[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 593

Cedar Town was quite different from Birch. Birch had such beautiful gardens and was quite expansive whereas Cedar seemed so much more compact though it's possible that was mainly due to the town's odd stilt foundation. It was most definitely a beach town that still seemed pretty popular, even in the off season. Being a stop off on the way from Birch, home of the Arciel lab where most trainers got their first pokemon, to Bass, home of one of the closest gym to the pokemon lab, was probably a large part of why that was. Trainers were everywhere.

Elizabeth, Raya, Ayla, Cecylia, Pavel, Damara and Loki had all spent the night at the Cedar Town pokemon center. That morning they had awoken once more to a world of rain. Oh well, the rain wasn't going to stop them, even if it was still cold. Though they were officially on the road traveling as it were and not back home in Birch, Liz still intended to keep to her daily routine. It gave her and the others a sense of stability plus it was good to keep up their daily training. If Liz wanted herself and her team to remain strong and ready to take on all challengers, daily training was the best way, in her opinion anyway.

She had a few things to cover for today's session. One primary goal was to train Raya in the use of Zen Headbutt. The ranger had picked up another training manual on the particular move though these cheaper ones certainly left a lot to the imagination. Still it gave them a place to start anyway. Also though still young it was time Pavel started learning alongside his teammates. The tiny litten kitten had spent most his days after hatching simply resting and observing. Getting in a little battle experience would be good for him, though the rain wasn't exactly the most pleasant weather for a fire type to train in. Then again it was generally better to train in nonideal conditions when they presented themselves rather than always training in a neutral or suitable environment, one tended to learn more when having to deal with uncomfortable situations.

First off however as she didn't want any distractions this session, Liz figured she'd drop Loki off at the dojo for the time being. The mismagius could use a little outside training and sometimes it was good to remind him how good he had it working with Liz and the others. Those at the dojo were likely to be a bit less tolerant than the ranger. Afterwards the remainder of the team headed for one of the training battlefields out along the beach. Though the winter chill hadn't let up despite the rain, it was at least comfortable enough for Liz to just wear a long, waterproof jacket and her usual boots rather than her heavy snow gear.

They picked out a field close to town not wanting to be too close to the water as it was already a wet mess that was partially frozen. Though it was early morning it seemed like at some point in the night the rain had turned to freezing rain. It would certainly make for an interesting training session. Still they would press on and hopefully come out better for the experience. The various training fields all had some form of shelter, most of it naturally made to match with the surroundings but a few obviously man made shelters had been created for spots that didn't have any nearby natural cover.

---

[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 543(+593=1136)

Ayla, Damara and Cecylia huddled themselves within the provided shelter at their particular training field. Raya managed to gather up some firewood from driftwood on the beach and helped Liz build a good sized bonfire. The girl then looked to Pavel who'd taken up Cecylia's customary place on Liz's shoulders. "Okay, now Pavel, think you can help us out here?" The ranger inquired of the litten. This would make for a decent warm up to get the kitten's fire going. Pavel blinked and made a face as he gingerly hopped down from Liz's shoulders and onto the wet, icy sand. The fiery feline was not at all pleased about this.

"Yea I know the weather sucks but you'll have to get used to it. Battles can happen in any sort of weather and on many different kinds of battlefields. If you want to get stronger you'll need to be able to battle under any circumstances." Liz explained though she could tell the litten wasn't exactly thrilled with her explanation. It was apparent he understood but that didn't mean he had to like it. The ranger chuckled then motioned to the wood.

"Well go on, a little fire will help warm everybody up and start to dry things off. It'll take a little doing though, damp firewood is a pain to light, especially in this drizzle. Think you got it in you?" She challenged with a raised brow. Pavel screwed up his face then marched over to the pile of wood. He narrowed his eyes and looked it over with a critical eye. The litten huffed then crouched low and sucked in a deep breath of cold air. The feline held it for a moment before releasing a smattering of tiny embers that hissed and sizzled as they hit the firewood but ultimately fizzled out.

