Music
Golden Dewgong Arena - The Ring
This is where the action really starts. As in all major gyms and stadiums, a huge, neon-lit pokeball image has been set into the floor. This one looks a bit rippled, as though it's trapped under a huge sheet of ice, and in a way, it is-a thick layer of slightly pebbled, impact/heat/cold resistant plastic has been laid down to give battling pokemon optimum grip on the expansive floor. The trainer boxes are the exception. Opulent padded counters with...tasteful twelve inch tall golden statues of Dewgongs on the front corners await the team members' pokeballs, and skid resistant mats have been laid to keep exuberant winners or sore losers on their feet. Microphones have been placed before the counters to broadcast trainers' commands. At each end of the arena, large black and gold pokeballs await, opening and closing to allow trainers to pass to and from the battle floor, and to one side, a well-shielded commentators box sits, nondescript amidst all of the lavish decoration.
The opening sequence of the HRTC begins, complete with exploding logos, wailing guitar riffs, and an aerial shot of the Neon Strip and the stadium. As the live feed begins, the ever-present color-coded announcers are in their box. "Good evening," begins the man in pink, "and welcome to another night of the High Roller Tournament of Champions. I'm Jake Masters, and with me as always is Tony Strong." "Pleasure to be here, Jake," replies the man in blue. "Tonight's match," continues Masters, "is the last in our string of Royal Flush battles. Excitement is high as the tournament winds inexorably towards its explosive conclusion. Let's go down to the floor, where things are about to get underway." The arena is quiet, the feeling of anticipation in the air palpable. Suddenly, a section of the crowd gasps, as a familiar figure, clad in a pure white tuxedo and a sparkling silver-spangled cape, swoops just a few feet over their heads. The Master of Ceremonies flies across the battlefield, cape fluttering behind him, making several low passes over the stands, before finally descending to the floor, and landing with a graceful hopskip, ending in a dramatic pose. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the emcee proclaims, "I give you your High Rollers! Entering from the East end of the arena, the Dynamic Duo! And from the West...It's The Dashing Blades!" In the standard fashion, the stylized pokeball doors at either side of the arena swing open at the emcee's prompting, disgoring their usual payload of billowing fog, flashing lasers, and driving techno-rock.
...And, as might be expected, the Blades aren't where they're supposed to be. One end of a coiled rope thuds to the ground, and then another drops beside it; both start to shake a few moments later, and then the Dashing Blades come into view as they drop towards the Arena floor. Clad as outrageously as ever, though still with the black armbands, the pair drop to the floor as gracefully as ever; the moment they're clear, the ropes start getting winched back up towards the dome's ceiling. The Blades, meanwhile, are waving to the crowd; they draw rapiers and salute the emcee, the announcers box and the place where the match official waits, and then they run for their box, vaulting over the rail and turning to wave to the crowd again.
Sophia has been outside all day, so she wears her HRTC jacket with the sleeves tied about her shoulders, with her usual white blouse and black jeans. Her lucky amethyst crystal is fairly visible just above the sleeves of the HRTC jacket. Sophia looks a bit nervous, but she wears a small smile and her gray eyes glitter behind the lenses of her glasses. Her eyes are a little red from all the pollen in the air. Fortunately, this upcoming battle is enough to take the nerd's attention from her itchy eyes. Sophia's sneakers clomp along the floor as she tromps over to the opening doors. Someone must have really poured some money into this thing, she notes quietly, her head bobbing as she walks along. Her twin ponytails sway slightly. Sophia waves, in her ever humble manner to the audience, then grins to the Blades. They always seem to have something up their sleeves... Taking a deep breath and blowing it out through her slightly parted lips, Sophia steps up to her podium, content to let the Blades steal the spotlight.
The eastern doors open and, for only the second time in this tournament, a short boy makes his way out onto the arena, walking alongside his teammate. And what a smart-looking young boy he is! Richard Jomarr, better known as Rick, looks just about as cheerful as he is normally, which clashes with his gelled hair and black jacket somewhat. Little to no nervousness shows on the trainer's face or in his body language, which is odd for such a small fellow. Looking around at the masses of spectators in the stands, he waves to them as he walks towards the stand, hoping his mother will see him at home, as he knows she will be watching. Rick looks over his opponents as he approaches the podium, admiring their flashy entrance, nothing like his own. The pint-sized trainer flashes a grin and a 'thumbs up' at Sophia, before returning his attention to the arena floor.
"The official for tonight's match," Masters continues, "is Bruce 'Iron Horse' Dupree." In keeping with standard protocol, the gruff old referee gives the cameras what is, at best, a cursory acknowledgement, before returning to his sideline tasks. "Iron Horse," jokes Masters, "as always, a bona-fide party machine." Down on the floor, the emcee strikes a flashy, attention-grabbing pose. "This Royal Flush battle," he declares, "will end when all of one team's pokemon are unable to battle, or upon concession! Lock decks...and rrrelease pokemon!" In the trainers' boxes, the pokeball sockets snap tight around their contents with a hiss and click, securely locking the spheres into the podium and signaling acceptance with a faint neon glow.
