[IC] Pokemon: Luminous Dawn- Chapter 1- A Bright Future!

[K_H]

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Final Stretch - Jack

Leonidas, true to his Typing, took advantage of the stunned nature of his opponent, and sped towards it, electricity gathering to him as he did so. Lara, on the other hand, was a bit more stunned than the Patrat, and wouldn't be able to get up until after it did.

Jack, meanwhile, saw the action from afar, and frowned as he saw Lara fall against the Tree, sad that she'd gotten hurt. However, he smiled when he saw Leonidas speeding towards the Patrat, knowing that what she'd done hadn't been in vain.

Edited March 21, 2016 by K_H

[Chim]

Routes of Hazzard – Grand Stretch – Brendan

Brendan’s eyes widened in surprise when none other than the Watchog joined the battle. His original plan, keeping one Patrat busy so his allies could play the numbers game, flew out the window when the rock hit Titan on his hearing crevice.

Luckily for the Roggenrola, Loam’s support had moved the rock just a little bit. It was enough to reduce the exterior damage. However Titan’s hearing was off. A million bells were currently ringing inside his rocky exterior and because of that he wasn’t able to pinpoint his opponent. Instead he staggered around a little, trying to regain his balance.

The duo was forced to play defense until Titan was able to recover his senses so Brendan turned to Mio. “Can Loam go offensive? I might be able to make an opening, but Titan is still dealing with the aftermath of that earlier attack.”

The Roggenrola tried to listen carefully to his new instructions in between the ringing sound. If all he had to do was buy them some time he would have no problems even in this state. The rock type quickly formed new rocks and shot them in the general direction of his opponents. However this time the rocks didn’t follow each other in a straight line. This time they were shot an inch from one another, forming some sort of flying wall and covering more ground.

[starkidcosmo]

Routes of Hazzard - Final Stretch - Mio

Mio clicked his tongue in frustration as he saw that Loam's attempt at support had barely done anything, but Brendan's question made him feel a little less useless.

"She could, but what do you-- ah." Titan's barrage cut Mio off mid-sentence. "Loam, let's get on it! Get in a blind spot and hit 'em hard!"

With an enthusiastic bark, the Mudkip took off in a desperate sprint, circling to the side of the pair of enemies. She skidded to a halt and swelled up, almost bursting with the amount of water she was charging. She let loose one massive shot before skipping sideways and spitting out another, smaller one.

[Sutoratosu]

The fires surged for the shiny rat. Quick as lightning though, rather than jump right into the path of Rascal's waiting onslaught, his foot subtly shifted in the side as he turned his body parallel to the attack. The bolts of flame lit his face with a glow more ghastly than even a Chandelure as he kept those azure orbs of his defiantly on Apollo, seemingly unfazed by the heat radiating off the attack.

In that same moment, his body began to burn with the same golden aura as it had before as he redirected his attention to keep both his foes in view. Not even a second after, the aura had become even more intense, filling the air with a nigh-electric sensation as the energy surged around his body like a small storm. His gaze particularly dared Rascal to try him; truly, it would've made his day if the mouse did. That earlier blow may have been a mere grazing shot, but the next time?

The two may have gotten lucky with the back attack combo from earlier... but they were gonna have to try a bit harder than that to get the better of him yet again.

Gomez's foe wasn't about to be so easily taken advantage of again either. The tackle may have proved to be a blunder, but this time... he was ready. With teeth darker than night, He bit through the growth around his leg quickly, and Those keen eyes of his expertly tracked the vine as it arced across the distance towards him, not letting even the slightest of it's movements evade observation. The moment it was close enough, He shifted his shoulder- and in turn his entire body - to the side as he watched the growth lance past him. In the same motion, his teeth chomped down on the second extension, severing it like a hot knife carving through butter.

He was edging closer to the brambles lining the clearing, still keeping those keen eyes on the gecko... now more than aware of just how of an advantage those vines could be. He'd messed up before, yes, but so long as the grass type was still alone, so long as it was one to one...

Meena's feint meanwhile, failed to impress the rodent as he tracked her every motion like a hawk. Smirking as she took the bait, he had his shoulder ready, tucking his body in low yet staying right where he was rather than charging. She came in from left field looking to take a bite out of crime, but all she found was herself being body-checked from below as the Patrat shoulder erupted upward with surprisingly violent force, the very wind itself knocked out of her lungs by the strike.

The rodent glared down coldly at her. Yes, yes, that's right, grovel. Perhaps when there had been two of them, they could take him, but now that she was alone and that mudfish had gone elsewhere? Well... he looked forward to having a bit of fun with this one.

