Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
Makoto wasn't lying; if Josh saw a picture of the Dratini curled on top of his shoulders, he would think it was heartwarming, too. "Not saying Dragonair can't fly with a rider - she'll be able to carry me through both the sea and the sky when she evolves. And unlike a lot of swimming and flying Pokémon, she'll be able to jump from the sea to the air effortlessly. Dragonair are amazing!" Resheph seemed excited for her evolution, letting out a cute cry that inspirited her trainer. "But yes, I have Bladestorm, my Skarmory, for flying. She just needs to understand that she can't chase after everything that moves, especially if she wants me to fly on her. She's gotten much better about it lately, though."
Bladestorm's Poké Ball started wobbling on Josh's belt as soon as she saw a young trainer with a bug net in hand, his Parasect loosing a cloud of spores toward a large tree. While Josh loved a good battle as much as the metal menace did, this wouldn't be a good battle at all. This would be merciless slaughter, and Josh wouldn't stand for that. "We'll find a good opponent for you," he tapped the moving Poké Ball, reassuring her as the two passed the focused trainer by.
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 33 4 Good Resheph Dratini 20 5 Good Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good
Makoto couldn't help a chuckle at Resheph's excitement. "Such a darling, aren't you?" They'd coo at the Dratini; reaching out to gently pat her on the head - first slowly and carefully, to test the waters on how Resheph felt about physical contact, and then more affectionately if the Dratini seemed to appreciate the touch. "Having a pokemon that can handle both air and water sounds quite convenient, in any case." They'd observe out loud; wondering what kind of ride pokemon they'd get, for swimming and flying.
One, two, and then three - thankfully, the fighty Meinfoo was caught. All three would let out a sigh of relief as Kama retrieved the pokeball; picking it up, and bringing it over to Makoto. "Thank you, darling," Makoto praised; patting Kama's head, and attaching the Meinfoo's ball to their belt. With how hard everyone had been fighting, it was likely that the Meinfoo within would appreciate a bit of rest before they let him out. Kuro and Kama, in fact, both looked tuckered out; Kuro in particular insisting on resting in Makoto's arms, being carried like a baby per usual.
Before long, Josh would catch up to them; the assembled group passing by a bug trainer, who Makoto would briefly wave to as they passed. "If my darlings were a little stronger, I'd offer a spar to let Bladestorm get some energy out; but as you may imagine, my darlings are all still a bit young for that." Not to mention them being tuckered out from the Mienfoo, too... Briefly, Makoto would scratch the top of Kuro's head, and then Kama's; smiling gently to them both. "You two still did very well against that Mienfoo, though." Kama would let out a satisfied chitter at this pressing his head into Makoto's touch, while Kuro simply snuggled closer to them.
As they walked, though, a flash of yellow to their right would soon grab Makoto's attention - and in glancing to the side, they'd see none other than a young looking Abra, having just teleported into the area...! Makoto would act quick on reacting to the rare psychic type - saying not a word, as they pulled out a Quick Ball, and threw it at the Abra before he could teleport away once more! Quick Ball, go!
also updating levels from the advertising drive-
Kuro the Zorua - Level 7 > Level 10 - 5/5 Energy > 4/5 Energy Kama the Sneasel - Level 4 > Level 10 - 5/5 Energy > 4/5 Energy Tachi the Meinfoo - Level 10 - 2/5 Energy
Resheph squinted and sounded a jittery squeal that could only be interpreted as laughter. Makoto had rubbed her right on the sweet spot! "Heh, she seems to like you, too," Josh smiled, happy to be raising such a relaxed Pokémon of a species known for being high-maintenance. "I'm really looking forward to it." Resheph flew around Makoto's shoulders and briefly cuddled around them before returning to Josh. He considered rebuking the small dragon, but Makoto seemed to appreciate the affection, if anything.
