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i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

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TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON May 17, 2023 18:32:37 GMT

Thomas quietly made his way into the soundproofed chamber of the library. It was the first time in a while that he had the opportunity to battle a Gym Leader, hopefully one that wouldn't be interrupted.

Truth be told, Thomas never really got to know Hideo all too well. He had heard things about the youngster, and was happy that he had gotten as far as he did. Today, he would see what this kid was made of.

The large Scizor was sent out, eager and excited to see some combat, even if he wasn't going all out.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: tl;dr

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played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

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2,419 posts

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part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 11:57:52 GMT

All kinds of people had flocked to his gym the moment it opened: friends, a prospective Gym Leader, and now he had an ex-Elite Four member at his doorstep.

There was already a small commotion from the audience, not just because of the challenger, but also because of the Pokemon Hideo had chosen to use for this battle: a dusky-looking Alakazam. The term "Shadow Pokemon" was thrown around a few times. Others muttered about the presence of the challenger, a man who had drunkenly resigned from his position on stream.

"It's good to have you, Mr. Benoit," Hideo said, the warm smile on his face ignoring the onlookers' concerns. "Gotta say, I wasn't expecting an Ex-E4 member on my first day! Are you challenging me, or am I challenging you?"

The small joke didn't do much to assuage the crowd.

"Well then, now that we got our Pokemon out, it's time to set up the stage!" The Psychic Terrain was spread by the Psychic Pokemon on the outer edges of the arena, the environment quickly transforming into something completely different.

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[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

[attr="class","Chromeoverlay"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Take Your Chances

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

The room now appeared to be in a massive casino, one that extended far beyond the reaches of the room they had just been in. The ground was covered by what appeared to be carpeting, but the ground would feel the same as it was before. A wide space seemed to have been cleared for them, though the wounds the illusion bore hinted at a previous battle being the cause.

The only debris was outside of their battle area - and all challengers would be aware of the proper dimensions of the room (as well as where the spectators were located) courtesy of the Telepathic Pokemon maintaining the illusion.

"Well, whoever's challenging who, the first move goes to you!"

MADE BY MIZO

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Notes regarding Shadow Alakazam:

the move DISABLE allows the user to use the move that was DISABLED. this move can only affect one pokemon at a time.

it now has the additional event move DARK ROLE PLAY. this is an exclusive 7th move that cannot be replaced.

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played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

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part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON May 19, 2023 16:26:44 GMT

The mutterings of the crowd meant nothing to the former Elite Four. Yes, he had "drunkenly" resigned on a livestream, something that he slowly came to regret. But he was not here for their approval. He was here to test the kid.

"Nice to properly meet you, Hideo.", Thomas greeted the boy.

Thomas took note of the Alakazam. Something was off about this one. He took note of the mutterings about it being a Shadow Pokemon. Though he had questions about how Hideo came into possession of such a dangerous Pokemon, he'd reserve them for the time being, focused more on the battle.

The arena shifted to that of a casino. The use of illusory backdrops was all too familiar to the disgraced nobleman.

"Impressive! In my time, I used a Zoroark to create such backdrops myself.", Thomas commented, referring to his time as Verdanturf's Dark Gym Leader.

"Ripper, set up!", he commanded the Scizor, taking initiative.

The Scizor would take a deep breath, focusing himself, and entering a Calm state of Mind, in order to strengthen himself for the coming battle. He would then attempt to attack the Alakazam by throwing a Bullet Punch at the Shadow Pokemon. The attack would be bolstered by his ability, Technician.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: Scizor used Calm Mind (PLA version)
Scizor used Bullet Punch

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played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,419 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON May 21, 2023 19:53:30 GMT

[player]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/887432001102164049/1109931635396333568/Casino_Royale_I_quiet.mp3[/player]

Casino Royale I

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[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

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[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Take Your Chances

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

Hideo nodded. "Right, I think I remember hearing you also used to be a Gym Leader before you were E4. Wish I could've taken a shot at it, but ah well. This is as close as I'll get to that for now."

And with that, the battle had begun: the Scizor's attack came in fast and hard, the Bullet Punch landing a direct hit on the Shadow Alakazam. It did take a step back from the impact, but still took the chance to stare right into the Scizor's eyes.

A low light surrounded the Alakazam, that same light quickly going towards the Scizor. The Dark Role Play would go into effect, granting the same ability to the Alakazam - and disabling it for the Scizor.

