ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Sinnoh League

Aaron: -Recalling Flygon- Your team has definitely gotten stronger than it was when we first battled, but it's not over yet!

-Getting out his last ball-

We'll keep battling till the bitter end!

Drapion: -Is sent out, wearing a Scope Lens-

Aaron: Drapion, use X-Scissor!

Drapion: -Slashes at Nudi with his claws-

Nudi: -Is sent flying back, taking a couple seconds to right himself and slide away from Drapion's followup strike-

Earth Power!

Nudi: -Cries out as golden energy erupts below Drapion-

Drapion: -Is sent flying, but comes back down with an X-Scissor prepared-

Now!

Nudi: -Flattens himself down so the X-Scissor passes over him-

Earth Power again!

Nudi: -Summons the energy again, it hitting Drapion right in the stomach-

Drapion: -Faints-

Aaron: -Recalling Drapion- Looks like I've lost completely, but I hope you've been reminded of how powerful bug Pokémon can be.

-As the door unlocks-

Now then, let me leave you with a last little bit of advice.... Even if you find yourself lost someday, and even if your feelings are crushed, remember to remain as strong as the earth beneath your feet.

-Smiles-

You've already reached some towering heights over your training career, but I look forward to seeing just how much higher you can go!

-Nods as I leave-

Were it only so simple...

Chiyo: -Watching- That was pretty quick.

Doc: <At this level when we fight, it's pretty much rocket tag, first blow wins.>

Sinnoh League

Bertha: -As I come in- Oh, if it isn't Tagg, come for a rematch. You sure look different from the last time we've met. No longer just the callow youth, but now a seasoned adult. In fact, you remind me of when I was young...

-She laughs-

But I know you're not here to hear an old lady's ramblings. You have a special dispensation, I take it?

-To Bertha-

Yeah, the new guys need to run their paces as well.

Bertha: -Getting out a Poké Ball- Then let's let our battle do the talking!

-She sends out a Whiscash-

Go Tendril!

Tendril: -Appears-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 29th 2023 at 4:25:58 AM

Mt. Battle Master's Office

-Dune slides another tortilla chip into his mouth.-

Dune: Damn, Tagg's still got it.

-His phone begins to buzz. He takes a look, and sees a short message before it goes back to sleep mode.-

-Dune puts his phone away and proceeds to stuff an entire mouthful of tortilla chips into his face to not think about anything.-

Sinnoh League

Whiscash: -Immediately fires an Ice Beam at Tendril-

Tendril: -Blocks with a Protect before lashing out with Power Whip-

Whiscash: -Noms a Rindo Berry, taking less damage as a result while still being constricted-

Bertha: Ice Beam again!

Whiscash: -Fires-

Tendril: -Is hit and responds with another Power Whip, fainting Whiscash-

Bertha: Go Gliscor!

Gliscor: -Appears and bites into Tendril with a Fire Fang, burning her-

Tendril: <Ack!>

Giga Drain!

Tendril: -Covers Gliscor in vines, that immediately drain energy from her-

Bertha: Guillotine!

Gliscor: -Pincer glows before she reaches into Tendril's vines and grabs... something before slamming Tendril into the ground, fainting her-

-Recalling Tendril-

Normally we don't get hit by moves like that, something's off…

Tyl, you're up!

Tyl: -Appears-

Ice Beam!

Tyl: -Fires a beam of blue light from her mouth at Gliscor-

Gliscor: -Dodges and attempts to bite at Tyl's neck with an Ice Fang-

Tyl: -Dodges herself as the two fly above the area, trading attacks-

Gliscor: -Latches on to Tyl with an Ice Fang-

Spin!

Tyl: -Spins in midair fast enough that Gliscor is sent hurtling away-

Finish it!

Tyl: -Blasts Gliscor in the chest with a crit-strength Ice Beam-

Gliscor: -Faints-

Bertha: Now for you Hippowdon!

Hippowdon: -Appears and immediately whips up a sandstorm-

Hippowdon: -Bites down on Tyl with an Ice Fang-

Tyl: -Has her wing grabbed by Hippowdon, but manages to blast them in the face with a crit-strength Ice Beam before fainting-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 4:33:22 AM

Sinnoh League

Ginny, your turn!

Ginny: -Appears-

Swords Dance into Play Rough!

Ginny: -Sharpens her horn before slashing at Hippowdon with it-

Bertha: Heavy Slam!

