[PTU 1.045] The Soudai Region IC

[INoKnowNames]

"Greetings to you all. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Hopefully, I will be greeting you in person soon enough. My name is Eugene Eucalyptus. However, in the Soudai Region, I am simply known as the Pokemon Professor.

It has been said many times that this world is widely inhabited by fantastic creatures known as Pokemon. However, few come to know just how true those words are. From the deepest valleys to the tallest mountains, and from the darkest oceans to the bright blue sky; wherever humanity goes, Pokemon can be found.

As much as many of us have lived alongside them all our lives, we know even less about Pokemon than we do about ourselves. Constantly growing and changing alongside us, and revealing new puzzles even when we believe some riddles solved, Pokemon are an ever changing part of our lives. That's why so many dedicate themselves to study them. And why we take pride in recognizing the talents of youths who might help us unravel some of the mysteries of Pokemon.

Nick, you were recognized by Professor Oak due to your intense passion, which he compared to his own grandson. Kerr, you were recommended by Professor Birch in part to your incredible aptitude for learning and understanding. Mac, you were nominated by Professor Elm on account of your adventurous spirit and traveling experience. And Paisley, you were endorsed by Professor Sycamore because of your rapier wit, observed in your apprenticeship.

With the approval of each of your mentors, the four of you have been selected to travel abroad, to study and adventure, in the hopes that your experience would not only be an asset to you, but also to help the world to learn even more about Pokemon. Should you accept, the itinerary for your trip will be included with an experimental new Pokedex, designed to allow the holder and his compatriots to sync and share information, as well as to be updated in real time.

I hope to receive your responses soon. Best wishes, and good luck in your new adventures as a whole new world unveils itself before you!"

---

This message, along with your travel information, is still stored inside each of your Pokedexes. A month after initial contact has been established, the day finally comes for your journey to finally begin. Nick, aboard the SS Anne, Kerr aboard the Tidal, and Mac aboard the Aqua, each find yourselves traveling via sea, while Paisley has an airship headed from her hometown of Lumiose City. Regardless of the method, your departures have been staggered and set so that each of you would be arriving in the region at about 10 Am.

Opal Island: The Battle Frontier of the Soudai Region, and a common tourist attraction, in part due to the exciting battles to spectate, and in part due to the beauty of the island. The sun shines so bright in the Soudai Region, but the light and heat seem to be intensified by the warm and clean sand that boarder the Resort District. It is here that your initial group meeting is to take place, and in 3 hours, an additional cruise liner will be along to ferry you back to the mainland.

Spoiler: OOC

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I wanted to make sure to establish it a little bit, so I took some time to make the speech decent, and to give a nice little description for the Island.

You are all in the Resort District now, and have some time to roleplay with each other. Though this is indeed the location for "after the Pokemon League" related challenges, this section of the island is a public tourist attraction open to all. Anything you could want to imagine, such as Pokemon Racing, all sorts of different shops and restaurants; you name it, you can probably do it here.

Funding for fluff related items and crunch are separate. If it doesn't have a mechanical, in game affect, and you aren't going to use it as such, then you can go nuts. Enjoy a fancy meal and kick back with each other for a bit.

Of course, if all of you are more just aching to get started fighting rather than anything else, then I'll see what I can do come this upcoming week to meet your demands. Heck, if you want to skip this chance to look around, I'll try to accommodate that, too. Just let me know.

[Jack DeCoeur]

Mac finished re-reading the message he'd received from Eucalyptus for the dozenth time and slipped his 'dex back into his ever present satchel.

The young man was used to travel; being away from his home region was nothing new, but he relished the opportunity to explore this new land and for the first time, study it's Pokemon. Far from his usual habit of travelling solo, he was to meet up with other young trainers and travel with them, and their Pokemon.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Mac moved along the dock. He knew that the other trainers would be arriving by ship, so didn't plan to stray far. Idly he rubbed his thumb over the red and white orb at his hip and squinted into the bright morning sun, wondering what kind of people his companions would be.

[Sodalite]

The cruise had been nice to Kerr, even if the ship had been much larger than boats and ferries he was used to seeing visit Mossdeep. Only understandable, given how much farther the trip is. He'd allowed Tama out and carried him most of the way, since he figured it'd be good for the little guy to experience the trip. A good time to bond, too, even if there wasn't much exciting to do, that didn't seem to bother Tama, and it didn't bother Kerr that much either.

