[Shane Norwood]

He has trained hard. In fact, some would say that he's trained a bit too hard. It didn't matter what anyone else would think of him at this point. Whether he was a respectable trainer, or just wannabe scrub to some people, their opinions meant nothing to this boy. At least not right now they didn't. All that mattered to him was that he felt that he was now ready for what will be his third gym battle.

Having emerged victorious in each of his first two gym challenges, Shane Alexander Norwood had found himself booming with confidence. Had he not felt that he was primed and ready for moments such as this, well then, he probably wouldn't still attending school here right now. Think about it, he's come this far hasn't he? But of course, he couldn't do it alone. He's had friends to help him along the way - both pokemon and fellow humans alike. Without them, well, surely he'd be a nobody.

A train of thoughts ran on endless tracks in the back of his mind as gazed out the window of his dorm room. To challenge a Warden of his own dorm would be a tall order for Shane or anyone else residing there for that matter. In the end however, this was his choice, and his alone. Strapped onto his belt were the friends he had chosen to take on this next challenge. Of course, there was always the chance that he may not get to use them all, but if there was anything that the boy has learned during his time here, it was to always keep his options open.

The thoughts - both positive and negative - continued to brew as he made his way down, at a strangely decelerated pace to the main lobby of the establishment. Despite being a resident of the Bolt Dorm, the poor kid didn't have the slightest clue as to where it's gym - or something closely similar to one - may be located.

"Hello. I'm Shane Norwood, a resident of this dorm, and I've come here today for a gym battle."

Stielan Masters

---

Pokemon on Hand
Raichu, Bisharp, Swanna, Infernape, Chesnaught, Gardevoir

[Stielan Masters]

Stielan was just coming back from the field when he heard a student wanting to Challenge the Gym. His red Gi smelled of salt water and sweat. It seemed like Stielan was lucky that he decided to come back when he did. From the way he held himself and announced his presence, it didn't seem like this was his first Gym - never could be too sure, though. He walks up behind him and places his arm around the Challenger's shoulders. "A Bolt Student? You seem to know what you're doing. The name's Stielan. Stielan Masters." He takes his arm off the kid's shoulders and stands in front of him, extending a hand.

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you to the Gym." He mentally calls out to Jean. "You're listening Jean. Ready?"

"This Dorm seems to be popular. Are you ready?"

"Always." Stielan chuckles to himself. He takes a hallway off to the side. "Here we go." He slides the wood-and-paper door open. As the pair walk through, Jean - a Medicham - greets them telepathically and with a nod.

"Greetings, Stiel. Shane."

The Gym itself appeared to be a Traditional-style, low-tech Dojo, belying the fact that it was a part of the Bolt Dorm. He walks over to the wall on his right. There was a set of wooden shelves with three tiers to them. The bottom two tiers each had three Pokéballs on them. The top shelf had four and two empty slots. Next to the shelves, there was a stand with two empty Pokéball slots on it. He fills the empty slots on both the shelf and the stand and looks back at Shane.

"Ah! By the way: which Badge is this for you?"

[Shane Norwood]

It appeared that the boy wouldn't have to wait long for someone to answer the call. Shane would receive a surprise welcome from a man sporting some form of martial arts sportswear. Quite unusual indeed, but who was he to judge? His knees buckled for a mere second out of sheer shock. He hadn't expected his would-be opponent to come at him from behind like that.

Shane would take the hand of the man - who introduced himself as Stielan Masters - in acceptance of the formal greeting. "It's a pleasure, Stielan." The boy's blank expression securely hid the excitement he had bottled up on the inside. He couldn't wait to get the ball rolling. And so without hesitation, the challenger would soon be on the Warden's tail en route to the supposed location of their impending battle.

"Greetings, Stiel. Shane."

"Huh...?" What was that? Who was that? A confound expression can now be seen on the boy. He could have sworn that he had just heard a voice in his head. A voice that was not his own. A pokemon was there to greet him - one that he had not seen before. He'd be sure to try and identify it later. But for now, it was time to get down to business. "Uh, hey there." he returned the greeting to the pokemon in question. In his mind, he had to reassure himself several times that he was indeed ready to do this.

And so here he was on the alleged battleground. He could call it a downgraded version of the pokemon dojo in Mavro City. But a battlefield was just that, a battlefield, regardless of the decor. When asked which badge he'd be contending for, Shane immediately responded. "I'm trying for my third badge here." As proof of his claim, he revealed his badge case containing the two badges he had won previously. The Wave and Nature badges.