The big Boss proved to be just as fast as he had during the chase. Surpassing all the grace and agility of even a Kanto-raised ninja, he leapt up and over the spread out volley of stones, body twisting in mid air- his lieutenant still in hand -to position himself just right as he landed. When he did, that same golden aura cloaked fist lashed out and burst the spheres of water launched at him on impact, the power and force behind each jab seeming to only become stronger. The next moment, he dropped the patrat to the ground, muttering something to which the underling only nodded, head glaring at the sand in shame before turning his fiery stare to the two assailants.

It was beginning to get obvious, with his reflexes and strength... that it was probably going to take more than just merely Titan and Loam on their own to actually make any headway against the striped meerkat. But with everyone else already either engaged in their own fights, or already helping out another party member...

Leonidas, in closing, made hard impact with the still dazed Patrat as it struggled to get it's bearings yet again. The world had been spinning, then the next thing it knew, it was again being sent tumbling to the ground, this the stench of burnt ozone accompanying the fall. To his favor however, the coating of dirt from earlier mostly defended against the actual shocking voltage. He'd been hit with only the raw impact force.

The attack was enough though. The rodent shook his head clear as he got up again, eyes focused on the lion cub. He tucked in with both knees and leaned himself forward, hands outstretched as if he had watched one too many games of a european soccer broadcast. The look in his eyes practically dared the lion to try it again.

[Jory]

"Routes of Hazzard!": Grand Stretch- Jason

Jason looked his opponents over. The blue-eyed Patrat was clearly one of the strongest there. However, the overconfidence that came with that would be his undoing. Even now, the wild Patrat was taunting Rascal despite being cornered in a 2-on-1. Well, things weren't about to go his way at all. With Gomez's Patrat forced to the outside of the ring, there was nothing stopping Gomez from helping out his teammates and outnumbering the blue-eyed Patrat even further. A strategy began forming in the young Trainer's head. He now wasn't just thinking about how to attack head-on, but of how to outwit his opponent. This blue-eyed Pokemon was his first truly challenging battle; after all, he had no type advantage and his opponent was an experienced fighter. Perhaps it was beginner's luck or just the heat of battle, but Jason had never been thinking more clearly.

"Rascal, feint in with a Pound attack! Gomez, his back is turned! Launch a Quick Attack!" The Minccino met the Patrat's gaze as if to accept his challenge and test of true strength, his eyes boring fearlessly into his opponent's as he sped toward the rodent. Rascal closed with the Captain rapidly as Gomez rocketed toward the Captain's back, a white trail glowing behind him. Rascal began to whirl for a Pound attack; at the last moment, however, he used the momentum of his swing to push off his pivot foot, moving away from the Patrat at a near 90 degree angle and continuing his dash to safety a short distance away.

"Rascal, Helping Hand on Apollo! Alecks, you know what to do! The moment he's open, have Apollo launch another flame Wheel attack!"

Rascal began his cheerleader's dance once again, enveloping the fiery little monkey in a rainbow-hued aura. Gomez launched himself at the Patrat's back, dropping his shoulder for a hard hit and preparing to get quickly out of range of the Revenge attack that was sure to follow. He would be careful to move away to the opposite side that Apollo was coming from. After all, Fire didn't mix very well with Grass-types. On its own the Quick Attack wouldn't be able to do much but maybe, just maybe, it would provide Apollo enough time to land a punishing blow on the Captain.

Jason watched closely, making sure to keep his eye on Gomez's Patrat. After all, it wouldn't really be worth the hit on the Captain if one of the young Trainers ended up outnumbered.

[Shadow Sketches]

Alecks and Apollo

Alecks clicked his tongue in annoyance once he saw the Patrat dodge the Ember so easily. He knew Apollo could pack quite a punch but they needed a way to keep the rat occupied long enough for Apollo to get a direct hit. Luckily, it seemed Jason was on the same page. "Get ready, buddy." Both pokemon and trainer watched Gomez and Rascal as they sped towards blue eyes, watching carefully in search of a good opening.

Finally they saw it, with Rascal buffing Apollo's power and Gomez keeping blue eyes busy it would be the perfect time to launch an attack. "Now, Apollo! Use Flame Wheel!" As quick as he could, Apollo dashed forwards and began to somersault on the ground as he let out large amounts of fire from his mouth. Burning flames began to engulf his whole body before he disappeared from sight and all that could be seen was a large wheel of flames speeding straight towards blue eyes.

[starkidcosmo]

Routes of Hazzard - Final Stretch - Mio

"Well... shit."

That was the only thing Mio could say as the Patrat's leader dodged and countered every attack they'd thrown at him. Possibly even worse, Meena's attack had backfired spectacularly; the Meowth was now on her back and being stared down by her enemy. It was clear she didn't stand a chance one on one.

"Loam, Meena's in trouble!"

At the sound of his voice, Loam whipped around and shot off a quick water gun, aiming more to distract than do any damage. Meena took the opportunity to scamper away a few feet. Thinking fast, Mio saw Leonidas and his enemy out of the corner of his eye. He didn't want to force interaction between Meena and Jack's team, but, well, desperate times desperate measures and all that.

