Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Central Chamber
-Herbert returns to the main room to heal his team, but instead of simply sending out the injured mons, he lets out his entire team. He applies the requisite healing items, then hands round a number of Poffins and kneels next to his Pokemon.-
Herbert: How are you guys holding up? Doing okay so far?
Bishop: <Mostly.>
Herbert: Glad to hear it. I just wanted to say... well, thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for me up until this point. I mean, it goes without saying that without you, I'd never have gotten this far. Now, there's just the champion to go. You ready for this, guys?
Bishop: <Of course.>
Maul: ~Yes.~
Ripley: <As ready as I'll ever be.>
Wrex: <Yup! I'm super ready!>
Falchion: <Yes, sir.>
Kirk: <...>
Herbert: Glad to hear it. Now then, let's get going, shall we? Like Caitlin said, we don't want to keep Iris waiting.
-He recalls them all, with the exception of Kirk. The Lucario looks at him curiously, and he responds by kneeling down until the two are at eye-level.-
Herbert: ...Do you want to do this, Kirk?
Kirk: <Huh?>
Herbert: If you don't think you're ready for this, the rest of the team can take care of things. I don't want to be dependant on you - I mean, I needed you to finish off each of the Elite Four. I don't want to force or pressure you into this. This is my challenge, not yours. So... if you want to back out here, I'll understand.
Kirk: <...No. I'm fine. I'm ready. We're going to win this.>
Herbert: Are you sure, Kirk?
Kirk: <Certain.>
Herbert: ...If you say so. Again, thank you for this, Kirk.
-He stands up, recalls Kirk, then hesitates for one last time before making his way up the spiral staircase towards the Champion's room.-
edited 9th Jun '13 12:30:59 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.
-Joseph watches, thinking-
You are going to win, Herbert. If I can win, then you can.
Unova League
Pallad: <~Apology accepted. However, your apologies will need to be directed toward Dylan as well. Perhaps he'll show up later.~>
The Wanderer
-Notices Titan and does a quick Aura read-
Similar to Herbert's...and they look kinda alike too. Must be his dad.
-Decides to merely observe for now-
Eating a Vanilluxe will give you frostbite.
Dunsparce Cloud
Unova League
Breeze: <Caitlin was silly.> -chimes- <Go Herbert!>
edited 9th Jun '13 12:40:20 PM by memyselfandI2
Dunsparce didn't stop being a thing or anything.
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Champion's Room
-Noticably more hesitant now, Herbert continues to ascend the stairs and up onto the pyramid, occasionally glancing around nervously.-
Herbert: This is it, now. Keep it together. I can't afford to lose it all here...
-Eventually, he makes his way up to Iris' chamber, and stops. He stares for a moment at the star-filled backdrop of the battlefield and the massive golden throne, awestruck by the spectacle.-
Herbert: Well, this place certainly looks impressive...
???: Oh, hey there!
Herbert: Huh?
-He spins around, only to see a surprisingly young-looking girl in a very frilly dress approaching him.-
Iris: You're Herbert, aren't you? I've been waiting for this!
Herbert: As have - wait a second, how do you know who I am?
Iris: Drayden told me about you!
Herbert: Wait, he did?
Iris: Yup! I talked to him a couple of weeks ago! He said he'd battled this strange challenger who looked like you for the second time. Apparently you were very competetive, and hated losing! But he said you were strong as well, especially the second time around! And you know what? I really look forward to having serious battles with strong Trainers!
Herbert: ...I have to say, you are certainly not what I was expecting from the Unova Champion.
Iris: People say that a lot, for some reason! But I got here the same way you did! By beating the Elite Four, and then the champion! Do you want to know how? Because me and my Pokemon fought with every fiber of our being! And now I get the chance to battle challengers who do the same! If I battle with people like that, not only will I get stronger, my Pokemon will, too! And we'll get to know each other even better!
Herbert: So... you battle as a way to get to know your Pokemon better?
