Unova League
Zeal: -bursts out laughing- That reaction was priceless... I'm so glad I recorded it.
-takes a contact out of his right eye, revealing his eye is green underneath.-
Yeah, that's right.
-pulls out a notebook and begins writing-
Jacob Iridis, check.
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Shauntal's Room
Herbert: Wrex, take the field!
Shauntal: Cofagrigus, go!
Cofagrigus: <Oh hai! Do you want a hug, little Scraggy?>
Herbert: Faint Attack, Wrex!
Wrex: <No! I wanna fight!>
-Wrex fades into the shadows and jumps out at the Cofagrigus... only to be swaddled in dusty old bandages as he makes contact with the sarcophagus.-
Wrex: <Eep!>
Cofagrigus: <Yay! Hugs! :3>
Shauntal: And so the first chapter of our story begins! Confagirus, use Swagger!
Cofagrigus: <Aw, but I don't want to! Look at this cute lil' Scraggy! Don't you just want to hug him and squeeze him and->
Wrex: <Hey! Stop calling me cute!>
-In his confusion, Wrex attempts to punch the bandage wrapped around his neck, only to miss and strike himself in the jaw.-
Wrex: <Owie...>
Shauntal: Now then, use Energy Ball!
Cofagrigus: <Well, if you're going to be like that, mister Scraggy... >:(>
-The Confagrigus blasts Wrex with a ball of glowing green energy at point-blank range, sending the Scraggy flying across the platform.-
Wrex: <That hurt...>
Shauntal: Ooh, this story is off to a thrilling start!
Herbert: Perhaps. But any good story needs three main parts - a beginning, middle and end. We're only just getting started here. Ripley, you're up next!
-Ripley emerges juggling a Dark Gem.-
Herbert: Where did you get that? I certainly didn't give you one.
Ripley: <Stole it from Joseph.>
Herbert: Wait, you did wh-
Ripley: <Too slow! Battling now!>
Ripley: <You see? My methods get results. That's why you keep me around, isn't it?>
Herbert: ...You know I'm going to have to buy a new Dark Gem for Joseph now, correct?
Ripley: <And? Small price to pay for the championship, if you ask me.>
Herbert: Fair point.
Shauntal: How fascinating! "The young man's bond with his Pokemon had grown like a verdant tree, to the point where he could converse with them as equals..."
Herbert: Ahem, battle?
Shauntal: Oh, right! Chandelure, you're up next!
Chandelure: <Hello.>
-Ripley bares her teeth.-
Ripley: <Remind me what I said earlier? Because I distinctly remember asking not to go up against a Chandelure. In fact, I believe I->
Shauntal: Fire Blast!
Chandelure: <Burn.>
Herbert: Two Pokemon down already... that's definitely not a good start.
Shauntal: "The challenger paused for a moment, locked in thought. His grey eyes twinkled with concentration as he pondered his next-"
Herbert: Will you stop that, please? I know exactly what I'm going to do here. Falchion, get ready for battle!
-The Pawniard surveys his surroundings for a moment, then turns to face the Chandelure with a determined expression.-
Falchion: <Well, now's as good a time as any to test out my new tricks...>
Herbert: Hone Claws, then Night Slash!
Chandelure: <Pain.>
-The Chandelure builds up another gout of fire and hurls it at Falchion, but the Pawniard disappears in a blur of speed, flashstepping out of the way of the attack.-
Herbert: ...Okay, I wasn't expecting that. Where the hell did you learn how to do that?
Falchion: <Three guessses, Lucius, and the first two don't count.>
-Before Herbert can give another order, Falchion darts forward and slashes at the Chandelure again.-
Chandelure: <Defeat...>
Unova League
-A man dressed in a formal suit enters the lobby, and looks up at Herbert's challenge on the monitors.-
Man: He's started already, I see.
-He takes a seat in the corner.-
edited 9th Jun '13 11:41:54 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.
-Ren watches Herbert's battle with Shauntal-
He's going to have to start exploiting secondary type weaknesses since almost all his Dark types are out of commission.
edited 9th Jun '13 11:46:43 AM by keys2tkingdom
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: -Does not notice the man because he's infuriated with Zeal- "ZEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAL!!!!!" -Lunges at Zeal-
Regina: -Sighs- I'll just go talk to Sakura, Seth should be done by now... -Walks off-
Argentum: -Does notice the man and walks decides to keep an eye on him-
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Shauntal's Room
Shauntal: Ooh, what a twist! But I've always found that the best twists come at the end of a story. Otherwise you'll see them coming! Drifblim, bring this chapter to a close!