Hippowdon: -Jumps up and attempts to crush Ginny under her weight-

Ginny: -Dodges and slashes again, bobbing and weaving as she uses her superior speed to keep out of Hippowdon's way-

Hippowdon: -Manages to Heavy Slam down close enough that Ginny is actually affected by the shockwave-

Low Kick!

Ginny: -Kicks Hippowdon hard in a back leg, toppling them over and fainting them-

Bertha: Go Mammoswine!

Mammoswine: -Appears-

Bertha: Use Heavy Slam!

Mammoswime: -Slams into Ginny with surprising speed, fainting her-

Hitodama, you're up!

Hitodama: -Appears-

Use Heat Wave!

Hitodama: -Sends a wall of fire at Mammoswine, but they don't take as much damage as expected- <Huh?>

Bertha: Use Earthquake!

Mammoswine: -Causes a tremor-

Hitodama: -Loses about half her health from the attack- <That Mammoswine, it's not normal.>

Right, it's probably got Thick Fat, time to change tactics.

Hitodama: <Tired of this sand, need more sun!>

Bertha: Another Earthquake!

Mammoswine: -Does so-

Protect into Solarbeam!

Hitodama: -Blocks with a barrier, before glowing and firing an energy beam at Mammoswine-

Mammoswine: -Faints-

Talk about a lucky shot.

Bertha: Go Rhyperior!

Rhyperior: -Appears-

Thought they'd be last… what does she have in store for us?

Bertha: Use Rock Wrecker!

Rhyperior: -Stretches out their arms, palms outstretched, as rocks are fired out of them-

Hitodama: -Minimizes to dodge the rocks, before blasting Rhyperior with a Solarbeam-

Rhyperior: -Takes it full-on, but Solid Rock means that it doesn't lose quite as much health as expected-

Hitodama: -Is fainted immediately after by another Rock Wrecker-

Sinnoh League

Okay, Akiko would be a bad matchup so…

Go Pugh!

Pugh: -Appears-

Use Octolock!

Pugh: <Let's wrassle!>

-Jumps onto Rhyperior and starts wrapping them up with her tentacles-

Bertha: Use Earthquake!

Rhyperior: -Creates a tremor, but it's not enough to shake Pugh off-

Liquidation!

Pugh: -Proceeds to lash Rhyperior with water-laced tentacles-

Rhyperior: -Tries to shake Pugh off, but to no avail-

Finish it with Brick Break!

Pugh: -Chops Rhyperior right between the eyes, fainting them-

Bertha: -Recalling Rhyperior- You're become a very powerful Trainer my child, even more than you were as a youngster, but don't think for an instant that you've won. Ursaluna, it's now all up to you!

Ursaluna: -Appears-

Pugh: <What is that Pokemon?>

-Eyes narrow-

Ursaluna, the true final form of Teddiursa, a rare sight nowadays because they need a particular source of peat to evolve, they were more common pre-colonization.

Pugh: <Doesn't matter, we're gonna win this!>

Octolock again!

Pugh: -Wraps around Ursaluna-

Bertha: Your Grapploct likes to play rough, does she? Now Ursaluna, show her how we Play Rough.

Ursaluna: -Starts clawing at Pugh and slamming her into the ground repeatedly-

Pugh: -Is brought down to the red and manages a retaliatory Brick Break before fainting-

Sinnoh League

Go Akiko!

Akiko: -Appears-

Use Aura Sphere!

Akiko: -Fires a ball of Aura at Ursaluna, to no effect-

Bertha: Now use Heavy Slam!

Ursaluna: -Rams into Akiko with enough force that she's sent flying into the wall behind me-

Okay, Aura Sphere's not going to work, so let's go with…

Grass Knot!

Akiko: -Gets herself out as grass pokes out and trips Ursaluna hard-

Bertha: Heavy Slam again!

Akiko: -Is smushed into the arena floor this time-

Dammit, we're gonna need to end this quickly, Akiko probably can't take another of those.

Akiko, now!

Akiko: <Right!>

-Does the Z-Move dance, ending with a motion that appears as if I'm copying a sprouting flower-

Akiko: -Copying my movements as she starts to glow green and Ursaluna is hit by a ray of green light from above-

Ursaluna: -Faints-

Bertha: -Recalling Ursaluna- I'm very impressed, young man. Your strength shook me like a tremor from the earth itself.

-As the next door opens-

But remember Tagg, even if you find yourself lost, you must remain as steady as the earth itself.

-Nods before leaving-

Doc: -Looking at the battle severely-

Chiyo: Something up?

