[Shane Norwood]

He was ready for this. He was sure of it. At this point in time, there was really no reason as to why he shouldn't be ready for this next challenge. The kid was feeling pretty darn good about himself and his team after his first gym battle victory. He had truly come a long way since enrolling at the academy. Effective battling was the only thing he had ever truly wanted to learn. It was what he had always wanted to do. He seemed to be doing well enough thus far. If winning a gym badge wasn't proof enough that he was making any sort of progress in that regard, then quite frankly, he wouldn't have the slightest idea in his mind as to what would be.

Of course, for a battle of this magnitude, intense training and preparation was required. He had taken some time after his previous gym battle to do just that; train and prepare. Surely he had been doing a lot of that, as well as a ton of 'homework' regarding the types of pokemon that these different dorm representatives would utilize. If he had learned anything from his first gym battle, it was to expect to unexpected. Really, who could possibly know what to expect? The Bolt trainer would have to be prepare for, well, pretty much anything at this point.

There were several things to consider when it came down to gearing up for these confrontations. Of course, there were the possible match-ups. Which types had advantages and disadvantages, and against what other types? Having your pokemon learn and use certain moves to cover their own weaknesses? These aspects of battling and many more hidden factors were all taken into account. He'd spent days, weeks even, deliberating on which dorm he should challenge next and which pokemon he would use to issue that challenge with.

After having given enough thought, or so he had hoped, Shane ultimately decided to pay a visit to the Nature Dorm. That particular environment was one in which he had become all too familiar with, especially since he met...quite a few different species of pokemon; including one in particular whom he just so happened to add to his party for this impending battle. Above all else, he had met...no! Let's not think about her right now. Instead, let's focus on the matter at hand - winning this fight.

With six friends of his choosing strapped on his belt - in spite of the possibility that he may not have a chance to use them all - Shane trekked from his room inside the Bolt dorm to the gorgeous atmosphere that was the Nature region sporting a plain silver-hued tee shirt, dark blue cargo pants and matching sneakers. He wasted no time making his presence clear, unlike last time where he found himself standing around with no one else in sight. Even if there was no one to be found right now, he'd present himself to whoever it was that may be representing the Nature dorm in this high-profile match.

"Hello. I am Shane Norwood of the Bolt Dorm, and I have come here today for a gym battle."

@celine

---

Pokemon on Hand
Pawniard
Ducklett
Infernape
Lucario
Amaura
Honedge

---

The "2nd Set of Everything" Hatch Count: 5 of 5
Flabebe Hatch Count: 3 of 5

[Deleted]

Celine was simultaneously bored and busy. It wasn’t too long ago that she’d been accepted back to the academy as a warden, and she’d only finished moving in and getting set up a day or two ago. She still had a few things to do around the island, but she’d already done so much work that she wanted to take at least part of a day to sit back and relax for a bit. Unfortunately, relaxing was almost torture for her with her unfinished tasks hanging over her head. Maybe she should go for a walk instead – clear her head a bit and re-acquaint herself with part of the island.

That was a possibility, but then a voice rang out through the dorm – a voice apparently belonging to one Shane Norwood. He sounded young, and his next statements confirmed that. A challenger? Already? She was more than willing to answer a challenge or two right now, of course, but she hadn’t expected this to happen so soon. She thought she’d have maybe a week or two before the students caught wind of there being a new Nature warden.

However long it had taken, she was grateful for the ability to actually perform her job. She headed toward the source of the voice, stopping when she saw a boy that appeared to be in his mid-teens. He was wearing Bolt colors, and she didn’t see anyone else around that could possibly have owned that voice.

”Shane Norwood, I presume.” She nodded a greeting to the boy. ”I am Celine Simonette, and I will be your opponent, today. Is this your first gym battle, or have you gone through all this before?”

((+1 hatch count for Yanma, Drilbur, and Turtwig – 5 and done!))

[Shane Norwood]

It didn't take long at all for someone to answer his call. And when they did, oh boy, it was a figure whom Shane would have least expected to see. A woman, silver-haired and pale-skinned. There was some form of a naturey vibe coming from her however. So this was to be the one opposing the hopeful boy? Well to be perfectly honest, it didn't really matter who it was, so long as it was indeed the ones who were referred to as wardens. And the thought of this woman being one of them had been confirmed simply by answering Shane's challenge. Even though it would be his second gym battle, the jittery anticipation would sink deep under the Bolt student's skin. Just as he was able to do before, he would have to cast those nerves aside if he wanted to any chance of success.