"Meena! Get out and bite that Patrat with Leonidas!" Meena spared no time in dashing away, speeding towards the posing rodent with fangs outstretched. "Loam, make sure that other one doesn't follow!" Loam nodded and fired off three water guns in quick succession, hopefully redirecting the Patrat Meena had just been fighting's attention.

[Chim]

Routes of Hazzard – Grand Stretch – Brendan

Brendan knew they were in trouble when the Watchog easily dealt with Titan and Loams attacks. And when the mudfish left to help out Meena, Titan was left alone against two opponents.

“Retreat for now. We can’t beat them on our own. Let’s back up the others instead.”

The rock type followed the instructions and hopped over to one of the other Patrats. Unfortunately his ear was still ringing so he missed the part where Mio ordered Loam to just distract the rodent. Titan, completely misunderstanding Mio’s intensions, decided to back up Loam instead of Meena. After the water guns had passed, the Roggenrola hopped forward again to try out his new move. His forehead, at least Brendan assumed it was a forehead, glanced a little where Titan was storing his power before he moved in to headbutt the Patrat.

[K_H]

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Grand Stretch - Jack

As the Patrat got up and was then knocked down again before getting back up, Lara managed to recover from the impact. She was a bit dazed from it, but she still had a bit of fight left in her. However, she decided to head over to Jack and get healed up instead of going back into the fight, knowing that she could only take one more hit in her present condition, having been taken down to a sliver of HP by the impact, which had also been a critical hit.

Leonidas, meanwhile, saw Meena hurtling towards the patrat out of the corner of his eye, and got an idea. Instead of charging at the Patrat himself, he simply glared at it, sparks gathering to him and making him look that much more menacing.

As Jack watched Leonidas and the Patrat face off, he also saw meena come speeding at the patrat, and a faint smile crossed his lips. However, he soon had to stop and kneel in order to help out Lara, who'd come limping up to him. taking a Potion out of his backpack, he noticed that he was down to his last two Potions, this one included. However, Lara needed the potion, and urgently. A regretful thought crossed his mind as he used his second-to-last potion.

I should've gotten some of the Oran berries before rushing off like that... Too late now, I've got to deal with the problems at hand.

Then, he whispered into Lara's ear as she healed up.

"Go over to Jason's teammates, and help them take out that Patrat. Leonidas and Meena can handle the one that hit you."

Lara nodded in response, then darted around the edges of the clearing, eventually getting over to the small group that had surrounded the blue-eyed Patrat, making the odds even more stacked against it.

BAG Update:

Items:

- Potion (x1)

- Smoke Ball (x1)

- Pokeball (x5)

Key Items:

- XTransceiver

Edited March 27, 2016 by K_H

[Sutoratosu]

Bingo's job only got tougher as one after another, the trio began their assault. Rascal had taken a bold move- an incredibly risky move -that much was clear when the rats fist came streaking out of nowhere like a star as he attempted to feint away, not about to fall for the deceit. The only thing that saved the mouse from a KO and allowed their little plan to continue was the sudden impact of Gomez, sending the rodent stumbling off course, just in the nick of time. He was halfway through a quick pivot to strike back when he stopped, golden aura still burning around him as his eyes landed on Apollo... and the monkey's own aura as it charged forward in a hail of ash and flame.

He gritted his teeth. Like a storm, again the gold flared like the sun, growing even brighter as his own power kicked in and he dug in with both heels as hard as he could, body bracing itself as the fire type came surging right into him, the two attacks locked there in clashing limbo of fire and soul, heating up the very air itself and setting the surrounding, dust laden earth itself ablaze with smaller fires with the small shockwave the issued out, pushing away the other combatants with it's raw force.

The sweat accumulated like rain fall on his brow, though whether from heat or physical exertion, twas unclear. Had it been a normal flamewheel he had contested against, there would've been an easy end to the clash... but this was no ordinary flame wheel. That much, he could feel, in every inch of his body, could see in those rainbow fires gnashing at the air like starved Asps and hungry wolves. He could hold it, it took every ounce of what he had, but he could...

What he could not do however, was spare any attention to the three other adversaries, Lara Included. Nor to any final, all-fronts attack to which they may or may not be conspiring.

But he smiled, just a bit, as he stood there. These little bastards, these kids... on their own, they were all worthless, weak and green. But together...well, it was seldom anyone ever put Bingo in this type of position, back to the wall. Or, at least anyone not bearing the name Hog.

Loam's target meanwhile, whirled in discontent at the pelt of water, taking his eyes off the cat just as she fled. unfortunately, He was just in time to receive a face full of FDA certified, Grade A headbutting action as the glowing Titan blasted forward like a battering ram. The force was great enough to send the rodent on his back. And he stayed there for a while, dazed... but coming to his senses again, slowly, but surely.

