Pokemon - Shadows Unbound(IC)

[BluesEclipse]

Cosmos City... the heart of the Gaira Region. Situated on Lake Cosmos, this city has been the region's center since the Pokemon League was first founded long ago. The streets are bustling with activity, as people finish the last bits of setup for the annual Festival of Rebirth due to officially start later that day - traveling merchants and local shop owners alike set up displays and booths, while both the nature and battle parks are given some last-minute touchups. The city itself is a vibrant display of color, with streamers, balloons and banners everywhere to be seen.

The announcements have been made for the lucky trainers selected for the Festival's opening ceremonies - oddly, there are six who have been selected, rather than the usual five. Rumors resulting from this are rampant - many are guessing that Donovan Thomas, the oldest of the Elite Four, is retiring and that his replacement will be joining the festivities today, while others speculate that someone's managed to unseat one of the other Elites - though, very few are willing to believe that the Champion has been beaten. His reputation as the world's strongest trainer - stronger than the Champions of either the Esper or Mahlay leagues - leaves very few willing to suggest that he might have been dethroned. However, more focus is on the up-and-coming trainers who have been selected as the opposition for the elites in the battle that marks the opening ceremony. With all three regions represented, and a varied group, it's expected that there will be quite a show.

Already, spectators are piling into the Cosmos Grand Stadium which sits at the center of the city - the world's largest battle stadium, it's expected to be filled to capacity for the opening ceremony.

Haruka

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You find yourself approaching the stadium from the northern entrance of the stadium. You see a long line there, but a man standing off to the side looks up and squints at you for a moment, before checking his Pokedex. Smiling, he brightens and approaches you, saying, "Ms. Salt! A pleasure to meet you. I'm Nolan Banks, one of the Festival managers. I'll escort you to the Green Room - you and the other participants will be waiting there until we're ready to begin. If you'll follow me?" He turns and leads you towards a smaller door off to the side, tapping something into his Pokedex to open it, before leading you in.

Aron

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You make your way to the eastern entrance of the stadium, a bit earlier than the invitation message you got indicated, and see a man begin walking towards you. As he approaches, he says, "You're Aron Sildere, correct? I'm Jason Woods, Ranger Captain for Cosmos City. I'm helping out with the Festival arrangements, and was asked to lead any of you that came by this way into the building. I already sent one of the others along." Motioning with his hand, a small, purple ball phases into view before you, a mischevous grin on its face, and he leads you to a door in the side of the building, which he opens somehow using his Styler. "Lur, here, will lead you to the Green Room - you can meet the others there, and one of the event staff will call you when it's time for the battle." The Pokemon floats into the hallway, turning and waiting for you.

William and Lorenzo

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The two of you find yourselves arriving at the stadium's south entrance at the same time, and see a tall, feminine looking Pokemon approaching you, almost as if floating. The blue 'hair' that the creature has falls over one of its eyes, while the other shines pink as it stops before you, the white, gown-like covering of its body rippling. You hear a voice within your minds as it gazes at you. You are William Fairbanks and Lorenzo Filard... my name is Athena. I was asked by Arayos to await you here, and guide you into the stadium - he looks forward to facing you in this event. If you will follow me... The Pokemon turns and glides back towards the stadium, a wave of one of its arms opening a smaller door. It turns and waits for you before leading you into the halls.

Samara

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Reaching the stadium's eastern entrance somewhat early, a man appearing to be in his mid-thirties approaches you, nodding slightly. "Samara Patelle... I'm Captain Jason Woods, Ranger Corps. I think I remember seeing you around the city... You were working at the Museum, right? Anyway, I'm supposed to show you where to go. Lyle will be able to do that, though - just follow him and he'll take you to the Green Room. You're the first one to arrive, but you're early enough, so it's not that surprising." Jason gestures and a short Pokemon walks out from behind him, a light green lizard-looking creature with a brown chest. Tapping something on his Styler, Jason says, "Lyle, show Samara here to the Green Room, would you?" A door in the side of the building opens, and the Pokemon scurries in, turning and gesturing you to follow.

