Damage

Sooooo Underbelly was fun. A little play on words as Justin, Lux and Victoria travel to the underbelly of Obsidia. The other side is underbelly is the most exposed and vulnerable side of any creature or person. To show it is scary and this is exactly what Blaze and Izzy (Isabella) show each other. Anyhow I know how you guys love these songs... maybe. So here is the theme for Team Magma. rawr. Don't forget to like share and subscribe.... oh wait. Just comment and criticize.

DARM Hey new Darm Jr. You ain't allowed to slack. The Darmanitan flies over in a Flare Blitz crushing Blaze between himself and the Onix. He then uppercuts Blaze into the air and proceeds to run up Onix who raises his body. ChRIS Good job Onix. DARM Keep up the synergy boys! The burning ape continues his assault while running up the rock snake's spiraling staircase of a body and bats Blaze higher and jumps off Onix's head to punch Blaze back downwards. Onix uncurls around him and bats the outnumbered bird into the streets and a large amount of blood can be seen upon his landing. Kirlia runs past everyone and makes it over to Blaze despite Chris' warning. ChRIS You touch that fucking thing and I swear to god I'll hurt you bitch. She attempts to heal him even though Chris' warnings grow louder and more severe. CHRIS DO. NOT. HEAL. IT. Kirlia stops as Blaze lets out short weak pants. DARM Go handle that. I got community service with the elderly. Darm walks over to Seacrest and holds him up by the collar. DARM I don't give a damn about that Michael douche. SEACREST (confused) Michael?... DARM I want the fucking dumb animal that killed my buddy. SEACREST Why would I tell you that? DARM Because if you don't- Darm punches Seacrest in the face. DARM I'm going to fucking kill you. Seacrest responds clearly in pain and shock. SEACREST Alright alright!... (deep breath) I.. i... I think he's off- DARM OFF WHERE?! SEACREST Recharging the batteries to your mother's dildo. Darm smiles, lets Seacrest down and even brushes him off. DARM You know. If you weren't such an idiot. I would kind of like you. SEACREST Sorry. I never did like Burning man. DARM Hm. Junior, fuck him up please. Darmanitan rushes towards Seacrest readying a full haymaker which has been doused in fire to ensure the elderly's end. Seacrest closes his eyes and the burning simian passes right through him as blood splatters on both Darm and Darmanitan. To everyone's surprise Seacrest is unharmed. Darm looks around to see what happened but can't figure out how Seacrest is still alive. SEACREST What the- DARM Fuck. Soldier is standing behind Darm and facing Seacrest. He lets out a mild grunt as he bobs his head apparently asking if Seacrest is okay. Seacrest nervously nods. Soldier turns and faces Blaze who is slowly rising to his feet in the street and gives the same emotionless head tilt. Blaze caws affirming his ability to continue the fight. Darm turns around and a lump hits his stomach. He pauses for a moment and realizes it is Darm Jr's arm. He lets out a horrified scream as he sees his partner is on the floor crying. Blaze looks at the tree where Soldier was nestled and notices that it was over fifty feet away and stares in shock at the mantis' unprecedented speed. He then pats Kirlia's back and walks back into the garden and points Chris and his Rock monster out. DARM All of you assholes are gonna die tonight I shit you not. Soldier cleans the blood off his armblade with a light swing then proceeds to walk over to Lucky and kneels down and pats his forehead against Lucky's who simply smiles and dances around his father. Soldier then stands and turns just in time to effortlessly block the one armed ape's fruitless attack. DARM I think we have a new target. And a reason to pull out the only mothafucka madder than me! Darm tosses a Pokéball into the air and out erupts the volcano-camel Camerupt spewing fire around its immediate area. Darmanitan jumps on its mountain-like back grinning as the two face Soldier. Chris I'm just gonna guess you one of the dipshits the stole my property. (to Kirlia) Hey useless get the fuck over here. Kirlia looks at Blaze momentarily. CHRIS Don't look at him. Look at me and get over here. NOW! Just as she begins to walk away Blaze stops her by grabbing her arm. He then stands between the two as Chris yells on unintelligibly. He plays with his watch a little and shows her the screen. It reads Isabella. He then points to her and caws loud and angrily, seemingly implying she now has a name. She continues her upset countenance and he grabs both shoulders and looks seriously at her and barks what appears to be an order but is something more. She nods weakly and Blaze steps forward to face Chris and his Onix. His arms and legs burst at the joints with fire that oozes a bright crimson red and sunsetting orange. The adolescent foul is clearly ready for battle. CHRIS Since you missed out earlier, I'll be nice enough to repeat myself. You fuck with high society. You get fucked by high society. End of episode 8.

