In Her Image: a Pokémon RP

[CrazyBlaze]

The roars of the crowd reached Kayla as she talked with the reporter.

"Sorry but I need to run. Things to see. Fights to watch. You know," Kayla ran past the reporter and her cameraman into the interior of the stadium. She looked down at her ticket North Side Level six Seat 25.

"Come'on Growlithe. We need to hurry. I don't want to miss this," Kayla started to take the steps two at a time, racing as fast as she could. Racing up the last couple of stairs to her goal she was caught unaware by a brown haired girl coming down. Kayla crashed into her,knocking them both down to the ground.

Kayla groaned as she gathered her barrings again. Slowly she began to realize where she was. Or more specific, where her head was resting on the other girl's chest.

Scrambling back, her face beet red, Kayla picked herself up as she stuttered, "I'mmm so. It. It was an accident. I wa wa was in a rush and I I I I didn't se se se see you there. Mmmmm. My name is Kayla Denit," Kayla held out her hand to help the other girl up, as King came up the stairs laughing to itself once it saw its Mistress was fine.

 

[CJ1145]

"My name is Kayla Denit,"

Daria did not accept the hand at first, apparently preferring to sit dumbstruck on the ground, face burning up like the sun. Her mouth dropped wide open, as her brain tried to process the last five seconds, and what her eyes were taking in right at that moment.

"I-I-I buh, guh... I'm, uh, ga--DARIA!" She shot her hand out like a rocket, grasping Kayla's and pulling herself up with such a yank that the other girl was nearly pulled down to the ground instead. "M-my name is Daria. Daria Pace. Nice to meet ya."

Her eyes darted around, looking for a conversation topic before settling on King. "Oh hey!" he yelled enthusiastically, crouching down to look the canine in the eye. Her oval shades dropped down the bridge of her nose, revealing her eyes as she admired the little creature. "Is this your Growlithe?" she asked Kayla, reaching out to scratch his ear.

She didn't get to do this for long before a clawed hand smacked her own away. Spiegel glared at her with all the exasperation he could. She was embarrassing him more than enough as it was, no need to get touchy feely with her pooch.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, suddenly remembering her own Pokemon. She shot back up and gestured towards the Charmeleon. "This here's Spiegel!"

"Charmeleon." the lizard replied with a noted lack of enthusiasm.

"So, where ya from?"

She smacked Kayla on the back, urging her to move with Daria as she began to pace around the stadium. "C'mon, walk with me."

The two began to move, and Daria made a few grandiose gestures towards the symbol on her back, saying "Yeah, I'm from Pewter, myself, Kanto region. Showed up for the tournament. Ya come to watch, or compete?"

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Kayla stumbled forward as Daria slapped her on the back.Ya come to watch, or compete?" "I was, well originally supposed to be competting but I got held up and I got here late. I missed the first day so I'm out. At least that is what I am assuming, so from now on I am just a spectator from now on. I come from Cherrygrove her in Jotho. I like to travel a lot so I've been to Pewter City myself." Kayla gestured to King who was following them and giving glares at Spiegel, "This cute furball is King. He has been with me since the start. Through thick and thin he has always been there for me." Kayla clasped both her hands in front of her as they walked. "So how about yourself? Are you competing?"

 

[CJ1145]

"So how about yourself? Are you competing?"

Daria's expression brightened considerably. "Yeah, actually, I am!" she exclaimed. "As a matter'a fact my match is up next! Gonna totally squash this total snob built like some kinda brick wall..."

The girl in the cap looked a little bit less than sane with her wicked grin accentuated by a gesture of pressing her two hands together as if she were crushing something beneath her. Behind them, Spiegel was beginning to return the glares King was giving. If he wasn't gonna bother with being polite, why should he?

Eventually, Daria snapped out of it and said "So, yeah... that actually kinda brings something up. See, I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on this side of the stadium for a... friend. But I don't know how I'm supposed to do that during a match, and I'm the only one on this side. Do ya think, maybe, ya could help me out?"

 

[CrazyBlaze]

"Um. Sure I guess I could keep an eye out for you. You go kick some ass. I'll hold down the fort," Kayla lifted her right leg, making it look like she was standing on a box. "You can count on me," Kayla started to fall forward, swinging her arms widly, when King grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled her back to solid ground, sighing and rolling it's eyes at Spiegel as if to say, "The stuff we put up with somedays".

