Chip Away [Mod/Open]

[August Spector]

August was definitely more of a city guy. When he stepped foot out of the Pokemon Center in the morning and began his trek through Greenberry Woods, he wondered for the first time since being shoved onto the boat heading towards Greenberry Town, that he may be in over his head.

The thought didn't bother him too much, not really. To be fair, his mind started going in that direction because of all the freaking trees that made up the woods, and he abruptly remembered that there was a forest somewhere in the region. The forest itself probably wasn't too far off from the woodlands, and August definitely wasn't looking forward to that.

Still, he would have to go through all of it if he wanted to make it back to Diamond City. He'll chip away at this journey and gym challenge stuff until then, which apparently included going through woods and probably sleeping on the ground at some point.

August took a deep breath and shrugged his shoulders, moving to put his typical indifferent mask on as he started off. At the very least, his three Pokemon should be fine enough to handle whatever the woods threw his way.

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette (2/5), Shuffle (2/5), Gamble (2/5), continued from Greenberry Woods Pokemon Center
Mod Kurt/Mod Kris, open for any others that happen to be passing through!

[Mod Kurt]

The early morning brought out Pokemon ready to greet the sun and Pokemon ready to go back to their nests to snooze until nightfall hit once again.

One example of the latter is a Stunky. The small, dark purple Pokemon trotted by, seemingly heading off the main path and towards the underbrush. It didn't give any indication that it noticed August which, judging by the stench a threatened Stunky can emit, might be a good thing...

Awakening with the morning was a Spewpa in the treetops, unwrapping itself from some leaves that appeared to double as a blanket. By the base of its tree was a small hollow where an Espurr was beginning to emerge with a yawn, its ears tightly closed against its head.

August Spector

[August Spector]

"And we are avoiding that," August murmured to himself as he made sure to give the Stunky a wide berth. He liked Dark-type Pokemon, but he honestly thought he'd end up getting sprayed if he tried to tango with the Stunky.

The Spewpa was missed completely, as August barely looked up higher than the tree limbs that were at eye level. The Espurr, however, caught his eye and he wondered how his Nincada would do in a battle. Bugs were stronger than Psychic-type Pokemon, right?

"Hey, Gamble," August said, releasing the Nincada. The Pokemon shook himself, his antennae on his head helping him "see" in the morning light. "Scratch on the Espurr."

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette (3/5), Shuffle (3/5), Gamble (3/5)
Mod Kurt, battling the Espurr!

[Mod Kurt]

The Espurr heard August give the command and tilted its head at being attacked.

It winced with the Scratch attack and it retaliated with its own Leer and Scratch combo at the Nincada.

Espurr

| male | keen eye

Level: 6
Hold Item: none

Scratch | Leer | Fake Out | Disarming Voice | ---- | ----

>> Scratch took off 16% HP
>> Espurr used Leer
>> Espurr used Scratch

August Spector

[August Spector]

The Espurr hit back with its own Scratch attack and August said, "Use Harden, Gamble. Get our Defense back up."

The Nincada obeyed, his body momentarily becoming shiny as a protective coat washed over him. At his trainer's next command, Gamble went right back at the Espurr with another Scratch attack. While Gamble's attack hit true, the Espurr decided to up the ante with a Disarming Voice.

August put his hands over his ears at the eerie wail, but Gamble had no choice but to take the attack. August frowned, not having anticipated that a wild Espurr would be matched fairly well with his Pokemon. Type-wise, his Poochyena would be a good match-up against the Espurr, but Shuffle was young enough to not have any Dark-type moves while Espurr's Fairy-type move would be super effective against her...

"Alright, Gamble," August called. "Return!"

The Nincada glanced back at August with his head tilted in confusion before disappearing back into his Pokeball. August glanced down at Roulette and said, "Use Psychic."

Roulette took her place before the Espurr and did as she was told. While Psychic seemed to work decently, it didn't seem to faze the Espurr as much as August wanted. Then the damn Espurr used a Leer and Scratch combo, hurting Roulette more than it had hurt Gamble.

In hindsight, August supposed he couldn't blame the Espurr. August and his team had attacked it first, after all.

But right now, August was annoyed that his Pokemon were losing to a wild Pokemon.

