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He didn't want to do this, not really. The cynic in him, the one that laid awake at night reliving the same nightmare over and over ( - Zev, covered in impenetrable black crystal. Zev, who's body was now impervious to bullets - ), had insisted: what's the fucking point? What will it matter? This won't make you like him.[break][break]
But there was another part of him that burned with the desire to do something. Do anything. It was the desperate nagging scream of a dead man who refused to die, beaten down a hundred times only to continue clawing his way across the uneven ground, inch by agonizing inch, beckoned by the siren song of violent retribution.[break][break]
But most of all, he was here because of Isaac Merlo. If anyone deserved to live a life fulfilled, it was him. It would always be him.[break][break]
"Hey," Caleb greeted the blond. "Sorry for making you wait." He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes, twin seas still haunted by months in chains. He didn't need to give the reason: Isaac would understand. Men like them didn't travel anywhere lightly these days; it required more than just a little bit of caution.[break][break]
"So, lam logan, huh? Don't know the guy, but if he's offering to take us both on at once, he's gotta be good...or crazy."[break][break]
Despite the wry humor, he laid a hand on Isaac's shoulder in solidarity. Arceus, it felt good every time he was reminded of Isaac's tangible existence. The fact that he was still alive.[break][break]
"Let's win for once," he murmured more seriously, a hint of defiance, a spark ready to be ignited - with the right kindling.

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Jam Jam was, by far, a reliable member of his welcoming committee. Despite being one of the new fighters, his friendliness was unmatched. The galarian zigzagoon reached the approaching challengers several paces before Lam did - the raspberry blur toppling over himself with a wiggly flop like a rogue spaghetti noodle before righting himself. A neon blue tongue lolled as he peered up at the two. Oblivious to how harrowed they seemed.[break][break]

"Heyo!" His hand lifted in an equally chipper greeting, though Lam didn't miss the somber sort of vibe that hung to Isaac Merlo and Caleb Harcourt. It wasn't his business, of course, but...were they okay? It was apparent, at least, that familiarity existed between them. So he could count on a degree of natural cohesion from their end of the pitch. His easygoing smile remained steady, though. "I'm Lam - thanks for coming out to challenge me!"[break][break]

This was good, this was the point.[break][break]

Though...hm. Hopefully they actually enjoyed the battle itself. Especially when, in Lam's mind, these gym matches were educational for young trainers moving out with more consistency in the field, but they could also be a reminder to those who'd experienced how much the dangers in Hoenn could wreak havoc on the mind and body.[break][break]

That there could be something valuable in enjoyable in the battle itself when certain turns were favorable or new, no matter the ultimate outcome.[break][break]

But that was all a lot of contemplative battle philosophy, and not something he was gonna drone on about when they had a challenge to get to. "Clear skies mean you get an option," he continued as he bent to scoop up the antsy zigzagoon. "We can keep things indoors, or we can take it to the pitch outside. Your call!" He jerked his head toward the side door that lead to the beachside area.

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[attr="class","skulltitle"]導通抵抗

[attr="class","skullbody"]Caleb could keep Isaac waiting for as long as he damn well pleased. Nothing could be worse than the time Isaac had kept Caleb waiting.[break][break]

It wasn't fair to blame himself for it. He didn't know where Caleb had been. In fact, the night Zev Harcourt spilled the beans was the very same night Isaac came to his rescue. It was a testament to the man's ego that he hadn't requisitioned tightened security the very same night. Isaac supposed, in a way, it was the last kindness he'd ever have to owe Zev for.[break][break]

"All that matters is you're here," Isaac said, giving Caleb a gentle nudge with his shoulder. "I know this kinda thing's never really been your scene. Truth be told, it's never been mine, either. But these days, it's better training than you'd think."[break][break]

The Hoenn region was at war, and the gym challenge had been quick to adapt. What was once a measure of sport was now a test of a warrior's greatest skill. In some ways, it was heartbreaking. In other ways, it was necessary. Regardless, even as their focus shifted, gyms remained as good teaching tools as ever. Isaac had no drive to be some champion, but challenging the gyms had taught him so much about himself, his abilities, and the many reasons that fueled a person's will to fight.[break][break]