Leonidas display was met by the rat slapping his own chest with a single open palm before throwing his arms out wide, exposing his belly with a defiant flare of bravado as his eyes glared back at the cub twice as hard.

His attempt to prove his masculinity was cut short when Meena pounced and sank her fangs into his shoulder however... the rat beginning to curse and shout as he ran about the clearing, edging close to the brambles and swinging his body about wildly, trying to knock the feline off with everything he had.

It probably would've been a nigh funny infact. For anyone who wasn't the rat with a set of sharp jaws in him, that is. Or the cat being repeatedly slammed into a bunch of barbed branches left and right...

[Shadow Sketches]

Apollo and Alecks

The amount of power that was emitted from the clash of Apollo and blue eyes surprised Alecks. Once the flame wheel had made contact, the two attacks clashed with each other though Rascal's Helping Hand seemed to definitely prove extremely helpful in how much stronger it had made Apollo's attack. The little fire monkey kept on pressuring blue eyes with the rainbow powered flames, not giving the rat an inch of breathing room. The flames pushed forward as Apollo made sure to use his newly buffed strength to it's fullest potential, wanting to finish off his opponents in a blaze of glory.

Edited March 30, 2016 by Shadow Sketches

[Jory]

"Routes of Hazzard!": Grand Stretch- Jason

Jason watched as his plan began to work, although not precisely how he'd intended it to. With the Captain as strong as he was, it was no surprise that he was able to hold back Apollo. What was surprising was the power of the clash, which was enough to send Gomez and Rascal reeling backward a few feet. When the dust had cleared, however, Bingo seemed to have used most of his strength simply trying to repel the Helping Hand boosted Flame Wheel attack. Ultimately, the plan had worked.

Jason nodded as Alecks decided they needed to put down a finisher on this tough opponent. "Right!" Jason said. "Gomez, let's help Apollo finish him off! Drain his strength!" The Treecko shot vines at the Patrat, immobilizing his feet so that he wouldn't be able to get away from Apollo's Ember. At the same time, the creepers began to drain the Patrat's strength, leaving him little to continue repelling Apollo with.

"Rascal, keep up the assistance! Really put heart into your Helping Hand!" In response to his Trainer's command Rascal amped up his cheerleading his cheerleading dance, his frenzied motions maintaining the kaleidoscopic aura. The rainbow flames around Apollo's body seemed to increase in intensity, further pressuring Bingo.

[K_H]

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Final Stretch - Leonidas

As Meena and the patrat had their little... interaction, Leonidas decided to make the next hit that he would make be rather damaging, so he prepared to make it, Electricity gathering to him as he did so.

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Final Stretch - Lara

As Apollo spat fire at the blue-eyed patrat, Lara lunged for the back of the rodent, teeth starting to glow black as she sped towards it. As she ran, she saw Gomez lock the Patrat into place, but kept on continuing her attack, preparing to sink her teeth into the Patrat's tail as she got closer.

[starkidcosmo]

Routes of Hazzard - Final Stretch - Mio

"Good work, Loam! Let's finish what Titan started! Hit that Patrat with the best tackle you've got!"

Loam obeyed with enthusiasm, charging towards the rodent before launching herself at it with her powerful back legs.

Meanwhile, Meena hung on to her target with grim determination even as she was rammed repeatedly into the sharp thorns of the brambles behind her. Through the flashes of pain, she heard Mio's orders.

"Meena, if you can, hold on for just a bit longer! Try and keep him still!"

With a muffled but delighted growl, Meena stretched out her back legs and dug her claws into the dirt. Without loosening her jaw, she then looped her arms around the Patrat's and dug her claws into the front of his shoulders, attempting to dampen his wild flailing.

[Chim]

Routes of Hazzard – Final Stretch – Brendan

Relief washed over Brendan when he saw Loam moved in for the knock out. The young trainer couldn’t help but still feel bad for those Patrat and like they were going overboard by ganging up against them. It would be an entire different situation if Brendan and Titan were fighting an actual trainer as an opponent. In that case there would be no hesitation to go for the finishing blow. But right now, when they were invading wild Pokémon territory who were fighting for survival? No. Brendan still had trouble accepting the circumstances.

By the looks of it the Patrat they were fighting was about to get up again which left Brendan with the question how much strength it had left. Would it be overkill to order Titan to attack as well? Wouldn’t it be best to change targets and back up Meena like he intended to do in the first place? But what if Loam couldn’t knock the rodent out?

In the end Brendan decided to wait and see if Loam would be successful or not. Meanwhile Titan was following his orders and placed himself between the two fighting parties, his yellow artifice facing towards Loam and her opponent. The Roggenrola mustered all the strength he could get and hopped on his little feet. This way he could change directions more quickly just in case the Mudkip’s attack was enough. If not, he could help her in an instant.

