[center][h1][color=0072bc]Ty Westgrove[/color] vs. [color=00aeef]Lan Sohai[/color][/h1][/center]

[center][h3][color=0072bc]Mesalon Gym Battle[/color][/h3][/center]

Ty reached for one pokeball, then his hand paused for a moment before brushing against another one. Jeez, the plan was already unraveling before the battle even started. The blond deliberated for another second and settled on the second capsule.

With a burst of light, Reaper appeared. The Scyther quickly gauged his surroundings. Once he knew he was actually about to battle this time, he sharpened his scythes and unleashed a fierce hiss.

Lan waited patiently as Ty took the time to choose his first combatant. Despite the unsure look on the teen's face, thinking over decisions was no bad thing. Once Ty chose a Pokeball, Lan held up one of his own. [color=00aeef]"Munchlax, begin this."[/color] The little bulky bear appeared in a flash of light, waddling forward, as calm as his trainer even as he looked up at the much bigger Pokemon.

[color=0072bc]"No holding back this time!"[/color] Ty began. [color=0072bc]"Use Quick Attack!"[/color]

Reaper grinned for a moment. Then he zoomed toward Munchlax in a green blur, blades swiping at their face.

Munchlax's thick coat absorbed most of the blow as he staggered back, but two scrapes could be seen through his fur. Nonetheless, the hardy little Pokemon ignored the wounds and lumbered forward again to stand up to the Scyther.

[color=00aeef]"Chip Away,"[/color] Lan commanded, calm as his Pokemon. Lunging, Munchlax flailed, aiming for any weak points in the bug's chitinous shell.

[color=0072bc]"Good one,"[/color] Ty called. [color=0072bc]"Just keep doin' what you do best!"[/color]

The blond rapidly, mindlessly drummed his fingers against his legs. Anything to release some of this antsy energy. He could only hope the Kamikaze Scyther plan could barrel through enough health to let Hunk sweep whatever was left.

Reaper circled around and zipped back for another blow. The Scyther had a big upper hand in terms of raw speed - but he wasn't prepared for the precision of Munchlax's slower attacks. As Reaper flew in from the side, Munchlax's paw jabbed the small space between his left blade-arm and his shoulder. The bug type let out a startled buzz, stunned for a second. Then Reaper whapped Munchlax with the broad side of his other blade-arm (Quick Attack) and backed a few feet away, shaking out the pins and needles in his damaged arm.

Tottering, Munchlax backed away as the Scyther did. When he regained his balance, he pulled a Sitrus Berry from his fur and chomped it down in a matter of seconds. His posture became a fraction less slouched as he perked up to the extent that such a lazy Pokemon could.

[color=00aeef]"Chip Away, again,"[/color] Lan called. Stomping over before Reaper had a chance to shake off the previous attack, Munchlax lashed with his paws once more.

[color=0072bc]"Watch out!"[/color] Ty shouted super helpfully. [color=0072bc]"Dodge up and use Quick Attack."[/color]

Reaper shot straight up as Munchlax aimed for the same weakened spot on his arm. The normal type's paw moved a little too slow to hit the intended target, but it slammed down on another vulnerable spot on Reaper's knee while he flew upward. The Scyther hissed in pain as he zipped toward the ceiling. Then he dived back down to rake Munchlax across the back.

Munchlax yelped, lurching to keep from falling. Once he'd steadied himself, he spun his rotund body around to face the Scyther. Although he continued to stand up to his opponent, he panted, shoulders drooping as fatigue set back in.

[color=00aeef]"Recycle this time."[/color] At Lan's command, Munchlax gripped the berry stalk, which glowed white as a new fruit formed. He wasted no time in scarfing down his second refreshment, Sitrus juice dripping from his fur as he stood tall once more. Well, as tall as a young two-foot-high Pokemon could.

Ty watched a new berry grow instantly and froze, dumbfounded. Crap, he'd never seen [b]that[/b] move before. The Munchlax could keep healing itself over and over again, while Reaper only had a set amount of health to work with. Reaper was stuck running a race he could never win!

Unless..... did he still have that one stupid baby move?