NANCY I'm sorry but if you use your psychic power to assist in walking your legs wont regain their strength. The young esper looks saddened and drops her head. Blaze raises her head high and gestures to mimic him as he takes a deep breath then proceeds to move forward one step at a time. After following the young foul's instructions Kirlia is able to take four unassisted steps before pausing to take a break. Blaze cheers and Kirlia weakly smiles. NANCY Very good. You're already making significant progress. Blaze helps her to sit down. NANCY Perhaps a break is in order. The medicine you've taken does a great deal for recovery and pain but not much in the way of energy. I'll go get something for you to eat. Blaze please stay here. Blaze nods as Nancy walks away. Blaze then looks at Kirlia for a moment then puts up a finger asking her to wait. She looks confused as he runs off, much to her dismay. As he passes Seacrest and company Lucky wakes up and begins looking around. He notices Kirlia and runs over to her and begins jumping around her. He slows down a bit when he sees the bandages around her legs and lightly rubs them as if to mend the pain. She picks Lucky up and hugs the vibrant egg. After a moment Blaze runs out with something curled in his fist.He puts his finger in front of his beak instructing her to be quiet as he reveals a rare candy. He unravels the small treat and gives it to her. She reluctantly eats it but shortly after finishing she is revitalized and jumps to her feet. Astounded by the return of strength she hugs her newfound hero. Blaze slowly sits her back down and instructs her to stretch. Nancy returns from the building holding a tray with two servings of soup and crackers on it. NanCY Onion soup for you. Nancy places the bowl on Blaze's lap who is unaffected by the heat. NANCY And minestrone for you. Nancy gives the tray to Kirlia. The two begin eating, Blaze shares some of his food with Lucky who is dancing around the tray. NANCY We can continue more tomorrow if you're feeling up to it. Kirlia nods as she eats her meal. Ext. obsidia ward Underground entrance (Dusk) Justin and Luxcalibur are walking through a large alleyway. Wind carries many Hoppip gently through the air. As they flutter about leaves casually fall from them and around our heroes. JusTIN At least there is something nice around here. Luxcalibur looks up and a leaf falls to his face. He takes a moment for it to register. Justin flicks it off his face. Victoria (O.S.) It is rather pleasant to see them so carefree even with all the unpleasantries going on. Justin turns around to see a short pale skinned girl with black hair. She wears a white and black kimono with the tao of harmony crest filling in the space at the bottom of her wardrobe. She speaks calmly with a familiar softness in her voice. JuSTIN Well hello there. VICTORIA Hello sir. JuSTIN At the risk of sounding clichéd, what's a nice girl like you doing in the bad part of town. VICTORIA (smiling) That's a strange question given there isn't really a nice part at the moment. JuSTIN (chuckling) Fair enough. How have you been Vicky? VICTORIA Quite well Justin. I haven't made much way in gym battles due to trying to help people in the wards who have been suffering from attacks by the terrorists. JuSTIN Team Meteor. My guess, they're hunting the Super Clefable of legend. VICTORIA Team Meteor huh? JuSTIN Yeah. I met their leader or some high ranking guy with a red eyepatch. I'm guessing he was up there because he was smart enough to not mention the plan or his name. VICTORIA I'll be careful around them. JuSTIN Good. Well me and Lux are heading through the underground to reach the park. I'm guessing you had a similar plan? VICTORIA I do. If its all the same to you can I join? JuSTIN (smugly) I have a certain authority to do this. I don't know if- Victoria flashes her "Enhanced trainer's licence". JUSTIN (disillusioned) Apparently I'm not even special. VICTORIA I work with the fighting type leader very closely. She suspected I'd run into trouble and this allows me to work virtually unhindered. JuSTIN Well... alright then, shall we? Justin bows, allowing Victoria to lead the way. After she passes, Justin and Luxcalibur follow her into the building that leads underground. InT. obsidia depths The underground is an expected horrid sight. Garbage and filth coat the walls and floors in spades. A large population of homeless enter and exit the downtrodden area casually. An older dark skinned man with a patched up black fedora, a worn black vest covering a black dress shirt and torn dress pants as well as old dingy shoes is seen watching over everything going on. After a moment he takes notice of Justin and Victoria. He smoothly strolls over and speaks to the two in a rusty jazz like tone. Clean Hello hello! I must say welcome to this cornerstone of wealth and class. Justin and Victoria look on the eccentric man confused. Luxcalibur however goes over to him purring causing the man to pet him. CLEAN A fine welcome my feline friend. I must say your courtesy is impeccable. You friends now... Whom do I hold the honor of speaking with? JUSTIN (reluctantly) Justin. And she's Victoria. You are? CLEAN Well my name is Niles but as I am a man who embodies the highest of low society the boys have dubbed me the honorific. (he bows with a flare of his hat) Clean. ViCTORIA You do look very nice sir. CLEAN (laughing) Thank you dear. But please call me Clean. Sir was my father. JuSTIN I figured he'd be Mr.Clean. CLEAN You my friend have a fine wit about you. JuSTIN (smiling) Thanks. CLEAN However even the brightest of minds can stand to have a bit of knowledge or two imparted upon them. That is of course if you'd care to share what I have. VICTORIA We would be rude not to accept such a generous offer. CLEAN Such an outstanding young couple. Could do with seeing more like you. Well you should well know that this particular sub-section of the city isn't exactly known for habitability. And with the vine outbreak we've got a little more than the gangs to fear. VICTORIA Is there something down here to worry about? CLEAN And then some young lady. You see the Pokémon that normally relax down here to hide from trainers have been very rattled and in turn have become a little violent. Crying shame for them but for people that they already distrust... JuSTIN Got yourselves a veritable lion's den. CLEAN I'm afraid so. What's worse, Types that would normally attack each other or stay alone have banded together in a sort of "enemy of my enemy" mindset. JUSTIN That's actually kind of scary. So is that why you're hanging out up here? To give warnings to trainers? CLEAN That is the responsibility I have so humbly decided to oversee. VICTORIA That's very kind of you. CLEAN What can I say, kindness is the one facet in which I have a limitless wealth of. Another note for you kids before you begin your treacherous date. I tend to help the folks who live down here but I'm not exactly a trainer so my offensive capabilities are rather limited. JUSTIN If we see people under attack help them? CLEAN If you'd be so kind. VICTORIA It would be our pleasure. Justin and Luxcalibur begin to walk away but Clean calls out to them. CLEAN I'm sorry to add so much inconvenience however I do have but one more humble request. Justin and Luxcalibur pause to here out Niles' plea. VICTORIA Its no trouble at all Clean. CLEAN Thank you. Some time ago I befriended a tough little creature. It was a Scraggy if my lack of a biology degree holds up any. It much like myself had an innate desire to help others. Haven't seen it since the lockdown but if you see one with a cheek scar and white scarf, would you be so kind as to not hurt it? VICTORIA Absolutely. CLEAN Thank you. The group resumes their journey down the stairs, further into the depths of Obsidia. CLEAN Be careful down there kids. The underground is most certainly alive. The group is gone from sight and Clean sighs. He takes a breath smiles and waves to more of his peaceful homeless brothers and sisters. InT. sEACREST'S GARDEN (night) The garden is much quieter now. Blaze is seen doing push-ups while Lucky and Kirlia watch. Nancy and Seacrest are talking while heading inside. Soldier is sitting in a tree overseeing the entirety of the garden. After a few peaceful moments a large explosion knocks down the same wall that Luxcalibur busted down before. SEACREST Can't have anything nice. Blaze jolts up and stands in front of Lucky and Kirlia. Soldier perks up slowly but doesn't move from his perch. Bursting from the still live fire and smoke is a Darmanitan that rushes forward and slams Blaze into a wall. Darm Now I know you folks have better fucking manners than this. Chris They don't need to. Once you show disrespect to someone its over. Upon hearing Chris' voice Kirlia is visibly upset. DARM That is a valid point my friend. Anyway. Where's the old shit? You here gramps? Seacrest walks out to the center of the garden meeting Darm and Chris halfway. SeACREST You kids don't know when to quit. DARM Don't quit when you're wrong. Keep going until what's wrong is right. SEACREST You're gonna be going for a long damn time boy. ChRIS That's the plan. An Onix blows past Chris and Darm and heads right for Seacrest but Blaze cuts off the ferocious tackle raising the dirt beneath his talons and catching Onix's head in his hands.

