SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

“OH?”

Fernando slides a keen smile across the space between them. He looks more surprised than anything, eyebrows notched. “Are you taking challenges, Anderson?”

He doesn’t need a verbal answer. Anyone on the beach is prone to being challenged. Not officially, yes, but the social context of the event means being bombarded by request if you look unoccupied for too long.

A sweeping glance over scenery reveals several open arenas. Some lie closer to the water while others sit deep into the sand. Either will suffice but he wonders which one is more prone to forcing Lars into bringing out his ace.

Laurence Anderson

SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

THAT’S ALL THE AFFIRMATION HE NEEDS. Fernando flirts his fingers across the sun bathed surface of his Pokeballs. Almost a dozen sit on the pair of cloth belts ties over his swimming trunks. He counts them before laughing.

“I have a few left. Might as well use them up?”

He has a battle format in mind but revealing it without knowing if Anderson will take the bait is foolish. So he resigns himself to pairing Lars’ question with one of his own.

“Tapu Fini has been eager to exercise itself so far. Feeling confident enough to show me how far you and Articuno have come?”

Laurence Anderson

SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

“AH.”

Fernando notes the trainers around them before dismissing the notion with a shake of his head. “I’m more interested in your progress than creating spectacle—”

And then the question hits and an idea sparks.

“—but I’m sure we can do both.”

Unovian battles are all the rage these days. While Kalos has their own, the exclusion of sticking to Pokemon that can fly act as a gate that stifle their popularity. The unsightly chaos of having three Pokemon out at once leaves trainers wonderous as they try to micromanage their teams.

“I have two other Pokemon with me but they’re not much for battling.”

He clicks his tongue.

“You have your Beast Killer with you? See how long Tapu Fini can last against your Pokemon? A one-sided Triple Battle might humble it some.”

Laurence Anderson

SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

“GOOD.”

Fernando is quite pleased with the turn of events. While the match is undeniably slanted against him, a trainer of Lars’ caliber isn’t a treat he gets to indulge in often. Not only does he get to pit Tapu Fini against another Avatar but a Beast Killer as well; the third Pokemon is inconsequential, but he expects something just as suitable.

“Likewise,” he answers with a curtness that contrasts with Lars’ own explanation. Few words are spoken when Fernando takes his spot on the other side of the arena.

Two Pokeballs reveal the other Pokemon he’s kept on him: Clefairy and Alomomola. In consideration to the other Pokemon he owns, it should be no surprise that these are the last ones left. Their inability to battle means they’re never chosen for straight forward combat. However, this proves the exception to the rule.

His Alomomola nestles itself in a small puddle closer to his side of the field. Sparse pools of water liter the beach to allow water Pokemon some breathing room without having to retreat back to sea.

The Clefairy remains by his side, held between his arms like a plushie.

All he needs is Tapu Fini but the Pokemon remains out of sight. It isn’t until he expels a sudden gust of MISTY TERRAIN does its silhouette appear. When Fernando generates enough to mimic the MISTY SURGE, the Pokemon appears, materializing from the vapor as it whisked into existence.

Laurence Anderson

SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

FERNANDO WINCES AT THE SOUND OF THE SILVALLY’S SCREECH. His Pokemon, with the exception of Tapu Fini, shudder as well. Shivers crawl underneath their skin, goosebumps rising despite the warmth of their sunbathed skin. It almost offsets the sudden frigidness of the oncoming HAIL.

But as sure as the Tapu Fini exists so too will the MISTY TERRAIN. The terrain emanates from both Avatar and Patron. Fernando’s power may be singular but it is persistent. It comes as natural as breathing.

“Huh?”

He yells while motioning to his ear. The METAL SOUND proves deafening enough that Lars’ words seem like a whisper in comparison.

“Can’t hear you Anderson. Either way, prepare yourself.”

His Clefairy remains tucked between his arms, unharmed as the MAGIC GUARD shields away the HAIL with a translucent barrier that protects Fernando as well. It chirps with a quiet prayer, casting LUCKY CHANT in a bid to aid Tapu Fini.

Likewise, the Alomomola retreats into the recesses of is pool, WISHING its ally well.

“Battle routine set!”

He can hear his voice echo within his skull. That’s about the most of what he can hear as the Tapu Fini locks eyes with the bird above.

“Execute!”

Tapu Fini never looks away the Articuno as the MISTY TERRAIN reaches every nook and cranny of the artificial arena. Their avatar powers come to full effect as glitter blends in with the sand. Electricity starts to pulse from across the field, NATURE’S MADNESS crackling as several arcs leap out at Silvally and Metagross.

Laurence Anderson

SILPH VS ANDERSON

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AVATAR AND ARBITOR

DIVIDE AND CONQUER VERSUS ALL FOR ONE. The battle plays out as expected as Lars’ expertly commands his Pokemon to attack from all angles. Their assault is relentless. But Tapu Fini does not fight alone. The caveat for the Head Ranger’s advantage is that his other two Pokemon get to support the Legendary uncontested.

A WIDE GUARD comes up as the BLIZZARD rains down. Frigid air and constant snow batter against a barrier, causing it to crack as the storm is weathered into something more tame.

Lars’ Silvally breaks through the WIDE GUARD with ease. Focusing all its power into a single attack pierces the barrier as it comes closer to the suspended Tapu Fini. It remains levitated due to the TELEKINESIS, bracing itself as the MULTI-ATTACK comes head on.

But coming into melee range means the Silvally is exposed as well. NATURE’S MADNESS crackles, amplified by Clefairy’s HELPING HAND. Wild electric surges of fae energy lashes out in all directions. A pulse of energy explodes as the NATURE’S MADNESS flairs up the MISTY TERRAIN around it.

Laurence Anderson