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POSTED ON Nov 15, 2020 4:16:47 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]“Good play.”

It may be a simple technique on the surface but Fernando recognizes the application’s two purposes. The obvious one is to buy them time and shield them from further attacks. However, putting up a barricade obstructs both Pokemon’s line of sight, with Zygarde’s being more valuable due to GLARE.

“But not good enough.”

While not set for this specific occasion, Fernando plans for just about anything. Being unable to see or reach their target has been a common enough obstacle that he’s taken a vigilant effort in ensuring his core team always has a way around it. For Zygarde, that option comes with both GRASS KNOT and LAND’S WRATH. The correct choice is obvious when paired against a Nidoking but Fernando doesn’t instruct his Pokemon on which one.

He doesn’t have to.

Zygarde may not recognize the type advantage it has over Nidoking, having never faced one itself (while in his possession) but the presence of altered terrain is enough to spur its decision. In response to the EARTH POWER, the canine also brings down its paws, howling as it taps into its earthly bond.

The ground is not their friend nor their shield. Sure enough, the ground gives way to a bright green light as it crosses the field. Zygarde’s LAND’S WRATH splits the ground with a precise fissure until the very barrier Nidoking had constructed explodes violently. Without precise vision, Zygarde has to eyeball their position, leaving room to miss, but the impact of the blast and following debris should serve as punishment enough.

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POSTED ON Nov 15, 2020 4:37:46 GMT

nidoking ♂: poison point - megahorn | toxic spike | horn drill | toxic | earth power | double kick

the attack knocks both asunder, the violent explosion of their makeshift shield bringing with it a fresh burst of confusion and pain. nidoking released a dull and low cry, his barrier falling all around him. but cait's had cultivated a sharpened mind, having improved upon her formerly delayed reaction time by a sizeable margin.

"use the debris as ammo. and double kick it. now."

she'd raised nidoking to mind her commands regardless of his discomfort levels, the great beast's formerly pained expression twisting as he regained the focus he required. the pokemon selected a mighty rock that was to his left, a single harsh kick sending it toward the zygarde at a startling speed. another kick would follow, a hefty piece of densely-packed earth mercilessly flung.

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POSTED ON Nov 17, 2020 0:35:44 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]“…!”

Creative, practical, and ultimately effective. Fernando and Zygarde are equally caught off guard by the sudden reversal and the projectile that comes hurtling their way. On instinct, the beast takes off, approaching in a sudden sprint, evading the first one. But it can only do so much.

The second one.

The fourth one.

Two of them land and send the Zygarde hurtling backward from the impact, skidding as it digs its paws into the ground to restabilize. It only takes a moment for the Legendary to regain its bearings, levitating some of the debris the Nidoking had chunked, repurposing them in the same manner as the projectiles scatter in a ragged STONE EDGE.

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POSTED ON Nov 17, 2020 0:49:19 GMT

her pokemon released a great bellow in the face of the attack, seemingly confident in the armor he had grew into during his day of evolution.

"charge. horn drill."

what worried cait was the potency behind the attack, the freckle-faced woman partially aware of the tamed beast's potential. but she was confident in her nidoking's pain tolerance, the pokemon pushed to the limit beforehand.

"...!"

her poison-type converted the fresh agony into fuel, his horn vibrating with energy as he rushed through the stone edge. the barrage relentlessly battering his form. but he ignored it, wielding his strength and his limited speed as he sought to bum rush the canine. his head bowed and his horn pointed directly at the legendary's maw.

FERNANDO SILPH

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POSTED ON Nov 17, 2020 21:29:39 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]“Evade! Maintain distance!”

Just by eyeballing the two combatants, the outcome should be obvious. If the much larger, much bulkier Nidoking ever gets its hands on the Zygarde in a contest of strength, it’ll spell an early end to the match. Their win condition is simple, outmaneuver and hope their agility and ranged attacks will overcome the other in a match of attrition.

There is no shame on the battlefield, only victory and defeat. In an official show match, Fernando would have been balked for allowing his Pokemon to engage in such shameless maneuvers, but out here, out in an open field, Zygarde will not lose in a game of tag. It runs away at the first sign of danger, growing a distance at the approaching Nidoking.

The canine doesn’t even have to turn back. It focuses its attention at running at full speed, keeping in the opposite direction of the enemy, using the sound of their rampage to path accordingly. As the two elope, several vines start to sprout up across the battlefield, looking to trip up the charging Nidoking with a subtle GRASS KNOT.

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POSTED ON Nov 18, 2020 13:54:57 GMT

the grass knot succeeds in greatly interrupting the poison-type's charge, his tumble harsh and exceedingly painful as his great weight serves as his downfall. he skids to a halt roughly several feet from fernando, his eyes squeezed tightly shut as a grimace twists at his hardened features. eventually he rises, his vision bleary as he rises before the man; his height significant only due to cait's personal intervention.

a superior diet and training had increased his height and bulk. he rises with great effort, his eyes sliding open. his form trembles, a great hostility causing his eyes to gleam. nidoking releases a low and irritable rumble, his focus shifting from zygarde to his master. but suddenly he freezes, the poison-type's pupils dilating.