He had the gut feeling that this next challenge would indeed be tougher than the first two. He has been studying up on these things after all.

Stielan Masters

[Stielan Masters]

Stielan was amused at Shane's reaction. It didn't look like he had ever had a Pokémon with Telepathy before. He grinned when Shane answered. "Third, huh? Looks like we get to keep our Held Items this time around." He grabs the three Pokéballs from the middle shelf. "First things first: You've probably heard them before, but the rules are simple. We'll get four Pokémon each. Held Items are permitted if wish to use them. If your Pokémon aren't holding them right now, it's fine if you hand it to them when you call them out."

He clips the trio onto his Kokutai and walks to his place. He snaps to attention and bows to his Challenger. "If you manage to defeat all four of mine, I'll give you the Bolt Badge." Stielan thinks for a moment. "That should be everything. Oh! Whichever Pokémon you choose stays out until it's knocked out. It's a good way to make them - and you - tougher."

"I'm gonna send out my first Pokémon. You can have the first attack." Stiel tosses out his Pokémon. "Let's do this, Crow!"

---

Gym Leader Stielan sends out a Golbat.

[Shane Norwood]

And so once again, Shane would be rendered unable to use his entire repertoire. This only meant one thing, and it was that he would have to make the right choice in regards to which of his pokemon he'd send out against a Warden of his home dormitory. The boy knew better than most that the Bolt dorm residents specialized in electric, flying, fighting, and steel types - types that he himself was all too familiar with. In fact, the vast majority of his current party had comprised of the aforementioned types, which makes for a rather intriguing contest of mettle.

The Warden wasted no time in dispatching his first pokemon. "A Golbat..." Shane thought aloud. Indeed, a Golbat, the evolved form of Zubat. So his own freshly caught Zubat would become one of those someday? Interesting...

"Okay then, come on Grace! It's your time to shine!" Upon releasing his own ball, the graceful - hence her name - Gardevoir emerged at his beckoned call. She turned to greet her beloved trainer with a warm hug. "You'll do great, I know it. Let's win this together!" Grace nodded at the sentiment. Before she could turn back to face the opposition, Shane handed her a set of glasses. Or more like, he put them on her. Feeling like the intelligent pokemon she truly was, Grace was ready for action.

"The first move is ours, so let's make the most of it! Use Psyshock!" At her trainer's command, an wave of psychic energy had materialized in the palms of the Gardevoir's hands. She then blasted it at the oddly-shaped bat. Here's to making a statement to start the match.

Stielan Masters

---

Shane has sent out Gardevoir!

Ability: Synchronize
Held Item: Wise Glasses
Moves: Psyshock | Psychic | Will-O-Wisp | Magical Leaf | Moonblast | Dazzling Gleam | Shadow Ball | Double Team | Thunderbolt | Hyper Voice
Health: 100%

---

Gardevoir used Psyshock! It's super-effective!
Roll for Critical Hit (1 being the critical hit landing)
0NH5d43b1-16
Psyshock is 100% accurate, dealing damage based on the target's Defense.
With Wise Glasses on, damage is calculated at 115%

1-16

[Stielan Masters]

Crow fainted.

---

It was obvious that Shane's Pokémon were raised well. The Gardevoir's hug as soon as she appeared was a dead giveaway. "You seem to have a good relationship with your Gardevoir. That's good. It shows that you've raised her well."

With his opponent easily knocking Crow out with the first attack, Stielan knew he wasn't winning this Battle unless he got very lucky. "That's too bad, Crow. Better luck next time." He thinks of his options. All of his non-Psychic-type Pokémon were weak against Gardevoir. Gardevoir was weak against Poison-, Steel-, and Ghost-type moves. Crow was the best Poison-type attacker. Only his Tier 1 Pokémon had any Steel-type moves, so that left him with Cross.

"Alright, Cross! Let's do your best!" He tosses out the Pokéball and a blue beetle appears.

"Heeeera! Cross!"

"Your best bet is Shadow Claw. Let's start with that!" The Heracross nods as the claws at the end of his right arm glow a sickly purple. He jumps at the Embrace Pokémon and slashes.