 

[Anayna]

Tom seemed to be in high spirits as usual and this despite the fact that it would soon be him fighting in that arena. Rupert really admired how Tom didn't let anything faze him; Rupert himself had been panicking several hours in advance yesterday, as he tried to prepare for his battle against the bespectacled boy.

"Who, me? Nah. I'm already pretty rounded out, The best additions to my team would be something along the lines of a natu."

The heck is a Natu?

"R-right, one of those. Of c-course. W-who wouldn't want a... uh, one of those."

Dear lord, i really need to familiarize myself with the pokémon outside my own region.

"But anyway, I see you got yourself a hoot hoot clock. That's what I used to call them by the way. Did you know that they're always tilted to tell the exact time?"

"Wait, s-seriously? Is that what she's doing? Oh, t-that's good to hear. I was starting to think that there was something wrong with her neck. N-nearly had me worried there, girl."

Genuine relief could be seen on Rupert's face as he turned his head to the Owl pokémon standing on his shoulder. He had noticed that when Hoothoot was not otherwise engaged or simply resting she tended to tilt her head to a certain angle. Hoothoot looked back at the three trainers, confused as to why exactly she had become the center of attention.

Just as Rupert started wondering how exactly one 'read' a Hoothoot's face to tell the time Lee joined the conversation and echoed Rupert's thoughts: "how does that work, you need two handles to tell the time, well I guess the top of the head could be the hour arm, but how would one look at 6 O'Clock, I mean can its leg even turn that much?"

The tall lanky trainer continued his speculations on the subject uninterrupted by the amazed Rupert. He had never even spoken to Lee before, but the Hoenn trainer's ability to lose himself in his own thought process reminded him eerily of himself. The only difference was that Rupert kept it all under wrap in his brain box. Looking at Lee now Rupert thought that this might be for the best. Actually, in terms of sheer loquaciousness Lee might give Tom a run for his money.

"So anyway, is that Hoothoot the only one you got?"

"Huh? O-oh, no actually. I also caught a Pineco. I-it was quite the trip for me actually. First time catching pokémon in s-seven years..."

Rupert suddenly became acutely aware of just how much he owed Tom. It was in their battle that Rupert had realized how hugely unfair he had been to Cubone and Haunter by being such an unengaged trainer throughout his life. And now he had two new team members because he had accepted Tom's proposal for a training excursion. Tom was, perhaps indirectly, the reason Rupert was changing. He really had to find some way to thank him one of these days.
An odd look from Tom told Rupert that Tom might have noticed something weird in his expression. Rupert shook his head and blushed.

Ah, darn it! I can't do this now! Too many people! Too awkward! Quick! Find a distraction!

"S-SO, LEE! Uh... Are you f-fighting in the tournament today? Your match was c-cancelled yesterday, right?"

 

[nuba km]

Lee thoughts about the flexibility and length of a hoothoots legs was interrupted by ruparts questions.

"S-SO, LEE! Uh... Are you f-fighting in the tournament today? Your match was c-cancelled yesterday, right?"

Lee's face trained of enthusiasm 'Yea...' lee went silent as he tough about the conditions that let him through to the next round, tough he quickly jumped back into speech 'Well, I hope I have a fight today, don't know how it will work out time wise, I mean did they get all of the first round matches done? Didn't really pay attention to what number match mine was, just waited for them to call my name for the match. Also my opponent has no idea what my pokemon are or what my fighting style is, it will but us on a even fighting ground... missed out on everyone else's match...for reasons.' Lee said, kinda angry at himself for trying to make someone, obviously to stubborn, listen to him, it got in the way of his goal.

 

[Pappytech]

"Could do with a Flying-type though..."

"Oh! Uh, right, got it!"

At Remy's prodding, Matt reached to his belt, fumbling with the newly formed quartet of spheres. The Sinnoh native was right, a flyer would be pretty helpful right about now, especially one of Ventus' caliber. A tough Pokemon, with a good pair of eyes to boot.

"Alright Ventus, come on out!"

