Thard_Verad
c1lyfe
MISSION- Herbology class
There’s a lush garden located on the outskirts of Violet City. Residents say the area is home to an old and powerful Meganium. There must be some truth to the rumors, because the garden stays in bloom, even during winter.
However, we’ve gotten word from the Monks of Sprout Tower that a band of poachers were asking about the garden. Head to Violet City and stop the poachers!
You’ll face 3 poachers with 2 pokemon each, and their leader with 3 pokemon. Don’t let them capture that Meganium.
Pokemon: Any shiny, basic-stage Grass type
Rewards: 1800
Item: Up to 3 Berries awarded by the grader.
Phione appears in HQ and sticks a note to the mission report. It seems somehow less cheerful today than usual. "Phii..."
Thard
Hate to break it to you, but you can't get around the six-pokemon limit by borrowing one from a friend. I'd have allowed the loaner if you only had five of your own, since the overall story was good. Unfortunately, I do have to fail this one.
(Just to keep everyone on the same page, Cody's six were Chikorita, Croconaw, Swablu, Haunter, Claydol, and Cyndaquil, and he borrowed Snorlax)
While you're at it, there are other aspects that could use a tune-up. For Haunter's finishing move, I think you meant Dark Pulse, not Dark Void. Also, there are several cases where high-accuracy moves miss your pokemon. That's dangerously close to god-modding. Also, keep an eye on your combinations, like your Cyndaquil using Flamethrower right after coming up from Dig.
Like I said though, the overall story was good. If you can fix up the major technical flaws, I might be willing to overlook the manner in which you got the shiny Bulbasaur.
Ok, well I fixed my pokemon count and a couple other small flaws I found.
After a long night of sleeping on the beach, Cody was ready for his own bed. He had trudged through the forest all morning to find the secret entrance to HQ. Once found, Cody was completely out of energy. “I gotta make it,” he thought. The trudging continued. Down the dark hallway and into the common room. He opened the door only to hear Ginji mention Veteran’s Day. “Happy Vet’s Day, Ginji!” he proceeded to lie down on the couch. He had just started to drift to sleep when Grovyle popped out of his pokeball and started running around like a maniac. “Grovyle, return.” He looked at the pokeball. “Damn you. I wish I had that kind of energy right now,” he said and continued to lay there. Cody started to drift into Dreamland when he felt a violent shaking in his pocket. He reached in his pocket and fished out the annoyance. He quickly released it so it dropped on the floor and continued to vibrate harder, making a much louder sound. It reverberated off the walls and echoed throughout the corridors of HQ. Through every room and sub-room. He quickly picked it up and rubbed his finger over it. Cody realized this annoyance was his TADS and the vibration was the warning for a text message. He flipped it open and quickly scanned over it. He knew he would read it over more later. The message read:
MISSION- Herbology class
There’s a lush garden located on the outskirts of Violet City. Residents say the area is home to an old and powerful Meganium. There must be some truth to the rumors, because the garden stays in bloom, even during winter.
However, we’ve gotten word from the Monks of Sprout Tower that a band of poachers were asking about the garden. Head to Violet City and stop the poachers!
You’ll face 3 poachers with 2 pokemon each, and their leader with 3 pokemon. Don’t let them capture that Meganium.
Pokemon: Any shiny, basic-stage Grass type
Rewards: 1800
Item: Up to 3 Berries awarded by the grader.This was new information for him. He had only been to Violet City a couple times before. He knew that huge tower-like place was there and Falkner lived there, but a Meganium? Hell, he didn’t even know about the garden outside of the city. So much for his so-called “knowledge of the Johto region.” Cody sent out Claydol and pictured a friend's house. Hopefully he hadn’t done any remodeling. The pair disappeared from the common room of HQ and appeared in front of a rambler on a side street. “Ah, the Abel residence. Good times… Good times…” Cody knocked twice and rang the doorbell. He realized that Claydol was still floating next to him so he was quickly returned. Cody heard shuffling coming from behind the door and finally it cracked open. Someone timidly asked, “Who… Who is it?”
“Richard?” Cody replied softly. It’s Cody. What happened to you?”
“Come on in. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No thanks.” Cody replied. “I’m fine. Thanks though.”
“Sorry dude. I was afraid you might be a poacher.”
“Poacher? Explain.” Cody quickly pulled out his TADS and checked the message again.
Gotten word from the Monks of Sprout Tower that a band of poachers…“I remember that… It was in the… Nevermind.” Cody said.
“I need you to do something for me.” The boy replied.
“What? Anything.”
