Pokemon Black - Nimbasa City and the Nimbasa Gym

After I healed my team, I explored Nimbasa City, a city "lit by the Flash of Lightning" as the sign said. The first place I visited was the Battle Institute right next to the Pokemon Center. Inside was a small combat arena where I could take a Battle Test. I asked for more info, and was told that a Battle Test involved using three Pokemon for Single Battles and four Pokemon for Double Battles, and at the end of five battles in a row I would be graded on my performance.

I next checked a couple buildings to the north, and someone inside gave me HM04 (Strength). I also got a Soothe Bell by another woman in that same building. In the other building I got a Sun Stone, but otherwise nothing of note to be mentioned. I started looking around, and found myself going toward the gateway to another route before I was stopped by Bianca.

Bianca made me follow her to a massive, colorful building with the word "Musical" on the top, and we went inside. It was a large room, and Bianca was in awe of it all, then we were greeted by an old man. The man was the owner of the theater, and he was pleased to meet us. He viewed us as great Trainers, and told us that they use things called Props to make our Pokemon fashionable and glamorous.

The old man handed us both a Prop Case, which let us store Props for decorating our Pokemon. He was throwing us right into it, so I decided that I would have Zach start out playing Dress Up. Suddenly I found myself in a mini-game where I had a circle of Props surrounding Zach, and I could spin them around and drag them to latch onto him in the appropriate spots. I decided upon a Top Hat and a Bowtie, then I tapped OK.

The owner told us we did a great job, and that our Pokemon were charming. He told us if we have a Pokemon that we can Dress Up, then we could participate in the Pokemon Musical. He asked us to join them, and that the receptionist could explain everything. The owner left, and Bianca wasn't sure what to do, excited to try the Pokemon Musical but wanting to do other things. Bianca decided that she would see the sights in Nimbasa, and left shortly before I did, after I received TM49 (Echoed Voice) from someone in the building.

I left the building, and found Bianca's father confronting her on the street. She was surprised to see him, and he told her he had come to take her home. Bianca's mother told him she had made it all the way out there, and thought she had gone far enough, but Bianca wanted to explore even further than that. Bianca wanted to continue on with me and her Pokemon, but her father refused, saying that others do things their way, and their family does things their own way. Bianca told him that he should do things HIS way, and she could do things HER way.

Suddenly we heard someone telling her to keep going on her travels, and a blonde woman came up from the bridge. Bianca's father asked who she thought she was, telling her to butt out of their family matters. The woman introduced herself as Elesa, the Nimbasa Gym Leader AND a professional model. Elesa talked to Bianca, telling her there were many people in the world, some of who may think completely differently from her, and that sometimes this could mean she could get hurt.

Bianca's father agreed with Elesa, that it was what he was worried about. Elesa talked to Bianca's father now, telling him it's important to keep trying, to learn about the differences between yourself and others, to learn that being different is okay. Elesa told Bianca's father that he shouldn't worry, that Trainers always have Pokemon at their side, that they are wonderful for both how cute they can be but also how dependable they could be too.

Bianca pleaded with her father, knowing the road ahead could be difficult, that she got that, but she knew there would be lots of nice people to meet as well. Bianca told her father that because she had been traveling with her Pokemon that she knew she had already grown tougher. Bianca's father thought about it for a bit, and agreed to let her go. He said that her wanting to continue the journey was only as selfish as his desire to stop her, and realized how childish he was being. He decided that it was better she take the path she wants to now, and wished her good luck on her journey.

I promise Bianca's father to take care of her, and he left, with Bianca promising that she would come home after she finds out what she wants to do. Elesa was sure he had traveled as a Trainer himself years ago, and knew that being a parent must be hard. I wondered if the former were true, if something had happened to make him so worried for his daughter? Elesa was worried she had meddled unnecessarily, that she had chimed in because Bianca looked trouble, then she asked us to stop by the Nimbasa Gym.

Bianca told me she wanted to be a cool woman like Elesa, and wondered how she would get there. Bianca knew she had to figure out what she wanted to do before then, and bid me farewell before she left. I decided to do more exploring, first by checking out the big building in the center of the city. The building was the Battle Subway, and before I could enter it I was stopped by a blue-haired woman leaving the building.

The woman told me that Gear Station has trains where I could battle other Trainers, the Battle Subway. She handed me the Vs. Recorder, which lets me record battles with friends or on the Battle Subway. After she told me about it, the woman left for the Battle Institute, and I went inside. I found someone who would allow me to choose phrases to use for battles, but I didn't bother much with it.

I pondered trying out the Battle Subway, open with Single, Double, or Multi Trains, but then I found that my team wouldn't actually gain experience for my battles. Battle Points could be won by going on winning streaks, but otherwise there seemed to be little purpose to it. As I am trying to get through this game to reach Pokemon Y and finally enjoy all the updates and balances to the series, I wasn't about to go through undue stress or work.

I checked on the Big Stadium and Small Court near the Pokemon Musical building, and I went inside the Big Stadium first. I found that there was a game going on, and I went up to watch it with some other people in the stands, before I left and checked out the Small Court next to it. I found out that the Small Court was being used for practice, and that I could go onto the court to battle the players.

I got into a Pokemon battle with one of the Hoopsters training there, and then I went over to the Pokemon Center to heal my team before I decided to go to Route 16 hoping to do some training for the challenge ahead. I got into several battles with Trainers there, during which my whole team grew to Level 25, Mason learned Spark in place of Quick Attack, and Nora evolved into . I also caught a Gothita (Psychic, Female, Lv. 19), Minccino (Normal, Female, Lv 19), and a Trubbish (Poison, Male, Lv. 21).

I did some research on Bulbapedia after the training, specifically on Arthur, and it looked like Grass Seed was the last great Grass-Type attack he could learn on his own. Anything else he could use would be through TM, because everything else would be Dark-Type moves. I decided to use the Leaf Stone on Arthur, and he evolved into Simisage. Thanks to the evolution, Arthur's attack, special attack, and speed all increased to good levels, and defense and special defense were decent. I also decided to teach Arthur to use Work Up in place of Leer to increase his attack and special attack both during battle.

I felt my team was as ready as they could be without excessive training, and I went into the amusement park. I found N there, and he asked if I was looking for Team Plasma. N told me that they ran into the amusement park, and followed him to see what was going on. N got to the Ferris Wheel and looked around, then told me they weren't there. We decided to ride on the Ferris Wheel to see better and find the Plasma Grunts.

N told me he loves Ferris Wheels, the motion and engineering, telling me they were like collections of elegant formulas. We went up, and there N revealed that he was the king of Team Plasma. Ghetsis asked him to help save Pokemon as their king, and he wondered just how many Pokemon were in the world as I pondered how someone like N could lead such thugs.

When we got down, a pair of Plasma Grunts ran up, looking for their king. They were relieved to see N safe, and he told them that there wasn't a problem. He told the Grunts that they was part of the people N and Team Plasma brought in to help them save the Pokemon, that they was under his protection as well. N told them that he would battle me to cover their retreat, and so we battled.

N sent out Sandile, and I sent out Cole against it, and a single Rock Smash took it out. Sigilyph was sent out next, and so I sent out Zach against it. Zach hit Sigilyph with Pursuit for massive damage, then it used Tailwind to increase it's speed. Zach got hit by Air Cutter next for great damage, but he countered with Pursuit to knock it out.

Next up N sent out Scraggy, and I sent out Madelyn, and she got hit by Brick Break for good damage before she countered with Air Cutter for massive damage. Scraggy used Swagger next to confused Madelyn and increase her speed, but the managed to work through confusion to knock it out with another Air Cutter.

Finally Darumaka was sent out, and I sent Nora out against it. Nora used Bubble Beam for massive damage, and Darumaka was knocked out instantly. The battle was over, and N admired my strength. He told me that he had a future he must change, and for it he would deafeat the Champion, and become unbeatable. He promised me he would make all Trainers free their Pokemon, and dared me to stop him. N told me the only way I could stop him would be to get all the Gym Badges and try to fight him at the Pokemon League.

N left, and I went to the Pokemon Center to heal my team before I went to fight at the Nimbasa Gym.

My team consisted of:

Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 25)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 25)
Nora (Palpitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 25)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 25)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 25)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 25)

When I went inside, I found that it was a roller coaster. The first step was to get in the car, then there was the platform. From there I could change where the coaster was going, and I could tell this would be annoying before I could finally get that next Badge.

I went on the blue line, and got into a battle, and after I pressed a switch to change the course of the blue line. I made it to another platform, and got into another battle, then I pressed a switch to change the course of the green line to become yellow. I was about to step onto another car, but it was occupied with a Rich Boy who stepped out and battled me. With the battle won, both Arthur and Nora grew to Level 26.