Iris: Of course! You don't?
Herbert: No, I do, it's just that... well, you said this is a chance to get stronger, correct? Well... I want to prove that I'm strong enough. That I can get into the Hall of Fame, like my friends can.
Iris: Hmm. OK! Brace yourself! I'm Iris, the Pokemon League Champion, and I'm going to defeat you!
Herbert: Well, thanks for the confidence boost...
Unova League
Titan: I do not plan on staying here for long. I have no need to remain here beyond observing my son's challenge.
-He looks back at the screen, his face creasing in concentration.-
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: Come on, Herb, you can do this.
Pallad: <~Very well. I suppose I can deliver the message.~>
-stares intently at the screen-
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League, with Regina
Regina: <... So what should I do?>
Jacob: "Um.... Yes?"
Regina: <....... No Jacob. I'm sorry but that's the wrong answer.>
Jacob: "Oh. Um... I don't know, actually. Usually I'm the one coming to you for help with these things! But... Maybe you could talk to Sakura?"
Regina: <She's talking with Seth.>
Jacob: "Oh, um... Maybe you could get Seth alone and-"
Regina: <The moment you said Seth it became a bad idea.>
Jacob: "HEY! I haven't done this before! Cut me some slack..."
Regina: <You do know by giving me advice, if I follow it you are directly responsible for whatever happens to Seth and my friendship, right?>
Jacob: "... I'll admit, I honestly felt under a lot less pressure when I was facing Grimsley with just Pest compared to after you said that."
Regina: -Sighs- <Even when I come to you for help, you're the one who ends up getting more help.>
Jacob: "That was kinda mean. I won't even try to argue the validity of the statement because it is true, but it was still kind of mean regardless."
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Champion's Room
???: This is it. The Unova League Champion. One of the strongest trainers in the region. This is the battle that will finally prove whether or not you're good enough. And you're going to lose.
???: There's no point in trying to deny it. It was obvious since the beginning. You're a failure, you know that. Everyone knows that. Even when you are on the cusp of victory, you still manage to achieve a defeat. Even with all the odds stacked in your favour, you still can't win.
???: Did you honestly think the others believed you could win here? Of course they don't. Your own "girlfriend" couldn't even be bothered to come and cheer you on as you lose. You're a joke to them.
???: What are you even doing here in the first place? You're way out of your league. You're travelling with some of the strongest trainers in the world, battling some of the strongest trainers in the world, and yet you can barely even raise your own Pokemon. Just take a look around you.
???: DS took down the entirety of Team Galactic alone. Eskay and Joseph both beat entire Leagues using only one Pokemon. Tagg has challenged more champions than he cares to remember. What have you accomplished?
???: Nothing, that's what. You're nothing. Whilst the others will be immortalised in the Hall of Fame forever, you will fade into obscurity. Forever eclipsed by those around you. Unable to do anything for yourself.
???: No matter where you go or what you do, you'll still a failure. The same whiny, idiotic, bigoted, judgmental, overconfident kid that left home four years ago.
???: The only person holding you back is yourself.
???: You're pathetic.
Unova League
-Titan's expression wavers almost imperceptibly, though his mental tone does not change.-
Titan: I see. From what I know of Dylan, however, he will likely not be as receptive as you were.
edited 9th Jun '13 12:43:35 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.
-looks about to scream in frustration-
Unova League, right before Herbert's Champion battle started
-Ren returns with Ren accompanied by Rio and Erik. Ren holds a Luxury ball, a Heavy ball, a Dusk ball in his right hand. Rio is carrying an envelope and package. Erik is psychically hovering four pokemon eggs in incubators. They sit at a table as Ren notices the monitors-
Ren: Good. Right on time. Good luck Herbert. You'll preform admirably I'm sure.