"Long as he's got two Pokemon to each of ours, it'll be a fair fight in my books." Sure, he and Caleb could split their focus, but in a pitched battle none of that mattered. Pokemon weren't tools. They were living beings. They could fend for themselves, and often needed to. " 'Sides, they'll have a lot of practice working together. Don't count 'em out."[break][break]

His warning was broken by a confident grin. "But you can bet your ass we'll pull out a win either way."[break][break]

Lam's Zigzagoon was quick to break the focused mood, zigging and zagging towards them with an excited look on its face. Isaac couldn't help but stoop down to scratch it behind the ears. "Not the gym leader I expected, but we'll take your challenge," he joked, only to look up and shoot Lam a proper wave. It was almost clockwork; the second someone else had perceived them, Isaac took his dour mood and shoved it deep into the recesses of his mind.[break][break]

Even with the strain behind his smile, there was a natural warmth to it. Isaac may have been down, but he refused to be out.[break][break]

"Pleasure's ours," Isaac said in response to Lam's humble introduction. "Thanks for opening up your challenge. Think a little bit of togetherness is something this region needs real bad." Despite his attempts at being casual, a bit of sorrow bled into his voice. Poker faces were harder than they used to be now that his true intentions were written in scars.[break][break]

A visit to the beach sounded like a much needed change of pace. It also sounded like open season for Team Rocket to crash the party from beneath the waves. Then again, could anything stop a particularly determined Rocket? He and Michael Navidson had been in an underground dome and they'd still somehow been followed. The only protection a building could truly give was peace of mind. How much was that worth?[break][break]

"How're you feeling, Caleb?"

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Typically, Isaac seemed determined to put on a jovial face for lam logan, so Caleb swallowed his cynicism and made room for a smile. The goofy Zigzagoon countered the dour mood the Ranger had brought with him to this particular gym challenge, and Caleb found himself reaching out to give the little guy a grateful pat on the head as Lam scooped him into his arms.[break][break]
You trust Isaac, don't you? he reminded himself. If he thinks this will make you both stronger, you owe it to him to give it a fair shot.[break][break]
For Isaac, Caleb would do pretty much anything. He owed the younger man his life, after all.[break][break]
"Caleb Harcourt," he introduced himself to Lam. "Elite Ranger out of Slateport." He eyed the other man, sizing him up. He knew better than to underestimate a gym leader, no matter how easy-going and friendly he seemed. "Isaac's the optimist, but I haven't given up on Hoenn just yet." Or myself. he realized.[break][break]
Indoors or outdoors? Isaac deferred the choice to Caleb, perhaps unsurprisingly. He likely wanted to ensure Caleb was comfortable, given this was his first attempt at a gym battle. The Ranger followed Lam's gaze towards the door, expression thoughtful.[break][break]
"Let's take it outside," he decided. Something about being able to hear the crashing of the waves appealed to Caleb. If there was one thing that could consistently inspire a little hope in him, it was the ocean's promise of adventure.

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[attr="class","text"]Whatever their conversation is, it’s lost on Lam beyond how serious both seem to look as it’s conducted. He doesn’t go out of his way to eavesdrop of course, and predictably, at least one perks up as though nothing is wrong once Lam is in their proximity. It’s something he can relate to, because he’s more apt to be the same. To act as if nothing is wrong despite any desperate, anxious crush closing up his chest.[break][break]

His zigzagoon is the natural icebreaker, all friendly yips as both challengers bestow attention on him while introducing themselves. An amused grin pulls across his mouth as he glances at @isaamerlo. “What sort of gym leader were you expecting, exactly?” Maybe I should take notes—it’s a dry thought that almost draws a huff of laughter.[break][break]

He shrugs regardless, though, not easily bothered by an assumption. “Of course, it’s what I’m here to do.” The gym was meant to be an open door, rather than a decisively shut one. “I agree, though. On both counts. Morale can go a long way.” And what good would it do any of them if everyone were to lose faith in Hoenn completely? Why stay in that case, if home was no longer there?[break][break]

“Outside it is.” With a flick of his hand, he leads both challengers to the side door that'll take them to the pitch marked out on the sandy stretch of beach. It runs parallel to the stadium, situated nicely between it and the clear blue stretch of ocean. In the far distance, the tall buildings of the island cities rise like glimmering needles, thin and steely.[break][break]

