Ecruteak City

XXXXXMarcellus spotted the woman at the same time as everyone else, but he didn't spring into action like Athena and Liz had. He followed after them, at a slower pace, as he looked the woman over. Her appearance was rather odd, the black dress, and almost witchy hat. He wasn't anyone to judge on strange attire, as well as he knew this was Ecruteak, and there were some odd traditions he might not have known about so he brushed it off. As he walked, he began to feel an all to familiar ringing in his ears. Has Cronus been there, he would have struck immediately, but Marcellus couldn't put his finger on why it felt familiar. Regardless he tried to ignore it, as the ringing grew louder and sharper the closer he, as well as Liz, Athena, Inanna, and Atlas got to the still crying woman. Marcellus also ignored the hairs standing on his neck, having already been stressed and uncomfortable he believed it could still be the danger they already were in. "You're right, she's okay, we need to get her into the Pokecenter before something else attacks." Marcellus commented, continuing to move closer as Julian's Arcanine came into view. Marcellus was surprised to see the large canine, he could have been quite a bit of help with Julian, but Marcellus was not about to complain about the added assistance. He was ready to help Liz support the woman and get out of the open, and into safety, but before he could get close enough, she spoke.

XXXXXThe woman didn't look up, and stayed with her face hidden in her long sleeves as she spoke, but as she started to speak, her sobs ceased. "Oh thank you, young child, please come closer and help me up. " The womanly spoke out, addressing both Liz and Athena as children. Athena found this rather odd, but this didn't stop her form moving closer as to help her up. Even if Liz didn't follow to help. Just as Athena reached out to help her, Inanna realized why her voice was so strange to her... It was emitting from her like it would a ghost not verbally. "Don't! She's one of them!" The starmie shrieked waving two of the arms she had facing upwards. Marcellus looked back to Inanna, but Athena didn't have time to react, as the woman turned her head to face Athena and Liz, revealing her green face. "I guess the jig is up!" She spoke in a clear and sharp tone, followed by a cackle as she lifted in to the air, and squared off against the group she was facing. Everything made sense and hit Marcellus the moment she lifted her head, and he caught a glimpse of her face. The ringing was exactly like the effects he felt in the Ball room, when they were tricked by the Maid who turned out to be a mismagius in disguise. They were able to defeat her but not before they had to endure her illusions and hexes. "Hmmm, such beautiful and youthful faces." She spoke as though she was eyes over a delicious buffet, Athena began to spark with energy as she watched the mismagius closely. She didn't have any sharp claws or teeth, but the Electrivire wasn't going to let this witch get close to Liz or Marcellus. "I can just feel your energies and spirits already... I'm going to eat well tonight" She cackled again, as her dress began to flare around her as she raised higher in the air. "Run, Elizabeth!" Marcellus called out as he started to back away, whether she was already on the move or not. "Back off, Crone. You're out numbered, We'll send you back into the afterlife before you lay a wrinkled finger on us." Athena threatened. Knowing with herself, Electabuzz, Arcanine, and Starmie... They could hold their own against this witch. "Then lets even the odds, shall we?" She said in a sickly sweet tone as she began to rapidly spin in the air, and vanish all together into the many layers of her dress. As she did, the sky appeared to grow dark for the few Pokemon and two humans. Echos of the Witch's voice and cackles could be heard from all directions how ever she seemed to be speaking another language. The surrounding area began to twist and warp, as the Witch suddenly appeared before Athena, and the red head, had she not moved. Athena moved in front of Liz where she would have been standing as the witch engulfed herself in flames as they swarmed the electric type and sent her flying. With another laugh she whirled back into the air, and smiled at the Starmie. "You're the one that ruined my plan," She spoke, as the witch sparked with electricity just like Athena had before, she began to speak in tongues again as she held out a sleeve and struck Inanna with a bolt of lightning, and struck the building Julian had disappeared into in the distance with her other sleeve. As she did, Starmie suddenly lifted off the ground and flung into the building and stuck to the side, having been magically magnetized, slowly rotating on the building side. As the witch focused on Starmie, Marcellus made a run for Liz and Atlas. "What a lovely pin wheel. Now the pooch and youth!" She commented before turning back to Liz, Atlas, Arcanine and Marcellus. She began to whirl dark energy in the air, and began to fire them at the two human and Pokemon, attempting to blast and knock them away. Cackling as she toyed with her mice. Marcellus jumped back as he looked to Liz. His Pokemon were both a bit busy, Inanna was incapacitated and Athena was recovering. He didn't want any more Pokemon to get harmed by her magic so he had to rely on her and Atlas, and Juliana's Arcanine for assistance. Marcellus held out his hand for Liz, "We need to move!" He called out, trying to at least pull her out of the line of fire.