Doc: <Tagg's being pressed, normally he wouldn't use a Z-Move if his opponent wasn't also using them, for what's supposed to be a friendly match like this. We're too strong to need it most of the time, so using them's just something we do for fun since half the time we'd just faint almost everyone else quickly anyway.>

<...Or we risk killing them by accident.>

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 5:43:21 AM

Sinnoh League

Flint: -As I walk in- Yo, Tagg! I've been boiling over waiting to see you again, this match has been a long time coming! Any battle with you is guaranteed to get heated. But right now, my soul is burning at 15 million degrees— hotter than the surface of the sun! Let's see if you can quench it!

-He then sends out a Ninetales-

Go Rampardos!

Rampardos: -Appears-

Rampardos, use Rock Polish!

Rampardos: -Glows before her skin takes on a glossy finish-

Flint: Ninetales, use Solarbeam!

Ninetales: -Fires a beam of light from her mouth at Rampardos-

Rampardos: -Uses her increased speed to dodge-

Use Stone Edge!

Rampardos: -Sweeps her head to send stone shards hurtling at Ninetales-

Ninetales: -Dodges the shards before firing a Solarbeam in midair-

Rampardos: -Is clipped by it but manages to send out another Stone Edge-

Ninetales: -Is hit this time and falls to the ground-

Quickly!

Rampardos: -Faints them with a Stone Edge-encrusted headbutt before they can get back up-

Flint: Go Rapidash!

Rapidash: -Appears-

Flint: Use Solar Blade!

Rapidash: -Horn glows white as he slashes at Rampardos-

Rampardos: -Is brought down to the red-

Endeavor!

Rampardos: -Glows red as she headbutts Rapidash-

Flint: Solar Blade again!

Rapidash: -Slashes, but Rampardos is quicker and faints them with a Stone Edge-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 4th 2023 at 8:12:17 AM

Sinnoh League

Flint: Go Infernape!

Infernape: -Appears and immediately faints Rampardos with a Mach Punch-

Nudi, you're up!

Nudi: -Appears-

Flint: Infernape, use Solarbeam!

Infernape: -Cups his hands together and fires the beam of light like, well, a Kamehameha-

Nudi: -Ducks low as the beam passes over him-

Earth Power!

Nudi: -Squeals as golden energy erupts underneath Infernape, who gets launched-

Infernape: -Fires a Solarbeam from midair similar to Ninetales-

Nudi: -Noms a Rindo Berry, taking less damage from the resulting blast- <Nice try!>

Earth Power again!

Nudi:' -Attacks just as Infernape lands-

Infernape: -Is critted and faints-

Flint: -Sends out an Arcanine... but one that strongly reminds me of Ammy's Arcanine form if it wasn't mostly white-

Nudi: -Headtilt- <Wait, is that one of those->

Hisuian Arcanine.

Another rarity nowadays, nearly bred out of existence through the introduction (Reintroduction really) of Kantonian Growlithe to Sinnoh. Why send it out, Nudi has an even stronger advantage against one of those than a Kantonian Arcanine.

-My question is answered by Nudi getting hit by its subsequent Solarbeam-

Alright, I've had enough of the sun for one battle. Nudi, use Rain Dance!

Nudi: -Summons a localized rainstorm-

Flint: Use Outrage!

Arcanine: -Runs over and starts using Nudi like he's a chew toy-

Nudi: -Inks, making himself not exactly the most palatable toy as he's shaken-

Surf!

Nudi: -Summons a wave that washes Arcanine away, as it starts batting Nudi again-

Earth Power!

Nudi: -Faints Arcanine with an eruption of golden energy-

Sinnoh League

Flint: -Throwing a Poké Ball- Magmortar, let's heat things up!

Magmortar: -Appears and Immediately faints Nudi with a Focus Blast powered by a Life Orb, the Gastrodon having taken too much damage from the previous battles to withstand-

Go Garchomp!

Garchomp: -Appears, as Magmortar uses Sunny Day-

Earthquake!

Garchomp: -Causes a tremor-

Magmortar: -Takes major damage as they fire off a Solarbeam-

Garchomp: -Takes it full-on, but is still very much in the game-

Swords Dance into Earthquake!

Garchomp: -Rhythmically crosses her arms before causing another tremor-

Magmortar: -Is brought down the red-

Flint: Use Dual Chop!

Magmortar: -Smacks Garchomp with his claws-

Garchomp: -Is also brought to low health-

Earthquake!

Flint: Dual Chop!