Opal Island had come up quickly, and not long after having spotted it, Kerr and Tama were off the ship, and into the Resort District, where they spotted Mac more or less immediately.

"Hello there! Good morning!" Kerr spoke, waving a greeting as he carried Tama. As he approached, Kerr gave his hand for a handshake, and spoke again, "You're...Mac, correct? From Johto? I'm Kerr."

[asdflove]

(An airship. An actual airship. ) Paisley can't help but be amazed, holding Melanie tight in her arms as she watches the world pass by out a window. She's never traveled outside of Kalos before this, so she's never needed to travel by anything more than a car, and even then she rarely went farther than Laverre, so this is truly amazing for her. In what feels like just an instant she's at Opal Island and dashing to meet the other trainers. "Bonjour!" She chirps cheerfully, skidding to a stop by the other two. "I'm Paisley, from Kalos. She beams at both of the two who beat her here.

[qwertyu63]

"Well, it seems everyone made it intact." Nick says, walking up to the group. "No boats sinking or anything?" Holding back a small laugh, he continues. "I should probably introduce myself. I'm Nick."

[Jack DeCoeur]

One by one, his future travelling companions disembarked and made their way across the dock.

"Morning Kerr," he said, returning the handshake the first of them offered him. He supposed he was easy to spot, there weren't many other people wearing scarfs in this heat. "Mac it is." He glanced at the Pokemon Kerr was carrying and smiled.

Before Mac could go on, his attention was diverted by a docking airship. He whistled appreciatively. He'd seen airships in his travels, but never this close, it was huge. It didn't take long before a young woman barreled out of it towards their position. She too was carrying her Pokemon, one Mac didn't recognise. "Salut!" Again, the young man idly rubbed his thumb over his Pokeball. Was carrying around your Pokemon the done thing here?

As Nick strolled towards the group and they were all together for the first time a smile came to Mac's face, he formally introduced himself to the new arrivals, "Heath MacKenzie, but I prefer Mac."

[asdflove]

"Pleasure to meet you Mac, Nick, and I would have to assume you're Kerr." She grins. "This is Melenie, by the way." She says, gently lifting the Ralts in her arms up for a moment. "So what do you guys think this is going to be like? Traveling the Soudai region together, that is."

[Sodalite]

"That is my name, and this little one's..." Kerr says, gesturing to the togepi, "Is Tama. Hello to you too, Nick. As for traveling, I'm looking forward to it. I've never been much for going into the field," Kerr casts a momentary embarrassed glance towards Mac, "So I'm certainly glad I'll be going with you three."

[Jack DeCoeur]

Mac nodded in polite acknowledgement as everyone (Pokemon included) were introduced.

Once the introductions were made he put forward a suggestion. "You know" he started hesitantly "I've heard there's a place called the...Magnet." He paused. "It's supposed to be some kind of arena? We've got a few hours, I'm not sure what everyone else is planning, but I'd quite like to visit and maybe catch a battle or two. Plus, we could grab some grub and get to know each other a bit better. Before the adventure begins." With this final statement he shot a relaxed smile at Kerr.

[qwertyu63]

"As long as we are introducing people..." Nick sends forth a Charmander.

"This is Ember."

[Sodalite]

"Watching some battles could be...interesting, and food certainly sounds nice." Kerr ascents to Mac's suggestion. (It's kind of funny how, by pure coincidence, the one of us from Johto happens to not have been carrying a pokemon in the open air, considering that's where the trend seems to have started.)

[qwertyu63]

"Watching some battles sounds like a good time. I like the way you guys think."

[asdflove]

Paisley fidgets awkwardly. Sure visiting the Magnet theatre isn't the worst way to waste a few hours, but it certainly isn't what she would have chosen. (I really should have anticipated this, traveling with three boys...) She smiles. "Well this is a tourist destination, there's quite a few different things we could go to do..." She sighs. "So while I'd much rather go to the cinema or something like that, I've been out voted..."

[INoKnowNames]

The people traveling around the port move around the 4 as they stand together, talking for a few moments. Most voices, including theirs, are indecipherable by the voices of others. However, after a moment 4 loud, obnoxious cries pierce the air about Nick, Mac,Paisley, and Kerr:

"Wow, a Charmander. Someone's old-school as hell. My lighter could smoke that lizard." rings the first pompous voice of a sharp faced, long nosed lad.

