Monday, August 31, 2015

Pokemon Y - Route 10 and Geosenge Town

I went north from Cyllage City to reach Route 10, and the path was surrounded by large stones. I snagged an Iapapa Berry from a Berry Tree at the start of the route, then I got into a battle with a Trainer. After the battle, Axel and Brody both grew to Level 25, then I moved some boulders nearby to find TM73 (Thunder Wave).

I got into another battle, this time with a Tourist, and Cadence grew to Level 26. I decided to head back to Cyllage City since I was still so close, and I went ahead and got my team healed at the Pokemon Center before I grabbed some supplies.

I continued on, and I found massive stones lined up along the path going north. I couldn't help but wonder why these stones were here, and what they were for. I met up with a Backpacker who was checking out the stone pillars, and he told me he was informed by someone named Colress that these big stones emit some kind of special energy. I could only wonder what kind of energy, and for what purpose?

I found a Mind Plate nearby, and was surprised to find a Sinnoh item like that here. I knew there must be more of them around, and was determined to find them all! I grabbed an X Accuracy as I went through the tall grass, looking for new Pokemon, and after a long while I finally found a Hawlucha (Fighting/Flying, Male, Lv. 19) that knocked out Axel before I could catch it with a Great Ball. I went back to Cyllage City once more to heal up before I continued going north.

I found myself stopped by a Grunt from Team Flare, one of the few I had fought earlier in those caverns. He wondered if I had any idea what these huge stones were, and he knew I didn't, telling me that I knew nothing about the legend of 3,000 years ago. He didn't care about the legend himself, just interested in getting revenge for his prior defeat.

The Flare Grunt sent out Houndour while I sent out Axel against it. Axel used Nuzzle for good damage, and to paralyze Houndour, and it couldn't move after that. Axel hit it with Thunder Shock next for great damage, and it continued to be stopped by paralysis. Axel hit it once more with Thunder Shock, and it was knocked out, and Gabriel grew to Level 27 and learned Razor Wind in place of Tackle.

I kept Axel in the fight when Golbat was sent out, and Axel started out with Nuzzle to do good damage and cause paralysis, then it countered with Bite for great damage. Axel hit Golbat with Thunder Shock for great damage, and it was stopped by paralysis. Axel hit it once more with Thunder Shock and the battle was over, and Axel grew to Level 26 and learned Slam in place of Quick Attack. Brody grew to Level 26 as well, and learned Odor Sleuth in place of Leer, and both Logan and Jack grew to Level 27.

The Flare Grunt couldn't believe he lost to me again, wondering if I was some kind of prodigy. I had half a mind to punch him in the face for not knowing who I was, after becoming Champion of FIVE DIFFERENT LEAGUES! I heard a ringing, coming from him, and it turned out to be a message from his Holo Caster, which gave him new orders. The Grunt left, and I healed Axel before I continued going north.

I found a Thunder Stone before I got into a battle with a Pyschic who claimed the large stones were enhancing his power. HIS powers may have been enhanced, but his POKEMON weren't any stronger from them, and I soon won the battle.

I soon came across another Flare Grunt, and after a short battle I beat her easily. I continued on, and got into a Wild Pokemon battle where Cadence grew to Level 27, and I decided to work on doing some more training against Wild Pokemon. Axel grew to Level 27, and after a battle with a wild Golett that took far, FAR too long, I went back to Cyllage City once more to heal before I continued along the way.

I got into another battle with a Flare Grunt, and it ended quickly. I got into another battle just a few paces away with a Tourist, and through it Brody grew to Level 27, and Jack and Logan both grew to Level 28. I continued north to the gateway just a few feet away, and I reached Geosenge Town.

I went past the Pokemon Center to see another Flare Grunt going off somewhere in the town. I made a quick trip to the Pokemon Center to heal my team, and while there I received TM66 (Payback) before I grabbed an extra Potion, and I left to explore the town and find that Flare Grunt. As I went forward, I found a girl in red who told me to meet her in the hotel to talk.

I grabbed some Soft Sand near the Pokemon Center, then I received an Everstone from a Scientist in a house near the Center. I went north and found the Flame Grunt, who told me they were going to use the stones on Route 10 and some fantastic treasure to make everyone on their team happy. He told me that in this world the ones who have power are the ones who win.

Serena came by quickly after that, asking if I had seen someone from Team Flare, and I told her I had, but that he left. She said the only place that path led to was a dead-end, and she thought that Team Flare seemed very weird. Serena left, and I went down the path to find an ancient stone structure, and seemingly nowhere to go.

I went back to the town, and went around the outside to find another Photo Spot. I took a photo with three massive central stones behind me. I went to the center of town after I tipped Phil, the photo guy, and I saw just how huge they were. A sign in front of htem said that these ancient stones are said to emit a mysterious power, and I wondered what kind of power could come from them?

I explored the town further, and found a man who told me a legend of someone wandering for 3,000 years looking for a Pokemon, which I knew must be impossible. Sure, Pokemon have been found to live for thousands of years, but humans are much more frail.

I found a Timer Ball behind Hotel Marine Snow, and I went inside, where I found the girl in red again. She told me some of the rocks on Route 10 are more than 30 feet tall, and she told me that there were hundreds of millions of them spanning more than a mile. She said it was possible that people put up those stones with help from lots of Pokemon, but she wondered for what purpose.

She continued telling me that there are lots of theories about them, that some people think they mark the burial site of warriors from ancient times, and others saying they were built as family memorials or set up for a ritual to celebrate life. She didn't know about all that herself, and told me she thought they might be some kind of calendar, explaining that you see it all the time in astronomy studies. She said that ancient cultures used stones to track the movement of the sun.