"Yes, that's me, pleased to meet you." he answered, humbly accepting the greeting from the woman. They haven't even started and already he was feeling the intensity of the impending throw-down. Of course, he'd done some homework prior to coming here. And quite frankly, he needed to. Besides, he hadn't expected the Wave gym leader to use a poison-type pokemon against him. Shane could not afford to get caught off guard once again this time around. This time, he needed to ready for anything.

When asked if this were to be his first gym battle, he quickly shook his head as he reached into his back pocket for his badge case. "No m'aam. This wouldn't be my first. Actually, I have one badge to my credit already. Here." he responded, then opened up his case to reveal the one badge he has earned thus far, having come from the Wave dorm indeed. Filling the four empty slots with all of the other badges was his primary goal, and he would stop at nothing to accomplish it. "This battle here today will be my second."

@celine

[Deleted]

The boy responded, and she smiled. Good – he was, at least, polite. ”Likewise.” And it was – she’d hoped her first match as a warden would be a good experience, and it seemed to at least be heading that way already. Granted, they hadn’t even gotten to the battle yet, and she had no idea what types he’d chosen to use against her, but attitude mattered more to her than type matchups. Besides, as a warden, she hoped to lose her matches.

He shook his head in response to her question about this being his first gym battle. Also good – that meant she didn’t have to explain how things worked. He showed her his badge case with the Wave dorm badge, and she smiled. ”Congratulations. I hope this match treats you just as well, though I won’t be holding back.”

As nice as it was to engage in pleasantries, though, the boy had come for a specific reason. Best not to keep him waiting. She nodded to the dorm’s exit. ”I’m sure you’re eager to get started. Shall we?”

Shane Norwood

[Shane Norwood]

He had a fairly decent as to how these types of battles went down. He did win one after all, so there was really no need to get into details - or further formalities for that matter. Being that it would be his second gym battle, he could imagine that this warden's pokemon would be just as formidable as the previous one. If not, even more so.

Still, the Bolt student simply could not contain his excitement. Putting that aside though, he would have to put his game face on. The first fight was by no means easy, and he could expect for this impending showdown to be just as challenging and just as competitive.

Of course, he had done his research. That research had basically told him that Mickey - in spite of having been the most valuable player of their last confrontation - would be at a severe disadvantage against the types of pokemon that the Nature dorm had specialized in. Thus, he had ultimately come to a painful decision not to bring him along this time around. That's not to say he didn't have faith in his other pokefriends. Otherwise, what was the point of all this?

He was hoping for positive results as well, in case you couldn't tell by the determined expression gracing his features right now. The woman assured him that she would not be pulling her punches, nor would Shane be expecting to do such. The battle would not be nearly as entertaining if either trainer were cutting the other any bit of slack. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm as ready as I'll ever be." the boy replied.

For a mere second, he had directed his attention to a doorway leading out of the dorm. As if to say he couldn't wait any longer to get the ball rolling on this second official battle. He nodded, then answered as he set his badge case back into his pocket...

"Yes, we shall indeed."

@celine

[Deleted]

Shane responded that he wouldn’t have it any other way, and she nodded. That was definitely a good attitude to take on for this kind of thing. She looked forward to seeing how he’d perform against her, and what kinds of Pokemon he’d use. She wouldn’t get to know until they got started, and he seemed just as eager to begin as she was, so it was time to make their way toward their battlegrounds.

”If you’ll follow me.” She smiled at him and headed for the door, holding it open a moment or two to give him the chance to walk out ahead of her before exiting herself. From there, it’d be a fairly short walk to the base of the cliff that led up to Academy’s Edge. Here, there was a decent amount of flat terrain with relatively little plantlife. Not exactly the prettiest area, in her opinion, but her opponent was likely to use a fire type, and she’d rather minimize the risk of starting any fires out here, even if her ground type Pokemon could extinguish the flames before they damaged too much.

Once they arrived at her chosen arena, Celine took her place at one end and faced her opponent. ”Since this is your second match, we’ll be using three Pokemon each. My team will be stronger than the team you faced before, but I’m sure you’ve prepared yourself properly before coming here.” Her hand moved to her bag, where the pokeballs containing her team were stored. ”If you have any questions, comments, or concerns before we begin, now would be the time to speak up.”

