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"I guess it's over if they do that," Wayne muttered, folding his arms with a frown, "I was thinking of using my Solosis to set up barriers to soften their impact, but Petilil can heal herself..."

The bulb pokémon was peeked out, prepared to hide again if Salieri spotted her. She had to bolt back when Wayne shifted his stance slightly, dropping his arms to be more casual.

"I wanna get more powerful moves though. Mega Drain is all Petilil really has for offense and it clocks it at 40 base power on the pokédex. So err... we trained against the fish in the lake but I don't think there's much else we can use them for besides target practice. You know any good places to train at?"

40 base power? Salieri's Brick Break measured up to 75, and she still had trouble with Pansear. Not to mention that it would resist Petilil's Mega Drain too.

The pokemon along Route 3 weren't noticeably stronger than the ones on Route 2. But Salieri remembered a place to train at. "Off a street next to the gym is the Dreamyard. It's some abandoned research facility, but there are still some good trainers and wild pokemon to fight against."

She recalled the old lady who had talked to her about dreams. Was that lady just trying to tell her that she wasn't ready yet? Perhaps she was getting ahead of herself by trying to take on the next gym so quickly, especially with Salem's problems as a battler.

"I'll go with you. I think I still have some training to do before I leave Striaton City," she offered, mumbling the last part of her proposal.

"One thing I learned about being a trainer? There's always more training to do," Wayne said as he tossed Petilil's ball into the air. The tracking system detected her automatically and whipped out the recall beam, breaking her down into light. Wayne held out his hand, catching the pokéball as Petilil was brought back inside, her light swishing in front of him before being completely absorbed by the ball. It closed with a satisfying click.

"Alright, err, just gimme a minute," Wayne held up a finger, putting Petilil's ball back safely in his pocket. He had to get this over and done with at some point and it'd be rude to ask Salieri to wait for him outside the pokémon center, probably. The trainer pulled off his shirt without a hint of embarrassment, revealing his toned and tanned torso, tossing the article of clothing for Salieri to catch. Taking a running leap, Wayne dived into the lake, sunk down for a moment before breaking the rocking surface, "Blargharghargh! That's cold!"

Dipping his head back under, Wayne rubbed his fingers hard through his hair and slicked it back as he came up for air. A trainer's bath. When there aren't any pokémon centers around, you made do with what was available and luckily the lake was nice and clean. Sure, the pokémon center was nearby but renting was a pain and he only needed the shower. Wayne put his foot on the edge of the bank and shoved up onto the grass without using his hands. He was dripping wet but the sun would soon take care of that.

Wayne held out his hand, "Dreamyard, was it?" he grinned, "Sounds cool. Wanna lead the way?"

Salieri reached out to grab Wayne’s falling shirt, and as she pulled it out of the air she couldn’t help but notice his body. A small, catlike smile crossed her mouth as Wayne breached the lake’s surface. You know…you’re alright, Wayne.

She didn’t respond right away, instead letting a second or two linger after he spoke to her. Then she cocked her head slowly to the side while walking towards him, removing her hairband in the process. It resulted in her ponytail collapsing, causing it to spill into the rest of her hair.

“In a second,” she answered jovially as she veered off to his side at the last second while handing him his shirt. Smiling back at Wayne briefly, she too ran towards the lake. Salieri jumped up and tucked her legs to her chest, rolling forward in the air to make a spinning cannonball as she crashed into the peaceful water and splashed the close by bank.

She emerged a few seconds later, gasping. “WHOA!” she yelled, shaking her cold head. Wayne was right, the water was icy at first. But then it started to feel warmer until the temperature just felt cool. This was just what she needed to refresh herself after that mishap.

Salieri swam towards the shore until she could walk on the lake’s surface. Emerging entirely from the water, she began to wring her long hair dry so she could put it back to normal. “Much better. Now we can go.”

"Now!"