But he notices, as they tread the path down to the pitch and he takes his place on the opposing side, that it’s mistier than he recalls it being a little earlier that day. It’s not gloomy or overcast, per se, but the pale fog hangs over the water and spreads across their line of sight. “Huh..could’ve sworn it was completely clear,” he muses aloud, brow furrowing before he shakes off the conundrum and calls out to his opponents. “Alright, guys! First move is yours! Show me some synergy!”[break][break]

Jam Jam dutifully zips around Lam’s side of the court, taking up position as he tosses a second pokeball into the fray. From that signature red beam of light, an alolan raichu surfs forward through the air, perched delicately on the wide, flat part of his tail.

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The fog was unexpected but not unwelcome. He felt oddly comforted by its presence, like it was an ally rather than an interloper. Tiny droplets of water tickled his skin, and he rolled his shoulders, encouraged by more than just Isaac's confident declaration.[break][break]
The Dragonite's majestic presence brought with it a full-on rain storm, dispersing the mist (or perhaps bolstering it?), which made Caleb smile. Once, in a dream, Caleb had carried a trident into battle that called forth the same rain. It had always felt right to stand beneath the downpour, letting it wash over him, in the hopes that, eventually, it might purify him of his many unspeakable sins.[break][break]
A past version of Caleb might have believed redemption to be a hopeless endeavor, no matter how many times the rains fell. Now?[break][break]
Now, he wasn't sure it even mattered anymore.[break][break]
Perhaps Lyra was the expected choice during a dragon-powered RAIN DANCE, but the Ranger grabbed a different Pokeball instead. He and Isaac had discussed a few tactics ahead of the battle: now it was time to put them into action, and see if they worked.[break][break]
With a flash, Nox appeared, the Lokix's nimble form much smaller, but no less intimidating, than the Dragonite's.[break][break]
"Ready?" Caleb nodded to him. Activating the Tera Orb attached to his belt, Caleb watched Nox begin to glow, the tough carapace that armoured his body crystallizing over until it was covered in sparkling topaz.[break][break]
Electricity crackled. Now it was a proper storm.

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[attr="class","text"]It connected belatedly that Isaac had been referring to Jam Jam, rather than himself. He refrained from smacking himself on the forehead lightly, though a quiet laugh broke free instead. "Well, rest assured he takes his job very seriously. There's never been a more enthusiastic GL."[break][break]
As if in on the joke from the start, the zigzagoon yipped cheerful, turning himself in a few rapid circles before tumbling over. Always one for levity[break][break]
Though that did little to assuage his confusion over the weather shift. It wasn't anything discomforting, or that he couldn't work with. It was just...odd. He was so sure that the skies had been open and clear not long before their arrival at the gym. But whatever the cause, Lam couldn't tell. At least it didn't seem like there wasn't any sign of a storm rolling in over the water.[break][break]
Or well, there hadn't been.[break][break]
The dragonite that swept across the field conjured a gentle, but steady rain over them. A nice set up, though Lam wasn't sure who it was for, just from looking between the dragon and the accompanying lokix as it glowed with sudden, crystallized light as it encased itself with terastralized power. But he figured he'd soon find out if he didn't quash it quick.[break][break]
"On second thought, Jam Jam, cycle back! Indra, cover him." The galarian zigzagoon gave another yip. His tail wiggled as he sprang forward toward the lokix, insisting on leaving a PARTING SHOT with the insect before returning to his pokeball for the time being.[break][break]
The alolan raichu, in tandem with Jam Jam's departing efforts, swooped around his teammate, careful to watch for the larger dragonite. A pulse of DISCHARGE flowed from his body, emanating outward to keep Zeph away.[break][break]
Lam's altaria soon replaced the retreating zigzagoon. Mallow fluttered from her pokeball with a serene sort of grace. She drifted across the pitch like a cloud pulled down from the skies. And surely she must've been on CLOUD NINE because soon the rain weakened, and then slowed altogether.

