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Closed RP blog for Rio Florez, Viridian City Gym Leader. Affiliated with A Daring Frontier

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ADF 30 Day Challenge: Day 9

How does your character smell? Do they wear perfume or cologne?

Rio usually smells like dirt.  She digs around in the earth a lot and is always surrounded by Ground-type Pokemon, so this should come as no surprise.  She likes the smell, too, so she doesn’t try to cover it up with anything.

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

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❝ Of course, my suggestion to expand your team is one way, but you can always figure out other ways to learn of how to improve yourself and your pokemon. ❞ Simply because it had come from her mouth wasn’t a good reason to simply do as she advised, seeing that individuality and her own battle style was just as important. After all, if the Gym Leader were to only listen to her advice, it would be pointless– seeing that she ought to improve her ability to adapt rather than to listen.

❝ ..You flatter me far too much, Rio. I’m just a regular human just like anyone else. Learning from experience is something that comes with the chance of regular battles. ❞ Picking up Eon from the ground, Maia petted the Psychic type fondly and averted her gaze to out of the windows. ❝ Your position as Gym Leader will grant you those chances and give you the experiences to grow. ❞

With that, Eon leaped out of her arms and the Kanto Champion kept her Pokeballs back, straightening herself up to ready herself for whatever it was she was to do afterward. ❝ ..Ah, I hope my visit hasn’t been too much of a bother. Might you have anything left you would require of me before I make my leave? ❞ 

“No, that should be about it,” Rio told her, trying to think if there was anything else she needed from the Champion.  Her visit had been unexpected, after all.  “Please do feel free to drop by whenever you feel like it, though.  We are practically neighbors.”

She smiled at Maia and offered her a farewell handshake.  

“Thank you again for the battle.  It was nice to get to spend some time with you and your team.”

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ADF 30 Day Challenge: Day 8

Pick two songs that describe your character at two different points of their life, and explain why you chose them.

La Mer by Nine Inch Nails.  10 years old.  Losing her parents was like losing her entire world.  Everything changed when they died, and she often wished to join them in death, if only to see them again.  The only thing that kept her going was her Pokemon and their unconditional love for her.

In Or Out by Ani DiFranco.  22 years old.  Rio doesn’t really like trying to label her gender or sexuality, and likes it even less when others try to do it for her.  She just wants to live in the moment with her Pokemon, and doesn’t see why those parts of her identity should matter when it comes to interacting with others.

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the clock’s rewinded

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sennademeke:

    Brown eyes stayed focused on the fossils behind the glass for a few moments before her head tilted up thoughtfully. She folded her arms, cheeks puffing out idly while she considered the question. Despite growing up with a researcher and an aspiring researcher, she honestly didn’t know much of the science behind fossils, bringing them back, and all of that stuff. Senna could vaguely recall both her dad and her sister talking about it once, but it had made her head hurt.

    But still, even if she herself didn’t understand, it wasn’t like she couldn’t make her own guesses. And besides, it was still interesting to think about! If the pokemon brought back from fossils really were different from their ancient ancestors, then what did those pokemon look like? Did they have different names, different types? How much did that process change them from the fossil itself?

        ❝That sounds like something my dad could probably talk about for hours,❞ she said, tilting her head back to where it had been and returning her gaze to the relics behind the glass. ❝But I dunno… I kinda wanna think they’ve gotta be at least maybe a little different, right? Some sort of… variation on the original? Maybe not a completely new pokemon but… maybe not exactly the same either?❞

    –If her dad and sister could hear her, she was sure they’d want to correct or theorize about at least something she had just said. But oh, well.

“I figure it’s something like that too,” Rio said wistfully.  “After being in a sort of sleep mode for so long and being encased in rock like that...  You’d think something about their DNA would have altered, even just a little bit.”

She drummed her fingers on her chin, thinking about the possibilities.  It filled her with a nervous kind of energy, like the answers were just out of reach.