XXXXX

Liz fell at Gothita's feet with two Pokeballs rolling away from her hand as the vampire began to move on its prey. Gothita stopped when the closest ball began to shake. Princess the Salandit burst free first, then quickly followed by Belle the Steenee. Atlas was somewhere in the distance shouting obscenities and trying to find his human. Princess looked around uneasily, claws digging at the street, Belle quickly zeroed in on the cause for their stress. Eye contact. Belle's eyes grew heavy quickly. She was about to succumb as well when one glaring weakness was exploited by Princess. "Get away from them!" Gothita was trying too hard to keep the larger Pokemon under control when Princess' Poison Gas wafted into the little Pokemon. The Salandit had her back arched high and hissed, drops of acid hissing along with her as the stress caused her to drool caustic saliva."Don't think you can get away that easily." Her voice was calm in spite of the coughing fit she was having. Belle shook loose of the hypnotic effect when Gothita's eyes began to glow. Princess squawked in panic when she started to glow and float in response, then Gothita was kicked in the face by Belle. "Hey! You lay off my idiots! You hear me!" Without waiting for a reply, Belle Stomped on Gothita hard. Princess jumped in and scratched at the little vampire Pokemon, wanting to protect Liz from the threat. "Enough!" Gothita pulsed once with psychic energy, then again with dark, and the combined force hurled Princess and Belle into either side of the alley. Gothita stood up to her full height in spite of her tiny stature. Such a creature was imposing and size really didn't make much difference when she was wielding more power than was normal for her evolution.

Gothita resumed the patient, menacing approach on Liz. Belle struggled to stand from her position on the ground and glowered at the little vampire. "I said...Leave my idiots...ALONE!" She lunged and flashed with brilliant white light. Instead of Stomping on Gothita, her leg fell shy of connecting, then swung up hard for Belle's very first Trop Kick. Both feet thrust straight out into Gothita's head and hurling her into the wall near Princess. The newly evolved Tsareena stood tall and proud, raising one leg straight out. She bent it at the knee so her sharp heel rested against the opposite thigh. "I'll kick the shit out of anyone that lays a finger on this human." She glared at Gothita who was now glaring back. Tsareena and Gothita lunged from their positions and clashed power against strength. Her kick struck raw Psychic force and the battle commenced!

((This should be fun. I was going to fit the whole battle into this post, but I have to leave for work soon. So stay tuned for that climactic conclusion! On Pokemon: Dark! ...I'm just gonna coin this "Pokemon: Dark" now. Makes me feel like an anime narrator...xD))

Pack: x16 Rare Candy, Pokeball x, Potion x, Pokedex, Oran Berry, x2 Pecha Berry, TM19 Roost, x2 Great Ball, x2 Berry Pot, Sail Fossil, Green Barrette, Choice Specs, x2 Belue Berries, x2 Durin Berries, x2 Pamtre Berries, x2 Spelon Berries, x2 Watmel Berries, x3 Boost Mulch, Red Barrette, Pink Scarf, Changing Star Seal, Aspear Berry, Cheri Berry, Chesto Berry, Rawst Berry, Quick Claw, EXP Share, x4 Ultra Ball, Moomoo Milk, Illusory Candle, TM 99 Dazzling Gleam, x3 Salac Berries, x3 Ganlon Berries, Absolite (Absol, Oct. 2017 Zodiac), TM 09 Venoshock, Revival Herb, Lum Berry
Plot Piece: Ring of Alolan Dugtrio Hair (Curse, Found in Leafstone Preserve), Diggle's Cracked Mask (Reduce Defense), Wild Marill Tagalong (Met in Mahogany Town Lv. -- f Huge Power [Atk+3] Play Rough; Aqua Ring; Rain Dance; Double-Edge), Worn Trainer ID (Mournful Tidings), A COMPLETELY ORDINARY SWORD! (Definitely not Honedge Lv. 10), Pikachu Disguise (Mimikyu's Hair-Raising Adventure)
Pokemon Encounter: 103/5 Wild Encounter Charged!
Trainer Battle: 150/25 Trainer Battle Charged!
Item Posting: Big Root 14/25
Badges: Zephyr Badge


Pokemon:

XXXXXMarcellus groaned as he pushed himself up, and looked around. Inanna was still subdued against the wall, every so often he would see her shift forward as she tried to break free but it was no use. Athena was holding the Witch off, but there was only so much her strength could do against her magic. If he had Cronus here, everything would be different, but Marcellus was sure that if Inanna couldn't get a hold of him he was cut off in that damned meditation room. Had Julian been here, they would have been set and they could handle this witch, and he wouldn't have to worry about Liz. But both had to run off head first into danger for what reason Marcellus didn't get. "Can't I have just one moment of peace?" Marcellus cursed angrily as he moved over to his still steaming pack. It didn't seem to have been on fire or damaged so he didn't pay any mind. He grabbed three Pokeballs and let them out, Josette, Angelique, and Ryer. None of his other Pokemon had been trained for battles like this, and he was afraid Styx would become large debris for her to use. "It's about time!" Athena shouted as she swung and punched at the witch with a fist full of electricity. The Witch was knocked backwards only a bit before redirecting the electricity back at Athena sending her soaring through the air. "She has electric and fire attacks, let see how she handles a bit of ice and Dark." Marcellus commanded as Josette moved forward and began to blast ice at the witch. Josette began to move forward as she shot blasts of ice and snow at the witch. This seemed to subdue and cover the Mismagius in ice, but not for long. The pile of ice and snow began to move and shift forward, sliding forward faster and faster until it reached the smoochum and barreled through her. The wall of Ice knocked her backwards, as the witch emerged, grabbing the princess by her hat and slung her at Angelique. Ryer let out as much of a roar as he could as a growing replisol, as he charged the Witch.He ran quickly, very feline as he did, bounding around the witch as he began to fire dark pulses at her. This seemed to cause her to waver as the pulses hit her.