As the two crested a small hill in the road, Bladestorm's Poké Ball started shaking again, no doubt due to the presence of a Spritzee and Ivysaur walk. "Alright, these should be good opponents for you!" Josh smiled, releasing the amped-up Skarmory. Still wanting more after the previous Pokémon barely scratched her armor, the speedy steel-type raced after the Ivysaur, building up pressure between her wing-blades with an Air Cutter attack. Resheph coiled up behind Josh's head before flinging herself over said head and toward the wilds. As soon as she heard a Dratini cry, Bladestorm gave her ally a death stare. The terrified Dratini raced back and curled around her trainer again, shivering.
"You sure you can handle this yourself?" Josh asked. No reply - just violent impacts of her air blades headed toward the grass-type, completely catching it off guard. Not standing for its reeling companion, the Spritzee smiled at Bladestorm nonchalantly, then winked at her. The Sharmory did her best metallic impression of a whistle, Bladestorm deeply in love with the handsome fairy type. "Come on, Bladestorm - aren't you thirsty still?" Josh shouted, his Pokémon snapping out of it long enough to make a second pass with her air blades. A devastating blow from above! One of the blades threatened to cut the Ivysaur's bud open, the grass-type unable to fight anymore.
Josh's Skarmory seemed to refuse to battle the Spritzee, despite being hit with multiple mental assaults. Though Bladestorm's mind was almost as tough as her body, her trainer couldn't bear to see her tortured like this. He withdrew her, the Spritzee now too occupied healing the worn-down Ivysaur to bother Blinky as they passed by.
---
Bladestorm's level is now 34! Resheph's level is now 23!
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 34 3 Fair Resheph Dratini 23 5 Good Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good
One, two... And suddenly, the Quick Ball would break; the Abra having escaped from it! Makoto muttered a couple of curses under their breath, completely expecting the Abra to teleport away. However, the Abra didn't - instead watching Makoto closely, from where he hovered. This was their second chance to catch the Abra, it seemed! Hands would briefly flex a little - pokemon and human staring each other in the eyes (or squint, in Abra's case) - as Makoto tried to figure out how they were going to handle catching the psychic-type. After having made the first impression of trying to throw a Quick Ball at the Abra, it was unlikely that he'd appreciate a talk or attempt to befriend him right now; so...
... In the background, Makoto could hear Josh release Bladestorm once more; and they chanced a brief glance backwards, to see the Skarmory fighting an Ivysaur and Spritzee. However, they didn't focus on it for long; seemingly having made up their mind as to how they were going to handle this. "... Don't hurt the Abra too badly. But don't let them get away." Makoto would murmur to Kama, in a soft command. The Sneasel, chittering in understanding, would step forward towards the psychic-type; and immediately began to Taunt it! Making mocking cries at the psychic-type, Kama would make a 'come get me' gesture with his claws, paired with a mischievous chitter-like giggle.
The Abra, initially, would try to Teleport away; keen on avoiding a fight with a stronger Dark-type (who had actual attacking moves, at that) while being a psychic-type himself. However, while under the effects of the Taunt, the poor Abra found himself unable to get away! Left open by a failed attempt to Teleport, Kama was quick to dart in with a light Scratch, to try and soften up the psychic type in preparation to catch him! The Abra would be struck; floating backwards from the blow just the slightest bit, but quick to recover. It seemed that he barely even flinched at the attack, in fact; even though it came from a higher leveled pokemon! Makoto couldn't help but be impressed by this - their eyebrows raising slightly.
The Abra, in response, would begin to Struggle though; flailing his limbs out towards Kama! The Sneasel, in response, raised his arms to protect and brace himself; wincing a little at the smacks that the Abra laid into him with, but otherwise taking barely any damage from it, from how Abra wasn't exactly the physically strongest pokemon, let alone a level 1 Abra. The Abra, however, seemed to be tiring himself out further; the recoil from Struggle prompting a light wince as he floated back and away, as though intending to just flee by floating away.
Makoto, though, would be quick to act once more; pulling out another pokeball, this time a Nest Ball, and throwing it at the Abra before he could get away! Nest Ball, go!