-Both mons trade blows, but both end up getting knocked out-

Flint: -Recalling Magmortar- This battle has been just as fiery as I was expecting Tagg, but now it's really gonna heat up! Houndoom, your turn!

Houndoom: -Appears-

Gaia, let's do this!

Gaia: -Appears-

-Noticing a certain stone around Houndoom's neck-

Oh boy.

Flint: -Pulling out a Key Stone- Houndoom, time to turn up the heat! Go beyond evolution, Mega Evolve!

Houndoom: -Is enveloped into a cocoon and bursts out with an echoed roar, the Mega Evolution sigil above it-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 6:26:37 AM

Mt. Battle Master's Office

-Dune now has two screen up right now, one being a live commentary of Tagg's current match.-

Sam the Jammer: Al-righty-then, chatroom, I'm here to ask one simple question - will it KO?

-Woops, looks like they've de-sync'd a bit.-

Sinnoh League

-Eyebrow raise-

Mega Evolution, really bringing out all the stops for us, isn't he?

Flint: Houndoom, use Fire Blast!

Houndoom: -Unleashes a torrent of flame at Gaia-

Protect!

Gaia: -Summons a barrier to block-

Now use Headlong Rush!

Gaia: -Propels her body at high speed towards Houndoom-

Houndoom: -Is rammed and sent flying, but lands on his feet- <Grr...>

Flint: Another Fire Blast!

Houndoom: <I'll    burn    you to ashes!>

Gaia: -Takes a lot of damage from the subsequent flames as Houndoom readies another Fire Blast- <Ack!>

Headlong Rush again!

Gaia: -Launches herself again, but this time she moves her head in such a way that the debris shields her from the flames as she rams Houndoom again, this time sending him spinning-

Flint: Things are getting so hot, I can see heat waves!

Alright Gaia, let's show them the power of our resolve!

Gaia: <Okay!>

-Does the Z-Move dance and spins into a Three-Point Landing, Gaia copying the spin-

Gaia: -Glows as a fissure opens up to catch Houndoom, before they're violently exploded out of it-

Houndoom: -Has barely managed to stand up… only for the Solar Power that's been sapping their stamina this whole battle to finish the job and faint them- @_@

Flint: -Recalling Houndoom- Wow, you're even stronger than you were back then Tagg, burnt me right down to cinders!

-As the door behind him opens-

As long as that flame burns bright, you'll reach even greater heights than here.

If only I were so certain...

-Nods and leaves-

Doc: <It's kinda weird, Hoenn changed a lot from when we were last there in 2015, but Sinnoh hasn't really changed that much at all, save for this.>

Chiyo: I'm reminded I need to head back to Alola so I can do the Akala trials next.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 6:50:31 AM

Sinnoh League

Lucian: -Closing his book just as I enter- Ah, you've timed your arrival perfectly. I'm still quite worked up from the book I just finished. After seeing all you've accomplished thus far, Tagg, I can certainly tell you this: you and the J-Team are the protagonists of your own stories. And perhaps that just makes me an obstacle standing in the way of your heroic journey.

-Standing up-

Then again, maybe in this retelling I'll finally trip you up!

-Pulling out a Poké Ball-

Wouldn't that be an intriguing plot twist?

-Getting out my own Ball-

I don't think it's gonna be that sort of story.

Lucian: -Sends out a Mr. Rime-

Hitodama, you're up!

Hitodama: -Appears-

Mr. Rime: -Tap dances before firing a Shadow Ball from their ice cane-

Hitodama: -Counters with her own Shadow Ball before managing to tank another and fire off a Will O' Wisp-

Mr. Rime: -Is burned-

Hex!

Hitodama: -Mutters an incantation before Mr. Rime suddenly explodes in Obscura-

Mr. Rime: -Takes a lot of damage before the two mons enter a Shadow Ball duel-

Hitodama: -Manages to dodge an errant Shadow Ball before fainting Mr. Rime with another Hex-

Lucian: Go Espeon!

Espeon: -Appears and attacks with their own Shadow Ball-

Hitodama: -Manages to tank it, but it's clear she won't be able to take much more-

Let's leave them a bit of a Memento Hitodama!

Hitodama: -Glows with an odd aura before fainting, Espeon briefly glowing as well-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Sep 29th 2023 at 4:27:37 AM

Sinnoh League

Ginny, you're up!

Ginny: -Appears-

Use Throat Chop!

