3 weeks have passed. Date: January 17th, 6 Months and 15 Days remaining until the deadline to enter the Badge Run.
Archie - Sprigatito, keep dodging those attacks buddy! Let's try and land on the Tauros's back this time!
The Tauros angrily charges in, tired of these games, just ready to go back to grazing the fields. Sprigatito dodges the attack, not quite sticking the landing on the Tauros's back but regaining it's balance before hitting the ground.
Mom - AAAAAARCHIE, I'VE TOLD YOU TO STOP MESSING WITH THOSE TAUROS. They're 20 levels higher than poor Sprigatito, one hit and it'll knock her out.
Archie - I know mom, that's why we aren't getting hit! This is giving Sprigatito more battle experience than the other two have given this far, and her speed is becoming other worldly! We've hit level 14 just doing this today.
Mom - Oh wow, that's actually a lot of experience you two are gaining. But I mean what I said. NO MORE MESSING WITH THE TAUROS.
Archie - Ahhhh, okay I won't. We're all battling today and I have to make sure Sprigatito can beat Torchic even with the type disadvantage.
Mom - I'm sure you'll do just fine! But how will that battle work exactly? A three way fight? That's dumb. Just ask Harmony to join you guys and draw for your opponent.
Archie - Do you think she would?
Harmony swinging the back door open, comes bursting outside as if cued*
Harmony - Of course I'll join! One of you will get the chance to battle a gym leader, and I get a chance to give this little baby Toxel some battle experience!
Archie - Great! I was about to head to the battle field out by Preya pond. We figure the back drop of the mountains would be an amazing first battle field.
Harmony - Awesome! Let's head over there then.
So the two of us gather our Pokémon, grab our coats, and head to Preya Pond. It's not a very far walk from our farm at all, we just hop the back fence and head north for about half a mile. As we begin to see the pond, we can make out Noah and Naomi sitting by the pond having a picnic with their Pokémon out, and all having a good time. Not wanting to miss out on any of the fun, I let out Sprigatito, and Harmony sends out Toxel to join the party!
Noah - About time you show up! And you've brought Harmony along!
Harmony - Yeah, Archie was explaining your dumb 3 way battle and asked me if I would come to even it out! So we can do a tournament style 1v1! I'll be using this Toxel, and he just hit level 15 so don't worry about my gym Pokémon coming out! But we're hoping he could make his way up there before the Badge Run.
Noah - Awesome! We get to actually battle a gym leader this early?? What a privilege for us!
Naomi - It doesn't matter, Popplio and I have gotten really strong. So we're going to win!
Archie - In your dreams, sweet cheeks! If Sprigatito can dodge attacks from those high level Tauros at the farm, then we could for sure dodge all of your attacks!
Harmony - Hahaha, well let's get to it then! How do we decide who battles who?
Noah - Umm we can just draw pokeballs out of the lunch basket! We all have different pokeballs, so it should work! Harmony, you're the special guest, so whichever ball you draw will be your battle, and then the other two can battle!
Noah holds out the picnic basket, for all of us except for Harmony to put in our balls. They're all the same minus a symbol on the front dictating our Pokémon and their primary type. That's basically protocol for all of the Pokémon you get from prestigious farms.
Noah holds the basket over his head.*
Noah - Alright, Harmony, go ahead and pick!
Harmony reaches her hand in the basket and moves it around for a few seconds before pulling out the pokeball with a leaf on it.*
Harmony - HA! Archie, you get to lose first round, there's no chance I'm letting you beat me.
Archie - We'll see about that! Can we battle first guys??
Naomi - You sure can. I was hoping for these matchups! I'll battle you in the finals, Harmony.
Harmony - I'll see you there, girl! Let's go, Toxel, it's time to humble my little cousin.
Toxel gets excited and runs over into battle position, and begins roaring as if letting out a battle chant.
Archie - Let's go buddy! Let's show Harmony what we're capable of!
Sprigatito leaps in front of Archie ready to battle, jumping up and down, and stretching its front paws out.
Archie - Let's attack quick, Sprigatito! Let's start off with a hone claws, and then charge in for a bite!
Harmony - Toxel, grab Sprigatito when it comes in and use Nuzzle.