"I swear, sometimes she has a mind of her own..." Josh sighed. The Spritzee would be easy game for Bladestorm - perhaps too easy? He may have started to understand exactly what it is the Skarmory was so bent out of shape and battle-hungry about. He had always thought her defiance was from not proving himself to her...but maybe she felt inadequate at being raised to be a mere racing Pokémon. Perhaps it was that she felt the need to prove herself to him! After all, though Skarmory weren't easily tamed (and some never truly were), they were fierce defenders and allies for life once a true bond was formed.
Another mile down the road, Josh noticed the middle of it was covered in a thick line of grass-colored goop with the same viscosity as paint. That could only mean one thing - a Smeargle was nearby. Smeargle were some of the rarest Pokémon in Johto. While he wasn't planning on using one himself, the species was in very high demand for being able to use any Pokémon's move. Smeargle that were able to use the attacks of legendary Pokémon were particularly prized.
His Skarmory, despite being shaken up from previous battle, seemed ready to take the Smeargle on. For good reason too - Smeargle's greatest strength was also its greatest weakness. It was a Pokémon that could only use moves it had seen in battle. "Bladestorm, use your Steel Wing on it!" Josh cried, the metal menace taking flight, its wings ringing from compressed air running between them again. This time, though, the steel-type utilized a more direct assault, bashing the Smeargle hard with her stiff wings and knocking it to the ground.
The Smeargle stood up, its tail now a chrome color. Drawing facsimiles of the Skarmory's wings, the normal-type returned the attack, bouncing off the armored attacker with no visible harm whatsoever. She appeared to be winding up for another charge, Josh quick to dig out a Great Ball. "Hold your attack!" he cried, tossing the capture device toward the wild. Unfortunately, it wasn't alone. A wild Forretress was quick to defend the now-encapsulated Smeargle, the bug-type shaking violently as it prepared to self-destruct in front of Bladestorm and send both the avian and Josh's Great Ball flying. If any of Josh's Pokémon could withstand that, it was her...but he couldn't imagine her to be in good shape afterward.
---
One of the Smeargle's Sketch slots is now Steel Wing. Great Ball use.
Bladestorm's level is now 35! Resheph's level is now 24!
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 35 2 Poor Resheph Dratini 24 5 Good Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good
As the Abra disappeared into the Nest Ball, Makoto would - initially - be tense with anticipation. Would this ball hold, against the psychic type? One shake, two shakes, and then three shakes.... And then, finally, a click! Makoto would let out a heavy sigh of relief at this - glad that the psychic type didn't break out a second time and possibly get away. Kama, pleased, would happily chitter - picking up the Abra's pokeball, and bringing it back over to his trainer!
Accepting the pokeball, Makoto smiled to Kama and straightened up a bit. "Thank you, Kama." They would murmur - patting the Sneasel on the head. "You did wonderful, darling; that was just what I needed to catch the Abra." Even Kuro would offer a gentle yip of praise to Kama - all of the positive attention seeming to have the little weasel practically squirming in place with joy! He did good, he made them happy! The reaction would draw a surprised chuckle from Makoto, who simply continued to stroke the top of Kama's head; smiling warmly and affectionately.
Meanwhile, it seemed that Josh was having a bit of lamenting over Bladestorm. Makoto chuckled gently at Josh's sigh; amused, yet visibly sympathetic as well. "I mean; Pokemon do have their own personalities and drives, just like we do, darling. They all have a mind of their own; it's just a question of whether they are willing to listen to our wants." They'd point out to the young man; continuing "You can't blame her for being headstrong about the things she wants to do - especially given it seems like she doesn't get many opportunities for a good fight. I can imagine that the dear has a lot of pent up energy, just waiting to be let loose!" And while Kuro might let out excess energy by getting the zoomies and running around the livingroom at 2 in the morning, Bladestorm's version of zoomies seemed more like picking a fight with everything that catches her eye!