XXXXXThe Witch let out a shout as she curled her sleeves inward and threw them out wide, sending a blast of fire out all around her, which knocked the pulses away from her. This also swept up the reptile knocking him back from the witch. Marcellus surveyed his Pokemon, and they were alright. He looked back up to the Witch as her eyes bore on him. His Pokemon were still recovering, and his pack was a bit away from him. What would he go if she attacked? However, something changed. It even caught the witch off guard. There was a loud boom from within the building as the ground shifted under his feet. The Witch wasn't effected as she hovered so high in the air, but her face showed concern, as she looked back. "Looks like we're going to have to wrap up this fun." The witch spoke, turning back to the group. She was met with an airborne Athena. They grabbed onto each other as they began to flip in the air. It only lasted a few seconds before Athena was rocketed straight downwards and into the ground with a force that embedded her into the earth. Both smoochum ran forward, Josette trying to hit the witch with waves of psychic energy, while Angelique shot icicles at her. After once icicle hit her, the Mismagius began to chant as she swooped down lifting both princesses off the ground with her magic, and then flung them both screaming over the tree lines. Both Josette and Angelique landed a few feet from the Hypnotized Liz and the current battle between Belle and the psychic. Both unconscious. Ryer began to charge again, but let out a cry as one of his paws got stuck on something... As the witch chanted, the ground seemed to shift around Ryer, opening up and molding around the reptile. He began to cry out, not in pain, but fear as his inexperienced wings flapped around him for freedom but he was trapped in a rocky cage. His Pokemon were all down. Marcellus ran forward and reached into his pack. As he did the witch appeared in front of him. He immediately went stiff as he rigidly was forced up right and lifted into the air. Marcellus clinched his teeth as he felt the pressure of her energy on him. "Why are you doing this?" Marcellus questioned through his teeth. He needed to stall... He just needed to move his fingers... "The more energy I drain... The more souls I seep out of your bodies, the stronger I grow. I might have been summoned along side those nuisance, But I can grow much stronger. With everything you've handed me, I'll be unstoppable." She spoke with a wicked cackle. "You underestimate me..." He commented as he was just barely able to twitch his fingers, and released the Pokemon he had been holding. The area immediately grew colder as a large blue Pokemon formed. Articuno let out a loud cry as he fully emerged, high in the air. He looked down, unaware of the current situation. Normally he wouldn't be the one to intervene, but even he could see Marcellus was in trouble, as was the other trapped Pokemon. The Witch gasped, but Articuno was already swooping down. The Legendary Bird came down at such a high speed she couldn't do anything. This blasted a wave of ice out around the bird, knocking Marcellus and the Witch away from each other. Marcellus landed hard on the ground as he was soon coated by the snow, but the Witch turned and was ready to Counter. The ice bird waved it's strong icy wing and sent a strong wind at the ghost, sending her back further as he soared at her, circling her. He continued faster and faster as she was soon engulfed in an icy cyclone. Articuno bailed out and landed on the ground and looked back at the large icy twister he created as it slowly died, revealing the witch completely covered in ice, but not frozen solid. "Okay! I yield-"She began to forfeit, but there was a loud boom again as a blast of energy erupted from the ground. Athena had both her arms out as a blast of light exploded from them. The light and electricity engulfed the witch, sending a beam of energy into the sky.

XXXXXOnce the energy ended, the witch was seen again, only she wasn't moving as she fell back towards the ground. She stopped just above the ground, not moving. She hovered above it as if she were solid.. Even her cloth hadn't moved from it's blasted back position, and it steamed. Marcellus sat up out of the snow as his mouth fell open. Even Articuno looked on shocked. "What did you do?" He questioned, leaning down and pecking the now seemingly solid ghost. "I...I don't know..." Athena replied as she got up and looked at her steaming hands. Marcellus stood up, and moved closer to them and looked at the Witch. He pulled out a Pokeball and opened it, pulling her inside. "You're capturing that thing!?" Inanna shouted, having fallen from the wall and began back over to the group, the the area looking more like winter now. "I don't want something like her running around freely." Marcellus told her, looking to her. "I want you to teleport this back to the manor. Give to to Cronus, and tell him to put her were she won't get out." Marcellus told her, as she nodded. She rose into the air as the Pokeball floated out if his hand. She flew up higher in the air swiftly, and disappeared with a loud bang. Marcellus returned Ryer, and as he did, he spotted Espeon and Umbreon running from the building. That couldn't exactly be a good sign... But His concern lay with Liz. "Elizabeth went this way" Marcellus called out to the two Pokemon, as he began to quickly move down the path Liz fled, with Athena close behind, but Articuno stayed up in the tree line. He was lucky both Smoochum flew this way as well, and as soon as he spotted them, he stumbled to a stop as he came upon Belle, now as Tsarenna, battling a Gothrita.