Pavel frowned and looked a little disappointed. Liz smiled gently and knelt down beside the tiny feline. "Hey that was a good attempt. Let's give it one more try and see just how much more fire you can muster. Let it build up a bit more inside before releasing the embers." The girl suggested as she stepped back giving Pavel his space. The feline huffed once more and resumed his previous positioning. Pavel took a few deep breaths this time and then pulled in and held a much deeper breath. The litten waited for several more seconds this time feeling the fire within him start to build up in his breath. The kitten waited a few moments longer before exhaling and releasing all that built up energy on the pile of wood.

This time multiple embers struck upon the wood and a few pieces caught fire. Pavel continued firing more embers until the whole pile was engulfed. The litten relaxed and panted from the minor exertion then sat back and began cleaning a damp paw. Liz grinned and reached down to scritch his ears. "You did good buddy. Very nice for your first time using Ember. I'll work with Raya for now and we'll come back to you. You can warm up with the others if you want." She informed him as the litten moved under the protection of the shelter then hopped up onto Ayla with the others.

---

[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 650(+1136=1786)

Now, as for Raya, Liz pulled out the training manual and flipped it open. "Okay, let's see. Zen Headbutt, is a moderate, damage dealing psychic type move. The user focuses its willpower to its head and rams the foe. It may also make the target flinch." The girl skimmed the basic manual sharing the information she read with Raya. The girl pursed her lips and tilted her head to one side. "Seems fairly straightforward as far as moves go. We'll be looking to tap into psychic energies with this which I can perhaps help with in this case. Otherwise it sounds like it's a pretty standard headbutt attack as far as form goes. Probably a good place to start is getting into, well, a zen state."

The ranger glanced up and caught the lucario's eye. She gave her a small grin. "Which shouldn't be too difficult for us. Seems to me like meditation would be a good place to start, get ourselves in the right state of mind." Raya nodded in agreement and the rest of the group watched, huddled under the shelter in front of the fire and snuggled against Ayla. Meditation was something Liz tried to do everyday. It helped with her own budding psychic abilities and kept her own mind calm. Raya and the others sometimes joined her but not always. Still they were familiar with the practice. Yet this would be slightly different as generally Liz meditated in her room. Today however they would be out here in the cold and the wet.

Of course Liz wasn't going to let that stop her. The shelter was pretty crowded simply with Ayla within but Liz wouldn't have attempted meditating undercover anyway. The goal here was to seek a state of zen that meant complete clearing of the mind of all distractions and that included the discomfort of one's surroundings. If she and Raya couldn't push themselves beyond the cold and the wet and go beyond the physical and into the spiritual it would be very difficult for Raya to achieve the desired state needed to perform Zen Headbutt.

Thus the girl and lucario sat down in the damp, half frozen sand, legs crossed and faced the water. Each had their head bowed and their eyes closed. Liz released her mental connection with the others and focused solely on Raya. She opened herself wholy to the lucario, allowing the steel jackal to tap into the weak psychic energy within herself. Slowly she emptied her mind of all other thoughts focusing only on the sound of the waves along the shore and the drip of the rain. Raya too completely cleared her mind of any and all distractions, the lucario having an easier time of it than the ranger.

However the benefit of their psychic bond allowed each to silently up lift the other. Their shared strength was enough for them to endure even the icy weather. The time ticked by, slow and steady, yet Raya and Liz remained motionless all their willpower pouring into their meditation and focus. It was definitely a good thing Loki hadn't joined them, then again the ghost would've provided an excellent distraction to overcome. The rest of the group was mostly content to remain huddled in a warm pile and get in a nap.

Gradually, even the sound of the waves began to fade from Liz and Raya. Only the sound of their hearts beating in unison remained. It was a much deeper state of meditation than even Liz had ever reached. The girl and lucario rarely felt such a deep connection to everything around them or at such peace. The ranger wasn't sure how or why but a moment came when she knew it was time to stand and take the next step. Raya too followed her trainer's motion the zen state fading slightly but her mind had never been more clear.