Sprigatito, flexes it's paws for a few seconds, before bolting in for a bite. Toxel doesn't even budge a muscle and tanks the bite. Toxel winces in pain, but manages to grab onto Sprigatito before she can get away and sends electricity from its arms into Sprigatito. Sprigatito lets out a painful squeak, and jumps back but is stopped in her tracks due to the paralysis from Toxels attack.
Harmony - Use this moment to eat your berry, and use belch.
Archie - Dodge it, Sprigatito! Dodge, and use Magical Leaf!
Toxel quickly devours his berry in his pouch, and immediately, uses belch sending a huge purple sludge directly at Sprigatito. Sprigatito jumps out of the way, but is unable to move due to the paralysis, and gets directly hit in the face with the attack. Sprigatito stagger steps from side to side, then falls over on her left side. Sprigatito faints.
Harmony and Toxel Win
Archie - *Looking down in defeat* I promise you, I'll beat you one day Harmony. I've been focused too much on speed and didn't even put a thought into Sprigs defense. She stood no chance and it was because of me. I'll get stronger. I'll train better.
Harmony - It's okay! That was very impressive. You and Sprigatito have formed a strong bond already, and it's clear. Give her more time and more training, and you'll be great.
Naomi - WOW! Harmony you're so strong. Archie you and Sprigatito did great. If it weren't for that paralysis, I think you could've won that.
Noah - Well sis, it's our turn now! Are you ready to battle?!
Naomi - I sure am! Get ready to go down, loser!
Their battle was over before it began. Two direct aqua jets from Popplio and Torchic was unable to battle without even getting an attack off. Naomi won with ease. Then in her battle with Harmony, she didn't let Popplio get close enough to Harmony to get off a Nuzzle, and wore him down with disarming voice and water gun. And after about 4 turns Naomi was the victor!
Harmony - Naomi, your battle IQ is amazing! You used your speed and special attack against me knowing that I couldn't do anything from a distance. Amazing job! Let's get all of your Pokémon healed up! I actually want to take you to the base of the mountain. I know a grove where each of you could catch a few Pokémon around your levels!
All of us - OKAY!
We heal our Pokémon up, and head to the mountain. Most of the Pokémon in this area are a bit over our level, which is one of the worst parts of living in this area for the beginning of a journey. The thought of being able to build my team up filled me up with a ton of excitement!
Harmony - Okay guys. We're here! This is an area where I come to a lot to train any newer Pokémon I get. I'm going to set a camp up here, and let all of my Pokémon out. There's a trail up the road that leads to my gym, so I use this field a lot! Feel free to come back whenever you feel you're ready. And the person to catch the most Pokémon, wins a prize!
Naomi - I'll just win again! Just go ahead and warm it up for me, Harmony.
Naomi takes off towards the creek*
Noah - I'll make up for my terrible performance. I'll win this one!
Noah heads towards the woods*
Archie - I can't be down on myself forever! I'm going to go and catch some really strong Pokémon. See you in a bit, Harmony!
I go to set off towards the grove to the side, until Harmony points towards the foot of the mountain where there's one lone tree, and winks at me*
I head to the tree. It's only about 200 yards from where we are, so I get Sprigatito out, and we battle a few Pokémon on the way. Beating up a few Ratata, some Silcoon, Cascoon, and a Sunkern. We level up to level 15, and learn quick attack on our way there! Finally we reach the large tree, and off to the side of it is a group of Shinx. I think to myself that I could really use an electric type, because any powerful enough flying type would beat me. I begin to head towards the pack, scouting them out trying to decide which one I want to join my team, when I head a zap come from the other side of the tree. I make my way around at a decent distance when I see another Shinx battling a Starly. Exactly what I'm looking for, and it clearly has the battle spirit!
Archie - Sprigatito use Quick Attack to hit Shinx, and then Magical Leaf and follow it up.
Sprigatito launches off of the ground closing the 10 foot gap almost instantly with quick attack, striking into Shinx's side catching it completely off guard. Immediately following the attack, Sprig sends a Magical Leaf at point blank range pelting Shinx with greenery. Shinx without even knowing what hit him falls to the ground.
That's a huge boost to our confidence after our loss earlier in the day.
I toss one of my pokeballs at Shinx. It rocks once. It rocks twice. It rocks a third time. Click.
Shinx was caught
My Pokédex immediately updates*
Shinx
Electric Type Pokémon
Level 14
Male
Height: 0.5m
Weight: 9.5kg
Stats: Great
Archie - *Looking at Sprigatito* Awesome job, we did it!