I went through on the yellow line, stopped at another platform, pressed the switch for the orange line, and then stepped in front of the next car only to be stopped by another Trainer occupying it. With another battle behind me, I got onto the orange line, through a loop-the-loop and finally to the main platform where Elesa was waiting for me.

Elesa asked if I was dizzy from the speed, and told me that her Pokemon would make my head spin. Elesa sent out Emolga while I sent out Mason against it. Emolga used Quick Attack for good damage, then Mason countered with Thunder Wave to paralyze it and lower it's speed. Next I had Mason hit it with Spark for massive damage, a critical hit that left it in the yellow, then it countered with Aerial Ace to bring Mason to the yellow. Mason hit Emolga with Spark again and knocked it out.

I sent out Nora against Elesa's next Pokemon, Zebstrika, and it used Quick Attack for good damage, before Nora countered with Mud Shot for great damage that also lowered it's speed. Zebstrika used another Quick Attack for good damage, and then avoided another Mud Shot. Nora got hit yet again with Quick attack, but this time she was able to land another Mud Shot to push Zebstrika deep into the red.

Elesa used a Hyper Potion to heal Zebstrika, then Nora hit it with Bubble Beam for good damage. Zebstrika used Quick Attack for good damage again, and Nora was deep in the yellow, but she countered with Mud Shot to push it to the yellow again. Another Quick Strike hit, and Nora was knocked out before she could counterattack. I sent out Cole, who took revenge with Flame Charge and knocked it out, and Cole grew to Level 26.

I decided to keep Cole in the fight against Elesa's last Pokemon, Emolga, and Emolga used Aerial Ace for massive damage, but Cole countered with Flame Charge for just as much damage, and both were in the yellow before Cole was paralyzed by Emolga's Static ability. I would not allow Cole to go down like Nora had, and so I sent out Mason against it, and he got hit by Aerial Ace for great damage. Emolga hit Mason with Quick Attack next, and he was knocked out.

I decided to fight speed with speed, and so I sent out Madelyn against it. Madelyn was too fast for Emolga, and her Quick Attack took it out and won the battle! Cole grew to Level 27, and I had beat Elesa for my fourth Gym Badge!

Elesa admired my fighting style, telling me I was a great Trainer. It seemed she was getting flustered at my abilities, and she decided to just hand over the Bolt Badge before she could embarrass herself. With the Bolt Badge, Pokemon up to Level 50 would obey me. Elesa also gave me TM72 (Volt Switch) which let's the Pokemon using it switch with another Pokemon after attacking.

Elesa assumed I was going to Driftveil City next, because it also had a Gym, but assumed I wouldn't be able to get there. Elesa told me she would fix it so I could cross, and to wait for her on Route 5. It sounded like I didn't have much choice, so I pressed a switch and got onto another car to leave the place.

Four Badges down, four more to go. I just hope that the rest of them go more smoothly, with less Pokemon knocked out on my team. I wondered what N could be up to, and I hoped I would be able to reach the Unova League in time to stop him.

Current Team:

Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 25)
Nora (Palpitoad, Water/Ground, Lv. 26)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 27)
Arthur (Simisage, Grass, Lv. 26)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 25)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 25)

Pokemon Black - Through the desert to Nimbasa City

Route 4 had a constant sandstorm blowing through it, and after I beat both Bianca and Cheren I was finally able to explore the route and slowly make my way to Nimbasa City. I found a house nearby whose owner would allow me to rest, and I went a distance away to battle a couple Fishermen. During the battles, Zach grew to Level 21, Arthur grew to Level 22 and learned Seed Bomb, and Mason powered through to Level 22 as well.

There was a lot of construction on the road on the east side, so I decided to explore the west side, and soon found myself in front of some ruins. During my battles getting there, between Trainers and wild Pokemon, Nora grew to Level 22. There wasn't much to look at, with the ruins covered in ladders and boards for workers to repair and maintain them.

I saw everything there was to see, and I went back onto the road and continued north. I got into several battles, and through it all Zach grew to Level 22. I found that the road split between north and west, and I decided to head west to do some exploring. I fought several more Trainers along the path, and went under a highway to find a gateway to the Desert Resort.

I fought a few Trainers when I got in there, including a Doctor, who would heal my Pokemon upon request. I got into several more battles in my way through the desert, which seemed to lack any kind of resort. I fought every Trainer in the area, and through it Zach, Nora, Mason, and Arthur all grew to Level 23, and Cole grew to Level 24. I also found several items as I went along Route 4, one of which being Black Glasses which I gave to Zach to power up his Dark-Type moves.

I caught a Sigilyph (Psychic/Flying, Female, Lv. 20), Maractus (Grass, Female, Lv. 20), and Dwebble (Bug/Rock, Female, Lv. 20) before I found a couple ruins at the northern part of the area. Disappointed that there was NO resort in the Desert Resort, I went first into the ruins surrounded by stone statues.

I found myself in Relic Castle, and I battled several Trainers before I could explore. Through the battles both Nora and Zach grew to Level 24, and I also caught a Yamask (Ghost, Male, Lv. 19) on my way through. I found a woman who offered to give me a fossil, and I chose the Clover Fossil she offered before I fell into a hole in the floor and found myself deeper in the Relic Castle.

I snagged a nearby Revive, and made my way up some stairs and left that part of the ruins to go to the tower I saw nearby and explore that area. I found that I couldn't go anywhere in the tower, so I decided find any remaining Trainers to battle. After I was done battling the Trainers, Mason grew to Level 24. I decided then to head back to the main path and finally reach Nimbasa City.

I finally reached the gateway to Nimbasa City, and I found Cheren and Professor Juniper talking together. Juniper greeted me, and Cheren told me to come over to him. Juniper told us that someone named Elesa called and asked her all about Electric-Type Pokemon, and so she thought about us. Juniper had come to give us Ultra Balls, and then Juniper asked us to remember to enjoy our journey.

Juniper left to meet with Bianca, and Cheren reflected on the reason Juniper gave each of us a Pokedex, that perhaps it was merely to send us on a journey. So it seemed this was what Cheren's mother told him. Apparently our mothers, mine, Bianca's, and Cheren's all made a request to Professor Juniper to send us on our paths.

Cheren decided he would show his thanks to Juniper by going back to Route 4 and catching more new Pokemon, and after he went back I walked ahead to reach Nimbasa City. When I got there, I found a couple Plasma Grunts harassing an elderly man who ran the Daycare Center there. They demanded he hand over all the Pokemon he had, and I stepped in to help.

After the battle, Arthur grew to Level 24, and the two Plasma Grunts ran off scared to the nearby Amusement Park. The Day-Care Man thanked me, and handed me a brand-new Bike for my help. The man told me of his Daycare Center on Route 3, and told me he had just come here to do some sightseeing, but he left after that attack.

Suddenly Bianca ran up from behind, telling me about all the different things she heard Nimbasa City had from Professor Juniper, and then Bianca told me she would go see the Pokemon Musical. After Bianca left, I went to the nearby Pokemon Center to heal my team. Soon enough I'd be able to explore the city, and go for my next Badge!

Current Team:

Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 24)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 24)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 24)
Nora (Tympole, Water, Lv. 24)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 24)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 24)

Pokemon Black - Battling with Bianca and Cheren

I healed my team and went north to Route 4, and met up with Bianca at the gateway between Route 4 and Castelia City. She wanted to battle, as I promised her we would on the Xtransceiver, but before that she went to the information counter to make sure it was okay to have a battle there. The person at the counter said it was fine, as long as we didn't break the electric bulletin board.

I sent out Zach against her Herdier, and it's Intimidate ability cut Zach's attack. I decided to switch out to Mason, who was identified with Odor Sleuth. Mason hit Herdier with Shock Wave for great damage, then it countered with Take Down for massive damage, a critical hit that took Mason out instantly. Herdier had taken damage from the Take Down, and Zach used Fury Swipes to bring Herdier deep into the red before he avoided Herdier's Take Down. Bianca used a Super Potion to heal her Pokemon, and Zach kept up the attack, and when I thought I had it Bianca had used ANOTHER Super Potion. I decided to send out Cole to bring it down.

Cole grew to Level 23, and then I sent Arthur out against Bianca's Munna. Arthur used Leech Seed to keep up the pressure, and Munna used Yawn to tire Arthur. Arthur used Cut next for good damage, then Munna used Moonlight to heal itself. I knew that Arthur didn't have the attack strength to knock out Munna with healing like that, so I sent out Cole, and his Flame Charge took it out instantly.