(I know I got a little over dramatic... I just watched Avengers Endgame and my adrenaline is still pumping... I could fight Thanos myself right now @.@)

Knowing all of the horrible things this bastard had done to innocent people and Pokemon alike made Julian want to beat the mad Scientist to a pulp. However, it seemed their battle would take place in a more traditional way - a Pokemon battle. Taking heart from the fact that he was no longer alone, the very presence of Liz and Marcellus helped him to stand his ground and deal with this once and for all. "I'll teach you to meddle in business that doesn't concern you! And when I'm done beating all three of you, I'll use your Pokemon in my next experiments!" He shouted, and cackled madly. Julian could not hear this of course, but the others could hear everything. 

Apparently he was not very concerned with the appearance of two more Trainers, and he was still quite confident in his chances of victory. Well, he might see nothing but a few kids but he was going to learn the hard way that Julian was more than he appeared. Deciding that there had been enough talking, Julian nodded to Noctowl who flew forward and met the sudden appearance of a heavily scarred Dragonite. The dragon was much faster than either Julian or Noctowl had expected and in the blink of an eye it had moved right in front of the owl. An electricity-coated claw slammed into Noctowl, sending it flying back next to Julian and Persian. 'Damn!' Julian thought. 'Noctowl, are you okay?' He thought helplessly as he knelt beside his Pokemon. It hadn't opened it's eyes yet. Julian was just about to return him when his eyes snapped open, glowing red. 

Dragonite was not fast enough to avoid the attack, and soon found himself asleep on his sturdy legs. Noctowl gathered up energy as he flew into the air again and shot a double-Moonblast attack. Both beams found their mark as Dragonite was unable to move or avoid them. By the time the second attack landed, the damage had been enough to wake it up. Again it shot at Noctowl and used Thunder Punch and again Noctowl was knocked back to the ground. Noctowl's usual game plan was to stay in the sky and attack from a distance, but Dragonite was both extremely fast and able to fly. They would have to come up with something... else; a new strategy.

Something in the bond they shared as Trainer and Pokemon clicked into place suddenly. They shared the same drive and desire to flatten this madman. It didn't matter that he couldn't speak, they were both on exactly the same page in this moment. Noctowl's eyes glowed again, only this time yellow. Dragonite opened it's mouth to roar, but slowly closed it again. It wasn't growing tired like before - but instead stared with wide eyes and a slack expression on it's face. Dragonite and Noctowl both flew high overhead, and then Dragonite flew straight down at extreme speeds of it's own accord and slammed itself into the ground. Noctowl followed suit and flew straight down to slam into the dragon's back.

The crater it created left them both out of sight below the ground, but suddenly a massive blast of Hyper Beam shot up and with it came Noctowl. Borne into the air by the blast, Noctowl started falling to the ground before catching itself with his wings at the last moment. Just as Dragonite flew up, it tried to use a Thunder Punch but found it could not gather the electricity needed. That hesitation was enough for Noctowl to hit it with another Moon Blast. Instead, Dragonite shot a second Hyper Beam that Noctowl tried to dodge. Unfortunately the static clinging to his wings froze him in place for the Hyper Beam to make a direct hit. It didn't look good now!

Noctowl fell to the ground next to Julian, and looked completely beaten. Dragonite landed a few feet away from them, heavy and hard enough to shake the floor beneath their feet. It loomed over them and started to gather the power for a third Hyper Beam in it's mouth when Noctowl's eyes flew open and he shot another double-Moonblast attack. The first hit Dragonite in the abdomen, knocking it's breath out and the second hit the energy gathered in Dragonite's mouth, which detonated inches from it's face. His head was covered in a copious rising cloud of thick black smoke, and Dragonite then teetered and fell back with a loud 'THUNN'. "NOO! No, no, this can't be! You imbecile, you cretin, you have the NERVE TO... TO..." He seemed at a loss for words as he returned Dragonite to it's Pokeball.

"FINE!" He screamed, spittle flying from his mouth in his mad rage. He threw out another Pokeball which released a Lucario. Thomas considered his options, finally looking back at the others and locking eyes with Arcanine. The giant dog got up and strode past Liz, soft fur brushing her as it passed and then made his way onto the battle field. Arcanine and Lucario wasted no time in attacking at the same time. While Lucario might not have been faster than Arcanine, his Aura Sphere was. Arcanine attacked back with a stream of fire - Flamethrower and Aura Sphere hit each other in mid air. Arcanine had obviously been hoping to make it explode at a safe distance, or to deflect it, but the Aura Sphere went right through the flames and hit his hound hard in the face. Arcanine shook off the attack only to be hit with a second one.

Arcanine then decided he would have to use his speed in this fight. He ran circles around Lucario - who tried to hit him with more Aura Spheres and was unable to - before shooting fire as he ran. Soon there was a vortex of fire surrounding Lucario. This impaired it's vision and kept it in place. With the fire and the speed in which Arcanine was moving, he was practically invisible. That was when he shot into the flame and directly into Lucario. Being a Fire-Type, Arcanine was unaffected while Lucario was bounced back off the flames which actually acted as a barrier to prevent it being knocked through. Again and again Arcanine shot into the flame and send Lucario whacking off the fire like a pinball until they finally cleared to reveal Lucario. He stood firm, fell to one knee, and then collapsed. 