Sprigatito begins to glow a bright white color*
Archie - YES! I was hoping you'd evolve out here. I knew you were close!
Sprigatito continues to glow bright white, the glow slowly subsides, revealing Sprigatito had evolved into Floragato
Floragato
Grass Type Pokémon
Female
Level 16
Height: 0.9m
Weight: 12.2kg
Archie - Awesome buddy!! You evolved! I'm so proud of you.
There's a few hours left of sunlight, I'm going to use this time to hunt for a new Pokémon I can catch. I follow the creek up the road for a bit, but just see Nidoran and Meowth and other Pokémon that I use as a training for Floragato and Shinx. When suddenly the road I'm on has a big warning sign reading "Danger, Pokemon level 30 and up only for this path. Proceed with caution."
Archie - *looking at Floragato* Alright buddy, I'm going to put you in your ball, but I wanna see what's up ahead.
I recall Floragato and begin my walk up this path. There's nothing extraordinary for the first 5-10 minutes, some larger Pokémon, but nothing warranting a sign warning me to stay off. There's a huge bend in the trail up ahead at the opening of the mountain, so I decide I'm already this far, might as well go up until I reach a lookout point, then I'll turn back. Once I reach the bend, the road gets more and more narrow, and out of nowhere, an Ursaluna comes out from a cave ahead, and seems to be very territorial. I put my hands as if to show Ursaluna I mean no harm, but it charges me. I turn tail and begin to run, but it's no use. Ursaluna is right behind me and about to lunge, all I can do in the panic is hit the ground and go to the fetal position. Thinking to myself that I really messed this one up. Telling myself if I made it out of this, I wouldn't lose another pokemon battle, and become the strongest. Just as I'm praying, I feel a big WHOOOOSH come over me and knock Ursaluna over.
Ursaluna stands up and roars angrily at the figure behind me, my eyes are locked onto Ursaluna. I don't even get to look behind me, as another big WHOOOOOSH comes over top of me and into Ursalunas bare chest as it roars in intimidation. Ursaluna stands up, and retreats back to the cave or originally came out of. Whatever this is behind me, is not afraid to battle at all. I turn around to see what just saved me, and could potentially finish what Ursaluna started, when I just see a black figure in the distance staring back at me. As I take a step forward, and say thank you, the Pokémon just takes off around the corner and up a side of the trail. I have seen a lot of Pokémon, and feel like I'm pretty knowledgeable, but I don't know what this Pokémon is. It stands on four legs, has black fur. I'll have to ask Harmony whenever I get back to camp. As I'm going back down the hill, I see a group of Teddiursa with a single Ursaring. Having witnessed how terrifying and powerful Ursaluna looked, I would love to catch one of these guys!
I throw out Floragato as to battle Ursaring, and he angrily takes the fight. Ursaring is bigger, and a higher level than Floragato. But I've learned from watching Harmony beat me and Naomi beat Harmony. If I stay away from him and don't let him get an attack off, Floragato's attacks can be quick and fast enough to weaken it enough to catch.
Archie - Floragato, use Quick Attack off of the rocks and trees to maintain a distance, and use Seed Bomb to keep ticking away at it!
Floragato jumps from the rock it's beside a rock closer to Ursaring to another rock, to hit Ursaring in the back with a direct Seed Bomb attack.
Archie - THATS IT FLORAGATO! Let's keep at him!
Floragato jumps around some more, and hits another direct Seed Bomb this time right in the center of Ursarings stomach. Floragato lands from the slurry of attacks, and let's our a victory screech. Ursaring lunges forward with a gigantic Slash attack.
Archie - Floragato, just like the Tauros! Just quick attack to escape.
Floragato uses quick attack to hop around some more, Ursaring slashing over and over growing more and more frustrated. Letting out a loud powerful roar, Ursaring lunges forward trying to use Play Rough on Floragato. It's faster. But we're still faster.
Archie - Keep dodging, Floragato! 1 more direct Seed Bomb should do it.
Ursaring barely misses Floragato again, and isn't able to keep up with Floragatos movements around the field littered with trees and boulders. Floragato lands another Seed Bomb into Ursarings stomach, and Ursaring hits the ground.
Reaching into the side pocket of my bag, I pull out a pokeball. Perform a deep breath, and then throw my ball at Ursaring. It rocks once. It rocks twice. It rocks again. Click.