"Alright, Roulette, another Psychic," August said, and the Ralts shook off the latest Scratch attack to do what August said. Fortunately, the latest Psychic made the Espurr retreat for good.

Roulette was panting and August took a deep breath. He slung off his pack and started rummaging through it. "Let's see what we got here... Roulette, over here." He used one of the potions that Greenberry Labs had given him, and August hoped he had enough berries and medicine to last the rest of the trip through the woodlands.

Gamble

| male | run away

Level: 6
Hold Item: none

Sand Attack | Scratch | Harden | ---- | ---- | ----

>> Gamble's Defense was lowered
>> Scratch took off 19% HP
>> Gamble used Harden
>> Gamble's Defense was raised
>> Gamble used Scratch
>> Scratch took off 16% Espurr's HP
>> Espurr used Disarming Voice
>> Disarming Voice took off 24% Gamble's HP
>> Gamble was returned

Roulette

| female | keen eye (trace)

Level: 7
Hold Item: none

Growl | Disarming Voice | Double Team | Psychic | ---- | ----

>> Roulette was sent out
>> Roulette used Psychic
>> Psychic took off 24% Espurr's HP
>> Espurr used Leer
>> Espurr used Scratch
>> Scratch took off 30% Roulette's HP
>> Roulette used Disarming Voice
>> Disarming Voice took off 24% Espurr's HP
>> Espurr used Scratch
>> Scratch took off 30% Roulette's HP
>> Roulette used Psychic
>> Psychic took off 24% Espurr's HP
>> 4HKO on Espurr

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette (4/5), Shuffle (4/5), Gamble (4/5)
Mod Kurt, used 1 Potion on Roulette, bringing her to full health after the battle

[Mod Kurt]

Despite the battle against the Espurr, the other Pokemon nearby didn't seem to be too concerned. In fact, a Blipbug was lying atop one of the nearby trees' branches, snoozing all the while. There was a trio of ripe Oran berries hanging among the leaves right above the Blipbug, in fact. Perhaps the little Pokemon had eaten its fill of breakfast and was sleeping away in a midmorning nap.

Considering it was a bit quiet around August and his Pokemon, it was difficult to miss a cackle of electricity from further down the path and off to the right. Sparks flew in the air briefly and there were a couple of Pokemon cries that accompanied a few bird Pokemon escaping into the air.

August Spector, Gamble gained 3 exp. points! Roulette gained 3 exp. points!

[August Spector]

August did not jump at the sound of the cackling electricity down the pathway, thank you very much. No, Roulette jumped enough for the two of them, abruptly using Double Team and multiplying in front of him.

He blinked at seeing a handful of Roulette suddenly milling about, many of them also looking a bit baffled. August himself wasn't sure which was the real Roulette, but before he could ask, one of them collided with the tree that a Blipbug was sleeping on. The crash dislodged the three Oran berries and August figured he might as well scoop them up.

"You good?" August asked his Ralts. Well, one of the Ralts, anyway. After he asked, the copies began to blink out of existence until the real Roulette was left. She shuffled over to his side rather sheepishly, and he handed one of the Oran berries to her to hold.

"No worries," he said. "Think we have to head down that way, anyway..." August began to lead the way, keeping his pace on the slow side so Roulette could keep up.

It wasn't like he was trying to move slower to avoid whatever was causing the electricity to spark down the path, of course.

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette (5/5), Shuffle (5/5), Gamble (5/5)
Mod Kurt, took the Oran berries, heading towards the electricity, dunno if the Blipbug was disturbed.

[Mod Kurt]

The Blipbug stirred just a touch when the Oran berries were dislodged, but otherwise didn't seem inclined to move. The (multiple) Ralts weren't really bothering it and they didn't seem like they were going to. Instead, the Blipbug moved further up the branch and curled up once again.

As August and Roulette went further down the path, it became apparent where the electricity was coming from. There was a small Shinx riling up a Blitzle, with both Pokemon sparking as they exchanged a blow here and there. The two were young, fortunately, so not too much damage was being caused to the woodlands around them. In fact, they were more so off to the side of the path, heedless of August and Roulette. If the trainer and his Pokemon were quiet, they may be able to sneak by and continue down the path, leaving the wild Pokemon to their scuffle.

On the other hand, if August went closer, he may be able to see what the two were fighting about...