At the command of the boy a black-purple ray was fired from the Yamask at Baku, who had just returned from his small, scouting mission. The sneak attack hit home much to the surprise of the bewildered Munna, who dropped out of the air, only to float back up once again.

[The hell?!] The Munna began an angry float toward the boy and Yamask, but once again was met with a Night Shade. This one he saw coming and air-rolled out of the way. [Stop!] His command was disregarded as Kali began shooting her Night Shade one after the other at her travel partner. Baku quickly backed up and the attacks died down.

"Sorry Baku!" Avan called out. "I know you wouldn't want to help us train, so we're making you! Nothing personal!" He pointed, "Kali again!" More rays of purple-black energy were fired from Kali's hand. Munna, who was becoming increasingly frustrated, tried to dodge each one, but was caught by one and it sent him skidding in the air.

Baku huffed, [FINE! I fight back!] At this, he return back with his own ray of energy, Psybeam. The Munna's sudden willingness to fight took both Avan and Kali by surprise, leading Kali to be hit with the attack. Baku grinned.

"C'mon Kali. Shake it off!" She shook her head and rushed the Baku, "Good, now use Astonish!" Kali let out a scream to startle and then floated up and attempted to smack the Munna. The Munna floated upwards out of range and fired back down another Psybeam. "Kali dodge!" The Yamask twisted out of the way. "Now Ominous Wind!" Her eyes glowed and she swiped her hand in front of her, summoning the ghostly wind. Baku was caught in it and when the attack ended, floated downward to land on his stumps he called legs.

[Damn...you.] Although Baku was tougher than he appeared, taking super-effective hits one after another caused him to become exhausted. His eyes began to glow a light blue and small lights began to appear and gather to him. He glowed and shook it off, floating into the air.

"Hey no fair!" Avan called. He used Moonlight. I've see him use that attack before...and I completely forgot he had it. The brown hair boy sighed.

[Forgot did you?] Avan cringed. Busted. [Figures.] Munna scoffed and began his assault on his opponent. First a small chant formed from his mouth. Lucky Chant; preventing Kali from landing any critical hits. A precaution. Then as he floated backwards, Baku released another Psybeam at Kali.

"Night Shade, Kali!" The two attacks collided in the middle of the space created when Baku backed up and exploded. Dust was thrown up blurring all of their visions. "Kali, blow the wind away, then disappear!" Ominous Wind was summoned and the dust dispersed; and before the Munna knew it, Kali was gone.

[Cheap tricks!]

"Hmph! Don't think you can handle it?" Taunted Avan. Baku sneered. His eyes darted around the ground as he waited for his opponent to reappear. "Use Ominous Wind!" At once, Kali popped up from the ground and attempted to use her atack; but it was too late. Baku had been watching carefully and when he saw Kali appear, he air-dashed toward her, his eyes glowing and waves being released. Kali had been caught in his Hypnosis.

The Spirit Pokemon wobbled where she landed, eyes closed, and fell asleep. Avan frowned. I should have expected that...

[There! Battle over!] Munna stated. Avan reached into his bag and started a quick walk over to Kali, but stopped when Baku's center pink spot began to glow. [This ends now. Always relying on items to solve problems. You'll get hit if you attempt that!] The boy glared at him. But in a split second decision he removed his jacket and rushed in, Full Heal in hand. [Fine!] Avan was caught by the Psybeam as he reached Kali, and sprayed her, the bottle was flung out of his hand from the small explosion caused by the attack. She awoke to see her trainer hurt.

Avan grinned that the spray worked before it was flung away.

*

As the boy waited for Munna to return he had a minute or so to think. Munna is ruthless when it comes to me. But I'm not sure how he'll be towards Kali. All I ever see from those two to a mutual understanding. They don't ever really interact. But this is for Kali...no, not just for her. For me as well. I have to become stronger as well. That girl from before, she put herself into danger for her Pokemon; maybe I can take a page from her book.