So kids, here's that 8th episode. I'm cranking them out lately and I feel pretty good about this bold attempt. So I decided to do two things I've been wanting to practice more. "B story writing" and "show don't tell" I commented on another writer needing to do this and decided my own medicine might actually be tasty. So in this episode I focused on Blaze, Justin's best friend and Combusken and Isabella, the Kirlia that Blaze rescued in the prior chapter. The two share a bit of time together in this episode showing how Blaze represents a lot of what Justin teaches. But I've avoided the talking Pokémon route so while they talk to each other (mainly Blaze talking) we are left to fill in the blanks of what he said. Not how he said it. Does it work. is it dumb? I uhhno. You tell me. And in the grand new fashion of the site changing it up I decided to do the same and start making these episodes have their own post. I originally liked seeing the post numbers hit over a hundred but I figured easier readability is a little smarter. So here is episode 8 "Underbelly" bone apple teeth everyone. Int. seacrest's garden (afternoon) Blaze has just arrived to the garden holding the very wounded Kirlia. Nancy is at the desk in the main lobby and rushes over towards the two. Nancy (concerned) What happened?! Blaze nods his head towards her legs. NaNCY Alright, we'll take care of her. Bring her to the infirmary. Blaze follows a rushing Nancy into the back room where some beds and medical equipment are setup. It isn't well setup like most Pokécenters but it has enough to make do. NANCY Please. (nancy gestures to set her down on a bed) Was it a fight? Blaze shakes his head. NaNCY It doesn't matter. We'll have her fixed up soon. You did good getting her here Blaze. Blaze nods then proceeds to walk off but is gently lifted off the ground by a psychic energy. He turns his head back to see Kirlia weakly reaching out as Nancy turns towards him. NANCY I think that means she wants you to stay. Blaze looks at his watch then out the doorway and proceeds to drop his head for a brief moment. When he raises it again he displays a cheerful smile and caws while laughing, seemingly assuring his new telekinetic friend he will stay. He turns soothing music on via his watch and holds her hand. NANCY You may want to hold tightly, there's been some severe trauma to her ankles and I can't guarantee this will be painless. Kirlia gazes upon Blaze with a worried expression. He simply pets her hand and caws gently calming her down if only slightly. Outside the doorway we see Seacrest holding Lucky, peering into the infirmary from a distance. Seacrest Would you look at that. A shred of maturity coming from one of the boys. I may even be proud of the chicken tender... If he can keep from burning my garden until the boy gets back. (tickling Lucky) What do you think are the odds on that? Lucky cheers while in Seacrest's arms SeACREST You're right it is hilariously low. I hope you stay my favorite Lucky. Lucky turns and hugs Seacrest. He sighs joyfully. SeACREST I think the odds on that are pretty high. ExT. Obsidia ward/Opal ward divide Justin and Luxcalibur are reaching the end of Opal ward where it meets with Obsidia. Luxcalibur looks at his friend every so often with concern. Justin I'm okay. Luxcalibur keeps his eyes fixated on Justin as they walk. Justin is clearly flustered but no longer angry as he was when we last saw him. JUSTIN I... (trying to think) I don't like how some people treat Pokémon... Believe me, my family hasn't been the best when it comes to em, we fight dragons virtually every day to get stronger. I've hurt a lot of people and Pokémon just to get stronger so maybe I'm a hypocrite but... (Justin stops) I decided... I don't want to get strong that way. What good is beating on someone who doesn't want to fight ya know... Luxcalibur jumps up and puts his paws on Justin's shoulders. Justin hugs his jungle cat friend. JusTIN I can't promise I wont freak out ever again if I see people like that... But I do promise next time I'll listen when I hear you yelling. Luxcalibur gets down and purrs as he smiles. JusTIN (whispering) I'd rather not have you punching me in the face to get my attention too. The two continue walking to see officers at the dividing barricade talking to a woman. Florinia Yes thank you, I believe I'll be going back alone. Julia has failed to answer and I can only assume she's run out of caffeine, regardless I have to continue my efforts in resolving the damage to these wards. Officer Yes ma'am. If you'd like for one of us to accompany you it- Justin and Luxcalibur reach the gate. JusTIN Would be unnecessary. Her high level trainer body guard is going to assist. Florinia turns to see Justin flashing his "badge" JUSTIN One "whatchamacallit" badge, showing that I Justin Weyland have been given authority by Nancy and the Reborn association to act within reason on matters that threaten this region or it's peoples safety. Everyone looks on skeptically. OfFICER Check his Pokédex. One of