An Afternoon Showdown

Energy: 23 - 11 (entrance fee) = 12

Equipped Item: Defense Scarf

After stopping by Dandy's Boutique to pick up his brand new scarf, tied cape-style around his neck, Raze was jumping from stone to stone to reach the island inside of Fallen Leaf Copse. Considering the amount of excitement based around his explorations around Grassveil, he had never had any time to battle another civilized Pokémon. All of his battles inside dungeons had been with ferals, but most were mindless and posed almost no threat. Maybe there's someone who comes out here at this time, I guess they'd be up for a little battle... he thought, reaching the end of the stepping stones.

Leaves fell around like a barrage of green, yellow, and brown. The soft breeze rustled them, however, once they hit the floor. Letting his bag drop to the floor, the Minun stretched and looked over the lake. The peaceful scene acted like preparation for him as he got ready to look for someone to fight. The electricity already began to charge up at a slow, leisurely pace. Heh, and this time, I'm not losing without a struggle!

{Energy: 21 - 11 (entry fee) = 10

NOTE: Defense Scarf equipped}

The Charmander made his way toward the Fallen Leaf Copse, trying to recall the reason he had even wanted to visit the place in the first place. He wasn't sure why a Charmander like him would be so interested on a miniature island in the middle of a lake. Especially not when he had to supposedly cross stepping stones over the lake. "Geez...and with the luck I'VE been having, I'll end up burning the place down." he grumbled to himself. He crossed his arms and let out a small sigh as the lake finally came into view. And immediately, he hesitated. Though it wasn't about the giant death trap that was the lake he could fall into...but rather the sight of the island itself. His eyes widened slightly when he saw the various colors across the way. His eyes widened at the sight and he had to take the moment to let it all sink in. He hadn't seen this for as long as he could remember. It was a much nicer contrast to the casually green of the Pecha Forest. He wasn't usually one to appreciate sights and beauty...but even he had to admit that this place had some charm to it.

He grinned slightly, the sight filling him with determination. "Heh...well, maybe this won't be so bad after all," he said aloud to himself again. Then, he stepped up to the first stone and paused. He looked down, slightly nervous at the prospect of crossing the lack using nothing but these strange stepping stones. One screw-up and he could potentially find himself drowning in the lake. But at the same time, he knew that he now really wanted to explore this nice, new forest he'd never been to before. And he could potentially find all kinds of new Pokémon to fight that he'd never seen before...and that would be good training, wouldn't it? It would certainly be more enjoyable than his ventures into Shadowhue...right?

Hidon finally took his first step forward, hopping cautiously onto the first step. He kept his gaze down low, not wanting to screw anything up. He hopped carefully from one stone to the next, already regretting his lack of wings that his future Charizard form would possess. On one step roughly halfway down the path, however, his foot had been placed slightly too far to the left. On top of that, the square had been slightly wetter than the last ones, likely caused by a water Pokémon's accidental splash somewhat recently. His foot slipped and, for one horrifying moment, Hidon was afraid that he'd end up falling into the middle of the lake. He flailed his arms wildly, trying to throw his weight onto his opposite foot and catch himself. Unfortunately, this led to him overcompensating his weight and he fell over in the other direction. "Wh-wha-wha-WHOA!" he exclaimed in shock as he fell over.

Thankfully, though, there was another square stepping stone in that position. "Ngh!" he grunted as his body landed across the stone, which he began unnecessarily hugging for dear life, just on the off-chance he fell into the water. Truth be told, though, he had never been in any real danger. Had he fallen over in the first place, he would have ended up in a similar position anyway. And it quickly dawned on him that his momentary fear and his useless flailing had served virtually no purpose at all. Hopefully, nobody saw that whole embarrassing, ungraceful fall of his....