A poor loser apparently, the Scientist returned his Pokemon and sent out Machamp. Wanting to keep his strongest weapons secret for now, Julian turned and nodded now to Persian. The Scientist laughed hard, practically doubling over at what he saw as a huge mistake. "Persian are Normal-Type, you fool! My Machamp will turn it into mince meat!" Julian's face remained impassive. He was glad the monster was letting his guard down. That was exactly what he wanted. "Superpower!" He ordered, and Machamp was off like a bullet streaking across the field towards Persian. The cat tried hard to put Machamp to sleep, but by the time her eyes were glowing Machamp already had it's massive hands around Persian's throat. It lifted Persian into the air by her throat with his two upper arms, and the two lower arms struck her stomach repeatedly. 

Only Machamp did not release Persian. He had her head pointed towards the ceiling so not even Hypnosis could free her now. What is he doing?! He was going to... ah... he didn't mind killing others to get what he wanted. Julian started to panic. His mind was blank with shock and fear when he needed it clear the most. Persian scratched and clawed uselessly at Machamp's arms, and they only squeezed tighter on her trachea. Suddenly her claw got a better position to where it could lash out and actually slash his face open. He released one hand from her throat, but it was enough for her to look him straight int he eyes and put his ass to sleep. This time she was able to claw her way free from his hand - now bloody and useless. She tried to sap all of his health psychically but before she could finish the job he woke up and charged. 

He tried again to catch her, and this time she tried to escape by outrunning him but he was beyond fast for a two-legs. Those muscles made up for his size it seemed. He caught up to her, pinned her down by the scruff, then with his lower arms this time grabbed her around the throat. There he began to pummel her face with his free and uninjured upper hand. The blows were so hard and powerful that he thought it might cause hospital-worthy damage - or worse. This time, however, Persian was prepared. She lashed out with her claws again only this time went for his groin. Needless to say, he released her and clutched at himself and, when he looked up at her again, he was hit with another direct Hypnosis. This time she was able to drain every ounce of energy out of him to heal herself.

Knowing his Pokemon was beaten, the Scientist returned Machamp. Julian tried to treturn his obviously injured Persian, but she was furious. She avoided every attempt and stared ruthlessly at him until he stopped trying. As worried as he was for her, he knew better than to try forcing her to obey. She was stubborn and prideful. When he sent out a Crobat hoping to finish the job, Julian thought he knew what was about to happen. However the Poison-Type surprised him by using Air Slash rather than a poison-inflicting move. Even so, the windy gusts struck Persian hard enough to make her flinch when she might otherwise have gotten an attack in. 

It wasn't until Persian put the other Pokemon to sleep that she could really inflict any damage. Like before, to keep herself in the fight, she sapped health from her enemy to give to herself. This worked well until Crobat woke up and started hitting with cutting blasts of wind from it's wings. It was then that Crobat tried to inflict the poison. Perhaps it realized that Persian was likely to keep healing itself, but that was not the case. In fact Persian did not even try putting Crobat to sleep again. She gathered storm clouds overhead and the force of pure lighting came crashing down on the defenseless Crobat. There was no escape, the light burned so brightly as it flashed that Julian was blinded momentarily. Even afte rhe could see the light burned into his vision, but through his blinking he could see Crobat being returned like the others. 

This time Julian returned Persian before she could expect and prevent it. He pulled out a new Pokeball and sent out Nightrial without actually knowing what was coming next from the enemy. Then he sent out a Gardevoir who was tall and elegant in her dress. "A dragon! I've got just the thing for you." Julian watched the man grinning again - convinced yet again that he had the advantage. Julian realized the mistake and knew he could use it to his advantage. Little did he actually know that Nightrial was just as weak to Fairy-Type moves as if he'd actually been a dragon. One Moonblast to the wing was enough to prove that, as his Pokemon was already to injured to use them. Julian silently cursed. He'd been hoping for Nightrial's flying abilities to help them but it was no good.

Nightrial charged forward. He tanked two Moonblast attacks before finally slowly reaching his target. Whipping around, he slammed his iron-hard tail into Gardevoir from the side. She was sent stumbling and he gave chase! By the time she collected herself, she was met with a second, and then a third Iron Tail. Just as she was about to take a fourth, she rose hovering into the air and aimed a Moonblast at him. He tried to spread his wings to escape but it was no use. He was down for the count. Julian hastened to return his Pokemon and the Scientist decided Gardevoir could remain out to do some more damage. He'd clearly taken heart at his first victory of the battle. 

It had happened so quickly Julian hadn't actually planned his next move in case something like this happened. He was saved the trouble of figuring it out when a Pokeball opened of it's own accord and released Persian back onto the field. "Don't let that thing put you to sleep, use Hypnosis first!" The Scientist panic-shouted. He had seen what Persian could do and, while Persian was pissed off and ready to throw down, it fell to the Hypnosis just like any other Pokemon would have. Only able to get one Dream Eater off before Persian woke up, Gardevoir was on the defensive again. It backpedaled away, but Persian didn't need to be close. Thunder attacks rained down on her from above like the heavens had deemed her worthy of smiting.