Drifblim: <Another challenger with a Dark-type? I'd appreciate a little variety every once in a while.>
Falchion: <Oh, I'm fairly sure I'm not what you were expecting.>
Shauntal: Thunderbolt!
-The Driftblim attempts to bring down a bolt of lighting down on Falchion, only for him to flashstep next to the Driftblim with blades bared.-
Falchion: <Too slow.>
Herbert: Falchion, that was... that was excellent. I certainly didn't expect that from you, of all people.
-Falchion steps back a couple of feet, staring to glow with pulsing white energy.-
Herbert: Whoa, whoa, wait for a moment, Falchion! I understand that you're eager and all, but wait until she sends out her next Pokemon before-
Falchion: <This isn't an attack.>
-Suddenly, Falchion is consumed by a flash of white light, and a Bisharp stands in his place, examining his new hands curiously.-
Falchion: <Finally! Now I don't have to worry about being outranked by crazies like P-1. Time to->
Shauntal: Time to bring this story to a close! Everything is coming together, but who will be victorious in the end? Golurk, it's up to you to decide!
Falchion: <...Why did my first battle as a Bisharp have to be against a Golurk?>
Golurk: <WELL, I'M OVERJOYED, IF THAT MAKES YOU ANY HAPPIER.>
Shauntal: You know how this ends, Golurk!
Falchion: <Ack...>
Herbert: ...I guess he's not quite ready to be a leader yet. But maybe some day. Anyway! Kirk, you're on clean-up duty!
Golurk: <OH GOOD. A LUCARIO. THIS MAKES ME HAPPY.>
Herbert: Right, I need to get this over with quickly... it's against the rules for Pokemon to chain Foresight, but there's nothing to say I couldn't just-
Kirk: ~Um, Herbert? There's an easier solution here.~
Kirk: <See?>
Shauntal: ...For once, I'm at a loss for words. Your Pokemon battled with strength, determination and spirit. Even when they were hurt, they continued to put all their effort into the battle. Fortitude is needed if you're going to battle, don't you think? Because both you and your opponent get hurt. But if you don't understand the pain, you'll focus on the result and forget about the bonds with your Pokémon.
Herbert: I'm... not sure I understand.
Shauntal: I'm sure you do, even if you don't realise it. The joys of victory, the pains of defeat, but above all the thrill of battling... all serve to help us build stronger bonds with our Pokemon. That is what inspires me to write! Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to working on my novel...
-Shauntal turns away from Herbert and buries her head in her notebook. Herbert waits expectantly for a moment, before realising that he's not going to get anything else from her and heading back through the warp pad.-
Unova League
-The man gives a faint smile upon watching Herbert's victory, ignoring Argentum.-
Man: He's improved.
edited 9th Jun '13 11:51:01 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: -takes out the other contact, falls backward and continues laughing-
Seriously, I was going to do this a few days ago, but my shipme—
-notices the man, and points-
Hey, look, a person!
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
feeling blue
Unova League - Outside
"So... How do you feel in regards to her?"
"<I don't know, this came of all of sudden, I don't know what to do or feel in regards to all this.>"
"Hmm... From what I can see from your feelings... They're a bit of a mess. Well, here's a question that may help with this: What do you like in a girl?" asked Sakura, with a rather playful expression.
Seth then remains in silence as he tries to think of a response.
You're shivering. Are you afraid?
Unova League, lobby
-Mezzo is watching Herbert's battle-
He started with Marshal? What, does he want to lose?
...
...Wow. He got taken down fast...
...
Aww, Grimsley's Bisharp didn't even get to make a move.
...
He's really tearing through these guys, isn't he?
-Giri paws at the screen-
Giri: <Eee~>
Do not fear power... fear those who wield it.
Dunsparce Cloud
Unova League, lobby
-Every is sitting near Mezzo, stunned-
This is just too weird...is he still evil, though? I mean, he seems pretty harmless right now, but...
Breeze: <Herbert's really good at this.> -chimes-
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: "I'm just going to assume he beats Caitlin. So I'm going to focus ON YOU ZEA-"
-Looks at the person- "Oh hey another guy who likes wearing suits. I thought it was just me."
-Shakes head- "Zeal! Why would you do that to me? You've trolled me enough before now!"
Dirk: -See's the man and cowers a little, but says nothing in fear-
Argentum: -Stares intently at the man-
Unova League, Elsewhere
Regina: -See's Sakura is still talking to Seth, and decides she shouldn't be here right now, and turns around and quickly walks away-
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Unova League
Zeal: Oh, yeah... I guess you have a point... I wonder if the same trick would work on anyone else. I'd hate to think it was wasted...