Ursaring was caught
Ursaring
Normal Type Pokémon
Male
Level 29
Height: 1.8m
Weight: 125.8kg
We did it! Floragato and I just defeated a menacing Pokémon 9 levels higher than us. Yes only downside it is getting pretty late at this point, and I have to run to Harmony's camp before night fall because I would not be prepared to see the strong Pokémon that come out here at night. The closer I get the brighter her campfire is. I see Harmony with her Rillaboom and Ludicolo enjoying some soup, Naomi and Noah are laughing around the fire talking with Harmony. I run closer and shout at everybody.
Archie - HEEEEEY GUYS!! Sorry I'm late!
Naomi - I was beginning to worry sick! We were going to give it a few more minutes then come and look for you.
Harmony - You went up the mountain didn't you.
Archie - *nervously* Yeah.. I got saved by a mysterious Pokémon from an Ursaluna.
Noah - Mysterious Pokémon?? What do you mean mysterious?
Archie - I'm not sure! It was on all fours, and I believe had black fur, but it was kind of in a spot I couldn't fully see. But it was incredibly strong. Sent two attacks at Ursaluna, and Ursaluna was running back to its cave.
Harmony - Hmm.. I wonder what it could be. Mighteyena maybe?? Houndoom? But those are further up the mountain and would've been more aggressive seeing you..
Naomi - I'm just glad you're okay. I was worried sick. Don't ever do that again!
Archie - *blushing* I'll try my best.
Noah - Enough of your flirting. Let's see those Pokémon!
Noah throws our Combusken, Corvisquire, and Mareep.
Noah - These are my two newest members, Corvisquire and Mareep.
Naomi - They're nice, but mine will be waaay cuter, and stronger in the long run.
Naomi calls upon Brionne, Ralts, and Eevee
Archie - Alright, my turn.
One by one, Floragato, Shinx, and Ursaring.
Harmony - Wooow, that Ursaring is strong! He's the highest level Pokémon here. How did you and Floragato manage to beat him?
Archie - I learned a lot from watching you guys earlier. Previously, I had thought with brute force I could beat everybody, but realized I had to be more tactical than I was being. But after some quick attacks to dodge him, we eventually wore him down good enough to catch him!
Harmony - Well, it's clear that you won this one, here's a TM for one of your Pokémon, it's Aerial Ace. Floragato is super weak to Bug, and will be to Fighting too when it evolves. So it should come in handy.
Archie - Thank you so much!
Noah - I've lost both contests today, I can't let you guys stay on top. Archie, let's have a battle before we go back home! A battle under the stars, and Harmony can be the ref.
Archie - There's no way I could turn that down!
Naomi - Hey look, battle for 3rd place finally begins.
Harmony - *Sighs* Alright, I'll oversee this. Let's do a full 3v3 battle then. Test all of the Pokémon you've caught. You boys ready??
Archie and Noah - Ready!
I throw out Shinx to begin with, who roars I'm intimidation, and Noah matches with Mareep.
Archie - Shinx, electric attacks won't work buddy, let's go with bite!
Shinx wasting no time runs at Mareep who tries to dodge to no avail. Shinx lands a bite directly on Mareep.
Noah - Way to tank the hit, Mareep! Go in for a tackle!
Archie - Shinx, dodge that then bite Mareep again.
Mareep moves with anger wanting revenge on Shinx for landing the previous hit, as Mareep lowers her head to tackle Shinx, Shinx jumps out of the way, and pivots in the air from defense to offense. Shinx contorts it's body so that mid dodge, it's lunging itself at the defenseless Mareep for another bite. Landing directly on Mareeps head. Mareep wobbles from side to side and hits the ground in a sudden thud.
Shinx lets out a loud victory roar.
Noah - Good try, Mareep. *Recalls Mareep* Now let's give my new friend Corvisquire a shot!
Corvisquire comes out of its pokeball, and does a quick circle overhead of Shinx before coming down to the battle grounds.
Archie - Shinx, let's finish this out.
Noah - Let's not give them anytime to react, taunt Shinx, and then retaliate with Pluck.
Archie - Let's go, Shinx! Use charge to get ready for a big attack.
Shinx sits back and charges it's electric attack up, and Corvisquire sits back waiting on Shinx to make the first move.
Archie - Shinx, close the gap and use thunder shock!
