Decent into Darkness

[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron was not feeling too good right now.

She was cold, she couldn't see because it was too dark, and she was scared, although she did not admit it; she sensed a strange presence, as though something was watching them the whole time. Fairo was their source of light right now, for his tail was burning brightly, but all her Pokemon but him and Prisul had retreated into their Pokeballs as it grew darker.

~Sulteron? I don't like this place.~ Fairo moaned for the umpteenth time, the fiery light source quivering as he did so. Prisul swooped low over his head. Now he had grown used to forever meeting new Pokemon, he had begun to quite enjoy being in Gem Cave; it was just like his home back several millions of years ago. Plus, no humans came in here, so their wacky invensions hadn't ruined the place. He even remembered being here a few times, and so was a helpful guide, although at times he reached an area which had long ago collapsed or eroded into another cave. It was these times which made him angry, and he would swoop low, pecking and snarling in the primitive manner he was used to. ~What are you talking about? I loooooove this place! It reminds me of millions of years ago!~ he cackled loudly. Gem Cave would most likely hold fossils of Aerodactyl, so it must seem unusual to the wild Pokemon that one was alive here, and from ancient times at that.

Sulteron stopped abruptly. Fairo asked her what was wrong, but she hushed him. "Listen!" she exclaimed; sure enough, the sound of trickling water could be heard. This must mean an underground lake, in which case there must be some sort of opening to the outside world nearby. They headed towards the sound, eyes open for signs of the Pokemon who lived in this underground, rocky habitat.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The feeling of being watched wasn't for no reason. There was, in fact, a single pair of eyes that followed Sulteron and Fairo, appearing and disappearing through the cave walls, staying out of sight, but the presence definitely there. Well, it only appeared to be curious- not harmful at the moment, anyway. So, no need to worry about that. However, finding a way out of the cave might be a better thing to think about.

A few Diglett were bobbing up and down, hiding as the light hit their small holes, and reappearing as the trio passed by, their eyes having been used to the darkness for so long. There were inaudible whispers throughout the many tunnels, making it sound even more eerie than just the echoes themselves. The Pokemon that did catch a glimpse of Prisul whispered more loudly, but still inaudible. It almost seemed as if the walls themselves were talking.

As Sulteron got nearer to the sound of the water, it got steadily brighter, and more Pokemon could be seen scurrying about. A couple of Sandshrew here and there quickly digging holes to avoid a possible battle, a group of Zubat sleeping on the ceiling every now and then as well, completely oblivious to the fact that there was a trainer walking underneath them. A few Geodude were hovering together, arguing about something, but abruptly stopped as Sulteron passed by, attempting to flatten themselves against the rocky wall, blending in great, if only they would have closed their eyes they would have been quite easy to overlook.

A large opening suddenly came up, and beyond was the most spectacular area of Gem Cave. The walls were adorned with countless glowing stones, crystals, and other substances. There was a large walkway around the center of the opening; the opening being a huge lake. A few Mantyke were swimming together in the more shallow areas of the lake closest to the entrance. In the middle of the lake, a large teal-green fin could be seen protruding from the water, quickly disappeared, then a Sharpedo randomly jumped high into the air, its scales glistening with droplets of water, before plummeting back to the water with a large splash.

Off to the right, a small group of Shieldon attempting to move some large boulders that were blocking an exit of some sort. Each took turns ramming their heads against the large boulders, but with no luck. A loud but distant roaring could be heard from the other side. A rumble could be felt, and the Shieldon quickly scattered. Soon afterwards, a Graveler came rolling around, and paused in front of the boulders.
+That you out ther, Gra? Get me outta here! That dang Mismagius got me in here again!+

[/color] came the roar of a Pokemon.
+Yeah, it be me, Rio. Hang on, bud, I'll getcha outta there in no time,+[/color] the Graveler said. It began to curl up into a ball, but stopped as it laid eyes on Sulteron and Fairo. It scratched its rocky head.
+Hey, uh, Rio? When was the last time we had some visitors that were non-Pokemon? Or, at least half human?+[/color] the Graveler called.
+I don't know! Just get me out of here before I made the entire cave collapse from my loud voice!+[/color] 'Rio' said, proving hsi point as a few smaller, loose rocks around this particular part of the cave fell loose and tumbled toward the lake.
+Yeh, just hang in there, Rio. You two might want to get back some. Don't feel like hurting no humans today,+[/color] the Graveler said, as he curled back into a ball.

It was a good thing he warned you; a few seconds after he curled into a ball, he began glowing a white color, and he rolled as close to the boulders as he could. Then, he completely exploded. The boulders went flying in every direction, the cave shook temporarily, and a chuckle could be heard from behind Sulteron and Fairo.
+Hahahahaha! I just love seeing him make himself explode!+[/color] a voice said. Though, there was nothing there. The chuckling continued, coming from an invisible Pokemon, or... at least a hiding Pokemon.

Once the dust and everything cleared, a Ryhorn was visible as it attempted to get out from under a pile of boulders.
+I will get that damn Mismagius if it's the last thing I do!+[/color] it growled, its eyes darting around as it paused from trying to lift the massive weight off of its back.
+That never gets old...+[/color] the Graveler's voice came from somewhere next to the Ryhorn. It picked itself up, a bit woozy from its explosion, and helped the Ryhorn get the remaining rubble off of it.
+Of course it does!+[/color] the Ryhorn growled to its friend. The Graveler jumped back a bit, obviously being taken the wrong way.
+No, no, Rio, I meant making myself explode. You'd think I'd die from as many times as I've had to do that this past week...+[/color] the Graveler said, plopping down from exhaustion.
+It's nto just hurting you, Gra. Don't worry, we'll take care of that Mismagius... Somehow,+[/color] the Ryhorn said. Both sighed, and proceeded to look around. Apparently, this was tradition, as there were no onlookers whatsoever.
+Hey! What about we ask them over there for their assistance?+[/color] the Gravler asked, pointing two rocky hand fingers toward Sulteron and Fairo. The Ryhorn moved his gaze over to them.
+Asking a human for help? Bah. It's that bad, isn't it?+[/color] the Ryhorn said, a deep growl emanating from it.
+Oh, yes. What. A. Pity,+[/color] the voice said, as a Mismagius appeared beside the Ryhorn and Graveler. Both immediately lashed out; the Graveler hurling rocks with its arms, and the Ryhorn flinging them with its horn. The Mismagius laughed as it somehow managed to dodge each attack with ease.
+Fools!+[/color] it declared. It hurled two large black blobs at each the Ryhorn and Graveler, both making impact easily, and sending each a ways back.
+Do you dare challenge me?+[/color] the Mismagius demanded.


Wild Mismagius demands to know if you want to fight! Help out the Ryhorn and Graveler, or run away?[/size]

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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron watched the Pokemon she passed with interest, but she challenged none, for they all appeared to have no intent in battle. This Graveller, an evolved Pokemon, and Ryhorn, a rare Pokemon, held her interest for longer than the normal Zubats and stuff. She watched as they attempted to free Ryhorn, or 'Rio', with Graveller, or 'Gra's Selfdestrust attack. It seemed this was the doing of a Migmagius. Both a rare and evolved Pokemon, although with a limited move pool.

Sulteron moved closer. "You may be laughing at me now, but we'll see when I defeat you. I know that every bully is a coward at heart, jealous of her or his tougher nieghbors." she said coldly to the ghost. She hated bullies. She also was thinking quickly about the upcoming battle; Normal type moves did not effect Ghost types, and Mismagius could levitate so most likely Ground type moves would have no effect, either. Fairo knew Steel, Fire and Dragon type attacks, so he should be relatively usefull. "Fairo, let's go! Ember!" she cried.

Fairo inhaled sharply, then exhaled a huge burst of flames which curled from the floor to the cieling of the cave. He did not yet know Migmagius' tactic, so he felt smothering the place in flames seemed a pretty good idea, and it wouldn't harm Gra or Rio.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

+Ha! I'd love to see you beat me, fool!+

[/color] the Mismagius said, laughing a spine-chilling definitely evil-sounding laugh. OK, this Mismagius was obviously not your ordinary Mismagius. More of everything you didn't want; evil, crazy, and mean. If that Fire-type was the one to fight it, it thought, that would be a joke.
+I could beat you in my sleep. You'll have to do better than that!+[/color] the Mismagius declared as the Charmeleon stepped up to attack. The only thing the Mismagius did was grin an evil-looking grin as Fairo smothered the place in flames. With a chuckle, the Mismagius floated into a cave wall, and for a while, all was silent.
+You must know that this is my territory,+[/color][/i] the Mismagius's voice said, echoing throughout the walls. As the Mismagius was taking refuge in the shelter, the Rhyhorn grunted in discomfort as he felt the heat from the large Ember.
+Be sure to watch where you aim your attacks. Rio here don't like to be hit by any attack; especially not on accident,+[/color] the Graveller said, curling into a ball as he rolled into the small opening that the Rhyhorn had previously been trapped in. The Rhyhorn followed, barely fitting in the small space.
+Nothing personal at all. I just don't like being inbetween battles. And you never know where that maggot will appear,+[/color] the Rhyhorn said, his eyes darting around as he searched for any sign of the Mismagius. Again, the Mismagius's eerie chuckle resounded throughout the cave. Now that you looked; all was quiet. The Sharpedo's fin had disappeared, the Mantyke had retreated to the deeper depths of the water, and all the Diglett had receded into their holes. The Sandshrew had dug their own holes, and the Geodude were blending in perfectly with other rocks and walls, their eyes closed, making it impossible to tell them apart from natural rocks. Another chuckle, and from the opposite direction it had come from the Mismagius appeared, firing an all-too-beautiful ray at Fairo from behind. If one hadn't known what it was, it would have been so easy to just watch, but to the knowledgeable, it was a Confuse Ray. Even then, it was hard not to look at. All those pretty colors, and reflecting off of the jewels and shiny rocks that adorned the cave walls... Ah, what a sight to behold.
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron grimaced. So Mismagius' tactic was to hide out of the way of all attack. That sort of proved her 'bullies are wimps' theory true. Well, she was no wimp. Fairo could do this. Mismagius seemed to feel the need to weaken Fairo in order to win; another sign of 'bully weakness'. Sulteron wasn't complaining, for this meant Fairo had more of a chance to figure out a suitable way to attack. "Behind you! Look out!" she cried.

Fairo gasped, whirling around and frantically flailing his paws behind him. His body moved with the paws, so he ended up missing the Confuse Ray by a hair's breadth. He looked over at Sulteron, a puzzled expression on his face. ~There's nothing on my back.~[/color]

Sulteron smiled a little. At least he wasn't confused. "Well, there- oh, never mind. Use Metal Claw, but this time follow your ears. Find the source of the cackling!" she cried. The lizard's claw glinted a metallic silver, and he made like he was going to attack judging on his sight. In fact, he listened from cackles all the time, feet ready to pivot if needed.[/size]

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

The maniacal laughter continued to ricochet off of the walls, making it quite hard to tell exactly where it was coming from. It was so easy to deceive those around here; it was all fun a games for this Mismagius. Or, rather fun and games for it, and a world of pain for others if it was violent. The Mismagius wasn't surprised that its attack had missed; after all, it had never been the best with accuracy, which is where its power came in.

+I'm just about useless when it comes to this Mismagius. And, no offense, but Gra is, too. If you need some help, call out for Shade. I'm sure she'll hear; she usually deals with the more serious things around here,+

[/color] the Rhyhorn said as it struggled to turn its large body in the small area in which it and Gra were contained.

The Mismagius suddenly appeared in front of the Charmeleon, towering over him. It fired another Confuse Ray at him, cackling as it went. From this distance, it was quite unlikely it would miss, but... you never know.
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron nodded to Rio, wondering what type of Pokemon Shade was. She would call if things got serious... like they seemed to be about to get. The Confuse Ray cut a path through the air, landing true on Fairo's back. Mismagius was a hard Pokemon to defeat, and she ought to find out a good way to defeat it, but for now... she would watch Fairo's reaction.

Fairo had been hit close range, and it didn't look good. He was walking in a zigzag, stumbling his way over to a wall. His head hit it with a heavy thud, but the fiery lizard kept walking, his legs moving but the wall was mysteriously a solid object- who knew?!

Sulteron slapped a hand to her forehead, shaking her head. There was one way to learn to fight a Mismagius, and there was another. One was do it yourself, the other call this strange 'Shade' person. With Fairo confused and occupied by his walls, she was left with one option. "Um, hello? Shade! Rio, Gra and I need your help! Mismagius is up to it's old tricks!" she called, her voice echoing loudly off the walls. Fairo gave a little wince at the noise, but continued to walk pointlessly.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

+Oh, must you resort to Shade? Hmm. Well, sorry to disappoint, but she's out on a little escapade!+

[/color] the Mismagius cackled. The Rhyhorn and Graveller acted as if they were dumbfounded, but secretly they exchanged glances and winked- of course Shade had gone on an escapade. But, she had returned early on a request from the two's messenger.

Golden eyes pierced the dark cave- used to the blackness from being in the darker parts of the cave for so long. The golden eyes disappeared for a while, then opened again, a look of exasperation in them. Mismagius again, eh? I'll be sure to run him from this place, or put him where he needs to be put. It's getting quite annoying dealing with him this frequently... the Pokemon thought. A low buzzing and swooshing sound could barely be heard throughout the tunnels in the cave. It would be only a matter of seconds before it reached its destination. The cry for her help specifically made her pick up the pace even more, the sound a little louder.

+Have you ever seen a human struck by a Confuse Ray?+[/color] the Mismagius asked Sulteron, gliding closer. +It has just the same effect as it does on Pokemon! Let's see how you handle it!+[/color] the Mismagius said with a cackle, gliding backwards a good distance before firing a Confuse Ray at Sulteron. A few feet in front of Sulteron, a dark, black tentacle- no, a group of dark tentacles pushed it away, making the Confuse Ray head over the lake, and disintegrate. The Mismagius froze, and followed where the tentacle-like substance had come from. Out of the entrance in which Sulteron had come from, golden eyes were the only thing that could be seen. However, they moved closer, and it became clear to what Pokemon they belonged to. It was a pink and gold Weavile- a Shiny Weavile!
+Up to your old tricks again now, are we?+[/color] came the voice of the Weavile- definitely female. +I warned you once, twice, three times, four times... this is your fifth time, Mismagius. I am officially banning you from Gem Cave,+[/color] the Weavile said, glancing at the trainer to make sure she was alright.
+Ha! You can't even use any good moves, Shade! You can't force me out of here! I have my rights to be here!+[/color] the Mismagius protested, though obviously showing fear of the Weavile. The Weavile took a few steps closer to the Mismagius, the Mismagius drifting backwards each time she did so.
+Of course you had your rights. Now they are gone. Your fifth offense; leave in peace, or I will force you to leave,+[/color] the Weavile said.
+Oh, I'd do as she says. You never know what trick she will pull,+[/color] the Graveler said, rolling out of the hole, the Rhyhorn following. Both seemed considerably more comfortable now that the Weavile was here- none other than the Shade, by the sound of it.
+Fine! I challenge you, Shade, to a battle!+[/color] the Mismagius declared, firing a Confuse Ray at the Weavile. The Weavile grinned menacingly and faster than the eye could follow, used Quick Attack to dodge, and appeared behind the Mismagius. Mismagius was fast- the Weavile was much faster though. That was obviously a sign that the Weavile was much stronger and of a higher level than the Mismagius. Ice creeped up the Weavile's arm as she used an Ice Punch on the Mismagius.
+Hey- that was-!+[/color] the Mismagius cried, but the cry was cut short as it was frozen solid. The Weavile jumped backward and raised its clawed hands much like a Lucario would before releasing an Aura Sphere. However, the same dark tentacles as before came out and completely covered the frozen Mismagius. Within a few seconds, the ice was still see-through, but black, making it quite difficult to distinguish the Mismagius in it. The Weavile brought her hands together, and the ice cracked and creaked. After a bit, it shattered, and the Mismagius was completely suffocated with the attack. The Mismagius didn't even stand a chance- dark-type attacks were quite strong against ghost-types.
+Take care of him!+[/color] the Weavile said, flitting over to the fallen and out-cold Weavile and tossing him toward the lake. The teal-green fin belonging to the Sharpedo pierced the surface of the water, and disappeared before the head of it came out, catching the Mismagius un-gently in its mouth, and dragging him under. It wasn't what it looked like- one would definitely think that the Sharpedo would eat it, but really it was just carrying him outside through the underwater passageway, a few Carvanha and Mantyke accompanying it.

Shade, upon seeing the Sharpedo take care of the Mismagius, turned to the still-confused Charmeleon.
+This should help him come to his senses,+[/color] she said, waving her clawed hands toward Fairo. A blue mist speckled with white shot towards him- it was obviously a quite weak attempt at an attack. An Icy Wind, to be precise. Though, it wasn't supposed to be strong- at least, not for this. All Shade was attempting was to help Fairo come to his senses.
+Thank you much, Shade. We are in your debt, again,+[/color] the Rhyhorn said.
+No need, fellas. I was just doing my job and watching over the cave,+[/color] said Shade, waving them off. She turned back to Sulteron.
+Are you alright? Mismagius didn't attempt anything other than the Confuse Ray on you, did he?+[/color] she asked.

((Also, Fairo will gain one level for temporarily fighting the Mismagius ))
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron grinned at Weavile, Fairo blinking in surprise as he came to his senses and realised what he was doing. He rubbed his temple with one paw, groaning, then, recovered, wondered over to Sulteron's side. Sulteron shook her head at Shade the shiny Weavile's question. She had one of her own which was busting to come out. "No, Mismagius only tried Confuse Ray. In fact, that's the only move it used while I was there." she answered.

She needed to ask the question. Shade would probably say no, but she wanted to ask anyway. "Shade... do you want to come along with me? Should we battle for it? Or do you think you're too strong for me, or have duties or something?" she asked. She wanted to battle a Pokemon from Gem Cave (well, a true Gem Cave-er, anyway) and Weavile were one of her favourite Pokemon. Of course, she'd be just as happy battling Gra or Rio, but she just plain loved Weaviles.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

Shade nodded, relieved at that. +Well, that's the only move that Mismagius tries to use most of the time. He knows some others, I know, but... he's not a physical bully. He likes confusing his foes and making them do things they aren't aware of,+

[/color] she said. The Mismagius was a pathetic Pokemon, the Weavile knew. Well, it wouldn't be bothering others in this route now. Not after the word spread to watch out for him and to attack on sight.

Shade paused for a moment, thinking over Sulteron's offer. It seemed as if she had her mind made up, but was trying to think of what words to use. +I've vowed to never belong to a trainer again. My first three were completely horrible, my second two not so bad... but my most recent one was a lot different. She ended up letting me go because she didn't think keeping me was right, with my wild nature. Besides- if I left this place, who would keep bullies like Mismagius away? Solve every argument that cannot be solved? Sorry, but I will remain here. I don't think you'd stand a chance against me, no offense, if you tried to battle me,+[/color] Shade said. +However, I'm sure Gra or Rio would be happy to battle. They haven't fought in quite a while and are probably itching for a fair match,+[/color] Shade said.
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron thought about it for a moment. Graveller and Ryhorn were pretty much similar Pokemon by her standards. Both Rock types and that. She consulted her Pokedex. Ryhorn, Rydon and Ryperior learn better attacks than Golem, they were more powerful. Then again, it also seemed a shame to split the two up. Surley if she wasn't strong enough to defeat one, she wouldn't be strong enough to defeat the other. And if she did only defeat one, she would simply catch neither. "I know. We'll fight a double battle. Let's make it even; I won't use Super Effective moves on you, Gra and Rio. Go, Prisul and Zen!" she cried, throwing one Pokeball.

