CHARACTER STORIES
Cassian Floros
A bright, midday sun shone down from somewhere above the small canopy of trees you found yourself in, long blades of soft grass dappled with sunlight whispered against your ankles. A small stream nearby burbled, the delighted sounds of Dewdrops of all sizes at play echoing between the trees.
Beyond the tree line, flowers of all conceivable colors bloomed and swayed in an inexplicable breeze, encircling the grassy knoll that made up the challenger’s arena. Everywhere you looked, the room teemed with life. From the treetops to the flower field, Pokémon chased each other and thrived in the little paradise that made up the Grass-type Elite’s room.
Just outside the arena and unaffected by the sunlight, there laid a hulking Abomasnow. It provided the shadow in which the infamous Elite rested as he watched his team frolic in the nearby field of flowers. Upon your arrival, he stood in one fluid motion and all the surrounding Pokémon either came to attention at his side or retreated to beyond the treeline. The breeze was heavy with anticipation as sunlit golden eyes met yours and he spoke, issuing his challenge:
“A challenger? Prove yourself. Only then will you be able to pass me.”
Zander Netherbrand
“Welcome, darling.”
You looked around as the smooth voice filled the dimly lit room. There was no sign of the owner yet. Moonlight filtered in through the stained glass window, turning the silver light into purple hues. Every step you took sparked life into the candles that lined the room of the Poison Type Elite’s domain.
When you reached your end of the battlefield, a figure appeared on the grand staircase. Zander smiled, stepping down the steps gracefully, accompanied by a Sneasler that walked just as elegantly as he did. Both watched you with bright eyes, slight smiles gracing their elegant features as they drew closer.
Beautiful, but deadly. Just like poison.
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
His voice echoed in the ornate room, his smile unwavering as he took his place on the battlefield. He gestured, prompting the Sneasler to move forward. They both bowed respectfully, although you didn’t miss the playful glint in the Elite’s eyes.
“Are you ready to prove your worth to me, darling?”
Rosco Graves
“Oh come on! That can’t be all you got!”
You grit your teeth as he smirks at you from across the gym floor. Rosco’s heterochromatic eyes flash at your expression. The elite places a hand on his hip, his Roscal standing besides him as they give you a chance to catch your breath.
Mercy? No. For his own amusement. Almost like a game of cat and mouse.
You had to admit the battle wasn't what you had been expecting. After all, the room didn't exactly scream strength, even if he was one of the elite four. The walls were spray painted with different words and symbols, Not to mention the way he had actually been bickering with the pokemon that you were now facing.
"Roscal, use play rough!"
"Dodge it!"
You pull yourself out of your thoughts to refocus on the battle ahead of you. Despite the challenge it presented, you couldn't ignore the thrill that ran through you.
"Hope you're ready for this, Rosco! I'll show you a battle you won't forget!"
"Bring it on goofy!"
Lucien Lunaris
Your gaze caught immediately on the vibrant fire that emanated off the Hisuian Typhlosion, the little wisps dancing in the air before winking out of existence. It paid you no mind, staring distantly into the darkness that pressed in on all sides. You felt the eyes from those deep shadows following you as you took your place at the challenger’s end of the arena, a raised platform lined in low-burning candles.
Sharp, heeled footsteps shattered the suffocating silence, and you raised your chin to find a figure swathed in shadow, the darkness broken only by the shimmering light of the soul Pokémon floating at his side.
“You’ve come at last…”
The candles around you flared in response to his presence, and you finally saw the dark, gothic interior of the arena and your challenge in the light.
As the Elite reached the Hisuian Typhlosion’s side, a gentle, clawed hand had come to rest on its head, stirring it from its deep contemplation. The Pokémon’s fiery mane flared in recognition of its master and it swung around to peer into the depths of your spirit. The Lunarist swooped around the Typhlosion’s head with a soft trill before settling in Lucien’s waiting hand, its ghostly light glinting off glowing red eyes and sharp teeth.
“Show me what you’ve got.”
Gale Galleon
You walked out the door, ready to face the final obstacle in your journey. The sun blinded your gaze as the sound of Wingulls chirped around you. The beach was clear, its glimmering yellow sand decorated by various palm trees swaying over the crystal-blue waters and the edges of the battle platform. The arena sat firm in the middle of the beach. As you walked up, you saw a large galleon ship approach the shores, and a small bird flew ahead of it towards you.
As you looked at the Pipsqueak fly around and perch itself on one of the nearby trees, you heard a loud, boisterous voice call out to you.
“It’s about time!” the Captain shouted from the deck of the galleon. You watched as he grabbed a rope and swung from the ship to the shores in front of you, slightly stumbling on his landing. He turned towards you and flashed that signature grin you had been told about.
“A worthy challenger doesn’t grace these shores often! Let’s see if you can keep up.”