I found myself starting to get frustrated by the length of this battle, and the relative weakness of my Pokemon. I hoped my team would grow stronger with training, because if this was going to be the standard I would have to take a whole day on every major battle!

I sent Arthur out against Panpour, but he was asleep because of Yawn. Panpour did massive damage with Fury Swipes, and Arthur remained asleep as he was pushed to the yellow. Finally Arthur woke up, and used Vine Whip to do massive damage against Panpour. Panpour brought Arthur to the red, but before Arthur could use Vine Whip Bianca switched out to Servine.

I sent out Madelyn against Servine, and it used Leaf Tornado for good damage, then avoided Air Cutter from Madelyn, and it used another Leaf Tornado for great damage before Madelyn hit it with Air Cutter to bring it to the yellow. Another hit from Air Cutter took out Servine, and I kept Madelyn in the fight against Panpour to knock it out with Quick Attack.

Finally the battle was won, Madelyn grew to Level 24, and Bianca was defeated. Bianca had grown stronger, but I felt as though my team was also too weak for what I needed them to do. Bianca was disappointed, knowing she would never be a strong Trainer like me or Cheren, but she felt good about the journey she had taken so far. Bianca was glad to have met so many people, and had started to think about what she would do with her life.

Bianca was grateful for her experiences with her Pokemon, telling me she doubted herself for a time when her Munna was stolen, but otherwise she's glad she went with me and Cheren. Bianca had learned so much on this journey, and felt that being with Pokemon was so very important.

Bianca left, and I had to go back to the Castelia Pokemon Center to heal my team before I could continue on. I started on Route 4 and found myself in a desert with a powerful storm raging. I found out that Pokemon were hiding in darker sand, quickly caught a Darunaka (Fire, Female, Lv. 18), a Scraggy (Dark/Fighting, Female, Lv. 17) and a Sandile (Ground/Dark, Female, Lv. 15) before I ran into Cheren.

Cheren told me he had been waiting for me to get the Insect Badge, wanting to see which of us was the stronger Trainer. I sent out Zach against his Pidove, and Pidove avoided Zach's attack before it countered with Air Cutter for great damage. Zach and Pidove exchanged blows, and Zach was pushed to the yellow, then I had Zach attack with Fury Swipes to push Pidove into the red before it used Roost to regain health, and both were hit by the sandstorm. I switched over to Mason, and his Shock Wave took it out.

I kept Mason in the battle against Dewott, and his Shock Wave did great damage, and Dewott Focused Energy to prepare an attack, before both were hit by the sandstorm and Dewott ate a Sitrus Berry to regain health. Mason struck with Shock Wave again, and Dewott barely clung on, but it's counterattack knocked out Mason. Arthur was sent out, and and a Vine Whip knocked out Dewott.

Arthur grew to Level 21, and I sent out Nora against his Pansear. Bubble Beam did massive damage to Pansear, and it used Yawn to make Nora Drowsy, but the sandstorm finished off Pansear. I kept Nora in the fight against Cheren's last Pokemon, Liepard. Liepard used Pursuit for great damage, then Nora countered with Bubble Beam to do great damage in return before Yawn made her fall asleep.

I sent out Cole, and Sand-Attack lowered Cole's accuracy but he managed to knocked out Liepard with Rock Smash to win the battle. Afterwards, Cheren decided that the reason I was so tough was because of the trust between my Pokemon and I. Cheren thought it wouldn't be a problem, that he could get more out of his Pokemon.

Suddenly my Xtransceiver was ringing, and I answered it to find Professor Juniper calling. She asked if I had a second, and Cheren wondered why she was calling, Apparently she had tried to call Bianca as well, but Bianca didn't seem to hear it. Juniper said she'd be waiting for us in front of Nimbasa City, but before we could ask what she wanted she hung up.

I had to go back to Castelia City YET AGAIN to heal my team, and afterwards I decided to call it a day. I had already spent a lot of time battling those two, and I didn't feel like fighting through the desert to get to the next city. Tomorrow I will start going through Route 4 to reach Nimbasa City, and I find myself wishing I could just get through a route and to a new city without having to jump through so many damned hoops.

How much longer will my journey in Unova be if I have a whole event happening every time I start heading anywhere?

Current Team:

Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 20)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 20)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 21)
Norma (Tympole, Water, Lv. 21)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 23)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 24)

Pokemon Black - The Castelia Gym

My team consisted of:

Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 21)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 21)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 20)
Nora (Tympole, Water, Lv. 21)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 20)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 20)

I went inside and received a Fresh Water from Clyde at the entrance, and went forward to see a honeycomb-like maze I would have to navigate. There were large walls of honey I had to push through so I could make my way through  into small rooms, where I had to step on switches to open gates that would light up.

I went through some honey, stepped on a switch and went east, then got into a battle. The Harlequin sent out a pair of Bug-Type Pokemon and Cole took them out easily, then he grew to Level 22. I stepped on a nearby switch and went through another wall of honey. I noticed artwork from Burgh hanging on the walls, but I couldn't really observe them. The next large room I found myself in had 3 switches, and I knew only one could be the real switch.

I tried the middle, and out popped a Harlequin. Another couple Bug-Type Pokemon were sent out in a battle, but Madelyn was able to knock them out easily. I went to step on the switch to the right, and this one activated the light on the right side of the nearby door, then I went to the switch to the left of it and unlocked it fully.

I was able to unlock the main gate partially with the switch I found, and then I went around to step on another couple switches, and got into another battle with a Harlequin. Madelyn beat both the Harlequin's Bug-Type Pokemon, and she grew to Level 22 before I unlocked the main gate and went through.

I found Burgh standing on top of a platform, and he thanked me for my help, and he told me that his bug Pokemon were excited to battle with me. We got right into it, and I sent out Cole against his Whirlipede. Cole used Flame Charge for massive damage, then Whirlipede countered with Screech to lower Cole's defense, but another Flame Charge took it out.

Dwebble was sent out next, and I kept Cole in the fight. Cole hit Dwebble with Flame Charge for great damage, then it countered with Sand-Attack to lower Cole's accuracy. I had Cole strike with Rock Smash next for great damage which also lowered it's defense, before Dwebble countered with Smack Down for great damage. Cole used Flame Charge once more to knock out Dwebble, and then Leavanny was sent out.

I sent out Madelyn against Leavanny, knowing it would have a double weakness to Flying-Type Pokemon like her. Leavanny used Protect to prevent Air Cutter from doing damage, then it struck with Razor Leaf for good damage before Madelyn countered with Air Cutter for massive damage. Leavanny used Razor Leaf again for good damage, but Madelyn countered with another Air Cutter to knock out Leavanny, grow to Level 23, she learned Detect in place of Leer. With Leavanny down, I had won the battle!

Burgh was a bit disappointed at his loss, but it turned out he wasn't too concerned about it because of my strength. Burgh handed over the Insect Badge, which would allow me to control Pokemon up to Level 40. Burgh also gave me TM76 (Struggle Bug) which lowers special attack of the target that was damaged by it.

I left the building, and got a call on my Xtransceiver, and found Bianca was calling me. She wanted to know where I was, and asked me for a battle. Bianca told me she had been trained by Iris, and she had become a little stronger, confident she could protect her Pokemon on her own. I told her I would meet her at the gate to Route 4, north of the city, and I decided I would heal my Pokemon first.

I decided I would call it a day, and I would battle Bianca later. I'm sure I've got a lot more to see and do, and I could only hope that my team would be strong enough for the road ahead.

Current Team:

Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 22)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 23)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 20)
Nora (Tympole, Water, Lv. 21)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 20)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 20)

Pokemon Black - Castelia City

I did a lot of training with my Pokemon, and through it all Nora grew to Level 20 and learned Aqua Ring, Mason grew to Level 20, Arthur grew to Level 20, Purrloin grew to Level 20 and evolved into Liepard, and Madelyn grew to Level 21 and evolved into Tranquill. I also taught Cole to use Rock Smash in place of Arm Thrust.

Castelia City was called the "City of Grandeur" and it was easy to see why. There were few cities around the various regions I had visited that could really be considered as such, but this was the first that was without a doubt a major city, complete with a skyline full of skyscrapers. It also featured a curving road, such an odd and interesting thing in Pokemon when one could only move in four directions previously.

After I healed my team at the Castelia Pokemon Center, I went ahead and explored this massive city. I checked one of the docks nearby and found the Royal Unova, being prepared for Ace Trainers, then I went to visit another one and received a Leaf Stone from someone to evolve Arthur at a later time.

