[@Pikmin Eye]

Martin headed through the level, avoiding the healing station [sub][sub][s]and probably the chests of recovery items and the strangely placed save-spot too had they existed[/s][/sub][/sub] before eventually heading down the stairs, which spiraled down a tight rectangular space until he reached a lower level. There, he reached another wider room, with several routes. The room itself was empty except for some benches on the sides for potential seating. Based on some scratches on the floor, things on wheels commonly made their way through this room.

To his right following the wall was a large door labeled “Underground”. If Martin tried it, he’d find he had access and that it led to an elevator going downwards. Evidently, he could reach the underground from here. Ahead of him was “Lvl. 1 Storage”, which was open to him. To his left along the wall was also “Lvl. 2 Storage”, which was inaccessible to him. To the far left was a large door, with the main sign, “Testing Area”.

[hider=map][img]https://i.imgur.com/RrY560C.png[/img]

In case of unclear description, you arrived from the stairs on the top right through the small corridor. Underground is up, Lvl. 1 storage is left, Lvl 2 storage is down-right, the testing area is down.[/hider]

With Martin’s current key-card he could only go to the underground or the Lvl 1 storage from here. If he goes underground, well, then the story will continue from there. If he goes to the storage…

[hider=Storage]Ahead before him opened a vast containment of basic supplies…

[list]
[*] Pokéball			-	0P
[*] Great Ball		-	0P
[*] Potion			-	0P
[*] Super Potion		-	0P
[*] Revive			-	0P
[*] Burn Heal		-	0P
[*] Escape Rope		-	0P
[*] Repel			-	0P[/list]

There’s also food rations, tents, Team Virtue uniforms of both genders, Scientist trainer class outfits with accompanying glasses, and a sign.

[center]“Standard expedition inventory per person are as follows:
5 Potions,
2 Super Potions,
3 Revives,
2 Burn Heals,
1 Escape Rope,
5 Repels.
Optionally up to 3 Pokéballs and 1 Great Ball if capture of Pokémon is desired.
No taking more than listed.
[sub][i]That means YOU, Ben![/i][/sub]”[/center]

… So, depending on his moralic alignment, Martin could really stock up here. Might affect how he’d be treated should he be found, but if he just grabbed and left, it’d be a steal… literally a steal.[/hider]

Now. In either the case that he went into the storage and is now coming back out again OR he simply lingered inside this room for a bit of extra time for any reason, there was a sudden echoing successful sound of a door’s lock being opened. It was the Testing Area’s door, which lights just flashed green. This likely means it’s about to open. Martin has a few seconds to potentially hide or whatever else he has a sudden desire of doing. If he’s still there… what will he do?

__________________________

[@Eklispe][@Joshua Tamashii]

Tyrunt stopped and stared at the two as they offered their alternative path, then gave a little cry of amusement and dashed towards them, completely throwing off the numerous Sandshrews that emerged from the ground numerous feet ahead of where Tyrunt WOULD have been going had the Pokémon continued in the direction he was previously going. Now instead they looked considerably confused before digging down underground again. So for now, they had a curious wild Tyrunt hanging out with them.

Now, they wanted to leave the area… except Route 6 is vast, on their feet they wouldn’t get far enough before they could hear hooves approaching from a distance. They did get far enough to get behind a hill before the situation settled, the driver and his protector having been able to retain a portion of the ancient Pokémon while the other portion slipped away with the Ground-type Pokémon. Now, potentially because she saw Dawkin and Amelia earlier, the trainer on the Rapidash was now riding in their direction, on the other side of the hill…

And on Route 6, there is nowhere to hide. … That is, unless they hide behind those Miltanks just absently walking about and grazing the endless fields. That is theoretically possible. 