Gardevoir was on her last leg and unable to move from the paralysis of so much electricity when she tried for a last-ditch-Hypnosis. Persian blinked at just the right time - that was all it took was a single blink and triggering of her Play Rough attack at the same time that saved her. Gardevoir fell, beaten at last and Persian had beaten three of the Scientist's Pokemon single-handedly. Julian could not have been more proud of her and at last she willingly allowed him to return her. She had gotten her licks in and she was content with a nice, long rest. When the Scientist sent out a Venusaur, Julian knew this was it. There was nothing to save him after this Pokemon was beaten and he had just the trick up his sleeve to beat him once and for all. 

Typhlosion appeared, bellowing a roar that caused Venusaur to look concerned momentarily. It shot glimmering powder into the air, but Typhlosion burned it up with the flames from his mouth. Typhlosion raced at Venusaur who tried to escape, but found himself unable to move. Looking over it's back it saw Typhlosion holding tight to the plant growing from it's back. The spores on the flower poisoned him, but he toughed it out and held on. From this point-blank range, the Fire Blast after Fire Blast attack left Venusaur burning and smoking all over. It looked beaten but Julian suddenly realized it was like Noctowl. He had the premonition that it was about to spring to life but couldn't shout out a warning.

True to his vision Venusaur moved and slammed hard into Typhlosion. The bear stumbled back a pace but was hit by another, and then another. Venusaur was driving Typhlosion back step by step towards the glasses of chemicals that would do who-knew-what. Typhlosion might have stopped the assault by now but the damage between the blows and the poison was slowing him and making him feel weaker than he would normally feel in battle. He could feel the poison coursing through him in fact. Typhlosion waited for just the right moment and moved out of Venusaur's way as it lunched. Venusaur flew past, slamming into the chemical counter and drenching itself. Typhlosion mercilessly shot another Fire Blast that hit the plant, ignited the chemicals, and set it on fire as thoroughly as if it had been doused in gasoline. 

To save his Pokemon, the Scientist returned it before it could take too much damage from the flames. Worse had been done to Pokemon in the past and they had come out of it alright int he end. It would survive. However, when it seemed factual that the others would not leave him alone to do his work in peace, and with no defense left to him, the mas Scientist came to a decision. It wasn't a good decision, it wasn't even a decision that would save him. In fact, it might doom the entire town. "Fine." He snarled, and slammed his hand against a large red button on the wall behind him. "Last chance, idiot boy. Will you get your revenge for whatever my Monsters did up there? Will your pride cost you everything?" 

"Self-Destruct sequence: Activated." A monotone voice said from somewhere in the monster-factory. 

(Forgive the lack of pretty. I was wiped after this one.)

TL;DR
Dragonite used Thunder Punch (-110, 430/540)
Noctowl used Hypnosis!
Dragonite is fast asleep!
Noctowl used Moonblast (-180, 820/1000)
Dragonite is fast asleep!
Noctowl used Moonblast (-180, 640/1000)
Dragonite woke up! 
Dragonite used Thunder Punch (-110, 320/540)
Noctowl used Hypnotic Trigger (-190, 450/1000)
Dragonite's Thunder Punch has been disabled!
Dragonite used Hyper Beam (-150, 170/320)
Noctowl used Moonblast (-180, 270/1000)
Dragonite must recharge!
Noctowl is paralyzed!
Dragonite used Hyper Beam (-150, 20/320)
Noctowl used Moonblast (-180, 90/1000)
Dragonite must recharge!
Noctowl used Moonblast (-180, 0/1000)
Dragonite has fainted!
Noctowl receives 35 exp!

Lucario used Aura Sphere (-80, 440/520)
Arcanine used Flamethrower (-160, 840/1000)
Lucario used Dragon Pulse (-85, 355/520)
Arcanine used Flamethrower (-160, 680/1000)
Lucario used Dragon Pulse (-85, 270/520)
Arcanine used Close Combat (-240, 410/1000)
Lucario used Aura Sphere (-90, 180/520)
Arcanine used Close Combat (-240, 170/1000)
Lucario used Aura Sphere (-100, 80/520)
Arcanine used Close Combat (-240, 0/1000)
Lucario has fainted! 
Arcanine receives 35 exp!

Machamp used Superpower (-200, 380/580)
Persian used Hypnosis (it failed!)
Machamp used Superpower (-180, 200/580)
Persian used Hypnosis!
Machamp is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 800/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 300/580)
Machamp is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 600/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 400/580)
Machamp is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 400/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 500/580)
Machamp woke up!
Machamp used Superpower (-180, 320/580)
Persian used Hypnosis (it failed!)
Machamp used Superpower (-180, 140/580)
Persian used Hypnosis!
Machamp is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 200/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 240/580)
Machamp is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 0/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 340/580)
Machamp has fainted!
Persian receives 35 exp.

Crobat used Air Slash (-65, 275/580)
Persian flinched!
Crobat used Air Slash (-65, 210/580)
Persian used Hypnosis!
Crobat is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 800/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 310/580)
Crobat is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 600/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 410/580)
Crobat is fast asleep!
Persian used Dream Eater (-200, 400/1000)
Persian recovered some health (+100, 510/580)
Crobat woke up!
Crobat used Cross Poison (-60, 450/580)
Persian used Thunder (-200, 200/1000)
Crobat used Air Slash (-65, 385/580)
Persian used Thunder (-200, 0/1000)
Crobat has fainted!
Persian receives 35 exp.