"Pfbt. At least that makes sense; look at the idiot wearing a freaking scarf! Where does he think he is, the mountains?" a shrill, feminine tone follows from a stick-thin girl with long red hair.

"She's not bad looking, but what's with that thing in her arms? Who would be caught dead with that freak?" a nasal wine continues from a tall, skinny boy.

"And look at that ragged bro. He looks like he might drop dead out here; hope he doesn't crack his egg!" a deep, brutish grunt finishes out of the mouth of a thuggish youth, before the 4 converge into a chortle. None of them have their Pokemon out, balls worn as accessories, on belts, or in pocket. Evidently, they'd noticed you together for a while.

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm sorry I don't have images, so I had to go with general descriptions. I reserve the right to retcon them if I have to. Curse my internet status... but yeah, your turn now. What do each of you do?

Fun fact: I didn't realize that their names all started with the same letter at first. Rather funny. I'm going to note them as the J-Team now.

[asdflove]

"Nom de Dieu..." Paisley mutters under her breath, before turning to smile sweetly at the four. "Salut. I'm Paisley Labelle. Personal student of Professor Sycamore of the Kalos region. You are?"

[Jack DeCoeur]

(Seems like I'm not the only one up for seeing a battle or two). Mac felt kind of bad that Paisley didn't seem very into his idea though, he'd hate to drag her along to something she wasn't interested in as part of their first meeting. Before he could articulate anything to that effect though, the group was approached by exactly the kind of people that Mac typically avoided.

He sighed audibly, but said nothing. Hopefully they'd simply go away.

[INoKnowNames]

The tallest in the group of 4 opens his mouth to respond, but is interrupted by the raised fist of the boy in front, the tall one immediately taking the motion to quite himself. Returning his hand back to his hip, the other boy steps forward and smiles. Red eyes gleam under a blond mane of hair, and just above a devilish set of pearly white teeth. "Your reputation precedes you, Labelle. Some have said you might end up the next Gary Oak, May Birch, Ester Eucalyptus; having the favor of a Professor must be nice." he sneers, and the others chuckle a bit, before pausing as he raises his hand. "But our introductions are overdue. He is Justin Lyle, personal trainer and my right hand man." he thumbs at the largest of the group, who flexes his biceps. "She is Jessica Stone, reporter in training, and logger of my rise to glory." he points at the woman, who doesn't stop glaring at Paisley through slitted eyes. "This is Josh Hawke, future Professor and my personal adviser." the boy continues, pointing at the tallest of the team, who pushes his glasses up and smiles, giving of a slightly creepy vibe. "And I am Rising Super Star and Future Champion Jason Steele von Krone. You'll have that name memorized in a matter of time." he finishes, crossing his arms and confidentially smiling. "We'll be running this region soon enough, so we were going to scope out future competition. Does that include any of you? Or are you mere Tourists?" he asks, a predatory growl interlaced into his voice at his question. Evidently Jason is the spokesperson for his little gang, as none of the others do much else than share arrogant glances and smiles.

Spoiler: OOC

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Hey guys, do you like your new friends yet? :D

[asdflove]

"Paisley, please." She smiles. (This guy is not making a good first impression, that's for sure... "Goodness, I never would have expected someone in the Soudai region to have heard of me. I'm not really anything special, just a future doctor." Paisley beams at them. "Well it's certainly a pleasure to meet all of you." She adjusts Melanie so she's being held in just one arm, and twists a lock of her hair around her finger. (Pompous jerk. Don't let it get you Paisley. Be nice. It's the polite thing to do.) "We're not tourists. You see, we were invited here by Professor Eucalyptus to travel the region. Tres Bien, oui!?" She titters girlishly. (Maybe they'll ignore me if they think I'm just a silly little girl...)

[qwertyu63]

("These guys aren't worth a first thought, never mind a second.") thinks Nick, as he makes an effort to completely ignore this gaggle of a**h***s.

[Sodalite]

"I'm Kerr, Kerr Roy." Kerr says in monotone, off put by the other four's sudden appearance and presumptuous demeanor. He continues, in inquisitive tone, "I can't honestly speak for any of my new friends, but I can say that, at least the moment, I'm neither only a tourist, nor a champion-to-be. To ask a question in turn, is there any reason in particular that you've decided lay that ridiculous spiel at our feet? Given how full of yourself you've seemed in literally the first few sentences you've said to us, and with those..." Kerr replicates to the best of his ability the gestures that Jason used to command the other three, "dramatics, I can only guess what you're actually trying to say. I am not as psychic as some of mentors were."

