Jory

{Hosts- Jeremy Brand & Robert} "We'll be right back after this brief break," Brand said, walking out of the booth. How can I get the spotlight back from that damn Marco? he wondered as he took a walk around the Arena. He looked from student to student trying to find inspiration, when suddenly it hit him. "Of course!" he shouted. He walked over to a student he thought he'd seen before and cleared his throat. "Ah, yes! Robert! What a fine young man! How would you like to do a one-on-one interview LIVE with me in the booth before the next match?" he asked ostentatiously. Before waiting for an answer he wrapped his arm around the young man's shoulders and whisked him off to the booth. He nearly kicked the door off its hinges on his way back in as he plopped Robert in a chair and sat next to him. Marco looked quite confused as Brand snatched his mic out from in front of him and placed it in front of Robert. "Here with us LIVE we have a student at Ymora's very own Pokemon Academy! Tell us, son, what's your name? And what program are you a part of?"

{Arriving at the beach!- Zander & Ken} Arthur saw Zander and Ken swerve into the parking lot. Instead, he opted to ramp off a pile of dirt and over the fence, clearing it and powersliding in next to the two. "Hey guys, did you just get here?" he asked.

Bark turned deathly pale as the wave of despair passed over him, a dark chariot pulled by umbral steeds charging through his mind with no regard for anything it crushed beneath its wheels. He was doubled over, his hands on his knees for support as in incredible feeling of loneliness and lack of control went through him, eating down to his very core. It was like someone had punched him hard in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and leaving him breathless as he attempted to recover from the sucker punch. His hammer dissipated quickly in a shower of orange granules that seemed to melt into the floor. Holy shit... he thought to himself. "That wasn't fun," he quipped aloud, attempting to stand upright but failing as a feeling of vertigo overtook him. "Whatever's causing this, we need to be more prepared for it next time."

{Jacob, Mareek, & Alvin} Jacob made a shocked face and leaned back. "OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" he shouted, overreacting to the somewhat pointed remark. "HE GOT YOU! BUUUUUURRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNN!! I HOPE YOU BROUGHT A RAWST BERRY FOR THAT!"

{Jacob, Mareek, & Alvin} "I seem to recall that Sneasel's a Dark and Ice type," Jacob butted in. "What happened to your type advantage, Alvin? You let your guard down and suddenly you're not quite the battler you thought you were." He chuckled lightly and waved his hand dismissively. "You're not going to win an argument with Mareek, either. Guy's too bull-headed for his own good," he added with a slight smile toward his friend. "Not that I'm complaining. It's done him good so far."

"I was hoping you might," he said forlornly. Then he shrugged and grinned at Nagi. "At least I get to hit something." Then he brought his hammer down on the scale, fully intent on destroying it.

Bark sighed. She may have a point, he conceded mentally, his expression unwavering. He began to focus his frustration at the damage caused by the scales and a hammer appeared in his hand. It was roughly three and a half feet long and had a haft that seemed to be made of a light brown stone. It was not a smooth stone, bumps and ridges visible on the surface even from Nagi's distance. Its head went through the shaft. It was made of opaque orange crystal that glinted along the multifaceted surface of a roughly rectangular gemstone that was wider in the middle than it was its ends. Where the haft wrapped around the gemstone there seemed to be ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics scribed in delineated columns of the mystical text. As he raised the hammer to destroy the scale, he looked up at Nagi. "Are you sure this is the best course of action? Maybe we could contain it within something? An enchanted box, perhaps?" he asked seriously.

{All alone :'( - To da beach!} Arthur shook his head at how quickly everyone else had left the parking lot. Guess it's just me, then. At least it'll be faster this way, he thought to himself happily as he strapped his BMX helmet- navy blue with blue flames alone the sides- on and mounted his bike. The frame was a grayish-blue that seemed to change color based upon the light thanks to the pearlescent paint Arthur had decided to use on it. The bike itself was a BMX frame that the bluenette boy had made significant alterations to. It had a gear-optional system whereby the chain could switch to a "middle" gear, where it would stay until he stopped the bike, but also had 7 gears that he could use for city biking. The wheels were larger than a regular BMX bike's to make it easier to pedal over long distances, but he'd managed to keep the frame light enough to do some of his usual tricks on it. He'd also put pegs on it just because he liked how they looked. After admiring his handiwork the boy input directions to the beach on his D-pad and began pedaling toward his destination.