Gardevoir used Moonblast (-180, 400/580)
Nightrial used Iron Tail (-200, 800/1000)
Gardevoir used Moonblast (-180, 220/580)
Nightrial used Iron Tail (-200, 600/1000)
Gardevoir used Moonblast (-180, 40/580)
Nightrial used Iron Tail (-220, 380/1000)
Gardevoir used Moonblast (-180, 0/580)
Nightrial has fainted!
Julian sent out Persian!

Gardevoir used Hypnosis!
Persian is fast asleep!
Gardevoir used Dream Eater (-100, 285/580)
Gardevoir recovered some health (+50, 430/1000)
Persian woke up!
Persian used Thunder (-100, 330/1000)
Gardevoir was paralyzed!
Persian used Thunder (-100, 230/1000)
Gardevoir is unable to move!
Persian used Thunder (-100, 130/1000)
Gardevoir is unable to move!
Persian used Thunder (-100, 30/1000)
Gardevoir used Hypnosis (it failed!)
Persian used Play Rough (-90, 0/1000)
Gardevoir has fainted!
Nightrial and Persian split 35 exp!

Venusaur used Sleep Powder (it failed!)
Typhlosion used Fire Blast (-300, 700/1000)
Venusaur used Poison Powder!
Typhlosion used Fire Blast (-200, 500/1000
Venusaur was burned!
Venusaur is hurt by burn (-63, 437/1000)
Typhlosion is hurt by Poison (-92, 638/730)
Venusaur used Take Down (-90, 548/730)
Venusaur is hurt by recoil (-23, 414/1000)
Typhlosion used Fire Blast (-200, 214/1000)
Venusaur is hurt by burn (-63, 151/1000)
Typhlosion is hurt by Poison (-92, 456/730)
Venusaur used Take Down (-90, 366/730)
Venusaur is hurt by recoil (-23, 128/1000)
Typhlosion used Fire Blast (-200, 0/1000)
Venusaur has fainted!
Typhlosion receives 35 exp!

The scene Liz came upon made her almost regret the haste with which she approached it. The redhead trembled and staggered on her feet as if she had been physically struck while approaching the room of half-finished experiments.Failed experiments. That was a lot of dead Pokemon. There were a lot of dead people because of the ones that survived, though. She glanced down at Dratini who had peered out to see why Liz had stopped. The Ghost Dragon whined out, as if it had some kind of natural understanding of what it was seeing here. Or, maybe, ghosts could see other ghosts. Liz thought wryly to herself. She staggered back quickly when she realized Julian was in the midst of battle, flinching away from the sounds and lights of each attack. She yelped and jumped back toward Marcellus while she watched on helpless. Julian seemed to be struggling. She couldn't imagine being able to defeat the man who was attacking them. The fact she could even keep up with some of the movements she was rather pleased with herself about. It might have even felt good to note that if it weren't for the scenario they were in. She dared not speak even though Julian was deaf. She held her breath at the start of each battle and let it out for better or worse at the end. Julian's Nightrial was defeated but he managed to protect it from further harm. That was good! Still her assurances and cheers remained inside of her head where they belonged. Enthusiasm had no place here.

For Liz, the inevitable happened. Julian won. The enemy was handily defeated once more. It had been a tough battle, but how could she ever believe Julian couldn't handle his enemies? She had watched him battle Pryce! He used Zekrom easily enough! Of course this psychopath had no chance. She opened her mouth with the least soulful cheer she'd ever heard come out of her own mouth. She was celebrating Julian's victory in all the earnest she could muster, but this place had done some damage to how much was on tap. And that cheer died on her lips when the scientist hit that button. Liz's new Gothita burst out of its ball, firing Psybeam wildly at the scientist trying to kill him before he could escape. The tiny Psychic generated an aura of rage and pain that made Liz immediately start screaming as if the anguish were her own. Marcellus would barely feel Gothita's presence with his own Psychics there to protect him, not even the de-powered Smoochum were terribly bothered by Gothita's attempt to create a frenzy in the others around her. She was so young, so inexperienced, but she had been made stronger than was natural for her current state because of this man. She couldn't control herself any more than she could control Cronus.

((I have no idea where this plan is going, so I'm leaving Gothita's Psybeam attacks ambiguous. Let them hit important computer parts or the scientist if that fits what you were going for, Red. Otherwise it's going to be blasts of psychic power doing nothing but whizzing past people and raging Gothita trying to make everyone else kill the scientist for her. It's like a little Jean Grey forced to relive a lot of memories a little girl shouldn't have.))