A brilliant flash lit the stands for a bit, before the Pidgeotto formed before them. "Pidgerrrrrrro."

"Okay buddy," Matt began as Ventus flapped his wings, "here's the situation: we're on the lookout for whoever caused the blackout last night, and I need you to scout around up high. Think you can do that?"

The Pidgeotto didn't bother to answer, staring at his trainer with an expression that clearly said, "Seriously? That's what you want me to do?"

"Alright, alright," the young lad gave in, rubbing his neck as he meekly grinned. "How about this? If you spot anything, I'll take us out for barbecue, okay?"

Now that Ventus found appealing. "Rrrrrooooo!"

The Pidgeotto took to the skies, and soon was nothing more than a small speck floating high above the stadium.

His Pokemon deployed, Matt sat back down and lowered his gaze to the arena below. It should be a pretty interesting match.

 

[CJ1145]

Spiegel's eyes lit up, shining like diamonds as he enthusiastically nodded at the Growlithe. Despite the hostility before, he was beginning to believe he'd found a new best friend. At last. Someone who knew his pain.

Daria, meanwhile, tried to stifle a guffaw at her new companion's clumsiness, and slowly traipsed over to the railing, leaning over and watching the match unfold. "Wicked!" she replied as she went. "Thanks, I was getting kinda freaked out wondering what I'd do..."

She scratched the back of her cap, trying to get at the scalp beneath as if confused. "There was supposed to be some other guy here... but he hasn't shown up yet. Wonder what he's up to..."

 

[Shakomaru]

"Huh? O-oh, no actually. I also caught a Pineco. I-it was quite the trip for me actually. First time catching pokémon in s-seven years..."

"A pineco? Really? You know how rare those are here?"

Obviously Rupert didn't, as his blank stare continued to dominate his face, although it now seemed to be a bit more quizzical.

"Anyway, If you can evolve it, you'll have a steel type of your own!"

Noticing Kusari glaring at him, he hurriedly said, "Not that bug types aren't great though! Hahahaha!"

"Skor."

 

[JokerboyJordan]

Savannah sat anxiously in her seat, both as a avid spectator , eagerly anticipating the oncoming match with Ryan, but also as a nervous deputy investigator, hoping to catch some glimpse of suspicious activity.
Sav's intense concentration (at least in her mind) on the lookout for anything peculiar, was abruptly broken when Matt replied to Remy's belligerent suggestion, releasing Ventus from his pokeball. Ventus being Ventus, he was not particularly keen on being on scouting duty, even though it was his natural affinity.

"Alright, alright, how about this? If you spot anything, I'll take us out for barbecue, okay?"

Prompted by Matt's form of bribery, the Bird-Pokemon took off into the sky, circling the arena grounds like a bird of prey.

Savannah was incited by Remy and Matt's forethought, and took out her own Pokeball, the tell-tale green housing containing Sprig. In a flash of light, the Wood Gecko Pokemon springing into action with a faux scythe with his leaf blade.

"Grove...vyle!"

"Sprig, I need you to survey the immediate area for any shifty looking people or activity, and report to me when you do. Got it?"

"Grovyle!"

The grass-type was excited at the task he was given, and set off with a sense of vigour, after giving a short salute to Savannah.

Satisfied with her efforts as a detective-to-be, she lounged back in her seat, thinking she could now afford a small amount of relaxation, although alertness was also still a priority. Looking down at the battle that was slowly unravelling, Sav's curiosity was piked at the name of Ryan's opponent, Jeremy Moore.

That's it! He's that famous Pokemon breeder from Kanto!

She gave a small smile at the world of breeding being advertised through the spectator sport of pokemon battles, it was a good method of raising awareness of quality breeders, and it was also the same thing that she was doing after all.

Is it wrong that I'll probably be rooting for him?

"So Matt, am I going to be invited to that barbecue of yours?"

 

[JdaS]

While the nine plus one Trainer's settled in their posts and took measures to keep an eye out for would be disturbances, the battle between Ryan and Jeremy was already in full swing. Jeremy had sent out his Gloom, an obviously well raised specimen, bred for battle and Ryan, while not the most avid fighter had a formidable weapon to count on. His one and only.