*

[Idiot...] Munna mumbled. Kali pushed on Avan's shoulder to ask if he was ok. Avan struggled to his feet and brushed off his pant and shirt. It was after making sure his clothes were ok that he patted his body.

Avan cringed at the stinging pain of the Psybeam in his arm and side. "Ow...that hurt more than I expected..." He coughed. "Kali, I see you're awake. Good, I'm glad." The Yamask stared at him. Why did he do that for her? He only got hurt because of it.

[You like that huh!?] Mocked Munna at Avan dismay. His words only infuriated Kali. Slowly a black mist formed a ball above her head. Avan recognized that attack and backed up far enough to check it on the Pokedex.

-Hex. Summons an eye that releases energy waves to deal damage.-

"So that's what that is called." Avan muttered as he listened to the feminine voice that came from the Pokedex. I wonder why it's not listed in her moves.

As he wondered the eye had opened and began it's assault of energy waves. Purple and blue waves spread out toward Munna, and crashed one after another into the Dream Eater Pokemon. Munna faltered and fell from the air. The battle went to Kali.

The eye disappeared and Kali floated over to Baku, poking him. He did not rouse. She grinned and turned to go to Avan, but Avan was already on his way, passing her and going to Baku. Kali tilted her head. What was that?

"Baku." Avan picked him up and cradled him. The Munna's eyes opened slightly.

[b*****d...]

Avan grinned. "Sorry, but you put up a good fight. And we learned what that eye attack was. So your efforts weren't in vain. Take a rest 'till I get you over to the Pokemon Center." The plump, pink pokemon disappeared into his ball.

"That...was...great!" He turned to Kali and picked her up, swinging her. "You were great!" He then noticed that she had taken quite a bit of damage with out knowing it as well. Baku was stronger than Avan anticipated. He calmed down and set Kali back on the ground. "I think that session went great, don't you think?" Kali nodded, smiling at the thought that she worried for nothing. She floated up and hugged his waist. "Ow!" Avan stepped back from the surprised Yamask, who released her grip. "Sorry..." He smiled. "It hurts from that attack. Kali looked flustered from worry. She came up to him. "Don't worry, I'll survive...hopefully." That last word did not help the situation.

Avan went to pick up the jacket he had tossed to the ground; struggling to bend over he couldn't quite pick it up; but was helped by Kali who handed it up to him. "Thank you."

He looked over his jacket. "...it's dirty now." It seemed that Avan was quite stricken by the dirt that covered his jacket and refused himself to put it back on. It was his fault for tossing it on the ground, but still.

His attention once again on Kali. "C'mon, we should head over to the Pokemon and heal you up."

Salieri's thought train was on a slow collision course with realisation. Acting fast, Wayne picked up the pace and spoke quickly, "Henrietta?" his voice cracked and he coughed lightly, "I just met her yesterday. Battled her then too. Except I won that time."

Wayne's shoulders were quickly drying off in the warm sunshine and he slung his shirt over one of them, freeing his hands to put in his pockets as he walked.

"She's pretty weird. I don't think she gets out much. y'know? Not bad though. I've met a lot worse people than Henrietta. Strange for her to become a trainer when she's so shy."

((I need to do Robby's battle for Cress first, since he probably won't be online while I'm not, if that's fine with you Takamaru?))

High speed movement, healing, statistical increase and the ability to wiggle your way out of any situation.

These were tactics that Salieri and Wayne had taught Henrietta and she spent her first few minutes going over them. The grass here brought new challenges for training, but most of it was stuff they could go over.

Luckily, wild Pokemon weren't much when it came to Henrietta's strategy with Socant. Paralyze and drain them unconscious. Still, it wasn't much of a strategy. She'd need stronger opponents. The Blitzle, being the same type, were anything but that.

After Darumi and Melty became accustom to its speed, it was fairly easy.(I've never actually seen Pokemon loser faster than Purrloin and Blitzle. Do they have defense stats?)