Shane Norwood

[Shane Norwood]

So they weren't going to waste any time with formalities any longer. Good! The boy had started to grow a little antsy about starting this all-important battle. It would be a fight to remember - a fight that he had darn sure studied for, and a fight he was determined to win. The hopeful trainer could only imagine what species and what types of pokemon that this gym leader would utilize against him. But you can bet that the kid has been doing his homework. Had he not, then perhaps he wouldn't have felt that now was the time to challenge this particular dorm. Nope. This was his choice. This was what he had planned to do. He was going to carry out this plan without looking back.

At the warden's direction, he proceeded out of the door to be led to their battlefield, one that would of course be chosen by the gym leader herself. The area itself looked and felt oddly familiar. A plain field with a shortage of plant life. Nearby was a path leading up Academy's Edge. Ah, he remembered exploring this area before. In fact, he had caught some of the pokemon he had met during his travels. A familiar setting would probably be good for Shane. Now he wouldn't have to worry about getting comfortable or feeling iffy about the environment.

When prompted to ask about anything, the challenger simply shook his head. If he was questioning anything, then he likely wouldn't be here at all today. He was absolutely certain about his intentions here, and he was also absolutely certain of his victory here today. The woman was right. He did indeed prepare himself for what was to come. If he hadn't, well then, he would have come another time. But now was the time. "No questions here. I'm ready for this." the boy answered as he proceeded to put his game face on while reaching for his belt which held his pokeballs.

And so it would begin...

@celine

[Deleted]

The boy had followed her to the battlefield – but of course he had – and he shook his head in response to her. He stated that he was ready and she nodded. Good. She hoped he was. Since he had done this before at another dorm, she imagined he knew how best to prepare himself.

But now it was time to get started. She tossed a pokeball between them, and a Skiddo appeared before the boy. The grass-type goat Pokemon pranced around a bit, stretching her legs and loosening her muscles while waiting to meet her opponent.

”The first move is yours,” she declared. ”Good luck.”

Now it was a matter of waiting. She wondered what the boy would send out against her. Possibly a fire type – of all the grass type’s weaknesses, fire types seemed to be the most popular, and that would probably be what she’d end up using if their roles were reversed. Maybe he’d surprise her, though. Maybe he’d brought along an ice or flying type instead, or even poison or bug. Whatever it was, she’d have to adapt her strategy accordingly. Meanwhile, Malon came to a stop in front of her trainer and turned to face the boy, ready to face whatever he threw at her.

---

Celine sends out Skiddo!
Skiddo is standing by.

[Shane Norwood]

At long last, it was time to get down to business. The boy simply couldn't wait any longer to get this wild party started here. The sooner he could get this duel over with, the sooner he could get back home with one more badge to his credit. Or so he had hoped. He was absolutely certain about this. There was certainly no turning back now. If he were to back down now, he probably wouldn't be able to live with himself afterward. There was no telling how anyone would be able to let themselves live it down in that scenario.

It was finally time to reveal their first pokemon to be used in this impending brawl. Surprisingly enough, the woman wasted no time in dispatching her first pokemon, Skiddo. As Shane would have likely anticipated, it was a Grass-type. There was one particular pokemon in his party right now whom he felt was more than capable of making quick work of this grassy goat. The choice was logical enough, even if it would be thought of as the obvious choice.

So she was going to let him have the first move? Funny. Seth had also allowed him to go first, and look how that turned out. "In that case..." the hopeful Bolt student began as he finally grabbed the pokeball containing the one ideal match-up for opponent standing before. "Let's do this!" he shouted as he flung his own ball out. Lo and behold, it was that trailblazing primate of his. As a mere stage 1 pokemon, she was one of the first in which he had encountered on the island, whom has now grown to become one of his most trusted companions.

The inferno monkey pounded her chest before letting out a loud shriek of excitement, then she turned to face her beloved trainer. She was ready for this. It was moments like these that she and Shane had been training for all along. And now that time has come. "Okay Furia, you and I both know what's at stake here, so let's give it everything we've got!" The ape nodded her head, then turned her attention back to the opposition.

"Alright, let's get the ball rolling with Flamethrower!" commanded the young Kanto native. Furia inhaled as deeply as she ever could, then unleashed a breath of scorching flames at Celine's Skiddo. The impact could be enough to make a major statement in the early going of this contest.

@celine

---

Shane has sent out Infernape!

Ability: Blaze
Held Item: Not allowed to use in a Badge 2 Battle
Moves: Flame Wheel | Bulk Up | Blast Burn | Brick Break | Flamethrower | Dig | Thunder Punch | Shadow Claw | Flare Blitz | Close Combat
Health: 100%

---

Infernape used Flamethrower! It's super-effective!
Damage has been calculated at approximately 126%. (Guaranteed OHKO.)

