The situation was incredibly bad for the bandits. If they committed to the defense of the southern entrance, then they left themselves open to the attack from the broken wall. If they committed to the defense of that, then those coming in the south had free reign over targets with the space they had. Thus it appears they were forced to split their defenses.
The Armored Bandit with a war cry moved towards the south to face the oncoming attackers, while a few Brigands sat back to keep their open flank occupied. The Bandit Leader Rolgo stood up from his chair to prepare for the oncoming attack. He'd occasionally had mercenaries or hired hands try and take this place, and none have gotten beyond the gates, and having been told of the force that was coming in just a few minutes ago he thought he could sit back and relax. They were just kids he was told, it was just going to be another day, or at least he thought. He wasn't sure whether to be angry or impressed, but being as he was, he was probably going to be a bit angry.
The battle was nearing it's end, it wouldn't take long to get rid of the Brigands, the only real obstacles were that of the Armored Bandit, and the Leader himself.
The deeper she went, the darker the woods had gotten, although this was still a rather small island. She found herself soon seeing the sea again. Just a glance and she could see schools of Tentacool and even a Tentacruel bit further off, around her immediately were the usual fare of bug and poison types, or grass and poison. In particular she spotted a Roselia dancing for a small group of Budew and Oddish. If she were to move a bit closer towards the clearing that she could barely spot, there would be maybe a few Bulbasaurs there too. A slightly dryer area to her left would reveal a Salandit, Toxicroak, and Skorupi. It seems this little island really was full of all kinds of Poison types. She had free choice on which group to approach, likely there may be other water poison types lurking beneath the water too, but that in of itself was a risk.
As the battle concluded, and the purple Nidoran was added to Henrietta's lineup, the young blue Nidoran was still sitting there in fear. Her gaze was fixed upon the Pokeball in her hand. It was the Nidoran's. Perhaps she should feel bad about what she'd done, but there was an equal determination in this Nidoran's eyes, albeit a lot softer. She tried to take one step forward, but the shaking was visible even from the distance it was away from Henrietta, before it would turn and run, disappearing into the bushes. She thought she may have seen some tears... Though the Nidoran had fled, she had some kind of gut feeling this wouldn't be the last time she saw her.
The park was pretty big to say the least, it took about half an hour to get from one end to the other. Soon she reached a rather popular meeting spot, or a safe assumption as one at least. A big fountain, with a statue of a knight riding a Rapidash holding a saber. Supposedly it depicts a man who rode around the Chromis Region on a Rapidash, and was the region's first ever courier. A strange profession to be glorifying, but there was likely more history to it.
Though that wasn't what she was interested in, Estelle wanted more battles. A young child would not test her mettle, but coming to this fountain seemed like a good idea. There were already groups of trainers conducting battles here, amidst the chatter she could make out, it seems most trainers present were taking part in the International League. She recognized common fashion styles sourced from various regions here, Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, even a few Alolan shirts. Perhaps this was a good chance to get her fill of battle.
It seemed to just be a matter of stepping up after a battle was over, for the moment, people swapped in and out rather quickly, no one lasted more than maybe 2 battles in a row. She can pick her time when to step in if she'd like. There were a couple trainers looking raring to go. A young girl who seemed to be in highschool chatting with some friends, an older guy who seemed a bit confident given his expression, and among others too. There were a lot and anyone could seem like a possible opponent.
The bunch of Nidoran were among the only Pokemon in this forest in this immediate area that were not the most cautious of the young trainer, but as soon as she brought out her Mudbray they senses hostile intent and began to scatter. Yet only one remained, a female Nidoran. A bit different to what she expected, this Nidoran was not brave, but seemed paralyzed by fear. Before Henrietta could say anything though, another Nidoran ran in front of her, a male one at that, come to it's protection. It seemed most ready to fight, and it's grit and determination was perhaps what she was looking for.
Nidoran ♂ Battle Experience: 5 - Poison Sting - Peck - Focus Energy - Double Kick Notes: Aggressive, and already has a few scars along it's body, it's not afraid to get into a scrap.
Nidoran ♀ Battle Experience: 1 - Fury Attack - Leer - Peck - Poison Sting Notes: This one is docile, it's not likely to attack, and seems to scare easily.
As Estelle approached the Pokemon among the trees, and grass, they looked at her curiously. As they listened to her request, it is perhaps understandable that they mistook it for wanting to play with them, and they approached her playfully. A Caterpie and Sewaddle approached her while a Rookidee emerged from the canopy to a much closer branch to observe the young trainer, all the while an Eevee looked at her curiously from the tall grass just barely visible. Truly these were some very friendly Pokemon, but playing did not seem to be her intent. She would find herself awkwardly allowing them to prance around her for a little bit... At least that was until she heard a voice shout from behind her.