She said that those stones were full of mystery, and that many believe they contain some kind of mysterious power. She hoped that it was a benign power that is watching over people and Pokemon, and she told me that there are also some mysterious stones in Shalour City as well. I had a feeling that I'd find out about these stones sooner rather than later.

I got to the second floor and found Mr. Bonding again, and he gave me the O-Power Speed Power Lv. 1 which I could use to increase the speed stat. He left after that, and I found myself out of things to do, so I decided to call it a day.

Current Team:

Brody (Diggersby, Normal/Ground, Lv. 27)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 27)
Cadence (Floette, Fairy, Lv. 27)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 28)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 28)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 28)

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Pokemon Y - Cyllage City and the Cyllage Gym

I went to the aquarium in Ambrette Town and down to the bottom floor, where I headed out onto Route 8 to continue my journey. I went down to start heading north on the beach, and I snagged a Mago Berry from a large Berry Tree before I went north and received a Dowsing Machine from a Swimmer.

I looked around and found a Stardust, a Heart Scale, an Ultra Ball, and a Pearl on the beach near the Swimmer, thanks to the Dowsing Machine she gave me. After I knew I cleared out all the hidden items, I continued north. I soon got into a battle with a Swimmer, and after a short battle Cadence grew to Level 23. I continued on to battle a Fisherman nearby, and after a prolonged battle I earned a good bit of money and some decent experience.

I fought against another Fisherman, and Axel grew to Level 23, and learned Nuzzle in place of Thunder Wave, which was basically a physical version that did some minor damage. Brody also grew to Level 23, and Logan grew to Level 24. When I finished the battle the weather turned for the worse, and I found myself in a downpour. I got into another battle with a Swimmer, and Jack grew to Level 24 before I reached Cyllage City, "the city of peaceful strolls" as the sign said.

I found a Pokemon Center and healed my team there, and while there one of the citizens sang a song about the ancient war in the Kalos region. I gave him a small tip for the song, and I left to explore the town. The house right next to the Pokemon Center offered massages for my Pokemon, and I had Cadence enjoy a good massage before I left to explore further.

I went to the Cycle Shop and was greeted by the shop owner, who informed me I was the 10,001st customer since the shop opened, and he told me that if I was 10,000th I could have gotten a free bike, but as a consolation I could win a Bicycle by answering his quiz correctly. The question was about bike colors, and I won, so I chose a Green Bicycle.

I tried out the bike outside, and it was fun but not quite as convenient as my Roller Skates. I visited a house at the beach and received a Sachet, which a Pokemon could hold but otherwise seemed to have no use. I wandered through the town, up a hill, and stopped when I was told by a man that I had missed the chance to enter a bicycle race, and that he took first place. The man handed over HM04 (Strength) as a consolation prize, and revealed that he was the Gym Leader for this city, and that I would need his badge to be able to use Strength.

I snagged an X Defense as I made my way down the hill, and I continued exploring the town. I found a clothing store, which apparently specialized in shirts, though they had full mannequins worth of clothing to choose from. I didn't see anything I wanted that day, so I left, and went back to the Pokemon Center to sell the items I found on the beach and earn some cash.

I found a cave on top of a hill, and got TM21 (Frustration) from a Backpacker inside, and I found an X Special Attack and a Super Potion as well on my way down. I found a cafe and was told that I needed to spend money if I wanted to even sit down, and that where I wanted to sit would cost more or less. I spent $500 to sit at the counter, and it didn't seem like I really got anything for it.

The last place I visited was Hotel Cyllage, where I received TM44 (Rest) and TM88 (Sleep Talk) from people sitting in the dining room, and when I went upstairs I received a Destiny Knot and I met up with Mr. Bonding who gave me the Prize Money Power Lv. 1 O-Power. I also met up with a Backpacker who told me he was from a faraway region, and only told me that it had a town I had to see to believe.

I went to the Cyllage Gym to earn my next Badge, and I found the Gym through a large doorway in the hill that made up a big part of the bicycle racetrack surrounding the town. The Gym Guide told me that this Gym specialized in Rock-Type Pokemon, and that to reach the Gym Leader I would need to climb up the colorful rock climbing walls in all directions.

I went up and sideways on the wall next to the Gym Guide, and got into a battle with a Trainer. Cadence grew to Level 24, Gabriel grew to Level 25 and learned Roost in place of Growl, and the battle was over with another victory under my belt. I continued on, going right to a dead-end, then going back and heading left to make my way around the rocky terrain.

I found another dead-end that led me to a Hiker, and through the battle Logan grew to Level 25. I climbed back down and went around the rocky structure, and got into another battle. Through the battle Jack grew to Level 25, Cadence grew to Level 25 and learned Magical Leaf in place of Razor Leaf, and Brody and Axel both grew to Level 24.

I climbed up the climbing wall, went around the path, and climbed up another wall to get into another battle with a Hiker. Gabriel grew to Level 26, and the battle was over. I healed my team, and then I climbed up the long path up to reach the Cyllage Gym Leader.

The Gym Leader told me he's been waiting in eager anticipation, waiting for a worthy challenger to appear. He told me it was quite an achievement to have climbed all the way up there, and he was impressed. He told me he thought our battle would be worth the wait, and hoped that I would show him skill that surpassed his own.

The battle started, and the Gym Leader, Grant, sent out Amaura while I sent Brody out against it. Brody used Mud Shot for great damage and reduced speed, then Amaura countered with Rock Throw for minor damage and reduced speed. Brody attacked once more with Mud Shot for great damage and reduced speed, then got hit by Rock Tomb for minor damage and reduced speed as well. Brody used Mud Shot once more, and Amaura barely clung on to use Take Down that knocked out both Brody AND itself.