So, some time of training later, Henrietta found herself resting. She'd traversed outwards on the route in search of Pokemon that would prove difficult but so far she'd found nothing that wasn't easily overcome.

No high speed movement types, no stat boosting that meant anything, and no healing.

She sighed.

"Let's get back to the basics," she said. Socant would resume his twig snapping training, Darumi his fire control.

And Melty? He could already make a flamethrower. Still, it was best to make sure he could sustain it. Master the move, so to speak.

And soon they were all training. It would be silly to say they didn't get out of it wounded. Henrietta had ached all day, but her Pokemon were the ones with new wounds. Socant was the only one just now taking any damage, as Melty and Darumi had beasted through their previous injuries and the new ones.

Kendo training, fire training and jaw training.

After some time of this, Henrietta noted the exhaustion of her Pokemon. They'd been fighting the past however long, and now they were training. They were probably hungry on top of that, right?

Henrietta looked around. A cave, a nice place away from the hot sun. Henrietta wiped the sweat from her brow and said, "alright, let's go."

The four of them, Socant riding on Henrietta's hand, made their way into the cave. Inside it was nice and cool. The nearby water was likely to thank for that. Henrietta lead them close to it, cautious of their surroundings. Pooped out, it might take all three of them to take on any wild Pokemon.

She knelt by the water(after making sure Socant was safe on her shoulder) and splashed her face with water for the sweat. It felt cold as it ran down her face, through her hair, down her neck and chest. A nice, refreshing coolness.

Henrietta cupped her hands to get some water and brought the water to her lips, hastily sipping it before it could escape. She repeated this a few times before she looked at her Pokemon.

Two fire types and an electric type.

"D-do you want some?" she asked.

Darumi looked away from the water like it was some nasty beverage and Melty rolled his eye.

Socant, however, climbed onto Henrietta's arm and Henrietta got some more water. The electric type then approached and began to drink.

Henrietta smiled and then saw something beyond her hands. In the water, a water type Pokemon.

No, it was food.

Or so Henrietta thought, but that would be cruel, right? She couldn't do that.

She glanced at her Pokemon for reassurance.

And sure enough, all three of them drooled at the sight of lunch.

"H-hum.." Henrietta squeaked, as if she'd just lost some sort of vote.

"I'll catch it," she said and Darumi gasped, horrified.

"T-t-to e-e-

"eat"

"Ka~" Darumi wiped his brow. Thank Arceus.

So, then came the fun part. Capturing the Basculin. She wouldn't be using a Pokeball, and she couldn't make her Pokemon do it. She set Socant down next to the other two and Darumi grabbed her pants leg and shook his head.

And Henrietta smiled softly, "don't worry. I'm strong, too," she said and she tapped her chest with a fist to try and show it.

And winced in pain from hitting the big ol' bruise.

"Maka..."

"N-no, I can do it," Henrietta said reassuringly and Melty cackled.

[Let the human try,] Melty said.

[But she could get hurt!] Darumi protested.

[And we won't surirve in there any longer then she will,] Socant squeaked.

[Two against one,] Melty said.

[Fine. But if she ends up in danger, I'm diving in,] Darumi said.

And once Henrietta saw that it looked like her Pokemon were fine with the idea, which was difficult considering she couldn't understand them, she dove in.

The Basculin immediately retreated when she got into the water. Of course he would, she dove at his face. In the water the true battle began.

By that, we mean Basculin beat the every living s**t out of Henrietta.

Between headbutt, bite and aqua jet, Henrietta was completely overwhelmed. The Pokemon was faster and stronger, still, she just needed one opening. Her right eyebrow ached from the headbutt to the head, it stung like it was bleeding but Henrietta didn't see the mix of water and blood there.

It was on her right leg, coming out in small portions.

And her stomach ached from the aqua jet. Still, if she could get Basculin in close one more time.