The Blades lips part in matching bright grins, the Blue Blade's eyes shining behind his mask as he and his team-mate reach out to tap the release switches on the pokeballs. Five flares of red light, five released pokemon, five new shapes forming in the Arena; the massive boulderlike form of an Onix, the long and slender Ekans, the brilliant white and flame of a Ponyta, the scarred dark green of a Scyther and the spoon-wielding yellow of a Kadabra. The pokemon catch their bearings and turn to face their opponents, waiting for the command to begin; their trainers settle back, their arms folding across their chests as they strike what can only be a deliberate pose.
"Good luck, Rick," Sophia smiles to her little partner. Unaware of her friend in the stands, Sophia glances up to them, scanning briefly for her new team mates. Distracted by the announcement, Sophia rips her gaze from the stands to the arena floor. She blinks at the efficiency of the locking things, her pokeballs locked in just as fast as she sets them. Her gray eyes move to the arena. It's going to be an interesting battle to say the least. Sophia moves a slender hand to her crystal a moment, setting it there and resting her hands on the podium, and her pokeballs. Watching the opponent's pokemon a second with interest and a slight nod, Sophia releases her pokemon. Pressing the button on the pokeballs, a Rhyhorn and a boy appear. Apparently, Rayne, the Gastly is up to his old antics. Dressed in clothes from nearly a century ago, his skin practically transparent, Rayne is certainly an odd little boy. With a soft rumble, Minerva, the Rhyhorn appears, bowing her head slightly and letting out a soft sigh of her own, raises her head and watches the other pokemon with a sad serenity in her eyes. <Oh my,> She blinks at the Onix, awed by it's size. Sophia cringes. This is going to be a tough battle for sure... Sophia looks to Rick a moment, then back to the arena.
...And the stage is set for a most explosive and thrilling battle. Rick takes a deep breath before activating the release system in the podium, calling forth his three pokemon for the battle. Firstly, the one in the 'Ten' slot, Afterglow, the Charmander. She has proven her worth, and stubborn as she is, she is a good fighter. Second, Zeus the Magneton, occupying the 'Queen' slot, which he will probably not be too happy about, if anyone tells him. And last but not least, Topaz the Electabuzz, performing as the Ace of the battle. All three know the drill by now, looking straight at their formidable-looking opponents. Topaz doesn't seem phased in the slightest however, as she begins to tap out a rhythm on the floor with her left foot. Zeus floats above the others, as if airing his 'godly' presence. Rick takes another breath, knowing that this will be tough.
"We're getting our first look at the lay of the battle," observes Masters, "and it looks like one for the books. The Dynamic Duo brings forth their fighters, revealing Charmander, Gastly, Electabuzz, Rhyhorn, and Magneton! The Dashing Blades counter with five of their own...Ponyta, Ekans, Scyther, Onix, and Kadabra!" "Wow," observes Strong. "This should be one heck of a battle." "Tony," replies Masters, "when you're right, you're right." Down on the floor, the emcee folds his arms, silver-spangled cape furling around his body. The flamboyant man sweeps his gaze across both teams, their pokemon, and the audience, and nods in approval. "Trainers," he inquires with all due gravity, "ready?"
The Blue Blade reaches into his top pocket and pulls out a white lace-edged handkerchief; he waves it, signalling that his team are indeed ready. The pokemon prepare themselves for battle, each as it sees fit, though the Ponyta and the Onix are looking around as though they haven't been in the arena before while the other three are simply waiting to battle. The Kadabra readies his spoon, the Scyther's blades ring together and the Ekans' tail rattles; the Onix huhs and then peers at its foes, and the Ponyta catches on and whinnies, pawing a flaming hoof at the ground.
Minerva, the Rhyhorn looks a bit awed by all of this and beams in the attention. <Maybe my true love is out there...> She sighs softly, closing her eyes and giving as much of a smile as a Rhyorn can. Sophia nods quietly. "Yes, ready here," She smiles wryly as Rayne sticks his tongue out, pulling a face at the Blue Blade. <Hee hee, can't catch me!> He beams. Sophia grins sheepishly at her pokemon. "You guys get ready, the battle's going to begin soon," She instructs her pokemon, leaning forward towards the microphone and finishes speaking, leans back to stand up straight in front of her podium spot. Sophia watches Minerva shiver slightly. "Don't worry, Minerva!" She coos to her pokemon, who nods quietly, watching the Onix with wide eyes. Rayne seems to be laughing at some inward joke, grinning like a fool.
Rick nods again, looking over his opponents. However good at fighting his pokemon are, they will need coordination if they are to win, and that is where the trainer comes in. "Yep! Ready!" he calls, waving again to any nearby cameras. Apparently this trainer enjoys attention... The pokemon on the field remain focused, for the most part. Topaz seems to be concocting another tune in her head, and Zeus seems to be basking in the attention as much as his trainer. Of course, he sees it as worship.
"Dashing Blades," declares the emcee, raising one arm in a demonstrative fashion, "ready!" At the signal from the other team, the flamboyant man does likewise with his other arm. "Dynamic Duo...ready!" Meanwhile, the scoreboard lights up with mugshots of both teams, beneath which lie images of their pokemon. "Iiiit's Time to Throw Down," proclaims the emcee, much to the loud appreciation of banner-lofting fans. "Rrready? Fight!" The man forcefully brings down his arms as the battle officially begins, and the lighting in the arena suddenly takes on an angrier red cast.