Ginny: -Stabs at Espeon with her horn-

Espeon: -Manages to dodge Ginny's horn strike and fire off a Shadow Ball-

Ginny: -Uses her own speed to dodge and nails Espeon with her next Throat Chop-

Espeon: -Takes a lot of damage, but manages to hold on and blast Ginny with a Shadow Ball while she's still at close range, but is fainted by Ginny's next Throat Chop-

Lucian: Bronzong, your turn!

Bronzong: -Appears, wearing a Muscle Band-

Lucian: Bronzong, use Gyro Ball!

Bronzong: -Spins at high speed towards Ginny-

Ginny: -Is brought down to the red-

Calm Mind into Mystical Fire!

Ginny: -Focuses before a sparkling fire is sent at Bronzong-

Bronzong: -Takes damage, but faints Ginny with their next Gyro Ball-

Go Tendril!

Tendril: -Appears-

Use Sunny Day!

Tendril: -Raises her arms up as the arena turns bright-

Bronzong: -Tries for another Gyro Ball-

Tendril: -Dodges due to her increased speed-

Use Knock Off!

Tendril: -Arm glows with Obscura before she smacks off Bronzong's Muscle Band-

Bronzong: -Is sent reeling-

Lucian: Use Weather Ball!

Bronzong: -Rights itself before creating an orb of energy and sending it up, at which point due to the sunlight it comes down at Tendril as a fireball-

Tendril: -Takes a bit of damage, but much less than she would've due to Ginny's Mystical Fire-

Finish it with Focus Blast!

Tendril: -Cups her arms before throwing a massive Aura ball at Bronzong-

Bronzong: @_@

Lucian: -Sends out Alakazam-

Alakazam: -Immediately blasts Tendril with Psychic, boosted by its Life Orb-

Tendril: -Is brought down to the red-

Knock Off again!

Tendril: -Manages to smack away the Life Orb before being fainted by another Psychic-

Go Akiko!

Akiko: -Appears-

Nasty Plot into Shadow Ball!

Akiko: -Thinks some rather unkind thoughts regarding certain School personnel before firing a ball of Obscura-

Alakazam: -Is brought down to under half health-

Lucian: Calm Mind into Shadow Ball!

Alakazam: -Focuses before doing the same-

Akiko: -Is hit, but is hardly out of the match yet-

-The two mons circle each other, trading Shadow Balls, until Akiko is hit and crashlands on the ground, clearly weakened-

Endeavor!

Akiko: -Rolls to avoid the next Shadow Ball before she gets herself aloft and rams Alakazam while glowing red-

Lucian: Shadow Ball!

Extremespeed!

Akiko: -Zips behind Alakazam, evading their Shadow Ball, before ramming them from behind, fainting them-

The explosion cleared, a single metang left sitting on the floor, dazed and out cold.

<Arceus damn it Cardiac!> Dusty shouted.

Queen let out a loud groan. <Why does he always pull this?>

Akira blinked and looked to Risky. "Who? I don't mean anything against you, I genuinely have no clue who you are talking about."

"Been busy huh?" Isaac commented.

Akira gave a casual shrug. "I have killed a lot of people, it's a job. I work my 9 to 5, go home, eat a healthy home cooked dinner, do some exercise, and go to bed at 9 and sleep like a baby. A regular schedule is important to keep."

James looked over the research notes, a computer tech reading over the various files he had picked up. "This relates to the work of Senator Anderson right?"

"Yeah seems that way," the tech, David, replied. "Seems to be work in genetics, psionics, and of all things, nanomachines."

"Nanomachines huh?" James commented, earning him a look from David. "Sorry, force of habit."

"Well, we've been keeping track of a few companies that have been working with nanomachines, supposedly miracle machines though we've found little that actually work that way. In the end you get far more done just by working with pokemon," David continued.

James could agree with that, he looked to Gray, and smiled. Ever the loyal friend of his, the two had accomplished far more together than machinery ever did. Especially when he took into account all the V-Bomb launching weapons he had faced.

"So, what companies are working with nanomachines?" James asked.

"Pokefutures before they went defunct, technically PEFE has that nanobot research on hand now. Best Berry had some work into it, and finally, Sakura Genetics," David answered.

That one caught James's attention. "Sakura huh? Aren't they supporters of Senator Anderson... and isn't there talk that they may be trying to build a division out here in Orre?"

David paused, at the implications.

Sinnoh League

Lucian: -Sends out a Braviary, of a much different kind to the usual Unovan sort-

Hisuian Braviary, figured I'd see it here. Extirpated after the White-Striped Basculin became critically endangered.

Lucian: Use Esper Wing!