“If we were able to perfectly replicate the original Pokemon I’d think that we’d have gotten closer to actually cloning them,” she said thoughtfully.  “But all efforts thus far have resulted in failures, or creating new Pokemon entirely.”  She turned to Senna, absolutely beaming.  “I’m sorry, I get kind of carried away when it comes to things like this.”

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ADF 30 Day Challenge: Day 7

Describe your character’s hands. Are they small, long, calloused, smooth, stubby?

Rio’s hands are calloused from working in caves excavating fossils and rare stones with her Pokemon.  Her fingers are long and she keeps her nails trimmed short, as she hates the feeling of dirt getting stuck under her nails.

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

Following the Gym Leader to the bench nearby, Maia sat herself down and allowed Eon to leap onto her lap, before petting the Espeon gently on her head. She would’ve immediately offered the Psychic type a favourite Poffin of hers, but responsibility took priority. Though, it was not entirely a sense of obligation that she had asked as such, she was curios as to what thoughts went through one when they chose moves for their Pokemon, in comparison to her own choices.

❝ Damage is an important aspect, but if you only rely on the damage inducing moves, then the status moves they have are all for nothing. If I may, I’d suggest perhaps varying from status inducing and damaging moves. Say your Krookidile for example.. if you were facing a faster opponent, your strategy for using Foul Play would be to waste. The Choice Scarf may be useful for that, but the Blackglasses that you have equipped on her will help raise damage of Foul Play as well, so it’s mostly your choice.❞

Falling into silence, she counted through the attacks that Rio had listed, putting it into her own battle scenario in mind. Seeing that Viridian Gym was a gym that specialised in Ground types, they would definitely not do well any sort of Ice, Grass or Water type. Ice types would definitely be a pain, especially the one that she had in mind..

❝ Take a Cryogonal for example. Its ability, Levitate causes it to be entirely affected by Ground type moves. The attacks that you have in your team’s arsenal will cause damage, but one hit from an Ice type move will cause a considerable amount of damage for your team instead. Your Torterra especially, Ice type moves would be four times effective against it. A Quagsire or Whiscash would be able to keep an Ice type at bay, but that’s the current weakness I would point out in your current team. ❞ 

In no way did she mean for Rio to change her team immediately– she was simply speaking her mind, in a sense speaking her thoughts aloud. It was evident that a lot of thought had been put into her battle style, and she wished not to berate her in any way. Being rude was the last thing she wished to do, after all.

❝ That aside, I can tell that you’ve put much thought into the attacks that your team have learned, and how to utilise them efficiently. It’s wise to take the Pokemon you had seen on my team into account, but there’s also no telling if I would have sent Arcanine out first. Do remember, I was not aware of your pokemon, hence I had no initial idea of who you may have sent out at all, other than the fact that it may be a Ground type. Your own knowledge is important, but try and see what your opponent’s knowledge may be as well– it will help you significantly in battle. ❞ 

Rio listened carefully to Maia’s advice, taking a mental note of the changes she could make to her team.  If she had had a pen and paper, she probably would have been frantically scribbling away; in a way, she was glad that she didn’t, as she wasn’t sure how professional that would seem.

“Expanding my team to counter its weaknesses is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.”  She nodded as she said this, indicating that she agreed with Maia’s assessment.

“It’s clear to me why you’re the Champion, Maia.  The amount of thought you can put into a strategy so quickly is remarkable.”  She bowed her head.  “Thank you for taking the time to battle and assess us.”

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ADF 30 Day Challenge: Day 6

Name one scar your character has, and tell us where it came from. If they don’t have any, is there a reason?

Rio’s legs are covered in long, scratch-like scars.  She got them when she was looking for Moon Stones in Mt. Moon and was attacked by a horde of angry Clefairy, who didn’t want the stones taken from their home.