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Central Chamber
-Herbert steps out into the main room, heals his team, then faces one of the doors.-
Herbert: Right. Just this one room left to go.
-He steps through the door. After a moment, he steps back out, shaking his head.-
Herbert: Nope. Been there before. It's that other one, isn't it?
Unova League, Caitlin's Room
-Herbert makes his way into Caitlin's chamber and heads up the stairs, noticably less hesitant this time around.-
Herbert: I've got a Scyther and three Dark-types on my team. This should be a cakewalk.
-He looks around the platform for Caitlin, before staring curiously at the flower in the middle of the room.-
Herbert: I can sense you in there, you know. What are you doing in that thing?
-The flower opens up and Caitlin emerges, floating towards Herbert and giving him an odd look.-
Caitlin: An Auric? How peculiar.
Herbert: Indeed. But I'd rather get this battle out of the way than compare notes regarding our various supernatural abilities.
Caitlin: As would I. You see, I look for Pokemon trainers possessed of a superior strength and kindness. And I can sense that you have one of those attributes, if not the other.
Herbert: Huh? Which one don't I-
Caitlin: Over these last few days, I have battled many superb trainers with superb teams. I'm counting on you to be one of them. Can you show me the same skill as you did when facing the other members of the Elite Four?
Herbert: ...I hope so.
Caitlin: You are uncertain.
Herbert: I got enough of this from Marshal. Could we just battle already? That's what we're both here for, isn't it?
Caitlin: Hmm... very well. Let us begin!
Unova League
-The man raises an eyebrow at Zeal, before returning Argentum's stare.-
Man: Yes. I am a person. Although I do not particularly enjoy wearing suits. I simply find them to be appropriate formal attire.
-He returns to watching Herbert's challenge.-
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.
You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Bored
-Dune takes his usual seat as he watches Herbert destroy the Elite Four. Zeal's sudden announcement doesn't really grab his attention, but Selene begins passively listening in to the nearby conversations out of curiosity.-
Fixed Profile page
Unova League
Eskay: -notices the person who happens to be a person- ~Hm. Five guesses who that is. Probably not a good idea to make a scene about it. We don't want another conflict like with Deimos.~
feeling blue
Unova League
Seth still remains silent for a good while
"Oh boy, this is going to take some time." thought Sakura, as she paciently waited.
Unova League
-While Ren is watching Herbert's challenge his pokegear rings.-
Ren: Hello.
-Ren's Secretary/Agent Sara is on the other end-
Sara: Ren, it's Sara. Where are you right now? I got a delivery from some of your sponsors. I'll have one of my Abra port it to where you are.
Ren: I'm at the Unova League with some friends. Have your Abra port it to the front desk.
Sara: Some you know challenging the League? Well I wish them luck. And I'll send the Abra right away, Ren.
-Ren hangs up and continues to watch Herbert's challenge-
edited 9th Jun '13 12:19:17 PM by keys2tkingdom
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Jacob: "... Okay then. Glad to know you're a person."
-Shakes head, to Zeal- "You could probably try pulling it on... no, I haven't seen Sam in a while and all the others who would actually get freaked out by that could just see your Aura and know it's you."
Regina: -Walks by and grabs Jacob- <We're talking whether you're busy or not.>
Jacob: "HE-" -Is cut off by being teleported-
Argentum: -Turns to watch Herbert, and to the man, mentally- He has improved quite a bit. Are you proud of him?
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Caitlin's Room
Herbert: Ripley, you're up first this time! Show her just what you can-
Falchion: <Actually, I'd rather go first.>
Herbert: ...How did you get out of your Pokeball?
Falchion: <You forgot to activate the lock. In any case, I want to see just how far I can get. So I'd like to lead the way.>
Herbert: I... suppose there's nothing wrong with that. Well, then, I guess you're heading the team, Falchion.
Caitlin: Musharna, go.
Falchion: <This one's for you, sir.>
Herbert: Hone Claws, then Night Slash!
-Falchion darts forward with his standard attack, his technique having changed very little since evolving.-
Musharna: ~Oof...~
Caitlin: ~Retaliate with a Charge Beam.~
Mushrana: ~Yes ma'am!~
Falchion: <Urk! How did you->
Herbert: Of course. You're a psychic, you don't have to rely on verbal commands, do you? That just made things a little more difficult...
Caitlin: Indeed. I believed Aurics had the same ability, but it appears I was mistaken.
Herbert: We do, but I'm... well, I'm still kind of new to it. Falchion, Hone Claws, then Night Slash again!
