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"And I'm sure Rocket's interference didn't help matters either. I'm still fuming over what they did to my town. Twice. I completely understand." Aaron growled out the organization's name. To say that he had tremendous fury at the orgnanization for likely burning down Littleroot once, though he had no proof of that, and then destroying the town during their attack on the League would be an understatement. Setting that feeling off to the side, he paid attention to the gym leader. A glint in his amber eyes showed fury at first, but as soon as it was there, it was gone again. He didn't think a gym leader would underestimate their opponent based on the number of badges they had. But then again...the thought occured to him that Callan chose to use only two Pokemon to give Aaron a chance to win.

But time will tell, and it was time to battle. Stantler and Snorlax...well, this should be interesting at least. Taking a pokeball off his belt, he threw his first round swinger. A Gengar emerged from the ball with a red umbrella. The ghost tossed the umbrella back at his trainer, who caught it. And the fight was on. "Start us off with Sludge Bomb. Then Confuse Ray when the opportunity arises." With a single nod, the speedy ghost darted to the right, then far to the left, firing a ball of purple sludge at the deer Pokemon. The move also had a chance of poisoning, so there was that. Even while the bomb was on it's way, a ring of yellow lights swirled around the Gengar, ready to fire at the Stantler in a follow-up. Aaron didn't want to use his ace in the hole with Gengar just yet...

Callan Young

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Aaron thought he had pretty good knowledge of Pokemon moves, abilities, and types. But even he didn't really expect a Psychic-type attack that he did not recognize at all. Maybe he should talk to his mom about transfering him to a dedicated Pokemon academy or something to fill in those gaps in knowledge. Still, Gengar reacted well. Even though the Sludge Bomb hit, the Stantler just charged right through it, and clipped Gengar even while his Confuse Ray hit. Though the normal-type didn't stay confused for long it seemed. It was eating a berry of some kind. Despite it being a graze, Gengar's defenses weren't good, even if it's special attack was top tier, and as was its speed.

He did notice the deer Pokemon munching on something...a berry? Well, whatever the case, Gengar was hurt now, limping a little from the graze. But otherwise still in fighting condition. Maybe he could heal up? "Hypnosis and then Dream Eater." The purple ghost started to wave his hands around, sending hypnotic waves at the Stantler, hoping to put it to sleep, and drain it's strength with a follow-up attack of Dream Eater. He hoped to keep round one fast and easy, and that sleep would do some good if it succeeded. But Doug also did warn him that Callan was craftier than you would think...

Callan Young

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It didn't stay down for long. The Dream Eater did do its job, recovering Gengar's vitality and healing him. But the Stantler was charging again, the "eyes" on its antlers glowing red and flickering to send confusing waves on his ghost. Clenching his teeth, the amber eyed teen hoped Gengar could dodge. To his credit, Gengar did try. But still got mesmorized by the flickering and was wobbling due to its confusion. He needed to end this now, and hoped that his ghost could pull it off. "Focus Blast. Finish this." His voice was loud and clear, if still stoic. Gengar tried to stabilize itself, an orangy bulb forming at one of his hands. The ground underneath cracked and shook, and waited until point blank range. Then did Gengar fired it, hopefully connecting and causing a massive explosion.

When the dust settled, there Gengar was, on his back, fainted. But hopefully so was Stantler. Unfortunately, that side of the dust was still settling. So the ref went ahead and called Gengar unable to battle. Returning his ghost, Aaron muttered a few encouraging words at his fainted ghost. "You did well. Take pride in your hard work." Putting it away, he took out his second pokeball, releasing part one of his second plan. Even if Stantler managed to not faint, it was surely almost done. But the next obstacle was going to be tougher yet. Snorlax were not easy Pokemon to take down. Hopefully Palosand would win in a battle of attrition though. The sand castle awaited his orders once Stantler's fate was revealed...

Callan Young

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No shit, he can count. Aaron wasn't four. The blonde just gave the guy a blank, deadpan look as he let out perhaps the largest Snorlax he had ever freakin seen. To say it was intimidating would be an understatment. The first move was made, and he had to react fast or part of his plan was going to go up in smoke. "Earth Power, stop it from getting you." A brown aura surrounded the pile of sand as the earth shook and spewed out between the Pokemon, stopping the stomach acids from getting to it. Even the splatters didn't get close to Palosand due to her thoroughness in her defense. Let the chipping game begin. "Sandstorm." With an eerie howl with jiggles, a dark and bellowing sandstorm started at Palosand that just increased in size to cover the battlefield, making it difficult to see, and damaging any Pokemon that wasn't a steel, ground, or rock type. Plus, it also activated Palosand's Sand Veil ability, making her harder to hit.

And that was part of why he was so worried at first. Of course, the next attack wasn't garunteed to miss nor did it mean that Palosand would have time to react to it the same way she just did. Part two of his overall strategy just started, how effective it will be remained to be seen.

Callan Young

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Palosand wasn't a powerhouse, even she wouldn't be able to use a single move or two so Steelix could sweep after she was done. Her strength was more attrition and support. Then wittle away. The Snorlax was so large, that he heard his sandcastle yelp in pain when it got hit. But it still seemed like she was still in it, if barely. That Curse was going to be a problem, but he had no way of disabling it. So he just had to deal with it, and just wear it down little by little. "Shore Up, then follow through with Giga Drain." Hopefully he could do more soon, putting it to sleep for some free hits would be quite nice, but he would have to see how the giant would react.

Numbers were great and all, but you can't always win with them. He'd take advantage of it if he had to, but he would play the long game now, as per his strategy beforehand.


Callan Young

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Aaron had started to think about what item Callan may have on Snorlax. Most common was Leftovers, since it was known to be tough as nails. The sandstorm would help cancel that out. But what concerned him was Curse. He had to stall it somehow. And do as much damage as possible. "Use Hypnosis." The sand castle sent out psychic waves to attempt to lull the beast to sleep. Sure, it may still recover health from its possible Leftovers, but at least it wouldn't be able to use any attacks or continue to set up. At this point, while it would be slower than Steelix, it may be able to hit harder, even with Steelix's Head Smash and Double-Edge attacks. He may have to do a hail mary Giga Impact right away.

But he had to do more damage. And Earth Power was Palosand's strongest move at the moment, with STAB and her respectable special attack...though it may still not do much with Snorlax's bulk, unless he got lucky with it lowering the monster's special defense. "Earth Power." With a loud moan, the earth rumbled and lashed out at the hulk of a Pokemon.


Callan Young

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