[paenitui]

mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

Unknowingly did she allow herself to continue smiling, amused and enjoying herself far too much to keep herself from smiling, her hands curling up into fists in victory as the massive Pokemon’s attack missed, giving Phoenix the perfect chance to land an attack with full impact from afar. Considering her options. it seemed due time to finish the battle once and for all.

❝ Aerial Ace! ❞ Excitement ringing in her voice, she issued the command and Phoenix performed mid air somersault, before landing a hit squarely at the Torterra’s sides– with that single attack defeating it.

❝ Good job! Ahh, you did great, Phoenix..! ❞ Childlike smile paired together with her enthusiastic, lit up expression was jarring in comparison to her initial calm and quiet persona. No later than a few moments did she catch herself and straightened herself, cheeks flushing pink from slight embarrassment. Only then did she withdraw Phoenix back to his Pokeball before petting him on the head and promising him some reward afterwards, before she regarded the Gym Leader.

There was almost no faults in Rio’s battling technique– the trust she had in her team and her team in her was apparent from the way they worked together. Yet, at the same time.. there was something that prodded at her.

❝ Thank you for that wonderful battle. ❞ Back to her usual formal self, she bowed slightly after her thanks and glanced over at the Torterra, an inquiry soon leaving her lips. ❝ ..I did notice something, though. You tend to repeat certain moves, though I understand some might not be used due to effectiveness and whatnot.. Would you care to explain each of your Pokemon’s move set to me? ❞

Rio smiled even when she had to recall Torterra back to his Pokeball, proud of the work her team had done.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Rio told the Champion, bowing her head.  She was an even more skilled battler than she could have expected.  She headed for a bench that was lined up against the wall of the gym and motioned for Maia to follow, listening to her questions as she did.

“To be perfectly honest, I think that’s one of my major flaws as a Trainer,” Rio admitted.  Of course Maia had noticed it.  “In the heat of battle I tend to start focusing most on my team’s damage output in lieu of status moves.  It’s something Blue’s always complained about.”  A small smile played over her lips at the mention of her mentor, but it was fleeting.

“Starting with Krookodile...  She knows Earthquake, Foul Play, Swagger, and Torment.  Earthquake is obviously her simplest move.  In a battle I thought might last longer I’d feel more like I could afford to pump up Foul Play by utilizing Swagger, and Torment is in place in case I come across a move that I fear will be too damaging to my team if the opponent is able to use it multiple times in a row.

“Nidoqueen is an all-out attacker.  She gets STAB from Poison Fang and Bulldoze, which can either poison the opponent or lower their speed stat.  Superpower’s her most dangerous move, as when she uses it her attack and defense both fall.  It’s more of a last-ditch move than anything else.  She also knows Ice Punch in case another member of my team is having trouble with a Flying or Grass-type Pokemon.

“Then Torterra...  I would usually start his turn by having him use Leech Seed so that my team would benefit from its effects for the rest of the battle.  He also knows Earthquake, Razor Leaf, and Crunch for damaging moves. ”  She tapped her chin, her eyes narrowing as she thought this over.  “Looking back on it, I perhaps should have led with him...”  She smiled ruefully.  “To be truthful, I was worried about both your Espeon and your Arcanine, which is why I led with Krookodile.  If I hadn’t seen you had them earlier, I probably would have led with Torterra.”  She tapped her temple at this, indicating her head.  “Sometimes what you know about your opponent can play tricks on your mind.”

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“Hm?”  Rio sat at the end of her bed with the mysterious Pokemon egg in her hands.  She turned it over, examining the tannish markings on the otherwise blue-white egg.  Marowak sat at her feet, peering up at her Trainer.  She’d never seen a Pokemon egg before and was infinitely curious about it.  The Ground-type reached a paw up, trying to touch the strange object.

“Whoa!”  Startled by her other Pokemon’s sudden movement, the egg tipped out of Rio’s hands, but luckily landed safely in Marowak’s lap.  Marowak cocked her head to the side, unsure of what to do with it when the egg suddenly started shaking violently.