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Caleb watched Lam spring into action, understanding instantly that the jovial man was, indeed, a talented trainer. The speed at which he assessed the battlefield, decided to recall his Zigzagoon, and moved onto a different tactic was impressive. Reluctantly, the Ranger had to admit to himself that he felt excited to take on this challenge.[break][break]
Clipped by the PARTING SHOT, Nox shook himself, unfurling his wings and buzzing with anticipation. Electricity continued to crackle, and though the RAIN DANCE had apparently ended, the Electric-type Lokix was undeterred. Caleb considered his options - electric attacks would still be effective against the Flying-typed Altaria, though less so without the amplifying effects of the RAIN DANCE. Meanwhile, the Alolan Raichu was very quick, and equally effective against Isaac's aerial Dragonite. Caleb ought to deal with him first.[break][break]
"Go for the Raichu," he commanded. "It's your first move, so you know what to do."[break][break]
Nox leapt forward towards the Raichu, channeling power then unleashing a FIRST IMPRESSION. The only move he knew would be faster than anything the Raichu had in store, he threw all of his strength into it. Normally, a Bug move would not do much against a Raichu, but this wasn't just any Bug. This was the crafty companion of a desperate man, used to the impossible and eager to defy expectations.

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These two definitely didn't come to play. That was a good thing, in his book. The effort applied to their strategy was obvious, and they worked easily with little open communication between one another. Lam flashed Isaac Merlo a thumbs up at the appraisal. "Neither is she!" he chimed, nodding at the altaria who remained poised and at the ready.[break][break]

Trained as a flier, but her strength actual laid in typing that should've been her natural weakness.[break][break]

The clap of electricity flowed toward the altaria, but Mallow was ready for it and kicked off of the pitch to deftly maneuver herself away from the crackling THUNDER WAVE. She hadn't endured Josh Devlin's aerial course only to be stunned so quickly. A warning coo rumbled from the avian dragon, though the sound was much sweeter than threatening.[break][break]

That swiftness couldn't be said of Indra, however. Focused on watching the aftermath of his attack on the dragonite, the alolan raichu's attention faltered. By the time he reaffixed his attention on the lokix, it was too late - the hit landed with a resounding smack down, the FIRST IMPRESSION really driving the up close and personal greeting home.[break][break]

It didn't go unnoticed that it seemed to hit harder than would normally be anticipated. But dizzily, Indra pulled himself back up, irritated static buzzing from his cheek pouches.[break][break]

It wasn't ideal to go on total defense from the jump, but... better safe than sorry.[break][break]

"Both of you, shore up!" For Indra, that meant laying the groundwork to avoid that excess damage taken. The alolan raichu flit back and forth between their side of the pitch, small arms stretched wide in concentration. The shimmer of a thin, gossamer (but no less durable) barrier of LIGHT SCREEN soon stretched from end to end to add an extra layer of padding to the duo.[break][break]

Mallow, however, waited on Lam.[break][break]

Much like Caleb Harcourt's prior maneuver, a tera orb was produced from the gym leader's pocket. In a burst of bright pink hues, the altaria was soon encased in similar crystallization - pale, blossom pinks rather than topaz. The fairy-type crown perched neatly on her head, as her serpentine neck swayed with the seren trill of her voice.

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Caleb watched as a shimmering barrier erected itself in front of Lam and his Pokemon. Going on the defensive already? Caleb thought, wondering if he'd actually managed to surprise the gym leader with his clever tactics. Without wasting much time on praising himself, however, he turned his attention to Isaac, waiting to see what the younger man would do.[break][break]
Isaac recalled his Dragonite - perhaps prematurely? - and in his place, a Corviknight appeared. Ah, Caleb realized, instantly understanding Isaac's decision. With Terastallization on the other side of the field, it seemed Isaac was planning a Mega-Evolution counter.[break][break]
Seeing the large black bird hovering in front of its trainer, Caleb suddenly had an idea.[break][break]
"Nox! Looks like Isaac's giving you a bit of a boost." He grinned at the Lokix, then nodded at Halberd's exposed back, which was wide enough for a smaller Bug-type to, well, launch right off of it like a diving board.[break][break]
Nox hopped up onto the Corviknight, then allowed himself to be lifted into the air. Channeling energy into his fists, he waited...waited...there! Positioned directly above Indra, Nox jumped from Halberd's back, punching downwards directly through the LIGHT SCREEN. With the momentum from the leap powering him, the summoned BRICK BREAK would hopefully bypass the barrier and make contact with the Alolan Raichu.[break][break]

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