August Spector

[August Spector]

August paused when he caught sight of both the Shinx and the Blitzle duking it out. He wasn't sure what they were arguing over, but they were both sparking nonetheless. Roulette halted as well, hanging out right behind one of August's legs and poking her head out around him with a morbid curiosity.

On one hand, it'd probably be rather stupid to get in between two feuding wild Pokemon, particularly wild Pokemon that were shooting off random bits of lightning. On the other hand, though, either species could grow into a powerful battler if August managed to capture one.

At the very least, Roulette didn't seem like she wanted to battle either one, even if she could probably take them on with her more powerful Psychic move. Gamble was still a little hurt, but maybe with Shuffle at his side, the pair could take down the two Electric-types together.

Well, August was nothing if not a gambler.

Considering the Shinx and the Blitzle didn't seem to notice (or care) about August standing there just yet, August released both Gamble and Shuffle, immediately commanding them with, "Gamble, use Sand Attack on both of those Pokemon. Shuffle, Howl."

Gamble | male | run away Level: 6 Hold Item: none Sand Attack | Scratch | Harden

Shuffle | female | quick feet Level: 6 Hold Item: none Tackle | Howl

>> Gamble used Sand Attack on Shinx and Blitzle
>> Shuffle used Howl
>> Shuffle's Attack was raised

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette 1 (1/5), Shuffle 1 (1/5), Gamble 1 (1/5)
Mod Kurt, let's gooooo!

[Mod Kurt]

The Sand Attack seemed to distract both the Shinx and Blitzle, breaking them apart from each other while trying to wipe the sand away from their eyes. While Shuffle increased her own attack, both of the wild Pokemon turned their attentions on their new opponents.

Shinx growled low under her breath before going after Gamble with a Tackle attack. As a blur, the Blitzle used Quick Attack on Shuffle.

Shinx HP (100%): | female | intimidate Level: 7 Hold Item: None Tackle | Leer | Thunder Shock | ---- | ---- | ----

Blitzle HP (100%): | male | motor drive Level: 8 Hold Item: None Quick Attack | Tail Whip | Charge | ---- | ---- | ----

>> Sand Attack lowered Shinx's and Blitzle's Accuracy
>> Shinx's Intimidate lowered Gamble's and Shuffle's Attack
>> Shinx used Tackle on Gamble
>> Blitzle used Quick Attack on Shuffle

August Spector

[August Spector]

The two Electric-types looked to be a touch more experienced than August's own Pokemon, but he hoped that his Pokemon would be just fine against them. If not, he had Roulette as a back-up, at least.

The Shinx seemed to make Shuffle and Gamble falter briefly, but it was enough for both the Blitzle and the Shinx to make their moves. Shuffle tumbled to the side due to the Quick Attack, but with August's command of, "Howl and Tackle!" she bolstered herself up to retaliate.

While Shuffle took on the Blitzle, it left Gamble to deal with the Shinx. Gamble being part Ground-type probably helped in some sense, but it would have been even better if all the Shinx tried to attack him with was an Electric move. The Shinx seemed to be smarter than that, though, since all it kept doing was darting in and out at Gamble with Tackle attacks. Gamble was giving it right back to the Shinx while boosting his own defense when he could with Harden, but the Shinx still seemed to be getting the upper hand.

August contemplated having Shuffle switch her focus to give the Shinx one good Tackle of her own -- recall Gamble in the meantime and send out Roulette to finish the Blitzle -- but to August's mild surprise, Shuffle ended up making the Blitzle faint before he could do anything. Since Shuffle seemed alright, August took the time to fish out a Pokeball and lob it over at the Shinx, especially since Gamble seemed a bit worse for wear.