Energy: 12

Raze's attention was diverted over towards the stepping stones where a shout had originated. Well, my prayers were answered... Sorta. he thought, squinting to get a better view. From what he could see, a Pokémon had fallen on the stones and was hugging it for dear life. However, he was in reality in no danger at all, just hugging a stone for no apparent reason. Instantly, the Cheering Pokémon broke out in a huge fit of laughter at the scene, complete with rolling on the floor. The Pokémon could probably hear him, but he couldn't hold it in for as long as he'd hoped.

"Hey... Need... a little help...?" he called over between giggles. Raze knew it was a bit rude to laugh at the stranger's possible fear of water, but the thought of it cracked him up. Why come here if you're not good around water? he questioned, shaking it off to approach the stones once more. Just as he had before, the Minun skillfully leaped from stone to stone, adding a flip or two on the way. Despite his usual capabilities, Raze can be a bit acrobatic when he's bored. Of course, to avoid roasting every fish in the lake, he had to lower his current voltage along the way in the rare case he fell in.

"Looks like someone needs floaties." he joked, stopping on the stone in front of the Pokémon he now recognized as a Charmander. "These are easier to cross than they look, you don't have to be afraid of falling in. Here, give me your hand." he said, holding the knot on his scarf with one hand and offering the other to the Charmander.

Hidon clung to the stone for the moment, wanting to take his time getting back up and resuming his cross. But when he was finally just about to start pushing himself back up, something met his senses. His eyes widened and he looked up. across the way, sitting along the shore of the island, was an electric mouse Pokémon not unlike a Pikachu. He couldn't quite identify the Pokémon itself...but he knew one thing for sure. that little electric rat was laughing at him! His face turned slightly red in embarrassment when he realized that he must have seen the whole thing. His blush only deepened when the Minun began rolling on the floor as well. "H-hey stop laughing or I'll-!" he growled in anger and started to slowly push himself back up again, only to have one of his hands slip, causing him to fall back onto the stone again. "Nghk!"

Finally, the Minun offered some assistance, though he could still hear the giggling in his voice. And the very thought of needing this runt's help to get all the way across was just as embarrassing as his initial fall. "N-no, I don't need your help," he growled, putting his hands closer to his chest before starting to push this time. By now, the Minun had arrived, continuing to joke down at him. One of the Electric-type's arms were held out to him. 'Ugh, I'm supposed to be the one doing all the saving and helping!' he thought to himself in frustration. He simply looked away and climbed slowly back to his feet himself. "I'm fine. I just...slipped a little bit is all." he murmured aloud.

Energy: 12

The Minun simply shrugged and nodded. "Whatever floats your boat. Rather, whatever floats you considering your fear of water." he remarked, pivoting back around and realizing that they weren't as far as he initially thought. True, the stones were pretty wet, but not enough to make someone slip on contact. Raze could feel the tension coming from the Charmander, but could do nothing about it. His abilities of stress relief only worked around another Plusle, the only one he knew of being his own sister who is off exploring God knows where. He shook off the thought, not wanting to think more about his family. Argh, maybe I can get some professional help for this... he noted.

"Anyways, what brings you here? I don't suppose you're looking for something, are you?" To be honest, Raze hoped that the Charmander wasn't here for anything in particular. He seemed like just the type to start a fight instantly, and the Minun knew exactly how to get him to agree. "Because if you came here for a little swim, you've got a long way." he taunted with a playful smirk. As long as he kept up an easygoing stream of comments like this, it wouldn't be long before the Charmander had enough.

Hidon grumbled, dusting himself off as best as he could. He then started to take his next step, only to pause when the Minun made his first remark. He growled in response, but this time didn't bother to say anything. Instead, he turned his attention back to the stones beneath his feet, concentrating once more on making it safely across. Although this time, it wasn't so much for his own safety as it was saving himself from the embarrassment of a second fall. Finally, the two of them began making their way back along the stone pathway. The Charmander now hoped to put the whole situation behind him and forget it ever happened. Hopefully, the Minun would do the same. But for some reason, he had this lingering doubt in the back of his mind.