“It’s hatching!” Rio said, leaning over them.  The Ground-type watched in amazement as a small white horn cracked through the shell, followed by a cute, round head.

“Seel!” the baby Pokemon said, wiggling its way out of the egg.  Its beady black eyes blinked up at Marowak.

“Maro!” the older Pokemon responded, dropping the bone she was holding to pull the baby into her arms.  Rio smiled brightly, climbing down onto the floor next to her friends.

“He thinks you’re his mother,” she said playfully.  Almost defensively, Marowak pulled the Water-type closer.  Rio laughed.  “I suppose you might as well be.”

[paenitui]

mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

.. Oh Arceus, what did she just witness? A behemoth Torterra somehow launching itself into the air and clamping onto poor, poor Phoenix, who somehow managed to stay airborne though a very, very heavy Pokemon was every insistently weighing him down. Phoenix was not at all pleased by this, letting out a rather disgruntled squawk and flailed about in a frantic attempt to get out of the giant’s jaws.

A smile cracked her features. Then slowly, a giggle– then a laugh. It had been a long,long time since she had last laughed, and Eon was surprised to hear such a jovial sound emerged from her usually quiet trainer.

❝ That’s a sight I will never forget, even if I wished to. ❞ Her laughter was soon followed by silence as she gathered composure, stifling what remained of the bubbling laughter that rose from her chest. ❝ Phoenix, while Torterra is still falling– Hurricane! ❞ It was a risk, considering the highly likely chance of it missing–

.. And it missed. How anticlimactic.

Rio grinned when Maia laughed.  The Champion had seemed so serious, almost somber in the way she conducted herself, so hearing her laugh like that was like seeing the sun peek out from behind the clouds.

Do we dare try that again? Rio thought, but she didn’t have much other choice.  She was the one who had chosen the 3 vs. 3 battle format, so she was stuck giving the same command to Torterra.  “Crunch.”

The Pokemon, still winded from his mighty jump and his unceremonious crash to the ground, didn’t have it in him to make another terrific leap like that.  He tried -- oh, how he tried -- but he missed Phoenix by a mile.

“Are you okay?” she called out to him.  He shook himself, looking somewhat dazed, before opening his mouth to work his sore jaws.

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

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It was inevitable– one of her pokemon would definitely be aware of a Dark Type move of sorts, and it would be enough for Eon to be taken out of account. Of course, that it was going to be a looming shadow of Torterra that picked up Eon’s petite form and initiated the super effective Dark Type move– of course it would be like Eon to emerge from it fine somehow, though she definitely taken a considerable amount of damage.

.. Gracious as always, she supposed. ❝ Come back before you actually get hurt, Eon. ❞ With that, the initially wounded Espeon was bathed in a faint light as she trotted back to her trainer’s side, emerging fully recovered when she sat down to observe the remainder of the battle.

Fingers curled around the final pokeball, releasing Phoenix from his pokeball with a flash of light. With a cry, Phoenix beat his wings and landed on the ground before Maia, awaiting instructions to be given to him.

❝ Feather Dance, Phoenix! ❞

Maia’s last Pokemon was a Pidgeot.  Of course it would be a Flying-type, Rio thought, glancing at Torterra.  Not only would his Earthquake not hit, but his Grass moves were essentially rendered useless.  Swallowing hard, Rio called out the only command she had left.

“Crunch!”

In a fantastic feat of gravity-defying physical strength, Torterra launched himself into the air.  To his credit, he did catch Phoenix entirely off-guard, so when he chomped at the Pidgeot he managed to actually grab hold and dangle there for a few moments, dragging him toward the floor.  Rio clapped her hands over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter at the mere sight of such a spectacle.

“Torterra are better hunters than I thought!” she managed to sputter out between wheezing laughs.  He was definitely going down in the books for that one.