Spoiler: Mightyena

Loyal and ferocious, Mightyena's Intimidate had already crippled Gloom's will to physically engage the Bite Pokémon. Unfortunately, however, Gloom was not the physical kind. It first used Sweet Scent to lower its foe's evasive skills and followed up with a couple of shots of PoisonPowder. To no avail. Both Ryan and his Pokémon knew they had to stay in this fight for at least 3 or 4 Pokémon. Mightyena, being the faster combatant had used Sand-Attack, lowering Gloom's accuracy and causing it to fail both times, while retaliating with his vicious Bite attacks.

"Well done lad, now use Swagger!"

The Dark-type happily obliged, briefly exiting his battle stance to puff out his chest and anger the Grass-type with his mockery. Gloom went berserk, spewing all kinds of harmful substances from its flower, harming itself in the process. Ryan didn't waste any time and ordered another offensive. Mightyena complied and used Bite yet again.

It is down! Gloom is down after only succeeding with Sweet Scent! Amazing spirit and relentlessness from this young man from Sinnoh!

Simply astonishing Terry! Who would've thought the prodigy breeder from Fuschia would lose like that right off the bat. He can't be happy with that performance.

The echoing words of the commentators did not phase Jeremy in the slightest. Instead, he simply reached for a second PokéBall while wordlessly recalling his Gloom.

"So it seems even an uneducated farmer can deal with your garden variety Gloom. I must admit, what your mutt lacks in finesse, it makes up for in spirit."

Ryan didn't like the tone on this arrogant city slicker.

"Well lad, that's the result of years of working side by side as companions, as pals, right Mightyena?"

Might Might!

Mightyena barked enthusiastically in agreement, as Jeremy shook his head and replied.

"Oh you... Trainer's like you are dime a dozen out there. Here, let's see how your "friendship" overcomes my prized fighter."

Jeremy's second Pokéball cracked open and revealed the slithering contents, sending a shiver down both Ryan and his trusted companion's backs.

...ssssshhhaaa... TCSHHHAAAAAAABAKKKKKK!!

Spoiler: Arbok

UOH! There it is, Jeremy's prized Arbok! This is the Pokémon with which he single-handedly defeated his prior opponent's 4 Pokémon team!

That's right Terry. I've battled my share of Arbok while I was in the Battle Frontier, but this one? Bred to be a stone cold killer, Terry. And that unique pattern on the front of its hood must've taken years of breeding to achieve. I love this kid and his Mightyena, but frankly, the buck stops here.

"Arbok, Glare, then Wrap, Poison Fang and Acid Spray."

"Mightyena use Bite all the way, the faster we get it down the better. No room for fancy ol' tactics here, boy!"

Mightyena took his time to get moving. Arbok had Intimidate too, using the pattern on its hood to fool opponents into thinking that it was some sort of two faced monstrosity. Nevertheless, Mightyena used Bite on his new fearsome foe, but with his spirit wavering, the damage done was negligible. Arbok immediately retaliated, its cold stare piercing into Mightyena's eyes, paralyzing the once fearless Dark-type completely.

He tried to move, but all was for nought, as paralysis had taken hold of his body. Arbok was free to continue its terrible assault by Wrapping around the hapless opponent and squeezing tightly, causing Mightyena to howl in pain. He tried to fend off the attacker but the paralysis was still maintaining its hold. Ryan's luck seemed to have run out. Arbok used Poison Fang next, sinking its toxin-loaded fangs into Mightyena's neck. This was it Mightyena could already feel his conciousness slipping as the pain of being bitten and squeezed was blending together.

Paralyzed yet again, Ryan had no choice but to watch his trusted companion go through a veritable gauntlet of pain, this time Acid Spray hit the Bite Pokémon, hurting him and lowering his resistance to Special Attacks. Arbok got in one more squeeze before, through the paralysis, Mightyena got a Bite in. Arbok released its prey, but it was too late.

"Last Acid Spray. Let's finish this embarassing display..."

Tchaaabaaaakkka!

The Acid Spray found its target and Mightyena collapsed, his eyes slowly closing shut as the pain slowly faded. Ryan slowly made his way to his friend and picked him up, turning around and leaving the arena, but not before silently shooting a glare at Jeremy. The star-breeder recalled his Arbok and calmly exited the arena to a chorus of cheers and applause, passing Forte who was already well on his way to the center stage.