For Brendan this was the best solution. By placing Titan between the two fighting parties, something was bound to get tackled by the rock type without potentially knocking down an already defeated foe.

[Sutoratosu]

He knew it was coming. He felt the creepers on his legs. He felt the Fires growing even hotter as that little wretch of a mouse danced on the periphery. He felt the strength draining, the aura fading as he put what little he had into repelling the twin fronts. But still he kept that smile. These little bastards here would defeat him, but they wouldn't beat boss. There was no way in hell they would. He'd clobber them all, and he'd do it like it was nothing. But that was a matter for later. And this, was right now.

And right now... though he may go down in defeat, he would certainly not do so without some form of retribution. And it would be as easy as...

Apollo's charge was still met by the golden aura, though it faltered a bit, here and there, as the monkey put more force, more momentum behind it thanks to Rascal's Helping Hands. The captain put up a good fight, he did. Held the line best he could. Even as those flames grew hotter and surged even faster and wilder, he kept the defiant grin of his plastered on.

And then, just when it seemed that he would fall, just when Apollo put the peak of his determination and strength into his assault... Captain Bingo broke off his defense and in the same, split second motion spun away, and flung himself off to the side, eyes dimming with exhaustion as soon as he hit the ground.

It should've been a happy thing. Should've been a moment to rejoice. They'd taken down a big enemy. But there would be no partying just yet. Because the moment bingo fell, it meant one thing, and one thing alone:

There was nothing left to hold back the raw speed and force of Apollo now.

The flame wheel, alive in multicolored energy, scorched the very ground itself as it rolled forward in a mere blur as it went past Bingo and seared right through the leafy bindings on his legs, covering ground like a freight train in the same direction it had always been, just this time without any Patrat Officers to stop it. And over the course of things, from the quick attack to being knocked back by the shockwave, to launching the absorb vines... Gomez the treecko had unwittingly found himself behind where Bingo had once stood.

Right in the path... of Apollo's amplified, rainbow burning wheel of fiery destruction and chaos. A wheel moving so fast, so hard thanks to the 2 helping hands it had received, it was barely even traceable as it stormed towards him. The lizard could feel the fires as it got closer. Could hear the roaring din of flames, his natural anti-thesis...

But though he could hear it, though he could see it, actually trying to get the hell out of the way would've been a far harder task. There was too much behind it... it was already far too close for comfort. Trying to dive, trying to run, leap out of the way... that wouldn't work here, at least not without still getting seriously hit on at least some part of his body. Quick Attack may have been fast enough... but even then, the serious threat of a devastating graze from those flames was still imminent. Perhaps some quick thinking with Vine Whip might've been able to accomplish the same, but again... it was coming too fast. There was still no guarantee the action would make it in time...

Either way one cut it, Apollo's flaming wheel was coming for him. The damage, would doubtless be terrible, given how much extra oomph the young trainers had put behind it in their attempt to overpower the captain, not even accounting the natural weakness... that same oomph making it so difficult for Apollo to just stop on a dime or change direction without some serious distance to slow down and decelerate before hand, distance, they certainly did not have.

This, was why the Captain had been smiling. Though he knew himself outnumbered and outgunned, he had still had a plan... he was going to make sure one of them went down right along with him.

Meena's foe only fought harder when the cat tried to ground him, flailing even more and more, just as he had been the entire time. Except that now, right now? He reached into one of those brambles and from it's leafy depths pulled a fallen gnarled, barbed stick as if he had just pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone, swinging over his shoulder with every inch of his might as he repeatedly batted the other normal type with it, shouting various obscenities in frantic chattering indiscernible to human ears.

Again, it probably would've been a nice bit of Slap-stick for anyone but the ones actually engaged in the little struggle.

One blow in particular managed to catch her differently than the others had. Before she knew it, she was swatted away and landed in the dirt, the rat grasping at the bleeding puncture wounds on his shoulder and lower neck as he glared at her. Then he started to come closer, and closer, still hoisting the fallen bramble branch in one hand.

He was so focused on Meena though, that he paid no mind to Leonidas off to the side, charging up his attack all the while... with a wide opening to just come in there and charge him down like an enraged tauros.

Loam's attack landed solidly right with the rat's stomach as he rose to his feet. Small and light as she was though, it didn't do nearly the same amount of damage Titan's grade A headbutting from earlier had. There was an exhale of breath, the registration of pain, but the rat stayed on his feet. Didn't even slide back that much...

Until, until, until, until...The champion headbutter Titan himself came charging into the freight yet again not even a moment later to aid the mud fish, throwing every bit of weight and power he had behind him as he slammed into normal type, again face first, and sent the rat bastard sprawling to the dust laden ground yet again... this time his eyes slowly fading as pain and fatigue finally caught up with him.

He didn't stir again, didn't try to get up or counter. 'Out like a light', as they say.