What's that smell? Candylion? Better save be-Ooo, pretty colors! (Delet-er, saving!)
"Go," the Blue Blade tells his and his partner's pokemon when the lights change - and they do just that. While the Dashing Blades watch, their pokemon start to battle without any other commands; the Onix's powerful and extremely heavy tail lifts and slams back down onto the arena floor, initiating an Earthquake attack that rocks the arena. The Ekans' head pulls up and back, and he coughs a stream of poisoned goo at the Magneton, while the Ponyta stamps and breathes a whirl of heated flame at that same electric-type. The Kadabra lifts his hands and concentrates, his eyes glowing blue as he sends a powerful beam of psychic energy at the Magneton as well; the Scyther, meanwhile, darts into the air with a spiteful buzz of wings, waits a moment or two and charges at the Magneton with a more physical Quick Attack.
The Earthquake hits Sophia's Rhyhorn.
The Earthquake hits Sophia's Gastly.
The Earthquake misses Rick's Charmander.
The Earthquake hits Rick's Electabuzz.
The Sludge hits Rick's Magneton. The attack's effect (poison) doesn't work.
The Ember hits Rick's Magneton.
The Psybeam hits Rick's Magneton.
The Quick attack hits Rick's Magneton.
<Whoa!> Minerva steps back, blinking at the red light, and trembles. <Is that ... We battle now? Oh goodness,> She sounds somewhat eager to battle, but Minerva's never battled under -these- conditions. Rayne grins to Minerva and gives a dip of the head to the unsure Rhyhorn. Sophia blinks at the red light. Is that supposed to induce aggression? She wonders inwardly. Alas, Sophia has no time to ponder things. Minerva yelps as the floor rumbles beneath her and tumbles to one side, her legs kneeling on one side and with a low groan, she picks herself up, glaring evilly at the Onix. <You -You /Brute/!> "Try returning the favor! Earthquake, Minerva!" Sophia suggests. Nodding to her 'wizard girl's' command, Minerva rears up and slams her legs against the ground, over and over and over... The earth trembles with the Rhyhorn's rage as it bends to her will, rocking the arena. Terra firma is at the whim of Minerva, as she sends her power downward, causing a pair of small craters where her forelegs slam. Rayne blinks as he's jolted from the Earthquakes, he lets out a startled yelp. Once the furious barrage of earth stops, he shakes his head, grinning maliciously as he notes the Kadabra's abilities! A playmate! "Try Lick-Er, tag! Play tag!" Sophia blinks slightly and grins sheepishly. Giggling, Rayne darts across the arena and pulls his 'hand' back, swinging it down to give the Kadabra good whack if he can. <Tag, you're it!> Rayne giggles and beams. Of course, the psychic pokemon is probably able to see through the ghost's facade.
The Earthquake hits Grayson's Onix.
The Earthquake misses Grayson's Ponyta.
The Earthquake hits Grayson's Ekans.
The Earthquake misses Grayson's Kadabra.
The Lick hits Grayson's Kadabra. The Lick side effect (paralysis) doesn't work.
Rick rubs his hands together absently, as he contemplates the moves of his pokemon. Of course, he will have to give encouragement to his team as well as orders. They will have to do some swift dodging to avoid the attacks of some of those opponents, especially the Scyther. Hmm... "Okay, you three, focus on the Scyther! Afterglow, use your Flamethrower! Zeus, Thunderbolt! Topaz, Thunder Punch! Goooo!" Rick cries enthusiastically. The trainer grins at his partner. "That should heat things up!" he says quietly. The Charmander moves towards the green bladed creature, grim determination in her eyes. The Magneton just looks down on the Scyther, as he does with all his opponents. Still, his haughtiness seems to be his undoing once again, as he is hit from all directions by various attacks. <Bah! You shall pay for your insolence! Behold! The full fury of the almighty Zeus!> he drones, aiming the various antennae forward. The vanes crackle with electrical energy, before sending it forwards as a pulsing, paralyzing wave, aimed at the Ponyta and Kadabra. Thankfully, Afterglow and Topaz can at least obey orders. The Charmander lets the flames fly in a furious Flamethrower frenzy, aimed skywards at the Scyther. The Electabuzz, her Thunder Punch probably not being able to reach the airborne bug, begins to crackle with energy too. The electricity focuses at her antennae, before arcing skywards too, towards the Scyther in a Thunder attack.
The Thunder wave misses Grayson's Ponyta.
The Thunder wave misses Grayson's Kadabra.
The Flamethrower hits Grayson's Scyther.
The Thunder hits Grayson's Scyther.