Pack: x16 Rare Candy, Pokeball x, Potion x, Pokedex, Oran Berry, x2 Pecha Berry, TM19 Roost, x2 Great Ball, x2 Berry Pot, Sail Fossil, Green Barrette, Choice Specs, x2 Belue Berries, x2 Durin Berries, x2 Pamtre Berries, x2 Spelon Berries, x2 Watmel Berries, x3 Boost Mulch, Red Barrette, Pink Scarf, Changing Star Seal, Aspear Berry, Cheri Berry, Chesto Berry, Rawst Berry, Quick Claw, EXP Share, x4 Ultra Ball, Moomoo Milk, Illusory Candle, TM 99 Dazzling Gleam, x3 Salac Berries, x3 Ganlon Berries, Absolite (Absol, Oct. 2017 Zodiac), TM 09 Venoshock, Revival Herb, Lum Berry
Plot Piece: Ring of Alolan Dugtrio Hair (Curse, Found in Leafstone Preserve), Diggle's Cracked Mask (Reduce Defense), Wild Marill Tagalong (Met in Mahogany Town Lv. -- f Huge Power [Atk+3] Play Rough; Aqua Ring; Rain Dance; Double-Edge), Worn Trainer ID (Mournful Tidings), A COMPLETELY ORDINARY SWORD! (Definitely not Honedge Lv. 10), Pikachu Disguise (Mimikyu's Hair-Raising Adventure)
Pokemon Encounter: 105/5 Wild Encounter Charged!
Trainer Battle: 152/25 Trainer Battle Charged!
Item Posting: Big Root 16/25
Badges: Zephyr Badge



Pokemon:

Everything happened all at once as far as Liz could perceive it anymore. Gothita's rage had skewed her concept of time. It wasn't until Riolu carved his heart out that the psychic presence inside her head weakened. The little goth monster sobbed when it was done. She plopped on the ground, exhausted from all that strength she used. Liz grabbed onto the little thing and cradled her tight to her chest. She sat on her knees and held Gothita while she cried. They cried together now. Dratini felt cheated knowing that its killer was getting a pass here but it wasn't going to punish Liz for that. And with all of those monster Pokemon turning on their creator like that, it had a better idea of what was really happening. It floated out of Liz's backpack and situated itself out of Marcellus' immediate view where it could look at Liz. She hesitated briefly, then reached out to rub Dratini's head. At first she was passing through it again, much to her frustration, but several moments--and Julian's sacrifice--made Dratini tangible. Her fingers traced his head gently. Dratini trilled his approval and made a chittering sound like purring. Gothita yelled out when Julian fell and the little bit of good feelings went away. How she had not seen the ankh or the situation Julian put himself into was a heart-breaking issue to consider. She should have stopped him. They would have figured something out. Cronus could have teleported pieces until the countdown stopped.

Liz stared quietly at the still boy on the ground. Her eyes went out of focus. The psychics would have to actively tune out the rush of emotions and thoughts racing through the poor girl's head. She should have stopped him. This was her fault. He shouldn't have done that. Why would anyone do something so crazy? "J-Julian...?" There was no questioning what happened. Liz couldn't pretend he was just unconscious with the way his clothing smoldered. The red-haired woman stared in mute horror, hiding her face in Gothta's head after a long silence was broken by a high-pitched whine. She wasn't getting close to another body. She wasn't going to accept that the only heat coming off him anymore was leftover from the shock he took. Poor Gothita was being smothered in the redhead's despair. The whine broke into a pathetic sob. She refused to confirm what they already knew but that didn't stop her from processing the truth faster than her already-twisted mind could process a lie to make her able to pretend this didn't happen. People she cared about left her. There was no safe place to go that wouldn't hurt someone for caring about her. She was destined for abandonment through a means nobody could take back. If Cronus of the Smoochum were listening they would hear her start assuring herself that Marcellus needed to go. If he stayed around her she would get him killed just like Julian. Just like...the thought cut off before she finished it. She was not going to think about that bastard now! There was no hiding her anguish, crying loudly and smothering her Gothita with complete desperation. Liz was no longer looking at Julian's body. She couldn't allow herself to think about that any more than she had to. He was gone, that was that, she had to find a way to keep going. That started with pretending nothing was here but a couple of dead assholes. Psycho Scientist and his assistant...Yeah. That would work. Just a kid in over his head...


Pack: x16 Rare Candy, Pokeball x, Potion x, Pokedex, Oran Berry, x2 Pecha Berry, TM19 Roost, x2 Great Ball, x2 Berry Pot, Sail Fossil, Green Barrette, Choice Specs, x2 Belue Berries, x2 Durin Berries, x2 Pamtre Berries, x2 Spelon Berries, x2 Watmel Berries, x3 Boost Mulch, Red Barrette, Pink Scarf, Changing Star Seal, Aspear Berry, Cheri Berry, Chesto Berry, Rawst Berry, Quick Claw, EXP Share, x4 Ultra Ball, Moomoo Milk, Illusory Candle, TM 99 Dazzling Gleam, x3 Salac Berries, x3 Ganlon Berries, Absolite (Absol, Oct. 2017 Zodiac), TM 09 Venoshock, Revival Herb, Lum Berry
Plot Piece: Ring of Alolan Dugtrio Hair (Curse, Found in Leafstone Preserve), Diggle's Cracked Mask (Reduce Defense), Wild Marill Tagalong (Met in Mahogany Town Lv. -- f Huge Power [Atk+3] Play Rough; Aqua Ring; Rain Dance; Double-Edge), Worn Trainer ID (Mournful Tidings), A COMPLETELY ORDINARY SWORD! (Definitely not Honedge Lv. 10), Pikachu Disguise (Mimikyu's Hair-Raising Adventure)
Pokemon Encounter: 106/5 Wild Encounter Charged!
Trainer Battle: 153/25 Trainer Battle Charged!
Item Posting: Big Root 17/25
Badges: Zephyr Badge


Pokemon: