too much too soon.

[Deleted]

current party:

SPOILER: Click to show

mekhi.
species: Electrike
gender: Male
ability: Static
level: 5
friendship: 5
moveset: Tackle, Thunder Wave
nature: Hyperactive
met: Lab @ lvl 5

Clementine chewed on one lip nervously as she approached the dock. Her footsteps were barely audible, even on the floating wooden expanse. She had rented a paddle boat to explore the lake, but perhaps it wasn't the best idea. She was already tiring from all of the excitement of the day, and when she stopped to peer down into the boat she felt a twinge of anxiety. What if the boat flipped? She would surely drown if she was far enough into the lake. She didn't have the strength to swim back to shore.

On top of that, she didn't know how to swim.

She was here to make mistakes, she reminded herself silently. If she failed, she failed. It wasn't about the destination- it was about the journey.

Pacing herself, she sat on the dock's edge and released her new Pokemon. In a spark of electricity, the Elektrike bounded from its capsule, lading nimbly on all fours. It jittered with excitement as it approached Clementine, nuzzling her neck and arms, licking her face. As tongue touched cheek, static proved unavoidable and Clem received a small shock, nothing truly painful.

"My name is Clementine. I can't understand you, and maybe you have a name already, but I hope it would be quite alright if I called you Mekhi." Of course the Electrike didn't speak, but he stared up at the small girl in adoration, and Clem giggled approvingly as she ran one tiny hand through his green fur. "I hope we get to be great friends."

After the small bonding session, Clem strapped on a life vest that lay in the seat of the boat and stepped in, allowing Mekhi to bound into the other seat. She began paddling towards the center of the lake, nervous and feeling unprepared.

[ZOM]

((please include at the top of your first post in any IC thread a section listing your pokemon on hand, including their current levels, friendship levels, and moves! :3))

For all that Clementine was anxious about her exploration of the lake, the water was calm and the weather was fine; with the sun shining bright overhead, even the chill was a little more bearable. Wingull flew overhead and shrieked, Swanna waded a great distance from Clementine and honked, and beneath the paddle boat, far below, Pokemon swam through the water and scurried across the lake floor. The soft lapping of tiny waves was the only sound, asides from the cries of the water birds and the noise of Clem's paddling.

Then, without warning, there was a loud THUMP and the boat lurched, rocking and swaying dangerously but not quite capsizing. Nothing was visible in the water just yet; after the initial collision, whatever had hit the paddle boat remained hidden below. A minute passed, and nothing at all appeared... but finally, a good 20 feet away, a red fin slowly rose and protruded from the water. The finned creature was approaching the boat at a leisurely pace, but it was approaching, there was no doubt at all about that. More worrying still, several more fins began to emerge and follow the leader. Four, five, six fins, and now the aquatic beasts were quite near, only ten feet away... nine... eight.

"Didididi!" cried a hoarse, high-pitched voice to the side of the boat. A Totodile had poked its head out of the water and its expression was one of alarm. "Di! Di!" It flapped its little arms, gesturing frantically away from the approaching fins. Then, with its message delivered as effectively as it was able, the little creature swam closer to the boat and began to push as hard as it could. The boat didn't budge, but its intentions were clear.

[Deleted]

At first, things seemed wonderful. Clementine breathed slowly in through her mouth and out through her nose, pacing herself and simply enjoying the atmosphere. A variety of friendly Pokemon seemed to skate on the surface of the water, giving her her space and coexisting peacefully. Mekhi was calm for the first time since he had been released from his Pokeball, laying down in the other seat with two small paws dangling off the side of the boat, staring at the waves the lapped at its side lazily.

When the boat rocked, Clementine nearly choked on her own saliva, and Mekhi flinched away from the edge and closer to his trainer. Panic seemed to flood every inch of Clem's small body. As if a Deerling in headlights, she froze, mezmorized by the red fins that were very obviously approaching the paddle boat. A nip on the wrist from Mekhi paired with the shrill call of another Pokemon brought her back to reality. She glanced over to see the Totodile attempting to push their boat away. Hoping it was trying to help, she began paddling backwards as quickly as she could. Almost instantly she was out of breath, and felt completely hopeless. Mekhi stood at the head of the boat, barking at the fins.

Cramps wracked her legs as she attempted to propel them backwards. She felt like crying- she knew this had been a bad idea. She didn't know what lay in this lake! Why the fuck would they let you rent paddle boats if you were in danger?!

[ZOM]

The Totodile continued to push and push, and though it didn't appear to be making much of a difference, at least with Clem's efforts the boat was moving -- but far too slowly. Growing frustrated and panicked, the little gator clawed its way up the side of the boat and crawled in, pointedly turning its gaze towards Mekhi. +You! Zap 'em! Do something!+

Those red fins were nearly on them now, and the Totodile started to fire off pressurized bursts of water from its mouth at the encroaching beasts, desperately trying to fend them off. The blasts did not deter them, though, and all seemed hopeless unless the resident electric-type could save the day.

Meanwhile, overhead a small flock of Wingull watched the ongoing drama with mild amusement. +They're at it again, huh?+ +Yep, yep, seems that way.+ +Crazy kids. Look at that poor human, huh? Scared outta her wits.+ +Should we let them keep at it?+ +Eh, it'll be fine. If they get too disruptive we can call in the Boss.+

[Deleted]

Clementine didn't even look when the Totodile climbed into the boat. She was simply peddling as fast as her tired legs would allow. Finally, she was unable to do any more. She stopped, and dropped her face into two small hands, gasping for air. This had been too much for her. She should have stayed in Hoenn. She should have never even bothered coming here. Who wanted to mess up? She'd certainly fucked this one up, that was for sure.

When the Totodile scrambled up beside him, Mekhi whined pitifully. He didn't know any physically electric moves yet, only Thunder Wave. But...Maybe... Thunder Wave paralyzed your opponent, right? Without answering the Totodile, he leaped to the front of the boat and released a Thunder Wave at the approaching fins. He didn't aim for one in particular, just let the juice flow, hoping it would make a proper hit somewhere. +Hey! Get out of here! She's just a little human!+ He barked at the fins, snarling angrily. How could they attack them? He was so young, and she was so weak! Those guys were bullies.

He twisted his head around to look at Clementine, and that forced him to grow even more angry. She was so sweet. She just wanted to look around the lake. Static sparked throughout his fur, and he realized then that he'd do whatever it took to get this girl to safety. She was his now and he would help her, no matter what the cost, because it was very obvious she could not help herself.

[ZOM]

The Totodile continued to burst water at their assailants, and the electricity given off by Mekhi seemed guided by the Water Gun. Sparks danced across the surface of the water, dissipating after jumping a distance of several feet, and the fins astonishingly stopped in their advancement. The Totodile cheered and laughed, doing a little dance. +Yeah! Yeah, you showed 'em!+ Yet, it appeared to be a little too early for celebration; though the finned beasts were no longer approaching, they were not leaving, either.

Several seconds passed, and then the red fins began to rise as scaly blue bodies emerged from the water. At the head of the pack was a Feraligatr, its massive jagged teeth bared in irritation. Behind it were several Croconaw, similarly aggravated but twitching and squirming rather than just annoyed; sparks flew from them occasionally, demonstrating that they had all been mildly paralyzed. The Feraligatr, unfortunately, seemed unscathed, and it certainly would be the biggest threat.

+Get outta here! Go on!+ The Totodile was still trying its hardest to make the congregation of gators turn tail and flee, but at the little one's shrill voice the Feraligatr snarled.

+Look here, you little brat, you don't tell me what to do! Young lady, so help me, if you don't listen for once in your life I'll feed you to the Sharpedo up north.+ The Feraliagatr narrowed its eyes at the Totodile, who simply pouted and crossed her arms.

+Yeah, quit being stupid! Listen to mom!+ whined one of the Croconaw.

+No!+ wailed the Totodile, hopping up and down and throwing a tantrum. +I don't wanna go back! I wanna play! I wanna play!+

+It is dinner time! You can play later!+

So... all of this because the Totodile was being a brat? Really? Apparently so, because the creature scampered over to Clementine and put a hand against the trainer's leg, then stuck out her tongue at her mother. +No! I'm with the trainer now, so you can just leave me alone! Nyeh-nyeh!+

The Feraligatr sighed, shaking her head and sinking back into the water slowly. +Fine, suit yourself.+ Her tone was weary and it was clear that this was not the first time the Totodile had run away from home; perhaps the mother expected her daughter to return when she was finished acting out.

+Maybe the human will eat her or something,+ reasoned one of her brothers, shrugging. They, along with their mother, sank back into the water and turned to swim away.

The Totodile was left behind, laughing and dancing triumphantly. +Hahahahah! Suckersssss!+ She turned to Mekhi with a big toothy grin, patting him on the head. +Hey, thanks, loser! You did great!+

[Deleted]

As the dispute unfolded before a weary Clementine, she felt only pride grow for her little Electrike. He had stood up against obviously stronger and bigger Pokemon. Even though it hadn't been a full fledged fight, and even though they had not immediately left them alone, she knew that if she had been the in Mekhi's place, she would have been scared out of her wits- much too scared to attack. Maybe it had been to save his own skin, but somewhere deep down, Clem knew it had partially been for her. She scooped him up in her arms, ignoring the static shock, and rubbed her face into his fur. "You are so good! You are so brave and good!" She cradled him for a moment before sitting him back down in the other seat next to the Totodile.

Mekhi only growled at the water-type, infuriated. +You're calling me a loser?! You almost got us attacked because of your stupidity!+ Electricity sparked along his body, the fur along his spine standing up in agitation. +Why don't you just go home to your mommy!+

Clementine had other plans for the Totodile, who she offered one hand to innocently. "Thank you so much for warning us and helping." She wanted the Totodile, that much she knew. It would become an extremely power water-type down the line, plus she already felt somewhat attached to it after that traumatic incident. She didn't care much for the way Mekhi was snarling at the other Pokemon, and shook her head mournfully. "Now Mekhi, calm down, she wanted to help us." Of course Clementine misunderstood the situation; she had no clue that it was actually the Totodile's fault they had been targeted by the others.

Mekhi growled one last time before climbing into Clementine's lap. Clem continued to hold her hand out to the water-type. "You should come with us. I can give you a home, we'll take care of each other." She wasn't sure if the Pokemon would just let itself be captured. She'd read about Pokemon choosing to come with trainer's for a short time, but if they didn't actually capture it within a Pokeball, the Pokemon would leave after it felt its work was done. She hoped she wouldn't have to battle the Totodile. Honestly, she was really exhausted.

[ZOM]

The Totodile snickered at Mekhi's anger, grinning wide at him. +Nah, I don't wanna yet! Good thing you've got yours here to say what a good boy you are, huh?+ Doing a taunting little dance, the Totodile laughed openly at Mekhi, though her jubilation seemed to be misinterpreted by Clementine. This was too rich! Not only had she tricked these dopes into saving her hide, but now the human thought that the Totodile had helped them! Hah! The gator beamed up at Clementine with sheer delight and amazement.

This expression slipped from her face at the offer that followed, though. Oh, shit. +Look, lady... I dunno about that. See, I just kinda used that whole thing as an excuse so I wouldn't have to go with Mom...+ She shook her head and looked around nervously, backing away from Clementine. Of course, she knew the girl wouldn't be able to understand her, but... well, she had to try. After a moment, a thought occurred to her, though. This human seemed like a puny weakling, and the Electrike wasn't much better as far as the Totodile was concerned. She could easily fight her way out of this! Probably.

Puffing out her chest, the Totodile grinned and held up her hands balled into tiny fists. +If you want me to join you, you gotta fight me first!+

Totodile, lvl 6
Fake Tears, Scratch, Leer, Water Gun

[Deleted]

Mekhi could only snort in response to the Totodile. She was just mad because she didn't get to have a human. What human and Pokemon shared was special, even if some wild Pokemon looked down on it. Mekhi had never been wild; he had been bred and grown in the research facility on Pumice rock. He didn't understand why a Pokemon would choose to stay wild, having to rough it through the seasons and at times go without food for days. He simply turned his nose up at the Totodile.

He wished Clementine would just let them leave. He didn't want the Totodile to join them, and unfortunately, she wanted to battle. As much as he wanted to kick the snot out of the water-type, he wanted more for her to just disappear into the lake and let them go along their merry way. He and Clem were having fun until she showed up.

Clementine removed her hand as the Totodile squawked endlessly. By the pose the water-type jumped into, Clem assumed she wanted to battle first. A battle on this boat? The Totodile had the obvious advantage because she could leap into the water anytime she wanted. She may as well give it a shot, though. "Alright Mekhi, it looks like she wants us to prove ourselves. I don't blame her after all of that... Now, you two need to be careful if we're gonna battle here." Mekhi leaped a few feet away from Clem, steadying himself on the boat. "Mekhi, hit her with a Thunder Wave, then Tackle."

Electricity sparked through Mekhi's fur before the Thunder Wave burst from his small frame towards the Totodile. Before allowing himself to see if it actually hit or not, he bounded forward, head even with his shoulder in an attempt to Tackle the Totodile.

Mekhi used Thunder Wave on Totodile!
Mekhi used Tackle on Totodile!

[ZOM]

The Totodile cackled and cracked her knuckles as she waited for Mekhi to make the first move, her body tensed so that she could react accordingly. Luckily, this human was being ever so helpful; if she was going to announce everything the Electrike was going to do, the Totodile would take advantage of the advance warning. She saw the sparks crackling from Mekhi's fur and knew she had to move, or else she'd be paralyzed just like her stupid big brothers had been, but worse due to her small size.

Eyes glinting, the Totodile leaped over Mekhi, dodging the little zap that was directed her way. She didn't land far from him, though, and when he surged forward to Tackle her she didn't have time to skip out of the way. He headbutted her solidly and she was pushed back several feet, colliding with the side of the boat. She cringed and hesitated... and then started to bawl, rubbing at her eyes and sniffling. In between sobs she would turn a scornful gaze at Mekhi, accusatory and unforgiving. Though these were, in fact, Fake Tears and Leer attacks, she was quite a good little actress and made a convincing scene. You know what they say about crocodile tears...

[Deleted]

Clementine chewed on a thin lip as the battle progressed. She wished she could stand up in her seat to feel more in control of what was going on, but she was too worried that with the movement of the boat she may fall out. So she simply sat, chewing on her lip viciously, two tiny fists raises in front of her chest.

When Mekhi's Thunder Wave failed, he felt mild disappointment, but it was replaced with pride when he felt contact with the Totodile's rough skin. He leaped back after making the attack, tongue wagging out of his mouth messily. The Fake Tears did little to falter him; he had no pity for the Totodile after the way she had behaved earlier. He simply did not like her. However, he couldn't help but feel the Leer lowering his defensive aspects. He growled in frustration.

Clementine herself suddenly felt miserably, the Fake Tears causing her to feel wracked with guilt. Lowering her small fists, she hesitated, before deciding that this was the way of Pokemon training and it was something she had to do. "Mekhi, hit it with another Thunder Wave, then Tackle again!"

Mekhi took a step back before allowed the electricity to spark from his body, already beginning to run in for the Tackle as the Thunder Wave erupted from his body.