"..."

"..."

both cait and nidoking appear momentarily distracted. but this clears in a moment, both quickly regaining focus - though the latter struggles to immediately return to battle. the previously administered glare locks his muscles, his hot breath escaping him in a harsh exhale. he can only turn toward his foe, though the small movement exhausted him.

[ nidoking is paralyzed! ]

FERNANDO SILPH

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POSTED ON Nov 20, 2020 21:08:31 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]Fernando does not so much as flinch as her Nidoking comes to a hurdling stop way too close from comfort. There’s is a semblance of trust in the Pokemon’s ability to handle itself that plays into his lack of reaction, but he does remove himself from the situation, taking several steps back to provide a more encompassing view of the field. His smile is as profound as his advantage.

“I believe that’s match set. The tempo for this round is mine, Alfric.”

The PARALYZATION sets in and the Zygarde shows no regard for the opponent’s circumstance. A roaring DRAGON PULSE erupts from the canine’s maw, locked to continue the long-ranged assault for as long as it can.

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POSTED ON Nov 21, 2020 1:06:41 GMT

cait acknowledges she is at a distinct disadvantage, though her outward façade remains visibly unfazed. she had partially adopted fernando's stoic exterior in the face of uncertainty, having worked on it for the span of a year. so she merely inclines her head, her eyelids lowering as she considered her next move.

the dragon pulse relentlessly batters her pokemon's dwindling resources, the creature covered in bruises that marred his plating. his chest rose and fell evenly but at an increased rate, the creature pained but willing to continue.

"we'll go for the exit strategy, then."

her words spark a near-instant response out of the pokemon, nidoking taking advantage of where he stood. his claws flex, orbs of purple and poisonous energy manifesting all around him. they sunk into the earth on fernando's side of the field, the traps carefully set and placed to catch the councilman's pokemon unawares.

[ toxic spike is active ]

FERNANDO SILPH

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POSTED ON Nov 21, 2020 5:24:56 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] “Brilliant. I expect no less.”

The call to give up this round is not one taken lightly. Most trainers fight until the bitter end with no regard for strategy of the big picture. Although the Slateport Gym no longer accepts challenges, Fernando’s seen his fair share both in person and through the automated match’s playbacks. Having to consider the TOXIC SPIKE doesn’t put a damper on this strategy but he does need to consider it going into the subsequent rounds.

“Reduce your movements unless necessary. Take it down from afar.”

There’s only one proper call and it just so happens to be the boring one. Fernando’s Zygarde remains in place, firing off another DRAGON PULSE as it chips away at the Nidoking’s faltering stamina. While far from flashy, Fernando derives his own satisfaction from the systematic approach to winning.

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POSTED ON Nov 21, 2020 7:32:10 GMT

dragonite ♂: inner focus - extreme speed | roost | hurricane | rain dance | aqua tail | safe guard

her nidoking collapsed to one knee in the aftermath of the attack, his eyes falling shut and his large bowed deeply. cait was aware he had reached his limit, the beast just barely succeeding in keeping himself partially upright. she acknowledged his defeat, though she heard pride as fernando praised her actions thus far.

'i need to impress him,' she thought, resisting the urge to smile giddily.

after relinquishing her seat, she'd invest the effort to maintain his utmost confidence.

"return, nidoking."

the pokemon was absorbed back into his pokeball. she'd mull over her choice, pondering who could face a creature such as this one.

'glare,' she thought. 'dragon pulse. land's wrath.'

she had stumbled in a metaphorical sense due to the status affliction that nidoking had been inflicted with. so she'd need to implement a preventative - in combination with producing a pokemon that could potentially allow her to catch up.

"dragonite."

the pokemon emerged from their capsule, flexing their claws experimentally as they considered the torn field and their chosen foe. they'd dip their head and clap their large paws together, swiftly erecting a shield in the form of safe guard.

[ toxic spike is active ! ]

[ safe guard is active ! ]

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POSTED ON Nov 23, 2020 20:09:47 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]The Nidoking returns and Fernando mulls over the idea of how to proceed. Ideally, he keep to the same Pokemon until it’s rendered unable to battle or until there’s a need to switch. But, for an exhibition match, that proves boring and unexciting. He’s here to demonstrate his own strength and Cait Alfric is one of the few people he trusts to push him to his limits.

“We’ll consider round one mine.”

Zygarde is returned in favor of Zeraora. The former proves much more powerful but the Pokeathlon Legendary isn’t anything to scoff at. It leaps out with an excitable poise to its step, hunching over at the sight of the opposing Dragonite.

