Natsu on Route 103 Part 2

Either way, the two grin as Takumi absorbs the disc, sucessfully learning the move. However, as the road appears to be more open, after the scars from the battlefield, many chatterings and roars can be heard in the area. To the east, a small pond exists, and to the remaining directions, other than south, which brings you back to Oldale, are miles and miles of forest. Either way, it's up to you where to go, but there are plenty of Pokémon in the area as well, for you to find...

Natsu and Takumi walk over to the lake, but there isn't much to see, other than a few fishermen sitting at the water's edge, there really isn't that much visible in the area. However, farther down the lake, signs of a large group of Pokémon are apparent in the shallows, but at any rate it's a curiosity as to why no water Pokémon are in the area, the Fishermen aren't doing much, they and their Wingull or Tentacool are simply waiting, and throwing back whatever they catch, it seems as if they are looking for something, but what exactly are they searching for....

Hearing the voice, the two older men turn towards Natsu, before grimacing.

"Well, it seems as if this kid doesn't know at all?"

"Nope"

either way, the two begin to talk as their Pokémon get into a conversation with Takumi.

"Hey kid, you must be really new to not know this, but this lake has plenty of Pokémon, some from Hoenn and some not. The issue here is that this is just a recreational lake, I mean the most direct route to Slateport city is through this pond. The issue is that there are some powerful, and angry Pokémon around here, we've been hired to try and either fish or get rid of them by any means, but all we've found are Magikarp or Tentacool, some Goldeen as well, a few Carvanha, and some more land water types live here too. but the issue is that every time a boat goes on that island, the Pokémon get real restless and attack it, and much stronger ones appear as well. No one's died from one of these attacks yet, but either way, the Pokémon around here are really territorial. Finally, over there is where the other Pokémon on the route drink and get water and such, but the Pokémon, again are strangely aggressive."

to prove his point further, although no one could control it, a Zigzagoon had waded too far out, looking for something, before it was pulled under. the only things that remain after a few seconds is a few patches of red, and some fur as a Sharpedo and Carvanha leap from the pool. As the three of you grimace, things get worse as a few children run towards the area, and as they call for the Zigzagoon, some Pokémon pop from the water and begin towards them. Another Tentacool, a Staryu, and a few Wingull fly towards the kids, all of who flee from the various attacks launched at them, but one kid trips. However, before the Pokémon could attack, the fishermen's Pokémon leapt into action, driving the Pokémon away with some strangely accurate attacks. The kid gets away, but as those Pokémon vanish into the water, another group appears in front of you, and as a Tentacruel leaps from the pond, and slams into both Tentacool and Wingull, Takumi is knocked back by a surprise Tackle, landing relatively unhurt as a Carvanha flops on the ground in front of him. Everyone grimaces as a Tentacool and Wingull surface, before Carvanha is pushed into the water again. However, Tentacool and Wingull growl angrily at Takumi, as in the background, the Tentacruel is seen beating the fishermen's Pokémon pretty badly. One cries out to you.

"Well kid, be careful, we'll take care of this large thing, but you're on your own. Stay out of the water though, those Pokémon are vicious, especially the Carvanha!"

his point was well made, as a Marill flees into the bushes, watching quietly. as the Carvanha from before surfaces as well. Meanwhile, Natsu can hear roars of anger, as the fishermen are now using a Seaking and Chinchou to battle the massive Tentacruel... But can do nothing as the three prepare to attack Takumi.

what will he do?

Things start off sort of well for Natsu, as Ichi charges in determined to prove a point with its Quick Attack. However, even with his speed increase, being in so much water slows him down a bit, and while he lands a strong hit, he doesn't really move that well, and Tentacool Constricts him. He's saved from further damage from Takumi's Water Pulse slamming into a leaping Carvanha, stopping its Bite from landing home. Either way, Wingull gets into the action, Growling angrily at both of Natsu's Pokémon, and causing them to stop momentarily, allowing for Tentacool to toss Ichi into Takumi. The two are stunned, but Takumi manages to deflect a retaliatory Poison Sting with his Mud Slap, but Ichi takes this chance to charge at Wingull, fangs outraised in a Bite. Unfortunately, Wingull was ready, and a painful Water Gun slams Ichi back, and right back at Carvanha. However, another force prevents the rat from getting chomped, as the Marill from before slams into Carvanha with a Tail Whip, dealing a decent hit, and allowing Ichi to get back on his feet. It seems as you've gotten a new ally, but the fact was that Takumi and Ichi lost out in that situation...