"And here we go," exclaims Masters. "Both sides are wasting no time, and are turning the battlefield upside down with -dual Earthquakes-!" The crowd goes berzerk at the massive quake, cheering madly and with wild abandon. Several sections orchestrate 'waves' that eventually merge into one huge, stadium-wide undulation. 'EARTHQUAKE!' appears in huge, crumbling, skaky letters on the massive Silphtron screen, as the arena floor buckles and rolls. "And into the chaos," continues Masters excitedly, "both teams are launching furious assaults! Flames, toxins, psychokinetic force, and flashing blades...The Dashing Blades blast Magneton with an explosive four-way offensive! But Magneton blasts right back with a wave of arcing thunder, putting Ponyta and Kadabra on the offensive! And Scyther is positively lit up by the combined might of Electabuzz and Charmander!" "The first exchange of a Royal Flush battle is always explosive," comments Strong. "But this is the biggest one yet!"
The Onix is Earthquaked in turn, physically rattling as his boulders clack and jostle together. The Ekans too is thrown by the shaking of the ground, but the Ponyta and the Kadabra both leap clear. Unfortunately for the Kadabra, he leaps straight into the Lick; the fact that he lands rather than crashing back down to the arena floor indicates that he's not paralysed, something proven as he ducks beneath the Thunder Wave. The Thunder Wave's sparks crackle over the Ponyta's white hide but don't settle, arcing off to ground. The Scyther is hit and rocked by both attacks, but he's still got plenty of go left in him yet as other trainers can attest. The Blue Blade's commands ring over the loudspeakers. "Magneton. Gastly. Go." The Blades' pokemon follow the semi-cryptic commands, the Kadabra summoning a set of glowing blue bands to try and surround the Gastly with a classic Disable attack, while the Onix tries for a Fissure to open the ground up beneath it. The Scyther and the Ekans both go for the Magneton again, the first with a Slash and the second with a Poison Sting; the Ponyta, meanwhile, heads straight for the Charmander with a flurry of hooves and a Take Down attack.
The Disable has no effect. Sophia's Gastly is immune to Disable and all Normal-fxonly_paralyzed attacks.
The Fissure misses Sophia's Gastly.
The Slash hits Rick's Magneton.
The Poison sting hits Rick's Magneton.
The Take down misses Rick's Charmander.
Minerva pants heavily, grunting and pawing the ground, trying to get into the spirit of the competition, but with her docile nature, she doesn't look too terribly fierce... Luckily, no attack was directed towards her and Sophia wipes her brow. "Goooo Minerva, good job Rayne!" Grunting again, she charges, moving with alarming speed for a beast of her size and lets out a shattering roar. <He-here I come!> With a dull thud and a loud /whomp!/ the Rhyhorn moves across the arena towards the Kadabra, and rears up again, her immense rock body cracking as she stands almost upright. Kicking out, she sends her bulk downwards, more than likely giving the Kadabra a good conk to the head if he doesn't move fast enough. Rayne squeals again, throwing his arms over his head and whines. <You're no fun!> Scooting off to the Onix, he eyes his prospective buddy. Thinking quickly, Rayne grins and stares into the Onix's eyes. "Hypnosis on that Onix! Er, staring contest!" Sophia takes a deep breath and holds it. This is such a tense match... The only odd thing about Rayne's eyes is how they emit a sophoric blue glow. So soft and soothing... Don't blink! Sophia's nostrils flare slightly as she watches, thankful her Gastly is too easily distracted to notice the missed Disable.
The Stomp hits Grayson's Kadabra. The attack's effect (flinch) does work.
The Hypnosis misses Grayson's Onix.
The Magneton is rattled too, as he is hit by both blade and poison needle. <Y...you will regret this... I will not forget... ugh!> he hums as the three battered and dented orbs fall towards the floor, and he gets automatically recalled by the podium. "Drat... Okay, you two, go after that Scyther again!" Rick calls out to his two remaining pokemon. Afterglow, still slightly shaken by the earlier Earthquake, aims once more at the irritating bug flitting around above her. Opening her mouth again, she shoots fiery Embers at the creature. Topaz waits for an opportunity to use her trademark 'Rhythm Fist' or Thunder Punch to anyone but herself. At any opportunity, she will lash out at the Scyther, her right fist glowing blue and sparking with stored electricity.
The Ember hits Grayson's Scyther.
The Thunder Punch hits Grayson's Scyther.
"Kadabra encloses Gastly in rings of power," comments Masters, "but they pass right through the ethereal form of the ghost! But Ekans and Scyther team up, and take down Magneton with a resounding clang!" After brief scrutiny, Iron Horse raises his flag. "Magneton is unable to battle," growls the grizzled old official, as the picture of the evolved electric type vanishes from the scoreboard. "But Charmander and Electabuzz reap their revenge," continues Masters, "delivering another brutal double blast to Scyther! Onix, after shaking off the soporific effects of the Gastly, strikes back with a ground-splitting Fissure, which the Gastly handily evades! But in comes Rhyhorn, and the armored beast Stomps a veritable mudhole in Kadabra! And the psychic is reeling!"