the officers walk over and scan it with a strong pronged device. It beeps for a moment then the color turns yellow. OFFICER 2 (surprised) Well I'll be damned. Kid's telling the truth. JuSTIN Hey Lux, "duh" as a catchphrase. Yay or nay? Luxcalibur shakes his head. JusTIN Doubly noted. OFFICER Miss Florinia, your order? FLORINIA Considering. Justin, what did you learn from your battle? JUSTIN Go hard or go home dawg. FLORINIA You do understand this to be a viral plant infestation that threatens to destroy the city literally from the inside. Justin notes of the vines tearing through the grounds and buildings. People nervously walk around them, some whipping around more violently than others causing passerbys to take extreme caution. JuSTIN Yes Flo-rini-robot. FLORINIA I can expect your total seriousness while taking care of this matter? JuSTIN I'm all serious'd out. I can promise that neither of us will die, how's that? FLORINIA Bear in mind that I take no responsibility in what you do here. That was waived when you decided to join this cause. Justin salutes and Luxcalibur follows suit. JuSTIN I'll die for my country captain. Florinia begins walking towards the Obsidia ward center. Justin awkwardly passes by the stiff upset guards who don't allow space for Justin to easily pass. JusTIN Just... Gonna... Squeeeeeeeze on in guys. Don't move or anything. FLORINIA Do your best to follow my lead and we may end this trifling matter without harm. JuSTIN The rundown? FLORINIA Observe. Justin looks further around the ward to see widespread devastation. Malignant growth occupies much of the architecture. The only building that thankfully hasn't been damaged in any way is the Pokémon center. JUSTIN Looks pretty bad Flo. FLORINIA Agreed, the current status of this ward is deplorable at best. However we need merely find the seed of this disaster and we can avert further catastrophe. JusTIN So you thinking the people that blew me up and setup the poisoned plant are behind this. FLORINIA I can arrive at no other conclusion... Florinia notices the crevice that currently divides the city in half. FLORINIA We have however arrived at an impasse. JUSTIN Its a small gap. I'm sure me and Lux can clear it. FLORINIA I feel as though gap is undervaluing its size. Its roughly thirty feet in diameter. JuSTIN Yep. Hop on Lux's back and we can get to that very ominous looking forest. Justin points to the floral outbreaks core. FLORINIA Obsidia park. A viable source as its the largest source of green in this ward. JUSTIN Neat. Let's go. Justin gets ready to take off but Florinia grabs his arm. JUSTIN (annoyed) What the floatzel? FlORINIA Perhaps something waits for anyone who would dangerously traverse across. (she pulls out a Pokéball) Venasaur. The plant dinosaur emerges from the ball with a mighty roar next to Justin. JUSTIN (covering his ears) Okay I am RIGHT next to you! FLORINIA Use your vines to bring me across the crevice. Venasaur uses its vines to gently pick up Florinia and slowly carry her across the hole in the ground. Slowly but surely she safely makes it across without harm. JUSTIN Look at that. Now its time for me to safely follow without any mishaps whatsoever. Time to jump without any fear of repercussion at all. Justin starts running and jumps above the gap. JUSTIN (mid hop) Can't imagine anything going wrong here. Several vines pop up and grab Justin by his arms and legs. JuSTIN (terrified and screaming) I'VE SEEN ENOUGH HENTAI TO KNOW WHERE THIS IS GOING! LUX HELP! Luxcalibur roars and Venasaur shoots razor leaf in unison with vine whip freeing Justin and catching him in friendlier vines and reeling him to safety. JusTIN Man this journey sure does have some unexpected twists and turns huh guys? Luxcalibur looks down the abyss with his eyes in full glow. JusTIN Is there a lot bud? The lion simply nods. JuSTIN So... Flo, much like the street there's gonna be a similar dissection going on here. FLORINIA It would appear so. Take the southern route. It will lead you through the underground paths. JUSTIN Rife with danger? FLORINIA That would be the safest assumption. JUSTIN Alright, sit tight and try not to get famous on vine. FlORINIA (beat) I'll pretend as though I did not understand that. Justin chuckles as he and Luxcalibur head down the streets towards the ghetto. FlORINIA You would do well to exercise caution. A good deal of the people comment on the underground coming alive which may be tongue for dangerous Pokémon. JUSTIN I will be careful. Swearsie realsies. Florinia recalls Venasaur and ventures towards the jungle that now covers Obsidia Park. InT. SEACREST'S GARDEN (Late AFTERNOON) The garden has a few trainers in it, some are battling the local Pokémon while others are simply enjoying the nice day. Seacrest is sitting in a relaxer with Lucky, both are asleep. Soldier is sitting next to them meditating. Rebecca is monitoring a battle. We see towards the back of the garden Blaze is with Kirlia helping her walk along with Nancy. Every so often a blue aura covers her legs.