And he obliged, coming back for more and Henrietta grabbed him as he bit into her trapezius muscle. She threw him and grabbed her shinai as he quickly recovered. He bit as the object came close and found his teeth caught in the bamboo.

And Henrietta swam upward, so that her Shinai would leave the water and she swung it, throwing him off of it and onto land.

[Ha! Food!] Melty shouted as he caught Basculin in midair with a Night Shade, slamming the Basculin against a rock and, essentially, braining the water type.

And Henrietta climbed out of the water and limped her way over to her Pokemon.

She looked at her leg. She needed to check it out. Dry off, too, and get into dry clothes. So, she said, "guard the corner, please."

And her Pokemon obeyed as she hid from the entrance area and changed.

A towel to dry off as she utilized a longer sock, tying it around the area where she'd been bit, to keep pressure on it. She'd have to pick up medical supplies in town.

With what money?

Henrietta sighed as she changed into a skinny jeans and a lace insert vest(that totally looks like this)

While she changed, Darumi carried around the brained Basculin happily. They got to eat now, right? He wanted to dance he was so happy, and he was so happy that he didn't notice where he was going.

Or that he'd run into a wild Pokemon.

Face first.

And Darumi dropped the Basculin at its feet.

"Daru!" Darumi shouted as he fell backward and when he looked up he saw a Roggenrola bending over the water type.

[H-hey!] he shouted as he jumped up and the rock type met him with a head butt before running off with the fish.

And Henrietta and the others rounded the corner to see what was going on.

"Darumi!" Henrietta shouted and she moved to Darumi's side.

[Where's the food!?] Melty shouted.

[Th-that guy...] Darumi pointed at the retreating Pokemon.

And Melty and Socant gave chase.

"W-wait guys!" she said and she reached for her Pokeball but Darumi jumped up to his feet.

"I-i can just get another one!" she called after them as the trio set off.

It wasn't very effective.

So, Henrietta gave chase, albeit limping after them.

[HEY, COME BACK, YOU SON OF A PURRLOIN!] Melty shouted angrily and he fired a weak fire attack after the Pokemon.

s**t, out of energy..

And the Roggenrola turned and fired a sand attack, blinding the trio.

[Damnit! Going to murder the ******** hell out of you!] Melty shouted.

[I got this!] Darumi shouted and he roll outted through the sand attack and smashed right into his target, flattening him against a wal..

[Perf-Melty? What the heck?]

[Behind you!] Socant shouted and before Darumi could turn a head butt put him into the wall and he fell into a Melty/Darumi pile.

And this left Socant and Roggenrola.

"Socant..." Henrietta said as she arrived, her teeth grit in pain. Running on a limp, after all, hurt.

No, go on, try it some time.

She could see her other Pokemon down. This was a battle, one she'd have to win, right?

"Thunderwave!" she said

And Socant obeyed, firing the wave and Roggenrola jumped over it.

"Jump, latch on it, and bite!" Henrietta shouted.

Of course, she meant leech life.

But Socant's training paid off. As he caught on to Roggenrola he used Bug Bite.

And again as they landed. Roggenrola whined in pain and launched himself backward, toward the cave wall to crush Socant.

"Jump off! And thunder wave!" Henrietta said.

And Socant did just that. Roggenrola hit the wall and stumbled over Darumi before being hit by the electricity.

But it wasn't the damage wise harmless move like Henrietta had intended. Instead, it was Electroweb. Darumi, Roggenrola and Darumi proceeded to cry out in pain.

[Ahhhh!] went Roggenrola.

[Whyyyyy!?] shouted ********] Melty cried.

And then Roggenrola slumped into the pile.

And after the fish and Pokemon had, somewhat, recovered, the injure group sat down. Henrietta's Pokemon behind her, staring down Roggenrola as Henrietta knelt down to him.

"You're just hungry, right?" she asked.

And Roggenrola nodded. It made sense, rock types hunting water types.