I decided to head into the city, where I found the main road occupied by SO MANY people walking to their various destinations. It was so unique and interesting to see so many people living their lives, and it was something I'd expect from a huge city like this. I quickly found the Game Freak building, and I went inside. Fortunately the game didn't break when I entered the building of the people who MADE the game, and I got an entry for a Pokemon named Zorua, a rare Pokemon I doubted I would see otherwise.

I went up to the 22nd Floor, where I found the developers hard at work. After talking with everyone there, I left the building to do more exploring. A nearby building had a woman who gave Liepard a massage to make him more friendly, and on the 11th Floor I got TM44 (Rest) as well. I went deeper into the city and got into a battle with a Dancer. Liepard got knocked out by his Pansage, but Madelyn took revenge and won the battle.

The Dancer asked me to go and recruit other Dancers for him to make a group, and I agreed to help. I went down one alley, and quickly found a Dancer, but he wanted a battle to prove I was stronger first. I got into another battle, and he sent out Panpour, while I sent out Nora. I had to switch out to Mason, and he took it out easily.

I sent the Dancer to the first, and I found a nearby coffee shop I checked out before moving on. I received a Lemonade from the person running the counter, and started heading toward the Pokemon Center before I heard someone shouting about their sunglasses. The man found them, telling me that light would help me find things, and he gave me TM70 (Flash) before I managed to leave the alleyway.

I found the final Dancer on some docks, and Nora beat his Pansear quite easily. I met the trio at the center of the city by the Water Fountain and received an Amulet Coin as thanks for getting the group together.

I passed by the Castelia Gym to heal my team, and found the Passerby Analytics HQ. I went inside, and was appointed as a statistician by the president. He told me my duty would be to conduct requested surveys, which I would receive from him. He told me the Survey Radar would allow me to get surveys and get data, and be paid for my work. It sounded interesting, but I wasn't sure if it was something I could do in the game or if it would actually be an online-only type deal.

I healed my team, and then I did more exploring of the city. I found the Studio Castelia, where an artist requested I show them a Ground-Type Pokemon, but I had none at the time. I found the Casteliacone Shop, but it was closed for the Winter. I went inside a building and found a Name Rater, and I was able to change Liepard's name to Zach! Finally he had a proper name.

I went to another nearby building and found quite a party going on at the 47th floor after getting frisked by the guard at the door for suspicious items. One party-goer gave me TM45 (Attract), and I found several foreign people enjoying the festivities. I wondered what kind of party this was as I saw people mingle, but shortly after I left.

I checked out another building, got an Eviolite, and then I went to the Castelia Gym for my next Badge. I started inside, and was stopped by Cheren outside the door by Cheren, who just won his newest Badge. Cheren told me he'd keep going on, keep winning against all of the Unova region's Gym Leaders. Cheren told me he would even beat the Champion, and I wondered if perhaps he could. It was odd, it appeared that Cheren would only feel truly alive if people recognized his skill.

I watched Cheren leave, and before I could do anything I was stopped by Burgh who came outside to meet me. He recognized me as the Trainer who fought Team Plasma in Pinwheel Forest, and he asked me to wait to challenge him because he found out that Team Plasma had shown up in Castelia City. Burgh asked me to come with him to the dock at Prime Pier, and I followed behind.

I met up with Burgh, who had Bianca and another girl with him. It turned out that Team Plasma had stolen her Munna, and the other girl told me that she heard Bianca's scream and ran after the thief fast as she could, but she lost them in the city. The girl was named Iris, and she was angry about the theft, eager to get the Pokemon back and punish Team Plasma.

As Burgh planned how to find the thieves, a Plasma Grunt came up to us from the city. He spotted the Gym Leader, Burgh, and thought himself lucky enough to grab more Pokemon, but then he realized he was no match and ran off! Burgh and I ran after the bastard, instructing Iris to stay with Bianca.

I spotted Burgh nearby, and he saw the Plasma Grunt heading toward the Gym. We found a group of them guarding the entrance to a nearby building, and they tried to tell us that nobody was there. It was obvious they were lying, that there was a major meeting going on, and I battled the weak Plasma Grunt while the other two got Burgh in a Double-Battle.

I sent Nora out against his Sandile, and a Bubble Beam knocked it out easily, and Nora grew to Level 21. Another Sandile was sent out, and I had Arthur fight it, and a single Vine Whip knocked it out to win the battle. The Plasma Grunts all ran inside to report this to the Seven Sages, and Iris and Bianca came by afterwards. They got lost in the city, even with directions from the Xtransceiver.

Burgh told them that Team Plasma was inside, that the stolen Pokemon may be in there too, then he went inside. Iris said she would join the fight, and told Bianca to come as well. Bianca asked me to fight as well, and I switched around my team a little to have Arthur at the lead, before I went inside.

I stood strong with Burgh, Iris, and Bianca, and before us stood Ghetsis, another pair of Sages, and the three Plasma Grunts we defeated behind them. Ghetsis was surprised to see Burgh there, who asked him what the guiding principle of Team Plasma was, "Take what you want from people?"

Bronius, one of the Sages, said he thought it would be amusing to prepare a hideout right in front of a Pokemon Gym, but he admitted that they were detected more quickly than he anticipated. Ghetsis wasn't concerned about it, saying that they already had a base of operations elsewhere. He asked us if we were familiar with the legend of the founding of the Unova region, and Iris was.

Iris said it had to do with a black Dragon-Type Pokemon, and Ghetsis responded that it appeared before a hero who sought the ideal way to bring the world together. Ghetsis continued that the black Dragon-Type Pokemon shared it's knowledge, and stood strong against those who would fight against it. He said that their combined power brought unity to the hearts of everyone in the land and so Unova was created.

Ghetsis claimed that they would bring back the hero and the Pokemon to Unova once more, thinking that by winning people's hearts and minds he (stumbling on his intentions over Team Plasma) could create the world he desires. It was obvious that he was running things and also had his OWN plans for the world that Team Plasma wouldn't necessarily share, and I wondered if I would have to ally myself with Team Plasma to stop Ghetsis when they realize his true plans.

Burgh told Ghetsis that Castelia City holds many different kinds of people with different ways of thinking and different lifestyles. Burgh told them that there was something they were saying he didn't understand, that one thing we all have in common is that we ALL care about Pokemon. Burgh spoke of how people meeting for even the first time could talk about Pokemon, or battle or trade. Burgh brought up Ghetsis' speech at Accumula Town, that he was responsible for leading Burgh to rethinking his relationship with his Pokemon, and thanked him for it.

That day, Burgh made a promise to himself, swearing that he would dedicate himself to Pokemon even more strongly, and asked if Team Plasma would strengthen the bond between people and Pokemon further. Ghetsis laughed, telling Burgh he was hard to figure out, and a tad more intelligent than he'd expected, and Ghetsis told him that he had gathered knowledgeable people from every corner of the world for their king's benefit. He said they could be called the Seven Sages, but he wouldn't say anything further, leaving after they returned Bianca's Munna.

Iris said she would continue being Bianca's bodyguard to show her the city, and Burgh revealed that Iris is a powerful Pokemon Trainer, but not quite at home in the big city yet. Iris thanked me for helping out, and handed over a Yache Berry. The pair of them left, and Burgh told me he would be waiting at the Castelia Gym for me.

I snagged a Smoke Ball left behind by Team Plasma, and went to the Pokemon Center to heal my team before I would challenge Burgh at the Castelia Gym. Soon I'd have my third Gym Badge!

Current Team:

Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 20)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 20)
Zach (Liepard, Dark, Lv. 20)
Nora (Tympole, Water, Lv. 21)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 21)
Madelyn (Tranquill, Normal/Flying, Lv. 21)

Pokemon Black - Through Pinwheel Forest to Castelia City

On my way west to Pinwheel Forest I was given TM94 (Rock Smash) by a girl on the path to the forest, and I was surprised to see a former HM reduced to TM status. I remember this happening with Flash, which was an HM in Sapphire, but in Gen 4 starting with Pokemon Pearl it was another TM. I wonder how many other former HMs will be changed to TM status?

I found Burgh nearby, and he told me that if Team Plasma manage to sneak off through the forest then we might have trouble. I got into a battle before I entered the forest, and Mason grew to Level 18. The Nurse I fought healed him up, and I grabbed a nearby Ether before I wandered south a short distance to get into a pair of battles.

Through the battles, Madelyn grew to Level 18 and learned Roost in place of Growl, and Purrloin and Arthur got a bit banged up by another Trainer, but the Nurse healed my team again. I continued on into the forest, and I quickly found Burgh on the path. He told me there were two ways out of Pinwheel Forest, the road that goes straight through the forest, and the road that winds through it.