From that Pokeball emerged Zen, the party coloured Dratini looking her opponents from paw to head before twirling her tail about and growling. Prisul, who had been standing a little way behind Sulteron the whole time, glided into the air to the battle scene, where he hovered before the two opponents like an ancient statue. Only moving.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

+Oh, now 'dis should be interestin',+

[/color] Gra said as the Dratini was released and saw the Aerodactyl. Well, not every day you saw one of those anymore... there were fossils of them around, but... you had to spend a lot of money to bring them back to life, didn't you? Ah, well... this trainer must have a pretty penny to spend if she could spend all that money and bring a fossil back to life. That also usually meant that the Pokemon belonging were tough.
+You get first move. Courtesy for helping rid of Mismagius. Don't care which of the two I take on- whichever you think will work out better for you,+[/color] Rio said, scraping his claws on the ground, almost as if he were going to charge, but showed no intention in doing so. Around the cave, Pokemon had gathered to watch. The Mantyke from the lake as well as the single Sharpedo and a few Carvanha, a few Geodude, Diglett, and Sandshrew, as well as a few others that couldn't be distinguished from where they were at in the shadows.
+Let the battle commence!+[/color] Shade said, jumping up onto a good perch to watch the battle below her.
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron thought about the attacks she should use for a moment. Two of Zen's would not be not very effective, so she would use one of them. As for Prisul... his moves were generally not very effective. She'd do it. She and her Pokemon could get through anything so long as they believed in each other. And right now, she definately believed in Zen and Prisul. "Twister and Bite!"

Zen's tail whirled around until it was a blur, picking up bits of earth, rocks and the occasional glittery thing or leaf. Soon a miniture tornado, not as fast or large, was created at the end of the Dratini's tail. With a smooth swipe, it was released, aimed directly at Rio. Prisul flapped his wings a few times to take aim and gain hight for maximun momentum, and then he freefell, using his wings to guide him, towards Gra, maw wide open and pointed fangs ready to admit part of the Graveller's body.

[{ ~ Ironhide ; ; }]

As the Twister was shot toward Rio, he stood his ground, willing to take the hit. Anything besides the Mismagius's Confuse Ray seemed good right now. Rio tightly closed his eyes as the Twister hit him, and as it passed, he opened his eyes, a wild excitement in them. It was clear that the thought of a battle was exciting, and that he hadn't been in one for a while. He then reared up, and with a battle cry, charged at Zen, his horn glowing slightly as he prepared for a Horn Attack.

+A Bite, eh? How about you put some other rock in there? What do yeh say?+

[/color] Gra said, picking up some of the rocks around and hurling them with intensity at Prisul- a Rock Throw. It was an attempt to get a few rocks or something stuck in Prisul's mouth before he could fit the Graveller's hard body in it, not that that would do much... nor would that be the smartest idea, as close-ranged battles are dangerous sometimes.
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[~/Birdybot\~]

Sulteron watched the Pokemon battling, straining her brain to think of effective moves to use. Prisul's jaws came crunching down on the rocks, and he let out a pained cry as he spat out the shards. Sulteron thought harder. There must be a way to defeat these Pokemon... Rio was getting closer to Zen, the Dratini wailing and looking to her trainer for insruction... come on... hm. Maybe... well, Prisul knew more close range moves, and the two Pokemon before her hated Confuse Ray, so she shouldn't use Supersonic. "Zen, try to wrap yourself around Rio's horn and use Dragon Rage! Prisul, Ice Fang!" she cried.

Zen timed the moment right. As the Horn Attack came at her, her thin body twisted out the way. Thank goodness for snake like movement, able to wriggle her body like it were a giant tail. She latched it around the horn, then brought the rest of her body up, not taking care if the weight of herself was hurting Rio. Her white scales glittered, then she struck. Dragon Rage always dealt 40 points of damage, so was not subjected to type advantages or disadvantages, thankfully.

Prisul spat the last of the rocks from his mouth, then, feeling them freeze in a blue light, kept his jaw tightly shut as he swooped in to attack. Hopefully that would mean he wouldn't be hurt by another attack to the mouth, but the Ice Fang would still hurt Gra.