Jack grew to Level 26, and I sent Logan out to fight against Tyrunt. Logan started using Leech Seed, and Tyrunt used Rock Tomb for great damage and reduced speed, before Leech Seed drew some health from Tyrunt. Tyrunt attacked with Bite next for great damage, and Logan flinched, but Tyrunt took some damage from Leech Seed.

I sent Cadence out in Logan's place, and she got hit by Bite for good damage. Cadence attacked with Fairy Wind for massive damage, and Tyrunt barely clung on to counter with Rock Tomb, before Leech Seed drew the last of it's health and knocked it out. Logan grew to Level 26, and the battle was won!

After the battle, Grant told me that some things seem out of reach no matter how hard you try, but said that it's important that you never give up, no matter the opponent or the odds. He said he could tell that my Pokemon and I understand that, and he gave me the Cliff Badge! With the Cliff Badge Pokemon up to Level 40 would obey me, including from trades. Grant also handed over TM39 (Rock Tomb) which allows me to inflict damage and lower the target's speed.

Grant said that it was time I thought about how to apply my skills in other areas, telling me to think about how I can improve myself as well as the Pokemon that are always by my side. He told me when I find the answer that I would truly be able to smile.

I left the Gym, and immediately headed over to the Pokemon Center to heal my team. I felt bad for Brody, another knock-out for him where he could have otherwise leveled up. I can't wait for him to learn much more powerful Ground-Type moves, and I hoped he would soon. For the time being, I taught Brody to use Strength in place of Take Down.

Current Team:

Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 24)
Brody (Diggersby, Normal/Ground, Lv. 24)
Cadence (Floette, Fairy, Lv. 25)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 26)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 26)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 26)

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Pokemon Y - Ambrette Town and the Glittering Cave

I gathered supplies at the Pokemon Center before I left there to explore the town. When I left the Pokemon Center, I ran into a guy who gave me TM94 (Rock Smash) before I visited the Aquarium located right next to the Pokemon Center. There wasn't too much to see, but I did get an Old Rod from someone on the bottom floor before I left.

I explored the town, and found Hotel Ambrette, where I received TM96 (Nature Power) from someone in the lobby before I headed up the stairs. I met someone in the first room, and he appeared to be a tourist in the Kalos region. I looked in the other two rooms, and met up with Mr. Bonding once more, who gave me the O-Power Sp. Def Power Lv. 1. With little else to do, I left the hotel to reach the Fossil Lab.

When I got to the Fossil Lab, I saw a main room with shelves lined with ancient fossils. I saw a nearby shelf that also had meteorites in a row. Serena met up with me, and we both went to talk to the scientists there. The head scientist welcomed us there, and assumed that we were drawn by a fascination about Fossils. We introduced ourselves, and Serena told him that we were researching Mega Evolution, and asked him if he knew anything about it. The scientist realized we were Professor Sycamore's students, and told us all he knew was that it had something to do with mysterious stones.

The scientist asked if we knew about Pokemon Fossils, and I told him I did. He was pleased at that, and went on to say that Fossils are the legacy of prehistoric Pokemon. He suggested we go to the dig site and see the real thing firsthand. Serena was disappointed, but before we could do anything another scientist told us that Pokemon that can be restored from fossils just might have something to do with Mega Evolution. She suggested that we see the assistant in Glittering Cave.

I decided to go find the Glittering Cave, and along the way I got a Rocky Helmet before I found myself on Route 9. I found a Rhyhorn laying near some rocky terrain, and I hopped on it to ride it through the rocky path. I accidentally stepped on a wild Sandile, but managed to get away, then I continued on to smash through a couple large boulders.

I kept on, hopping off the Rhyhorn halfway through to grab an X Defense, and a Paralyze Heal, then near the end I found a Dusk Ball. I decided to roam through the rocky terrain to see if I could find any new Pokemon, and soon I found a Helioptile which went down with a single Take Down from Brody. I was disappointed, and I kept at it to find another one, and through a few battles with Wild Pokemon Brody grew to Level 21.

I got into something called a Sky Battle with a Trainer, and I sent Gabriel out against his Ledian. His Ledian was no match for Gabriel's Fire/Flying-Type defense, and it went down after a short battle. Gabriel grew to Level 23, and after the battle I hopped back on the Rhyhorn to look for Heloptile again. Eventually I found another Helioptile (Electric/Normal, Male, Lv. 15) and after a short battle I finally caught it.

I finally went over to the Glittering Cave after I snagged a nearby Fire Stone, then I got my team healed by a woman nearby before I went inside. The Glittering Cave was made up of winding tunnels, and I passed by many glowing crystals embedded in the rocky walls. I found a Hard Stone on my way through the cave, and got into several battles with Wild Pokemon.

Through the battles Cadence grew to Level 22, and eventually I found my way through the tunnels to meet with some guy in a red suit. He told me that he was part of the fashionable team called Team Flare, and he told me that Team Flare's goal is to make it so that they're the only ones who are happy. He told me they don't care one bit what happens to other Trainers or Pokemon, and I was happy to wipe the floor with this pathetic Grunt.

I sent Brody out against his Houndour, and one Mud Shot did massive damage before Cadence was pulled out from Roar, but she hit it with Razor Leaf after that to knock it out. I sent Axel out against his Zubat next, and a single Thunder Shock knocked it out. With that, the Flare Grunt was defeated.