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

Nimble movement was all it took for Eon to dodge the Poison Fang, though much more narrowly than she should have– then sticking her tongue out at her trainer. Giving Eon a wavering smile in an attempt of sorts to show that she was enjoying herself, even though she was still quietly evaluating the Gym Leader and her pokemon in her mind, the Espeon gave a sigh of sorts and trotted back to Maia, glaring up at her.

.. Nervously did Maia nod and Eon turned, seeming much more eager to battle than before. Paired together with the natural smile that had returned to Maia’s features it seemed that the two were almost having fun.

❝ Psychic! ❞ This time the attack had strength put behind its aim, a purple glow enveloping the Nidoqueen and rendering it unable to battle in a single hit. ❝ As ruthless as always, Eon? ❞ To that, she was given a huff in response. Even so, Rio was boding well to manage to keep up with the Champion– though the level gap was quite big, she managed to choose the right moves and keep her on her toes.

This was fun. Battling was fun. How could she have ignored the thrill of battle and simply allow herself to be weighed down by responsibilities? That didn’t matter– she was more excited to know what Pokemon Rio would send out next.

“Return, Nidoqueen,” Rio said softly to her Pokemon as she called her back to her Pokeball.  “You did well,” she murmured before swapping it for her third and final one of the match.

“Go, Torterra!” she cried, releasing the Pokemon.  He loomed over the field, casting a shadow over Maia and Eon.  A smile played over Rio’s lips as she gave her command.

“Crunch.”  Torterra snapped Eon up in his jaws, looking as though he could easily break the smaller Pokemon.  That’s two of her Pokemon down, Rio thought as Maia prepared to send out her third.  The battle was going better than she had ever dared to hope, and it was nice to have some competition that actually gave her a challenge.

[paenitui]

mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

Though the tremors had clearly hit Eon– it was just like her to seemed not at all fazed by the attack even if she had clearly taken some damage. Perhaps it was simply her nature which was rather easygoing and lax majority of the time. Might it be because Maia was still treating it as more of a responsibility rather than allowing herself to enjoy the battle that Eon was being flippant? Considering how Eon was quick to understand her trainer’s feelings, it was rather possible.

No words were needed for both trainer and pokemon to express their thoughts, simply from glances and knowing looks was the message passed through easily. Even so, Eon didn’t seem quite convinced by Maia, still seeming rather carefree in battle.

❝ .. Oh, come on. Psychic, please. ❞ Eon’s stubborn nature could be seem rather clearly with a rather clumsily aimed Psychic attack, causing Maia to sigh in frustration.  ❝ I’m sorry, she’s usually less.. flippant battle. She’s most likely not happy with me. ❞

Maia had to exasperatedly ask Eon to throw out a Psychic attack, which she lazily aimed far from Nidoqueen.  Rio wasn’t sure if the Pokemon was misbehaving to act out against her Trainer or if Eon just didn’t really take her and her team seriously; nonetheless, she wasn’t going to give up.

“Let’s try a Poison Fang!” she told her Nidoqueen.  It was risky, yes, but if it meant getting Eon to actually fight back she thought it was worth it.  Nidoqueen nodded and charged in, jaws snapping, only to be met with air as Eon nimbly dodged the attack.

This is it, she thought, steeling herself for the Psychic-type’s next move.  From Nidoqueen’s body language, she felt the same way.

“Give us all you’ve got!”

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

There’s a pained yelp from Howl as the attack rendered her unable to battle, yet Maia smiled, praising Howl quietly before withdrawing her back to her pokeball. She knew better than to let the rush of battle to simply overtake her, still very much aware of her surroundings and how both pokemon and trainer reacted. She was evaluating Rio and her pokemon after all, even though she was in the midst of battle, there was not a moment where she had forgotten her responsibility.

The trust they had was rather apparent– her concern towards her pokemon seemed genuine and caring as well. No reason for her to think of Rio badly as of now, considering the way she was treating her Pokemon as of now.