DARK ROLE PLAY:

the user mimics the target completely, stealing the target's ABILITY. the pokemon affected by DARK ROLE PLAY loses that ability until the user is returned or knocked out. this can only affect one pokemon at a time.

With that, one of the spoons the Alakazam held would glow bright blue, before pointing towards the Scizor, aiming to hit with the Focus Blast.

Alakazam hit by Bullet Punch
Alakazam uses Dark Role Play (ability changes to Technician)
Alakazam uses Focus Blast

MADE BY MIZO

Notes regarding Shadow Alakazam:

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played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON May 26, 2023 20:23:50 GMT

The Scizor's grin would soon be turned to shock as he felt his affinity for light attacks being robbed of him. The Dark Role Play would nullify his ability successfully, while giving it to the Alakazam.

"Interesting.", Thomas commented.

The Scizor braced himself for the oncoming Focus Blast, being thrown back several feet, before skidding back on his legs. Thanks to the Calm Mind boost, the attack wouldn't hurt him as much.

Taking a Double Hit stance, Scizor would focus on his opponent, before lunging at the Alakazam with a Bug Bite, attempting to grab and squeeze the Shadow-type with his heavy pincer.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: Scizor affected by Dark Role Play
Scizor hit by Focus Blast
Scizor used Double Hit (PLA version)
Scizor used Bug Bite

close tab

played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,419 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON May 29, 2023 20:46:53 GMT

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[attr="class","Chromeleftoverlay"]

[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

[attr="class","Chromeoverlay"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Remember the Basics of CQC

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

The Alakazam coldly watched as its attack pushed the Scizor back. This was a Pokemon Hideo didn't need to order around - he knew it was a skilled battler above anything else. Its lack of restraint was something that could easily be held back by the many Pokemon he had on the outskirts of the arena - and he knew the Alakazam knew that.

It watched as the Scizor assumed an odd stance, readying itself for the follow-up - only to realize it had misjudged what type of attack was coming, that the stance was only to enhance what came next.

It raised an arm to at least guard somewhat against the attack, the Bug Bite clamping down on its arm. It grunted, staring right in the Scizor's face.

A dull glow covered the Alakazam, slowly Recovering from the damage of the past two attacks. And that wouldn't be the only reason for that glow: the glow intensified, turning pink as the Dazzling Gleam built up strength, unleashing it as soon as it reached its peak.

The glow of the chandelier lighting the illusion changed color, matching the pink glow.

Alakazam hit by Bug Bite
Alakazam uses Recover
Alakazam uses Dazzling Gleam

MADE BY MIZO

Notes regarding Shadow Alakazam:

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played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON Jun 2, 2023 5:14:13 GMT

Ripper grinned for a moment, as his pincer squeezed the Alakazam. Unfortunately, the Shadow Pokemon recovered right in front of him, much to his annoyance. The continued glow of the Psychic-type immediately got Thomas' attention.

"Ripper, keep calm!", Thomas quickly called out.

The Scizor would begin to focus his mind once again, fortifying himself for the Dazzling Gleam. Thanks to his steely body, and the prior fortification allowed him to tank the attack with relative ease. Despite this, the damage combined with the earlier Focus Blast would begin to take its toll on the insect.

Ripper would retaliate by lunging at the Psychic Type with a Brutal Swing.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: Scizor used Calm Mind (PLA) (2 uses)
Scizor took Dazzling Gleam
Scizor used Brutal Swing

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played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,419 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON Jun 4, 2023 14:02:36 GMT

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[attr="class","Chromeleftoverlay"]

[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

[attr="class","Chromeoverlay"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Remember the Basics of CQC

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

The Brutal Swing, true to its name, struck the Alakazam hard, pushing it back a few steps. The healing from moments ago was almost completely undone with just that single strike - but the Alakazam was far from finished.

"That's a pretty good attack!" Hideo applauded, "So good that I think Dusky here might want to borrow it for a bit!"

The Alakazam's eyes glowed a dim yellow as it went to Disable the Scizor's Brutal Swing - and if it took, it'd do more than just prevent the Scizor from using it again.

The move DISABLE allows the user to use the move that was DISABLED. This move can only affect one pokemon at a time.

The Alakazam tried to add a bit of distance between itself and the Scizor, aiming to fling its opponent back with its Psychic energy.