[K_H]

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Leonidas

A loud crackle could be heard as Leonidas bolted towards the Patrat, speeding in like a lightning bolt gone horizontal. as he ran, the electricity around him seemed a lot more intense than what it would've been, thanks to the charging-up that he'd done.

"Routes of Hazzard!" - Lara

The blue-eyed opponent having been taken down, Lara was a little scared when she saw Apollo speeding towards Gomez, knowing what would probably be the result. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched the situation unfold, frozen with fear as the firey monkey barreled onwards.

[starkidcosmo]

Routes of Hazzard - Final Stretch - Mio

Mio flinched as Titan's attack bowled over their opponent. Sure, the Patrat had attacked first, but wasn't his group the one who had invaded the rodents' territory and threatened their food supply? If this gang of Patrat was so hard off for food they had to steal from humans... Mio couldn't help but feel guilty.

However, the rainbow embers of Apollo's flame wheel drew Mio's attention to that particular disaster and away from his guilty conscience. Loam was low on health, but surely...

"Loam!" he called, pointing towards the flaming figure heading straight for the grass type. Without hesitation, Loam sprinted to the Treecko and launched herself at him, hoping to force him out of the way.

Meanwhile, Meena lay exhausted on the ground as a brute of a Patrat advanced on her, wielding the thorned club he'd beaten her off with. She was just barely hanging on to consciousness, but even her blurred vision could see Leonidas charging towards her enemy. Barely restraining her satisfied smirk, the Meowth let her head hit the ground and closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable impact.

[Jory]

"Routes of Hazzard!": Final Stretch- Jason

Jason cheered as the attack broke through Bingo's guard. Rascal began to cheer, dropping his Helping Hand attack. Then, Jason realized that Apollo's Flame Wheel couldn't be stopped. He stood rooted in fear as he watched his new partner about to take a brutal super-effective Fire-type attack. To add insult to would-be injury, it was one from an ally. I can't believe I didn't consider this possibility! Jason lamented, feeling utterly helpless as he began to shout for Gomez to get out of the way. It was futile, though. There simply was not enough time. Rascal stood stock still, eyes full of joy rapidly changing to fear as his teammate risked becoming collateral damage.

However, true to his nature Gomez was the first to react. Time seemed to slow for the small gecko as he felt adrenaline pumping through his veins, flinging his hands toward his Trainer as the flaming Chimchar came barreling toward him. His Absorb vines latched onto Jason, the surprised Trainer unable to do anything. He made eye contact with Gomez, his green eyes meeting the deep yellow of his Grass-types. An understanding passed between them as Gomez gave Jason a nod and sprang toward him, pulling himself in like a fish on a reel as the Fire-type attack hit him.

"Gomez!" Jason shouted. The Chimchar hit Gomez along his trajectory, sending him flying into his Trainer. The tied up, unprepared Amateur was knocked off his feet. Despite this he'd managed to catch his Pokemon, preventing further harm from coming to the badly injured gecko. He began picking the vines off him, looking back up at the battlefield and seeing that Gomez wasn't the only Pokemon in need of medical attention. "Rascal, now's not the time to be rubbernecking!" The Minccino looked suitably admonished, blushing lightly as he snapped out of his reverie. "Use Helping Hand again, this time on Leo!" The small Normal-type once again began his cheerleading dance, cloaking himself and Jack's Shinx in a rainbow-hued aura.

Jason then looked down at Gomez, guilt washing over him. I failed you, he thought sadly. It was my job to be strong for us and make sure things like this didn't happen! I'm so sorry, Gomez. He blinked back tears, wiping his eye with the back of his hand. As Jason's vision cleared, he saw Gomez's eyes flutter open. The little Grass-type croaked a cry of defiance, his message clear: Get me back in the fight. Now's no time for a pity party, Jason realized. Everyone else is counting on us to get back in this fight!

Resolute and once again full of purpose, Jason took off his backpack and began rifling through it. He raised his arm triumphantly, having found a Potion. He quickly looked at the back of the bottle and read the instructions. Okay, seems simple enough. Spray on affected areas until wound is treated or bottle is empty. The new Trainer began applying it to the Treecko's wounds, watching in amazement as they seemed to close on their own with the help of the advanced medicine. This stuff is amazing! No wonder the Trainer's Guide recommends it! Jason continued applying it, looking up nervously to check on Rascal every couple of seconds.

BAG:

- Potion (x2)

- Poke Ball (x5)

- Repel (x1)

[Chim]

Routes of Hazzard – Final Stretch – Brendan and Champion Headbutter Titan

Brendan took a deep breath after Titan managed to knock out one of the Patrats. He didn’t like to do this at all. From his point of view they were still the ones invading, but apparently there was no other way to solve the situation. He and Titan had no choice but to fight. And if that’s the case, it was best to knock their opponents out clean, right? They would only wake up with a bump and a headache instead of bleeding out on the ground. Or be burned to a crisp.