Unova League, during Herbert's Champion battle
Ren: Oh dear, that not good.
edited 9th Jun '13 1:32:10 PM by keys2tkingdom
feeling blue
Unova League
Lyuri, Duke and Grant have been watching the challenge the entire time
"Here hoping he wins." said Grant
"Yeah, if he doesn't, he will be moping for days." said Lyuri
"... It's sad that I have to agree with you about that." said Duke.
Unova League - Outside
Seth then gives a sigh "<I like tough girls I suppose, one that can fight by herself and also someone for me to spar with every now and then, and also someone fun to hang around with, but that also isn't too clingy, after all I do like to stay alone sometimes.>" he said, looking up.
"Well, from what I know that fits Regina rather well." said Sakura, rather impressed
"<I guess.... But I'm still not sure...>"
"It's really different to see you like this you know?" said Sakura, in a playful tone then starting to giggle for a bit "But in any case, maybe you two just need to spend some more time together so you can sort out what you think of her."
"<I don't know about that, I'm pretty sure it would be awkward for both sides.>"
Sakura is then struck silent as she tried to come up with another solution.
Unova League
Pallad: <~Indeed. Which is why it's probably for the best that I tell him while you are gone. We wouldn't want to start another incident like we did with Deimos.~>
Eskay: ~Come on, Herb, pull through this!~
You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Bored
Dune: Something's not right. He looked like he was going through a PTSD flashback as the battle went on. It's like something sapped all of his confidence.
Fixed Profile page
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Argentum: <YOU CAN DO EET HERBS! YOU CAN DO EET!> -Tromps and stomps in excitement-
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
Unova League
Zeal: I'm betting he's going to lose, but hoping he's going to win...
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
Not A Lawyer
Unova League, Champion's Room
-Herbert hesitates for a moment, now pale and shaking slightly, and Iris gives him an odd look.-
Iris: Are you okay? You've been very quiet so far!
Herbert: ...I'm fine. I can still win this. I still have the one Pokemon. The one Pokemon who's helped me beat every challenge I've faced today. Kirk, I choose you!
Herbert: You ready for this, Kirk?
Kirk: <...Yeah. I can finish this off. Just like I did the last four times.>
Herbert: Excellent. Aura Sphere, Kirk!
-Kirk charges up one of his characteristic balls of bright orange Aura, before hurling the crackling sphere at the Archeops and sending it flying backwards.-
Archeops: <Caw! What did I ever do to you, huh?>
Kirk: <Shut it, bird. I didn't come this far just to listen to your babbling.>
Iris: Dragon Claw, Archeops!
-Kirk braces himself and endures the attack, glaring back up at the Archeops.-
Kirk: <You're going to need more than that to beat me, I'm afraid.>
Herbert: Stone Edge!
Kirk: <This, on the other hand, should be more than enough to deal with you.>
Iris: Not bad! You're pretty tough! But I still have two Pokemon left, whilst you only have your Lucario! Do you still think you can win this?
Herbert: ...No. I don't think I can win. But I need to win. I'm not giving up here! Not after everything I've been though to get to this point!
Iris: Hmm... I think it's time. Time to show you just how strong the bond between me and my Pokemon is! Haxorus, go!
-Haxorus eyes Kirk up and down for a moment, before adopting a battle stance.-
Haxorus: <So you are the challenger's final Pokemon. Rather surpising that he would stake everything on such a frail mon.>
Kirk: <"Frail"? I'm not sure what kind of Lucario you've been fighting, but I'm tougher than that. Tough enough to get this far, at least.>
Iris: Haxorus is my best Pokemon! But on top of that, she's also my best friend! Without her help, I wouldn't have been able to beat Alder, and I wouldn't be champion! I owe her everything! Our bond is strong enough to beat even the toughest of challengers!
-She gives Herbert a cheerful look, but there is a meaningful glint in her eyes.-
Iris: Do you and your Lucario have the same bond?
Herbert: ...Kirk, Dragon Pulse! Take the initiative!