“My only remaining pokemon. This Snorlax. Take it and send them out of here. Defeat them all and restore Violet City to its old self.” Cody just took the pokeball and put it on his belt.
"Maybe Snorlax will come in handy…" he thought to himself. Cody thanked Richard and shook his hand before walking out the door. A herd of grass pokemon came running at Cody. He jumped to avoid them milliseconds before they stampeded over him. He popped his head back in the door and said, “Ya know, a drink is sounding really good right about now.” He started to walk back through the door, but stopped himself. “I really have to get going,” he kept thinking. He turned around and closed the door behind him. “Now to find that garden with the Meganium and take out those poachers.” Cody looked down at the street and saw flowers trying to pop up through the asphalt and concrete. He must be getting close to the edge of the city. Cody could see the hilltops covered in flowers of all colors only about a quarter mile away. A second wind of energy hit him and he found himself running, hoping it wasn’t a mirage. He looked around and realized that what was once buildings had turned to lush hills covered in vibrant colored violets and tulips and roses of all sorts.
Suddenly, a duo of poachers came over the flower-covered hill and confronted Cody. Obviously it wasn’t a mirage. The garden actually existed. One sent out a Quilava and the other, a Hitmonlee to intimidate Cody. He sent out Swablu and Croconaw to take out his new foes. Hitmonlee attacked Croconaw first with Hi-Jump-Kick, but a simple Protect put Hitmonlee on the ground, doing a reasonable amount of damage to himself. Swablu went behind Croconaw to put up a Safeguard. Quilava launched a Flame Wheel. Swablu managed to barely avoid the attack and came out unharmed. This left Hitmonlee to use Hi-Jump Kick again. Croconaw tried Detect, but it didn’t work. He was hit in the chin with a strong kick and sent flying back, but also leaving Hitmonlee vulnerable to Swablu’s Aerial Ace. With no guard or anything, Swablu blindsided the Fighting Type with a powerful swipe, leaving it completely clueless of what had just happened and doing a critical super effective amount of damage. Quilava spit out a juicy Flamethrower in the bird pokemon’s direction, landing a powerful hit and knocking it back several feet. Hitmonlee returned with Mega Kick, but missed, leaving it open again for Swablu to hit it with Aerial Ace again, completely knocking it out. Quilava used Dig and quickly burrowed underground. Croconaw looked around confused to see the Fire Type completely gone. A giant hole appeared behind him and Quilava attacked, doing an average amount of damage. Croconaw sent out a Water Pulse, hitting Quilava directly and sending it into a daze. Swablu hit it with Aerial Ace, but didn’t do much damage. The pokemon balled up into a Flame Wheel, but rolled itself right past Croconaw and into a ditch, launching itself into the air from the incline.
The poacher ran after his pokemon and his friend stepped up. He noticed there was a difference in the body shape and stance of this poacher. A mask covered its face, but Cody could tell by the way it threw the two pokeballs; it was a female. A Hitmonchan came out of her first pokeball, and from her second, a Croconaw. Croconaw and Swablu remained at his side. Cody gave Swablu two Sitrus berries and she was ready to go. Hitmonchan stepped up first. She was expecting a one on one match. Swablu stared off with Perish Song, starting Hitmonchan’s Perish Count at 3. The pokemon retaliated with Ice Punch, barely missing, but leaving it open to a Sing, quickly putting it to sleep. Cody returned Swablu and sent out Haunter. Hitmonchan refused to wake up and its Perish Count lowered to 2. Haunter used Dream Eater, which was Super Effective, sending Hitmonchan into a black and restless sleep. The Fighting Type’s Perish Count lowered to 1, but it refused to wake up. Haunter attacked it with Confusion, almost knocking it out. The Perish Count would do the rest as it dropped to zero and Hitmonchan rolled around franticly in its sleep, eventually stopping. The poacher sent out her last pokemon, Croconaw. Haunter attacked first with a hard Sucker Punch, knocking Croconaw on his back. The pokemon got up and hit Haunter directly with Aqua Tail, doing critical damage. Haunter sent out a Destiny Bond and caught Croconaw. The foe was scared to KO Haunter now, but still attacked on command with Hydro Pump, again doing serious damage. The Ghost pokemon charged up a huge Shadow Ball and launched it at Croconaw. The foe knocked it away with the Protect it had used before Haunter had time to attack. It came back with a Water Pulse this time, but did not manage to confuse Haunter. Despite its low health, Haunter ended the battle with a final Dark Pulse. The poacher returned her final pokemon and backed up slowly.