"Hey you! Very gorgeous lady!", it was a young boy, fair hair, and... A rose in his hand? He presented it to Estelle. Based on his posh clothes he seemed to be quite wealthy. The Pokemon around her scattered back behind the trees and grass except the Rookidee that remained on watch above.
"Yes, I think so indeed, perfect! Say lady! If I beat you in a Pokemon battle, how would you like to become my girlfriend?", the boy was quite young, barely half her age. This... Was not exactly what she was looking for, but a battle was a battle right?
Caliso's journey was just about to begin, or well, already has as soon as she arrived to Chromis. She'd probably had about a day or two to enjoy Brittanium City before the opening ceremony, and now she was in her first route. A guide was readily available on all the routes of the region, and according to that guide, Route 9 was a forking path that in all parts of it was essentially a giant park by the lake. Even as she just looked around there were Pokemon and people everywhere having fun. An inordinate amount of battles were taking place too likely with the fervor of the International League. Various flying and normal types were immediately seen, a bit further in undergrowth she could see some grass and bug types, and by the lake were water types.
She was headed for Amalgam University, so... That means she turns right here. She went along the route for a bit, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of the route, until she saw a young boy, blonde hair and blue and white jacket, just by the road talking to an Alolan Vulpix. The boy was sat beside a miscolored Froakie which obviously seemed like his Pokemon, but this other one was...
"Heeee you don't say", the Froakie patted his trainer and then did just as unintelligible sounds as the Vulpix did. And for some reason he immediately understood.
"Oooh, so you're lost! Gotcha! You're really far from home because there are only red Vulpix around here, did you want to go to Cobalt Island and-", the Froakie pat his trainer again and relayed more information that only he could understand.
"Oooooh, so your trainer is around here but you lost her? Okay! So let's go find her!... But... Where to start...?", the young boy began to contemplate... He seemed stuck.
As the young Henrietta went about exploring the island, it didn't take long for her to be alone in this endeavor. Other trainers were too, but stuck to the main path. As she got deeper, pools of what appeared to be acid or poison chemicals were visible, and if she brought a book on poisonous plants, it'd be able to name most of the things here. Yet it was not a dark forest, light travelled through this place well enough, but wherever it was dark, it was dark.
She looked around and there were... Quite a few Pokemon. Some sleeping Zubats were hanging off a tree within her eyesight, there was a glimpse of a Toxicroak as it run between some bushes far off, but closer to her were some Nidoran both male and female who seemed curious to the newcomer, yet were not willing to approach or leave the safety of their bush. As naturally occuring as they were, various bug Pokemon were seen too, specifically those that also held the poison typing such as Wurmple, Weedle, and Venonat, and a Gloom was sleeping in a small grove of flowers.
This island was brimming with Pokemon, being rather untouched by the outside world thanks to the efforts of the gym leader who called this island home.
The City of Brittanium was a lively city not just for people, but for Pokemon as well. Many Pokemon that had adjusted to modern conditions lived here, with no shortage of flying Pokemon, and some common bug Pokemon right there in the park. As Estelle just looked around she could already spot a bunch of Pidoves being fed by an old woman sitting at a bench, and the small nest of trees seemed to hold some Bug types such as Caterpie, along with some more perched flying types. In particular she spotted a Hoothoot sleeping, and a Sentret ruffling the long grass. There was also a particularly fluffy tail too... Minccino? No... The shape and colour was brown and thicker. She'd have to see what that is. Among other things there was also a small group of Hoppip flying peacefully, a Seedot sleeping by a tree, and an Emolga she just saw gliding to another tree.
Today in particular this place was brimming with Pokemon as if they had come out to meet the people who lived in this city. Based on Estelle spotting some children just having fun with some of the wild Pokemon, it seems the Pokemon here were quite friendly towards people.
The sound of the blaring crowd was emanated throughout the field, the stands, and the trainers, the green grass suddenly marred black as a brief lash of fire would strike them. The bright lights of the stadium would illuminate the battle unfolding before the crowd, the sound of their cheers beaten only by the impact of two flames. Each time the Cinderace's kick would meet the Blaziken's, the shockwave was enough to for just a moment, overtake the crowd, the grass below them would blow and sway as they traded blows.
"Cinderace, Pyro Ball!"
"Blaziken use Blaze Kick!"