[quote=@Eklispe]Dawkin will reluctantly and with great embarrassment, attempt to hide behind the miltanks. [/quote]

[quote=@Joshua Tamashii]Amelia will likely follow Dawkins lead and try to get the Tyrunt to do the sane[/quote]

So, with varying emotions they maneuvered into the her of Miltanks, some of which looked at them curiously before continuing with their peaceful behavior. Amelia keeping an eye on Tyrunt might be for the best, because he was inches away from curiously biting at the nearest Miltank, and angering their cover might not be the best idea possible.

So, on the other side of the Miltanks, the trainer on the Rapidash rode over the hill. At this point she stopped and frowned, looking around, knowing there’s no way they’d have gotten that far assuming they went by foot. She eyed towards the Miltanks, but they didn’t seem particularly suspicious so she hit her feet so the Rapidash too off in a gallop… before suddenly the ground started shaking. The trainer had to hurry to reign in her Rapidash from the sudden shaking and the Miltanks around Dawkin and Amelia were also startled, though not to the degree of actually starting to run. Then… something large burst from the ground before the trainer on the horse.

It was another woman, emerging from the ground sitting on top of a sizable Pokémon. [sub]Amelia could sense the presence of at least one ghost in the woman’s Pokéballs.[/sub]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/0/07/344Claydol.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/n2hFRIA.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #344 – Claydol, the Clay Doll Pokémon. It’s said to have awoken from a clay figurine of an ancient civilization when a mystic light shone upon it. It is a floating enigma, flying with psychic powers and firing beams its hands. It sleeps while floating in the air, and even if it comes apart it can reassemble itself with psychic powers.[/i][/color][/center]

[hider=Woman on Rapidash][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/wRUffiD.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/cz2mh5S.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider]
[hider=Woman on Claydol][center][url=https://i.imgur.com/yUn2CI6.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/yEonHDY.png[/img][/url][/center][/hider]

From this distance, it was much easier to make out the two, albeit Dawkin and Amelia perhaps should avoid peeking too often because at the very least Claydol has eyes on all sides. Still. The woman on the Rapidash had short, blonde hair, a plain face and a large white coat as well as a red scarf. Nothing too unnatural, minus riding in high heels. The one that emerged from the ground, though, was a different story. She had long, wild red hair, was wearing a yellow suit that was seemingly made to protect her body while deep underground, on which she had numerous pockets and gadgets attached that probably helped with mining, and a brown jacket on top of that. In addition, the suit was… kind of open on top, showing a bit of skin. That aside. The two women’s eyes met, the blonde one frowning meeting the smiling red-headed one. They both knew which one of them had won the previous encounter.

Under the assumption that Dawkin and Amelia stayed put, the two women started talking, starting with the blonde one on the Rapidash.

[color=fce2a4]‘Kristy… Stealing is unbecoming of a Gym Leader.’[/color] There was poison on her otherwise polite tone.

[color=f75423]‘Hahahaha. If I considered myself stealing, would I be showing my face?’[/color] The replying woman who had arrived from underground sounded more jovial, but nonetheless tense.

[color=fce2a4]‘Nonetheless, this was an unsanctioned attack. You’re not getting away with this.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Maybe not. Though, I do like to hope the message of what we think of your actions came through.’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘We’re not doing anything illegal.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Oh, grow up, Leila. You were shipping those Pokémon to be sold to the highest bidder. Ancient Pokémon fetch a handy price, eh?’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘We were not. We were taking them to the research labs of Worldedge City to be further researched for what information about the past we can discover. Team Amethyst has gotten into your head.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Oho-ho-ho. Funny you should mention… We have reason to believe you’re cooperating with them.’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘Baseless accusations. In fact, we have reason to believe [i]you’re[/i] working with them.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘… Oh?’[/color] Kristy sounded genuinely taken aback at that.