---

{let me know if you wanna see how damage is calculated}

[Deleted]

The boy sent an Infernape after her. Huh…if he had a Pokemon trained that well, why had he waited until now to challenge his second warden? Not that it mattered – it was his own choice to battle whenever he felt ready. This would probably be a swift match, but that was fine. The sooner they ended, the sooner she’d be ready for the next student wanting to challenge her, anyway.

He gave his Pokemon a brief pep-talk and then commanded her to use Flamethrower. Malon cried out as she was engulfed in flames, but it only lasted an instant. After that, she fell unconscious, and Celine returned her to her pokeball.

”It’s all right, Malon. This was bound to happen.” She stashed the ball away and send out her next Pokemon – a Drillbur. The Drillbur stared at his opponent and frowned at his trainer.

”It’s okay, Darunia. This is what we’re here for.” She gestured at the fire monkey. ”Let’s try Earthquake and see if it’s left standing.”

Darunia turned his focus back on his opponent and started striking the ground with enough force to make the earth shake.

---

Skiddo fainted!
Celine sent out Drilbur!
Drilbur used Earthquake! It’s super-effective!
Earthquake is 100% accurate.
Damage has been calculated at approx.. 94%
((Let me know if I got something wrong. ^.^; Math isn’t my strong point.))

[Shane Norwood]

{that's exactly right! =D }

The ground below began to quake. This was a bad sign for Shane's fiery primate. Normally, it was moves like this that would do her in for sure. An effective counter strategy indeed, especially in retaliation to her Skiddo being taken out in one hit. Well, she's a Gym Leader for a reason. Of course she just had to know how to handle the more dire situations in battle. Furia was certainly feeling the effects of the Earthquake. Fortunately though, the ever valiant Infernape would indeed be left standing. Barely.

"Hang in there..." Concern for one of his defiant trailblazing monkey filled the eyes of the young Bolt student. "Yeah, you know I believe in you..." Suddenly, the flames on her Furia's crown intensified, signaling that she simply refused to go down that easy. In all likelihood, another big hit such as the one she just took would likely put her down for the count. In the meantime, she meant business! A raging primate was a dangerous primate.

Her ability, along with Shane's faith in his beloved prizefighter, would give the strength she needed to fire back at this hazardous little mole. "Alright!" the challenger cheered, now seeing that his old friend would be able to take one more shot before getting removed from the picture. "Well, I say that if you're going down, you go down fighting!" Furia shouted with enthusiasm. She was more than ready to deliver another knockout blow, and also willing to take one for the team.

"Use Blast Burn!" The Infernape's fiery crown further intensified, to the point where the flames would engulf her entire body. Furia then slammed her mighty fists into the ground. And when she did, she unleashed a catastrophic tsunami of flames at the opposing Drilbur.

@celine

---

Infernape's Blaze has been triggered!
Infernape used Blast Burn!
Blast Burn is 90% accurate.
If it hits, the user must recharge next turn. Doubt it will last that long though.
With Blaze active, damage has been calculated at about 195%, if it hits.
vwJckUwH1-100
Health: 6%

1-100

[Deleted]

At the end of the Earthquake, the Infernape still stood. It was clearly greatly weakened by the attack, though. Celine wouldn’t be surprised to see the fire type go down with the next attack that connected. If there was a next attack that connected. Shane had prepared almost too well for this match, and that thought made her smile. She was glad to see at least one student who knew what he was doing. Would the others that challenged her be as smart?

The massive hit seemed like it only hardened the pair’s determination to win. The boy seemed to realize that the next move would probably be it for the Infernape, but he was going to make this next round count. And count, it did! The Blast Burn hit Darunia hard, and he was down for the count as soon as the fire attack had died down.

“You did great, Darunia.” She returned the Drilbur to his pokeball and sent out her final Pokemon for this match. Rosalina landed gracefully in front of her, facing her opponent. ”Rosalina, Water Pulse.”

Rosalina opened her mouth and spat an energy ball out toward the Infernape. Celine watched as the ball exploded into water near the fire type. That should be enough to finish it off. At least, she’d be very surprised if the Infernape remained standing long enough to attack again.