Burgh took the straight road, with the intention to block the exit if he didn't find them, and I took the winding path to look for them. I quickly got into a Double Battle, and Purrloin went down to a previously unknown weakness to Bug-Type Pokemon, but I sent Madelyn in to take them down. I went back to the Nurse to heal my team, then I continued on through the winding path.

I quickly found one of the Team Plasma Grunts, hoping to beat me and help the others escape. The Grunt sent out Sandile and I sent out Purrloin, but then I switched over to Arthur who got stuck by Sand Tomb which did minor damage. Arthur's Leech Seed was avoided by Sandile, then it used Torment to stop Arthur from using Leech Seed again, but then he struck with Vine Whip for massive damage, and got hit by Assurance for good damage. Arthur used Leech Seed to regain some health to balance out Rock Tomb, then another Vine Whip was avoided, and then Sandile knocked out Arthur.

Finally the Grunt's Sandile was knocked out by Purrloin's Fury Swipes, and the Plasma Grunt told me he didn't have anything, telling me I'd just have to look for his friends through the forest to get the skull back. I had to get back to the Nurse to heal my team and revive Arthur before I could continue searching.

I decided to look for new Pokemon in the tall grass nearby, and I caught a Venipede (Bug/Poison, Male, Lv. 15), a Cottonee (Grass, Male, Lv. 14), and a Sewaddle (Bug/Grass, Female, Lv. 15) before I had to go back to town to heal my team at the Pokemon Center. I started to wonder about the strength of my team, and of how their stats had all grown so slowly, so evenly as I trained, wondering if perhaps they would be too weak for the battles ahead?

I also found a Tympole (Water, Female, Lv. 12) in the grass outside of Pinwheel Forest, who I named Nora, and she would be the sixth member of my team. I kept looking through the grass after I healed my team again, and I also found a Timburr (Fighting, Female, Lv. 13), and a Sawk (Fighting, Male, Lv. 15) and through all the battles Arthur also grew to Level 18, while Madelyn grew to Level 19.

I went back into the forest and fought against another Team Plasma Grunt, and she sent out Purrloin against Mason. Mason used Shock Wave for massive damage, and then Purrloin missed an attack before another Shock Wave knocked it out and won the battle. She was also empty-handed, and I had to continue looking through the forest for the rest of Team Plasma.

I found out that there were Trainers outside of Pinwheel Forest that I missed, so I went back to battle them, and through the fighting Nora grew to Level 14, but try as I might Purrloin just couldn't get much experience. With a weakness to both Bug-Type Pokemon and Fighting-Type Pokemon, I knew I wouldn't be able to get much if any training done for Purrloin except to have him switch out for every single battle, a slow and tedious process.

It was night when I went back into Pinwheel Forest, and I got into a battle with a Pokemon Ranger. By the end of it Nora grew to Level 15, and Purrloin grew to Level 18. I got into another battle with a Youngster, and then I got past him to fight another Pokemon Ranger. Purrloin was knocked out by the Pokemon Ranger, but Mason got revenge. Without a Revive, I had to continue on without Purrloin's strength.

I got stopped by yet another Pokemon Ranger as I made my way toward another Plasma Grunt, and I was starting to get angry with them. These people were supposed to protect Pokemon and the habitats that they live in, why were they stopping me from fighting Team Plasma? Did they have nothing better to do with their time?

Arthur knocked out her Panpour in a single Vine Whip, and Nora grew to Level 16 and learned Mud Shot in place of Round, then I made my way to the Plasma Grunt. The Plasma Grunt sent out Patrat, then Nora went out to face it. After a prolonged battle, Nora came out on top with the win, and I had to run past him to try catching his friends.

I found myself confronted by yet ANOTHER Pokemon Ranger, and I felt like telling him to go do his fucking job instead of harassing me with a Pokemon battle! Nora took out his Pansear with just a couple Bubble Beam attacks, and she grew to Level 17, then I had to rush past him hoping that Team Plasma hadn't gotten away when he and his friends had held me back.

I found another Team Plasma Grunt, another one who proved to be prepared for a Trainer like myself with three Pokemon. Nora took out his Patrat, then Mason took out another Patrat, and then Arthur took out his last Pokemon, a Sandile. When I beat the Plasma Grunt, he handed over the Dragon Skull! The Grunt lamented that the dream that the king and his grunts share wouldn't come true.

Suddenly someone came up from behind me, and they asked the Grunt how he was doing. The Grunt revealed that the man is Gorm of the Seven Sages, I'm assuming a powerful group within Team Plasma. The Plasma Grunt admitted that the Dragon Skull they worked so hard to get had been stolen from them by me, but he said it wasn't important, that they could afford to abandon it. It seems the Dragon Skull wasn't the Legendary Pokemon they were looking for.

Gorm suddenly confronted me, telling me that they couldn't allow anyone to get away with disrupting their plans. He threatened to stop me from ever interfering again, but before I could start a fight Burgh came up from behind, telling me he had found us because of the bug Pokemon getting worked up. Burgh was interested in Gorm, asking if he was there to help his fellow Plasma Grunts, and suddenly Lenora came by as well, empty handed after beating her own slew of Plasma Grunts.

Lenora asked Gorm who he was, if he was the big boss, and he would only say that he was one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma. Gorm said that Ghetsis, another of the Seven Sages, would liberate Pokemon with words alone. He also told us the remainder of the Seven Sages have ordered their Grunts to take Pokemon with force, but realized that the odds were against them, faced with an Ace Trainer like myself AND two Gym Leaders.

Gorm told us "Know your enemies, know yourself, and you need not fear the result of a hundred battles..." which was rather cryptic. Gorm retreated with the Grunt, telling us once again that they would liberate Pokemon by stealing them from Trainers, and he said that even with them being Gym Leaders that they would not tolerate any more obstruction from them.

Burgh and Lenora talked amongst themselves, and decided not to chase the pair. Burgh went back to Castelia City, looking forward to battling with me when I was ready to take on the Castelia Gym. I gave Lenora the Dragon Skull to return to the museum, and she thanked me for my effort and the care I gave my Pokemon. Lenora handed over a Moon Stone before he left the forest to return to the museum.

With all that behind me, I decided that it was best to hurry out of the Forest and to Castelia City. I gave Arthur a Miracle Seed I had found on a ledge, and I got to the main path before I left the forest. I found myself standing before the Skyarrow Bridge, with the Castelia City skyline in the distance. I got a Quick Claw from a Hiker before I went across the bridge, watching trucks passing below me while I walked a path above them, and soon I found myself in Castelia City.

I healed my team, and I knew I would have to do a lot of training back in Pinwheel Forest before my team would be ready for the challenges ahead. I wondered how Purrloin would fare, how long it would take him to really build his strength with so many different Pokemon strong against his Dark-Type.

Current Team:

Nora (Tympole, Water, Lv. 17)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 18)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 21)
Madelyn (Pidove, Normal/Flying, Lv. 19)
Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 18)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 18)

Pokemon Black - Nacrene City and the Nacrene Gym

I found myself in Nacrene City, the "Pearl of a Place" according to the sign. Before I did anything to explore, I spent hours training on Route 3 to strengthen my team.

Through the training, Cole grew to Level 18, and evolved into Pignite! He also learned Flame Charge in place of Tackle and Arm Thrust in place of Ember. Mason grew to Level 17 and learned Thunder Wave and Shock Wave. Arthur grew to Level 17 and learned Leech Seed in place of Growl. Purrloin also grew to Level 17, and he learned Pursuit in place of Slash and Fury Swipes as well. Madelyn grew to Level 17 and learned Air Cutter in place of Gust, as well as Quick Attack.

I also caught a Drilbur (Ground, Female, Lv. 10) when I went back to that cave, and I once again found difficulties trying to catch it even in the red, as I had with the past few Pokemon. It occurred to me that standard Pokeballs may be quite useless in the Unova region, because it seems like Unova Pokemon have a lower catch-rate than any others I've dealt with so far. I'm thinking I'll need to forget about Pokeballs altogether and focus on Great Balls and Ultra Balls from now on.

Nacrene City turned out to be a series of warehouses that had been converted to homes and studios, and I visited some people and looked over the interesting homes. I received a Charcoal from someone, and gave it to Cole to boost his Fire-Type attacks. I also found a nice restaurant, but there wasn't much to do there so I left.

I started to head into the Nacrene Gym, and bumped into N as he came out of the building. He told me he wanted to see things no one else could, the ideals of Pokemon inside Pokeballs, how Trainers should be, and a future where Pokemon have become perfect. He asked if I felt the same, and I thought about it for a time before agreeing. His questions were interesting, if nothing else, and I wouldn't mind finding out the answers.

