Time for a Challenge

[.:~Majic~:.]

Sam walked into the gym, hoping the gym leader, Xavier, had time for a battle with her. Wizard, her Meditite, and the Eevee she had found on Route 13 were following closely behind her, not expecting to be here. Sam still didn't know which Pokemon she would use, but she knew Xavier had a Pidgeotto, Teddiursa, Kecleon, and Skitty. Well, they were in for a surprise.

"Xavier!" she called to the gym leader. From the photos she'd seen, he didn't seem very old. Maybe as old as her. Maybe. Wizard tugged on her pants with a confused look. "Don't worry, Wizard. We're going to battle his Pokemon, get our badge, and then we'll leave and find Jesse."

[Et Cetera]

A blonde haired teen, as he appeared, stepped out of a door on the opposite side of the large, open battle arena. "Hello. I've been expecting someone to show up here." He grinned, walking calmly in Sam's direction. "I really wish you would have came earlier--- perhaps two or three days ago. I've been bored out of my mind. Oh well--- I guess beating you now won't make much of a difference." Xavier snickered again, coming even closer to her. A faint smile was still on his pink lips as he extended his arm for a friendly hand shake.

[.:~Majic~:.]

Sam shook his hand firmly and said, "If you think you're just going to beat, believe me, you're in for a big surprise." Wizard was right at her side, as was the abandoned Eevee. Growlithe was ready, just in case she wanted to use him during the battle. "So, shall we get the rules straight and start? We don't want to postpone your boredom any longer, now do we?" She looked at him with a steady gaze, ready for her first gym battle ever.

[Et Cetera]

He nodded somelmnly, taking a step back to eye his opponent. "My, my. We have an arrogant one, don't we?" With a soft chuckle, he turned around and paced ever-so-slowly to his side of the battle field. "The rules are simple--- one Pokémon per round with three rounds. You can use either the same Pokémon for the entire match, or you may use others. You have one substitute. ONLY one. After that, you must make it to the end of the round. Best two out of three wins it."

[.:~Majic~:.]

"Me? Arrogant?" Ha, that was funny. A little comedian as well as a gym leader? Well, this would be fun. When he had finished the rules, Sam looked at him and said, "Okay, good rules. Would you like to pick first, or shall I?" She knew being polite wasn't the only thing that would get her through this match. This boy was cunning. She could tell.

[Et Cetera]

"I suppose I should give the honor to you. After all, you are a 'guest' here, no?" He shrugged his shoulders and tapped on the cluster of Pokéballs secured to his belt. Which to choose? Which to choose... He thought to himself, mentally sorting through his Pokémon. There's Pidgeotto...Kecleon...Skitty...I will just wait to see which she chooses. With a faint smile, his gaze turned back to his challenger, anticipating her actions.

[.:~Majic~:.]

"Okay, that seems fair enough. I guess I will pick my starting Pokemon now." Fingering her different Pokeballs, Sam stopped over one, unclipped it, and tossed it into the air. "Okay, Herun, let's get this show started!" The red beam formed the shape of the male Heracross, then Herun appeared, ready to battle. "Hera! Cross!" Herun stood in a position a karate movie star might use."Since I chose my Pokemon first, I assume that you shall take your move first once you choose your Pokemon." He thinks he's getting an easy match, but he's in for a serious battle.

[Et Cetera]

"Go, Pidgeotto!" Xavier shouted, tossing the standard red and white Pokéball into the air. Upon opening, a stream of bright red light burst out of the hollow sphere and formed a fairly large bird. "And that's where you're wrong! I will not choose the first attack--- I will give you that honor, Sam." He chuckled softly, replacing the 'Ball onto his belt. "Best of luck; you will most probably need it."

[.:~Majic~:.]

"Why thank you!" she called, sarcastically. And with that, she began the battle.

"Okay, Herun! Let's start off with Aerial Ace!" Sam watched as her new Heracross began the battle with a flying type move. In her mind, she thought, This will give us a chance to see what we're up against.

((Oh, so short!))