I get it, but "show don't tell". If your characters have doubts let it show in their unwillingness to just let Seth do Seth things. Hesitation, second guessing. Yes we can hear their thoughts but if you have their actions showing some concern it lets us know without having to hold our hands through the story.

red

I'm a simple guy, I see an awesome buster sword I hit like

I really liked going back into Seth's history with his teammate and developing a new ability slowly and naturally. There were points it was a little hard to keep track of where everything was taking place. Try to separate times and places by paragraph so its a little smoother a read. Its nice to see other's perspectives without the main character knowing how they feel about them, that said... It I feel should be done without pandering to how amazing they are. Even your closest friends can be recepients of your doubt. Also they can be thinking of other things that further their character development. Maybe they're terrified of a new challenge and are thinking of a back up plan. Maybe they want to surpass their friend. Maybe they can't wait to sleep on a nice warm bed and don't care about much else at the moment. When your characters are just thinking about the main character in their private moments it kind of sucks away from their potential depth. Read Ordinary People that book gives a master class on perspective. All in all pretty good. I have trouble sometimes with other characters doing non-plot stuff but ya know that's all in the process. Keep it up.

And with the advent of episode 7 I can say that no more Pokémon will join team Shenanigans. That's it. Swearsie realsies. And with out I will show Blaze's new Kirlia friend's song. I think its fitting given her recent history. One of my personal favorites. Isabella's song. (spoiler)

Justin and Luxcalibur leave and Justin's expression goes from calm to furious. Veins can be seen in the young man's head and neck and red rises in his face. More than anger is in his thoughts. It is fury and his feline partner looks concerned about Justin's mental state. Justin approaches the homeless man who attacked him earlier and grabs him by the shirt and slams him into a wall. The attack grazes the man's skin on his hands and the back of his head. He's already bleeding a little. JusTIN Listen to me as I will not repeat one word. The others rise up in opposition getting close to Justin. JusTIN Luxcalibur, if I see one of them within three feet of me, take their hands off. The crowd looks on in terror. JusTIN What have you been doing to the Pokémon inside that house. HOMELESS MAN Nothing (terrified) I swear we don't do nothing to it. JusTIN So you're telling me those scars and the chain just appeared out of nowhere? HOMELESS MAN No... There's this guy. He's crazy. Like mad crazy. And he come mess with us sometimes too. Justin cocks back and punches a hole through the concrete wall the man's back is pressed against. JusTIN (stress is heard in Justin's voice) Who... HOMELESS MAN His name is Chris and... He aint right in the head. He does things to the Pokémon and even to us... You... Shouldn't talk to him. JusTIN I don't plan on talking to him. Justin lets the man go and leaves the alleyway with Luxcalibur following after him. Upon leaving he sees a well dressed man about to walk in. JusTIN (furious with a stern look) Yo. The young upperclassman looks at Justin confused. JusTIN You Chris? Chris Those low lives sending another trainer to "handle" me? Listen kid, in Reborn only the strong- Justin punches the smug teenager in the jaw knocking him back several feet. A few teeth drip out of the bleeding young man's mouth as he reels himself back to his feet. JusTIN No need for words. You disrespect people and Pokémon weaker than you and that's all I need to know. The teenager stands and runs away. Justin bolts after him with Luxcalibur in tow. Justin runs by building after building looking down the pathways between them. Time slows down as Justin runs past one of the houses and is surprise attacked by an Onix's tail which sends him flying into an abandoned building. He craters into its wall creating an imprint around his body. His left arm has been devastated with the bone poking out in two spots. He remains motionless in the wall. ChRIS (words slur with the loss of his teeth) Like I said kid, you fuck with high society you get fucked by high society. Now I think you owe me your bag for the teeth you knocked out. Chris walks close Justin and reaches towards him but Justin wakes up and grabs Chris' arm who screams in fear. ChRIS (crying out in fear) ONIX HELP ME! The giant rock snake lunges towards Justin and Chris but is cut short by Luxcalibur who has its tail pinned under its front paw. JusTIN (cold) Lux, give me a rock. Luxcalibur looks on uneasy then hesitantly breaks off a piece of Onix's tail which causes the giant to bellow in agony before collapsing over. He then bats it over to Justin who catches it after letting go of Chris' hand. Chris runs but Justin throws the rock at his feet causing the terrified teen to tumble. Justin slowly walks over to Chris who is crawling away at this point. Justin kneels on Chris's back then turns him over and begins wailing on him with his good hand. After a few hits Luxcalibur roars to get his attention but he doesn't stop. In this moment the Onix breaks away from Luxcalibur and charges fervently towards Justin who stops the rock monster in its tracks with one hand. JusTIN (focused on Chris as Onix struggles against him) You like feeling big I bet? Its nice to be stronger than other people, believe me I know what you're feeling. But you don't get there by beating down the weak. ChrIS (crying to the point of almost being incoherrent) I'm so-so-sorry! (bowing to Justin) Please, I wont hurt anyone ever again. JusTIN No... No you wont. Justin cocks his arm back again and swings downwards towards Chris's stomach but before contact he is suddenly lifted into the air and begins floating. At first confused then angry with the intervener. He looks around to see Blaze and Kirlia the latter of whom is using her psychic powers to keep Justin at bay. JusTIN BLAZE I TOLD YOU TO- Blaze yells out, cutting Justin off. He goes on as if reprimanding his friend. JusTIN (slightly calmer but still angry) NO! This type of thing- Blaze places Kirlia down on Luxcalibur's back then bolts over to Justin and punches him in the face knocking the furious trainer to his behind as well as his senses as he slowly looks at what he's done to a child's face and the damage done to his own body. He remains silent for a moment processing the situation. He slowly stands up and pats Blaze on the back. JusTIN I'm taking Kirlia with me. If I hear the same story about you again... (justin looks at his friends' worried expressions) Just go. Chris recalls his Onix and flees. Luxcalibur walks over with Kirlia. JusTIN Thank you Blaze. Thanks Lux. And thank you miss from stopping me from doing something I shouldn't do. The ballerina-esq Pokémon smiles and gestures for Justin to move closer. She then raises her hands and a blue light emanates from them and slowly Justin's arm heals back, not without some pain to the adolescent. JusTIN Thank you. Blaze, head home. Make sure she's taken care of. Me and Lux are going to uproot this vine problem. Blaze nods, taking Kirlia off of Luxcalibur's back. Blaze then raises a fist. Justin smiles and pounds it. Blaze and Kirlia go off towards the garden while Justin and Luxcalibur venture towards the Obsidia ward. We cut to Chris staring at Blaze and Kirlia entering the garden, he looks on furiously with the blood still fresh around his mouth. He's approached by Darm who has a new Darminatan next to him. Darm Hey kid. A Luxray from this garden give you trouble? Chris looks at him suspiciously. ChrIS (the fear still in his voice) Why... DaRM Cause that stupid fucking cat killed my partner and I'm gonna get it back. You down? Chris wipes the tears and blood off of his face. ChrIS Yeah. Its asshole trainer took my shit. DaRM Well alright. Come with me, we got prepwork to do. Darm and Chris walk away from the garden and we cut to black. End of Episode 7.