[color=fce2a4]‘There are only two major holders of ancient Pokémon in the world. You Raremine Miners, spanning from the Frozen Cavern Mines to the Desert Mines, and us, the Worldedge Scientific Division. Yet, our collectors are reporting that there has been a certain increase of ancient Pokémon on the less reputable market. Why is that? Someone’s leaking, and might I claim, miners might be more inclined to desire a better, richer life than scientists…’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Heh. Or maybe the crooks have just uncovered a new good spot for mining that they’ve kept hidden for profit. Or maybe it has to do with the incomplete transactions happening among scientists. Test subjects that, when done with, just happen to vanish…’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘They’re entrusted to friends, family, or to nearby Pokémon Trainers that visit the lab, library or museum.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Really? I’d like to see those records, because that sounds like convenient excuses. Oh, by the way. Play Park called. They wondered why they didn’t get as many ancient Pokémon as was promised, or as I can confirm were delivered from Raremine Town by your men.’[/color]

[color=fce2a4]‘… Huh. I haven’t heard about that. I’ll look into it.’[/color] Leila replied to that, her turn to be taken aback a bit.

[color=f75423]‘You definitely should. Until I’m further been assured of the situation, however, I don’t feel safe leaving those Pokémon in your hands, and I will continue attacking your shipments. I trust you won’t mind.’[/color]

[color=fce2a4]‘That is highly violent of you. We really need those Pokémon. Speaking of violent solutions, if I just defeat you and capture you, I figure I could make your men hand over the Pokémon in exchange for that I don’t hand you over to the authorities?’[/color] … And suddenly, the pressure of Leila’s words grew dramatically, but Kristy just laughed.

[color=f75423]‘Ahahahaha! Capture me, huh. What age did you grow up in? Anyway. In Raremine Town, I AM the authority, and I remind I didn’t become a Gym Leader by being bad at battling. So, what’s it gonna be, sweetie? Can you match the Desert Princess?’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘… That title doesn’t suit you anymore. I realize you got it along with your Gym Leader position when you were a teenager, but now you’re…’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Heh. Yeah, suppose I might have outgrown it. “Princess” isn’t what you think looking at me anymore. I could change it, but I’m kinda attached to it. “Desert Queen” sounds way too haughty, though.’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘… Heh.’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘Oooh, got you to smirk!’[/color] 

[color=fce2a4]‘…’[/color] 

[color=f75423]‘…’[/color] 

The two turned silent, each holding a Pokéball glaring at the other, the casualness of the previous conversation about Kristy’s title washing away as both prepared for eventual battle.

… Would Dawkin and Amelia do anything? Their action could take place during the conversation, even if they’ll interrupt it, the above is simply “if they do not interrupt”.

__________________________

[@Rune_Alchemist]

The scarred Pangoro turned his head a little and gave a grin, acknowledging Claire’s claim, before he kept going and walked back up the castle road. Him pausing to do that basically led to the entire castle also pausing to see what he was going to do, then just a combined little smirk as their great leader grinned, and then everyone returned to what they were doing.

Infernape turned his head a little to Claire’s talking to him and Lucario, and slowly nodded though with a displeased expression. Then, he turned to Maple and Ellyn, pointed at the exit with one hand while making the universal “shoo, shoo” motion with the other. Ellyn was quick to turn and walk without an additional look towards Claire and Anise… but Maple however turned wide-eyed and looked to Claire.

[color=db845c]‘W-wait!’[/color] She called out. [color=db845c]‘Claire! Can I have your phone number!? I’d love to talk to you occasionally!’[/color] Desperate to expand her net of friends, Maple called out to Claire. Up to her how she responds, but regardless Lucario and Infernape are going to be pretty quick at leading Maple out after her companion.

Regardless of Claire’s reaction, moving on.

So, this is basically a fully functioning city, except inhabited by Pokémon.