Thankfully, it wasn't long before the two made it to the other side of the stone pathway. Now, for the first time, Hidon found himself stepping foot on the beautiful islet, looking up at the towering trees. He glanced quickly back at Raze when the small Electric-type Pokémon began to speak up again. What was he doing here...? That, he had to admit, was actually a pretty good question. Even he wasn't entirely sure what he was doing here. He had just...suddenly felt drawn to this place. It wasn't like he'd been here before or been told about it. He just found out about it and found himself coming. But when Raze uttered that extra taunt, Hidon growled again.

The Charmander turned to face the smaller Pokémon, glaring down at him. "Look here, Half Pint. That little fall never happened, got it? And for your information, I came here looking to explore someplace new. I've never been here before and I'm sick of tromping through that Shadowhue Forest."

'Hey, as long as you're shorter than me, that's all that matters to me,' Hidon thought in his head, grinning slightly. He did enjoy poking fun at the height of other Pokémon if he could. Though of course, he'd stop if it actually bothered the other Pokémon enough. He then nodded to Raze when he brought up Shadowhue again. "Yeah, not gonna lie," he replied. "I'm with you on that one. I've had enough of Shadowhue for a while. I ran into a Torchic there myself. And to think, he actually-" the Charmander stopped himself there, realizing that he was about to admit to his own defeat. He couldn't do that to a Pokémon he'd never met before. How could he say that he got beaten by a Pokémon like that? Of course, losing the fight was not the worst part. The fact that he had been embarrassingly pinned down by such a lightweight Pokémon, unable to budge him still humiliated him to think about. "...N-nevermind," he murmured, looking away with a slight blush on his face.

Hidon looked up, seeing that the sun was beginning to drop. He raised a brow at the sight. He couldn't believe it was already this late. If he wanted to do some exploration and training, he'd have to get a move on. Not that he was really afraid of traveling at night in a place like this. But it'd be a lot harder to see. He turned back to the Minun and was about to raise a claw to say "See you later," but stopped when Raze actually spoke up first. His eyes widened slightly as, for the first time since arriving to Grassveil...he had been the one to be challenged to a fight.

Hidon didn't even need to stop and think about it. "...Heh. I'd love to, as long as you don't mind getting that tail of yours stomped." He then allowed a smug smirk to appear on his face, turning to face the Minun. "I accept your challenge, so let's do this. You can even have the first move."

{OOC: Want rolls for after the fight or is it fine as is?}

Energy: 12

"Gladly. En garde, then!" he shouted, deciding to use an old style of warnings to his opponent. Little did the Charmander know, Raze had already made the first move. Even before he had issued a challenge or been allowed a first move, the Minun slipped in a Play Nice. This was an underhanded move that lowers the attack power of a target. Luckily, he remembered that he had that option when the Pokémon brought up Shadowhue and took the opportunity. Heh, just wait until he finds out... he thought with a smirk.

Suddenly, Raze allowed the sparks he had been charging up to become visible on his body, increasing in voltage more and more. "Next time, be careful of what you wish for." the Minun taunted with a wink, releasing the energy in one loud burst around him. For all he knew, he could have hit the lake, but it didn't matter. So long as the Charmander was struck he could care less. Heh, maybe I'll learn a move that doesn't hit everything in the area... he noted, keeping the current strong.

{Hm.... I'm not sure. Do you have a preference?}

Hidon grinned and nodded immediately. He crouched slightly once the Minun had announced his warning and prepared for battle. He hadn't expected to be fighting somebody so quickly after arriving, but who was he to fight fate, right? Unfortunately for him, however, that the little trickster he was about to go into battle against had already begun the battle a short while ago utilizing a Play Nice move. He had fallen hard for Raze's trick and he was at a slight disadvantage from the start, with decreased physical strength. And he had no idea. and it wasn't until Raze began to charge for his upcoming attack that he really bothered to pay any attention to the Minun's actual movements.