Dexter

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As you approach the western entrance of the stadium, a young woman, appearing to be about 15 or 16, approaches you. "You're Dexter, right? You're so lucky... I wish I could've gotten to be a part of this. Never have, though... anyway, I'm Emily. I'm supposed to lead you to the waiting room... though... um..." The girl blushes slightly as she looks at you. "Well, I was hoping you might be able to do something for me? If you could get Jakob's autograph for me, I'd really love it... and maybe a picture of him? Or just ask him if he would meet me, maybe for dinner sometime? Or... Eep!" Emily jumps at a cough from behind, and you look to see an older man with an amused smile on his face. "Sorry about that... my niece seems to have a crush on young Mr. Halen, and tends to get distracted a bit," the man says to you before turning to Emily. "Now, Mr. Lazarus has somewhere to be, so why don't you lead him in?" Emily's blush intensifies, but she quickly grabs your arm and drags you towards a door at the side of the building, stopping barely long enough to swipe a keycard and open it before leading you in.

The six of you find yourselves led into a decent sized room. Couches and chairs are set up, with a couple of TVs on opposite walls. One of the other walls has a table set up with various snacks for yourselves and your Pokemon, and a woman stands in the corner, marking something on her Pokedex screen as you enter. Once the last of you arrives, she smiles, and says, "Glad to see you all accepted... I'm Veronica Sikes, part of the Cosmos City Council. I know it's unusual, having six of you here, but there's a good reason for it. The Champion of Mahlay has joined us here, and asked to join the ceremony as well. So we drew a sixth trainer to join on the other end." Looking over you all, she says, "Now, I know you're probably a bit concerned about facing a group of elite trainers like this, but don't worry - it's not a matter of winning or losing. Just do your best out there, and give us a good battle. Now, feel free to introduce yourselves to one another, and I'll be available for any questions you may have."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo scans the pokemon as it leads him to the green room.

After Ms. Sikes gives her introduction, Lorenzo begins munching on some crackers. He knew the importance eating before a performance. Need energy. But not too much. Don't want to be slowed down either. Battles like this aren't much different from a show. Less planned but still a show. He begins scoping out the others and began wondering why they were chosen. Heck, why he was chosen.

I'm Lorenzo Filard. Acrobat with Mr. Gajo's Wonderful Traveling Pokemon Circus. Lorenzo does a curt deep bow with a large flourish. He then continues snacking on crackers.

[Tybar]

Aron, intrigued by the...ghost type, almost certainly, as he is led to the room. He waves to Dexter when he enters, with a smile on his face.

Dex! Glad to see you here. Small world, eh?

Once Veronica finishes speaking, he nods thoughtfully and turns to the rest of the room. My name is Aron Sildere. I recently graduated from the university in Citrine City and am currently studying pokemon and human interactions.

He nods to Dexter and smiles to everyone. I am personally just hoping Helios and I put on a good show for everyone.

He fingers a pokeball marked with a leaf pattern, curious if letting Helios out would be rude.

[dethkruzer]

William had let Snowy out of her Dusk Ball shortly after he had entered into the room, the little creature following him through the hall. As they entered the room with the other trainers, William proceeded over to the table, taking two slices of watermelon and a small plate, before walking over to a couch, setting down the plate, and lifting Snowy onto the couch. "William, William Fairbanks." He briefly introduced himself as he sat down, taking one of the slices of watermelon, and offering the other to Snowy, who began contently munching on it.

The boy took a small bite of the watermelon, he couldn't deny being somewhat nervous, the Champion of Mahlay, coming all the way here for the festival. A small smile formed on his face, this would be the best Festival of Rebirth yet. So, we're going to be going up against the best of the best in Gaira, any ideas who goes first?" William questioned Veronica.

[Gaekub]

Before Emily leaves him at the room, he speaks up. Sure! I'd be happy to talk to Jakob if I see him! He grins at her, and darts into the room without waiting for an answer.

He watches Veronica closely throughout her entire speech, eyes wide and face blank. When she finishes, he begins to grin again and looks around the room at the other trainers.

Oh, hey Aron! How's Helios? He speaks perhaps slightly louder than he should. After speaking to Aron, he turns towards everyone else.My name's Dexter. Nice to meet all of you!