The feeble Grunt admired my strength, but told me to watch myself, that he wasn't the only member of Team Flare. I continued on and soon got into a battle with another Flare Grunt, and she went down easily enough. Through the battle Axel grew to Level 22, and Jack grew to Level 23 and learned Round in place of Pound.

I continued along the path, and I found a pair of Flare Grunts. They revealed that they were looking for fossils, and Serena came up along the path and we teamed up to battle them. The Grunts send out Scraggy and Croagunk, and I sent out Brody while Serena sent out Espurr. Brody used Mud Shot for massive damage against Croagunk, which knocked it out, and he grew to Level 22, and Logan grew to Level 23, then Espurr used Light Screen before Scraggy hit Brody with Brick Break for massive damage.

I switched out to Axel, and Espurr used Covet for minor damage before Axel got hit by Brick Break for massive damage. Axel hit Scraggy with Thunder Wave to paralyze it, and Espurr used Covet again for minor damage, before it hit Espurr with a powerful attack that knocked it out. Absol was sent out next, and Axel used Thunder Shock for good damage, then Absol attacked with Pursuit for minor damage before it hit Axel with Brick Break to knock him out.

I had enough of this, adn I sent Gabriel out against it. Absol used Quick Attack for good damage, then Gabriel finished it off with Peck to win the battle. Gabriel grew to Level 24, and after the battle the Grunts lamented their defeat. One complained about his suit being dirty, and the other said that they could make good money by restoring Fossils.

I went past them, and snagged an Escape Rope before I reached the scientist looking at some fossils. Serena asked the scientist if he was okay, asking him if he had seen Team Flare, but he didn't know who they were. Serena told him not to worry about it, commenting to me that he must have been completely absorbed in looking for Fossils.

The scientist told us that he just found two fossils, and he had both, so he asked which one I wanted. I decided on the Jaw Fossil, and Serena took the Sail Fossil. He told us he would restore our Fossils back at the Fossil Lab, and he left. Serena thought that she should go ahead and train more so she could travel safely with those Team Flare people running around. She thought the best thing to do would be to challenge the Cyllage City Gym, and I had to agree.

I left with an Escape Rope, got my team healed by a woman near the cave, and then I went back to Ambrette Town atop the Rhyhorn again. I went to the Fossil Lab and got the Jaw Fossil turned into a Tyrunt (Rock/Dragon, Male, Lv. 20). I decided to call it a day, vowing to reach the Cyllage City Gym and take on the next challenge soon.

Current Team:

Brody (Diggersby, Normal/Ground, Lv. 22)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 22)
Cadence (Floette, Fairy, Lv. 22)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 23)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 23)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 24)

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Pokemon Y - Onward to Ambrette Town

I left Camphrier Town and worked the Berry Fields before I kept going west on Route 7, and I crossed the bridge that had previously been blocked by that Snorlax, only to stop in my tracks when I saw Tierno and Trevor coming from the east. We stopped in front of the Pokemon Day Care, and Trevor wanted to check it out, so we all went inside to learn about the functions of the Pokemon Day Care.

After a short explanation of the Day Care, Tierno left to find more Pokemon to help his dance moves, and Trevor followed close behind. I left and continued west, while Tierno and Trevor both kept busy by looking through the tall flowers nearby. Before I could get too far I got into a battle with a Trainer, an artist named Georgia, but it was a short battle and I emerged victorious.

I continued west, and found myself in a Double Battle against more Artists, and through the battle Gabriel grew to Level 21, Brody and Axel both grew to Level 20, and Cadence also grew to Level 20 and learned Wish in place of Lucky Chant. When the battle was over, Brody evolved into Diggersby!

Soon enough I found a large and fancy building, and I met Trevor there. Trevor told me it was called the Battle Chateau, and he said it was famous for being a place where Trainers gather to improve their skills. Trevor thought if he could learn more about Pokemon then perhaps he could defeat the Kalos Gym Leaders. Trevor also told me that he remembered seeing a Pokemon as a child that he couldn't remember, and wondered if filling the Pokedex could help jog his memory.

I went inside the Battle Chateau, and I spotted Viola, the Gym Leader of the Santalune Gym, who asked what the title was in the nobility. I told her I didn't have a title, and she was surprised. She thought that someone as strong as I am should have one, and told me that my title at the Battle Chateau shows everyone how strong I am. Viola told me that only a handful of Trainers can join the ranks of the nobility and earn these titles.

A man nearby asked Viola if she knew me, and then he noticed that I had the Bug Badge, and realized that Viola had recognized my ability as a Trainer. The man introduced himself as Hennessy, and I introduced myself to him in return. Viola requested that Hennessy give me a title, telling him that someone as strong as I am would definitely contribute to the Battle Chateau. Hennessy sensed potential in me, and granted me the title of Baron.

Hennessy told me that in the Battle Chateau I could battle against others of my title, and as I got stronger and defeated more opponents there I could gain better titles and fight stronger opponents. Viola hoped to fight me when I reached a better title, and after they both left I decided to try some battles there. I got into a couple battles, and Logan grew to Level 21, then with no other challengers I left to continue along Route 7.

Before I could get too far, Tierno and Trevor came up from behind, and we all met up with Serena, who wanted to have a battle with everyone. She decided that she and I should go up against Trevor and Tierno. I had no objections, and so we started the battle.

Tierno sent out Corphish, and Trevor sent out Pikachu, while I sent out Cadence and Serena sent out Fletchling. Fltechling started with Peck against Corphish for minor damage, then it avoided Razor Leaf which hit Pikachu for good damage, then Fletchling got hit by both Thunder Shock and Vice Grip for massive damage, leaving it in the red.