“Is this what you want?” Brendan asked the Watchog. “Two of your friends went down fighting and a third is in serious trouble. If you really care about them, stop this ridiculous fight now. You can still protect the one next to you from harm and help the ones injured.”

Titan agreed. The Roggenrola had made his way back towards his trainer and position himself in between Brendan and the Watchog. This ridiculous battle had gone on long enough. If the Watchog wasn’t willing to back down, he better stepped up himself.

[Sutoratosu]

Hog scowled at Brendan without answer. No, he had not wanted this fight. Infact, he hadn't actually wanted a fight in a very long time. What he had wanted was peace, security. But their predators and their enemies cared nothing for peace or security; they cared nothing that hog didn't want to fight, only about what he and his folk had, and what they could take from them. No, Hog didn't want this fight. But just like the predators, these Humans had given him no choice in the matter. He had already entertained an attempt at negotiations, look how well that turned out; the humans were too damn stubborn and fixed on solving their own immediate problems.

Attempts were made, attempts were shattered. It was too late for this mere child to stop what they had set in motion. The Watchhog may not have wanted things to go to blows, but he wanted the alternative of just sitting back, letting the humans take the damn food and watching his people starve even less, and If engaging in open combat was the only avenue he had to prevent it, then so be it... he would do he what he must.

Just like he had done what he must so many times before.

The movement was subtle at first. So subtle not even his own underling noticed it until Hog was lunching forward like bottled lightning, body surging with hues of pure gold. With all the same speed and grace as he had exhibited before, He closed the ground between himself and Titan in an instant, fist lashing out in an expertly thrown punch aimed right for the Rock type's auditory orifice.

He cared not how long or hard he had to fight, how many of them he had to beat into utter submission before they finally get the point and leave them be. One way or another, he was going to end this mess. He was getting too old for this shit, too damn tired of dealing with the same things day in and day out, and his patience was finally reaching it's end.

Loam meanwhile, failed to make it in time to do anything about the situation unfolding. Luckily enough though, it seemed Gomez had managed to save himself... well, sort of. Okay, just barely.

But either way, the flaming monkey sailed right past her and kept going as she watched, the raw heat enough to make even a water type like herself cringe and back away from the exposure... just to imagine, if she had actually succeeded in her plight of foolish heroics, even with her resistance, the damage still would've probably taken her out as sure as the sun doth rises. Perhaps the adventurers should all sit down and take a nice, hard look at certain decisions made here today... Arceus knows what might happen in the future, if one goes boosting certain moves base power willy-nilly when friends are in the fray... or if foolish acts of heroism manage to make it through.

The rat didn't see what hit him as Leonidas hit him like a literal dump truck, enough force behind him to give even an enraged darmanitan hopped up on crack a run for it's money. The rainbow sparkles trailing off his form and electrifying the very air itself would've put even the infamous Nyan cat itself to shame with it's brilliance. The unwitting victim was thrown several meters by the charge, landing right into one of the very bushes which he had slammed Meena into not that long ago.

Meanwhile, as the fighting raged down and Hog himself engaged the rock type, the last two rodents standing congregated away from the action, seeming to discuss something in detail as they watched their lord unleash his raw fury...

[Shadow Sketches]

Apollo and Alecks

Alecks could do nothing but dreadfully watch Apollo's flame wheel speed towards the grass type. It was obvious that the attack had too much momentum and power for Apollo to control it, he wasn't experienced enough to stop the attack or even slow it down. Thankfully, Gomez managed to barely make it out of the raging flames path without suffering the full brunt of the attack. Though the flame wheel just kept kept on speeding forward, the attack still too powerful for Apollo to control it completely. "Apollo! Stop! You need to control your fire before it gets too out of hand!"

The fire type was barely able to hear his trainer's voice, the burning flames surrounding him as he kept on moving forward. Although the intensity of the attack made it extremely difficult, he tried his best to try extinguish his fires. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the flames began to waver as the wheel slowed. Parts of his body could now start to be seen as the flames dissipated. Apollo began to lose momentum and once most of the flames were gone, he tripped head over heels and landed on his back in the dirt. Eyes closed as he began panting for air, sweat coating his face from the exertion.

Alecks managed to reach his fallen partner and knelt down next to him, carefully checking Apollo's body for any signs of injuries he could see. "Apollo, are you ok? Are you hurt?" Concern was evident in his voice as he waited for any answer the fire type could give him. The little monkey opened his eyes just a sliver to look at his trainer, before a small but smug smile crawled over his face. Alecks hadn't expected this, and couldn't help but letting out a little laugh. "Don't scare me like that again, bud."