[color=0072bc]"Reaper, use... Leer?"[/color]

The Scyther hovered in place and slooowly turned his head toward his trainer with a scalding glare that clearly conveyed [i]Are you freaking kidding me?[/i]

[color=0072bc]"Not at me!"[/color] the punk stammered, putting his hands up as if the bug type were an accusing police officer. [color=0072bc]"The Munchlax!"[/color]

Reaper rolled his eyes but obeyed. As Munchlax prepared for his next move, Reaper zoomed right up to his face, harshly hissing, sharpening his blades, the gaze of a cold-blooded killer in his eyes.

Reaper's most chilling performance yet should drop the calm normal type's guard just enough to overcome its unending wellspring of berries. At least, Ty hoped so. Whatever the outcome, this was starting to look like a REAL gym battle now.

[color=00aeef]"Try to show more conviction when addressing your Pokemon,"[/color] Lan advised. Despite Ty's uncertainty, though, and Reaper's initial response to it, the technique seemed to work. The Munchlax, for all his usual level-headedness, staggered back and shuddered at the Scyther's intimidation display.

With his guard down, the usually sturdy Pokemon would have to keep his health up as much as possible. [color=00aeef]"Hold out with Recycle again,"[/color] Lan commanded. This time, Munchlax restored the berry in an uncharacteristic rush, watching for the Scyther's next move as he ate.

Ty unwittingly clenched his fists, adrenaline spiking at the thought of his plan maybe possibly working. Hopefully Munchlax was too rattled to hear his next command to Reaper.

[color=0072bc]"Go for the hand,"[/color] the leather-clad trained called, pointing at his own fist. [color=0072bc]"Take away its advantage."[/color]

Reaper flew away for a few seconds and then gained speed as he charged back toward Munchlax. The round Pokemon had barely enough time to pluck off the latest berry and scramble to shield itself from the blade heading straight for its stomach. At the last moment, Reaper stopped his flight and swept his blade-arms up. Munchlax yelped as the sharp edge cut his arm and he lost hold of his berry stalk. It flew through the air and clattered to the ground several feet away.

Also fallen to the ground was Reaper, who crash landed after attempting to stop on a dime. The Scyther panted for a second and then lurched back to his feet. If Munchlax wanted his berry stalk back, he'd have to beat Reaper to it.

[color=00aeef]"Take the opportunity,"[/color] Lan called as the Scyther picked himself up. [color=00aeef]"Use Chip Away."
[/color]
Lumbering towards Reaper, Munchlax swiped his paws at an unsteady leg. As his opponent's knee buckled, he seized the chance, waddling past and reaching for the berry stalk. Before he could retrieve it, a blade lashed across his back. "Muunch!" Unable to regain his balance, he toppled forward and lay there, the last of his strength spent.

Lan raised his arm. [color=00aeef]"You put up a good fight,"[/color] he said, recalling Munchlax and sending out another Pokemon. [color=00aeef]"Your turn, Doduo."[/color]

The bird strode forward, studying his opponent with two sets of beady eyes.

[color=0072bc]"Yeah!"[/color]

Ty pumped a fist in the air. But his celebration was short-lived. The punk's smile faltered into a grimace as Lan's next Pokémon appeared: a flying type. Ty probably should've guessed this worst-case scenario was inevitable, but seeing his biggest worry confirmed was a blow to his team's confidence.

Reaper gasped in pain as he fought to stand back up. Try as he might, his left knee was practically useless after two well-practiced hits. Still, the fierce Scyther did his best to hide how battered he was. As Doduo took measured steps closer, Reaper pushed off with his good leg, hovering unsteadily in the air. The bug's wings beat erratically to compensate for his leg's dead weight. He probably wouldn't make it through one super-effective attack...

[color=0072bc]"Ok Reaper,"[/color] Ty commanded, [color=0072bc]"you're too hurt to do enough damage flying straight across. Gimme a last-ditch dive bomb- NOW!"[/color]

Reaper flew straight up just in time to avoid a sharp peck from one of the Doduo's heads. He zipped higher for another second until his wings gave out. The Scyther let out a crazed buzz and swiped down with his arms as gravity carried him toward his target. He knew he might miss, he knew his guard was completely down. That's just how it had to be this time.