Fletchling hit Corphish with Peck for minor damage, then both Pikachu and Corpish got ht by Cadence's Razor Leaf for great damage, before Pikachu knocked out Fletchling with Thunder Shock, and Corphish used Sword Dance to increase it's attack. Serenea sent out Quilladin, and Pikachu used Quick Attack against Cadence for minor damage before she used Fairy Wind to knock out Corphish, and then Pikachu was knocked out by Quilladin.

Only one Pokemon was left, Flabebe, and Cadence hit it with Tackle for good damage, before it took great damage from Quilladin's Vine Whip, and then it countered with a Vine Whip to Cadence for good damage. Cadence used another Tackle, and Flabebe was knocked out to win the battle.

Serena commented on how interesting it was to see how different each Trainer's style is. Serena told us that we should head off to Ambrette Town, and before we went I snagged a nearby PP Up and got into a battle with a nearby Artist, and got into a battle with a Wild Pokemon where Cadence grew to Level 21.

I found a photo spot, and decided to get a picture in front of the Battle Chateau. After that I went to the southern entrance to the Connecting Cave so I could reach Ambrette Town. Before I went inside, I taught Logan Cut in place of Sleep Powder, and I found Silver Powder nearby, and then I entered the cave.

I found a scientist inside the cave who healed my team, and I went through the cave looking for new Pokemon, and I found and caught an Axew (Dragon, Female, Lv. 14) before I left, after using several Pokeballs when it was too stubborn to stay down.

I found myself on Route 8, and before I could get too far I heard someone shouting for me to stop. I was surprised to find the two scientists from the beginning of my journey, Sina and Dexio, asking how Cadence and I were doing. Sina asked if I wondered how a single Pokedex could possibly cover a region as big as Kalos, and told me that it COULDN'T, which was why they were there to power up my Pokedex.

They added the Costal Kalos Pokedex to my Pokedex, and told me I could select it from my Pokedex menu. Sina told me that new encounters help people and Pokemon grow and mature, and they left after that. I looked in the nearby tall grass, and after a while I found an Inkay (Dark/Psychic, Female, Lv. 14) and after a short battle I caught it.

I went south on Route 8 and found an HP Up, and got into some battles, and through them Axel grew to Level 21 and learned Double Team in place of Leer, and Logan, Gabriel and Jack all grew to Level 22, while Brody got knocked out. I continued south across some raised stones and grabbed a Leaf Stone, and soon I was in Ambrette Town.

Before I could go down the stairs to the town, I heard Serena calling out to me. She told me this was Ambrette Town, and I could just go through the aquarium to get to Cyllage City, but suggested we first go to the Fossil Lab and have them tell us about fossils. Serena thought that perhaps we'd even learn something about the mysterious stones related to Mega Evolution.

I already knew PLENTY about fossils, if my time in the Sinnoh Underground taught me anything as I restored so many ancient Pokemon! But I hoped they would know something about Mega Evolution, and I wondered when I'd be able to go and obtain this power for myself.

Current Team:

Brody (Diggersby, Normal/Ground, Lv. 20)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 21)
Cadence (Floette, Fairy, Lv. 21)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 22)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 22)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 22)

Monday, August 24, 2015

Pokemon Y - Route 6 and Parfum Palace

I started heading to Route 6 to find Parfum Palace and get the Poke' Flute, but before I did I decided to check on the Berry Fields nearby, where I pulled weeds, and fought some Bug-Type Pokemon that were munching on the leaves of those berry trees.

I left the Berry Fields to go down Route 6, and while there I found myself in several battles. I fought hard, and through the battles both Brody and Cadence grew to Level 17, and both Gabriel and Logan grew to Level 18.

Route 6 was short, and I quickly found myself in front of Parfum Palace. I talked to a woman next to the path, and she gave me an Oran Berry, and I also found an Ether next to the fence. I also spotted a Photo Spot nearby, and got a picture of myself in front of the main gate. Without anything left to distract me, I went to the gate to make my way inside.

I was told by the man at the gate that it would cost us $1000 each to enter, and Shauna wasn't happy that we had to pay money to go inside. The man at the gate told us that the owner of the palace believes that one can never have too much money, and Shauna complained that this was how the rich get richer. We both paid the entrance fee, reluctantly, and went inside.

Inside the palace, we found a man who was looking for something. The entrance lobby was decadent, and filled with golden statues of Pokemon, and while I admired it the man asked where his Furfrou was, and we realized that it had gone missing. Shauna told me we should help look, and told me she'd be sick with worry if HER Pokemon went missing.

I decided to explore the palace, and found the king's bedroom where I fell asleep, and healed my team. I continued exploring the palace for the Furfrou, and met with a couple servants who told me that the owner only inherited this palace from his parents, and commented on how children of parents who do great things doesn't mean that THEY will go on to do great things.

I found out from others exploring the palace that it was built after a war thousands of years prior that Kalos had won against other regions. I also found out that there was a legend of some ancient tome located at the castle which told how to revive dead Pokemon, but the servant at the library said it was only a legend, that there was no such book at the castle.

I saw the huge courtyard from the balcony on the second floor, and I quickly made my way back there over a bridge and past a massive stone statue to reach the courtyard. Shauna said she'd have a look in the back of the courtyard, and I made my way past a Reshiram statue to check out the hedge designs, where I found HM01 (Cut), a Super Potion, an Antidote, and a Guard Spec before I passed a Zekrom statue to check out the last hedge design.