-Kirk hesitates for a moment, before opening his mouth and breathing a gout of draconic fire at Haxorus.-
-Haxorus disappears behind the flames, only to step forward as they disperse, virtually unscathed. Kirk stares in disbelief.-
Kirk: <How did you->
Haxorus: <You don't get to be a champion's starter without a certain level of endurance.>
Iris: Now, Haxorus! Earthquake!
-Haxorus stomps her foot down on the ground and creates a massive tremor, knocking Kirk off his feet and slamming him to the floor.-
Kirk: <Oof...>
Herbert: Damnit! Kirk, are you okay?
Kirk: <I'm... I'm fine. Gonna take more than that...>
Herbert: Thank Arceus... alright, use Close Combat! Give it everything you've got!
-Kirk heaves himself to his feet, his fists starting to glow with Auric energy. He charges at Haxorus, punching every inch of her that he can reach.-
-Haxorus doesn't flinch. Kirk continues futilely punching for a moment before easing off, looking up at Haxorus with an expression of dawning realisation on his face.-
Kirk: <...I'm not good enough, am I?>
Haxorus: <Not yet. I'm sorry to disappoint you after coming so far, but I fight to win. And I'm not going to make an exception for you.>
Iris: Haxorus, Draco Meteor!
Haxorus: <You fought well, Lucario.>
-Haxorus gives another heavy stomp of her foot, and a massive c☄met descends out of the starry backdrop with a rumbling roar, slamming into Kirk at full force.-
Herbert: NO!
-Kirk is sent flying against the wall by the attack and falls to the ground on his knees, panting.-
Herbert: Come on, Kirk, we can still do this! Use Close Combat, or Force Palm, or Dragon Pulse, or something!
-Kirk continues to breathe heavily, trying to regain his strength.-
Herbert: Just the one more move, Kirk... one more move and we can win here...
-Kirk collapses onto all fours, and whatever traces of determination were present on Herbert's face immediately disappear.-
Herbert: Please, Kirk... one more Close Combat, p-please...
Kirk: <I... I can't...>
-With a sigh, Kirk's arms give way and he crumples to the ground, defeated.-
Herbert: ...
Iris: I'm sorry.
Herbert: ...
...
...
...
...
...
Why can't I do anything right?
Unova League
Titan: You are correct on all counts.
-Titan gives a small sigh, and stands up.-
Titan: I suppose I had better attend to him.
-He walks out of the lobby.-
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.
........
Fuck.
edited 9th Jun '13 12:52:33 PM by ILoveDogs
Unova League Lobby
Maggie: Well, then...
"Don't worry, murder is a sign of affection." - An amalgamation of Dunsparce
Dunsparce Cloud
Unova League, lobby
Breeze: <...Ow. 
>
Unova League
Zeal: Won my bet, then... Better go and try to cheer him up.
"Even if everything has been predestined, will you not oppose it?"
The Pokémon Genius
Unova League
Argentum: -Frowns, actually frowns with his Metagross face- <He'll be hurt by this, but it's alright. He'll move on. He still improved magnificently. Besides, I doubt any one of us here thinks any less of him for that.>
"If there is no way to win, I will simply force a way."
feeling blue
Unova League
"Everybody, get ready for all the self-loathing." said Lyuri, as snarky as she was, her expression was one of clear pity
"So close..." said Grant, with a sigh.
"There goes all the confidence he may have had." said Duke, also sighing.
-While Ren continues to watch Herbert challenge ignorant of Titan's presence, when a voice comes over the intercom system-
Receptionist: Paging Mr. Clavis. Paging Mr. Renard Clavis. A delivery has arrived for you at the main reception desk. Would you please come and receive it? Repeat, Mr. Renard Clavis, a delivery has arrived for you at the main reception desk and would you please come and receive it? Thank you.
-Ren stands up and heads for the main reception desk.-
Ren: -to himself- Wonder what is this time?
edited 9th Jun '13 12:30:55 PM by keys2tkingdom