Alakazam hit by Brutal Swing
Alakazam uses Disable on Brutal Swing

(Due to Shadow Pokemon bonuses, this would give Alakazam the ability to use Brutal Swing)
Alakazam uses Psychic

MADE BY MIZO

Notes regarding Shadow Alakazam:

close tab

played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON Jun 4, 2023 17:47:36 GMT

Hideo Kino likes this

"So that's your Shadow Pokemon's power, then? Stealing abilities and attacks?", Thomas inquired to the Gym Leader. "Impressive.", he'd remark.

The Scizor would look on in irritation as the Alakazam robbed him of his Brutal Swing. The Psychic blast sent him flying a few feet. Thanks to his steely armor, and the two prior Calm Minds, the Scizor survived the attack comfortably.

"Now I show you mine!", Thomas declared, pulling out a pocket watch. With a click of the top button, the watch would open to reveal a Keystone in the center of the clock face. Thomas pressed down on the Keystone, causing Ripper to become engulfed in a chrysalis of energy, before exploding out of it as a Mega Scizor.

"This is proof of our bond!", Thomas bellowed.

The Scizor would lunge at the Alakazam, intent on beating down the Psychic-type with his powerful, elongated pincers. Mega Energy would pour from his wings as he moved.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: Scizor took Psychic
Scizor Mega Evolved
Scizor used Close Combat
Mega Evolution Turn 1/3

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played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,419 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON Jun 6, 2023 23:12:59 GMT

[player]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/887432001102164049/1109931635819941939/Casino_Royale_II_quiet.mp3[/player]

Casino Royale II

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[attr="class","Chromeleftoverlay"]

[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

[attr="class","Chromeoverlay"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Remember the Basics of CQC

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

"Yup!" He wouldn't deny it, not in a match like this. "Your Scizor'll get them back soon, but that's what makes Dusky here special! I hear Shadow Pokemon all got those unique things about them, and his things seem pretty flexible!"

And with that super-effective move out of the way, that Alakazam was ready to start his major counterattack.

But the dramatic reveal of Thomas's Keystone stopped that, the Scizor Mega Evolving in front of their eyes. Mega Energy flew through the arena, the illusory lights flickering before adopting a mix of red, white, and black tints. "Ah, a mega evolution! Show me just what kind of power you got behind it!"

The Shadow Alakazam merely glared at the Mega Scizor, displeased, watching it adopt a power it could never possess.

It could only raise its arms (and spoons) in defense as the Scizor charged at it, doing the best it could to protect against that Close Combat. Even if the attack wasn't very effective, it was hitting hard - not at all helped by the damage it had already accumulated.

The Alakazam would take a chance to show off its newest attack, attempting to deliver a Brutal Swing on the Scizor - its meager strength enhanced by the Technician ability it had taken earlier.

Alakazam hit by Close Combat
Alakazam uses Brutal Swing (enhanced by Technician)

MADE BY MIZO

Notes regarding Shadow Alakazam:

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played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON Jun 12, 2023 16:35:47 GMT

Hideo Kino likes this

The Scizor would find himself taking the Brutal Swing. Thanks to his enhanced armor, the Scizor was able to take the Technician-enhanced attack with relative ease, stumbling back, but still on his 'feet.'

The Scizor would ready himself with a Double Hit stance, before attempting to lunge at the Alakazam. His fearsome, elongated pincer would open up, as it attempted to clamp down on the Shadow Pokemon with a vicious Bug Bite.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: Scizor takes Brutal Swing
Scizor used Double Hit (PLA Effect)
Scizor used Bug Bite
Mega Evolution Turn 2/3

close tab

played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,419 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @hideo

POSTED ON Jun 14, 2023 0:22:54 GMT

Thomas Benoit likes this

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[attr="class","Chromeleftoverlay"]

[attr="class","NOSTALGIA"]

[attr="class","Chromeright"]

[attr="class","Chromeoverlay"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Thomas Benoit

[attr="class","lemonsoda"]

[attr="class","puppycat"]Remember the Basics of CQC

[attr="class","monody"]

Casino Royale

The Brutal Swing struck - but while the Alakazam was certainly stronger than most of its kind, even with the borrowed Technician ability it possessed, it was not a very strong hit, and it was still trying to strike at a mega-evolved Scizor.

The Alakazam shook its arm a bit after the strike; it probably hurt itself more than it did the Scizor there.