"Hum, you don't have any family to help you eat?"

Rogenrolla made a motion that Henrietta interpreted must mean no.

"H-hum," she said and she looked down at the little Pokemon.

How sad...

So, she smiled softly and said, "then eat with us."

Melty protested and Roggenrola blinked in surprise.

"I already ate, so it's just you four," she said and she looked to Melty and Darumi. "Would you leave cook lunch?"

And they agreed and complied, and soon they were eating.

[No family, eh?] Darumi asked after he'd finished his portion.

[No. But your trainer is nice.]

[You can't come with us,] Melty said.

[That's up to Etta,] Socant said.

[Don't give it nicknames,] Melty said.

[Don't treat her like a thing,] Darumi said.

[She's food. Look at her, she's getting more and more used to my presence, it means she's getting stronger. Our relation is symbiotic, not parasitic. She becomes stronger, and I feed.]

[That's.. messed up.] Darumi sighed.

A silence passed.

[Thank you for referring to her as she,] Socant said.

[Shut up,] Melty said.

And then they ate in silence. As the group packed up to leave, Roggenrola found himself following Henrietta. She recalled her Pokemon and made for the exit. Soon she'd stop and turn to Roggenrola.

"Y-you don't have any family, right?"

Roggenrola nodded.

"Th-then would you like to come with me?" she asked.

Another nod.

Henrietta smiled softly and knelt down to the Pokemon as she got out a Pokeball. "Alright, this won't hurt," she said and she tapped his head with the ball. And it, without one shake, dropped to the ground. And Roggenrola was caught.

And Henrietta let him back out. "Now we just need a name for you.. Roggenrola is kind of hard to say," she said, having figured out his name from the conversation earlier.

Roggenrola nodded.

"H-hum, how about Frate?"

One last nod.

"Alright then, Frate, we're going to head back to Striaton City to rest," she said and the sound of something heavy against the ground caught her attention and she span around to see a Boldore.

[Hey, brat] Boldore said as he approached.

And Frate hid behind Henrietta leg. She noted the tension and quickly recalled Frate and said, "please, we mean no harm."

And a rock shot passed her head and she stumbled back, tripped and landed against the cave wall. The air escaped her lungs and she gasped for it, to no avail. Then a giant stone foot caught her stomach and pinned her to the wall and she lost her breakfast as her upper body fell forward.

[Huma-

[Boldra!] came another voice and the Boldore turned to look in the direction of the voice.

[Elder!]

The Gigalith emerged from the shadows. [You have harassed the boy enough. Let him leave.]

[But-

[If he does, he is no longer our problem. Besides, he might come back strong.]

Boldra laughed. [Yeah, fat chance. Sure, elder, the boy may go.] he said.

And the two departed.

***

Doyle and Wendy were always the adventurous type. Why learn at school, then you could be a god damn power ranger?

Adults just didn't understand.

So, the twos adventure today found them at the entrance to Wellspring cave.

"I DARE you to go in." Doyle picked his nose.

"No, it's dark!" Wendy hid behind Doyle.

"Scaredy girl!" Doyle accused.

"You do it!" Wendy shoved him toward the entrance.

Doyle stumbled, looked, had second thoughts, turned back to Wendy and felt the manliness overcome him.

"Hmph! Fine, I'll go!" he shouted and he turned back to the cave and went inside.

And he inched closer. Looked back.

"Hurry up!"

Gulped and inched closer. And then he saw it. A hand.

A HAND!

He screamed like a girl.

"Kids!" shouted their teacher and Wendy gasped and turned.

"How many times do I have to tell y-

"Teach! There's a hand in there! A HUMAN HAND!" Doyle cried as he ran over.

"What?" the teacher said and she moved to the entrance and saw it.

"Oh god, hurry back children. Tell my assistant to prepare the first aid kit." she said and the two raced off as the teacher retrieved the unconscious Henrietta and took her to safety.