Braviary: -Beats his wings and slashes Akiko with blade constructs-

Akiko: -Faints-

Go Pugh!

Pugh: -Appears- Octolock!

Pugh:-Jumps up and wraps herself around Braviary-

Braviary: -Angrily tries to get her off with an Esper Wing-

Pugh: -Noms a Payapa Berry to resist the worst of it-

Braviary: <Get off me you oversized sushi dish.>

-And tries blasting her again-

Pugh: -Detects her way out of the constructs, before immediately Ice Punching them with her tentacles-

Braviary: -Takes major damage due to Octolock- <Ack!>

-And manages to flip Pugh over to his underside so he can blast them with another Esper Wing-

Pugh: -Is brought down to the red-

Braviary: -Cue Esper Wing-

Pugh: -Ice Punches-

-Following the subsequent explosion, both mons lay down fainted-

Lucian: -Recalling Braviary- It seems the story we've woven is at its climax, care to see how we'll spin its ending?

-Sends out a Gallade-

Tyl, it's all up to you!

Tyl: -Appears-

Lucian: -Pulls out a Key Stone- Now, let us write the final chapter!

Gallade: -Mega Evolves-

Well, I suppose there's nothing to it.

-Pulls down my hoodie sleeve enough to reveal the Mega Wristband-

Tyl, it's time!

Tyl: -Nods-

Mega!Tyl: -Bursts out of the Mega Evolution cocoon with an echoed song-

Sinnoh League

Tyl, use Cotton Guard!

Tyl: -Fluffs up-

Lucian: Gallade, use Poison Jab!

Gallade: -Stabs at Tyl, though he finds it a bit difficult to attack through the thick fluff-

Tyl, use Moonblast!

Tyl: -Glows before firing a beam of light from her beak-

Gallade: -Takes major damage from the strike-

Lucian: Swords Dance into Poison Jab!

Gallade: -Rhymically crosses his arms before managing to strike a gap in Tyl's feathers-

Tyl: <Ack!>

-She then starts glowing-

Lucian: Again!

Gallade: -Does so, but this time Tyl is able to block properly with her fluff-

Time to write our conclusion. Tyl, use Sky Attack!

Tyl: -Rams Gallade while wreathed in a light blue aura-

Gallade: -Slams into the wall, fainted-

Tyl: -Makes a victory trill-

Lucian: -Recalling Gallade- And so it has. I concede defeat... I used every stratagem at my command, but you persevered through them all.

-As the final door opens-

Now all that's left is to write your own epilogue, whatever that may be.

Chiyo: Sky Attack? Wouldn't it be stronger if Tagg hadn't Mega Evolved Tyl?

Doc: <Gotta win with a bang, battles are as part performance as they are fights.>

Sinnoh League

-As I take the elevator-

The Elite Four is definitely stronger than it was when I first faced them 14 years ago, if we'd just stagnated since then instead of continuing to get stronger ourselves, we probably wouldn't have gotten to this point now.

-And enter the final arena-

Last time I was here was with the Family of Blood... but I don't want to think about that right now.

Cynthia: So we face each other once again, Champion Tagg.

-To Cynthia-

So it seems, 14 years ago if my math's correct.

Cynthia: Champion, the word alone brings a certain amount of pressure, hence why to my understanding you never actually took the position despite having won it multiple times over in various regions. Save for when the J-Team comes calling, I rarely get that many challengers that even make it to me, but like you and DS have, I know they're carrying all their hopes and dreams.

And so, in my capacity as Champion, I show my respect for their passion by battling them with all my might.

-Pulling out a Poké Ball-

Now Tagg, show me the power you've gained over this nearly decade and a half.

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 8:37:54 AM

Sinnoh League

Cynthia: -Sends out Spiritomb-

Go Luxray!

Luxray: -Appears-

Spritomb: -Cackling- <A veritable maelstrom of bastardry…-Cue long speech that we vaguely remember from our watching Slouch's match during the Gold Conference-But we prattle, you may call us Spiritom/b/.>

Luxray: -Growls- <That shtick was already old 14 years ago.>

Spiritomb: <Care to test that assumption?>

Luxray: -About to unleash a Thunderbolt- <Let's-Gets Sucker Punched-

Spritomb: <Lol, lmao even!>

-They still get zapped-

Cynthia: Use Dark Pulse!

Spiritomb: -Shoots Luxray with a blast of Dark Obscura-

Luxray: <Ack!>

-The two continue trading Thunderbolts and Dark Pulses for a while, neither gaining an advantage-

Use Play Rough!