[Et Cetera]

Pidgeotto beat her wings swiftly and virtually silently, suspending itself in midair, waiting for Herun and his Aerial Ace. However, once the Bug-type was near enough, Xavier called out. "Alright, Pidgeotto, use Aerial Ace to dodge his attack! Then use it again on the offense!" With a quick nod, the Pokémon performed one Aerial Ace, dodging the Heracross', then another in an attempted and speedy attack.

Pidgeotto: 100%

Herun: 100%

[.:~Majic~:.]

"Okay, Herun! Dodge it on the ground, then use Night Slash!" Sam waited for Herun to execute the plan.

The Heracross landed on the ground, and, as the Pidgeotto neared him, he jumped out of the way, and attempted to use a strong Night Slash attack against the flying bird Pokemon.
((Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and Pidgeot remind me of sparrows.))

[Et Cetera]

Ooc: Likewise. XD

Bic: Having had its Aerial Ace completely avoided, Pidgeotto was too shocked to have noticed the Bug-type swinging its large claws towards it. So, without a doubt, it was hit by the powerful attack. Even so, at Xavier's command, it used a powerful Gust on Herun, kicking up high-speed winds and quite a bit of dust.

Pidgeotto: 86%

Herun: 100%

[.:~Majic~:.]

The dust stung both Pokemon and trainer's eyes as the Pidheotto used Gust. Herun skidded back a bit on the dirt ground, but, otherwise, was okay. But, the dust in his eyes made it hard for him to see. He shook his head quickly and, when Sam told him, used another Aerial Ace, but, instead of doing the attack, he used it as a distraction to use a Night Slash in mid-air. Sam watched as Herun attempted the complicated plan.

[Et Cetera]

The Aerial Ace, which was easily dodged, did not even seem to phase Pidgeotto's mindset. However, the Night Slash took it by, quite literally, a great surprise. It was sent hurling backwards, landing with a thud. Even so, Xavier and the Pokémon didn't give up. Instead, they retaliated with a Gust and Aerial Ace combination.

Pidgeotto: 72%

Herun: 97%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Herun was pushed back on the ground as he used his claws to shield his face from the Gust. Just as he put them down, though, he was hit with Pidgeotto's Aerial Ace. He was sent flying backward, but he opened his wings and slowed himself down. After hovering for a moment, he regained his footing and used a brutal Horn Attack, and quickly followed it up with another Night Slash.

[Et Cetera]

Because Horn Attack was new to the Flying-type, it was sent off kilter as it was hit on the left wing while attempting to dodge it. However, it had learned by now to dodge the Night Slash. "Pidgeotto! Use Twister!" Only a few moments after the Pokémon was given the command, it began flying swiftly in a circle. Less than five seconds later, a violet wind was surging around the large, open gym and a dust tornado appeared, pulling desperately at the Bug-type. "Geot! Geotto! Geot!" The bird called as it picked up more speed. Winds at such velocities would not only make a creature dizzy, but could hurl them into other obstacles, resulting in great damage.

Pidgeotto: 72%

Herun: 80%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Herun, confused as to what to do and not able to here Sam, lost his footing in the wind and was tossed into the air. After being spun around the cyclone for a few oments, he landed with a hard crash on the dirt floor. For a few moments, he didn't move, and Sam thought the worst. But, he managed to pick himself back up and get back into the battle. Seeing that Pidgeotto was thrown off by Horn Attack, Sam told him to use Night Slash once more, then quickly follow with a second Horn Attack. The Bug-Type nodded and carried out the plan.

[Et Cetera]

Not only because of dizziness, but because of strategy on Herun's part, Pidgeotto was struck heavily by both attacks. Even so, it persisted, and took Xavier's commands. "Alright, use another Aerial Ace on that annoying bug! Crush it, Pidgeotto!" Without hesitation, it gained speed, and sent itself hurling at the Heracross.

Pidgeotto: 52%

Herun: 57%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Prepared for the attack, knowing it himself, Heracross leapt up as the Pidgeotto flew at him. And, somehow, he managed to land on its back. "Perfect!" Sam called. "Use Night Slash!" Herun nodded and quickly used the Night Slash, knowing that he's fall off soon. Before he could become unbalanced, though, he leapt from the Pidgeotto and waited for its next attack, taking up his "karate" pose.