Gamble | male | run away Level: 6 Hold Item: none Sand Attack | Scratch | Harden

Shuffle | female | quick feet Level: 6 Hold Item: none Tackle | Howl

>> Quick Attack took off 27% HP from Shuffle
>> Tackle took off 22% HP from Gamble
>> Shuffle used Howl
>> Shuffle's Attack was raised
>> Shuffle used Tackle
>> Tackle took off 26% HP from Blitzle
>> Gamble used Harden
>> Gamble's Defense was raised
>> Gamble used Scratch
>> Scratch took off 16% HP from Shinx
>> Blitzle used Quick Attack
>> Quick Attack took off 27% HP from Shuffle
>> Shinx used Tackle
>> Tackle took off 19% HP from Gamble
>> Shuffle used Howl
>> Shuffle's Attack was raised
>> Shuffle used Tackle
>> Tackle took off 37% HP from Blitzle
>> Gamble used Harden
>> Gamble's Defense was raised
>> Gamble used Scratch
>> Scratch took off 14% from Shinx
>> Blitzle used Quick Attack
>> Quick Attack missed!
>> Shinx used Tackle
>> Tackle took off 14% HP from Gamble
>> Shuffle used Howl
>> Shuffle's Attack was raised
>> Shuffle used Tackle
>> 3HKO on Blitzle
>> Threw a Pokeball at Shinx.

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette 1 (2/5), Shuffle 1 (2/5), Gamble 1 (2/5)
Mod Kurt, going for the Shinx!

[Mod Kurt]

Again, the Shinx seemed bewildered when the Pokeball came out of nowhere and crashed onto her head right before she was about to put the finishing blow on her opponent. Nevertheless, she was evidently tired enough for the Pokeball to shake only once before stilling.

Congratulations, Shinx was caught!
[center][font size="5"](Nickname) the Shinx[/font]
[img]https://i.dstatic.com/images/pokemon/front/normal/shinx.png[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/ZyXpIMu.gif[/img] | female | intimidate | field | august spector

Personality:
+ strategic + (positive)
- reckless - (negative)

Happiness:
65 / 150
(Started @ 65, Lvled 0 times [3 x 0 = 0], Fainted 0 times [-10 x 0 = 0], Thread points [0 posts / 5 = 0, remainder 0])

Level: 7 (0/7 exp)
Hold Item: none
Current HP 70%: [div style="width:70px;height:10px;background-color:green;"][/div]

Tackle | Leer | Thunder Shock | ---- | ---- | ----

History Points:
>> Caught in Greenberry Woods at level 7.[/center]
[spoiler]{Change Log (Click!)}
[ul type="disc"]
[li]This is optional.[/li]
[li]But it may be helpful in keeping track of levels, happiness points, etc.[/li]
[li]Ask a mod if you need help with the code.[/li]
[/ul][/spoiler]

August Spector, Gamble gained 4 exp. points from Blitzle and grew to level 7! Shuffle gained 4 exp. points from Blitzle! Gamble gained 4 exp. points from Shinx! Shuffle gained 4 exp. points from Shinx and grew to level 7! Shuffle learned Sand Attack!

[August Spector]

August took a deep breath as the Pokeball stilled, signaling that the Shinx had been caught. Despite the battle being all young Pokemon, it was still a little exciting, seeing if his Pokemon could prevail and all that. Vaguely, he wondered what battles against other trainers with stronger Pokemon would be like.

Maybe there was something to what that old lady in Greenberry Town said...

August glanced at his Pokemon that had just battled, finding that Gamble at the very least seemed deflated and moved very slowly towards August.

"Hey, you guys did great," August said, bending down to praise both his Nincada and Poochyena. "Take a good rest. We'll head to a Pokemon Center soon, okay?"

The Greenberry Woods couldn't be that much longer, right?

He returned Gamble and Shuffle, pocketing their pokeballs along with the Shinx's, and glanced at where the Blitzle and Shinx had been fighting. "Roulette, let's see what they were arguing about... Then we'll get the hell out of here."

He did a quick check around the area where the Electric-type had been fighting before gesturing to his Ralts and making their way out of the end of the Greenberry Woods.

Pokemon Happiness: Roulette 1 (3/5), Shuffle 4 (3/5), Gamble 4 (3/5), Parlay (1/5)
Mod Kurt, sweet! Might be my last post, depending on what the wild Pokemon were arguing about?

[Mod Kurt]

Perhaps it was a delicacy in the Greenberry Woods, or the wild Pokemon were just volatile enough to make them argue. Either way, near where the Shinx and the Blitzle had been fighting was some honey. Should August wish to, he can pick it up.

The battle between August's Pokemon and the two Electric-types seemed to make the other nearby wild Pokemon scatter, granting August a rather quiet walk as he made his way through the last stretch of Greenberry Woods.

August Spector