Bark extended an arm, attempting to block Nagi from picking up the scale. "Are you sure about this? We have no idea what type of magical energy is in there. For all we know it could spawn a Beast that burns everything down and kills everyone!" he explained, making light of his example. "Look, I just think we should be a little cautious. Maybe poke it with a stick or something before we go picking it up," he offered.

Bark had indeed left the lift, but was standing almost right behind Nagi, having followed her out to provide backup. "I'm Bark, yes. And it depends on what that favor is. And on what's in it for me," he added.

{Jacob vs. Danielle} Neither of the Larvesta's Fire attacks had nearly the effect Danielle had been hoping for. Thanks to the combination of the rain and the wet sand enveloping Teo, he only felt uncomfortably warm from the larval moth's flames, and the Trapinch's superior physical prowess allowed him to not be knocked too far off course. However, the Larvesta's attack gave Jacob just the opportunity he'd been hoping for. "Reverse, now!" The Trapinch turned back into the Sand Tomb and began moving the opposite direction toward the ground and the falling Larvesta. The Signal Beam barely missed him as he flow downward and his fangs began to glint in the darkness as he descended toward Corona, hoping to grab her and slam her against the ground. Then, it was time to defend against Avis's annoying attacks from afar. I guess I'll borrow from Mareek with the separation tactics. "Chalchi, cut them off. Use Frozen Curtain" The Lapras fired a Water Pulse between the Larvesta and Murkrow that detonated in midair, creating a brilliant swirl of water droplets in addition to the rain. A pale mist enveloped the detonated Water Pulse and it began to harden, growing larger as the raindrops fell and froze on it. Eventually there was a sizable barrier in the middle of the field that cut the Larvesta off from aid. Chalchi took the hit well, but was starting to become slightly fatigued from the repeated attacks.

Bark gave Nagi a cursory glance and then went back to staring at the elevator door. I guess we're going all the way up. He continued waiting calmly for the elevator to reach the rooftop.

{Announcers' Booth- Marco & Brand} "Well ladies and gents, even after such an exciting bout we still have a few left in this round! Would Ryan Johnson and Raiza Marson please report to the battlefield and take their starting positions?" Marco said excitedly, nearly toppling Brand over in an attempt to be the only one with access to the mic. ((Tacos, gotta get yer butts to the field!)) {Raiza} The teen entered the Arena and stood in her place, waiting for Ryan to arrive so they could start their battle.

{Jacob vs. Danielle} Jacob grinned as Avis fired off the Dark Pulse. "Now!" he shouted. Teo flew upward on a swirling tower of sand toward Avis, his underground-adapted vision serving as more than adequate in the darkness of the field. The Trapinch's jaws glowed blue as he rapidly approached the Murkrow, attempting to grab onto it and throw it to the ground using his Superpower attack. "Chalchi, you know what to do! Use Protect, then stop that turbine!" The Lapras strained her neck forward. Suddenly, a bright blue-green barrier appeared around the Lapras. The Murkrow and Larvesta's attacks pinged harmlessly off it. A mist began to grow around Corona's turbine, which was covered in wet sand and water. The fan creaked to a halt as the water froze, cutting off the air current.

{Jacob vs. Slade- Aftermath} Jacob walked to the middle of the field after returning Chalchi to her Ball. "That was a great match, Slade. You've really improved since the last time we fought." He then bowed gracefully and waved to the crowd before walking back down the tunnel and into the waiting room.

{Jacob vs. Danielle} "Chalchi, counterattack with a triple Pulse!" Jacob ordered. The Lapras opened her mouth as the Incinerates impacted her, doing miniscule damage thanks to her natural bulk, training, and the pouring rain. Three powerful glowing balls of light flew toward the source of the Incinerate attacks. However, Teo was still nowhere to be seen, still burrowed underneath the terrain.

{Zander, Arial, Rene, Roy, & Ken} Arthur nodded. "Right! Then we can bring twice as many people!" he added. "Anyone else want to come investigate Mr. Johnson with us?"

Bark followed the man inside, not giving Nagi any particular attention. Whatever's in his hand, we'll want to know about it soon, he reasoned, waiting for the man to make a move.

Following that one guy Bark saw a man heading into a smaller office building that had been remarkably less well-trafficked than the larger one he had just left. Might as well try my luck in there, he figured, quickly following the man toward the elevator. When the bell dinged and the door slid open, Bark stood to the side as though he was making a grandly magnanimous gesture. "Please, after you," he said disarmingly.