[Et Cetera]

Pidgeotto, with a Night Slash hitting its back, yelled in great pain. "Pidgeotto!" Xavier called towards his bird as it plummeted towards the ground. "Use another Twister! And when he's caught in the cyclone, use Aerial Ace on him!" After catching its balanace, it began spinning in large circles, kicking up dust and debris to create a miniature tornado.

Pidgeotto: 32%

Herun: 57%

[.:~Majic~:.]

"Come on, Herun! We've seen this before!" Herun knew what he needed to do. As the cyclone grew larger in front of him, he opened his wings and flew straight into, not pushing against it at all. "Hera!" he cried as he followed the Pidgeotto through its own Twister. "Great! Now use Horn Attack!" Herun pushed forward, coming closer and closer, his horn poised for the attack.

[Et Cetera]

Although a great strategy, it did almost no good at all. Having been going nearly only slightly faster, it did nothing but push the Flying-type off balance and out of the Twister. "Now, Pidgeotto, use Peck! Then use another Aerial Ace!" Then, with no hesitation whatsoever, he flew straight towards the Bug-type, attempting to land on its back for a good shot.

Pidgeotto: 30%

Herun: 57%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Herun was able to land gently, but was not expecting so quick of an attack. The Pech knocked him off balance, causing him to land on his back. He tried to flip over, but the Aerial Ace followed to quickly to give him a chance to turn over. The attack knocked him onto his stomach so that he was able to stand up. A little shaky from the attacks, he shook himself and attempted a bold Horn Attack, following with his own Aerial Ace.

[Et Cetera]

The Horn Attack hit square on, but the Aerial Ace was avoided with grace and skill. "Pidgeotto!" Xavier called up to his Pokémon. "Use another Peck on that annoying Bug!" With another nod, it swooped down towards Herun, attempting to stab ferociously, just as it had moments before.

Pidgeotto: 20%

Herun: 31%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Herun watched as the Bird-Type flew at him. "Keep still, Herun!" Sam called. "Wait for the right moment." Herun nodded and stood still, waiting for the bird to get closer. Just as the Pidgeotto came close enough for the Peck attack, he jumped up and used Horn Attack. Twisting around as he came back down, he never let his back turn to his opponent.

[Et Cetera]

Pidgeotto took the hit, as it could not move out of the way quite quick enough. "Alright." Xavier growled. "Return, Pidgeotto! You did great..." He raised a Pokéball, allowing a crimson light to consume the creature. "Really." With a nod, he replaced the item on his belt and approached Sam. "You did wonderfully as well. However, I want to warn you that your next battles will be much fiercer; even more difficult than what we've just done. So, I wish you luck as you continue your journey."

Pidgeotto: 9%

Herun: 20%

[.:~Majic~:.]

Sam called, "Great job, Herun. Take a nice long rest." As the Pokeball enlarged and rose, the red beam of light surrounded the Heracross as he was sent into the Pokeball. Sam tossed the Pokeball into the air and caught it before replacing it back on her belt. Looking at Xavier, she said, "Thanks, it was fun. I enjoy it when my Pokemon enjoy the battles. Herun seemed to think of your Pidgeotto as a very good opponent. I hope you keep giving trainers a run for their money."

[Et Cetera]

-----Congratulatons, Sam has obtained a Plain Badge!-----

-----Congratulations, Herun has gained 3 levels!-----

--Whic ability would you like to switch with Brick Break?--

-----Congratulations, Marisa has obtaine 650 ND!-----

-----Congratulations, Marisa has obtained a Potion!-----

-----Luck: +11 Points!-----

[.:~Majic~:.]

(I think we shall switch Endure with Brick Break.)

As she took the badge, she grabbed Xavier'shand and shook it vigorously. "Thanks. This has helped me and Herun a lot. And you were a great opponent." When she had said this, she turned and hurried out of the door. She had her first badge, and now she was going to find some clothes, maybe even a dress, as she was going to attend the upcoming contest to watch. Maybe she would find something for the Eevee to wear.