[BluesEclipse]

Veronica nods towards William and replies, "It's a team battle, actually... the six of you against the six of them, all at once."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo stares wide eyed for a moment. All at once?! That will be chaos! Even if we knew each other long before now, we wouldn't be able to synchronize that many trainers and pokemon together! He pauses and contemplates the cracker in his hand. So its a challenge then. I'll gladly meet it. I'll put on a show. And so will Snaggles. Lorenzo draws her pokeball and juggles it in small loops one handed. Not to show off, just to occupy his hands.

[Tybar]

Aron's eyes widen in surprise, then narrow as he works out some information.

Well then...I suppose I can use some of the tactics I've been practicing recently.

He releases Helios, and the Bulbasaur looks around, vines relaxed, at all of the other pokemon and trainers in the room.

Aron looks at all of the others. I am certain we can make a great showing indeed. Also, this is Helios, you know Dexter already. The others are going to be helping us in a battle shortly.

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OOC: What does Aron know about these trainers, their pokemon, and their tactics?

[Gaekub]

A team battle? Cool! I've never done one of those before. When Aron releases his pokemon, Dexter raises his hand in greeting to the Bulbasaur. Hey Helios. Are we letting out pokemon now?

He reaches down to the pokeball around his neck and releases the Magnemite held within. This is Ohm. Remember Helios, Ohm?

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As an extension to Tybar's question, would I recognize Jakob on sight?

[dethkruzer]

"I see, that will most certainly be a change of pace." William commented as he finished the slice of watermelon, before looking down to Snowy, who was licking the plate. "Go on." William spoke telepathically, prompting the Snorunt to jump off the couch and go mingle amongst the pokemon. The boy then got up, slowly spinning his upheld index-finger, the gnawed out rind slowly floating just above it.

"I do intend to recall Snowy before the battle, but I think it would be good to let the pokemon get used to one another, preferably they could learn to trust one another, as they do trust us." He spoke again, keeping his eyes mostly on the Snorunt, before flicking his finger, telekinetically tossing the watermelon rind into a wastebasket.

"what say you?" He then spoke again, addressing the other trainers.

[EdroGrimshell]

"Haruka Salt, I'm just good with plants," she says, a little embarrassed by the admission, and it's pretty obvious since she's carrying a planter as as shoulder pack, "this is Lily," she says, petting the treeko that was hiding behind her leg.

"Six on six?" she asks, "that's more than just chaos. Even worse considering i have virtually no battle experience at all."

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo releases Snaggles with a slighly finger flip, without stopping juggling. This is my lovely girl Snaggles. She's a Tangela and the star of my act. The Tangela extends out 5 vine-tentacles to each trainer, offering a vine-shake to each. The other vines of its body rustle as she greets the other pokemon.

[Tybar]

Aron withdraws a sketchpad/notepad and is in the middle of grabbing a pencil when the vine is proffered. He shakes and smiles as he makes note of each of the pokemon and trainers, doing a quick sketch and some notes on each as they talk.

I would love to get to know each of you better, and Helios has never shied away from anything, well, perhaps fire...

Helios strides over to each of the other pokemon, speaking with each and waggling his vines, including shaking Snaggles' if she offers. The little bulbasaur seems quite unafraid of meeting so many new people and pokemon, but spends some time catching up with Ohm.

[EdroGrimshell]

When the first pokemon comes near her, Lily dashes up Haruka's back, causing her to let out a "Kyaa!" from the feeling, and then makes a hissing noise at it, "sorry about her, she's been like that since we left the ranch. Normally she's rather friendly," Haruka says, trying to calm the treeko down while it's still on her head.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Snaggles gladly shakes the Bulbasaur's vine. She seems very friendly. As she should, she's a show pokemon. Lorenzo scans each pokemon as they are released.

[Gaekub]

Dexter shakes the offered tentacle vigorously and pushes Ohm in the general direction of the other pokemon. "I think you're all getting nervous over nothing," he says cheerfully. "If there's one thing I've learned from my engineering training, it's that... well, no actually, if there's ONE thing it's how pokeballs work. Okay, if there's TWO things I've learned, the second is... no, because... well then, the third..." The boy trails off, mouthing quietly to himself as he collapses on to a couch.