AND THAT'S IT!! What a match, with one epic win from the Sinnoh kid making it look like he might have this in the bag! Only for Jeremy Moore to return the favour by completely annihalating the young upstart.

He had a good run but against that Arbok you just can't cut it if you're not bringing your A game.

Speaking of A game, this next match is sure to knock the socks right off of everyone watching. Forte, the amazing Fighting-type specialist who we saw beating Ken Capins' two Pokémon team with only his Hariyama, is back! Look at his cool confidence as he steps into the ring.

Yeah he's one of this year's favorites, alright. But if there's one black horse I've been rooting for, it's the amazingly spirited young lass he's facing tonight. So let's not waste any time as in the BLUE CORNER, FROM VEILSTONE CITY, SINNOH, FOOOOOOORTEEEEEE!!!

AND HIS CHALLENGER, THE PEWTER FIST FROM KANTO, DARIAAAA PAAAAACE!!

By this time Forte had already been waiting at his spot for nearly 5 minutes.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

At the South end, Remy did a spit take, spewing Soda Pop all over the lady sitting in front of him.

"THAT GUY'S FROM VEILSTONE?!?!? That's my hometown! Aw jeez, if he's done any sort of training under Maylene, Daria just might lose this one..."

 

[CJ1145]

"A-halll RIGHT!" Daria yelled in anticipation, nearly leaving a permanent dent in Kayla's back from the enthusiastic slap. "My turn to lay the smackdown! Wish me luck!"

She hopped over a railing, and with the red beam that was a moment ago Spiegel racing behind her, she dashed down towards the arena.

...

Daria emerged from the Red Tunnel with a triumphant spring in her step. Hopping left and right, throwing shadow punches and pumping herself up for the fight. The crowd ate it up, and cheered louder as she stepped up to her side of the arena. She gave a challenging glare across the way at Forte, both amplified and thrown off by her enthusiastic smile.

"Goin' DOWN, Teddi-Bear!"

She snatched a Pokeball off her waist, and like a hand grenade it hurtled out into the midst of the battlefield. A white flash revealed her first choice of combatant.

Spoiler

"GEMINI, READY FOR ACTION!"

"HYA!" came the enthusiastic cries of the Staryu as it sized up Forte. It was hard to suspect the little gem-adorned creature could be the most bloodthirsty bruiser on Daria's team.

"Pick, Teddi-Bear! Let's not keep 'em waiting!"

 

[Redryhno]

"Darius, you make a rather fine point; one could lose it all to carelessness. A single mistaken act, and everything you hold dear to is lost."

Apparently this family wastes nothing on their education.,He thought sarcastically to himself.Or he's just that stupid that he doesn't notice.

The battle was short, but provided quite a bit on insight into the types that Jeremy used. Much like himself, he'd found an affinity for a few and used them well. The Gloom was nice, he supposed, he'd rarely worked with them in the Day-Care, so he didn't know. The Arbok, however was a different thing. Countless Ekans were dropped off and cared for, so he knew how powerful that pokemon could be, given the right training. It wasn't that big of a surprise when it Para-Wrap-Spit. Standard Arbok strategy and move-set really.

"Well, that was certainly over quickly."

AND HIS CHALLENGER, THE PEWTER FIST FROM KANTO, DARIAAAA PAAAAACE!!

"Annnnd..this is going to be loud."

The Whismur was starting to get over her fear of people and had climbed out of Darius' arms, and onto his leg, though immediately fell down as the speakers blared out the woman's name. He picked her back up and set the pokemon on his lap, hands a few inches away on either side if she fell again.

 

[JdaS]

And Daria gets started with her Staryu! It seems this battle is ready to get going, Andy.

You got it Terry! Daria's Staryu did well against her first opponent's Primeape yesterday. Maybe she's looking to duplicate that success tonight.

As Gemini appeared on stage and on the big screens, Forte contemplated on what his first move should be.

"Pick, Teddi-Bear! Let's not keep 'em waiting!"

"Hmph. Hariyama, go."

Spoiler: Hariyama

YAMAAAAAA! HARI! HARI! HARIYAMA!