Alecks knelt there and wiped the sweat Apollo's brow as the fire type slowly began to regain his strength, they still had a battle to end. They came here for a reason and wouldn't accept defeat on their first mission. Not after their first defeat in battle earlier, their pride wouldn't allow it. Finally, Apollo stood up and brushed the dirt off his body as best he could before both he and Alecks' turned their attention back to the fight. It seemed like they had managed to get some distance between them and the others when Alecks' had chased the uncontrollable wheel of fire that was Apollo. They needed to get back in and help the others out, they couldn't afford to slack off.

Alecks watched as the Big Boss Hog moved in the blink of an eye towards the unprepared Titan, his fist lashing out in a powerful attack. "Apollo, use Ember on Hog! We need to help out Titan, we have distance between us so we have that advantage. Let's keep it that way!" Hog was obviously more powerful than the others, if he got close to Apollo who knew how much damage he could dish out.

Apollo wasted no time and let out bolts of fire straight at Hog, Alecks wasn't sure it would hit in time to keep Hog from landing the blow but at the very least it should be able to land if Hog keeps his attention on Titan. For now, they needed to keep their distance until they saw an opening to go in.

[Sutoratosu]

Hog's ears perked up at the sound of flames. But he did not take his focus off his target, simply gave a little duck and bobbed around the gout of flame as it passed by. Just like the magnificent ninja bastard he had proven himself to be earlier when Loam and Titan had attempted to take him on. The haymaker was still coming right for the Rock type... the ember had done nothing at all.

The others had better come and finish this quick... even with his eviolite-boosted, stone cold defenses, not even Titan would last very long against an extended onslaught from the boss. Hog had speed, he had reflexes, and he had the raw power and training to back it all up... and he was close. Far too close for comfort; chances were none of the others would be able to get there in time to stop the attack or successfully intervene though, as utterly focused as Hog was that much was clear now thanks to Apollo's attempt...

Titan's best bet would probably be to hunker down with everything he has in that condensed little body of his and try to take his lickings like a man...

And pray to Arceus that the others stop taking their sweet ass time and get over here to help overwhelm the giant Merekat... because it was fastly becoming obvious that banding together everything they all had in them against the Watchog was the only way they could possibly win this. They had strength in numbers... it may damn well be their saving grace, right here, and right now.

[Chim]

Routes of Hazzard – Final Stretch – Brendan and Champion Headbutter Titan

Now they had done it. The Watchog was pissed and seemed to have it in for Titan. “Here he comes, use Harden!” Brendan yelled. He knew they alone wouldn’t stand a chance against the boss. Their only hope was to stall it out until the others could back them up.

The Roggenrola realized this as well. There was no way he could dodge and judging by the last attack he took from Hog, this was going to hurt. A lot. Right before the impact the rock type’s exterior glanced in a silver light, increasing his defense, as Titan did the only thing he could do. He stayed as low to the ground as he could, almost curling up in a ball, and placed his feet firm into the dirt.

[Jory]

"Routes of Hazzard!": Final Stretch- Jason and the Wild Bunch

After using his Helping Hand attack, Rascal kept a watchful eye on the other two Patrat. They weren't up to anything yet, but it was worth keep an eye out while his Trainer was busy restoring his teammate to fighting condition. Jason continued to spray the Potion onto Gomez until the bottle was empty. He then rubbed the Grass-type's head, ready to continue if his partner was. "Gomez, bud, the bottle's empty. It looks like you're ready to fight again. What do you think?" Gomez opened his eyes tentatively and rose from the ground, flexing his arms and legs and making sure everything was in working order. Everything appearing to his satisfaction, he gave his Trainer a determined look.

"Treecko!" he said curtly, turning toward the Watchog. The only reason he'd gone down was because he'd gotten hit by his ally. He'd just have to be more careful next time. However, he was slightly apprehensive. His mind flashed back to the sight of Apollo barreling toward him cloaked in flame. However, he was able to shake it off. This time would be different. Jason, however, was not deterred. He grinned as he saw that Gomez was doing okay.

"You ready, buddy?" he asked his partner.

"Treecko!" Gomez replied enthusiastically. Around this time, Apollo's Ember attack was being adroitly dodged by the Watchog. Jason watched with keen interest, making sure to note how quickly his opponent was able to move.

"We have to help Titan, even if we can't get there before he takes the hit! Use Absorb on Watchog's legs, then use Quick Attack to pull them out from under him! Rascal, help him out! Use Pound on his legs! Sweep him off his feet!" Gomez extended his hands, once more, firing creepers at the Watchog's legs. He then turned and used Quick Attack, pulling hard on the creepers as he ran hard in an arc going toward his right and along the perimeter of the clearing. At the same time, Rascal darted toward the Watchog, darting from side to seemingly random side in an attempt to throw off a possible counter offensive. He finished the maneuver by skidding in low on all fours and swinging his tail at the Watchog's legs.

"Hang in there, Titan!" shouted Jason, encouraging his new friend's little Rock-type to withstand the Hog's vicious onslaught.