Cody ran over the hill, only to find a beautiful garden. It was even more vibrantly colored and lively than the hillsides. A large statue of a Meganium stood in the background. In front of it stood a short poacher and a tall poacher. The taller one was probably the leader. Cody sent out Cyndaquil and kept out Haunter. He ran through the garden and approached the poachers cautiously. “What do you think you’re doing with the pokemon in this garden?” Cody asked.
“Pokemon? The only one living in this garden is Meganium. The pokemon live in the hills.” The taller poacher responded. “Thanks for the heads up.” The poacher pressed a button on his watch and spoke. “Pokemon in the garden. Snag as many as you can.”
You leave the pokemon and the Meganium alone and pick on someone with more capability to kick your a**.”
“We will just see about that.” The poacher replied with a devious grin.
The tall poacher sent out a Bayleef first. Cody sent in Cyndaquil to start off on the right foot. “Cyndaquil, let’s use Dig!” Cody shouted as Bayleef started with Poisonpowder. Cyndaquil dug underground just as Bayleef released the attack, and was able to avoid it. Ok Cyndiquil, come on up and use Flamethrower. Cyndaquil burst from the ground and shot a fountain of flames toward the Grass Type, doing amazing damage. Bayleef charged at Cyndaquil and hit it with Frustration. All the anger and hatred for its trainer came out in one hit and nailed Cyndaquil. The Fire Type recovered from the attack in mid-air and shot a Flamethrower at the enemy Bayleef. The pokemon used Sunny Day, in hopes to fire off a quick Solarbeam, not realizing that it boosted Cyndaquil’s Fire Type moves. Cyndaquil launched a Fire Blast at the Grass Type, almost knocking it out, but using Synthesis, it regained almost all of what it lost. Another Fire Blast was shot off, but blocked by a Solarbeam. Both attacks collided in a massive explosion. Cyndaquil was determined so he shot off another Fire Blast, which hit directly, doing critical damage and knocking the Grass Type out completely.
A Hitmontop was sent out next.
What is with all the Tyrogue evolutions? Cody asked himself as he sent out Claydol. “Let’s party then.” He said as Hitmontop flexed for a Bulk Up, raising his Attack and Defense stat. Claydol used Earthquake, doing a maximum amount of damage. Hitmontop used Endeavor and completely destroyed Claydol’s HP, lowering it to about 30. Claydol came back with Psybeam and knocked out the poacher’s last pokemon.
Cody sent out all his pokemon at once before the last person stepped up. “Bravo. Bravo. You took out my team of three poachers with your pathetic team of pokemon. Now that they are worn down, who is to stop me from taking over this garden and all the shiny pokemon that live here?” the short man asked. He was no taller than 5’ 5” and no wider than a just-evolved Sudowoodo. “I am Robert, leader of the PPG, and I have come to control the Meganium who inhabits this garden. In fact, I have already taken control of most of the pokemon here,”
“What do you mean?” Cody demanded.
“Let me show you,” the leader responded and whistled. A shiny Roselia appeared in front of him and charged at Cody.
“Cyndaquil, go. Flamethrower!” Cyndaquil jumped out and hit the foe with a giant burst of flames, doing critical damage. Roselia launched a Magical Leaf and hit Cyndaquil, but not hard. Cyndaquil launched another Flamethrower and hit Roselia again, but it refused to give up. Roselia sent out a large shot of acid and poisoned Cyndaquil. The poison took effect, but Cyndaquil launched a final Fire Blast and hit Roselia directly, knocking it out.
“Ok, let’s go Grovyle!” the poacher leader shouted and whistled. A Grovyle stepped out from behind him and attacked Cyndaquil with Quick Attack. Cody got a close up look at Grovyle and realized its eyes were gray and emotionless. It didn’t know what it was doing, and neither did the Roselia. Cyndaquil was caught off guard but still sent off a Smokescreen attack, fogging up the Grovyle’s vision and lowering its accuracy. The poison continued to take its effect on Cyndaquil. Grovyle ran up to Cyndaquil, shooting a large burst of Bullet Seed, but missed and ran past him, giving Cyndaquil the perfect opportunity to shoot the foe in the back with Fire Blast, doing critical super effective damage. Again, the poison struck. Grovyle managed to recover from the attack with a small burn that seemed to grow with every move of its body. It launched into the air and slashed Cyndaquil with Aerial Ace, completely knocking it out. “Good fight,” Cody said and returned Cyndaquil. Cody sent out Teddiursa, hoping to do something. Grovyle took damage from the burn, but still managed to hit Teddiursa with Leaf Blade, almost knocking it out already. Teddiursa took a deep breath and let out a huge Yawn. Grovyle took the burn’s damage and hit Teddiursa with Quick Attack, completely KOing her. “Nice work Teddi,” Cody said and recalled his baby Teddiursa. The Grovyle collapsed after the attack and fell into a deep slumber. Cody took the final pokeball from his belt. He held it tight before thinking about what Richard had said. He prayed this would work and threw the pokeball. A white light appeared and Snorlax appeared. The giant pokemon yawned and stretched. Snorlax launched into the air and landed on top of the sleeping Grovyle with a strong Body Slam attack. The giant pokemon got up and left Grovyle just lying there. The foe finally recovered enough to get up and return to the garden.
