: Krookadile, use Earthquake again!
Krookodile: <Aw! Maybe next time, okay?>
-Kirk is knocked off his feet and taken down into the red, but he jumps back up, his fists glowing with Auric energy.-
Kirk: <...That was the one hit, correct?>
Herbert: Indeed it was. Close Combat, Kirk! Time to end this!
Krookodile: <GAH! I didn't hit you that hard, did I...>
Grimsley: Good, good... but I will never retreat from any battle. And as a gambling man, I'm willing to bet that your Lucario can't survive another blow.
Herbert: If I'm lucky, he won't need to.
Grimsley: It doesn't matter whether or not luck smiles on you during a battle. What matters is that you find a way to triumph! Bisharp, go!
Kirk: <...Oh, now you're not even trying.>
Herbert: See?
-Grimsley looks Herbert up and down for a moment, before giving him a slow clap.-
Grimsley: Well done. You won, and I lost. Savour it. See, victory shines like a bright light. And right now, you and your Pokémon are shining brilliantly. Bright enough to vanquish even the deepest darkness.
Herbert: You're taking defeat remarkably well.
Grimsley: A real warrior doesn't dash off in pursuit of the next victory, nor throw a fit when experiencing a loss. A real warrior ponders the next battle. Remember that. Results are the only thing that matters in battle, but it is more important to master the cards you're holding than to complain about the ones your opponents were dealt. Bear that in mind, as you face my two remaining colleagues.
Herbert: I will. Thank you for the challenge, Grimsley.
Grimsley: Oh no. The pleasure's all mine.
-Herbert gives Grimsley a nod, before turning around and taking the warp pad out.-
edited 9th Jun '13 12:13:30 PM by Herbert40k
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: Well I think this is Red Eyes now, considering how he's trying not to reveal who he is. Zach wouldn't mess with me, and Zeal can't be trolling me because he shouldn't know about how I have bad memories of him like this... Regina, try reading his mind. -Takes the sunglasses and puts them on, looking around with them-
"Huh. This is... weird. Also kind of cool. I can see why people who deal with a lot of sun might wear these."
Regina: -Attempts to read Zeal's mind-
Jacob: "Whoa. Herbert you are just tearing through these guys. Keep it up!"
edited 9th Jun '13 11:27:04 AM by Verax
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Central Chamber
-Herbert steps out into the main room once again, and compares the two remaining doors.-
Herbert: ...Well, one of these two has to be Shauntal's room, right?
Unova League, Shauntal's Room
-Herbert takes another few moments to heal his team, before making his way up the thin staircase dimly illuminated by purple flames. He steps onto the platform, surrounded by piles of levitating books, and takes a moment to survey the area.-
Herbert: Huh. Where is she? No obstacles, no traps... this seems way too-
-Suddenly, the purple flames disappear, and the platform is plunged into darkness.-
Herbert: O... kay. I'm sure this is meant to happen, for whatever reason.
-The flames flash back on, revealing a purple-clad figure silhouetted in front of Herbert.-
Herbert: GAH!
-He jumps backwards and lands on his backside, only to scramble up and attempt to look as dignified as possible - a difficult task, considering that he now has a length of manuscript poking out of the back of his trousers.-
Herbert: This place is deliberately designed to freak people out, isn't it?
Shauntal: Oh? I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you. I'm busy writing the opening chapter for my next novel. "The trainer's red eyes burnt with determination, but I could see the sorrow behind the flames. Our Pokemon were equally matched on the field of battle, and yet his had the spark, the drive required to succeed..."
Herbert: Um... not that your novel isn't important, but shouldn't we be battling?
Shauntal: But the writing is just as important as the battle itself. I absolutely love writing about the close bonds between the Trainers and the Pokémon that I've competed against. It is a way for me to capture all the tension and excitement of the battle. Who knows? Maybe the bond between you and your Pokemon will be strong enough to compel me to write your story!
Herbert: As much as I'd appreciate more fanfiction about me, I'd rather we just get this battle over and done with.
Shauntal: Very well. I'm the Elite Four's Ghost-type Pokémon user, Shauntal, and I shall be your opponent.
edited 9th Jun '13 11:35:03 AM by Herbert40k
Trans rights are human rights. JK Rowling preaches hate. If you sit at a table with five bigots and say nothing, there are now six bigots.
Unova League
-Zeal opens his eyes. They are red. Regina may notice that this is not Red Eyes Zeal when reading his mind, however.-
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
-Dune's smile becomes less wry and more natural.-
Dune: One thing my dad taught me is that, when talking about people, "the past is past and staring's only going to make it look worse". If you've reflected on what you've done, and you know that you turned from that path of your own free will, then in my book you're already redeemed.
-Dune gives a sweeping gesture toward the rest of the group.-
Dune: Plus, you've got a whole slew of friends who you've known way longer than me who'll probably say the same thing. Just... don't tell that Herbert guy yet. He seems just about ready to explode as it is.
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