[INoKnowNames]

Jason for his part keeps his gleaming eyes locked with Paisley, glancing away while listening only to admire the Pokemon in her arms. Before he can respond, Kerr catches his notice. He listens to Kerr with a slightly bemused expression, dropping his hands to his hips in the process.

Behind him, Justin stomps the ground, and interjects just after Kerr finishes. "You've got a lot of bloody nerve, pal! You don't have any idea who you're insulting, do you?!" he growls, raising a fist threateningly. Before he can continue, however, the tallest one, smacks him on the back of the head while Jessica, dropping her snake like glare at Paisley, throws her head back into a laugh. "I suppose that is the point, isn't it." she turns to address him. "I told you we were too far away!" Josh giggles, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "No one knows him yet! You heard him; pay up!" he commands, holding his hand out in front of Justin. "But-but-but, only the one-" he starts, but at a flash of gold, both boys focus forward again, glancing at their leader before staring at the newcomers, Justin looking slightly disgruntled. "You may have only lost part of your bet. Have patience, and let's see how this plays out." Jason throws back to his companion. At this, Justin brightens a bit, and Josh appears to deflate a little.

Stepping forward, Jason crosses his arms, locking expressions with Kerr now. "Paisley, and Kerr. I will have to remember those names. Hopefully your companions have names as well. As for us, we are not natives of this region ourselves. We come from a land far away, where the name 'Steele von Krone' is already synonymous with power. Respect. Authority. In my home, any whom I addressed would throw themselves at my feet, no matter how many barbs are thrown at them. Here, my presence caries no notoriety, or so seems to be the case, hence the first part of our little wager." he begins to explain, glancing at Jessica, who pulls a tablet out of her bag and begins tapping across it swiftly. "These two actually had a little dispute on our way here. Justin thinks this vacation, while fun, will be a waste of time, too easy for Jason and redundant, given his status. Josh, on the other hand, expects both the Pokemon and people of a foreign region to offer ample resistance to his conquest, and for him to be treated like an equal by other aspiring trainers. Of those around, you 4 looked most likely to play the part properly, so we thought to see who was right." she explains, pausing from her writing only to throw Josh an impatient glance. He brightens back up immediately, and begins looking over people's heads.

"It seems Josh has a valid point, though it makes little difference to me in the end; like Lance, Cynthia, Alder; my name will command respect on it's own when the title of champion precedes it." Jason declares. "But to that end, we will all need to improve. So upon our departure, Jessica pointed out a group similar to our own she believed full of potential, and I decided we would test their theories and our humble beginnings, and in the process learn a little more about things here. You may be new yourselves, but to be recommended by the local Professor means quite a bit." he continues, reaching into his pocket. "And so, while the first test is complete, I would like to ask of those of you willing for a little of your time for a second test. You will be compensated for it, of course, and you should be well suited for it, if you are being trusted to travel this brutal land." he remarks, holding a small, black and orange object in his hand. "I just wish to make you the traditional offer made when Trainers meet, and see how you may be remembered in my rise to power." he smiles with a predatory grin, as the Luxury Ball expands. And at the sound, the other 3 also pause to draw out their Pokeballs while trading glances.

Spoiler: OOC: One part is words from the Dm, not just random prattle.

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I was hoping that we'd get to the motive rant after the battle, but I suppose it's better placed before hand, since unlike in the games, battles can't be forced without the consent of both sides, and the "arrogant *******" angle is just as likely to make you want to just walk away from the tutorial battle as it is to make you accept it, or so is the impression I get from you.

I think the worst thing about needing to adjust this a bit is the fact that even I think that it looks like I'm coping out of his character, but I'm actually not. I've had people test the waters with me before in ways a bit like this, and I've done similar after seeing how well it can work to gauge one's character. Jason's a smug, arrogant jerk, but he's not a villain or anything, and he's not going to be Paul. His Pokemon are, or for now I should say is, his ally, not his tool. If anything, I'd compare the character to how Gen 1 Gary was usually portrayed. Smug and self confident, but not a bad guy. Just a bit of a ****.