---

Gym Master Stielan sent out a Heracross.
Cross used Shadow Claw.
Accuracy: 100%
Critical: 1
EYkmdVcF1-8
Estimated damage: 75%

It's super effective!1-8

[Shane Norwood]

It would appear that Shane and his Gardevoir would indeed make the most of the intial attack after all. In fact, it would turn out to be a one-shot deal for them, as the Golbat had been put down for the count before it would even have a chance to make a move. Perhaps all that intensive with Grace has paid off in the long run. The Warden had commented about the boy's connection to his pokemon upon feeling her embrace. "Yeah, she's pretty awesome alright. I'm glad I found her. Or...rather, she found me." the challenger explained.

Just as quickly as the battle had begun, it was time for Stielan to unleash his next pokemon. And again, it was one whom he had yet to encounter on the fields. Oddly enough, the less he knew about certain pokemon, the greater the challenge was. After all, it wouldn't be much of a challenge if he knew exactly what he'd be up against. It only made the battle all the more intriguing and suspenseful in the end.

The Heracross made a move. And what a ghastly move it was. Ghost-type moves such as the Shadow Claw that had just been performed was more or less an issue that Grace had often found difficult to deal with. However, the psychic-fairy pokemon was left standing, albeit barely. "It's okay, just try to hold out a little longer." Shane proceeded to encourage the determined Gardevoir. "You doing alright, Grace?" She nodded and stood firm, awaiting his next command.

"Great! Now let's hit 'em up with a Moonblast!" At that moment, an image of a moon appeared behind Grade, and a brightly lit pink orb of energy was formed in her hands. She quickly shot it straight towards the Heracross.

Stielan Masters

---

Gardevoir used Moonblast! It's super-effective!
Moonblast is 100% accurate.
Critical Roll: vBgy|kux1-16
Moonblast has a 30% to lower the target's Special Attack by 1 stage.
1-100
With Wise Glasses on, damage is estimated at 103%.

1-16·1-100

[Stielan Masters]

Cross fainted.

---

With the Gardevoir's Fairy-type attack knocking Cross out for the count in one hit, Stielan lost a bit more of his spunk. "I guess Shadow Claw wasn't quite strong enough to win that one. Back you go, Cross." Stielan sighs as he contemplates how his team was going to be trained after this battle. "Let's go for a Knockout, Mach!"

"Ma! Choke!" The brawny Pokémon flexes as he appears from the red beam. He grabs both ends of his Black Belt and snaps it tight. He takes a boxing stance, bouncing from foot to foot and staying on his toes. Although Mach knew that Gardevoir was one of his worst match-ups, he trusted Stielan enough to not back down.

"She's already taken a big hit: go for a Fire Punch!"

---

Gym Master Stielan sends out a Machoke!
Mach uses Fire Punch.
100% Accurate.
Critical: 1
p7kotKSn1-16
Burn: 10%
1-100

Estimated 30% damage.

---

Sorry about taking so long this time around. Birthday came around and my internet went out for a couple days.1-16·1-100

[Shane Norwood]

Gardevoir fainted!

---

It was another one-shot deal on the part of the ever-graceful Gardevoir. The intensive training has indeed paid off, as it would show anyway. Two of the Warden's pokemon have been taken out already, while the challenger Shane was still riding on his first. At this rate, it was only natural that the boy had to like his chances of success here. On the flip side, he could only hope that every battle after this one would go along just as smoothly. But only he knew better than anyone that Grace was nearing her breaking point. She may not survive this next round...

Speaking of the next round, it was already under way, as Stielan revealed his third pokemon. A Machoke. Again, it was of one of unfamiliar species to Shane. Considering its stance, he could only guess that it was a fighting-type. One of the few types that Gardevoir was sure to match up well against - if she were to endure long enough anyway. The brawler's Fire Punch proved to be just enough to put Grace down to her knees. And unfortunately for both her and Shane, she wasn't getting back up anytime soon. The boy brought himself down to one knee and praised his darling pokemon as he held her hand.

"Grace, you were just incredible. I'm so very proud of you! Now take a good rest, okay?" His words - his positivity - were indeed her greatest influence and inspiration. She finally rose and quietly stepped off the field. The kid didn't even bother to call her back into her pokeball. Instead, he immediately went to grab the next one from his strap. "Alright, here's my second pokemon! Let's do this!" And out came that oddly-colored Raichu of his, the one that has fought with this boy since Day 1. Needless to say, Mickey was ready for this.