The leader looked around in panic. With no more pokemon to use, he was out of luck. Finally he whistled and a large Meganium appeared next to him. “The… The… Meganium of the garden…” Cody stuttered. It roared with Sunny Day and the clouds opened up to reveal a very bright light. The sun shone down on the two pokemon, warming them up. Cody took a Chesto Berry out of his pocket and handed it to Snorlax. “Use it wisely,” Cody said. The pokemon nodded and turned to the battle. It sent out a large Ice Beam to start off. Meganium jumped into the air, but its foot was caught by the attack and frozen, bringing the foe down hard. Meganium lifted its heavy foot and brought it down, smashing the ice and launched a large Solarbeam. Snorlax used Protect to diffuse the attack, but was hit by another Solarbeam. Snorlax roared and used Blizzard. Amazingly, the attack hit and did a massive amount of damage. Using Synthesis, Meganium regained most of its health. Snorlax slowly approached the Meganium and grabbed it. The giant lifted its foe into the air and took a big bite out of it with Crunch, dealing another great deal of damage and lowering its defense. Somehow, Meganium rushed behind Snorlax. No one had even seen it move until it was all over. It tripped the Normal Type and was sucking its energy with Giga Drain. Snorlax roared and shook its foe off then fell into a deep slumber with Rest, almost completely reviving its health. With the help of its Chesto Berry, it woke up immediately, but just stayed in its position. Meganium tried the same trick again. It rushed behind Snorlax and tried to suck its energy, but the giant. got up and used Ice Beam in close combat. The attack almost KOed the Grass Type. Instead of a knock out, though, a spot of ice appeared on its foot again, but this time the spot grew until it covered the enemy’s whole body. Snorlax backed up and ran at the Meganium, leader of the garden, and smashed the ice with Giga Impact. The attack had been so strong, it smashed the six-inch layer of ice and hit the Grass Type so hard it was immediately knocked out. Snorlax collapsed in need of recovery after the attack and fell asleep again. Cody held out a pokeball and returned the sleeping beast. “One day, you will be mine. I promise.” He said and put the pokeball on his belt.
The large Megaium walked up to Cody and stared at him deeply. He realized that feeling and emotion had returned to those once lifeless eyes. Cody hopped on its back and led it in a rampage against the poachers. All the grass pokemon that lived in the hills and in the garden stood behind the pair. Cody pointed at the lead poacher and shouted, “I will give you a five second head start to grab your s**t and get out of here, NOW! I really don’t think you want to piss off these pokemon. You have already done enough.
“Im… Impossible…” a grunt spoke up. They all sent out basic stage Flying Types and Cody sent out Plusle. “Already little buddy, your biggest Thunderbolt.” Cody said to the mouse pokemon. Plusle charged his electric energy and shot a huge blast at the poacher gang, sending them all flying like Jessie and James after a big defeat. Now to take the Snorlax back to Richard. Cody made his way back into the city. People looked at him thankfully and clapped as he roamed the streets. He sent out Claydol again. “Teleport,” he said as he pictured his friend’s house. The two disappeared from the middle of the herd of people and appeared in the same spot as last time they had teleported. Cody knocked on the door and was warmly greeted by the Abel family. Cody handed the pokeball back to Richard and thanked him. “Here. For doing the impossible, take this. I ran into the little booger the other day, but haven’t used him at all. He is all yours. Richard said and handed Cody a pokeball in return. “It’s a shiny Bulbasaur.” Cody thanked him again and started toward the door. The family offered to let him stay for a while, but he refused saying, “I have to get back to my family.” As he walked down the street he thought of what Ginji had said.
“I don’t consider this a job, more a family.” That statement had really gotten to him. “Time to go home,” Cody said to Claydol as he wiped a tear from his eye and disappeared.
Reply