In any case, this part is rather important, so I'll bold this little note. In most battles, you won't be paid ahead of time/either way if you win or lose. Against some npcs, there's a fine to be paid for losing, and against some bad guys, not getting out of a battle safely may lead to more than just fainted Pokemon; Encounters with Criminals and Wild Beasts don't always end happily. That's why I was hoping you'd go for the bait, since this battle is more or less risk free, with the chance to increase your inventory for anything you might like if you win, and the opportunity to test both how well we/I can run encounters, as well as the rules of the system. You can still choose to ignore him and/or walk away, if you so want though.

Also, don't you hate it when you get used to how a character sounds, and then you start reading their dialog in their voice? I call it the Professor Fansworth effect! Huhwoi-heehee!

[asdflove]

Paisley tilts her head to the side. "Well, I don't really think we're the best people to talk to if you're wanting to find out if anyone knows you here. None of us are from here after all."

She pauses. "Uh, the silent ones are Nick and Mac" Paisley sends an apologetic glance at those two, for if they didn't want their names given. She always tries to be polite. And people going unnamed isn't polite.

Paisley smiles- somewhat nervously. (This won't be anything like practice battles with Professor Sycamore's pokemon. My first ever battle with Melanie. I... why not...) Her smile turns slightly to a smirk. (But it will probably be more fun too...) So, maybe she can't pretend to be a 'silly little girl' after all. Oh well, these guys might not be quite as bad as she first thought anyway. They just need to be taken down a peg. "So it's a battle you came over here for?" She sits Melenie down and claps her hands together. "Je suis extatique! I would love a battle! I can't speak for any of my companions, but I truly would enjoy one. A great way to start in a new region, I think!

[Jack DeCoeur]

Mac felt like he was getting a read on this group and rolled his eyes. (They love to talk, that's for sure). He wasn't sure how he felt about the fact that they seemed to know a good deal about them. Money talks he supposed.

He smiled at Paisley as if to reassure her that he didn't mind his name being given. Addressing Jason he began "Aye, I'm Mac, son. And I think I see your game Mr. Von Krone. Your Ma and Pa made a bit of money back home and now you think ought to own the world." He pulled his Pokeball (a standard red and white affair) from its resting place at his belt and expanded it in his hand. "At least you've got the sense to know you need to earn it." He grinned and moved besides his female companion as a show of solidarity. "I accept your challenge."

Despite his tone, Mac could feel his body filling with adrenaline. This was truly the start of his next adventure.

[qwertyu63]

With a slight glare at Paisley, Nick just leans back to watch this battle. While these jerks might not be worth his time, seeing what his new companions can do is.

[Sodalite]

Kerr's mind flitted from possibility to possibility. (I can hardly understand what he's trying to say. Is he overcoming some kind of language barrier or is that just how he talks? Still, he looks ready to battle, which is definitely not something Kerr is much interested in, and so he bows out. "I'm not much interested in a battle, not at the moment." Kerr looks down to the round little fairy he's carrying, who returns the glance. "I'm not certain how interested Tama is, either."

[INoKnowNames]

"Pfft. Coward. Makes light, then is afraid to show what he can do." Justin remarks, shaking his hand at Kerr as if brushing off a small bug. "And brownie hasn't said a word at all; guess he's too chicken, too." he continues with a glance at Nick. "Fine; 2 on 2. Jason, I'll be your partner." he finishes, locking eyes with Mac. Jason stands still, one hand to his chin, the other still wrapped around his Luxury Ball, contemplating your group. "You seem to have a fairly decent read of me. My family is quite prosperous, to put it lightly, back home, and once my father's time has passed, I will inherit their power. And I do feel the need to ensure that I will handle that power well once I claim it. Hm... Justin, there is no need for anyone else to intervene." he announces, after a moment of deliberation. "Yes, this will be a splendid challenge for Tyrus and I alone."

Jessica pauses from her note taking to look at him, Josh looks mildly stunned, and Justin's mouth falls clear open. "But, but sir! What if those two have something else up their sleeves?" he asks. But Jason merely smiles. "I can still judge, right Jason?" Josh asks, pointing toward the middle of the street. "There's a nice spot up there; near the fountain, that could be cleared for your battle." he continues. "Very well. Then Paisley and, Mac, I believe. You will have the distinction of being my first opponents in this region, and I assume the same can be said from your end as well. Should I have underestimated you or made a tactical error, then it will be my fault and mine alone, though I feel your victory, if any, will be well earned. Otherwise, this will be a perfect starting point for my conquest of the Soudai Region. One Pokemon a piece, your two against mine. I take it... Nick, I think, won't be joining, and neither may Kerr, should they decline now. Feel free to spectate regardless. Paisley, Mac, shall we?" he remarks as, with a wave forward, Josh and Jessica lead the way, followed by a confident Jason and a dejected Justin. After a bit of walking, those 4 make their way north, with Jason standing on one part of a mural made in the ground, Jessica and Justin standing on either side a few feet behind him, and Josh halfway between Jason and where Paisley and Mac would be expected to be.