JULIA Boom... Energy is siphoned from the panels turning them all to a listless gray. Magenezone's eyes spin around wildly until they stop focused entirely on Blaze and it fires a full powered surge of electrical energy that engulfs Blaze and blows away part of the wall behind Justin. JusTIN (sighing) You tried bud. Arceus knows you tried. When the light from Magenzone's attack fades we see Luxcalibur holding Blaze on his back. He has taken the brunt of the attack and Blaze is knocked out. JusTIN Thanks Lux, you're clearly a better partner than me. Luxcalibur walks his wounded partner over to Justin who takes him off his back and loads Blaze onto his own back. Blaze wakes up momentarily to give the "okay" sign with his claws to Luxcalibur. Luxcalibur returns to the field and gives a serious glare at the metal beast that attacked his friend. Dramatic music begins to play. Narrator And so ace versus ace. The match that had been long anticipated by Julia had finally come to pass. Which side would win could only be- Luxcalibur's tail lights up and he bats the Magnezone out of the building. Outside we see it has crash landed into the power lines next to a child and his mother. Kid Told you UFO's exist. We focus back inside on Justin and Julia's shocked expressions. NaRRATOR Remember when I opened these... I'm gonna talk to the writer... Julia walks to the fresh hole in the gym and recalls her Magnezone. JuLIA Doesn't matter. I still have one- Luxcalibur's eyes light up and he walks over to one of the still working panels and picks it up with his teeth. Justin looks upon shocked and Julia watches in disbelief and disappointment. JULIA (huffing and puffing) That's no fair. JusTIN YOU WERE GONNA SURPRISE SHOCK BLAZE! JULIA (batting her eyelashes) Maybe... JusTIN NOT COOL! The camoflage wears off the masked Pokémon fish revealing the Pancake-like Stunfisk. Luxcalibur shakes his head rapidly while still biting onto the small fish until it gets to dizzy to remain conscious then tosses it over to Julia who catches it in her last Pokéball. JusTIN Had to bring Lux in after all. Good job boys, you keep making me proud. Blaze gets off Justin's back and runs over to Luxcalibur and the two begin to cheer and play together. JusTIN (condescending) Ohhhh now you can run. Julia walks over to Justin yawning. JuLIA You get the.... hmmm (falling asleep) Need coffee. JusTIN Julia- She puts a finger to Justin's mouth to hush him. JuLIA The whatchamacallit badge makes your team do stuff... Julia falls over passed out and Justin catches her along with his newfound "Whatchamacallit" Badge. JusTIN Well boys. 1 down, only 7 more to go. LET'S DO THISSSSSSS- Int. SEACREST'S GARDEN The team cheers and we cut to Seacrest garden. Julia is asleep in a relaxer while Justin and company are silently drinking moo moo milk in an energyless fashion. JusTIN I'm going home. SeACREST (holding back laughter) You said you wanted a challenge. JusTIN 18 GOD DAMN BADGES AND.... HOLY CHRIST... AND AN ELITE FOUR! (defeated) I quit Justin goes to walk away but Blaze grabs his arm. JusTIN Blaze I know I said the two of us can do anything but that's a lot. I just wanted to get through a league and shut my br- and go home. Blaze caws angrily at his friend. Justin thinks for a moment and breaks in a frustrated yell. JusTIN DAMN IT. FINE BLAZE! We will fight all the gyms and have outlandish adventures. (serious and in Blaze's face) Just remember... You wanted this. Blaze runs over to Luxcalibur and the two begin playing around the garden. JusTIN Well that was an ordeal. I ho...ly shit forgot that I had to help Flo-rini-robot in the vine ward, I should stop getting distracted. SeACREST I'll pretend that was a coherent sentence, if it gets you out of here. JusTIN Love you too! Blaze, we're out. Lux, you're on guard duty. Blaze and Luxcalibur stand together shaking their heads. JusTIN Guys its a vine problem, that means grass types everywhere. Solider walks up to Justin from behind, catching him off guard. JusTIN (surprised) Jeez, need to put a bell on you. Soldier points at Justin then to Blaze and Luxcalibur and points out of the garden, signaling the group to leave. JusTIN Think you can keep a look out alone? Soldier clangs his arms together. JusTIN Alright... Justin runs inside quickly then back out holding the same watch device that Blaze and Luxcalibur wear. JusTIN (panting) Alright, this is how we call each other. (wrapping the device around soldier's ankle) Tap it if you run into trouble or just wanna say hi. Soldier proceeds to test the device making Blaze's watch go off, he waves at its monitor and we see on Soldier's ankle a waving and smiling duo in Blaze and Luxcalibur. JusTIN You two are silly. SeACREST (sarcastic) Wherever would they get that from? JusTIN No idea. Justin begins walking out and his teammates run after him. JusTIN Later boys. SeACREST I have the strangest feeling of deja vu. Opal ward streets (afternoon) Justin is walking alongside Blaze and Luxcalibur. Blaze is sitting atop Luxcalibur reading a book with a load of scratches on the cover. JusTIN Nice day out huh guys? Luxcalibur is distracted by the hustle of the city which is oddly busy today. Blaze is lost inside of his book. JusTIN Its cool, I like being ignored sometimes. As the group continues down their path they hear a weak crying creature from an alleyway. Blaze puts his book away in Justin's bag and begins heading down the alley. JusTIN Guys can we ever focus on the one task we set out to accomplish? Luxcalibur follows after Blaze. Justin sighs then follows the two between the houses past a couple of homeless people who seem to be gambling with a dice game. The Pokémon freely pass, however Justin is given a bit of a hard time. Homeless man (clearling mucus in his throat) Hey! (he spits in Justin's direction barely missing him) What you doin' back here "trainer"? The other gambling refugees laugh and assist in heckling Justin. JusTIN I actually don't want any problems- HoMELESS MAN What.... (angry) You think cause we out here playin dice- JusTIN You're gambling. HoMELESS MAN On a nice day- JusTIN In a hidden dark alley way. HoMELESS MAN That we up to no good. Luxcalibur turns back down the alley looking at the commotion. JusTIN (playing along) Alright then... So what's up? HoMELESS MAN (shocked) We uh.... just want.... JusTIN (smiling innocently) To? The homeless man ponders for a moment before giving up. HoMELESS MAN Fuck it! Take his shit! A lightning bolt shoots out and sends the man flying right into Justin's arms. JusTIN That boys is called a warning shot. Justin announces to the onlookers who have gone from confident to terrified in a matter of seconds. JusTIN So anyone else want to play my game or is dice exciting enough. The people quickly return to their game of dice, Justin lightly places the knocked out homeless man in the place he was in before attacking Justin. Justin even places one of the die in his hands as if the man is awaiting his turn then walks down the alley petting Luxcalibur as he goes. The two reach the end of the bleak space and there is a small opening with a large wire fence and a small rickety house that the homeless clearly use on occasion. The door to the building is already ajar and Blaze is nowhere to be seen. Justin and Luxcalibur look at each other then slowly walk inside to see Blaze sitting next to a crying Kirlia. He does his best to console her but she wont calm down. Blaze pokes at his watch for a moment and soothing music begins to play from it. The gentle tune fills the house and the weeping Pokémon begins to simmer down. Justin and Luxcalibur remain by the door to see what happens and avoid startling the young creature. Kirlia's tears turn to a nervous smile and Blaze takes her hand and begins to walk her out but her legs give way revealing a series of welts and scars on her legs in addition to the many that cover her body. Blaze slowly picks her up revealing a chain tying her down as if insult to injury. JusTIN (serious) Lux. Luxcalibur walks over and bites through the chain. Kirlia looks afraid of the lion who walks away after tearing through the chain. JusTIN Blaze, take her back to the garden then meet us at the eastern edge of Opal. We have to handle something. Blaze lashes out in protest at Justin and Luxcalibur who are halfway out the door. Justin stops turns with a smile. JusTIN This one isn't a request.