Natsu, looking over at the fishermen see that the fight was still raging, but at any rate, everyone seemed fresh. Ichi has taken the most damage, but at any rate he's kinda fresh. Carvanha's the most damaged for the enemy team, while Takumi took a mild hit from his teammate's collision, energy use was solid though. Meanwhile, Tentacool took some damage, and Wingull is still healthy... but at any rate, everyone in this fight is raring to go, as is Marill, who appears to have joined your side in this fight...

what will Natsu do?

Things start off quickly, as Ichi charges in for a Quick Attack. Either way, the added velocity prevents the previous occurrence from happening, as this time the Water Gun misses, slamming into the ground harmlessly. However, Ichi lands a powerful blow, and further exasperates the situation by Biting down on a wing, the weight immediately bringing Wingull back to earth. Alarmed, Tentacool tries to fire a Poison Sting again, but Takumi launches a Mud Slap at it, which knocked it off guard, and the stings hits its partner. Marill seemed to have something against Carvanha, and Tackles him painfully, before Curling into a Defensive position to take the Bite, a bit better than normal, and while it hurt a bit, not much else happened. However, Tentacool grimaces, as it sight clears, and before anything else seems to happen, it thought it was seeing triple, as three Mudkip stare at him eagerly. Confused, Tentacool lashes a tentacle out at one... but it misses, vanishing in smoke as two Takumi grin at him. Meanwhile, Ichi was in a good spot, as while Wingull screams and screams in pain, his bite was at the point to where Wingull couldn't do anything, other than swinging its wing feebly to try and dislodge the rat...

It seems that things have gone a bit better now, but either way, Tentacool is the healthiest of the group, as is Takumi, by a small bit. Carvanha's taken some damage, while Marill took a small hit. Meanwhile, Takumi and Ichi are the only ones to not take damage this round, as the Rattata is still hanging on, blood starting to appear on Wingull's wing, as he still hasn't let go. at any rate, it isn't wise to get blood in the water, but at any rate, things are going quite well... as more screeches ring from the other end of the lake, and all goes quiet other than the battles...

Gary wrote:Natsu was proud of his Pokémon' success this round as the battle continued to unfold. Wingull looked like it was the weakest link now, so Natsu quickly thought up his plans for the next round and told them to his team. "Alright Ichi, give that Wingull a hard Tackle to keep it even more grounded. Then I want you to go and hit that Tentacool with a Quick Attack and then quickly retreat out of the water. Takumi, give Ichi some Growl support while hiding behind your last clone, and then give that Tentacool one more push with a hard Tackle! That Marill seems to have a grudge with that Carvanha, so I'll leave them to fight each other." As the Pokémon continued to fight, Natsu rested his hand on an empty PokéBall attacked to his belt, waiting to sense any weakness in any of the wild Pokémon.

Things go a bit well, but Wingull doesn't quit that easily, taking advantage of Ichi's releasing of its wing by blasting him with a Water Gun, and tries to peck his eyes out, but the Rattata doesn't take any of this, dodging the strikes and slamming into the bird with a Tackle, knocking it into the mud, and it struggles to stand as he turns to the others. Carvanha and Marill are still fighting hard as a Tackle meets another Tackle easily, but as Takumi's Growl rings through the arena, Carvanha and Tentacool stop for a second, allowing for Ichi and Marill to attack them effortlessly. However, Tentacool takes the time to launch some Poison Stings at the retreating Ichi, but Takumi seems to take the hit... but in a bad sort of luck, it turns out that the real Takumi had done the heroic deed, as the clone vanishes. However, as Takumi charges Tentacool, the forgotten Wingull grins before launching another Water Gun, knocking Marill away from Carvanha, who launches itself at Takumi. Marill shouts a warning, but Takumi had fallen for the trap, as while he lands a strong hit on Tentacool, it had struck with a Constrict, grabbing Takumi by the leg, leaving the Mudkip open to a nasty Bite on one leg. as some blood sinks into the water, Carvanha grins, as Marill slams into the two with another Tail Whip, freeing Takumi. Suddenly feeling a bit fearful, Marill drags Takumi back to shore, or shallower waters as Takumi's leg appears to be slashed, but no damage to the muscles or bones. Either way, Tentacool and Carvanha grin for no reason, as everything seems to end.

Either way, Takumi took a nasty hit, as everyone pretty much did this round, either way, Wingull looks prety weak at this point, Tentacool and Carvanha are pretty well off in comparison, but at any rate something's up. Everyone is panting and tired, but they all have some fight in them. Suddenly, Natsu sees a dark shape floating in from behind everyone, and is simply concerned on what to do...