{Rene, Ken, Arial, Roy, & Zander} Arthur shrugged, grabbing his backpack and standing up. "I'll head over there with you. Might as well, right?" he asked rhetorically. "I have my bike at school today, so that's how I'll be getting to the beach. One person can come with me and ride on my wheel pegs," he offered lamely, putting his hand behind his head.

{Office Floor} Bark snatched his hand back, preventing the woman from taking the documents out of his hand. "I hope you realize that it's my job to see to it that these reach him in person, miss. No subpoena would be delivered by unauthorized personnel in an unmarked folder. You of all people should know that," he said curtly, his voice dripping in obvious condescension. "Now if he's not here I'd be glad to come back later. Good day," he harrumphed, exiting the office

{Uptown} Bark chuckled, offering the woman as fake a smile as she'd been kind enough to give him. "Not a problem, miss. I'm obligated by law to remind you that any attempt to open confidential Justice Department material is a felony and punishable by up to three years in prison," he said cheerily, handing over a hefty envelope that was unblemished save for the large Justice Department watermark in the middle. "Any chance you can let me do my job now?"

Arena {Slade vs. Jacob} In front of Jacob and Slade a new battlefield arose from the ground. It looked pretty normal except that this time also parts of the grounds between the field and the audience were replaced and soon they were surrounded by molten lava. The temperature sky rocketed and people on the front seats already started to sweat. But this field also had safety measures; Pokémon couldn't get knocked into the lava. A metal construction made sure to guarantee a Pokémon's safety, but of course it couldn't stop a fire type from diving straight into it. There was one downside; the bars were incredibly hot so burns were more likely to happen. "Alright Spitfyre, let's show'em what we're made of! Come out and play!" Jacob shouted as he released his Charmeleon. The Ball Capsule burst in a swirling vortex of orange and blue flames. Spitfyre roared and shot flames in the air. He earned a cheer of approval from the audience, who remembered the Fire-type from his quick victory against Nadia in the previous round. "Flare, lets show them how bright we shine together! Come on out!" Slade yelled. He threw his Arcanine's Ball onto the field, releasing the Legendary Pokemon in a shower of white sparkles. The crowd shouted in excitement as the powerhouses of each team squared up to start off the match. Announcers' Booth {Slade vs. Jacob} "Wow!" exclaimed Marco. "Looks like things are really heating up in this lava-filled battle of the burners!" he said quickly. Brand chuckled, grabbing his mic from its holder and staring into a non-existent camera. "Things are about to get hot and spicy despite the weather here at the second match of the Ymora Academy Winter Cup's Quarter Finals!" Arena {Slade vs. Jacob} After exchanging small talk, Slade and Jacob began their battle in earnest! Spitfyre charged toward the opposing Arcanine, trailing smoke from his mouth as he went. It blanketed the field, creating an environment with low vision. Suddenly, the Charmeleon leapt through the air and landed just before Flare, swinging a vicious Iron Tail at his foe! However, thanks to his Odor Sleuth attack, Flare was able to locate and dodge his opponent through the smoke. "Show him our bark isn't nearly as loud as our bite!" Slade ordered as the Fire hound went on the offensive, lunging toward Spitfyre with his fangs outstretched... Only to find that the Charmeleon wasn't there anymore! Thanks to a slick bit of footwork from his partner, Jacob's strategy paid off and Spitfyre ended up in the perfect position for a counterattack. His chest swelled and he fired a Dragon Rage directly upward, sending Flare tumbling backward across the field! Announcers' Booth {Slade vs. Jacob} "HOLY GUACAMOLE!" Marcus screamed into the mic. "What a stupendous opening attack from Jacob Robertson and Spitfyre, who we've come to expect big things from in the short time he's been on our radar!" Brand shook his head. How dare he steal my thunder like that! he though angrily. "And not to mention how steamy it looked on that lava field!" Ha, I showed him. Suck it, Marcus, he thought smugly. Arena {Slade vs. Jacob} Despite tumbling backward for a few yards the Arcanine regained his footing, looking fit and ready to fight. Suddenly, Flare was on the move again, darting side to side with Agility as he readied another Bite attack! Jacob shouted for defensive strategies to be implemented and Spitfyre put his tail in front of his body, catching the Arcanine's fangs with his flaming appendage. He then grabbed onto the canine's mane and fired another Dragon Rage at close range, sending him rolling backward once more. However, true to form the Aracanine got up once more. Blue orbs surrounded his body as he charged in with a Reversal attack, intending to turn the tide of the battle. Just before he reached Spitfyre he feinted, trying to draw out a counter move. Thinking quickly, Jacob ordered Spitfyre to use Dig to avoid the Reversal. Thanks to the feint, the Charmeleon had enough time to fully submerge himself and dodge the attack! A shocked gasp came up from the crowd as another Dragon Rage shot out of the hole, threatening to KO the Arcanine! Luckily, Slade reacted quickly and ordered Flare to dodge using the speed from his accumulated Agilitys. His nose glowed once more as he used Odor Sleuth to lock onto the Charmeleon's position underground, but he was unable to do anything about it except ready another Reversal. The response from Spitfyre was clear as another Dragon Rage roared past the Arcanine: I'm not going anywhere. So, Slade's partner fired a Flame Burst into the hole to try and flush out the Flame Lizard once and for all! The break in Reversals was all the Charmeleon needed as he surfaced with a powerful Dig attack, taking only marginal damage from the flames as he slammed into the Arcanine's abdomen. Despite being badly hurt, Flare got up, ready and willing to fight. "Ok, I get it Flare. Show them your true burning spirit!" Slade shouted. The canine seemed to grin as he sprinted at his opponent, readying his Reversal attack. It sparked white white energy as he ran, his fatigue and pain fueling it to its maximum power. Jacob pumped his fist and shouted across the field, "This is what it's all about, Slade! Let's give these people a battle they'll remember all year!" He looked toward Spitfyre, who stood resolutely in the face of the incoming attack. His chest swelled with blue flame and he cocked his head back, the fire beginning to escape out the back of his jaw as he prepared a powerful blast. "Spitfyre, Dragon Rage!" Jacob ordered. The Charmeleon let the blast go just as Flare's attack impacted, meeting it head-on. A shockwave came out of the impact, followed by a cloud of dust being thrown violently in the air. As the dust cleared, Spitfyre could be seen getting up while the Arcanine walked out of the dust cloud. Flare collapsed, unable to battle anymore, while Spitfyre's Blaze ability activated! Announcers' Booth {Slade vs. Jacob} "WHAT AN INCREDIBLE FINISH!" Marco shouted. Brand scrambled toward him to get the mic while Marco leaned back in his chair and held it high over his head. Looks like there wouldn't be any more commentary for just now! Arena {Slade vs. Jacob} Slade sent out his Frogadier. After a flurry of exchanged attacks, Sasuke finally managed to bring down Spitfyre. However, only half of Slade's work was done. Chalchi was sent out and used Rain Dance immediately while Sasuke tried to get in close. However, the Lapras's large, cold body made it difficult even for Sasuke's Grass Knot to do a ton of damage! He kept diving into the holes made by his Grass Knot, narrowly avoiding several Body Slams from the Lapras. His luck ran out when he got trapped underground underneath the Lapras. With a huge attack, the Lapras was able to KO the Frogadier. Announcers' Booth {Slade vs. Jacob- Jacob's Victory} Brand finally got the mic from Marco, his excitement boiling over. "Wow! What an amazing battle between two determined young men! But it's Jacob Robertson, who started the tournament as the favorite, who will be moving on to the semi-final round, where he will face Danielle, the small Coordinator with a huge set of pipes!"

