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Cinnabar Volcano... Dangerous to all, including fire-type pokemon. Thankfully the protection provided by scales can be strengthened, and this is the entire purpose for the regular training Scorch the Charmander has been enduring recently. The ambient heat of the volcano is more intense the closer to the center it is, and today's journey has been further than he has ever been before. Today is a new step for Scorch, but one he has to take sooner or later. Not only has he gone further than ever, he is also without his friend and mentor, Dakshi. This has been the first time in months that he has been on his own, but it is a necessary evil. After spending a satisfactory amount of time in heat as intense as he can stand, the lizard is returning towards the cave entrance he has called home for the past few months. The Charmander is feeling the effects of the heat, and his progress is slow. His steps are less pronounced than normal, but he still plods onwards. While his endurance training was not energetic, the heat has a habit of draining the strength of those not used to it.
Just a little further... The entrance of the caves isn't yet within sight of the training Charmander, though there's still a breath of hope that can be found within the nigh overpowering heat -- a very faint stream of air moves past from the outside, cooling their air just enough that it's noticeable and letting Scorch know that escape is, after all, just ahead. He's alone, surrounded by silent rocks which are hot to the touch, and once the air current moves past the heat will resume once more, swirls of steam curling up from cracks every so often. Behind him there's the ocassional hiss, or flare of light, though up ahead the type of light is beginning to become whiter, no longer the orangish red of the volcano's fire.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
The sheer determination of the Charmander is all that is pushing him forwards. He has to prove to Dakshi that she doesn't need to watch over him all the time, that he -can- look after himself. While he is eternally grateful to the Charizard for taking him under her wings, he is uncomfortable at having to rely on her for everything. His previous, torturous existance on the mainland was lonely, but at least he didn't have to answer to anyone but himself. The Charmander takes a moment to stop and catch his breath. If he is to become stronger, he has to endure. Looking behind him at the way he has come, Scorch smiles. The feeling of satisfaction he experiences is enough to push him onwards. Taking a deep breath, Scorch continues onwards, a more definite spring in his step as he carries himself confidently forwards.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
No sooner does the little Charmander's mood improve, things take a turn for the worst. Isn't that always the way it goes? A few steps forward and the walls of the cave open up slightly, large boulders piled up at the sides and crags becoming more numerous. And it's from here that a number of Charmanders suddenly appear, stepping out from their hiding places and blocking off the way. They're a tough-looking bunch, too; seven or eight, one might guess, and largely scarred and battle-hardened from the looks of it. Arms crossed and eyes narrowed, they glare at Scorch as he approaches, daring the other of their species to keep moving. Not one of them says a word.
While Scorch may appear confident in the face of these volcano residents, his heart sinks to his feet as soon as he sees them. Why must things always go wrong when there isn't a Charizard around to help? Scorch approaches the group without losing his confident exterior, but within he is dreading what might come. Will they let him past? It certainly doesn't look like it... Once he gets within a few feet of the others of his kind, he stops, unsure of what to do or say. He looks across the group with eyes that might reveal his uncomfortable feelings. For a few seconds, he doesn't say anything either. Eventually however, the silence gets the better of the lizard, who hasn't as much experience as the Charmanders confronting him. <What?> he says, trying to banish the stutter from his voice as he struggles to hide his fear.