Things get a bit dangerous, as Marill, Takumi and Ichi back away from the water, no one even paying attention to anything, even Wingull was shocked by the PokéBall that slammed into it, and even though it was a strong fighter, the ball still goes still after a few seconds. Tentacool and Carvanha grin, but suddenly Tentacool vanishes under the waves, as everything grew quiet, a waterspout appearing where it once had been as a shape leaps onto the shore. Carvanha stares, shocked at the two Sharpedo that had appeared, but at any rate, it appeared to be safe as the Sharpedo roar before causing a torrential rainstorm with a Rain Dance.. Marill grimaces, as Takumi and Ichi stare at the behemoth that was looking at them. Natsu saw that it was strange, that a Gyarados had crawled onto the shore, but noticing that the fishermen were charging right at him caused his skin to chill as he could hear their screams.

"KID, get out of there, hurry- if that thing's tasted blood, it doesn't stop until it gets what it wants, get those Pokémon out of there and you too!"

Natsu could only stare in horror, as the Gyarados lunged. Takumi and Marill leap away, but as it slams into the mud painfully, Natsu notices two things. The tentacle in its mouth, and the fact that it had ignored Ichi... At any rate, it's clear that he'd have to fight, if only to stay alive until help came... just what can he do?...

Level 3 Male Wingull Caught!

Gary wrote:The Wingull had been successfully captured, and Natsu quickly pocketed him, but that was hardly the issue as a massive Gyarados came ashore. On top of that, it began to start raining, making things a little slipperier. The two fishermen yelled for Natsu to get out of there, but escaping would be futile against this massive, bloodthirsty Gyarados. Pointing his PokéDex at the Gyarados, Natsu scanned it for information. "Gyarados, the atrocious Pokémon. Once it appears, it goes on a rampage. It remains enraged until it demolishes everything around it," the PokéDex announced. Natsu saw the tentacle sticking out of its mouth, and he couldn't help but shudder in remorse for the poor Tentacool.

If one thing was for sure though, this thing was after blood, which caused Natsu to believe that the Gyarados maybe relied a lot on smell to find its opponents. To further his theory, Natsu came up with an idea to test it out. "Okay guys, listen up, this is going to be tricky! We're gonna have to take on this monster with hit-and-run tactics! Ichi, start things off with a Tail Whip to distract the Gyarados and then back off, so Takumi can use that moment to hit it in the eyes with a Mud Slap! Ichi, then go in for a hard Bite on Gyarados, so that it draws blood and then retreat again. This way, it might get confused by the smell of its own blood mixed in with the rest! Takumi, I want you on standby to use another Mud Slap in case it's needed. Otherwise, get ready to dodge!" Natsu knew that Wingull was in no condition to fight, so he turned to the Marill. "I know this creature is frightening, but I'm hoping you can help us out in battle again! If things look bad for any of the Pokémon, could you possibly try to create a diversion?" Natsu smiled nervously, unsure if the Marill would understand his plea.

Fortunately, Marill understood the situation, which is why it leapt out of the way of yet another Bite of the Gyarados. Either way, Ichi tried to distract the Gyarados with a Tail Whip, but the behemoth wasn't having it, still keeping its directions pointed directly at Takumi and Marill. However, this helped because Takumi's Mud Slap slams right into Gyarados' eyes, causing it to roar with pain. Either way, as Ichi Bites down hard, Gyarados screeches painfully, but no blood comes out of the wound, rather, the behemoth's tail glows as water surrounds it, and its Aqua Tail simply smashes Ichi for a huge blow. fortunately, the Rattata hits the soft mud next to its trainer, but it was out cold, unconscious before he'd even hit the ground. Marill seemed to be aiming for something else, as it tries to do something, but nothing comes from its mouth as it simply blows on Gyarados, who's deterred, if briefely by Takumi's second Mud Slap, although this simply allows for Marill to slam the behemoth in the eye with a Tail Whip before backing away. Neither one is ready for the next action, as instead of charging, Gyarados simply calms down before performing a strange Dance, and it seems as if it's gotten a little faster and stronger, or as it grins from its Dragon Dance, it's up to something.

Still in the distance, as the gyarados tries to see something, the shouts of the fishermen get louder... perhaps survival was possible.

Either way, Takumi and Mudkip are tired from their earlier battles, but they are fine for now...

Things weren't going well, one bit of proof was the fact that Gyarados had launched a Pulse of Water right at Takumi before anyone could react. However, Marill leapt into action, and trying again, it blows an Icy cold Wind which slows the orb down, allowing for Takumi to get out of the way before it forms yet another Double Team. The two sigh as it seems that Gyarados had aimed in that direction moreso of luck than anything, as the behemoth apppears to be staring in the wrong direction. However, as it again launches an attack, this time an Aqua Tail, the entire group grimaces, as the shockwave from the blow stuns everything, obliterating a clone, leaving two Takumi's and 1 Marill. However, regardless of recent success, things aren't good at all, as Gyarados begins sparking with some sort of energy. What it was, noone knew, but with all of that rain around, it could be trouble.