N decided he should test me to see if I could see this future of his too. N sent out Pidove, and I sent out Cole, who attacked with Flame Charge for massive damage that Pidove barely clung on from. Pidove used Growl, then another Flame Charge finished it off.

Next, N sent out Tympole, and I sent Mason out against it. Mason hit Tympole with Shock Wave and knocked it out in a single blow, then Timburr was sent out against Madelyn. Madelyn hit Timburr with Air Cutter, and it was knocked out to win the battle.

After the battle, N told me that his friends weren't strong enough to save all Pokemon, that he perhaps he couldn't solve the equation that would change the world. N told me to do that he needed power, enough to make anyone and everyone agree with him. N started to leave, telling me he knew the power he needed, a Pokemon named Zekrom, which was supposedly the creator of the Unova region along with a hero. I knew this could only mean trouble.

My team consisted of:

Cole (Pignite, Fire, Lv. 18)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 17)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 17)
Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 17)
Madelyn (Normal/Flying, Lv. 17)

With N gone, I entered the Gym, ready to battle. I found out that the Gym was actually at the back of a large museum. I went forward, and found a Scientist admiring a large fossil. He turned around, and introduced himself as Hawes, the assistant director. Hawes gave me a tour of the museum. He told me the large fossil was of a Dragon-Type Pokemon. He also showed me a meteorite nearby, and an old stone before he led me to the gate of the Gym.

Hawes told me that not only was the Gym Leader a kind and strong woman, she was also his wife! I was surprised to hear about that, and wondered what kind of woman she could be. I stepped forward and was stopped by Clyde, who gave me a Fresh Water and told me that all the Trainers in the Gym use Normal-Type Pokemon. He then went on to explain that I needed to answer questions hidden in books to move forward, and hoped it wouldn't take me long to get to the Gym Leader.

After being told the first book was "Nice to Meet you, Pokemon." I headed forward into the Gym. I quickly got into a battle, and Cole got through it with minimal damage. I found the first book, a fairy tale about a little boy who met a Pokemon for the first time ever. It was a small brown Pokemon, but before I could read more I found a memo between the pages, which read "Pokemon Trainers! I am the Gym Leader, Lenora! I hid four memos in this library. Each of them has a question. Can you solve the questions and come find me?"

A question followed it, "What is the first Pokemon you met in this Gym?" which was a Patrat, and it had a hint that the book was on a bookshelf in the middle row. I quickly found it, "The Biology of Patrat" and found another memo, the second question was "Flame burns inside it's body, and it gives off smoke from it's head while it runs... What is this book?"

I found myself looking about, and found a man reading a book called "The Structure of a Locomotive." which sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I had to battle the Scientist to get the book and read the memo, and after a short battle which saw Cole grow to Level 19, she handed it over.

The next memo had a question, "If you heat it up in a pot, it'll be delicious. What is this?" which sounded like Poffins. I looked around for a bit, and found the book "Sweets for Pokemon" which talked about Poffins, sweets made by heating Berries in a pot, popular in the Sinnoh region. This memo had one final question, "From this bookshelf... Move two backward, move one to the left, move two forward, move one to the right, and move one backward... Now, where is it?"

I had to move around the library with these directions, and I had to ponder for a time what they meant, before I realized they meant move by bookshelves and not by steps. I found myself facing a little girl, and I had to fight her before I would be allowed to battle the Gym Leader. I read the last memo after I beat the girl, which congratulated me on getting that far. There was a switch under the book and I pressed it, then the bookshelf slid to the side and revealed a staircase leading down.

I healed my Pokemon and went down, and finally I met the Gym Leader, Lenora. She introduced herself as the director of the Nacrene Museum as well as the Nacrene Gym Leader. We wasted no time, and the battle started immediately.

I sent out Cole against her Herdier, and it's Intimidate ability cut Cole's attack. Cole used Arm Thrust for massive damage, and then Herdier used Leer to lower Cole's defense. I had Cole use Flame Charge next, and Herdier was knocked out. Cole grew to Level 20, and he learned Smog in place of Tail Whip.

I switched over to Arthur when she sent out Watchog, and then it used Leer to lower Arthur's defense, before he countered with Leech Seed to keep the pressure on Watchog. Watchog used Retaliate to knock out Arthur, and I sent out Cole once more. Watchog used Retliate next for good damage, then Cole countered with Arm Thrust to knock out Watchog and win the battle!

Cole grew to Level 21 after all these battles, and Lenora was defeated. She complimented me on my fighting style, and told me I was a Pokemon Trainer worthy of receiving the Basic Badge! With the Basic Badge, Pokemon up to Level 30 will obey me, and Lenora handed over TM67 (Retaliate) as well, an attack that does more damage if an ally fainted the turn before use.

Suddenly Hawes ran up, calling out to his wife. He said she needed to come quickly, that Team Plasma was threatening to steal some old bones. Lenora told me to come along with them, and I ran off to stop Team Plasma.

I got to the museum, and I saw Lenora telling them to stop. One of the Plasma Grunts was telling her that Team Plasma was claiming the museum's Dragon Skull in the name of Pokemon liberation. They said that they would steal it right in front of them to show they were serious, and before we could do anything they used a smokescreen to hide themselves as they ran off with the skull.

I ran off after Lenora, but Team Plasma was long gone. I met up with her on the street, and before I could ask her about their whereabouts, someone came up to Lenora asking about fossils. Lenora seemed to forget the situation for a moment, surprised to see this stranger she knew. Apparently he was an artist suffering from artist's block, and Lenora introduced him as Burgh, the Castelia City Gym Leader.

Burgh claimed he was just looking for a change of pace, and noticed how hectic it was around here. Lenora told him that someone just walked away with one of the exhibits, and then Bianca came by from the sidewalk, asking what was going on. Cheren wasn't too far behind, and I introduced them to Lenora, and she suggested we split up to find Team Plasma. Lenora also told Cheren and Bianca to stay at the museum, and told me to go with Burgh to search Pinwheel Forest.

After Burgh left to wait at the entrance to Pinwheel Forest, I was given a Dowsing Machine from Bianca, and Cheren went inside to protect the musem with Bianca right behind him. I decided I would heal my team and go after Burgh soon.

I'm glad to see Cole at such a high Level, but I knew I'd have to work hard to train my other Pokemon to match. I just hoped that their stats would get better, as the team hadn't been getting too much stronger with the minimal variety of Pokemon I had to fight on Route 3.

Current Team:

Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 17)
Cole (Pignite, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 21)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 17)
Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 17)
Madelyn (Pidove, Normal/Flying, Lv. 17)

Pokemon Black - On the road to Nacrene City

I did some research on the road ahead, and I learned of what kinds of Pokemon I would see early in my journey. I realized that the Purrloin I had caught would be of great help, along with a few new Pokemon that would also make good additions to my team. I put away Lillipup and Patrat, and I got Purrloin back to train to Level 12, and he learned Sand Attack and Fury Swipes. I also trained Cole to Level 14 as well.

While I did my training in the Dreamyard, I caught an Audino (Normal, Female, Lv. 5) and I got lucky enough to find and catch a Shiny Munna (Psychic, Female, Lv. 8). Finally, in my fourth game, I caught my first Shiny Pokemon!

I started through Route 3, heading toward Nacrene City. Before I could get very far, I found a Daycare Center, and also a Preschool. In the playground I got into a few battles, and I got through them without incident, though one of them was my first Double Battle of the region. Purrloin grew to Level 13, and Arthur grew to Level 14.

I got my team healed and stocked up on supplies before I continued through Route 3, and when I came to a fork in the road I was stopped by Cheren. It seemed that he won a Trio Badge as well, and wanted to see which of us was the stronger Trainer.

I sent out Purrloin out against his Oshawott, and he used Fury Swipes for good damage before it countered with Tail Whip to lower Purrloin's defense. I switched over to Arthur, and he got hit by Water Gun for minor damage. Arthur hit it with Vine Whip for great damage, but it healed up using an Oran Berry before countering with Water Gun once more. Another Vine Whip knocked out Oshawott, then I sent out Cole against Cheren's Purrloin.

Purrloin used Assist to attack with Water Gun, and it did good damage, then Cole countered with Ember for great damage. Cole avoided Purrloin's Fury Swipes and struck with Ember for great damage, then Cole avoided another attack of Fury Swipes before one more Ember knocked out Purrloin and won the battle, and he grew to Level 15. I had Cole learn Flame Charge in place of Tackle as well.

With the battle over, Cheren knew what my style was. Suddenly we heard some commotion nearby, and a pair of Plasma Grunts ran past us. Bianca ran up shortly behind them, wondering where they were headed. Cheren asked her why she and a little girl were running, and it turned out that the pair of Grunts had stolen the girl's Pokemon. and Cheren ran after them to catch those two and get the Pokemon back.