[hider=The Selection][center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/8/85/066Machop.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/uWLphvM.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #66 – Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. A Machop is built up by a special muscle, which despite its size makes it stronger than 100 humans and will never tire no matter how much it strains itself. This combined with their general availability makes them a common choice for helping humans with manual labours.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/7/71/307Meditite.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/QzaKLiU.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #307 – Meditite, the Meditate Pokémon. It is found deep in mountains, meditating for hours on end and surviving on a berry a day. It trains its spirit, and by heightening its inner strength it somehow achieved levitation. It also enjoys daily yoga workouts.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/6/69/532Timburr.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/BDKcLn7.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #532 – Timburr, the Muscular Pokémon. They make habits of training themselves by carrying square logs and wielding them as weapons. They’re know to appear at construction sites and helping with the carrying. They pick bigger logs as they get stronger, and when they can handle any log without problem, they’re close to evolving.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/4/41/619Mienfoo.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/TFL9mn1.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #619 – Mienfoo, the Martial Arts Pokémon. While not very strong, it’s very fast and has mastered the art of elegant combos using claws to increase damage. As it concentrates, it grows in speed and efficiency. They have a tendency to start acting like their trainer’s personal bodyguards.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/1/1c/674Pancham.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/mZREw8M.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #674 – Pancham, the Playful Pokémon. It follows Pangoro around like henchmen, imitating the leader to the best of its ability, but it’s nowhere near as intimidating. Besides this, it enjoys being played with can be quite mischievous. It’s rather easy to trick, so if you pretend to be scared by its glare it can be very effective for boosting its confidence.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/c/c7/236Tyrogue.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/v9gWvzt.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #236 – Tyrogue, the Scuffle Pokémon. It is always bursting with energy, and is known for nursing injuries after challenging way too tough foes. It has to train every day, and a trainer needs to maintain a regular schedule. Depending on how it is trained, its evolution differs.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/a2/447Riolu.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/53Bezeh.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #447 – Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. It can see the emotions of others in the form of their “auras”, and can also alert others using its own aura when feeling strong emotions. While small, Riolu is really strong. While sensitive to it, Riolu cannot effectively utilize aura.[/i][/color][/center]

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/7/76/390Chimchar.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/VaOHUt7.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #390 – Chimchar, the Chimp Pokémon. A gas burns in its stomach that fuels the flame behind it, which is extremely difficult to put out except for when it puts out its own flames to protect its surroundings while asleep. It lives on craggy mountains, using its agility and grip to scale sheer cliffs and walls.[/i][/color][/center][/hider]

There were numerous rings throughout the castle where Fighting-Pokémon faced one another and tried to win. However, the majority was simply buildings and different Fighting-types working to maintain it all. There were Machops aplenty, quite a few Timburrs and Meditites, the occasional Mienfoo. There was a bunch of Panchams, but they were mostly all competing for whom could be the closest and most perfectly mimic the current action of their king, no matter what that action was at that exact moment. Rarer among their number were the every-so-often Riolu and Tyrogue, both kinds seeking to grow stronger in this crowded castle. And, of course, there was at least one family of Chimchars.

It did seem like the rule of “strong seeks upwards” was present here, as though there were evolved Pokémon they were few and far between, mostly acting as overwatchers of the smaller fighters around. Yet, holding the title as leader of the castle needed one of the strongest of their kind, which was that Pangoro. This meant that to seek new challenges, the young Fighting-types eventually left the castle to grow stronger, and one day perhaps fight the king of the castle. As such Pangoro made himself an idol to all the Fighting-types of the castle, and you best believe he was ready to jump down to save his kind, only stopping because he noted Claire’s approach and was interested in how it would turn out.

The largest arena was, of course, the top of the castle, where the king and his top four enforcers (Conkeldurr, Lucario, Infernape, Breloom) squared off in high-power duels that left the audience in awe, dreaming to grow as strong as them one day.

So. In any case. What would Claire do now?

__________________________

[@Pirouette]

[color=debd92]‘Oh? Well, then. Good luck, Erika! I’ll be rooting for you!’[/color] Isaac told her as she headed off, waving to her and wishing her luck.

With that, Erika went to battle!