{Jacob vs. Danielle} Avis is dangerous, especially on this field. I guess we have only one option, Jacob thought to himself. "We'll take the first move! Chalchi, use Rain Dance! Make a storm like you never have before! Teo, make it harder for them to see, then get out of sight!" Chalchi immediately looked skyward, braying as she called forward dark thunderclouds and harsh winds. The sky opened up in a heavy downpour in response to her efforts. That should make Corona's flying a little more difficult, he thought as he watched Teo summon a Sand Tomb and launch it into the wind turbines. The wet sand clung to everything it touched, coating the blades of the turbines and flying around the field. The Trapinch then dug himself under the field, being careful to fill in the hole behind him.

{Jacob vs. Danielle} Jacob nodded at the rules and looked around, trying to figure out how he could take advantage of the wind turbines. Well, the wind will make it hard for Spitfyre's flames to do a whole lot. So I guess I'm backed into a corner from the beginning, he thought to himself. He took two Balls off his belt and threw them into the air. Chalchi appeared in her usual flash of snowflakes. When Teo's Ball burst open, it released a cloud of sand that swirled upward around the Trapinch, followed by a bright orb of light that rose from him and dissipated higher up in the air. The pair landed on the field and looked at one another. Jacob chuckled. "Danielle, this is just like our first battle! Try not to run onto the field this time, okay?" he teased.