As sparks begun to trickle from the Mouse Pokemon's cheeks, he awaited his trainer's - and best friend's - instructions. "You've got this, buddy!" He assured his partner, as Grace provided some encouragement of her own on the sidelines. "Go, Fake Out!" With his immense speed, the Raichu dashed to and fro, then a swipe of his tail, proceeded to attack. The damage may be minimal but it was merely an attempt to knock the Machoke off balance.

Stielan Masters

---

Shane has sent out Raichu!

Ability: Static
Held Item: Magnet
Moves: Thunderbolt | Iron Tail | Fake Out | Thunder | Charge Beam | Magnet Rise | Wild Charge | Light Screen | Rain Dance | Brick Break
Health: 100%

---

Raichu used Fake Out!
Critical Roll
5YJFLlSH1-16
Fake Out is a priority move. It ignores accuracy and evasion checks. (Guaranteed hit.)
It also causes flinching. Pokemon that flinch are unable to make a move next turn.
However, Fake Out is only successful on the first turn in which the user is in battle.
Estimated damage: 13%

1-16

[Stielan Masters]

Mach flinched.

---

The meditating Pokémon behind Stielan watched as her teammates and their opponents traded blows. "You're not doing very well this time around, Stiel. Am I going to need to step in?"

"I don't think so, Jean. We'll see what he uses next." As his opponent chooses to pull out a dark-colored Raichu, Stielan didn't seem that surprised. "A Shiny Raichu, huh? Not bad. It's been awhile since I saw a Raichu."

When the Fake Out hit and Mach flinched, it became clear that his opponent definitely knew what he was doing. "Keep focused, Mach! You got this one!"

[Shane Norwood]

"He flinched! He's wide open!"

The shiny Raichu's initial attack had thrown the Machoke for a loop, just as the challenger had thought it would. The fighting pokemon flinched; it was rendered unable to launch an counter attack, leaving him dangerously vulnerable to another direct attack from the mouse pokemon. Seeing this, Shane's eyes lit up knowing that with each successful hit, he was one step closer to earning his third gym badge in as many attempts to obtain one. Perhaps his previous two victories weren't just a fluke after all. Well, he did take ample to prepare for moments such as these.

When it came their turn to attack again - albeit not having received in response - the easily excitable boy from Kanto wasted no time in issuing his next command, one in which would be a rather easy decision for him. It was one that had a slight chance to cripple the Machoke even more. In fact, there was a rather small probability that this next attack would stop poor Mach dead in his tracks and bring his momentum to an abrupt halt. "Let's keep the pressure on, Mickey! Use Thunderbolt!" Without a second to waste, Mickey emitted a wildly massive electric pulse.

At this rate, Shane and his companions would be well on their way...but let's not count out the opposition just yet...

Stielan Masters

---

Health: 100%
Raichu used Thunderbolt!
Critical Roll
EeD9R9sl1-16
Thunderbolt is 100% accurate.
10% chance to paralyze the target.
1-100
With Magnet equipped, estimated damage is 58%.

1-16·1-100

[Stielan Masters]

As Stielan expected, the opponent used an Electric-type move. Thunderbolt had a chance to Paralyze Mach, which would make him stronger when he had the chance to attack. However, it seemed like it had missed a vital. "Good choice in attack, kid. Even though the probability of it Paralyzing is relatively low, it would've normally put you in a better position than you already were. However, Machoke and his line have an Ability that makes them stronger if they are Burned, Paralyzed, Poisoned, or otherwise incapacitated."

He motions to Mach. "Go! Use Vital Throw!"

The Superpower Pokémon flexes and rushes at the Raichu and punches it in the gut. He lifts it up and throws it onto the floor. Standing over the Electric Mouse, Mach flexes, showing off his strength.

---

Mach used Vital Throw.
Vital Throw ignores Accuracy and Evasion changes and always hits.
Critical: 1
kyjC1Ks61-16
Estimated damage: 62%

Vital Throw makes contact.
Chance for Static: 30%
1-1001-16·1-100

[Shane Norwood]

It was the logical choice of moves. Or rather, at least that's what Shane had thought. The Thunderbolt, while the damage wasn't exactly substantial enough to put the fighting pokemon down for the count - or at least not yet anyway, was a means of crippling him. It was really too bad that he paralyzing side effect of the attack didn't take place at that moment. The odds of that were quite low to begin with. Not that it truly mattered now though.

When the warden explained his fighter's ability however, the young challenger couldn't help but reconsider his actions. Getting stronger when suffering a some form of condition? It was quite strange indeed. He hadn't thought of that ever being possible. Looks like he'll have to study more about abilities after this battle. But while he spent these next few moments thinking, he could only look on as his beloved electric pokemon getting slammed into the ground.