There's a long pause after Scorch speaks, the group of Charmanders neither moving nor replying. And actually, the Charmanders never do. It is, in fact, a Charmeleon that finally steps forward and takes charge of the situation, eyeing the strange Charmander carefully as he does so. <Well well,> comes his half-growled words, lips pulling back into a toothy grin. <What have we got here, huh? A trespasser, looks like.> There's some murmuring amidst the others. <Only one way out of here, kiddo,> the evolved pokemon addresses Scorch himself this time, head tilting slightly to one side as he continues to study the other fire type. <See, we're what you could call the security around here. We keep track of just how strong everybody is, so nobody gets out of place. You're new around here, so we've gotta test you out... protocol, you know.> He chuckles faintly, nodding to one of the group members who steps forward unhesitantly and prepares for battle. <So kid,> the Charmeleon continues, waving a clawed hand at his chosen fighter, <Show us what you've got.>
Scorch looks momentarily surprised by the appearance of a Charmeleon on the scene, but he quickly corrects himself. He -has- to appear confident in front of the other fire-types, regardless of how he may feel. <Tresspasser? I -live- here! Well, I live a bit further that way, but...> he trails off as he begins to ramble. Listening carefully to the Charmeleon as he describes his group's function, he can't help but wonder what other surprises might await him in the volcano. <B...but... well, okay, I guess...> he says, unsure of how he will measure up to these battle-hardened specimens. Still, this will be a perfect opportunity to put his knowledge to the test, applying what he has learned from his mentor in a real situation. <Okay, so... what do I do?> he asks hesitantly, the last remnants of his confidence seeping away as he glances over the other Charmanders.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
The groups leader lets out a loud snort, again waving towards the Charmander who stepped forward. <Isn't it obvious?> he replies, roling his eyes at Scorch's question. <Battle, you little punk. Let's see what kind of fighter you are. After all...> he leans forward a little, glaring at the unfamiliar Charmander, <you may live around here, but -this- is our territory. Gotta prove yourself to us.> There's a murmuring of agreement from the rest of the group, most looking rather skeptical about the match that's about to take place. As for the selected fighter, he just smirks.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Scorch shifts his weight between his feet nervously as he awaits his instructions, some part of his mind wishing he hadn't come in alone this time. Battle? Oh dear... this may not go so well. His training hasn't really amounted to anything more than hunting up to this point, and although Dakshi has taught him well, his battling skills have not yet been put to the test. Well, there's no time like the present. Taking a deep breath, Scorch fixes his eyes on the other Charmander, assessing his chances. This one looks quite tough. Scorch will have to put every ounce of effort into this if he hopes to make it back to the entrance cavern. <Okay...> he breathes, flexing his claws in anticipation of the upcoming confrontation. Without further hesitation, Scorch launches himself forwards, quickly calling on the rush of adrenaline that suddenly surges through his veins. He can only hope this will be over quickly, as his recent endurance training has sapped a substantial amount of strength, making his movements more sluggish than normal. Hopefully that will wear off in this cooler air, even if it is still hotter than he is used to. Scorch quickly closes the distance from his opponent, his claws outstretched. If there is one thing that Dakshi has taught him, it is that Charmanders will be able to brave the heat with few ill effects. Fire is out of the question, so the lizard has to rely on his physical attacks.
Already prepared for an incoming attack, the opposing Charmander has little trouble spotting Scorch's course of action and removing himself from the immediate line of danger. <Ha!> he lets out a barking laugh, sliding to a halt a short distance away having easily escaped the other fire type's claws. <Is that the best you can do, little guy?> His taunting draws several snickers from the audience, while the Charmeleon continues to simply watch, still smirking. Unfortunately, however, the entire gang seems to be pretty confident in themselves. Which just happens to be leaving them wide open while they taunt.
Scorch cannot help but be annoyed by his opponent. Not only did he dodge effortlessly, the taunting is downright irritating to the lizard. <The best? You've seen nothing yet!> he growls, refusing to admit his own shortcomings. Turning around to face his opponent once again, Scorch just leers at his opponent, doing a bit of taunting himself. <If you're so tough, -you- attack then!> he says, adjusting his position to prepare for an incoming attack, whatever form it may take. Whatever happens, Scorch isn't just going to give up. He can only focus his adrenaline into his legs, trying to get the edge on his opponent.
Getting the edge on his opponent shouldn't be too difficult. Scorch's new rival apparently has no intention of using his full power on the other Charmander, seeming to think that it's really not worth his time to do so. Even the taunting gets shrugged off. <Fine, fine!> yawns the battle-hardened fire type, waving a hand at the other. <Suit yourself, kid.> With that he takes a quick, deep breath and lets loose a Flamethrower, directed at Scorch. And no sooner is he done with the attack he leans back again, once more letting his guard down.