[Tybar]

Aron jumps in at Dexter's fumbling.

Dex, you learned quite a few things...trust me. Just like that time we did a double battle against Trixie and Mindy at the frat part...well, not quite like that I suppose.

He turns toward everyone else. Well, regardless, I do agree with Dex...I think this should just be a fun time. No one is expecting any particular result are they? They are amazing trainers...but they are using unfamiliar pokemon, and won't have the bond we have with ours. And if I have learned anything, it's that the bonds we have are incredibly important.

He smiles at Helios, who returns the smile while subtly encouraging Ohm toward the other pokemon.

[Gaekub]

Dexter raises an eyebrow at Aron. "Double Battle? I don't remember-" He cuts himself off, and a slight red tinge colors his pale cheeks. "I'm going to have some watermelon," he says quickly, walking over to the table and shoving a slice into his mouth.

[dethkruzer]

"I'll just be honest and say that we probably have all the reason to get nervous, this is literally the best of the of the best, theyve most likely caught, hatched, raised, and otherwise handled probably tens, if not hundreds oof pokemon. They may very well bond differently with their pokemon, newly hatched or not." He pointed out, before turning his attention to Snowy, who was tugging on his pants. William proceeded to pick up the pokemon, and cradle it, almost like a baby. "But in the end, it matters not who wins and who loses, but that we trust in each other, in our pokemon, and oursleves." the Psychic continued, keeping his eyes on the Snorunt.

YHe then turned toward Veronica, and spoke again. "Excuse me, but when will the battle be beginning?"

[BluesEclipse]

Veronica smiles at the conversation, and says, "First off, don't worry too much about winning. The battle is symbolic more than anything - the idea of the most experienced trainers mentoring some of the newer, the new generation making themselves known among the old, and the newborn Pokemon being given their chance to shine all represent the ideals of the Festival. Specifically, the idea that the world continues to turn, and no matter what happens, the Creator will bless us with a chance to start anew." Looking at the group, she continues, "As for the battle... it often can be a bit chaotic, but it's meant to be a spectacle. People rarely get to see this many Pokemon in a pitched battle at once, after all. To address your concerns about the elite trainers you're facing... keep in mind, they haven't raised these Pokemon personally. Given that one of them is known for breeding his champion team, it would be too much of an advantage - especially since Jakob has, in the past, taken on a challenger with nothing but a recently-hatched Eevee that he bred."

Shaking her head, Veronica says, "But I'm getting off topic. They're only receiving their Pokemon today - they've had enough basic training to obey commands, and are viable for battle, but it's not much different than a new trainer getting their first Pokemon, except for the skills of the trainers in question. As for when the battle starts..." She looks at her watch briefly, and nods, before finishing with, "You've got just over half an hour, so don't worry too much."

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All of you know some information about these trainers - they're among the biggest celebrities in the world, after all.

Jakob Halen is the youngest of the Gaira Elite Four at age 17 - the youngest among the Elites for all regions, in fact, having just earned the position two years ago. Specializing in the Eevee line, he's known not only as a skilled trainer, but an expert breeder as well. His skill and his looks have made him the idol of many young women, as well. (And yes, you'd recognize him on sight.)

Heather Revane specializes in Normal-type Pokemon, and holds a remarkable understanding of how Pokemon learn their moves - she serves as a consultant and spokesperson for Alaren Poketech, in addition to her role as one of the Elites.

Aidan Steele is known as the Celestial Master because of his preference for Pokemon that somehow reference the sun, moon, and stars. He is known as an expert tactician, who holds his place among the Elite Four through his quick thinking and clever tricks in battle.

Donovan Thomas is the eldest of the Elite Four in Gaira, and specializes in quick Pokemon - known as the Swift Master, his normal roster contains Pokemon that redefine fast, and he knows tricks to bring them beyond their normal limits.

Arayos Vayen, the Gaira Champion, is considered to be the world's most skilled trainer. Less than a dozen opponents in sanctioned battles have ever brought down more than three of his Pokemon in a match, and nobody's ever managed to take down five. One of the things he's famed for is his possession of Heatran - and the fact that he's never once used it in a sanctioned battle.