---

Drilbur fainted!
Celine sent out Togetic!
Togetic used Water Pulse! It’s super-effective!
Water Pulse is 100% accurate.
Damage has been calculated at approx. 36%
((Thanks. ^.^ Wow, this is going fast.))
Shane Norwood

[Shane Norwood]

A boy and his Infernape. What a combination that was! The burning primate had now managed to put two of Celine's pokemon down for the count. If that wasn't any proof that Shane had done his homework prior to this battle, then quite frankly, he wouldn't be sure as to what would be. The warden didn't seem to be fazed at all by two one-hit knockouts. Of course, she must have endured her fair share of them in her time as a student after all.

And so it was time for her to reveal her final pokemon for this battle. A creature that appeared to have been hatched straight out of its shell. Literally, as nearly half of its shell was in tact. This was one in which Shane had not yet encountered. In fact, he hadn't faced either of her other two pokemon on the fields yet either. They were all intriguing enough in their own right. He couldn't help but wonder where he could find them...

That was a thought that would have to be saved for later as Furia had finally been put out of commission. A Water Pulse was enough to do the trick. That was perfectly fine with Shane. Surely, he understood that all good things must come to an end. His Infernape mowing down everything in her path? Yeah, that was a good thing indeed. "You were amazing, Furia. Thanks a lot." he praised his prizefighter before calling her back into her ball.

This next pokemon would only be his second in this battle. He knew that he needed to gain an edge somehow, but he didn't think he'd have this sort of advantage in this stage of the fight. "Time to cool things down a bit! Amadeus, it's your turn!" he announced as he lunged his second pokeball, and out came an Amaura. The iced-cold quadrapedal pokemon.

Upon entering the battle, Amadeus began to emulate a soft cry. And when he did, hail had begun to fall. Good Arceus almighty, talk about 'hot-and-cold'! "Alright buddy, let's bring this one home together! Aurora Beam!" The Amaura then quickly fired a multi-colored beam at the egg-shelled pokemon.

@celine

---

Infernape fainted!
Shane has sent out Amaura!

Ability: Snow Warning
Held Item: Not allowed to use in a Badge 2 Battle
Moves: Blizzard | Hyper Beam | Round | Aurora Beam
Health: 100%

---

Hail began to fall!
Amaura used Aurora Beam! It's super-effective!
Aurora Beam is 100% accurate.
Damage calculated at 43%.
10% chance to lower the target's Attack by 1 stage.
dX_A3VN|1-100
Hailstorm Turn Count: 1 of 5

1-100

[Deleted]

The boy thanked his Infernape and sent out an Amaura against her. The ice-type let out a cry, and hail began to fall. This battle would be over soon, she was sure. Flying types didn’t do well in the cold. That was fine, of course. She’d come into this hoping she’d lose.

Shane gave his order, and the Amaura fired a rainbow beam at the Togeti. The move hit, of course, and Rosalina cried out as the cold beam and hail battered her. Poor girl…but she wouldn’t have to endure it for very long. Maybe another couple rounds or so. The sooner she decided on her next move, the sooner she could get the Togetic healed and comfortable again, so she tried to think of what move might cause the most damage. Concern for her Pokemon or not, she wasn’t about to throw the match. That would be dishonest.

"Rosalina, use Dazzling Gleam,” she ordered. The Togetic shook herself and then faced her opponent. That would be all the warning her opponent had before a bright beam of light shot out of her and toward the Amaura.

---

Togetic’s health is approx. 57%
Togetic used Dazzling Gleam! It’s 100% accurate.
Damage has been calculated at approx. 39%
Shane Norwood

[Shane Norwood]

The woman and her Togetic may very well be on their last heels. Shane could feel it. He could feel himself closing in on that second gym badge. One of the academy's most elusive prizes was now within reach, and nothing was to going to derail him from finally grasping it. He had planned for moments like this after all. In fact, it can be said that he may have prepared all too well, which begs the question: why wait until now to challenge for his second gym badge? For one reason only; losing was not an option, nor would it ever be.

The Aurora Beam was spot on, leaving a chilling effect on the fairy-and-flying-type creature. It countered with a blinding beam of light. It probably wouldn't make much of a difference anyhow, as the next attack that would ordered by Shane was sure to hit either way. "Alright Amadeus, we've got this! Come on now and use Blizzard! Let's go!" he commanded his once-fossilized pokemon. A harsh storm of snow and ice began to shroud the battlefield.

No matter where the target was on the field, the young challenger from the Bolt student felt that victory would soon be a reality rather than a dream.

@celine

---

Health: 61%
Amaura used Blizzard! It's super-effective!
During a hailstorm, Blizzard is 100% accurate,
ignoring all accuracy and evasion checks.
10% chance to freeze the target.
Damage calculated at 71%.
wiaONKmg1-100

1-100