(Untitled)

[secretpotion]

Characters: Cynthia and You!
Location: Clear area in the forest.
Time: Midday/evening
Style: Action
Status: Open!

[There's quite a ruckus going on in the forest. Crashes, roars, and... a sandstorm? It's not a massive one, but it's engulfing a 20 foot radius with blowing debris.

And what's the source of this mayhem? Why, it's a pokemaaaaaoooh

Comments

[aphorise]

[Masamune emerges from a thicket of trees before them, grinning. He happened to be close enough to feel the blowing debris and has come to investigate -- he arrived in time to observe Stone Edge from not too far away.

He whistles.]

That was quite the show.

[secretpotion]

Why thank you. Garchomp here is unfortunately not at the top of her game. We're trying to accommodate the handicap here.

[aphorise]

It's the same with anyone else here.

[He glances at Garchomp.]

Looks like she's doing okay, though.

[secretpotion]

Unfortunately so.

Hah. Well, believe it or not, back home she is quite a bit stronger. She's been training with me her whole life.

[aphorise]

Training all your life can do that for you, even if this place knocks it down a couple notches.

[Moving on to a different "you" -- ]

And you? Got any moves to show off?

[secretpotion]

That depends on what you mean by "moves", dear.

...If you mean fighting, I'm a leader, rather than a fighter myself. That's how it works in my world.

[A WOMAN LEADER. IMAGINE THAT.]

In fact, it's the common sport. I'm known as Cynthia, Champion of Sinnoh.

[aphorise]

Just a leader, huh?

[A female one, no less! Those are so rare.]

Date Masamune, Chief of Ōshū. This common sport -- tell me more about it.

[It's less of a demand and more of a genuine request.]

[secretpotion]

I suspect you're a warrior. Those are very... historical.

In my world, we live alongside creatures called pokemon. Garchomp is an example. They are animals with strong bonds to certain elemental alignments. Anyone can capture and train them, but only the best are able to control them once they get powerful enough.

[Something about you, Masamune, is stirring up something in Cynthia. Something raw and powerful.]

I don't suppose you've heard of lion tamers? They're quite a bit like that.

[aphorise]

[For the umpteenth time, it's like he's ancient. Not that he minds, just that the thought is . . . interesting.

Anyway, on the topic of pokémon.]

. . . So it's like that.

Judging from what I saw earlier, I'm guessing you're one of the best that you mentioned. Am I wrong?

[secretpotion]

[Oh time shenanigans.]

I've only been defeated by two trainers ever since I reached Champion status.

It's a bit unorthodox to send pokemon against humans, since they are really very dangerous. But somehow you strike me as the sort of man who isn't afraid of that sort of thing.

[aphorise]

[He's so old.

But only two, eh? His grin widens.]

Afraid? No kidding. It sounds like fun.

[secretpotion]

Well, I have already battled a pirate with them. I don't suppose a samurai will be much different.

[aphorise]

Yeah?

[Hm! He should check.]

If that pirate happened to use an anchor, it'll be similar enough in intensity.

[secretpotion]

Ah, then I know better than to use a psychic attack against you. No defense against assaults on the mind, right?

I'll make sure not to harm you permanently.

[aphorise]

. . . Psychic attack?

[He lets out a confident "hah!"]

I'm your opponent. You don't have to worry about things like that.

[secretpotion]

Something called Extrasensory. It assaults your senses. It rather decisively ended the battle. A little to early for my tastes, I suppose.

Oh, I think I do. But I'll keep your confidence in mind.

[She recalls Garchomp, switching instead to Milotic.]

I, Cynthia, challenge you to a battle! Prepare yourself!