The Kadabra is too busy trying to work out why his Disable didn't work on the ghost to avoid the Ponyta's kicking hooves; he's hit solidly, and it takes him a while to struggle back to his feet. The Scyther is hit and hurt by two more powerful attacks, electricity crackling and flames singeing his carcass. The Onix is too busy watching his nice new hole in the ground to see the attempted Hypnosis. The Blue Blade's voice echoes again. "Gastly. Electabuzz. Go." Again, the pokemon follow the commands - sort of. The Ponyta breathes another Ember, this one at the ghostly pokemon. The Scyther picks himself up from where the twin attacks threw him and runs at the Gastly with both blades extended, hoping for a Twineedle attack, and the Ekans spits another stream of poisoned goo at the Electabuzz. The Onix roars something to himself as he shakes, rattles and rolls his way over to try and grab the Electabuzz in a Bind attack, the Blades' pokemon not exactly working together but not doing too bad a job of it.
The Ember hits Sophia's Gastly.
The Twineedle hits Sophia's Gastly.
The Sludge misses Rick's Electabuzz.
The Bind misses Rick's Electabuzz.
Sophia and Rick both look disheartened in their podiums. Still, the older trainer gives her advice to her pokemon all the same. "Minerva, use your Earthquake again! And erm... Rayne, play tag with the Kadabra!" The Rhyhorn does a repeat performance with its Earthquake, literally breaking up the stadium floor again, primarily around the Onix. The Gastly meanwhile, reveals his true form, a gaseous purple shape, with large eyes and fangs. <Tag! You're it!> he cries, as purple tendrils extend from the vapor, lashing out at the Kadabra, in a furious Nightshade attack. Rick also issues his commands. "Both of you, again! Get rid of it!" The pint-sized trainer seems to be getting more and more agressive as the battle draws on. Again, the little orange creature unleashes her Flamethrower at the green bug, and the Electabuzz wheels around, building up momentum before unleashing a forceful Mega Punch.
The Nightshade misses Grayson's Kadabra.
The Earthquake hits Grayson's Onix.
The Flamethrower hits Grayson's Scyther.
The Mega Punch misses Grayson's Scyther.
"The Duo's Gastly becomes the target of a dual assault," comments Masters, "as Scyther and Ponyta, unlikely allies, strike the ghost with flame and claw! Electabuzz is subjected to a similar doubleteam, but manages to evade both the sizzling Sludge and crushing coils of her attackers, and team up with Charmander again to stick it to Scyther! Rhyhorn, meanwhile, comes to her teammate's aid, delivering a hefty seismic blow to the towering Onix!"
What's that smell? Candylion? Better save be-Ooo, pretty colors! (Delet-er, saving!)
The Kadabra manages to recover enough to get out of the Nightshade's path, turning to lance another beam of blue-glowing psychic power at the ghostly pokemon; his spoon is up and held before him, used as a focus for the mental attack. The Onix does another shake, rattle and roll, but his tail rolls around and flicks down as he tries to pin the Rhyhorn over with a Slam attack. The Ekans turns towards the now-closer Electabuzz, trying to Wrap it up in his coils, and the Scyther, on his last legs thanks to the charred and cracked chitin of his armour, attempts to Slash at the peculiar pokemon's head. The Ponyta, meanwhile, tries to put the boot in; she rears up and Stomps out at the Electabuzz, trying to add yet more damage to the eletric-type. The Blades are silent now as they watch the chaos of the whirling melee.
The Psychic hits Sophia's Gastly.
The Slam misses Sophia's Rhyhorn.
The Wrap misses Rick's Electabuzz.
The Slash hits Rick's Electabuzz.
The Stomp hits Rick's Electabuzz. The attack's effect (flinch) does work.
Minerva pants heavily, sucking in air and throws her head from side to side, snorting. Wagging her tail a moment, she looks up to Sophia, who frantically squeals and points. "Look -out- Minerva!" The Rhyhorn turns and blinks, her eyes widening a moment as the Onix's heavy body comes hurtling through the air towards her. Back pedaling rapidly, the Rhyhorn makes a hasty retreat, then snorting again, charges after the Kadabra, her big heart thundering as she lowers her horn. <Take my love, my anger, my hate and all my pain!> The melodramatic girl cries as she thunders ever nearer towards the psychic type. Her head low, she thrusts her head towards the psychic type's soft underbelly and furiously tosses her head side to side. "Horn Drill," Sophia blinks quietly. Minerva isn't terribly happy and for reasons unknown, she's venting her ire on the spoon wielding one. Amidst all this drama, Rayne cries out as the psychic energy pierces his body and he lets out a low groan, tumbling to the floor. The boy's brown eyes shut and his body shudders, his human form vanishing into a small ball of gas. Sophia frowns and recalls her pokemon, the usual flash appearing as she does so. Poor, poor Rayne, she sighs softly and cheers on Minerva. "Come on girl, you can do it!"
The Horn Drill hits Grayson's Kadabra.
"Come on, team!" Rick cheers, not just for his own pokemon, but for Sophia's too. It seems Topaz is the opposing team's next target, as she is hit by both blade and hoof this time, sending her flying backwards and onto the floor, stunned. "Come on, Topaz! Get up! Afterglow, use your Fire Spin on the Scyther!" Since the Electabuzz doesn't get up, Afterglow is only one of two active pokemon for now, at least until Topaz recovers. Again, she calls on her fire, visibly draining her. The flaming spout tries to trap the annoying bug in a fiery spiral.
The Fire spin affects Grayson's Scyther. This attack does not include a hit. Grayson's Scyther is now captured.