+1 Stamina Skill Roll
RP0lbIy_p_

---

[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 720(+1786=2506)

Liz and Raya slowly opened their eyes then the girl turned and looked to the lucario. She nodded slowly with confidence. The girl made her way to the edge of the battlefield were various targets and other training equipment was stored. She took a moment before finding a large, padded training shield likely here for the exact purpose she had in mind. Liz lifted it and carried it back to Raya then took up position a few feet from the lucario. The ranger planted her feet, raised the shield, braced it with her shoulder, then caught Raya's eye and nodded.

"A slight bend at the waist, arms at your side, keep your back straight, focus your energy and willpower to the top of your head then come straight at me." The girl hardly had to even think the words, Raya already understood what Liz wanted of her. The lucario did as instructed, moving into the proper form for a headbutt. She closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of the psychic energy shared through their meditative state, then opened her eyes and charged the ranger as fast as her feet could carry her.

Raya slammed hard into the padded shield and sent Liz sliding back nearly a foot. The girl however remained standing and peered over the shield inquisitively. It had been a headbutt yet no sign of the needed psychic energy had gathered around Raya's head. Liz nodded and they resumed their prior positions. Liz and Raya both closed their eyes this time, focusing once more on clearing their minds and focusing their energies. Liz nodded and instantly Raya charged once more. This time a faint blue light swirled about the lucario's head. Again she slammed into the shield and pushed Liz back though the girl didn't slide quite so far this time.

"Great job Raya, you're almost there..." Liz encouraged as she gave Raya a determined grin over the shield. Raya returned the look and once more moved into the headbutt stance. This time she sucked in a breath as well as closed her eyes, summoning all her willpower. The rest of their team looked on watching the lucario raptly. Meditation might've been rather boring to watch, but apparently the steel jackal repeatedly bashing her head into their trainer was quite entertaining. The faint blue white glow around her cranium grew stronger as Raya once more surged forward her feet pounding the half frozen field with vigor.

Liz narrowed her eyes and smirked as she braced herself against the shield. The lucario collided with it and this time Liz pushed back holding her own against the brunt of the force of the attack. Raya stepped back and released a breath. "One more time, this time give it everything you've got, no holding back." The girl instructed as the lucario took up position once again. The steel jackal growled to herself then narrowed her eyes and dropped her arms to the side and sucked in a breath then summoned the familiar swirling swords of Swords Dance.

The ranger's grin widened and she dug her feet into the sandy battlefield. This was it, now she knew Raya had it. The lucario dropped low then charged forward at full speed racing across the icy sand as if she were flying. A white and blue crown wrapped around her head in a dome like shield glowing like a beacon in the dreary weather. The steel jackal rammed the padded shield with everything she had. This time Liz was thrown back, unable to fully withstand the force of the attack. However the girl managed to roll back into a crouched position not harmed by the power of the blow, the shield had done it's job quite well and absorbed the worst of the attack.

"Amazing, Raya that was just amazing!" Liz laughed as she brushed the damp, cold sand off her then sprinted back over to Raya's side. She jovially threw an arm around Raya's shoulders and grinned broadly. The lucario looked a tad embarrassed by her trainer's enthusiasm but she too was pleased at her success. The others cheered from the shelter also quite proud of the lucario's achievement. Even the weather seemed to be clearing up a little in celebration as the rain ceased and the clouds gradually began to part.

+1 Strength Skill Roll
78e7F4Wip_

Using Item Move Tutor Guide to teach Raya the Lucario Zen Headbutt

[Elizabeth Waters]

Delinquent Sequoia would like to battle!

Hitmontop Lv30 5 Energy Large Sassy Intimidate MOVES Triple Kick, Gyro Ball, Focus Energy, Sucker Punch Simisage Lv15 5 Energy Huge! Bashful Gluttony MOVES Leer, Lick, Fury Swipes, Seed Bomb

[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 677(+2506=3183)

"Huh, that's some lucario you've got there. But I'll bet my Hitmontop can take it." A sudden voice piped up challenging from behind the girl and lucario. Liz stepped back and turned her gaze toward the stranger then raised a brow. The approaching female had a look about her of one who wasn't the type to exactly play fair. The ranger crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side. Raya narrowed her eyes and watched the stranger warily.