And the Scizor was already readying for another strike. A familiar dull glow began to envelop the Alakazam, attempting to Recover before the attack came - but it was too late, the enhanced Bug Bite taking hold.

The Alakazam's other weakness quickly became apparent: it had already taken some heavy hits before. Its first Recover could only heal so much, and it could only push itself so far. The dull glow around it diminished, its consciousness faded. The illusionary chandelier above fell, silently crashing into the ground.

A moment later, it was recalled into its Pokeball, knocked out. "Dusky took one gamble too many," Hideo said, the illusion around them dissipated, bringing them back to reality.

MADE BY MIZO

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[player]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/887432001102164049/1010637465012408471/StarterSpace.mp3[/player]

"Nicely done!" Hideo said, a few of the psychic Pokemon maintaining the illusion approaching him. He handed his Alakazam's Pokeball over to one of them, another advancing towards the Scizor to give it a Heal Pulse. "Shadow Pokemon are really something else - but even they struggle to face off against a Mega Evolution!"

"Shadow Pokemon can be pretty unpredictable, but I guess that goes for any kind of ordeal you might come across! And I'd say you did a pretty good job getting through this one! Victory is yours, but before I give you your badge: was there anything you would've wanted to do differently for this battle?"

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played by

Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

awards

2,463 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @thomasbenoit

POSTED ON Jun 14, 2023 5:39:07 GMT

Ripper grinned as his pincer gripped at the Alakazam. Before he could do any serious harm to the Shadow Pokemon, however, he let the Alakazam down. Despite his bloodthirsty nature, he knew better than to kill another Trainer's Pokemon, especially a friendly trainer.

As the chandelier crashed to the ground, Ripper would revert back to his normal form. He allowed the Psychic-types to treat him with Heal Pulse.

Thomas bowed respectfully to the Gym Leader. "Good battle. Thank you for having me.", he'd tell Hideo respectfully.

The question of what he'd have done differently was a tough one. But one he'd attempt to answer to the best of his ability.

"To be honest, this was going to be a tough match for Ripper, however you spin it. The natural capabilities of an Alakazam aside, the fact that yours was capable of stealing Ripper's ability, which he is quite reliant on, put him in an extremely difficult spot. But if I had to do anything differently, it would have been to have Ripper be a bit more evasive, rather than just tanking hits.", he'd begin.

"Ripper could've used Bullet Punch to throw himself out of the path of attacks. But then, if your Alakazam saw that, I'd imagine that Bullet Punch would've been the move he chose to steal, rather than Brutal Swing.", he'd explain, then speculate.

"Ripper tanking those hits, despite his affinity for Calm Mind, was a risky gamble. One wrong hit, and he'd have been done. But then, these situations in general tend to be a gamble, no? All we can do is do our best to roll with the punches.", he'd conclude.

tags: Hideo Kino
notes: tl;dr

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played by

Blue Star

Hideo

he/him

October 18th

slateport

undecided

Gym Leader

Ace Trainer

smol height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

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POSTED ON Jun 15, 2023 22:53:45 GMT

Hideo nodded along as Thomas gave his answer.

"Yeah, Dusky's special powers can put you in a rough spot if you rely on an ability or a specific move too heavily. You might not have access to all your resources in a dangerous event, so it's important to adapt and overcome any obstacles that might get in your way - which you and your Scizor did just fine!"

"And yeah, using Bullet Punch to dodge attacks could've worked! And even if that had been the move Dusky chose to take, that would still leave him with a move that wasn't effective against a Scizor. It also was a good idea to use Calm Mind to prep your Scizor for an Alakazam's attacks. I'm not sure if your Scizor has any moves that could capitalize on the power boost, but everyone knows Alakazams are strong special-attackers."

He reached into his pocket. "It's important to look back on your past battles and to learn from them. Nothing ever goes perfectly or as planned, but what's important is you found your way through this ordeal. It's also important that you've learned something from it, so that you're better prepared when a more dire ordeal arises."

He took his hand out of his pocket, extending the Ordeal Badge to Thomas.

"That's why I present the Ordeal Badge to you, Thomas. I hope you're willing to accept it."

Thomas Benoit

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Tagger

Wraith

he/him/his

October 31

Shalour City, Kalos

Heterosexual

Ranch Owner

Ex-Elite 4

6'04" height

i used to dream in the dark of palisades park.

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