So here's episode 7... wow time flies eh? This one is a little all over the place but mainly trying too hard to setup a whole lot. Next episode will flow a lot smoother. Justin's climactic battle with Julia in order to obtain all 8 badges... right? Well win or lose either way here's episode 7 "Stronger than you" Int. seacrest's garden Roughly an hour since Justin, Blaze and Luxcalibur's departure from the garden we see Seacrest and Soldier tending to the garden. Seacrest Not often I see anyone take this job so seriously. Soldier continues to cut away at the bushes and trees as neatly as possible. He's doing an exceptional job at keeping all the hedge's edges even and clean. SeACREST Whoever trained you did well. Next to the veteran Pokémon is Lucky. The small egg Pokémon does its best to mimic Soldier by waving its stubby arms at the bushes but failing to achieve the same effect. He looks up in disappointment at Soldier, who in the blink of an eye hacks away at the bush in front of Lucky. He then points at it and Lucky looks back at the trimmed hedge and returns to his jolly self. He then runs over to play with the small bug Pokémon in the garden. SeaCREST So you think you'll join the boy in his gym challenges one day? Soldier pauses for a moment then resumes cutting without acknowledging Seacrest's question. SeACREST I suppose you have something more important to fight for. Both Seacrest and Soldier look over at Lucky playing with his new found friends. Seacrest turns back to trimming. Soldier continues to look on. A quick flash of Soldier cradling a small egg inside of a hollowed out tree, there's blood all over his body. Rain pours all around. Cut back to Soldier now smiling as he sees the hatchling playing. He turns back and continues the yard work. InT. Julia's Powerplant The battle has gone on for a little while longer. Blaze is running around the electrified field as Emolga hails down bolts of lightning. Blaze is careful to jump between the gaps of electric webbing that Galvantula shot out. Justin Damn. The webbing is not helping, he needs to clear it if we're going to fight a flying type. Luxcalibur howls and gets both Blaze and Justin's attention. JuSTIN I can't- Luxcalibur pushes Justin back and howls again to Blaze and points to the corners of the arena. Blaze gives the "okay" gesture to his feline friend and begins running to the corner. Julia What did he say? Justin shrugs in legitimate confusion. Blaze reaches one corner of the area and claws the webbing and picks it up. JulIA Emolga, stop him from whatever he's doing. Electro ball. The small flying squirrel looses a bolt from its tail towards Blaze who effortlessly dodges it but the bolt comes back due to the electric grounding. Blaze runs, pulling up the webbing as he goes racing towards another corner. JuLIA Emolga Acrobatics. JusTIN Oh... I don't like that. Blaze continues to the next corner and pulls the webbing off the ground and jumps over the electric rodent's aerial tackle and catches it entirely in the webbing, catching the creature off guard as well as Justin and Julia. JuLIA Clever boy. JusTIN Luxcalibur, you are so freaking smart! Justin goes down and hugs and kisses the lion. JusTIN Alright Blaze, just... Show a little mercy. Blaze grins maliciously as he opens his beak and releases a fire blast on the defenseless squirrel. After the fire and smoke subside the creature is seen with light burns and is recalled by Julia. JuLIA Its at this point that I'd say your entire team is actually capable of protecting themselves. Justin goes to speak but Julia immediately cuts him off. JuLIA And before you say anything dumb- JusTIN I never say anything dumb. I'm quite the intellectual. JuLIA Ummmm... Sure. Jolteon lets go. Jolteon returns to the field after Julia's summon. JULIA Agility. After images of the speedster are seen all across the field. JusTIN This is a bad. Lux, any other brilliant plans? Luxcalibur simply points his tail at himself. JusTIN (ignoring Luxcalibur) Ok so Blaze, you remember that perfect guard technique I taught you? Blaze nods. Justin whispers to Lux who stands at attention and his eyes begin to glow. He grins for a moment and begins following Jolteon with his eyes. JusTIN So Julia... What are your thoughts on Pokémon staying inside the ball? JuLIA Never thought about it. JusTIN You would think more people would. JuLIA So you think about that but not making them fight? JusTIN I've never made one fight in my life. Luxcalibur initially didn't want to fight because he was afraid of hurting someone. Now you see him. Julia takes notice of the lion's weights around his legs and torso. JulIA Are those weights? JusTIN They cut his speed to a fraction of his top form. He's got about 2500lbs on him. I had the boys at Grand Hall rubberize him so his electric attacks are toned down too. JuLIA You're kidding. JusTIN (confused) How is that funny? JULIA ... Jolteon get close. The after images all circle and enclose around Blaze. JusTIN Blaze, just stay calm and don't attack until you get a signal to okay. Blaze takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. JuLIA Hyper voice! Two after images rush Blaze and as Justin is about to make a call Lux grabs his leg to stop him. The first and closer image phases through the defenseless bird however the second stops behind him and solidifies. Luxcalibur roars and Blaze turns and throws up a white light emitting shield in front of his arm and is protected from the violent sound wave. Justin smiles. JusTIN TATSUMAKI SENPYUKAKA! Blaze kicks Jolteon up into the air with an enflamed talon then jumps up and while in air releases a flurry of kicks upon the poor creature, the last kick sends it cratering into the panels destroying a few of them. Before the spiked animal loses consciousness it lets out a light wail and a small light rises from it before dissipating. Julia recalls her fallen friend. JULIA I'm pretty sure I said a singles battle. JusTIN Don't hate that my team supports each other on and off the field Blaze raises a fist to his Pokémon partner and Luxcalibur lightly nods back. JusTIN You can send out Spider-Man, Blaze will make it quick and painless. JULIA (surprisingly perky) Kay! Justin looks on in suspicion as Julia resummons her giant tarantula Pokémon. JULIA Cover the floors Gary. JusTIN Ha. Garantula the Tarantula. JuLIA (coyly smiling) Nobody ever gets that. The floor is immediately covered in webbing, this time however Blaze was caught off guard. JuLIA Get him now Gary. JusTIN (flustered) Damn it Gary, don't you dare! Gary reaches Blaze and opens his mouth for an attack. JusTIN Blaze, perfect guard boy. Blaze uses protect but the cunning Gary halts before his attack. JuLIA Disable. A light sparkles at Gary's eyes and Blaze's arms and his light shield both subsequently drop and Gary begins inhaling strongly as a green life energy is sapped from Blaze who then falls to his knees. JuLIA Bounce. Gary jumps into the air. JusTIN Not like this. Blaze roll over. Blaze struggles to follow the command as sweat drips down the weak and disoriented foul's beak. Gary begins plummeting towards Blaze with sparks being released during his descent. JusTIN Flame thrower! Blaze shoots a stream of fire upwards towards his falling foe which easily consumes the oversized bug. Gary hits the floor breaking some of the web that has trapped Blaze who is now able to stand. Gary is recalled by Julia as Blaze shows he is totally exhausted after the Giga drain on his body. JusTIN Stay with me buddy. JuLIA Alright time to boomie just like last time. It was fun while it lasted guys. Red light pierces the arena. From it the metal monstrosity appears, its eye spinning wildly analyzing the opponents before it. It locks on to Blaze and slowly floats over. JusTIN (nervous) Damn. (thinking) There's no way he can take a long fight with him now but if he can take it down in one hit... Maybe. Justin pops up and points at the large UFO creature in front of Blaze. JusTIN Blaze, give him everything. AND THEN SOME! OVERHEAT Blaze's arms at his side, his head tilts up and he screams as fire escapes from his body in small bursts then eventually a large explosion of flame goes off engulfing the two Pokémon battlers. Luxcalibur stands in front of Justin to protect him from the flames. Smoke puffs out after the flames begin to die and we see both Magnezone and Blaze are on the floor. JusTIN Double K.O... Blaze a double goes to the leader, (urgency rises in Justin's scared voice) I need you to stand. Cmon buddy. Blaze is barely able to rise to his knee. He huffs heavily holding his chest tightly. He clearly does not have the energy to rise further. JusTIN And that Julia- A small white light appears and falls to Magnezone, upon contact all of the burns across his body fade away and he returns to his space in the air. JusTIN Oh no... JULIA (confident smile) Magnezone... Beeping and clanks are heard as the monster closes in on Blaze. He eventually ends up with his eyball pressed uncomfortably to Blaze's beak.