Scorch may have been prepared for physical attacks, but then that's all he needs to really worry about. His scales have been repeatedly hardened by the heat of the volcano, so right now flames aren't going to be that effective. Combined with his natural fire affinity, the attack washes over him, causing him to close his eyes in the heat and to trust his instincts. Once more he leaps forwards, covering his face with his arms as he attempts to barge into his opponent and knock him down. While Scorch hasn't really been watching his opponent's overconfidence leave ideal opportunities to strike, hopefully the fact that these opportunities are there will help regardless. Bursting from the flames is one thing the Charmander might not expect Scorch to do.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Having underestimated the Scorch, the other Charmander is caught by the sudden attack and smashed into, staggering backwards a few steps before tumbling over onto the hot floor of the volcano. <Ouch!> he grunts painfully, amidst the startled mumbles of his companions. <Hey! You little punk!> With a furious growl he throws his weight forward, trying to knock the other fire type off of him. But he was nicely pinned in the process of being knocked over, so there's not much more he can do aside from struggle helplessly.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
While Scorch could now savagely tear into his opponent now he has him at his mercy, this would be drastically out of character for him. Satisfied by his successful attack, Scorch grins into his opponent's face. <You thought I'd be a pushover, didn't you? I'll have you know I've been training!> he gloats, refusing to budge. Now that he is winning, Scorch's confident personality is once more in the open, plain for all the spectators to see. <So, can I go yet? Am I strong enough for you? My training partner will be waiting for me!> he asks, turning his head towards the Charmeleon in charge of the group.
The Charmeleon scowls deeply at the most recent turn of events, looking most displeased with what just occurred. <Hang on,> he snarls at Scorch, uncrossing his arms and instead planing one hand on his hip, tail swaying to and fro angrilly, <That wasn't nearly enough to show us your worth. That idiot,> a nod to the Charmander still on the ground, <obviously wasn't worth anyone's time. Let's try this again, shall we?> As he says this a new Charmander steps forward, more heavily scarred than any of the others, one digit on her right claw missing, and moving with the faintest of limps. But she's muscular and sturdy just the same. And she, unlike the others, doesn't leer at Scorch. Instead she looks him over through squinted eyes and gives a short nod. <Prepare yourself.>
The Charmeleon seems to have an incredibly disagreeable personality. No wonder he rose to be captain of this group, combined with the benefits his evolution has given him. Scorch sighs as he returns to the center of the open area, preparing himself for whoever might be pitted against him. What he doesn't expect however, is the incredibly powerful-looking female who steps forward. Scorch blinks in surprise, not quite sure what to make of this new opponent. However, his confidence is soaring due to his easy victory without much battle experience, and this may prove to be his undoing. He was slightly intimidated by that last opponent, and although this one seems stronger, his judgement may now be clouded. <You too,> he replies, grinning as he shifts his weight into the ideal battle position he has been taught. Has he underestimated this living proof of 'girl power'? Perhaps.
<I'm always prepared,> comes the female's quiet reply, no cockiness in her voice. All that can be heard is self-assurance, and not needlessly based either. She draws herself up as the younger Charmander faces her, tail flicking slightly as she takes a deep breath between clenched teeth. Then, without warning, she lets fly a Fire Spin in Scorch's direction, springing back a step with surprising agility despite her limp and all. Another fire attack? Hadn't she learned from the last fellow? Apparently not.
Scorch just smiles as the fiery spiral manifests itself around him, confident that his scales will protect him from most of the heat. His own version of this attack is not as powerful, but that will change in time. What Scorch doesn't seem to realise is that the female now has him exactly where she wants him. Without escaping the ring of fire, Scorch cannot see his surroundings, and so is vulnerable to an attack from any direction. <Try again!> he calls out over the crackling fire, attempting to quickly jump out at where he imagines his opponent will be standing, much like the time before. Isn't he stretching himself by doing the same trick twice?
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
And Scorch manages to do exactly what the female wanted him to, leaping from the flames... and right into her target area. Having jumped backwards earlier, she's allowed herself enough extra room that the younger Charmander won't knock into her. However, she's also moving forward at the same moment, razor sharp claws outstretched in a Slash attack that's aimed at the other fire type. <Hello there!> she hisses between her teeth, lunging forward.