Hidon could see the electricity building and knew that he was about to feel the strength of his electricity. But that was fine with him. After all...he would need to demonstrate the difference in their power. He quickly braced himself, waiting for the electricity to surge through his body. And in a moment, after a quick taunt, the Minun finally unleashed his attack. And just as expected, a blast of electricity filled the air on all sides. Even if Hidon had looked for a way to evade the attack, he doubted it would have come easily.

The Discharge attack blasted the Charmander directly, causing him to let out a loud cry of pain. He hadn't expected the attack to be so powerful...! He had anticipated something akin to a Thundershock; smaller and more manageable. But this one took him for a loop. However, he couldn't allow himself to show that. No...instead, he was going to really show this guy what real power was all about!

Once the Discharge attack was completed and the electricity stopped flying wildly through the air, Hidon stumbled slightly. He had to admit, it hurt more than he thought it would. But now, it was his turn. Without a word, Hidon clenched his fist and, after taking about a second or two to recover, began charging forward. He made a beeline right for the Minun. As he dashed, a bluish aura began to form around his body. Then, just as the aura began to take on a somewhat draconic appearance, he pulled his arm back. The aura then began to shift itself so that it was fixated on his arm, surrounding it. He then rushed forward and delivered a punch with his right arm. He aimed his punch as powerfully as he could the left side of Raze's face. He was attempting to drive Raze into the ground with his strongest attack: Dragon Rush!

Unfortunately, the impact would be lessened thank to Raze's sneaky Play Nice strategy. But regardless, if Hidon did manage to score the hit, it would be time for his gloating. He would give Raze a few moments to recover and really FEEL his punch. Then, he would smirk and raised his arm, flexing it slightly. "Heheh...how d'you like that?" he would say in a manner that oozed overconfidence. "I'm just too strong I guess, huh? Well, that's what you get when you decide to challenge a Pokémon of my level. After all, I am none other than the leader of...!"

It would be clear that, unless he was shut up then and there, that this gloating would go on for much longer than it should. But Hidon didn't care. He wouldn't expect Raze to get up so quickly anyway....

Hidon was only partway through his self-introduction and his gloating when something suddenly interrupted him. The Minun had shouted at him, cutting him off just before he could say his team and name. Then, out of seemingly nowhere....

BAM!

Hidon's eyes were immediately shut tightly as a wave of pain emanated from his lower jaw. As it had been hanging open in the middle of his speech, the Minun had suddenly leaped upward and delivered a strong and firm uppercut. The fist knocked his jaw up against his upper jaw, which sent his entire head recoiling backwards from the force of the punch. "Grgh...!" he grunted aloud in pain as he stumbled, the weight of his head pulling him backwards. However, he couldn't set his footing quickly enough and he found himself collapsing almost immediately. His body fell back and he soon found himself lying supine, right at the Minun's two feet. And there he lay, stunned from the sudden and unexpected impact to his skull. One leg was sprawled while the other's sole was on the ground, knee pointing upward. His arms were on the ground above his head while the head itself laid out, jaw completely extended as far as his body would allow it, with the top of his head laying against the grass and autumn leaves below.

He hadn't expected such an attack out of nowhere. But what surprised him more than anything was simply how quickly the Minun had recovered from his Dragon Rush punch. Usually, they stayed down long enough for him to finish introducing himself. The uppercut had thrown him for a loop and he continued to simply lie there for now, somewhat jarred. He was clearly still conscious and just fine, though. He just hoped that this Minun didn't capitalize on this and plant a foot down on top of him. That was always the most embarrassing way to get pinned down.

Energy: 12

"What's the matter, bite your tongue?" he joked, firing the Thunder Wave at the Charmander. His little introduction show was a bit much for him anyways, so Raze figured that a swift uppercut to his jaw would set that fact straight. Plus, what better way to add insult to injury than making him unable to move for a while? The Electric type's grin almost nullified the pain in his cheek, but the stinging sensation remained. Despite how little it seemed, a bruise was forming on the side of his face where the Charmander's fist connected. Ouch. No matter if I win this round or not, he's quite the powerhouse... he thought, casually walking over to the Pokémon.