Derek Jameson, the Mahlay Champion, is a scholar, and a former Professor of Genetics from Citrine University. Known as something of a mad scientist, he is known for manipulating his own Pokemon on a microcellular level, altering their very nature. Despite his skill, however, he is widely considered the weakest of the three Champions - an assessment he has stated he agrees with.

[Tybar]

Aron blinks a bit at the half hour comment, and pulls out his pokedex from a pocket in his jacket.

In that case, best get to scanning all of ours then.

He begins scanning all of the pokemon in the group (though he already had Ohm's data, he checks it briefly), then switches to passive mode.

It is probably more important to focus on the battle than on my pokedex...and we should make sure this is a great spectacle, right all?

He grins and checks his clothing, making sure it looks fairly nice before the fight.

[Gaekub]

Dexter begins to mumble around the mouthful of fruit, but decides against it and swallows before speaking. "Do you mind?" he asks Haruka as he steps towards her, pointing at Lily with pokedex in hand.

The pokedex is only recognizable as a pokedex due to the iconic faceplate, however, as the rest of it is a mass of electrical tape and extruding wires. A small antenna peeks out through the top of the chaotic strips of black tape.

[EdroGrimshell]

"as long as you don't try to touch her you'll be fine," Haruka says as her pokedex pings, it had finished scanning the group.

[Gaekub]

Dexter scans Lily, careful not to come too close. He then goes around the room, scanning each pokemon in turn after asking its trainer for permission.

[Niria]

Samara stays unusually quiet in the room as the other’s greet each other and begin to chat. She wasn’t sure if it was the fact that she was nervous or if it was simply stage fight for the upcoming battle, but she felt unnaturally shy in this setting. Seeing the other’s release their pokemon and begin scanning, she took out Novan’s pokeball and released the psyduck next to her. Following the lead of all of the other trainers, Samara takes out her pokedex and begins scanning all of the present pokemon. As she quietly wander’s around the room her eyes catch sight of a strange looking pokedex that looked like it had been mutilated. “Dexter is it?“ Her eyes wander up to the man who was holding the item. “What in the world did you do to your pokedex?”

[MesiDoomstalker]

Lorenzo looks over the data of all their pokemon. We seem to have a lot of fire weaknesses. I know this battle is just for show, but a good battle is a close battle. He switchs his pokedex to passive mode. snaggles and I have a plan that could help, but if they have ember, they will rip through us.

Snaggles bows at each trainer with every scan. She is very congineal and polite. Unlike her trianer.

[dethkruzer]

Seeing the other Trainers scanning the present Pokemon, William also pulled out his pokedex, fiddled with it for a bit, and got scanning. They were indeed at a disadvantage if there were ant fir types to be fought, be then his eyes wanderred to the Psyduck.

The boy had to take a moment before approaching the girl who had let out the Psyduck, and tapping her on the shoulder. "Psyduck is a Water-type, right? Does he know Water Gun or anything similar? William asked.

[Tybar]

Aron strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Certainly we do have a weakness to fire types, however...

Glancing through his pokedex and looking at Helios, he nods thoughtfully.

I believe we can also make the battle look flashier...I know that Ohm has some crowd-pleasing abilities. Thundershock, for one.

Aron smiles and looks around.

In terms of more effective moves...leech seed and sleep powder may be able to take some of their pokemon out of the fight, or at least give us an edge throughout the battle. Helios knows both.

He leans down and rubs the bulbasaur's bulb affectionately.

[Gaekub]

Dexter turns to look at Samara. "Well... to be honest, a lot of stuff. Most of it didn't really work out though," he says, smiling sheepishly. "What did work out is this radar." He points at the antenna that sticks out of the top. "It can detect pokemon within a fifty meter radius!" He looks down at the device with a happy smile for a few seconds before his head snaps back upwards.

"Sorry, you know my name, but I don't remember yours," he says, thrusting his arm out towards Samara and holding out his hand.

"Oh, and my uncle taught Ohm Rollout, so that might help with any fire types. It's not exactly his forte though," Dexter mentions to the rest of the trainers.

[MesiDoomstalker]

Snaggles has both Sleep Powder and Poisonpowder. And I taught her Reflect, so we can use it to control the enemies movements.