Alongside the delinquent stood a large, strong looking hitmontop and a huge simisage that towered over both the trainer and hitmontop. The hitmontop smirked and crossed her own arms whilst giving Raya a scathing look. The simisage however seemed to be trying to hide behind the pair even though she was a good foot taller than both of them. She avoided both Liz and Raya's gaze obviously wishing she was anywhere but here.

Liz pursed her lips and eyed the trio. She glanced over at her own group then grinned and gave a nod. "Alright, but let's have a double battle. Your hitmontop and simisage against my Pavel and Raya." The ranger replied as she motioned to for tiny litten kitten to join them. Pavel blinked and looked up slightly confused. The fiery feline stretched and hopped to the ground and slowly made his way over.

The delinquent and her hitmontop began cracking up whilst pointing and laughing at Pavel. "You want that tiny, pitiful thing to fight with us?!" The woman continued to laugh along with her spinning top though the rest of the group began to glare at her. Ayla pulled back her wings and released a powerful gust at the group nearly knocking them over. The blonde delinquent scowled and fixed her hair.

"Hey! You stay out of this you overgrown fruit tree!" She scoffed though at this point she found Liz and Raya had moved uncomfortably close to the group. "Dude personal space." The stranger stepped back still scowling. Liz picked up Pavel who barely gave the delinquent a cursory glance. Liz stroked his ears then smirked.

"So, double battle then?" The girl inquired still eyeing the other. The blonde huffed and brushed her hair back then nodded before crossing her arms. "Fine if that's the way you want to get beat." She sneered and pointed at Raya. "And when you do get beat we're taking that lucario with us."

Liz and Raya exchanged a glance before the girl burst out laughing and even Raya cracked a grin. "Yea that's not going to happen and fair warning, I'm a ranger, any more talk like that or if you try anything and you'll be having fun explaining things to Officer Jenny." The brunette cautioned, her tone quickly growing harsh. The delinquent blinked and waved a hand dismissively. "Yea, yea okay, was just joking geeze."

"Sure you were. Then shall we?" Liz suggested as she motioned to the battlefield. The delinquent rolled her eyes then marched down to the opposite end of the training field. Her pair took on a battle stance and stood opposite Liz, Raya and Pavel. A chill wind blew past and one of the battlefield groundskeepers offered to referee. Liz smirked then closed her eyes, reconnecting with her own pokemon.

"Pavel, Raya, let's do this quick. Watch each other's back but let's get rid of that simisage first." The girl informed her pair who nodded. Pavel pawed at the sand feeling himself tense. This would be his first real battle and the docile feline was a tad nervous. However he trusted Raya and Liz had his back. Raya cracked her knuckles and locked eyes with the hitmontop. She knew that was the real threat and would need all their focus.

The steel jackal understood Liz's request for a double battle, clearing out the simisage would reduce the delinquent's options, assuming she had no other pokemon the hitmontop would be forced to face her two pokemon alone. Perhaps a bit of an underhanded tactic but this chick had already made Liz mad.

---

[Elizabeth Waters]

word count: 871(+3183=4054)

"Okay Hitmontop use Triple Kick! Take out that tiny cat! Simisage use Lick, try and lock that lucario down!" The blonde ordered with a sneer. Both the hitmontop and simisage sprang into action as Liz narrowed her eyes. "Here we go. Pavel see if you can dodge that kick and hit Simisage with an Ember. Raya, let her get in close with that lick and then take her out with Ice Punch." Pavel growled and darted forward while Raya held her ground and readied her fist.

Triple Kick Hit 2lZ34DThp_

VS

Pavel Dodge p_

Being quite small had its advantages. Tiny Pavel was very difficult to hit and easily maneuvered around the spinning hitmontop's flailing kicks. He managed to leaped up on one of the flying feet and launch himself skyward. The litten turned and sucked in a deep breath and released the volley of embers down at the simisage that had her focus solely on Raya. The simisage's large tongue slobbered all over the lucario as the embers beat into her back, her bulk protecting Raya from any friendly fire.