Luxray: -Bats Spiritomb's Keystone hard with his paws before smacking it into one of the walls-

Spiritomb: <We'll let you have this one...>

Cynthia: Go Porygon-Z!

Porygon-Z: -Appears-

Luxray, use Volt Switch!

Luxray: -Smacks Porygon-Z with electricity and disappears-

Roc: -Is sent out, glaring- <Thought I'd get a longer nap.>

Porygon-Z: <L + Ratio + Banhammer + Firing my Laz0r!>

-And immediately fires a Hyper Beam boosted by their Expert Belt-

Roc: -Blocks with Protect-

Porygon-Z: <Error: Must recharge.>

Close Combat!

Roc: -Starts pummeling Porygon-Z with his wings and beak-

Porygon-Z: -Takes major damage-

Cynthia: Nasty Plot into Thunderbolt!

Porygon-Z: <Running executable: Zap!>

Roc: -Eats a Wacan Berry, but still suffers major damage, plus paralysis-

Roc: -Can't move-

Porygon-Z: -Blasts them with Hyper Beam-

Roc: -Is hit, but manages to hold on just enough to attack with a Close Combat-

Porygon-Z: <Signing out.>

-Faints-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 8:43:41 AM

Sinnoh League

Cynthia: Togekiss, let's go!

Bisonkiss: <This whole world belongs to me! When I graced the battlefield 14 years ago, it was perhaps the most important day of your lives, but for me, it was... Tuesday.>

-And faints Roc with an Aura Sphere-

<Another insect to be crushed under my wings.>

Go Rampardos!

Rampardos: -Appears-

Swords Dance into Stone Edge!

Rampardos: -Rubs her head against the arena floor before flinging stone shards at Togekiss-

Togekiss: -Takes major damage- <Go kneel back in the earth you were revived from!>

-Blasts Rampardos with an Aura Sphere-

Rampardos: -Also takes major damage-

Togekiss: <You best start praying to Arceus now, for I beheld it when They cast Giratina from the Hall of Origin, like lightning!>

Again!

Rampardos: -Strikes-

Togekiss: <We will be forced to regroup from this latest conquest… for now.> @_@

Cynthia: Go Milotic!

Milotic: -Appears- <Time to see you all broken and spent on the arena floor like so many other challengers~>

Cynthia: Milotic, use Surf!

Milotic: -Sends a wave to crash down on Rampardos-

-Recalls Rampardos and brings out Gaia-

Gaia: -Doesn't take much damage from the Surf-

Use Leech Seed!

Gaia: -Launches seeds from her tree that attach to Milotic-

Milotic: <I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm into that.>

Cynthia: Milotic, use Ice Beam!

Milotic: -Fires a cold beam of energy at Gaia-

Gaia: -Noms a Yache Berry that makes her only lose a quarter of her health, part of which is also restored via Leech Seed-

Use Seed Bomb!

Gaia: -Rustles her tree as large seeds are shaken off and explode around Milotic-

Milotic: <I might like it rough, but not this rough!>

Seed Bomb again!

Cynthia: Mirror Coat!

Milotic: -Envelops herself in a crystal barrier that absorbs the explosion before it's directed back at Gaia-

Gaia: -Is brought down to slightly under half health, before she starts glowing with a green aura-

Seed Bomb again!

Gaia: -Shakes off noticeably larger seeds at Milotic-

Milotic: -Is left barely holding on… only for the Leech Seed and Burn to take its toll- <Seems like I'm the one going tail up...>

Sinnoh League

Cynthia: Go Lucario!

Lucario: -Taking up a fighting pose- <Alright, let's get it!>

Earthquake!

Gaia: -Creates a tremor-

Lucario: -Is brought down to the red due to it critting, but holds on thanks to their Focus Sash - <No way you're getting red of me that easily!>

Cynthia: Use Ice Punch!

Lucario: -Uppercuts Gaia and actually manages to get her off the ground- <Yeah!>

-Only to be fainted when Gaia comes back down with an Earthquake-

Cynthia: -Recalling Lucario- Down to one when you've only lost one member of your team? I haven't been in a corner like this in a long time.

-As she gets out a certain Poké Ball-

But let's see if we can settle that difference, won't we Garchomp?

Garchomp: -Appears- <We've been hurting for strong challengers without you and DS and your teams, this makes it interesting.>

-She immediately runs at Gaia with a Dragon Claw-

Gaia, return!