Doduo tried to dodge, but squawked as the blades swiped across its back. With only fuzzy feathers protecting the bird Pokemon, the scythes left deeper cuts than they had on the Munchlax. Tottering on spindly legs, Doduo stuck one of his beaks into a pouch around his other head's neck, pulling out and eating a Sitrus Berry. He livened up right away, but being unable to create new berries as Munchlax could, this energy boost would have to last. At least Reaper didn't look like he could take many more hits. 

[color=00aeef]"Aerial Ace,"[/color] Lan commanded. Running at full speed with white streaks surrounding his body, Doduo leapt, flipped, and jabbed his beaks at the Bug type.

Ty's breath caught with excitement as Doduo took a few precious seconds to eat its berry. Maybe Reaper would have one more chance.

[color=0072bc]"Get up, Lightning Bug!"[/color] Ty shouted. [color=0072bc]"You got dis!"[/color]

The Scyther groaned as he again struggled to stand up after a hard landing. His wings fluttered to lift him off the ground. But Doduo's attacks came too fast. Reaper swiped toward the beak that hit his shoulder, leaving his head wide open for the second peck. The Scyther collapsed at Doduo's feet, immediately out cold.

[color=0072bc]"Epic, Reaper,"[/color] Ty said as he returned the Pokemon. It looked like he had whittled down about half of Lan's team. Ty could only hope his fighting type would fare equally well.

[color=0072bc]"It's all you, Hunk!"[/color]

The Timburr appeared from his pokeball with a battle cry, slamming his plank down in a show of power. He cowered a bit when he spotted the two-headed flying type across the arena. Then he gritted his teeth and straightened back up. Nobody saw that, right?

[color=0072bc]"It's okay, just use... Rock Throw..."[/color] Ty glanced at the battlefield and widened his eyes. [color=0072bc]"Crap, there aren't rocks around here..."[/color]

Hunk responded with a warlike yell and hoisted his log above his head. Within one second, the wood turned hard as a rock. Ty stared at the transmuted plank and blinked blankly.

[color=0072bc]"Huh, must've missed an important day of science class... WOAH, look out!"[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Again, Aerial Ace."[/color]

In a blur of white light, Doduo zoomed forward once more. Just as the attack hit home, though, the transformed log came down with a thud on both his heads. The bird swayed from side to side before collapsing into unconsciousness.

[color=00aeef]"Your Timburr has a way to cover a type disadvantage, I see,"[/color] Lan commented as he recalled Doduo. Not that many Pokemon knew coverage moves at low levels, but it was still important for trainers to think about. [color=00aeef]"Minccino."[/color] In Doduo's place, he sent out a tiny, fluffy grey Pokemon who scampered into the fray. Despite being nearly half Hunk's size, Minccino faced her opponent with the same calm confidence most of Lan's Pokemon displayed.

[color=00aeef]"Use Thunder Wave."[/color] Minccino rubbed her paws together until they crackled with static, and shot a thin stream of electricity at the Timburr.

As the Doduo went down, Ty released a rush of breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. Hunk had weathered the Aerial Ace, but he looked worse for wear. As the fighting type feebly crawled toward his log, his next opponent appeared. Hunk jammed his hand into a hollow in his plank and pulled out a rather bruised Sitrus berry. The healing fruit gave him the strength he needed to start standing again. Unfortunately, Minccino's static shock hit him halfway up. Hunk cringed, falling back down as his muscles locked.

[color=0072bc]"C'mon, get back up!"[/color] Ty shouted, a bit frantic. [color=0072bc]"We're so close! Just one Low Kick!"[/color]

Hunk gritted his teeth and forced himself back up, leaning on his log for support. He just couldn't force Medic to join the fray, not if there was anything he could do about it. His limbs were weak, but his Guts were fired up.

With a focused gaze, Hunk aimed a Low Kick right at Minccino's abdomen.