It was there that I found a Furfrou, who barked at me before it ran off. Shauna came running up to me right after, and she told me to give her a hand. After quite a bit of running about and Furfrou wrangling, I managed to lure it to a dead-end. The owner came running up, and he was glad to have gotten Furfrou back. He realized we were the ones to find it, and he talked about putting on a fireworks show to commemorate the retrieval of his Furfrou.

We went up on the balcony, after Shauna commented on how perhaps Furfrou was better off WITHOUT that Trainer. Shauna told me she had never watched fireworks alone with a boy before, and she told me she would never forget these fireworks because she'd be watching them with me. The fireworks were beautiful, and soon enough the man came by, and we realized he was the owner of the palace.

Shauna and I remembered the Poke' Flute we needed to find, and he seemed disappointed to give it away. It seemed that it was the treasure of Shabboneau Castle, and he took it as payment for a loan. He told us that a rich guy like him and a common person like that just didn't go together, and the butler came back with the Poke' Flute. Before he left, the man told us to always return what we had borrowed.

Shauna said she wanted to make lots of memories on her journey, but told me she'd try to forget about HIM. I certainly agreed with her, but the butler told us that running the place was extremely stressful for him. Shauna asked the butler if he knew anything about Mega Evolution, and he told her that he remembered reading a book on the subject in the palace library. He said it had something to do with a Trainer holding a mysterious stone high and making Pokemon evolve even further.

The butler gave me TM17 (Protect), and left, and Shauna told me she couldn't believe the owner of Shabboneau Castle and the Parfum Palace were friends. She said we needed to make sure to give that flute back after we wake up Snorlax. I headed out quickly to get the Poke' Flute back to the caretaker and the Snorlax.

I found a side path on Route 6, and I took it, only to quickly get into a Double Battle. Through the fight Brody grew to Level 18 and learned Mud Shot in place of Quick Attack, and Axel and Cadence both agrew to Level 18 as well, while Logan grew to Level 19 and Gabriel grew to Level 20. It was a tough battle, and I went back to the Parfum Palace to rest up before I continued along Route 6.

I decided to check the tall grass for new Pokemon, seeing as how Snorlax wasn't going anywhere anyway, and I wasn't disappointed. I found an Espurr, but I accidentally knocked it out. I also found a Honedge, which I ALSO knocked out accidentally.

I got into another battle in the tall grass with a Trainer, and through the battle Brody and Axel grew to Level 19, and Jack grew to Level 20. I tried searching for more Pokemon, and fortunately I found an Espurr (Psychic, Female, Lv. 11) and after a long while found a Honedge (Steel/Ghost, Male, Lv. 11) before I made my way through Route 6 and got back on Route 7.

I went to Camphrier Town to heal my team before I went back to Route 7. I stopped by the Berry Field while I was there, and I snagged 36 Oran Berries and 41 Pecha Berries. I couldn't believe just how many berries I got from those trees, and I knew I would keep up with this growing if my efforts bore such generous amounts of berries. I planted and watered more berries before I made my way back to the bridge.

I got to the bridge with Shauna, and I gave the caretaker the Poke' Flute I got from the Palace owner. He warned us that Snorlax could be grumpy when it wakes up, and asked if I was ready to fight it. I told him no, because I wanted to save the game before that. I was determined to catch this Snorlax, and I didn't want to mess this up like I had in Johto.

The caretaker played the Poke' Flute, and the Snorlax (Normal, Male, Lv. 15) woke up and was ready to battle. I sent Cadence out against it, and she started with Tackle for minor damage, before it countered with Lick for good damage. Cadence used Razor Leaf next for good damage, before Snorlax used Defense Curl to increase it's defense.

I had Cadence continue her assault, doing only a little damage at a time, and Snorlax increased it's defense further with Defense Curl before it attacked with Lick for good damage, and caused Cadence to be paralyzed. I got Snorlax to the yellow, before it ate a Sitrus Berry to heal itself again. I decided to switch out to Brody, and he took some good damage from Tackle. Brody was able to do some attacks for damage, and his Normal-Type allowed him to avoid damage from Lick.

Soon Snorlax was in the yellow, and I decided to try using an Ultra Ball, but one shake and it broke out. The two exchanged blows, and Brody was deep in the red when I decided to try another Ultra Ball, but after two shakes it broke free. Finally after a time Brody brought Snorlax down to the red, when it was unable to use Amnesia to increase it's special defense any further, but another Pokeball failed and it broke free to knock Brody out with Tackle.

I sent Logan out against it, and he used Sleep Powder to put Snorlax to sleep, and FINALLY it was caught! Logan grew to Level 20, and learned Razor Leaf in place of Vine Whip, and Cadence grew to Level 19. I was surprised when Cadence evolved into Floette, but I was certainly happy!

After the battle, Shauna congratulated me on catching Snorlax, and then we heard a barking from behind. Everyone turned around to spot the Palace owner coming up with his Furfrou, and he told the caretaker that the only thing he could do with the Poke' Flute was to put it on display. He told the caretaker that he admired his talent with the flute, and spoke of how the caretaker had been playing since he was little.

The Palace owner told the caretaker that his playing sounded better back in the day, and told him he would let him take care of the flute if he would be sure to practice more, then he left, and so went the caretaker. Shauna wondered if THAT had been some attempt to patch things up, but quickly decided that as long as everything ended up working out that it was fine. She wondered what was past the bridge where Snorlax was sleeping, and I knew I would have to find out later.

I went back to Camphrier Town to heal my Pokemon and get ready to continue my journey. I had managed to catch some new Pokemon, and a Snorlax which I had previously failed to capture. All in all, it seemed like a very good day.