Briefly though, Makoto would fall quiet as to think to themself; a finger tapping against their chin, eyes gazing at the sky above, before... "... Have you considered looking into challenging gyms at all, darling?" Makoto suggested, glancing in Josh's direction once more. "I imagine some of the gyms here in Arciel would make for a satisfying challenge for her; and I imagine that being a racer, you probably end up going to a variety of towns and cities that have gyms, anyways." Granted, Makoto hadn't ever visited any of the gyms here; but if they were anything like the gyms in other regions, they were likely a great place for Bladestorm to get all of that pent up energy out! As they walked, a little Scatterbug would watch them from above - Makoto nearly missed the little insect, with how tiny and quiet she was! Smiling gently at the sight, Makoto would briefly wave to the pokemon, before moving on alongside Josh...
... Though before long, they'd run into a Smeargle, and eventually a Forretress! As Josh let out Bladestorm to fight the Smeargle so that he could catch it, Makoto would stay a few steps back - watching the fight go down from a safe distance. With how many fights Bladestorm had been in though, it was likely the poor Skarmory would eventually get tuckered out... Hopefully, she'd have her fill with the end of these fights! Kuro the Zorua - Level 10 - 4/5 Energy Kama the Sneasel - Level 10 > Level 11 - 4/5 Energy > 3/5 Energy Tachi the Meinfoo - Level 10 - 2/5 Energy Unnamed the Abra - Level 1 - 2/5 Energy
There was an awful lot of movement in that Great Ball - that Smeargle looked tough! Though it wasn't Josh's typical Pokémon to try going after, he could certainly use the Normal-type for applying a fresh coat of paint to his Secret Base, which could desperately use one. The blue and white sphere came to a rest, Josh sliding off Blinky's back long enough to pick up his new catch and send it off to where the remainder of his Pokémon were.
Approached about his frustration over Bladestorm, Makoto offered Josh some sound advice. "It's something I've noticed about Skarmory in general," he answered them. "Even when in captivity, they love to battle, especially against wild Pokémon. This one in particular seems to love brutalizing Pokémon, which I don't really care to see. Even wild ones. She's getting better about it, though - before long, I'm sure she'll be well-behaved." Blinky slowed down to let Makoto keep pace more easily.
When Makoto mentioned the Gym Challenge, Josh couldn't help but chuckle. "...How funny you ask! The Gym Challenge is actually my off-season venture, and that is one of the reasons I'm headed north - the town there has a Gym that I'd like to...well, challenge. It all depends on whether the season schedule lets me do it, though. I should be able to - this week is an off week...unless I get shifted up to Gold League. It really depends on the points situation at the end of the month. It's quite the pay bump, but..." Josh trailed off. While he was excited about potentially jumping into the semi-professional league, it would come with its own challenges, on and off the track. "I've heard being in professional or even semi-professional sports isn't all it's made out to be."
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 36 2 Poor Resheph Dratini 25 5 Good Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good
Post by Makoto Kurumi on Jun 10, 2020 19:39:13 GMT
As the fight concluded, Makoto would listen to Josh talk about Bladestorm, and Skarmorys in general; idly nodding along. They agreed wholeheartedly with Josh in regards to not wanting to see pokemon be brutalized, though; nodding a bit more distinctly here. Though battles - especially ones between wild pokemon - can sometimes end up being brutal, it wasn't a pretty sight; and it certainly wasn't a sight that most people wanted to see. "It does seem like you have a handle on Bladestorm; I'm sure as well that you'll be able to teach her to calm down a little, darling." Makoto would soon agree out loud, offering Josh a warm smile.
As Josh mentioned that he, in fact, has already been doing Gym battles though, Makoto couldn't help a chuckle of their own. "Cork Town's gym... That's a Poison Type gym, if I recall correctly." Makoto would muse out loud; humming a little. "A winery, too; I admit that I've always been curious on giving its stock a try." Smiling in Josh's direction now, they'd tilt their head a little in a curious fashion; questioning "Do you happen to drink wine at all, dear?" Admittedly, Makoto was still unsure as to whether Josh was old enough for that or not - but they supposed they'd find their answer soon enough! "I am not one to drink very often - I don't enjoy the feeling of even being a little too tipsy; but I do like wines and winecoolers, on an occasion."