Grayson does an effect check. He has succeeded to break it.
"Electabuzz evades another clinch," comments Masters, "this time from Ekans...But is caught offguard by the lethal blades of Scyther, and knocked for a loop by Ponyta's flashing hooves! And Gastly is totally engulfed in a massive field of scintillanting psychic energy...And just can't recover! This ghost is busted!" The declaration of Iron Horse backs up this claim, and the Gastly's image vanishes from the scoreboard. "Rhyhorn lets out a mighty roar," continues Masters, "and ferociously gores Kadabra! And Charmander, her partner incapacitated, ensnares Scyther, boxing in the battling bug with scorching flames!"
The Scyther vanishes behind the walls of flame - only to reappear a few moments later, darting out of the top of the ring of fire and scooting off to one side before the Charmander can make the circle higher still. There are smoldering points on his chitinous armour, but he's still battling. The Kadabra goes reeling from the Horn Drill, struggling back to his feet and then lashing out at the Rhyhorn, willing a set of glowing blue bands into existance and directing them to close, hopefully before the Rhyhorn can escape them. The Ekans turns again, his head coming back in order to bring up and then spit a lump of toxic goo across the arena at the Charmander, and the Ponyta turns and lashes out with her rear hooves at the Electabuzz with a Double Kick attack. The Onix roars again, then slaps his tail down onto the arena floor again, sending a Fissure towards the Charmander.
The Disable misses Sophia's Rhyhorn.
The Sludge hits Rick's Charmander. The attack's effect (poison) doesn't work.
The Double kick misses Rick's Electabuzz.
The Fissure hits Rick's Charmander.
Minerva looks a bit tuckered by this effort, but she's not exactly about to let up on that Kadabra just yet. Sophia has all but given up on using commands and sits there quietly, her face ashen, but her eyes belie her with a small sparkle of hope. Maybe, just maybe! Sophia wrings her hands and watches nervously a moment. Minerva rears up again, apparently she's not too eager to display her entire repetoire of skills... Her fury is too great for the Disable's psychic powers to penetrate the thick skull. <How -dare- you! You -you! YOU!> She bursts out, on the verge of tears. How will she fare in love if she cannot battle? Huffing, the Rhyhorn tries to hammer the Kadabra with her ponderous bulk and heavy feet. "Er, Stomp's good," Sophia says to her pokemon. "Keep up the assault, girl! Go Minerva! I'm rooting for you!" She cheers, knowing the amount of faith the pokemon has in her trainer. Minerva seems to brighten a little, but she's not about to stop kicking the snot out of Grayson's Kadabra.
The Stomp hits Grayson's Kadabra. The attack's effect (flinch) does work.
And Topaz is back in action! Jumping to her feet, she lets out a cry. <Everyone feel the beat! Your host is back on track!> The Electabuzz shakes off any lingering effects, before facing her opponents once more. <Are ya ready to feel the groove?> she cries. At that point, she stylishly dances out of the way of the approaching hooves. <Yeah! I'm feelin' the beat!> Meanwhile, Afterglow gets hit by another two attacks, although she closes her mouth and eyes to avoid being poisoned by the Sludge. "Yeah, go team!" Rick cries. "Afterglow, Flamethrower on the Scyther! Topaz, Thunder on the Ponyta!" Both pokemon obey, letting loose fire and electricity together, but at different targets. The searing flames head for the Scyther and the arcing bolt of energy aims for the fiery horse.
The Flamethrower hits Grayson's Scyther.
The Thunder hits Grayson's Ponyta.
"With a sudden burst of speed," comments Masters, "Scyther dashes free of the encroaching flames! Kadabra attempts to freeze Rhyhorn in her tracks, but the rocky rhino is far too enraged to stop, and tramples the offending psychic! And it seems to be open season on Charmander! The lambent lizard evades the lethal hooves of Ponyta, but is on the business end of Ekans' Sludge, and an earth-shaking Fissure from Onix! But even battered and bruised, Charmander isn't giving up just yet, and torches Scyther with another dose of her flamethrower...And Scyther goes down in flames!" After a moment of examination, Iron Horse raises his flag. "Scyther is unable to battle," he declares gruffly, as the insect's picture on the scoreboard fades. "And Electabuzz is up and onto a new target," continues Masters, "striking Ponyta with a bolt from the blue!"
The Kadabra gets flattened beneath the Rhyhorn's feet, and though he starts to struggle back to his feet he has to take his sweet time about it, thanks to a kick to the head. It takes a little time for his eyes to uncross, time that he could have spent attacking. The Scyther vanishes in a flare of red light as soon as the red flag is raised, and the Ponyta gets jolted by a massive electrical charge at almost the same moment. Blinking the afterglow out of her eyes she turns her head and breathes another burst of flames at the Electabuzz, hurt but nowhere near down; the Ekans hisses and rattles his tail, then turns and tries to bite the electric-type hard with needlesharp fangs. Finally, the Onix rumbles something else to himself - he flicks his tail in the Electabuzz's direction, the small boulder at the end becoming detached and flying at the electric pokemon.
The Ember misses Rick's Electabuzz.