-Recalls Gaia and sends out Luxray, who barely manages to avoid Garchomp's swipe-

Luxray: <Grr…>

Magnet Rise!

Luxray: -Starts floating-

Garchomp: -Excited- <Yes, yes, yes! The harder the challenge, the more satisfying the victory!>

Cynthia: Dragon Claw again!

Garchomp: -Slashes Luxray-

Luxray: -Is currently feeling as if Mt. Coronet itself collapsed right on top of him- <I don't think I can take another one of those.>

Then we'll have to make this count, Play Rough!

Luxray: -Starts batting at Garchomp with his paws, before a second Dragon Claw puts him down for the count-

Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 8:55:14 AM

Sinnoh League

Wait, Luxray winced a little extra when the Play Rough connected, she has Rough Skin now.

Go Garchomp!

Garchomp: -Appears-

Cynthia!Chomp: <You weren't here last time, I believe it was the Kricketune.>

-Rushing at her with a Swords Dance chained Dragon Claw-

<Don't faint too quickly now.>

Garchomp: -Manages to parry with her own Dragon Claw- <Wasn't planning on it.>

Use Sandstorm!

Garchomp: -Whips out the debris, Sand Veil obscuring her position-

Cynthia!Chomp: -Sniffing- <I can still smell you, you know.>

Cynthia: Dragon Claw!

Cynthia!Chomp: -Manages to nail Garchomp with the slash this time, if weaker due to Luxray's Play Rough-

Garchomp: -Is brought down to half health-

-Brandishing the Mega Wristband-

Garchomp, it's time!

Garchomp: -Garchompite glows-

Cynthia: Oh my. You normally wouldn't resort to a Mega Evolution this early in a battle, you're taking this very seriously when you've already won before.

-Pulling out a Key Stone embedded in a stick of lipstick-

Garchomp? Let's do the same.

Cynthia!Garchomp: -Brandishes their own Garchompite- <Now, face our true power!>

-And Cynthia Mega Evolves her Garchomp as well-

Mega!Cynthia!Chomp: <Prepare yourselves!>

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The GM House

Deziree: ... Wow, this is taking a while.

Doomsday: <Yeah, it is. Hm.>

Ludmilla: You okay, Mom?

Deziree: Yeah. That's the weird part. Aren't I supposed to have, I dunno, had my water break at this point?

Doomsday: <Ah, jeez, I was really hoping this wouldn't be an overnight thing... everyone always gets so cranky past midnight...>

Deziree: Should I message Dune to come back?

Doomsday: <Yeah, do it. I don't think everyone in this room combined would be able to calm him down if he learned his child'd been born while he was asleep at the office.>

Sinnoh League

Garchomp, Swords Dance into Dragon Claw!

Cynthia: You too!

Garchomps: -Rhythmically cross their arms before they start trading slashes whose shockwaves echo across the battlefield, going on for some time-

Garchomp: -Manages to achieve a clean slash on Cynthia's Garchomp-

Cynthia!Chomp: -Steps back- <A valiant effort.>

-She slashes-

<But not enough.>

Garchomp: -Faints-

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Doc: <Wow, Garchomp's out that soon?>

Chiyo: Hmm...

Sinnoh League

Cynthia: -As I recall Garchomp- I noticed something over the course of this battle. One, you're not enjoying the fight the same way you did all those years ago. Second, there's something about you that seems lost Tagg, and even if you manage to win here, you'll still be lost.

-Taking in Cynthia's words-

Cynthia's right, I have lost something... I've been going through the motions, I could've done this months ago, or basically canceled it, but I'm here anyway. The School base raid, Daydre running off with the Oracle Mask, learning about Iridium, No Heart's abandoned base, the whole mess with Channah...

That said, I don't think losing here is going to get me any closer to figuring that one out, so I'd prefer to win.

Rampardos, you're up!

Rampardos: -Appears, breaking the mold-

Swords Dance into Ice Punch!

Rampardos: -Strikes her head against the ground before headbutting Garchomp with her head partially encased in ice-

Garchomp: -Stumbles- <Not bad, but it'll take more than that to fell me.>

Cynthia: Earthquake!

Garchomp: -Creates a tremor-

Rampardos: -Barely manages to hold on-

Screech!

Rampardos: -Rubs her head against the arena floor in such a way that it makes a most terrible racket-

Garchomp: <I'm afraid it's over for you.>

-Faints Rampardos with her next Earthquake-

Garchomp, the Ultimate Menace

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Edited by rmctagg09 on Jul 3rd 2023 at 11:09:18 AM