And Scorch falls for it, just as the female wanted him to. How could he have been so stupid? Pretty easily, actually. Scorch's mouth drops open as she aims a lethal Slash attack at him, but he doesn't have time to dodge the blow. Instead, he throws his arms up to defend himself, trying to avoid the worst of the attack. Unfortunately, whatever doesn't hit his body hits his arms, and the claws slice viciously across his forearm, drawing both blood and a yelp of pain from the victim. Scorch staggers backwards, almost into the flames once more and almost losing his footing completely. It appears that what his opponent lacks in taunts, she more than makes up for in strategy. Scorch has underestimated her, and he had better rethink his plans fast.
<Come on,> the older Charmander whispers hoarsely, lowering her head a little and staring at Scorch with narrowed eyes as he pauses. <Come on, young one. You can do better than that.> Is she actually... encouraging him? <Or so I'd hope.> Maybe not. With a tight smile the female does the unexpected once more, collecting herself despite the limp and moving with a speed few would guess she could muster. Spinning on one foot, she lashes out in Scorch's direction with her flame-tipped tail, intending to Whip the younger pokemon and catch him off guard, lowering his defenses.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
The younger Charmander can't just stand there and be hit again. He's not the brightest bulb in the pack, but he's been fooled once already. Quickly, he jumps away from the lashing tail and through the ring of flames once again. Back inside, hopefully he will have time to conjure up a plan. She's quicker than her limp would suggest, and surviving enough battles to accumulate that amount of scars and wounds is not easy. This is probably the toughest opponent he has ever faced in battle. Scorch ran away from the Rhyhorn, but he cannot run from this fight. Suddenly, an idea comes to him. Backing away from the center of the ring, he almost wills his opponent to come to him. It is doubtful that the female would fall for her own trick, but it's Scorch's best idea at the moment. He readies himself to do exactly what she did to him, rubbing his forearm and flexing his claws.
Surprisingly enough, the female Charmander does indeed fall for the trick. Though is this unintentional...? Rather than merely jump after Scorch, the battle-worn fire type lets out a furious snarl, lunging towards her opponent in a sudden Rage. Teeth bared and claws slashing, she frenzies on the younger pokemon and lets all hell loose, intending to attack with such furiousity that he won't be able to fend it off. She's strong and experienced. Scorch is young and quick. Everything depends on the reaction.
Scorch's youth and speed don't seem to be helping at all. <Yipe!> he cries, quickly backing away as his opponent advances, claws flailing, attempting to slice him to ribbons. His survival instinct doesn't seem to be working right now... The only thing on his mind is avoiding the female Charmander's attacks, not landing any of his own, but perhaps landing some attacks is exactly what he needs to do. Without thinking, the younger fire lizard opens his mouth, spraying forth a blistering funnel of flames directly at the female, using it to distract her rather than hurt her. Hopefully this will buy him enough time to land a physical blow, and if this works, a Slash attack will follow.
She's not managed to stay alive all this time for no reason. <I think not!> the female spits out, snorting softly at Scorch's attack. His flames meet a wall of her own, the two pillars of flame meeting and quenching each other easily. That taken care of, she quickly turns to face the younger Charmander. His Slash is met with an opposing one, the battle-scarred fire type snarling and lashing right back at him with equal the fury. <Don't even -try- to trick me, fool!> she hisses.
<OOC> Chia4 says "Okay, pause just a sec."
<OOC> Chia4 says "Righto then! Scorch, go ahead and pose evolving in your next pose. Congratulations! :)"
<OOC> Scorch gapes....
<OOC> Matrix says "Congrats!"
<OOC> Chia4 grins.
<OOC> Scorch says "Thank you so much!"