The Bite hits Rick's Electabuzz.
The Rock throw misses Rick's Electabuzz.
Minerva huffs slightly, pausing her assault and backing away. Is she retreating? Sophia smiles, then frowns as Topaz is hit. That's no good. She looks to Rick, appearing more like a matron as the match wears on. "Your pokemon are strong, but we're nowhere near out of this. Okay, Minerva, hit that Kadabra with your Take Down!" She clenches her hands together, trying to look determined and confident for herself, her partner and her pokemon. Minerva finally makes her way to the end of the arena and wheels around, eyeing the Kadabra. Taking off as she pushes off the ground, she dashes at a break neck speed towards the Kadabra and she doesn't look friendly. <For love, for hope, and for dreams!> Minerva announces as she throws her full 600lbs at the Kadabra. She intends to finish this with one of them down and it hopefully won't be -her-. Crashing recklessly, it's apparent the armored beast intends to ram the Kadabra with her body into the arena wall. Minerva shuts her eyes as she goes into a skid... Here's to hoping the psychic is still gathering his marbles.
The Take Down misses Grayson's Kadabra.
The battle is still anyone's game. Although his team is down against the opposition, Rick still looks determined to win. "Okay, Afterglow, use your Slash against the Ponyta! Topaz, hit the Ponyta with a Thunder Punch!" Rick orders. Both pokemon move closer to the equine, the Charmander brandishing her claws, and the Electabuzz's hand curled into a fist. Afterglow swipes at the legs of the Ponyta with her claws. The pesky snake decides to bite Topaz, and she yelps and tries to shake it off. Still, she aims her Thunder Punch at the Ponyta, and if the Ekans doesn't let go, it will get shocked too.
The Slash misses Grayson's Ponyta.
The Thunder Punch misses Grayson's Ponyta.
The Thunder Punch misses Grayson's Ekans.
"Rhyhorn attempts to capitalize on Kadabra's stunned state," observes Masters, "but the psychic just manages to avoid the ponderous bulk of the armored pokemon! And Electabuzz is suddenly on the defensive, dodging the flames and falling rocks of her foes! But Ekans proves just a little too quick, and sinks his fangs into the electric warrior! Things are looking grim for Electabuzz." "Don't write her off just yet," comments Strong. "I think she still might have a trick or two up her--" "Oh," exclaims Masters, "Electabuzz launches into a Thunder Punch, taking Ekans along for the ride! Ponyta evades the crackling fist, and Ekans just manages to let go, but it was a near thing, to be sure!"
The Kadabra gets out of the way, then closes his eyes and starts to concentrate on something within. He does his level best to Recover, healing energy swirling and flowing around him in green sparkles; whether it takes, though, that's another question. The Onix rumbles in irritation, turning to slam his tail down again; with the rest of his team around the Electabuzz, he's trying to Earthquake the Charmander and the Charmander alone. Meanwhile, the Ekans lifts his own tail and slams it down for a much more localised attack right next to his foe - it's another Earthquake. The Ponyta tries for another Stomp while the Electabuzz is hopefully distracted; it seems that she's worked with the Ekans a time or two before.
The Recover does not work.
The Earthquake hits Rick's Charmander.
The Earthquake hits Rick's Electabuzz.
The Stomp misses Rick's Electabuzz.
Minerva winces as she hits the wall, causing the section to shake slightly, but the structure's probably fortified for this sort of occasion. Minerva groans and picks herself up. Shaking her head slightly, she blinks. It's a good thing Rhyhorn have such thick heads. Growling low to herself, she picks up enough energy for a second rush towards the Kadabra, horn lowered. Thanks to repeated charges, the Rhyhorn moves a little slower, but she's not to be taken for granted. "Horn Attack!" Sophia calls to her Rhyhorn, "Don't let it heal itself!" Minerva rumbles, to spur herself on. <I musn't give up, no matter the odds!> She repeats to herself, sending the pointed end of her horn towards the Kadabra. Minerva means business, however schoolgirl-like she may be. Sophia lowers her head, looking worried and she trembles slightly. They're not out of this yet!
The Horn Attack misses Grayson's Kadabra.
The dual Earthquakes bring down both of Rick's remaining pokemon, and the young trainer lets out a sigh. <Urf... the beat caught up with me...> mutters the Electabuzz as she collapses. <M... me too...> comes the little Charmander's cute voice, not matching her manner at all. Both pokemon get drawn back into the podium, and Rick leans forwards. "Good job, girls..." he murmers.
"And it seems Kadabra is withdrawing," observes Masters. "You know what that means," notes Strong. "Recover," asks Masters with a grin. "Recover," the athlete confirms. "But Rhyhorn looks to be having none of that," continues Masters, "and forces the psychic out of his trance to evade her attack! Onix, meanwhile, brings down his mighty tail, casting Charmander aside with a terrible seismic wave...just as Ekans does the same to Electabuzz! Two Earthquakes, and suddenly, the Dynamic Duo is down two fighters!" "With Charmander and Electabuzz gone," notes Strong, "the odds against Rhyhorn are overwhelming. But they all put up a good fight tonight, that's for sure."
What's that smell? Candylion? Better save be-Ooo, pretty colors! (Delet-er, saving!)