A huge, bulky Fighting-type Pokémon appeared in front of Staryu, pounding both of its feet on the ground before assuming a Sumo wrestler's battle stance.

And Forte starts off with his Hariyama. Last time he didn't need another Pokémon, will this be true against Daria Pace, as well?

Doubt it, Terry. Daria Pace is on a whole other level compared to Forte's previous opponent. Frankly, I'm surprised that she's remained under the radar for as long as she has.

Forte and Hariyama both stared at their opponents. Words were not needed. Their eyes screamed.

"COME!"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

"Wow. That Andy Madden sure took a shine to Daria, huh? Just think what they'll say about you when you finally get your first legitimate win against that Jack kid, eh Matt?"

Remy chuckled as he proceeded to noogie the younger man. Suddenly their antics were interrupted by a very familiar laugh.

"NHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

It was Jack Almond, who, unbeknownst to the trio, had been sitting behind them all this time. Chopper, his Machop was also present.

"So, you think you're gonna win, huh? Hate to burst yer bubble there, brotha, but I'll be the one winning. Ya know why? 'Cuz we're strong as heck, that's why! Nhihiiiii!"

Jack's boast was followed by a smirk that must've been a mile wide. Machop joined in, flexing and posing in the manliest of fashions.

 

[Shakomaru]

Ryan's match hadn't gone well at all, since had the same problem that Rupert had had against Tom. Of course, Tom wasn't surprised, He had expected this, and that was the whole reason he wanted Ryan to come along with him and Rupert on their trip. Before the announcers even started talking, a Large man walked out onto the arena. For some reason, he looked familiar to Tom.

Then the announcements blasted out.

"So let's not waste any time as in the BLUE CORNER, FROM VEILSTONE CITY, SINNOH, FOOOOOOORTEEEEEE!!!"

Veilstone? Uh oh... Daria is gonna have some trouble. Those guys up in veilstone are tough AND their spirit is off the charts! Geez, I remember fighting Maylene... That was way too tough. She destroyed Kalmia... Good thing I had Aeolus with me...

Tom continued to think, lost in his thoughts. He hadn't even noticed that the battle had started.

I wonder who I'm against... It'll be hard to beat them I'm sure. Well, I can always use Trapic to see what they have up their sleeves. Especially if it's a poison type!

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Kayla yelled loudly as Daria made her way to the field. Sticking her fingers in her mouth she whistled as loud as she could, drawing glares from the people around her. Quietly apologizing to those around her, she leaned over the railing and turned her attention back to the match. King stood up on his hind legs, with his fore legs over the railing to try and see their new friends battle.

When Forte let out his Hariyama, Kayla let out a loud gasp.

"He's a big one King. Oh I hope Daria can beat her. Come on we need to cheer for her," Kayla took in a deep breath and yelled, "GOOOOOOOOOOOOO! DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" King joined in letting lose a loud and long howl.

 

[CJ1145]

Daria retracted into a fighting stance, eager to get going against an opponent that could really challenge her, for once. No holding back, not stupid screw-ups like yesterday. I'm gonna make that little twerp eat his words... and them I'm gonna kick his ass!!

Her mood, as impossible to improve as it was, managed to get even brighter as Kayla cheered for her from the northern section. She took a moment to swivel on her feet and wave back, before immediately leaning into the fight once more.

"Gemini." She told her little Staryu, paying rapt attention to its trainer. "Big burly guy, big hitter. Probably slower. Time to show these chumps we can play smart, too! Ya know what to do!"

"HYA!"

Gemini began by spinning high up into the air and launching a torrent by way of Water Gun at the Hariyama below. It knew what to do. If it dodged, Swift. If it countered, Harden.

 

[Pappytech]

"So Matt, am I going to be invited to that barbecue of yours?"

Matt started as Sav's words cut through his concentration, his attention being yanked from the match below to the breeder sitting next to him. "Oh! Uh, hold on, give me a sec..."

Pulling out his wallet, the young man eyed his admittedly meager funds. Let's see... That's three, no, four now for them, some for Sav and her team so... another four. I guess I'd have to invite Remy too, so that's another five. Um...