Current Team:

Cadence (Floette, Fairy, Lv. 19)
Brody (Bunnelby, Normal, Lv. 19)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 19)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 20)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 20)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 20)

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Pokemon Y - Camphrier Town and a Crisis on Route 7

After my team was healed at the Pokemon Center in Camphrier Town, I talked to people there and found one of them was the Name Rater. I was able to give Bunnelby a proper nickname, and I decided to name him Brody.

I left the Pokemon Center and received an Ultra Ball from a nearby citizen, and I looked around to find an X Attack near the citizen as well. There was a nearby sign, that called Camphrier Town "A town where you can taste the ages." It certainly seemed like a historical town, and I was interested to learn more about it.

I decided to explore the town, the first place being Hotel Camphrier, and there I met the owner who also ran the entire place alone, and a man in the lobby gave me a Full Heal. I went up the stairs to check the rooms, and I found Mr. Bonding there, and received Special Attack Power Lv. 1 from him for my O-Powers.

I left the hotel and explored more of the town, where I found a house where a few shady-looking people appeared to work, with a desk, kitchen, and a huge server in the corner. I talked to the man there, and he introduced himself as Cassius, and he revealed to me that he was the one who keeps the PC Box running. Bill from Kanto asked him to come here and run things, and I asked him a few questions about the new systems in the PC Box.

I continued exploring the town, and received a Berry Juice from a citizen before I made it into the last house. I went inside and spotted an odd little Pokemon running about, and I received a Sweet Heart from a maid at the kitchen before I talked to the other couple residents. The man inside wanted to see a Rock-Type Pokemon, and told me he would give me something good if I showed him, but at the time I had none, so I left.

Finally all that was left was to explore Shabboneau Castle, and when I went inside I spotted Shauna. She greeted me, and I went forward to see the person she was chatting with. It appeared that two visitors to the castle was considered busy, which seems quite sad.

The caretaker at the entrance told us that this castle, more of a chateau, was a manor house of a noble family. He said that it was a little run down, but he said it was because of the history of the place. The caretaker told us that during that history the owners of the castle gave away a lot of their possessions, and so that's why the castle feels so empty.

Shauna asked him about Mega Evolution, but he had never heard of it before. Before we could inquire further, a man came inside, telling the caretaker that something was back again, and according to their conversation it appeared that whatever came back was an annual thing. The caretaker had to leave to Route 7, but told Shauna and I to have a look around.

Shauna suggested we go to Route 7 to find out what was happening, but I wanted to explore the castle first. I found an Escape Rope as I went through the castle, but I found little else. The place had been cleared out of anything and everything of value, and there was nothing to look at aside from the building itself.

I decided to check out the happenings on Route 7, find out what the caretaker was concerned about. I went west, passing by a simple fountain at the center of town, before I was stopped by Shauna who led me toward the caretaker. I spotted a fork in the road, and I went south to explore, where I was stopped by a man and his granddaughter.

The man requested that I take care of his berry field, and I agreed to help, as I was knowledgeable of berry care through all my adventures. It was then that I introduced myself, and he thanked me, then went to show me how to care for the fields. I received Oran Berries to grow, as well as Pecha Berries, and he also handed over a Sprinklotad, so I could water the berries.

I planted the berries and watered them, then I visited the man and his granddaughter in their house at the corner of the field. It was there that I learned of new mechanics to worry about, like pulling weeds, caring for withering trees, and fighting Bug-Type Pokemon to stop them from eating berries, as well as how to make Mulch to help berries grow better.

I left the field after that, and I continued west before I found the caretaker, his friend... and a sleeping Snorlax on a bridge. Shauna wondered what it was, and the caretaker lamented on how soundly the Snorlax was sleeping. The road was completely blocked by the huge Pokemon, and the man told the caretaker to use the Poke' Flute, before he realized that the caretaker didn't have it anymore.

It seemed that the Poke' Flute was taken by the owner of a palace, and when Shauna asked what a Poke' Flute was, and the caretaker told her that the Poke' Flute is what they needed to wake up Snorlax. He told us that it was at Parfum Palace, and Shauna realized we just had to go get it, telling me that it was just past Route 6.

I decided to call it quits for the day, but soon I would be on my way to find a Poke' Flute and wake that Snorlax.

Current Team:

Brody (Bunnelby, Normal, Lv. 16)
Cadence (Flabebe, Fairy, Lv. 16)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 17)
Logan (Bulbasaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 17)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 17)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 18)

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Pokemon Y - Through Route 5 to Camphrier Town

I went through the gate to Route 5, also known as Versant Road, and was stopped by a man in a pink suit. He greeted me, and introduced himself as Mr. Bonding. Mr. Bonding told me about O-Powers, and described them as mysterious forces that have all kinds of useful effects. I was told that they could make my Pokemon stronger or even help me get more money, and that my friends could also benefit from them.

Mr. Bonding gave me O-Power, both Attack Power and Defense Power, and told me that not only could they boost attack and defense but that the powers gain levels the more I use them. I was informed that I could activate an O-Power using the PSS, and then he left me to my own devices. I stood there and worked the PSS to activate Capture Power, which would last for 3 minutes.

I went through the gate, and spotted a Lucario that ran up to me and circled me, then stared at me for a bit until we heard someone shouting at it. A Roller Skater in white clothes came by with another Lucario behind her, and she apologized for the incident and asked if I was okay. She told me she was doing some special training with her Lucario when all of a sudden it ran off. She wondered what was going on with her Lucario, asking him if he was drawn in by my aura.

