Tournament Round Two

[bravenewmods]

Despite the uncertainty with which the people of Union considered Team Evolution, the battles had lifted them out of their morose air. Once the fighting began in earnest, it was difficult not to get caught up in the excitement - the crowd even managed a spirited cheer here and there as the competitors executed daring techniques or showcased particular moves they had honed. The members of Team Evolution watched quietly, occasionally taking notes and clapping politely for the victors as the battles of the first round concluded.

Those who had won their respective matches were allowed a night's respite before the second round. The next day dawns just as pleasant as the previous - though a bit windier. There were only three matches this time and so the crowd draws a little closer to observe. As the six trainers take their places, the Guardsman once again holds back those who are a bit overly eager.

"The rules remain the same! The winners of this round will move on to battle Team Evolution in a friendly exhibition match. Prior to that, the members of Team Evolution will briefly showcase their battling technique for us as well."

His eyes drift over to where Rory, Crystal, and Sakina stand - Rory nods in confirmation with a genial smile.

"Trainers ready? Second round - begin!"

((The second round of the tournament will end in 48 hours, ICly. Please let us know who the winner will be by 2/28 here and we'll post the winners as soon as we can. The final post of the tournament will come 3/1.))

Comments

[all_onis_are_true]

A pleasure to meet you, Banzu. Unfortunately, I cannot help you on that. Guertena appeared sometime during the earthquake, and I have yet to have heard of any other specimens showing up since. My apologies.

[Honestly, HIROSHI isn't sure why Guertena was there. He's not complaining, he supposes.]

[outtahere]

S'okay.

[Banzu ponders. Now what does he do? Wait for another Smeargle to show up? There was no guarantee that that would ever happen. If it appeared during the earthquake it probably came from the Old City, but that wasn't a sure thing; he could search down there his whole life and he might never find one. How else could he get a Smeargle?

An answer occurs to him and he mentally side-eyes it. Being obligated to look after a Pokémon is annoying enough, but at least they can go back to the wild if it doesn't work out between them. His other option lacks that out. Is it worth it for such an exceptional Pokémon? ...He finally decides that it is and voices his idea to Hiroshi.]

Would you and Guertena be willing to try to produce a Smeargle egg at the Breeding Center? I'll compensate you for the trouble.

[all_onis_are_true]

[He wants an egg? From him?]

I am surprised you would want an egg from me considering my... less than exemplary performance yesterday. I suppose I could try for one, however. It behooves me as an aspiring Pokemon researcher to know about breeding anyway.

[outtahere]

You are the only person in Union with a Smeagle, far as I know. It's fine if the egg doesn't hatch into a strong fighter. Fighting ain't the only reason I'm interested in 'em.

[...Is Banzu agreeing that Hiroshi sucked yesterday? Answer: Banzu doesn't really give a damn how Hiroshi feels about his response as long as he gets a Smeargle out of this.]

But if you're gonna research Pokémon, breeding's prolly something you should know about.

[all_onis_are_true]

[Somehow, Hiroshi's getting the sense this guy isn't a diplomat.]

Yes... Very well. I will swing by the Breeding Center after this match is over. I take it you find the flexibility in their style appealing?

[outtahere]

[Banzu tries to be fairly polite, but his apathy towards other people can show itself at inopportune times. A diplomat he is not.]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Their flexibility is pretty interesting, yeah. If one has an affinity for a particular style they can learn moves that fit them best rather than just making do with what they have. They'd be good in a support role too, with combinations of moves that other Pokémon don't have.

[all_onis_are_true]

I suppose that's true, but I should warn you they're not exactly the strongest combatants in general. You probably would be better off with one as a support role, to be honest.

[outtahere]

They aren't? Eh, a support role is still good. Guess I better start looking up useful moves to show it and hope that someone in Union knows 'em.

How often can they copy a move?

[all_onis_are_true]

Regularly, but at fairly spaced intervals. I suppose if you were to put it in a numeric amount, it'd be intervals of ten or so.