What will Natsu do?

The thing was, as while Takumi and Marill run for the trees, it just was not going to happen too pleasantly, as while it wasn't electricity, the Dragonbreath did stop their retreat quickly, as it washes over both of them for a solid blow. Surprisingly however, the move doesn't seem to have finished them off, and then Natsu sees it, a Weezing collapsed on the ground as the fishermen finally get close enough to be seen. At any rate, Gyarados roars in anger, and charges and fires a different energy pulse, this time a Dragon Pulse. The thing is, even with its attack capabilities so weakened, the blast easily overpowers Marill's Icy Wind, and another explosion rings through the arena. Natsu sighs in defeat as it appears that Gyarados had been fooling them the entire time, or at least for a while, as the not attacking had allowed it to wash out its eyes. at any rate, Marill and Takumi were unable to really move...

as yet another Dragon Pulse forms. Natsu grimaces, and he sees a bright light as the move fires, and is shocked as a Corsola repels the blast with a Mirror Coat, and a Starmie launches a blistering Thunder through the rain, felling the beast in one blow. As the two fishermen sigh, they quickly pick up the beaten Pokémon, and faster than Natsu would have thought, the group of them, Natsu, Ichi, Takumi, Kaw and Marill were sitting with the fishermen, talking and resting up.

Level Up for Takumi and Ichi!

"Well kid, we don't know what to say... you were a big help, as you see- that Gyarados was one of the main reasons why there have been so many issues at this lake, and we haven't been able to catch him, or stop him at all. Either way, for being so new, you are pretty skilled, or lucky- I never knew that my Weezing had the ability to use Memento, or even had those kind of self-sacrificial thoughts. At any rate, that thing is gone and everything is good."

Natsu turns to see the other fisherman look at Marill talking with the other Pokémon, and he quietly listens as the man begins to talk.

"Well kid, I don't know what' sup but that's pretty amazing what you've done there. That Marill's been here since all of the trouble started, as its parents and it came from nowhere. I guess they didn't know that this lake was so more dangerous than the other lake, but at any rate, all we know is that we saw them for a while, and one night we heard a ruckus, and saw an Azurill fighting off a pack of Carvanha, with its parents nowhere in sight. We drove them off, but when we got the babe to shore, we found it holding on to an orb, similar to an Azumarill's flotation device. The thing is, that's when we found out about that Gyarados. We don't know what happened, if both of the Azumarill's are dead, but we do know that the Gyarados and Sharpedo ripped at least one of them to shreds. At any rate, it may be a good idea for you to take that young one with you. It would be a good help for your journey, if you're destined to be a water master...."

and with that everything goes silent as the group begins to quiet down. Even later, Natsu simply stares awake, trying to figure out what to do as he tries to go to sleep, when he hears something in the bushes...

what will he do?

Surprisingly enough, Natsu was surprised to see Ichi walk from the bush, and nod towards the shore. Quietly, the four of them walk to find that Marill was simply firing Icy Wind after Icy Wind, trying to do something, until it finally sat down and began to cry quietly. Simply it turns around to see Natsu, and a bit surprised, simply sits as the other Pokémon talk to him. Eventually though, he decides to go with Natsu, and just as he pops into the PokéBall, and pops back out, everyone is simply quiet, even as unseen to all, something glares angrily in the darkness.

Things are surprising, as once Natsu returns to his sleeping bag, he notices an old TM. He doesn't know what it was, but only that the words were too difficult to read. At any rate, he decides to keep it, as Marill seemed to be very quiet, holding back a sob as he sees the disc. At any rate, they all go back to sleep, ready for a new day.

Once all of them wake up, they say goodbye to the fishermen, Natsu shocked to learn that they both were trainers at Wallace's gym in Sootopolis City. At any rate, the mood was jolly, things were going swimmingly, but as the group prepared to leave, they hear an angry shout. a Carvanha appears on the water, apparently the one from earlier, and it begins Taunting Marill for no reason, angering the water mouse. Unsure on how to respond, Natsu tries to hold back the struggling mouse....

what will he do?

Level 4 Male Marill with Special Move Icy Wind obtained
Mysterious TM obtained!

Things are interesting as Maru leaps into the water, swimming quickly towards Carvanha. Regardless, the fish simply grins, before Leering at Maru heavily, causing the water type to freeze up. A bit startled by the stare, Maru is slow to dodge Carvanha's Tackle, but gets some revenge with an Icy Wind, as Carvanha visibly shivers from the cold. It seems that both aren't too tired, but Maru's taken some solid damage already, but he's still ready to go.

However, before Maru can do anything else, Carvanha seems to plan something before Diving underwater for a bit. Neither of you can see anything, but you do wonder what was going on as you can only wait and see what Carvanha has planned next...