Lick Paralysis, 30% Chance
p_

Ember Burn, 10% Chance
p_

However the rather disgusting move didn't have the desired effect of paralysing the steel jackal who smirked and raised her fist. With the simisage being so close and hurt from the ember, though not burned, she couldn't move in time to avoid the incoming frozen fist. It collided with the overgrown grass monkey and knocked her cold, literally. Raya had taken a licking but now it was time to focus on the one kicking. 

"What?! You can't do that! Simisage get back up and stop being lazy!" The blonde delinquent was beside herself and the hitmontop was looking annoyed. Simisage however was unable to battle as the grounds keeper ref declared. The blonde huffed and recalled the grass monkey then glared at Liz and her pair. "Oh you'll pay for that. Hitmontop! Do it right this time and get rid of that cat! Sucker Punch!"

Liz pursed her lips as the hitmontop began spinning wildly once more moving rapidly across the field. "Try and dodge again Pavel, then try Growl." The girl instructed as the hitmontop closed in on the fiery feline. "Raya get yourself ready while Hitmontop's distracted, Swords Dance."

Sucker Punch Hit p_

VS

Pavel Dodge p_

Hitmontop was too quick this time however and she flipped from spinning just in time to slam her fist right into Pavel knocking him back. The litten slid back a few feet greatly weakened but still standing. The fiery feline staggered back to his feet then crouched down and growled with all the ferocity he could muster. Hitmontop balked the tiniest bit then scowled. Meanwhile Raya was charging up her own strength, the hitmontop had come on rather intimidating but Swords Dance brought her back up to snuff.

"I see what you're up to, we're not going to fall for it. Finish off that cat with Triple Kick!" The blonde hollered and once more Hitmontop was spinning across the icy sand. Pavel was tired and worn out and tried to avoid the incoming strike.

Triple Kick Hit p_

VS

Pavel Dodge p_

But the litten was too worn out to avoid the hit and was thrown back into the sand. Raya hurried to the kitten's side and scooped him of the battlefield. The lucario gingerly delivered the tiny litten kitten to Liz who cradled him with in both arms. "Ah Pavel, you did great buddy. Rest easy now okay?" Liz tucked the fiery feline into her jacket then nodded to Raya. The lucario smirked as she strengthened herself once more with a dance of swords.

"Ha! I knew your stupid little cat wasn't up to snuff. Let's do this Hitmontop. Triple Kick again!" The hitmontop once more spun across the sand while Raya readied herself. "Okay you've got this, Zen Headbutt."

Rather than attempting to avoid the flying feet Raya crouched down and lowered her head. She summoned all the willpower she had once more to the top of her head then charged forward straight for the spinning top. The pair collided and the hitmontop was sent reeling backward. Raya stumbled back as well with a wince but retained her footing. Hitmontop was still standing but wasn't looking too hot.

"Ugh, that's not fair! Come on Hitmontop, Focus Energy and take them out!" The delinquent called as Liz smirked. Now was their chance. "Okay she's done. Zen Headbutt." Though Liz hardly had to tell Raya that as the lucario was already charging down the hitmontop who was busy trying to focus her remaining energy. The steel jackal's head smashed into the spinning top and threw her back into a nearby palm.

The ref declared the hitmontop unable to battle and Liz the winner. The ranger smirked and nodded as she moved to Raya's side and the pair high fived. "Well fought Raya. That Zen Headbutt's quite useful." She chuckled as the pair watched the blonde rant in irritation over her hitmontop. She recalled the spinning fighter and just glared at Liz before stomping off. The girl raised a brow then looked into her jacket at the unconscious litten.

"Okay guys, let's get you checked out at the pokemon center and get a warm lunch, and maybe a warm shower too." The ranger stated with a small laugh as she led the others back into town.

Thread End

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[Elayne]

Congratulations!

Your thread is complete and now locked.

Elizabeth Waters

Your thread has been locked. Because it was 4,054 words you receive 16 levels, 160 pen, 5 Net Balls, 1 Ultra Ball, 1 Repeat Ball, 3 Great Balls, 1 Quick Ball, 1 Dive Ball, 7 rare candies, and gained +1 to Strength and +1 to Stamina.