lé mao

Its a tie for me. Corey's battle was the first time I had lost in the game and it was very upsetting at the difficulty spike as well as the seriousness of the fight. If Pokemon games had gameovers this would be the best spot for the "alternate ending". Solaris.... I remember going from being pumped up climbing the volcano to excited to see a big shot to hysterical laughter when he said he'd use one pokemon then seeing legit only one pokemon and thinking this guy is a typical dumbass pokemon villain. Then I saw that healthbar and next to it was my new most hated number ever 75... and I thought this game was unfair as it ohko'd everything without the field breaking it down or someone cutting in to save me last minute and after the ease of X and Y I was expecting help but it never came and I watched my starter get bodied. I will not be satisfied until I truly beat Solaris without gimmicks or help on my own in a true rematch. Meteor does not forgive. Neither do I.

Fighting type mono and I was lucky enough to discover that Ciel had a mega... that was fun.... Seriously..... MUCH FUN

I did it with fighting. And Ciel being the final current gym was rather diffitcult

I think Rick had a ton of pretty good freak outs. I did like his, good to see people do appreciate when the good go bad. I think my OC may be fine after all.

Why does no one think he'll use gardevoir, the arguable best fairy in the game.

Safe to say Mr.Savage has met his boiling point many a good time and I do like to see his. Good pick.

Thanks. I liked Lucy's snap in EL. I'm just having a bit of a dilemma because I'm not sure how far is too far in a "snap". On one hand I want the anger to be understood and inevitably stopped but on the other hand, go too far and it makes a potentially likable character easy to hate. Some people felt in Re:Zero Subaki's snap was totally awful, I personally loved it as it was in line with his ego being attacked over the course of like 4 episodes along with his building insanity. I think everybody has one bad day where they can snap easier than others and making this true for fictional characters makes them a little easier to relate to.

I'd recommend a new thread as well as a separate thread for feedback so its easier for people to comment without going in between the story.