With a squeal, Minccino rolled over and over across the ground. Despite the attack's effectiveness, though, she wasn't out just yet. Slowly, she stood and straightened her posture, dusting herself off with her tail and adjusting the stone-studded helmet strapped to her head.

[color=00aeef]"Wear your opponent down with Double Slap,"[/color] Lan called. In an instant, Minccino scurried up to Hunk, one paw lashing out after the other as she dealt a barrage of slaps so fast that not even the Fighting type could block. The move may have been called Double Slap, but Minccino's precision proved the name a misnomer, the attack landing no less than five times.

Hunk grunted and rubbed a bruise the Rocky Helmet left on his knee. He crouched to perform another Low Kick, but his muscles were still stiff, and Minccino struck first. A dizzying slap to the face stunned Hunk for half a second, giving the normal type time for a jab to the ribs. The Timburr panicked as he feebly scrambled to find an opening between the Mincinno's flurry of slaps.

Ty looked equally flustered.

[color=0072bc]"Ge-GET IT!"[/color] was all he could manage to stammer.

With a raging yell, Hunk dropped all attempts to protect himself. Using his technique from the battle with Spinda, he supported himself with one elbow and kicked out with both feet. Minccino squeaked as the kick connected with her stubby legs. The long-tailed Pokemon fell forward into Hunk, their foreheads colliding with a solid thud.

Ty didn't dare breathe as both Pokemon lay on the ground for a few seconds. A blank, stunned expression remained on his face as he silently recalled Hunk. Then he broke out into jarring laughter.

[color=0072bc]"Go, Medic!"[/color] the leather-clad trained called with a grin.

The pink puffball appeared on the battlefield. She immediately squeezed her big eyes shut and inflated a couple inches as she held her breath, bracing for a scary attack.

[color=0072bc]"You won, Medic!"[/color] Ty shouted. [color=0072bc]"Good job!"[/color]

Medic dared to open one eye, then the other. She gazed upon the now-empty battlefield with confusion. The blond trainer whooped victoriously as he picked up the plush Pokemon and hoisted her in the air like a trophy, a baffled expression still glued to her face.

A double knockout. Not something Lan saw often, but his face remained neutral as ever, showing no outward surprise. As cheers rose up through the hall, he withdrew Minccino, took several discs from a box and advanced.

[color=00aeef]"While relying on type advantage won't always be a viable strategy,"[/color] he commented, holding out the Simplicity Badge with one hand and the TMs with the other, [color=00aeef]"you and your Pokemon displayed skill, so take these symbols of it. Which TM would you prefer, Hidden Power, Double Team, Swagger or Round?"[/color]

He fanned out the discs, allowing Ty to read the descriptions on the labels.

Ty forced himself to stay still long enough to look at the TMs. Two of them seemed awesome. The punk agonized over the decision for what seemed like hours, though to anyone else it was mere seconds. Then he chuckled lightly.

[color=0072bc]"Maybe my Pokemon already have enough swagger to begin with. I'll go with the Double Team. Thanks man!"[/color] He envisioned a platoon of Reapers slashing in perfect sync... yes, this was gonna be [i]sick.[/i]

Ty took a step toward his new companions, pivoted back to collect the badge he almost forgot, and then returned to the trainers with a giddy grin. He'd play it cool later, but right now the flood of excitement was too much to hold back.

[center][hider=Updated Team]
Medic – Igglybuff – lv 8 – female – Cute Charm – Sing, Defense Curl, Pound, Heal Pulse (egg move) – Medic is timid, gentle, empathetic, hates seeing anyone in pain. She’s been known to try singing to diffuse tense situations. She can battle but would rather not.

Reaper – Scyther – lv 15 – male – Technician – Quick Attack, Leer, False Swipe, Wing Attack – Reaper is competitive, bloodthirsty, and loves battling. He can get frustrated when Ty wants to sacrifice some of his raw power in exchange for flashy action moves.

Hunk – Timburr – lv 13 – male – Guts – Pound, Low Kick, Rock Throw, Focus Energy – Hunk is new to the team, but he seems eager to be an action star… probably to impress the ladies.
[/hider][/center]