"So, is that game-set-match or what? Please say no, 'cause that was freaking AWESOME!" he cheered. At first, he was about to offer him his hand but remembered how he'd been paralyzed. The Minun gave a devious smile as he suddenly had an idea. Putting his foot down on his stomach, Raze struck a pose. Of course, he assumed that the paralysis guaranteed that he wouldn't be able to retaliate, but it wouldn't be the first time he'd been wrong.

MCLikeANinja carried out 5 launched of one Fallen Leaf Copse :

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Hidon continued to simply lay there for the moment, even as Raze let out yet another taunt. And on top of that, he caught more electricity crackling through the air. This time, however, it was directed straight at him, leaving him with no way to avoid the attack in his stunned state. He braced himself for the pain...but surprisingly, felt none. But that didn't mean that there had been no damage done. He felt the effects of the electricity just as quickly as he'd felt the pain from the Discharge. This time, however, he felt as though his entire body was locking up on him and his body felt somewhat numb. The Thunder Wave had done its job, Paralyzing the Charmander while he had been lying vulnerable. He tried to get back up again quickly after that, hoping to climb back to his feet before the Minun pressed his advantage.

Unfortunately, the paralysis he was now forced to endure slowed his movements. As he tried to sit up, he could see Raze casually walking toward him. Uh oh...that wasn't good. But unfortunately for him, he couldn't get up in time. He saw that devious smile creep onto the Minun's face and before he knew it, the smaller, Electric-type's foot was pressed down onto his stomach, forcing Hidon back into his supine posture. If any Pokémon saw the sight before them, they would find it rather amusing. The Minun, foot propped atop the Charmander's exposed midsection, fists at his sides victoriously. With how little damage he had actually taken, it almost even seemed like Hidon was submissive at the moment...although that couldn't have been farther from the truth. And now there was a slight, embarrassed blush on Hidon's face.

"O-of course it's not over yet!" Hidon replied. Although his anger did subside a bit when Minun added how awesome the exchange had been. After all, he had to admit...it did make the Minun look pretty cool. Though he'd never end up saying that aloud. "I can still fight just fine! Watch and learn!" With that, he attempted to lift his claws upward, ready to Scratch at the Minun in a desperate attempt to push the Cheering Pokémon off of him. Unfortunately for him, however, he felt his limb lock up at that moment, stopping him from moving, just as Raze had hoped. "D-darn it...!" he growled to himself, unable to move for the time being. And unfortunately for him, that meant that Raze's ridiculous posing went uninterrupted for now. He would just have to endure being the Minun's footstool for just a little while longer.

Digizel carried out 5 launched of one Fallen Leaf Copse :

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Energy: 12 - 9 (rolls' results) + 2 (Defense Scarf effect) = 5

"You know, I've always wanted to be able to fight someone that tried. Please make that come true, you're starting to bore me." the mouse teased, hoping to strike a nerve and get the Charmander back into the fight. In reality, Raze's adrenaline had been pumping nonstop and the Pokémon had him worried for a few seconds. But in the sake of showing off and getting into the Charmander's head, the Minun refused to show any signs of it. Suddenly, he picked up some faint thuds from close by that seemed to belong to... something that was watching. "Hold up... I think I hit more than you with my Discharge..."

Normally, he wouldn't stop just because he heard a noise, but this one seemed to be getting closer. This doesn't feel like a feral... More like it's entire family! he panicked, running back over to the Charmander on the floor. "Listen. I know we just met and all, and I kinda just took you down, but might we finish this after we take out whatever I angered? Here." he said, firing a Helping Hand to give the Charmander just a bit more strength to stand and negate the effects of his Play Nice temporarily. Whatever was heading this way was closing in, and Raze really didn't want to find out what.