Spoiler: OOC

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I was hoping for a 4v4 battle royal, as I mentioned before, in the interest of making sure this was fair and in testing out how we'll run this. But I suppose now it can still be a fair fight, so long as you two play smartly. One last confirmation, and we'll be getting started... even if I still can't figure out how to get RPG maker to work for making maps; I'll find someway to make a decent map for you guys to fight on.

Qwerty and Sodalite, as I mentioned in the OOC, you're welcome to do something else if you like; I hope you aren't bored to tears... I at least needed to make sure you saw the Dm note in the previous post; that was important to mention.

I'll try to find a way to make a map soon, and I'll either put it in this post or in the next post, having Jason finally unveil his "starter". And do note that this is indeed a winable fight; you'll be paid if you lose, but 4 times that, split between you, if you win. This isn't the DMPC, after all.

Random Note: as of this writing, I'm 24 years and 1 day old.

[Jack DeCoeur]

Mac followed the group gripping his pokeball tightly. (Come on my man, you can do this.)

The kid had some bravado, that was for sure. "You sure you don't want one of your cronies backing you up?" He glanced at Paisley "pretty sure that two-on-one is unfair. When you lose, you'll have a great excuse for why, and our victory will be hollow." Mac nodded at Justin "he seems keen."

Mac paused as if in thought "I'd like to make a counter-offer. Two-on-two, anything else would be un-sportsmanlike."

[INoKnowNames]

Justin brightens up for a moment, but then seems to comprehend something, and looks at Jason, suspecting his leader's disposition. Putting his arm back down and his Pokeball up, he merely shakes his head. "Don't worry about how fair you think it might be." Jessica comments. "If he's using Tyrus, you'll have a fair challenge on your hand. James and Tyrus took on all 3 of us together last practice."

Jason nods, his eyes closed. "A king must weigh his choices carefully. He should use only what is needed to succeed in his tasks, and should never under or overestimate his foes. I will make no excuses if I lose, but I will not require any help should it just be you two. My challenge, that I shall face you both-one Pokemon a piece-, stands, unless your allies wish to join the frey. As for your, ahem, victory, should it happen, your compensation will be quadrupled should you achieve it. May that settle your sense of sportsmanship-I know exactly what I wish to get into, and I have no intention backing down unless the situation changes." he speaks, before raising his Pokeball to eye level, his smile gone. "Now, do you back down, or will you accept my challenge, and call your Pokemon?"

Spoiler: OOC

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I think I've figured out how to make some type of area for us to battle in, though it may take a little more time. Our internet should be turned on Wednesday, Thursday at the latest, so I can work on it without needing to be at work, so we should definitely be ready then.

Also, trust me, this is a fair fight. The 4v4 or 3v3 would be fair because focus fire on your end could shortly allow you to turn the tide quickly; a 2v2 against James and an ally might not be so. I was going to consider having him let Josh fight instead, and have you 2 take on Josh and Justin, but I like James' Pokemon more, and this fight while a little less straightforward, is just as much winnable.

Though, I thank you for your post, Captain Jack. You helped me figure out his character a little more.

[Sodalite]

Kerr looks around for a place for him and Tama to sit. While not interested in being a part of the battle, he still wants to be here to watch, to be a moral if not literal support to his new-found friends, and just to observe the battle. He doesn't speak up, when Jason allies and the frey and whatnot.

[Jack DeCoeur]

"Ha, alright, alright." Mac raised his free hand in acquiescence. "We'll do things your way, king" the final word dripped with sarcasm.

Mac wound up and threw his Pokeball to the centre of the agreed upon area. "Haggis, you're up." The ball burst open, its stored energy spilling forth and rapidly coalescing into a Pokemon, a swinub.

The creature shot a glance at Mac and then, without any obvious communication between the two, it turned and faced its human opponent, its beady eyes expectant, its small mouth appeared to be almost grinning.