Though, Makoto didn't linger in their thoughts for much longer - instead mentioning "It does sound like you understand a lot about what it means to be a racer, in any case." as they watched a Gossifleur - a rather confident looking one, given how she wasn't shy about passing right by the assembled group - twirl and skip along. "It sounds like hard work, for sure; even outside the races themselves!" Makoto chuckled softly at this; though a hint of sympathy and concern were both apparent. "Make sure you're pacing yourself - pun not intended - alright darling? It'd be a shame if you burn yourself out on something that you enjoy, after all." Dark Incense - 2/5 encounters remain
Kuro the Zorua - Level 10 - 4/5 Energy Kama the Sneasel - Level 11 - 3/5 Energy Tachi the Meinfoo - Level 10 - 2/5 Energy Unnamed the Abra - Level 1 - 2/5 Energy
Last Edit: Jun 10, 2020 19:40:11 GMT by Makoto Kurumi
Makoto's statement bolstered Josh's confidence. "We've traveled together a lot - I would hope you're right. Though I'd rather she carry me than I carry her, if you know what I mean," he answered them, his eyes on the fluffy, blue and white sky above. He started daydreaming as the anxious Blinky stopped to shuffle her legs, letting out some built-up static before trotting back up to her trainer's traveling companion again...and the speed of her trot was faster than a lot of Pokémon could run.
That trance would quickly be broken by the two of them laughing together at Makoto's mention of the Gym challenge. "Well, I know who I'm bringing, then!" A Poison-type Gym! Bladestorm would be perfect. Of course, even with a Steel-type in his roster, the battle would not be an easy one. After all, Josh had barely snatched a victory from the Leader of Bass Gym even with Pokémon that were all effective against Water-types! The Leaders were meant to screen Pokémon League participants - to reduce the number of applicants from millions to hundreds.
"I'm underage actually," he laughed upon mention of the Gym also being a winery. "Even when I turn legal drinking age next year, I don't plan on drinking. For some people, one drink is all it takes to put them over - I'd rather not find out what my limit is. Remember what they say: friends don't let friends ride drunk." Above the Gossifleur floated a Butterfree, very small for its kind. After observing Bladestorm's many battles, Josh felt Resheph was ready for her first true opponent. "Go get 'em, girl!"
Resheph floated out of her Poké Ball, charging the Butterfree full stop. The small, nimble Pokémon was easily able to flutter out of the way, beating its wings far more rapidly than one of its kind should be able to. White spores fell from the edges of the Pokémon's wings, the young dragon yawning and eventually passing out. By the time Josh could locate a vial of Awakening, the tiny Butterfree had already flown off.
A bit disappointed in Resheph's first performance, Josh recalled the sleeping dragon, though there really was little he could do to prevent that outcome. Blinky continued walking to match Makoto's pace. "I've been following the racing scene since before I got my first Pokémon...and soon, I'll be living my childhood dream." He couldn't help but scowl at Makoto. Another bad pun? He shook his head once more. "We're almost there. Come on, Blinky, let's go." The Jolteon entered a swift trot, getting a bit ahead of them. While there were some puns that he legitimately thought were funny, this one was just, in his eyes, distasteful.
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 36 2 Poor Resheph Dratini 26 4 Sleep Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good
A Poké Ball with a 50% chance of capturing a wild Pokémon. For every post you have already failed to capture the Pokemon, the capture rate goes up 10%, to a maximum of 90%.
Post by Makoto Kurumi on Jun 12, 2020 12:05:09 GMT
As Josh clarified that he was underage, Makoto would blink a bit, before chuckling softly and nodding in understanding "You look quite mature for your age, I must admit." Makoto would remark; glad that they didn't try to flirt with Josh. Albeit, this was mostly because there might've been a bit of a misunderstanding; given that the legal drinking age in Arciel is 18, Makoto thought that Josh was 17, and not 20! "Avoiding drinking is likely for the best, though; you put it best about friends not letting friends ride drunk." It did make Makoto briefly wonder, though; would a pokemon make for a good sober buddy or 'designated driver'? It wasn't like they'd go astray like a horse or car if the driver is drunk...