Before I went after Cheren, I spotted some tall grass nearby, and I decided to build up my team with a couple new Pokemon. I caught a Blitzle (Electric, Male, Lv. 9) who I named Mason, and a Pidove (Normal/Flying, Female, Lv. 8) who I named Madelyn. I went back to the Preschool to heal my team, and then I chased after Cheren and the Plasma Grunts.

I found Cheren in front of a cave, waiting for me, and I informed him my team was good to go before we both entered the cave. The Grunts told me that the child couldn't use the Pokemon they stole to it's full potential, thinking it must be sad because of it, and then they demanded our Pokemon too.

I battled one of the Plasma Grunts, and their Patrat went down easily against Purrloin, who grew to Level 14 after the battle ended. After the battle, the Plasma Grunts were confused about their loss, thinking they had righteousness on their side. Cheren demanded they return the Pokemon to the girl, but then someone shouted behind them.

Another pair of Team Plasma Grunts came up and the first pair stood aside. They claimed that Cheren and I not only didn't understand, but also got in their way. They thought as a duo they could teach us that they were right, but Cheren and I wouldn't let them get away with this.

The Plasma Grunts both sent out Patrat, and I sent out Purrloin while Cheren sent out Oshawott. One Patrat used Bide, then Purrloin used Fury Swipes for great damage on another, then Oshawott used Tail Whip to lower their defense, before the other Patrat used Leer to lower the defense of our Pokemon. The second Patrat kept storing energy with no attacks against it, then Purrloin and Oshawott both knocked out the first Patrat. The second Patrat was hit by both Purrloin and Oshawott for massive damage, and one final Scratch from Purrloin ended the battle.

The Plasma Grunts openly admitted their theft of Pokemon to "liberate" them from Trainers, but Cheren wasn't intimidated at all. Cheren asked what reason they could possibly use to justify stealing Pokemon from people, and they claimed that Trainers like us make Pokemon suffer. Cheren asked him what he meant, that he didn't understand, and the first Plasma Grunt told us they'd give back the Pokemon, but to be aware of how Pokemon suffer when used by people. They demanded we open our eyes to our complicity.

We got the Pokemon, and the four Plasma Grunts left, and Cheren voiced my own thoughts, that Trainers bring out the strength of their Pokemon, and that they trust and respect their Trainers in kind. Cheren didn't understand what part of the relationship between Pokemon and Trainers could make Pokemon suffer.

Cheren left, and I caught a Woobat (Psychic/Flying, Male, Lv. 11) and also a Roggenrola (Rock, Female, Lv. 11) before I left the cave. I got into another battle with a Pokemon Breeder, who handed over an Oran Berry upon defeat, and I snagged a Repel before I met up with Bianca, and the girl at the southern part of Route 3.

Bianca thanked me for my help in getting the Pokemon back, and she thought herself lucky to have friends like Cheren and I. The little girl thanked me as well, and gave me some Heal Balls before Bianca saw the girl on her way. I went and got my team healed up before I continued through the path, heading to the city.

I got into another battle, and Cole took out the School Kid's Blitzle. I grabbed an Antidote on my way south, and I found myself stopped by Cheren. He told me that the dark grass nearby sometimes held a pair of Pokemon together, ready to fight in a Double Battle. I was glad for the warning, but also interested to know that there's a somewhat efficient way to train my team as well!

I got into more battles with School Kids, and through several tough battles Cole grew to Level 16, and Madelyn grew to Level 10. I also found an Awakening in the grass, and finally after a long journey through a relatively short path I found myself in Nacrene City. I was stopped by Cheren when I got in, and he handed over some Chesto Berries before telling me that the Nacrene Gym specializes in Normal-Type Pokemon.

I put Woobat into the PC, planning on training my new Pokemon and my team as a whole before I would be ready to take on the Nacrene Gym.

Current Team:

Madelyn (Pidove, Normal/Flying, Lv. 10)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 14)
Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 14)
Mason (Blitzle, Electric, Lv. 9)
Cole (Tepig, Fire, Lv. 16)

Pokemon Black - The Dreamyard

I headed east to the Dreamyard, and cut down the tree in front of a hole in the wall, but before I could head inside I was stopped by Bianca. It seems she was looking for this mysterious Pokemon as well.

We both went through the wall, and we heard a Pokemon nearby. Bianca and I went to investigate, and we found an odd little pink Pokemon. We followed the Pokemon toward some tall grass, worried we would lose it, then we were stopped by a couple oddly dressed assholes. It seems they wanted it to make the Dream Mist I was after.

The two said they were with Team Plasma, and they claimed they "battle day and night to liberate Pokemon from foolish humans." I found out that the Pokemon Munna and Musharna both emit a mysterious vapor called Dream Mist, which somehow shows people's dreams. The Grunts said they would use it to make people WANT to release their Pokemon, that they would show the people dreams to manipulate their hearts.

The Grunts harassed and kicked the little Munna, trying to get Dream Dust from it, and it was all Bianca and I could stand to watch. When Bianca asked why they were doing such things, they said that they too were Trainers, but fighting for a different cause than us, and that they would take Pokemon by force. They declared that they would rescue our Pokemon from us.

I got into a battle with one of the Grunts, and I sent out Cole against their Patrat. Patrat used Bide, then Cole hit it with Ember for great damage. Patrat was storing energy as Cole hit it with another Ember, and it barely clung on, then Patrat attacked with Bide for massive damage, and knocked out Cole! I sent Arthur out against it, and he knocked it out with Vine Whip.

The other Plasma Grunt was disappointed, wondering if the first Grunt wasn't taking us seriously as kids, then decided they would take me down. I sent Lillipup out against Purrloin, and Purrloin Scratched for minor damage, before Lillipup countered with Tackle for great damage. Another Tackle from Lillipup knocked out Purrloin and won the battle, and Lillipup grew to Level 12.

With both Grunts defeated, they attempted to abuse the poor little Munna until it would give them Dream Mist, then Bianca shouted at them to stop. Suddenly there was a flash of light, and Ghetsis appeared out of nowhere. He asked why the two were goofing off, and suddenly there was another Ghetsis that appeared on the opposite side, saying that Team Plasma would separate Pokemon from foolish people.

Suddenly Ghetsis teleported behind them, and the two Grunts said that this was a different Ghetsis than the one normally seen gathering followers or trying to control people by tricking them with speeches. Apparently this was an angry Ghetsis who shows his face when a plan has failed and punishment is needed. The two ran off, and then Ghetsis disappeared.

Another Pokemon came up to Munna, worried about the little Pokemon. It appeared to be an evolved form, most likely this Musharna the two talked about, and I assumed the mother to the little Munna. Bianca wondered what just happened with those Grunts and Ghetsis, confused about how he appeared all over the place, and she wondered if maybe it was a dream, perhaps caused by the Dream Mist?

Suddenly Fennel came up from behind, saying she couldn't wait for us. She was excited to see Musharna, but then the two Pokemon left together and left something behind. Bianca explained to Fennel what had occurred, and it sounded like the Musharna had come to the aid of the Munna, using it's ability to make dreams into reality to save the Pokemon.

Fennel was excited when she realized what was remaining was in fact Dream Mist, and she told us to come to her house later. Bianca told me to go visit Fennel, and that she would look for the Pokemon we had seen. I gathered some items from around the Dreamyard, then I healed my team at the Pokemon Center, before I went to see Fennel again.

Fennel was excited, and she told me with the Dream Mist she could collect save files of various Trainers. She handed over C-Gear, a device which is a hub of communication systems, such as Infrared and Wi-Fi connections. I activated the C-Gear, though I knew I wouldn't be able to do much anything with it being years behind the current Pokemon generation.

Fennel told me more about the C-Gear, particularly about the Game Sync, which I could use to retrieve memories of sleeping Pokemon. Apparently I could use the device to make Pokemon sleep, and when they awoke their dreams would become real in a space called Entralink in the middle of Unova.

I had Amanita come up, thanking me for helping Fennel, and she handed over the Pal Pad, which I could use to register my friends. I knew it would also be of little help, but at least it was something. I tried out the C-Gear, and found out that, of course, the network usage had been discontinued.

I decided after all that to call it a night. It will be a couple days before my next update, but at least I have gotten some progress made, and now I'm ready to really get through the region. I just hope I can build up my team properly on Route 3!

Current Team:

Cole (Tepig, Fire, Lv. 13)
Lillipup (Normal, Male, Lv. 12)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 13)
Patrat (Normal, Female, Lv. 11)

Pokemon Black - Striaton City and the Striaton Gym

I found myself in Striaton City, where "Three Stand Together as One!" as the sign said. I looked around the city and found an X Speed and a Dusk Ball, then I wandered around the city a while. I also received a Great Ball from a generous man.