“This one has a lot of potential but lacks battle experience. I look forward to what your Dragonite can do. It left quite the impression on my Golisopod.”

The SAFEGUARD is set and Fernando smiles.

“Battle routine set.”

The Zeraora awaits commands, lowering itself even further until it’s on all fours.

“Execute.”

And off it goes. It immediate charges the Dragonite with AGILITY, unknowingly tracking multiple TOXIC SPIKES into its fur, yelping at the sharp pain of running over the numerous caltrops. The POISON doesn’t inhibit it just yet but the way the toxins work their way into the Pokemon’s circulatory system is both insidious and lethal.

Once it enters melee range, it looks to strike high with a simple jab, immediately pivoting on its foot for a low sweep of FAKE OUT.

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POSTED ON Nov 26, 2020 12:41:01 GMT

cait merely smiled in reaction to fernando's reference of their previous battle. though he was incorrect in the assumption that dragonite was the same - the creature before him one of his many children - and carefully bred and trained to prioritize speed over all else.

"dodge."

the command is calmly and quietly spoken, the large beast comprehending his foe's speed and reacting deftly in turn. a single flap of his wings allowed him to hover above the cracked ground and avoid the fake out, a hint of a smile twisting at his thin lips and betraying his excitement.

"rain dance."

dragonite lifted himself higher, raising his head and peering skyward before his mouth falls agape to release a dull roar. a light drizzle falls upon their heads, dampening cait's green curls within moments. she was wise enough to come prepared, adorned in a light blue jacket - her hood soon flipped on.

"drrrr."

the pokemon delights in the rain, humming and purring his pleasure as he flips to and fro a solid distance above the field.

[ toxic spike is active ! ]

[ safe guard is active ! ]

[ rain dance is active ! ]

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POSTED ON Nov 27, 2020 3:11:32 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]“…?”

Even Fernando is taken back from the Dragonite’s deft maneuver. Taking to the air puts them at an advantage and there’s little they can do if it remains out of reach, much like their previous round. However, providing the Zeraora with the answer would be a counter-intuitive shortcut that defeats the point of their training.

A RAIN DANCE descends and the battlefield is primed for an electric type. Unfortunately, his Zeraora doesn’t know any long ranged electric attacks. The best it can do is SNARL at the enemy but it doesn’t have the foresight to do so. Agitated by the situation, the Pokemon tries to catch the Pokemon by leaping into the air, ready to pummel the enemy with its PLASMA FIST should it be able to catch it through a stroke of luck.

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POSTED ON Nov 27, 2020 4:51:55 GMT

despite their apparent advantage, cait isn't struck with the desire to whittle away at the bipedal feline from a safe distance. it'd make for a boring endeavor at that point, though fernando's pokemon does a good job at causing the dragonite to return to the field. in the midst of his frolicking, he is caught off-guard by the strike; the curled paw slamming into his belly.

his wings stiffen, his focus temporarily lost as his feet return to the earth with a thump as he executes a sloppy landing. he rubs at his belly with a low groan, partially keeled over before he snaps his gaze onto his foe. he appeared a combination of irritated and impressed, a wary expression twisting at his rounded features.

he straightens.

"extreme speed."

the pokemon experimentally bounced from one foot to the other, feeling his muscles unwind and then tighten. instead of flying, he'd charge upon his two feet; the surprisingly chubby limbs carrying him a distance within a short period of time. he'd seek to ram into the limber cat, the charge bodily. any traps set appeared to be given a decently-sized berth, the dragonite appearing aware of their placement.

[ toxic spike is active ! ]

[ safe guard is active ! ]

[ rain dance is active ! ]

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POSTED ON Dec 3, 2020 10:08:50 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] “Agility!”

They may not be attuned for battle but Fernando knows certain aspects of his Zeraora well enough. One of those aspects is the Pokemon’s inexperience. At this stage in its life, it’s unable to handle the EXTREME SPEED and counter it accordingly. That’s why he steps in by giving the verbal command to speed up with AGILITY. It won’t be enough to parry it but it’ll give the Pokemon a fighting chance.

As if mimicking the opponent, the Zeraora charges forward at the same time, slightly slower than the opposing EXTREME SPEED. When they collide, the Dragonite doubles the Zeraora over with its stronger frame and heavier mass. Thrown off by the impact, the Zeraora is sent tumbling back, rolling as it tries to claw at the ground to stabilize. It’s unable due to the backlash and fumbles for several rotations until its momentum runs out.

“…”

With no feedback, the Zeraora grumbles to itself, picking itself up as static starts to discharge from its fur. Once it has a good stance it charges forward again, looking to engage in a more poised CLOSE COMBAT. Rather than tackle the opponent, it’ll go for several quick jabs, chaining them into lithe strikes that allow it to keep maneuvering around the opponent.