After doing some quick calculations, the trainer nodded. Sure, he'd probably have enough to get back home even if he treated everyone. "Yeah, I think I can handle that. Sure, why not?! Remy, you want to come along to?"

Before his friend could answer, the loudspeaker erupted. AND THAT'S IT!!

Jerking his head back to the arena, Matt bit back a curse. He'd missed the end of Ryan's match, but it was pretty evident how it had gone, what with the unconscious Mightyena and victorious Arbok.

But, even as he mourned Ryan's loss, the young lad couldn't help but shiver in excitement. After all, this next match was sure to be a good one. AND HIS CHALLENGER, THE PEWTER FIST FROM KANTO, DARIAAAA PAAAAACE!!

Matt joined in on the stadium wide cry that rang out when Daria's name was announced, his supporting shout lost in the maelstrom of noise that echoed around the massive enclosure. He was so caught up in the cheer, that he failed to notice Remy's spit-take, nor hear his shocked reaction to Forte's origin. No doubt about it, Daria and Forte were really going to put on a show.

"Wow. That Andy Madden sure took a shine to Daria, huh? Just think what they'll say about you when you finally get your first legitimate win against that Jack kid, eh Matt?"

Matt managed a choked protest as Remy proceeded to noogie him without mercy. However, the lad's slight smile and reddening cheeks betrayed his real feelings, and he opened his mouth to reply. "Heh, well I think-"

"NHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Spinning around, Matt nearly fell out of his seat as he realized that his eventual opponent was sitting right behind him, belting out a hearty laugh and still accompanied by his Machop.

"So, you think you're gonna win, huh? Hate to burst yer bubble there, brotha, but I'll be the one winning. Ya know why? 'Cuz we're strong as heck, that's why! Nhihiiiii!"

Unsteadily, Matt's hands reflexively reached up, gripping the brim of his hat and preparing to pull it down... Stop questioning yourself, and ya handle yourself just fine!

And suddenly, Matt was facing Jack with an energized grin all his own, his typically subdued voice burning with passion. "Yeah, I'll say! You guys did great yesterday, wiping out your opponent with just one Pokemon! It was awesome!"

Flashing a thumbs up at Jack and Chopper, the lad continued, his words flooded with enthusiasm. "But hey, don't count me out just yet. You're not the only one with some tough friends, and we'll be giving it our all!"

 

[JdaS]

Gemini started spinning high in the air, out of Hariyama's reach and prepared to douse its opponent with a Water Gun. Forte scoffed.

"Hmph. Hariyama, Fake Out. Then Earthquake."


HAAAAAARRRIIIIIII... YAMAAAA!!

*WWWWHHHHHAAAAPPPP*

A massive shockwave, accompanied by a very loud clapping sound could be felt through out the stadium, more so by Gemini, who flinched and fell to the ground, trying to get a grip of its surroundings. Hariyama didn't waste time following up his first attack, jumping up a couple of meters in the air, before coming down and slamming his huge hands on the ground. Like Knuckles before him, Hariyama's attack caused the ground in front of him to quake and shatter. Gemini was tossed around like a child's toy, being hit and buried by debris.

As the attack subsided. Gemini slowly and painfully made its way out of the pile that had entombed it for a brief time. It didn't look so good.

"So... Got any other moves?"
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Remy watched on as Matt handled himself with confidence in the face of his first actual opponent. It was incredible to him how quickly the boy had come out of his shell of insecurity, each encounter increasing his resolve.

"Yeah, I'll say! You guys did great yesterday, wiping out your opponent with just one Pokemon! It was awesome!"

Jack seemed positively delighted at the idea that his next opponent was such a cool kid. His smile widened (impossible as it might've seemed) as he rubbed his neck while slightly bowing, Chopper mimicing the gesture.

"Nhahahaaahaaa! Yeah, well... Ya know... That guy was the weaksauce anyway, brotha. Wasn't even worth the build-up"

Matt smiled as he continued, genuinely looking like he was excited for the match to come.

"But hey, don't count me out just yet. You're not the only one with some tough friends, and we'll be giving it our all!"

"Nheh, that's what I'm hoping for, brotha. Although lookin' at that bird o' yours up there, I think we'll have a Wailord of a time. By the way, that Daria chick a friend of yours? Cuz' that Staryu is on fire down there!"