In any case though, it seemed that Resheph would have her first attempt at a fight; drifting upwards to engage a wild Butterfree...! Makoto smiled a little - eager to see how the Dratini would handle the fight, but... It seemed that the Butterfree would act first; raining a Sleep Powder down on the dragon-type, and putting her straight to sleep...! Makoto couldn't help a slight 'dawwwww' at the sight of the sleepy Dratini; chuckling gently. "I suppose you can't win them all," They'd hum a little - given there was no harm done in the fight, they figured a little lightheartedness wouldn't hurt - adding "Sleepy Resheph is quiet adorable, though."
As Josh scowled over the unintentional pun though, Makoto looked a little caught off guard; as if they didn't expect such a cold reception. As Josh had Blinky move on ahead, Makoto didn't really make a move to chase after Josh at all, instead appearing visibly put off. Were even unintentional puns that terrible? And even if the pun was intentional, was the subject matter really that heavy? Even Kama and Kuro both appeared unsure of the situation - though Makoto would soon sigh, and reassure them both with gentle pats on the head. "It's alright, darlings." They'd murmur to the two Dark-Types, smiling a bit wryly and mentioning in a low voice - as to avoid Josh overhearing - "If he wants to be all serious all the time, then that's his prerogative."
And Josh would be free to join them again at any time, they figured; in fact, Kuro already was seeming a little more confident to hop down from Makoto's arms, and strike up a conversation with Kama!
Instead of chasing after the young man, Makoto would simply glance to a clearing just off the road; watching a trainer's fairy types play with a Gossifleur as they walked. Though, as they observed the pokemon, they'd briefly wonder; was this Gossifleur the same wild one that had passed them by, before? It didn't appear to be the case - this one being larger in size than the tiny Gossifleur from before. As the young girl noticed Makoto's gaze, she'd wave in their direction - to which they chuckled, and waved back.
As much as they'd be willing to have a little scuffle with another trainer, those fairy types looked as though they'd wreck their current team - given that Makoto, so far, only had two dark types, a fighting type, and a psychic type with no attacking moves. So, Makoto would simply move on; glancing down the road to Josh and Blinky, to see whether the duo would come back or not. 1/5 Encounters left on Dark Incense
Kuro the Zorua - Level 10 - 4/5 Energy Kama the Sneasel - Level 11 - 3/5 Energy Tachi the Meinfoo - Level 10 - 2/5 Energy Unnamed the Abra - Level 1 - 2/5 Energy
A little piece up the road, Josh dismounted and recalled Blinky, substituting the electric-type for Twilight, his Absol. At the same time, he released his sleeping Dratini. With a cloth, he cleaned up some of the Sleep Powder that was still around the dragon-type's neck and face...but she was still out cold. Rustling through his medical supplies, Josh procured a vial of antidote and began spraying it over where the Sleep Powder was still most concentrated. A minute or so later, Resheph's eyes opened, the excited Pokémon back to flying loops around Josh and his Absol. The two started walking back toward Makoto, who seemed to be observing a young girl frolicking with some fairy-type Pokémon.
Once the two had made it all the way back, Josh apologized to Makoto for scowling and suddenly leaving like that. "What I did was uncalled for and inconsiderate. I'll try not to do that again." Twilight's horn quickly went from soft to sharp, glinting in the sun again. "Oh right, I wanted to give Blinky a bit of a break. This is Twilight," Josh gestured toward the Absol beneath him. "She kind of keeps to herself...at least what I can tell."
Resheph had returned as well, with a Timer Ball in her mouth. "Another specialty Poké Ball..." The young man took it from the Dratini and pocketed it as well, planning on putting it with the rest of them when he got to town. Speaking of town, Josh pointed to Cork Town in the north. "When we get to Cork, I need to ask around and look around to see if there's a Poké Ball crafter around Arciel somewhere. Speaking of Cork, I can see the gate - we're getting close!"
NAME SPECIES LV EP STATUS Nitro Skiddo 20 5 Good Twilight Absol 21 5 Good Bladestorm Skarmory 36 2 Poor Resheph Dratini 26 4 Good Blinky Jolteon 21 5 Good Flint Cyndaquil 8 5 Good