Sparks flew - literally - when this happened however. It was his own ability being triggered. Of course, the man probably knew that better than most already, so Shane wouldn't even bother trying to explain it. As the Machoke appeared to be too busy flexing his muscles at the moment, the boy would attempt to use that particular opening to his advantage. He would also try to use the newly acquired information given to that advantage as well. "Mickey! Get away before Mach throws you again!"

The agile Mickey was able to roll out of harm's way after having been dropped to the floor just a moment ago. "Alright, stay focused, and use Charge Beam!" Voltage began to pile up, enveloping the Mouse Pokemon before he would soon release a brightly lit and concentrated static pulse. Now knowing that attempting to cripple the Machoke may come back to bite them in the long run, this move was a means of putting that buff pokemon down and set up for the round of battles to follow.

Stielan Masters

---

Health: 32%
Raichu used Charge Beam!
Critical Roll
SUx9OaNJ1-16
Charge Beam is 90% accurate.
1-100
70% chance to raise the user's Special Attack by 1 stage if it hits.
1-100
Raichu's attack missed!

1-16·1-100·1-100

[Stielan Masters]

It took but a second for the Raichu to counterattack. "Oh, ho! Not bad!" Unfortunately for the Challenger, the Charge Beam just missed the flexing Pokémon. "And in case you're wondering, with Mach's Ability, the likelihood of Mickey having Static doesn't faze him as much as it would most other Pokémon. That's why I continue having him make contact."

"Ma! Choke!"

"That Charge Beam very well could have knocked him out if it had hit. He doesn't like to show it, but he's taken a lot of damage. Another Thunderbolt would have done the job quite handily. Don't be afraid to re-use moves. Although it doesn't give a good show, repeating an attack is sometimes the easiest way to win." He clenches his fist and points it at Shane. "You are a good trainer. I hope you continue on your path and get even better. Mach! Use Fire Punch!"

"Ma!" Mach flexes as his right fist catches on fire. With a strong uppercut, the flame-engulfed punch speeds towards the smaller Pokémon's chin. "Choke!"

---

Mach used Fire Punch.
Accuracy: 100%
Critical: 1
AbX3yKyv1-16
Estimated damage: 36%

Fire Punch makes contact.
Chance for Static: 30%
1-1001-16·1-100

[Shane Norwood]

Raichu fainted!

---

Having taken into account that attempting to paralyze the Machoke would only make it stronger in the end thanks to his ability, Shane was left without much of an alternative. Or so he had thought. Surprisingly enough, the Charge Beam had missed its target completely. Needless to say, the sight of it being unable to find its mark had legitimately shocked the young challenger for a minute. No pun intended. That move had never failed him before. And now, the one time it misses may prove to be the one thing that could cost him the entire match.

To make matters even worse, Mickey's Static was never triggered. That big brute was, well, brutal. "The fact that he even has that ability is exactly why I didn't want to re-use that move..." he thought aloud. And again, that decision could prove costly. Meanwhile, Grace sported a deeply saddened expression on the sideline as she had just witnessed a friend fall in her wake. "Great job, Mickey. We'll do even better next time, I know it! Now go and get a good rest." He was considerably slow in getting back to his vertical base, but when eventually did, he stepped over to the side beside Grace.

Shane was now to going to need some time to consider his remaining options. Of course, this was a four-on-four battle. Four pokemon remained inside his bag of tricks, but he could only use two of them. A moment of silence was spent for some deliberation with oneself. And then...

"Aflac! Time to fly!" the challenger shouted as he tossed a third pokeball straight up into the air, and out from it came a dazzling avian creature in the form of a Swanna taking flight high above arena. "Let's put 'em away with Brine!" The water bird obliged without a second to waste as he unleashed a catastrophic stream of salt water from its mouth.

Stielan Masters

---

Shane has sent out Swanna!

Ability: Hydration
Held Item: Damp Rock
Moves: Double Team | Rain Dance | Ice Beam | Brave Bird | Water Pulse | Scald | Mud Sport | Brine | Roost | Hurricane
Health: 100%

---

Swanna used Brine!
Critical Roll
oHMuekbp1-16
Brine is 100% accurate, dealing more damage
if the target's health is at 50% or lower.
Estimated damage: 68%

1-16