It seemed that Lucario liked me, and she told me about how Lucario can read people's auras, and she guessed that something in my aura had made her Lucario take a liking to me. She told me that this particular Lucario was always getting worked up in battle with her other Lucario, and she wondered if maybe it had been waiting for a Trainer to appear who'd be strong enough to challenge it.

Finally the girl remembered to introduce herself, and she revealed herself as Korrina, the Shalour City Gym Leader! We would end up battling each other sooner or later, and she told me she was looking forward to it. Korrina left with her Lucario, and I was alone once more on Route 5.

I found some tall grass nearby, and found myself in a battle against a horde of Scraggy. I sent out Cadence against them, and her Fairy Wind made short work of them, and through the battle Axel grew to Level 14, Cadence grew to Level 11, and Jack grew to Level 15. Soon after that I found a new Pokemon called Skiddo (Grass, Male, Lv. 10) and after a short battle I caught it with a Great Ball.

Bunnelby grew to Level 11, and I went back to Lumiose City to heal my team before I continued the search for new Pokemon. I wasn't disappointed as soon I found a Furfrou (Normal, Male, Lv. 9), and after an extended battle and a couple Poke' Balls I caught it. Logan grew to Level 11, and I went back to Lumiose City to heal my team once more before I continued on.

I decided to do some training in that tall grass as I searched for new Pokemon, and through it Gabriel grew to Level 16, Logan grew to Level 14 and learned Poison Powder in place of Tackle and Sleep Powder in place of Growl, Cadence grew to Level 13, Bunnelby grew to Level 15 and learned Take Down in place of Tackle, and Jack grew to Level 16 and evolved into Frogadier!

Before I continued on I caught a Pancham (Fighting, Male, Lv. 10) and checked out a nearby skate park where I found a Super Potion. I went further down the road and got into a Double Battle with a pair of twins, and through the battle Logan grew to Level 15, Cadence grew to Level 14, and Gabriel grew to Level 17 and evolved into Fletchinder! Gabriel also learned Ember in place of Quick Attack, as he became a Fire/Flying-Type Pokemon.

I moved on, and found Trevor and Tierno on the path. Trevor was amazed at how intense Pokemon hordes could be, and Tierno commented on how much they were like a dance team when grouped up like that. Trevor wondered if Tierno ever thought about anything besides dancing, and Tierno replied no, that even during Pokemon battles he's always checking out their moves, and then his feet start moving too.

Tierno noticed I was there, and asked if my Pokemon knew any moves, and demanded a battle. Tierno sent out Corphish, and I sent out Cadence against it. Cadence attacked with Vine Whip for good damage, and Corphish countered with Vice Grip for good damage in return. Cadence attacked with Vine Whip again for great damage, and it countered with another Vice Grip for good damage.

I decided to switch out to Axel, and he got hit by Vice Grip for good damage, before Axel finished it off with Thunder Shock to win the battle. After the battle, Trevor told me it was good to see me, and said how it seems that Tierno can only think about dancing and moves, thus limiting his abilities as a Trainer. Trevor revealed that when a horde of Pokemon popped out, Tierno just stood there watching them.

Tierno defended himself, telling Trevor that his dream was to come up with the world's best Pokemon dance, and that he was born to dance. I had to wonder why he wanted to become a Pokemon Trainer when his dream was to dance, and I hoped his Pokemon wouldn't suffer too much due to his incompetence. Trevor remarked that it was a perfect dream for Tierno, and decided that he should show just as much dedication to his dream of completing the Pokedex. Trevor thought it was good to be serious about some things.

Trevor handed me some Honey, and told me that using Honey would encourage Pokemon hordes to appear, but warned me that if I would go against a horde that I should use moves that can hit multiple opponents. I continued along the path and got into another battle with a Trainer. Through the battle Axel grew to Level 16, Cadence grew to Level 15 and learned Razor Leaf in place of Vine Whip, Jack grew to Level 17, and Logan was knocked out. I had to head back to Lumiose City to heal up before I made my way further through Route 5.

I snagged a Super Potion along the way, and I slid down a rail to find a large Berry Tree that was growing Oran Berries. I could grab one from the ground, but the rest were impossible to reach. I went further along the path and got into more battles, and through them Logan and Bunnelby both grew to Level 16, Gabriel grew to Level 18, and Logan evolved into Ivysaur!

I did a grind on a couple rails and found TM01 (Hone Claws), and I hopped off the hill to get into another battle. Through the battle Cadence grew to Level 16, and I grabbed a nearby X Attack before I continued onward, hoping I was going to reach the end soon.

I got into a battle with a Backpacker, and after a short battle I emerged victorious. I continued going along the road and found myself in yet another battle with a Youngster. After the battle, Axel and Logan both grew to Level 17, and I kept moving along the path to reach Camphrier Town, but just as I passed the fence I received a Holo Clip.

The message was about some online tournament I could battle with other Trainers in something called Rating Battle, and this was Season 11 of the Rating Battles. I was curious about these tournaments, but I knew it would be some time before I could even hope to compete, even long after I become Champion of the Kalos region.

I went to the Camphrier Pokemon Center to heal my team, and I decided to call it a day. I was amazed at how much progress I had made at this point, and I hoped that my training would go this well moving forward!

Current Team:

Bunnelby (Normal, Male, Lv. 16)
Cadence (Flabebe, Fairy, Lv. 16)
Axel (Pikachu, Electric, Lv. 17)
Logan (Ivysaur, Grass/Poison, Lv. 17)
Jack (Frogadier, Water, Lv. 17)
Gabriel (Fletchinder, Fire/Flying, Lv. 18)