Shinx jolts towards Corvisquire with full confidence in it's eyes. The closer Shinx gets the more and more electric energy starts forming around before releasing all of it 5 feet from Corvisquire. Corvisquire unable to move in time is hit with a powerful shock.
Noah - Corvisquire! Move in from above and use Pluck!
Corvisquire somehow shook off the thunder shock and went up high in the air before stalling and swooping in on Shinx.
Archie - Dodge it!
Shinx tries jumping out of the way, but is unable to with the speed Corvisquire came in at. Corvisquire lands a direct hit onto Shinx, sending Shinx crashing into the dirt underneath. Shinx stands up and stumbles but catches himself. He lets out a roar and begins glowing.
Naomi - Shinx is evolving!
Shinx's roar begins to grow louder and deeper before the light around it begins to fade revealing Luxio.
Luxio
Electric Type Pokémon
Male
Height: 0.9m
Weight: 30.5kg
Archie - Let's strike again, Luxio! Go for another Thunder Shock.
Luxio charges in on Corvisquire releasing an even more powerful Thunder Shock than before which sends Corvisquire falling towards the ground.
Luxio let's out another victory roar.
Noah - It's alright, Corvisquire, we'll get stronger! I'm in a real hole now. But if anybody can help me get out, it's Combusken! Let's go, I need you buddy! Strike fast. Double kick.
Combusken comes out of its pokeball, and immediately charges in for an attack on Luxio. Combusken vaults forward, feet first into Luxio's side. Thrusting each leg into Luxio before sending Luxio flying to the side.
Archie - Wow, that was a strong attack! Come back, Luxio. Great job. Your time to shine, Ursaring.
Ursaring comes out of its pokeball and stands menacingly over Combusken. Combusken, now filled with a little bit of confidence, charges in at Ursaring, vaulting forward again leading with it's legs.
Archie - we have to block this!
Ursaring throws his arms up as a shield, but it's only able to block one of the legs, not both of them. Combusken a left leg gets blocked, but the right leg lands a direct hit onto Ursaring's stomach. Combusken lands, and charges in again for another double kick.
Archie - Ursaring, catch Combusken, and let's play rough!
Noah - Get out of there, Combusken.
Combusken already beginning his flip forward, is unable to stop. Ursaring grabs his left leg, the right leg hitting him with another kick. Ursaring grunts through the pain, and grabs Combusken and begins slinging him from side to side. Finally Ursaring throws Combusken in the air about 5 feet before hitting the ground hard.
Harmony - Combusken is unable to battle. Noah is out of Pokémon. Archie wins!
Noah - Good battling, Archie! You've grown so much since losing just earlier today. I'll learn from this loss as well, you won't humiliate me like this again.
Naomi - Yeah, that was really impressive to see! Both of you have gotten better. I can't wait for our battle, Archie!
Harmony - Please, no more battling today! We really should be getting back.
After a bit of walking, Harmony and I finally return home.
Harmony - That was impressive today. Your battle style was direct copy of what you saw Naomi and I do that worked. I'm really impressed with how well you were able to adapt your battle style to what would work with that certain battle and not just rely on one thing to win.
Archie - Yeah, I don't like losing. You're one of the most well respected gym leaders in this region. I'm not going to be embarrassed like that anymore. I'll make sure I can beat you when I battle you in your gym!
Harmony - Remember, you'll only have 3 Gym Leader losses before you get kicked out of the Badge Run. Don't lose to me all 3 times. There's 11 gyms, you only need 8 badges! I'm one of the most skipped Gym Leaders for a reason. Promise me, you will make me your 8th badge if you do decide to challenge me.
Archie - I can do that! I'm ready to show you I can beat you. I've wanted to battle your real team for a long time. I won't lose.
Harmony - I hope not! But we should get to sleep. Thank sue the rest of the week to rest. This weekend you're coming with me to my gym! I have to battle Bradley to show that I'm still capable of being a Gym Leader. I want you to watch it, and get a little face to face with the champion.
Archie - Hell yeah I want to come to that! I could train in the mountains too. Maybe catch a new Pokémon or two!
Harmony - I'll have to be there for 5 months! You could stay the whole time and train those higher leveled areas if you'd like! I can draw up a map and what Pokémon should be in what areas for you to help you out more. So just be a bit more patient and go get some sleep! We'll leave out shortly.