Gibs completely floored the first Buneary, the creature unable to overcome the blazing Dragon Rage. Sno then made short work of the poor Hoppip which didn’t stand a chance. Eevee, however, was a different matter. Play Nice was used, decreasing Eevee’s attack while Eevee hit with Sand-Attack. Realizing what Erika was doing, Jamie commanded an all-out attack by Eevee to do damage while she still could. It became a Tackle VS Thundershock battle, but even with the previous, Thundershock wasn’t doing enough damage. Eevee was winning this battle, if only just. Will Erika change up her plan?

Next battle! In the fight against Koffing, Chu turned out to be a terrific choice. Chu’s speed meant Koffing’s gasses couldn’t keep up and trap him, and while he got Smokescreened a few times he could keep his distance and Thundershock the floating ball without fearing gas nor admirable defense, meaning Koffing fainted soon enough. 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Chu grew to Level 9![/i][/color][/center]

Sno Powder Snowed down Spearow with just a few shots, but not without being pecked for a nasty piece of damage in return. Still, she got some experience. 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Sno grew to Level 11![/i][/color][/center]

Roggenrola wasn’t affected by Sand Attack (IT HAS NO EYES) and headed in for a Headbutt… but Dragon Rage pierced all its supposed defenses and Roggenrola fainted.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Gibs grew to Level 10![/i][/color][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Erika was victorious! Erika gained 278P for winning![/i][/color][/center]

[color=ffd363]‘Woa!’[/color] Adrian looked in surprise at Gible and his downed Roggenrola. The school kid glanced over his notes, a surprised look in his eyes, looked up at Gible again, then let the noted drop as he looked out over the nearby lake for numerous quiet seconds. Eventually, he spoke, sounding slightly in awe. [color=ffd363]‘I… I want a dragon.’[/color] Well, looks like he learned [i]something[/i], at the very least.

Chic VS Bronzor. Bronzor was indeed heatproof and had superior defense and special defense, but poor offensive stats balanced the fight. Initially it looked bad as Chic fell asleep from an Hypnosis while Bronzor got off Confusions, but Chic woke up quickly and kept on Embering while Bronzor failed a couple Hypnosis after. Chic was heavily damaged, but Bronzor fainted first.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Chic grew to Level 10! Chic learned Sand Attack![/i][/color][/center]

Gothita sent a Tickle at Kay, tickling any sensitive points with Psychic powers, before being promptly taken out by Foul Play. 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Kay grew to Level 10![/i][/color][/center]

In Woobat VS Sno, Woobat’s speed allowed it to get in a few Confusions, but eventually Sno’s type-advantage froze the bat in the air and victory was Erika’s.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Erika was victorious! Erika gained 492P for winning![/i][/color][/center]

[color=d081f7]‘GAH!’[/color] Mason recoiled as if taking a physical blow, then the Psychic promptly pointed at Erika while returning his Pokémon. [color=d081f7]‘Th-this isn’t over! You haven’t seen the last of me…!’[/color] Shouting a line that perhaps would have served better said in fiction by a D-class villain, Mason spun and dashed away. Didn’t seem like he learned anything.

Healing Sno and Chic was a good choice, because Sno suffered some nasty bites in the following battle against Sandile and Chic suffered numerous Thundershocks, good thing the chicken wasn’t a Flying type. Sno triumphed over Sand Attack’s decreased accuracy and hit his Powder Snow to take down Sandile. 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Sno grew to Level 12![/i][/color][/center]

In her fight with Magnemite Chic was paralyzed and couldn’t move once, but the type advantage meant the Embers she did get off did enough damage to out-damage the Thundershocks and Chic won. 

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Chic grew to Level 11![/i][/color][/center]

Then… it was Nuzleaf. Eep did fairly well, using Acid to do Super Effective damage, but the level difference was too great. Nuzleaf was going to faint him while only taking roughly half his health as damage, after perhaps unnecessarily paralyzing Eep. Would Erika switch strategies?