I soon found the Trainer's School, where I received a Full Heal after passing a test. I found Cheren at the board, studying the information to become a better Trainer. He noticed me, and when I told him I was looking for the Gym Leader, I was told that he had left just a few moments ago. Cheren requested a battle with me, and I agreed.

I sent out Patrat against his Oshawott, and Patrat Tackled it for great damage before it countered with Water Gun for good damage. Another Tackle from Patrat knocked out Oshawott, and then Purrloin was sent out against Cole. Cole hit Purrloin with Ember for great damage, and it countered with Scratch for minor damage, then it clung on with another Ember, before Cole ended the battle with Tackle.

Cheren gave me some Oran Berries after the battle, and I left to heal my team. I decided to deposit Purrloin while I was at the Pokemon Center, no desire to keep a Dark-Type Pokemon on my team at this time. I was told by someone to check the Dreamyard to the east of the city, and I couldn't get more than a glimpse before I got into another battle.

Patrat took down both her Purrloin easily, and she grew to Level 11. I got into another battle as I tried to make my way to the Dreamyard, but Patrat and Lillipup were able to beat the Youngster easily, and Lillipup grew to Level 11.

I made my way across the path and talked to a girl, and she asked which starter I chose. When I told her it was Tepig, she gave me Pansage (Grass, Male, Lv. 10) to help boost my team and Type effectiveness. I decided to name the Pansage Arthur, and then I was able to explore the Dreamyard.

The Dreamyard turned out to be an abandoned factory, long closed, and I couldn't get anywhere in it to explore. I grabbed an X Defend, then left. I decided to go do more training on Route 2, and Cole and Arthur both grew to Level 12. The wild Pokemon on Route 2 were giving very little experience, and I decided that my main two Pokemon were as strong as they were going to get before I found myself in front of the Striaton Gym.

I found the green-haired Gym Leader in front of the Gym, and I introduced myself to him. He asked which Pokemon I chose first, and when I told him it was Tepig he said I needed to prepare to face a Water-Type Pokemon. He went inside, and I followed him in.

My team consisted of:

Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 12)
Lillipup (Normal, Male, Lv. 11)
Cole (Tepig, Fire, Lv. 12)
Patrat (Normal, Female, Lv. 11)

I went inside and met a man named Clyde, the guide for Trainers in the Gyms. He said they appreciated my challenging the Gym, and gave me Fresh Water to commemorate the occasion. He told me the Striaton Gym was focused on Type match-ups, and that I needed to proceed by selecting which switch was effective against the type shown on the curtains.

The first curtain was Fire, and I selected Water, then it opened and I moved ahead. I found myself in a battle with a Trainer as I moved forward, and after a prolonged battle I came out victorious with Arthur, but I needed to heal him up after. I worried about the strength of the Gym Leader if I had such a tough time with this first Trainer.

The next curtain was Water, and I selected Grass to open it up. I got into another battle with another Trainer, and Cole took out her Patrat, then I kept him in the fight against her Purrloin, but I had Lillipup finish the fight. I healed both after the fight, then I continued on.

The third curtain was Grass, and I selected Fire to open it and continue through to find myself against against the Gym Leader. He welcomed me to the Striaton City Gym, then another red-haired man stepped out from behind him, revealing himself as Chili, a Fire-Type specialist. A blue-haired man came out to stand on the other side, and Cress revealed himself to be a Water-Type specialist. The one I had met first was named Cilan, a Grass-Type specialist.

Chili explained that the three of them would decide whom I'd battle, and I was happy not to have to fight all three. Chili told me it would be based on the type of Pokemon I chose first, being Tepig, and Cress would thus be the Gym Leader I would battle.

The battle started, and Cress sent out Lillipup while I sent out Cole against it. Lillipup used Bite for good damage, but Cole countered with Ember for good damage. The two traded blows for a time, Bite and Ember, until I had to switch to Lillipup when Cole took some great damage, and Cress used a Potion to heal Lillipup. Lillipup Tackled for great damage, and the opposing Lillipup used Work Up to increase it's attack, but another couple attacks saw my Lillipup knocked out while the opposing Lillipup hung on.

Patrat knocked out Lillipup while deep in the red, and then Cole grew to Level 13, and learned Defense Curl in place of Odor Sleuth. Panpour was sent out next, and I sent out Arthur against it. Arthur was two levels below Panpour, but he did have the Type-advantage. Panpour used Work Up to increase it's attack, then Arthur used Vine Whip for great damage. Panpour used Water Gun for minor damage, then another Vine Whip had it cling on in the red. Panpour used Water Gun to delay the inevitable, and Vine Whip knocked it out to win the battle!

Arthur grew to Level 13, and I won my first Gym Badge in Unova. Cress couldn't believe he lost against me, but he did compliment me on my skills. I received the Trio Badge, which would let me control Pokemon up to Lv. 20, and they handed over TM83 (Work Up) as well.

I left the Gym, and was met by a woman outside, who revealed herself to be Fennel. She told me Professor Juniper asked her to give me something, and I followed her to her home. We went upstairs to her room, which doubled as a Laboratory. She told me the subject she was researching was Trainers, and told me her friendship with Juniper started in College.

Fennel handed over HM01 (Cut) and asked me a favor. She told me she wanted some of the Dream Mist that a Pokemon called Munna gives off, a Pokemon that lives in the Dreamyard. She said something about a Game Sync to collect save files of various Trainers, which she would be able to use when I got Dream Mist.

I met up with Amanita nearby, who mantained the PC Box systems. She explained the Battle Box system, which allowed me to register regularly-used Pokemon in the Battle Box. It could be convenient to store my various Pokemon in a special place when I had too many for the 6-man team.

I taught Arthur Cut in place of Tackle, and went to the Pokemon Center to heal my team. Soon I would check out the Dreamyard for this Pokemon and the Dream Mist, but at the moment my team was hurt and needed to be healed.

Current Team:

Cole (Tepig, Fire, Lv. 13)
Lillipup (Normal, Male, Lv. 11)
Arthur (Pansage, Grass, Lv. 13)
Patrat (Normal, Female, Lv. 11)

Pokemon Black - The road to Striaton City

I did some training on Route 1, and got Cole to Level 9, and Patrat and Lillipup both to Level 8. I also went through my blog to do some editing for spelling and smoother reading. After I finally got finished with that, I was ready to continue my journey. I found that in my time away, the weather changed to Winter.

I went west to leave Accumula Town, through a gateway with an Electric Bulletin Board, which gave information about the route and destination, as well as tidbits of information on the Unova region. I left the gateway and found my Xtransceiver ringing, and when I answered it I found it was Mom calling me.

The call was quick, with Mom telling me she wanted to talk to me, so she would be hanging up immediately. When the call was ended, I heard her behind me, and found she had followed me through to Route 2. Mom admired how far I had come already, and she gave me another present, Running Shoes! Now I could sprint whenever I wanted.

I started on more training while on Route 2 and I found a Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 4) which I managed to catch for my collection. I snagged a Potion in the tall grass, and through several battles I was able to get Cole, Lillipup, and Patrat all to Level 10. I started making my way through Route 2 and found myself in a battle against a Trainer.

I sent Cole out against the Youngster's Patrat, and a single Critical Ember knocked it out to win the battle. I went onward and got into another battle with a Lass, who sent out Purrloin against Cole, and after a short battle I came out victorious. Another Youngster wanted to battle with a Lillipup, and Cole took it out fairly quickly, and he grew to Level 11.

I found a Potion and Pokeball on a side path, and then I continued to the end of Route 2 before I was stopped by Bianca. She wanted another battle, and so I gave it to her. I sent out Patrat against her Lillipup, and a single Tackle brought it to the red, before it countered with Tackle for good damage. Bianca used a Potion to heal her Lillipup, aand then Patrat used Bite for great damage to put it in the yellow, and one more Tackle knocked it out.

Next up, Bianca sent out Snivy, and I kept Patrat in the fight. Bite did great damage to Snivy before it countered with Leer to lower Patrat's defense, then it hit with Tackle before Patrat Tackled it to knock it out and win the battle.

I soon found myself in Striaton City, and I went to heal my team. I decided I would call it a day for now, but I knew I would need to spend time training my team for the challenge ahead.

Current Team:

Patrat (Normal, Female, Lv. 10)
Cole (Tepig, Fire, Lv. 10)
Lillipup (Normal, Male, Lv. 10)
Purrloin (Dark, Male, Lv. 4)