-Falchion charges at the Musharna again, but it dodges out of the way despite its slow speed.-
Mushrana: <Heard you coming!>
Caitlin: ~Charge Beam again.~
Falchion: <Grr... STOP THAT!>
Caitlin: Your Bisharp is not very imaginative.
Herbert: You're a Psychic-type trainer. He doesn't need to be.
Caitlin: We'll see about that. Reuniclus, go.
Herbert: You know, you'd make things a lot easier for yourself if you sent out a Gallade to counter the inevitable barrage of Dark-types I've got with me. Falchion, use Night-
Reuniclus: <Lol nope.>
Falchion: <Hurk... sorry, sir...>
Caitlin: A Gallade isn't the only way to counter Dark-types, you know.
Herbert: ...I'm now aware. Ripley, you're in charge!
Ripley: <Ah, I was wondering when we'd get to the Psychic-types. The wonderfully squishy Psychic-types.>
Herbert: Hone Claws, then Night Slash!
Caitlin: Do you honestly expect to brute force your way through my entire team?
Herbert: It's not a sophisticated tactic, I know, but it works.
Caitlin: For a time, yes. ~Reuniclus, Focus Blast.~
-Ripley is able to deftly dodge the massive blast of energy that is sent her way.-
Reuniclus: <I call hax.>
Herbert: Hone Claws, then Night Slash again!
Ripley: <One more hit, you stupid jelly, and you'll->
Reuniclus: <Trolololol.>
Ripley: <Oh come on!>
Herbert: Ripley, Hone Claws then-
Ripley: <Way ahead of you.>
-Caitlin gives a long yawn as her Reuniclus is taken down to just below half health.-
Cailtin: This game is beginning to bore me. Reuniclus?
-Before Ripley can react, the Reuniclus blasts Ripley with another huge blast of energy and sends her flying across the room.-
Reuniclus: <Pwned, n00b.>
Herbert: Damnit! Alright, Wrex, you're up next!
Wrex: <Yay! That rhymed!>
Herbert: How did you hear that if you were inside your... never mind. Use Crunch!
Caitlin: Herbert, wasn't it? Do try to be more imaginative. I didn't even need psychic powers to see that one coming. Sigilyph, you're up next.
Sigilyph: <TARGET ACQUIRED: SCRAGGY-CLASS POKEMON. TERMINATING WITH MODERATE PREJUDICE.>
Herbert: Wrex, use-
Caitlin: ~Air Slash, Sigilyph.~
Wrex: <Owie... I feel dizzy now...>
Herbert: Arceus, that's three Pokemon down already... all of them Dark-types, as well. She's not messing around. Bishop's the only mon I have left that has a type advantage...
Caitlin: You are not the only one capable of simple brute force tactics, you know. There is no amount of physical power that can best that of a skilled tactician. And even the strongest of trainers can find themselves outmatched by a few clever tricks.
Herbert: Yeah, I know that much.
Caitlin: But you don't. I think you and I both understand that I am the stronger trainer here. So far your successes have been down to type advantages and simple luck, but both of those will run out at some point. So, are you going to show some of the guile you used to defeat the other members of the Elite Four?
Herbert: ...Fine. You get to see just what my team can do when we're not holding back!
Unova League
-The man remains fully focused on Herbert's battle, though he does mentally acknowledge Argentum.-
Man Titan: Yes. Very.
Unova League
Zeal: Aw... Hey, do you think—
-Jacob is teleported away-
...Never mind, I guess...
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Unova League
-Pallad notices Titan as well.-
Pallad: ~...Hello, old foe.~
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Caitlin's Room
Herbert: Bishop, your turn!
Herbert: Finish off this... actually, how the hell do you even describe a Sigilyph, anyway? It's like this weird ball of feathers and glyphs and-
Bishop: <Orders, please? I could act autonomously, but this is your challenge, after all.>
Herbert: Right, of course. Swords Dance, then... no, actually. Double Team, then Struggle Bug!
Bishop: <oh? Very well, then.>
-Multiple copies of Bishop split off and dart around before harrassing the Sigilyph from every direction.-
Sigilyph: <OBSERVATION: TARGET APPEARS TO ATTEMPTING A DIVERSIONARY ATTACK. ALL POWER TO WEAPONS.>
Caitlin: ~Air Cutter, Sigilyph.~
-The Sigilyph fires off several blades of air, which connect harmlessly with several of the Bishop clones and dissipates them.-
Herbert: Again, Bishop!
Caitlin: ~Air Slash this time. And take care to hit the real one.~
Sigilyph: <UNDERSTOOD. CONFIRMING TARGET.>
-This time, the blade of air manages to hit the real Bishop, dealing him heavy damage but leaving his duplicates intact.-
Bishop: <Arck...>
Herbert: Hang in there, Bishop! Give it everything you've got! Swords Dance, then X-Scissor!