❝ Come, Eon– it’s your turn. ❞ With a small stretch, the Espeon nimbly took her position before Maia, calmly awaiting her trainer’s instructions. A warm up attack of sorts then? ❝ Extrasensory, go for it. ❞ Whether or not it missed or hit would be completely up to Eon– in which it seemed to miss, as Eon gave a quiet yawn once more. ❝ .. Be serious, will you? ❞

Maia seemed pleased with the battle thus far, which made Rio feel more confident.  She knew what would be coming next, though; after all, she had merely delayed Maia’s Espeon from being sent out by choosing Krookodile first.

“You can do it, Nidoqueen,” she told her Pokemon, reassuring the Poison-type.  She had been up against Psychic Pokemon before.  They were tricky battlers usually, but Nidoqueen easily dodged Espeon’s first attack.

“Give ‘em a Bulldoze,” she said, a determined smile settling over her face.  Nidoqueen shook the ground, letting out a fierce bellow as her attack hit Eon.  She was doing well, all things considered, and Rio was filled with a surge of pride.  “Keep it up!”

[paenitui]

mistake;&

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♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

A smile found its way onto her lips– learning from experience was a good way to improve, and Rio was doing just that. Mistakes would be made, but what mattered is was if they understood what the mistake made was. However, it seemed that the area based attack seemed to leave Howl unscathed, herself learnt from previous experience of Krookidile’s Earthquake.

Even so, the rough terrain remained, making it a rather high risk to initiate physical attacks. A Reversal would not leave much of a mark on Nidoqueen, neither would any of Howl’s attacks so perhaps it would be wise to play safe with a –

❝ Heat Wave! ❞ Her excitement was beginning to crept onto her expression, a smile pulling at her lips as she issued the command. The attack was to no avail, unfortunately– considering that Howl had missed, but she wasn’t really to blame considering that she was significantly tired out at this point.

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To Rio’s delight, the Arcanine’s attack missed.  Her eyes flashed when they met her Nidoqueen’s and the Pokemon returned the look.

“Nidoqueen -- Poison Fang!” she shouted, pointing at Howl as she did so.  Nidoqueen leapt upon the tired Fire-type, sinking her teeth into the scruff of her neck, refusing to let go until her venom had made its way into the Arcanine’s body.

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mistake;&

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paenitui:

♔ ||: ✂———𝕷 ɪ ᴀ ʀ ,  ʟ ɪ ᴀ ʀ  ♥ :||

Narrowly enough did Howl manage to manoeuvre away from the attack, skidding back towards her trainer before turning to face her opponent once more. Taking the opportunity of her missed attack, it was a wise decision to go for a physical attack and take the chance to catch Howl off guard, but she managed to pull through. Somewhat, it seemed– considering the faint hints of fur that remained on the battlefield.

Though Extremespeed would be certain to hit again, the hit from Krookidile’s previous Earthquake certainly left its mark– the terrain barely passable. Which only left one decision in mind, second time’s the charm, right?

❝ Reversal, again! ❞ Pouncing on the vulnerable Krookidile, her jaws clamped onto the ground type as she leapt into the air,before tossing it down to the ground with full force, leaving it no way to evade whatsoever.

Rio cringed at the command given by Maia.  This time, she knew, there was no hope left for her Krookodile.  She cringed harder, seeing her father’s Pokemon thrown to the ground like a rag doll.

“Krookodile, return,” she said quietly, calling her back to her Pokeball.  She’d be sure to treat her to something nice later, after she’d tended to her wounds.

“Go, Nidoqueen!” she called, choosing her second Pokemon.  Nidoqueen was definitely one of the strongest members of her team, but could she stand up to the Champion’s Pokemon?  “Use Bulldoze!”  She chose the attack carefully, deciding on one that wouldn’t leave her vulnerable to the Arcanine’s speed if it missed.