The two Pokemon would jump back away, Cinderace kicking up some dirt that ignite in moments before it leaped into the air, a graceful spinning kick as it struck multiple embers, quickly turning into flaming balls of fire, flying straight for the fire fighting type. The Blaziken returned in kind, kicking the flames away before giving the last one a hard flame-accentuated kick. Like a comet the pyro ball was struck back at the Cinderace, but not losing a beat the flaming rabbit gave it yet another kick, and for a moment the Blaziken and Cinderace were in a deadly game of kick-ball. The stalemate was quickly broken by,
"Sky Uppercut", the Blaziken burst forth, striking the Pyro ball skyward, within moments the Blaziken began to be surrounded in energy, Mega Evolution. The Pyro Ball would land as soon as the Blaziken now Mega Evolved, took a stance, causing dust to pick up in the arena, for it to only clear in an instant as the two fire Pokemon's legs met once more with deadly force in the center.
Welcome to Chromis
"Welcome to the world of Pokemon, I am Champion Rylen of the Chromis League, and am here to proudly announce the commencement of the International League this year, which is being held in the Chromis Region. Every four or so years, trainers from all over the world converge onto a host region to compete in an extraordinarily competitive version of that league's Gym Challenge. However it's not a challenge just to find the best trainer in the region, no, it's a hot-blooded contest to find the world's strongest trainer, and it happens every four years! That means every trainer wishing to test their mettle is invited! From the trainer who has just obtained their first Pokemon, to another region's champion, all are invited!
So from henceforth I officially announce the beginning of the International League!"
Brittanium City Stadium
The air was electric with energy as the Champion of the Chromis region made his announcement to the world on the commencement of the International League. Trainers from all walks of life and all sorts of regions were here today to compete and take part in the league. The International League was originally brought about by the cooperation of the many regions in the world to foster good will and strengthen each other's trainers, originally being something like an exchange program, however as time went on, it became a full-fledged worldwide event.
This entire event was broadcast to all the regions, those here with family overseas or out of country can watch their progress through the specially streamed channels. As the crowds cheered upon the announcement, the Champion himself basked in the atmosphere, two hands pointed skyward, before slowly lowering them, the crowds cheering de-escalating in tandem.
"I am glad to see so many trainers here today for the opening ceremony, I'm sure you've already taken care of registration but if you have not, it's never too late to start!", this would probably assure any trainer who was late to the party, that all was not lost. Registration was simple, whichever region's trainer card they had, they were marked as that region's representative when registering.
"As some of you may know, the International League always runs through eight gyms, an Elite Four challenge, and then a Championship tournament. Fret not if you make it to our vaunted Elite Four and lose to them, for it will simply qualify you for one of two brackets. Those who beat the Elite Four move onto the Winners bracket, while those who lose will move onto the Losers bracket. In a high stakes elimination tournament at the very end, we will find once and for all who is this year's International Champion!", the crowd cheered in excitement as he explained the rules. So it seems after beating the eight gyms, they were still in the running for champion. There have been great upsets in the past, and they have never been any less than exciting.
"This year however we have a special surprise for all you Coordinators out there! In place of the Pokemon Contests, we have competitions at each of the gyms for the honor of showing off your talents as the closing ceremony for each of the gyms!", there was a bit of interested murmuring and cheering, but overall a positive reception. After all, the region's most famous coordinator was a gym leader.
"That being said, the first gym to be challenged will take place in Arsenic Island just off the shore from Brass Town, all challengers, you have one week to make your way there to begin your challenge! Remember, give it your all, for the eyes of the world are watching! Fret not for failure, as opportunity is always there for those who look for it,"
"Now then, let the International League, commence!"
The stadium went wild with cheering, but soon after all was concluded, everyone was back out onto the streets of Brittanium City. Crowds poured out, some were families of some of the competitors, while others were fans of particularly famous trainers in their own region, either way there were people from all kinds of regions here today, not just Chromis.
Brittanium City
The crown jewel of Chromis, and it's most populated city center, with beautiful ports and modern skyscrapers, as well as a giant stadium just off the shore where contests are conducted, as well as it being a Pokemon gym. It had boutiques, hair salons, big shopping malls, and the famous Arclight Company's headquarters are here, a leading company in technology and research. With the opening ceremony here today, everywhere was both crowded and energetic, even smaller districts enjoyed some measure of busy business, and the park in the center of the city was a great spot where people have begun having friendly battles. Regardless, today was a good day to be going sight-seeing in the big city.
Everyone who was participating had one week to make their way to a ferry at Brass Town, travelling on foot it would only take two days, while it'd be a half day Flying Taxi ride from Brittanium. Either way, they had a lot of time to either spend in Brittanium, or visit someplace nearby.