Bishop: <Right... here goes nothing.>
Sigilyph: <STATUS REPORT: ALL SYSTEMS FAILING. WEAPONS ARE OFFLINE. SHUTTING DOWN...>
Herbert: Great work, Bishop!
Caitlin: An elegant trick, to be sure. But the battle is not over yet. I must have gotten complacent to allow you to even get this far. I'll go all out if I have to win! Gothitelle, you're up.
Caitlin: ~Telekinesis, Gothitelle. Make sure those clones don't get in your way.~
-The Gothitelle nods and wordlessly grabs Bishop with psionic power, pinning him in place and dissolving all of his duplicates.-
Bishop: <Gah!>
Herbert: Struggle Bug again! Don't give up here, Bishop!
Bishop: <Wasn't... planning on it.>
Gothitelle: ~A valiant effort, certainly. But it does not alter your fate.~
Caitlin: ~Thunderbolt.~
Herbert: There goes my last real advantage... looks like I'm going to have to finish this fight just like I did all the rest... Kirk, it's your time to shine!
Kirk: <...I thought you weren't using me for this battle.>
Herbert: Change of plans. Things got a bit more heated than I expected. But I think it's time to show Caitlin that she's not the only one who doesn't need words to communicate. Calm Mind, then Dark Pulse!
Kirk: ~If you say so.~
-Kirk tenses himself for a moment, then blasts a wave of darkness at the Gothitelle.-
Gothitelle: ~Oof!~
Caitlin: I see your Auric abilities are finally proving to be useful. Gothitelle, Thunderbolt again!
Kirk: <Ack! These guys are getting tougher as we go along, aren't they...>
Herbert: Indeed they are. But we can't relent here. Dark Pulse, one last time!
Kirk: ~...Right. Let's finish this.~
Gothitelle: ~Aieee...~
Herbert: That's... that's it, isn't it? We finally won. We beat the last member of the Elite Four before the champion. Well done, Kirk...
Caitlin: Indeed. You and your Pokémon are both excellent and elegant. To have been able to battle against such a splendid team... of course, you still have a long way to go. But somehow, you have proven yourself by defeating me and the rest of the Elite Four. You are now free to face the champion herself.
Herbert: Right. So... this is it, then. Thank you.
Caitlin: Just remember. Winning is important, but what's more important is whether I've done better this time. Because if I can't surpass myself, I can't get close to my ideals. A loss in which you grew and developed is far superior to a victory in which you did not improve.
Herbert: Marshal said something similar.
Caitlin: I would imagine he did. They are wise words, regardless of who is speaking them. Now, I imagine you would rather not keep Iris waiting.
Herbert: Of... of course not. I'll be going now.
-Herbert walks back to the warp pad to return to the central chamber, thinking deeply to himself.-
Herbert: I needed almost my entire team just to beat her... what's it going to take to beat Iris?
Unova League
-Titan gives a small smile.-
Titan: Unorthodox. Not what I would have done, but it worked. He's beaten every member of the Elite Four.
-His smile disappears as quickly as it appeared.-
Titan: Pallad. I apologise profusely for Omega's behaviour a couple of days ago. She was acting against orders.
edited 9th Jun '13 12:24:20 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
Argentum: I see. That is all I had to ask. -Tromps away from Titan without a hint of concern-
Unova League, Elsewhere
Jacob: "Okay, so what happened?"
Regina: <... You know what happened between you and Sakura...?>
Jacob: "No. I don't. Because I would forget that happened to me. But seriously, Seth isn't in a relationship, to my knowledge, so he might just not be-"
Regina: <How did you->
Jacob: "You just came back from somewhere with the Scizor. Who else could you be wanting to talk about?"
Regina: <There are numerous flaws in that logic, Jacob.>
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
You're shivering. Are you afraid?
Unova League, lobby
Yep, Caitlin's still tricky, it seems.
Giri: <Eeeee!> -paws at the screen some more-
Do not fear power... fear those who wield it.
-Joseph is watching Herbert with intensity that has never been shown before (not even with Drayden)-
Unova League
Jacob: -Takes off sunglasses- "Well here you go you can have these-!!!" -Almost jumps back-
Regina: -To Jacob- This isn't who you think it is!
Jacob: But... the eyes... I-I guess... No. If you say it's not him, you mus be right. It's not fair for me not to trust you, Regina. -Hands Zeal the sunglasses-
"Are you wearing contacts?"
-Looks at the screen, then back to Zeal- Will you stop messing with my brain!?
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."