<OOC> Chia4 laughs and nods. You deserve it! Great job.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
The battle doesn't seem to be going anywhere but downhill for Scorch. Whatever he throws at the female, she counters it with perfect precision. Her battle expertise is showing, and so is Scorch's lack of experience. <Just doing what I need to to win...> Scorch growls back, his own claws clashing with hers. Again however, nothing he can do gets past her. Something drastic is needed to win. Scorch backs up away from his opponent once more, trying once again to use the force of motion in his attack. Frowning at this worthy opponent, he launches himself forwards at a run once again, his claws digging into the dust on the floor. Suddenly, he leaps into the air, his determination pushing him onwards. He raises both of his arms, intending to use the force of gravity to help him land a powerful attack. Midleap, the young Charmander is bathed in a bright white light, one with the power to light up the entire cavern. In the middle of the glow, the form of the Charmander is changing, shifting and growing. The entire process only lasts a second, yet it is an eternity for Scorch. When the light finally disappears, the change is obvious. The Charmander is a Charmander no longer. He is a Charmeleon! The blood-red creature continues on his jump, unable to fight the force of gravity. However, the odds have now changed...
A not-so-pleasant laugh escapes the female. <That desperate, hm?> she retorts, grappling with the younger Charmander as both perform the same attack. She's not about to back down, despite the fact that they're temporarily locked in a stalemate. It's Scorch that moves away first, much to the female's chargin. <Don't run away, little one,> is hissed after him, her tail lashing. <Come on, ready for another round?> Scorch gets a faint nod when he charges, the older Charmander tensing and preparing herself for the incoming attack. Though it's not as she expected. There's a burst of light and suddenly it's not a Charmander that's hurtling towards her, but a Charmeleon. And now it's too late to react.
Fair weather clouds drift through the blue sky from the west. The wind is gusty. In the forest, fiery red, gold, and orange leaves rustle and blow past you, swirling in the wind. While at the coast, the sea is a warm blue, reflecting the saved warmth from the summer, and the waves are gentle.
Scorch has not yet realised what just happened, and that could prove to be fatal for his opponent. His claws are now longer and sharper than before, the kind that could inflict a very nasty wound. The quick thinking Scorch now does might be the thing that saves his opponent's life. The revelation of what just happened passes by in an instant, causing him to clench his own fists in the nick of time. However, gravity doesn't listen to any orders, and the Charmeleon is carried downwards towards his opponent. She is no longer in danger of being Slashed by Charmeleon claws, she is more in danger of being slammed into by a creature over four times heavier than her. This is something Scorch can do nothing about, and he shuts his eyes, bracing himself for impact.
She may be surprisingly fast for her age and healed injuries, but even the swiftest of creatures can only move so fast. And in the case of the female Charmander, there's just not enough time. Her reactions are quick, and she does indeed begin to collect herself to dodge the incoming Charmeleon, but there is little more than that that's actually accomplished before the newly evolved pokemon is crashing into her. <Oh!> comes a pained gasp from the fire type, as she knocked to the floor and nigh smothered beneath a weight far greater than her own. She grunts, squirming for just a moment and trying to breathe, before it just becomes too much and she passes out. The other Charmanders, meanwhile, watch all this with expressions of shock, horror, and rage. They shift restlessly, some looking as though they'd like to flee, others looking as though they'd prefer to attack this new threat. And off to the side the original Charmeleon glares, trembling with rage as his fighter goes down. <Why, you...> he snarls, taking a slow step forward. His lackies tense, like a pack of dogs ready to pounce on a wounded member.
Trick or treat! Ash's mom drops a database into your goody bag! (Saving)
Scorch feels the dull impact and the wriggling form underneath him. He pushes himself up and off his unfortunate victim, but it is too little too late. She has already passed out by the time he staggers to his feet, an overwhelming feeling of guilt within his fearsome exterior. <I... I didn't mean it...> he whispers as he backs away from the other Charmeleon, glancing at every fire-type present and not liking these odds. Another quick decision is made, and Scorch charges towards the group of Charmanders and straight through them, pushing them aside to avoid any more casualties. He doesn't even stop to look back, as he doesn't want to be torn apart for an accident. Not knowing anything about healing and first aid, he isn't in a position to help her anyway. Hopefully her companions can help her, if they're not too busy chasing the rogue Charmeleon, that is.
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