The Kadabra does indeed come out of his trance, the green flecks of energy dying away into nothingness as he jumps upwards and levitates for a few moments before dropping back down to the arena floor again. "Hold," the Blue Blade commands, and his team's pokemon stop mid-attack, all turning to watch the Rhyhorn but none actually initiating anything. The dashing swordsman's eyes turn towards his opponents. "Do we fight on?", he asks of them, his voice mostly neutral but containing a trace of worry; he looks faintly worried as well, one of the corners of his lips pulled a little to the side. "The choice is yours."
Minerva halts her furious assault and blinks. She looks around, only now does it truly hit her that her team mates are gone... Sophia looks to her pokemon and closes her gray eyes. "To subject my pokemon to such a beating would be cruel and heartless on my part. Come on Minerva, you did your best. We need to heal my partner's pokemon as soon as possible anyways," She adds quietly. Sophia seems subdued, but accepting. "We concede. The odds are against Minerva," Sophia states quietly and recalls her pokemon, who looks up with wide eyes at Grayson. She was expecting a furious lashback for her trainer's bravery and lowers her head quietly as she vanishes into her pokeball. Sophia puts a slender hand on Rick's shoulder. "We did our best, put on a good show, and that's all we can hope for..." She murmurs just audibly. "Thank you. If you ever want to train your Kadabra or Onix, Minerva is waiting," She offers the Blue Blade quietly and steps back from her podium. "I'm sorry I let you down, Rick. I can't watch Minerva get hammered..."
Rick looks up at his opponent, and then at his teammate. Slowly, he nods at Sophia, thoroughly agreeing. "Good job. I'd have done the same. Well, it was a good match, at least!" he says to the older trainer. The sparkle is gone from Rick's eyes, but he is still grinning. "I know I've a long way to go, but I was glad to participate." He too steps down from his podium, after giving a salute to the opposition. They are good...
"The Blades," observes Masters, "showing good sportsmanship and respect for their opponents, have offered them the chance to yield." "Very noble of them," notes Strong. "And there's no shame in conceding under these circumstances. This was a hard fought battle, and everyone did very well." "No question," agrees Masters. "And the Dynamic Duo has graciously accepted." The Master of Ceremonies retakes the field, and throws up his arms in a dramatic pose of presentation. "The winner," he proclaims, "of this Royal Flush battle...The Dashing Blades!" The crowd erupts in wild cheering, as the arena lights resume their normal color and the Duo vanishes from the scoreboard. The emcee flashes a grin and a thumbs-up, then lifts off the ground, swiftly sweeping back into flight, until he reaches the dome, and in a shower of sparks and bright light, is gone.
The Blue Blade inclines his head in response to Sophia's concession of the match. "I agree," he smiles, looking relieved - and then the victory is announced. The Orange Blade jumps over the railing of the trainer's box as the Blue Blade takes two steps back; the smaller of the flamboyantly-dressed pair starts to wave to the crowd, grinning madly, while his taller partner takes two steps forward and flips up, putting his hands on the railing and flipping over it rather than taking a less-showy way out of the box. He takes a few moments to wave to the crowd as well, and then the Blades nod to each other, draw swords and start the usual salutes. Their opponents, the match official, the commentators and the emcee are each formally saluted - and then the pair break and run for the ropes that have fallen behind them ready to take them out of the arena in interviewer-foiling style.
Taking the pokeballs from the locks, Sophia puts them in her pocket with no show. She offers Rick a small smile. "We did pretty darn well, didn't we?" She puts a hand on his shoulder as she turns to go. Since no one wants to interview the losers, Sophia is a bit relieved that no reporters want to nab her. Sophia just gives the Blades a knowing glance as they agree and finally turns away altogether, making her way out. Sophia looks humbled, but she has newfound faith in her pokemon. Minerva truly surprised her with her magnificent performance. Sophia has a promise to keep to the Rhyhorn as well...
In a not-so extravagant exit, Rick walks with his partner, placing two of the three pokeballs back on his belt, holding one in his hand still: the one containing the valiant Charmander, Afterglow. Oddly, the trainer seems to have developed some form of affinity for the little lizard, and she certainly performed well today. Rick nods to Sophia. "Yep. We did! Only one round left! It's sure to be a good one!" he replies. Rick makes his way with Sophia to the PokeCenter. After all, Joy will have a couple of bite marks, some burns and a few dents to sort out...
"An exciting and explosive match," comments Masters, "with fine trainers, strong fighters, and no less than three pokemon capable of Earthquake! And as The Dashing Blades claim the golden chip, the HRTC preliminaries have come to an end." "Team Musouka and The Dashing Blades currently lead the pack in chips," notes Strong, "but the race is close, and after HRTC Roulette, things could look much different." "Too true," agrees Masters. "And only a few people know what the Final Round will bring...and they're not telling. But regardless of what surprises the HRTC has yet to throw, we'll be here to bring you every minute. The hits keep on rolling, and so will we. For the Golden Dewgong Hotel and Casino, and the Neon Town Gaming Commission, I'm Jake Masters." "And I'm Tony Strong." "And we'll see you next time!"
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