 
Fake Tears had no effect on Mekhi!
Leer lowered Mekhi's Defense!
Mekhi used Thunder Wave on Totodile!
Mekhi used Tackle on Totodile!

[ZOM]

As soon as she saw her act wasn't fooling the pup, the Totodile dropped her "boo-hoo woe is me" routine and hopped up to her feet, scowling and Leering again. She didn't have the room to maneuver away from his attack this time, but she did have another plan... Once the Electrike started to charge, she opened her mouth and let loose a powerful Water Gun his way, intending to not only interrupt his Tackle attack but also launch him backwards and even out of the boat, ideally.

There was a downside to her plan, of course. Though there wasn't much room between them to allow an easy dodge, in the event that Mekhi did dodge her attack she would be a sitting duck. Even worse, there was no way to avoid the Thunder Wave that crackled towards her; the electricity surged up the water blast and coursed through her, making her tremble and stiffen up. She kept the stream of water surging, but it was about all she could do at that moment. She was definitely paralyzed.

[Deleted]

Mekhi felt his defense lowering even more when Leer was used a second time. Luckily, by the time the burst of water was fast approaching from the Totodile's mouth, he was bounding in a serpentine patten and was able to dodge the move. He landed and continued full force with the Tackle.

Adrenaline pumped through the electric-type's veins once he realized he had successfully dodged the attack. He moved even faster after that, more sure of his abilities. He wanted to take this Totodile's down, just to prove he was stronger, even if that meant he would have to put up with her for a loooong time after that.

Clementine crossed her fingers, and gasped in shock as Mekhi avoided the powerful Water Gun. She clapped small hands together in joy,"Oh yes! Good job, Mekhi!"The feeling that battling was giving her was similar to the high some of the medication she had been prescribed had given her, but unlike that state of mind, she loved this one.

Mekhi was hit by Leer!
Mekhi avoided the Water Gun!

[ZOM]

The Tackle slammed the little Totodile back against the boat's inner wall once more, and she wheezed and coughed with pain as all the wind was knocked out of her. Things weren't looking good; she had intended for this to be a quick win, but if she couldn't get the pup into the water, she was at a distinct disadvantage, especially with her limbs so stiff and hard to move while paralyzed. She was beginning to really worry that this human -- this scrawny, stupid, weakling of a human -- would actually catch her and take her away.

She wasn't tremendously opposed to leaving, but the thought did frighten her, and she held no respect for this trainer. She had to win.

As quick as she could manage in her current state, she lashed out with both clawed hands and shredded at whatever part of Mekhi that she could reach. The Scratch attack was desperate and vicious, clearly a last-ditch effort, but with a few Leer attacks behind her she felt that maybe there was a chance it would even the playing field a little.

[Deleted]

Clementine really didn't like the looks of this battle. She felt like somewhat of a bully, still a little shocked from the Fake Tears the Totodile had used earlier. She knew, however, that if she someday wanted a huge, intimidating Feraligatr, this is what she would have to do. Thus, she spoke out with a new gusto, "Hurry Mekhi, dodge that!"

Mekhi didn't really need the vocal instruction, for he was already leaping up and twisting out of the Totodile's reach. He snarled at her, slobber dripping from his muzzle, before he danced forward of his own accord, lowering his head for another Tackle. Clementine didn't even notice that her Pokemon acted without her direction. She honestly felt in sync with him. He was doing exactly what she had wanted him to do next, so she had little complaint about the Tackle. She hoped this would be the last move, and she could capture the Totodile for her own. However, if the battle had lasted a few moves longer, she would have still enjoyed herself. Maybe. Throughout the length of the battle, she had drifted in and out of enjoyment and guilt. Perhaps her heart would harden as she continued her journey... Hopefully.

Mekhi avoided Scratch!
Mekhi used Tackle on Totodile!