[X] My Assistant

[Protoman]

After what seemed to only be a manner of minutes, the sun gleamed into a window, waking up Tyson and Blaze, his Quilava that just recently evolved yesterday. With a big stretch from both of them, Tyson slumped back into his bed, wit Blaze curling up into a ball next to him. Tyson felt as if him moving was a horrible idea, and decided that maybe a few more minutes of sleep wouldn't be too bad. Meanwhile, Hydro, Tyson's Squirtle, popped out of his shell and yawned loudly. After smacking his lips for a moment, the Pokemon got up and walked towards the door, trying to push it open. After he failed to do so, Hydro simply walked towards Tyson, pulling on his pants leg in order to get him up and open the door for him. Tyson, who already knew that Tikal wasn't pulling on his leg at this hour, simply half looked at Hydro, who motioned to the door. Groaning in frustration, Tyson got up and opened the door for Hydro, scooting him out as well. Hydro, not exactly enjoying the last part, walked to the lake to wash his face. After several splashes, the Pokemon inspected his face thoroughly. He noticed several things wrong with his appearance! Firstly, his skin had turned a darker shade of blue, he had a small fang, his shell was a lot heavier now, and what's worse he had EARS! Now he actually had to listen to the problems that people brought to him. Crying out in sorrow, Hydro quickly covered his mouth, trying to find a way to hide all of this from Tyson. If he saw this, he might release him for good...

After another hour of sleep, Tyson yawned and stretched once more. This time, he felt like he was completely refreshed and ready for the world. He patted Blaze on his head, making the Quilava smile in appreciation. He then looked at his Pidgey named Aero who, while far from quiet, was sound asleep. Next to Blaze lied Houdini, the trickster Zoura that just became an addition to the team. That only left...

"Hydro," Tyson looked around anxiously as he tried to piece together where his Squirtle could have gone. He continued to search inside the room, unable to find any clues as to where his Pokemon was. "Where could that mischievous turtle be?" Soon enough, Hydro came inside the door, but not looking like his usual self. Hydro decided to wear a bird's nest for a hat, two large banana plant leaves for pants, and a collection of other leaves for a type of jacket. Aero and Blaze looked at Hydro and looked at each other. Both of them laughed heartily, making Hydro very angry, as usual. In his rage, Hydro threw off the nest, revealing his furry ears and his sharp fang.

"Leave me alone," Hydro said to Blaze and Aero, his voice a lot deeper than it was the day before.

"Hydro," Blaze said, inspecting Hydro thoroughly before flashing a smile. "You did it, you've evolved!" Hydro instantly stopped being angry. He took off the ridiculous shrubbery and revealed his new form to Tyson. Indeed he did evolve. Hydro had become a Wartortle.

->

[Yzarc Drowsnam]

Maxy's eyes opened as Tyson entered the cavern. It was a narrow path, which led to a secluded beach, and just above the exit into the beach was a small waterfall, which poured onto Maxy's shoulders as he faced out towards the sea. The boy demanded a battle, claiming it would earn him both a badge and respect.

"Boy," Maxy said, standing and turning to face his challenger, water still crashing down upon him. "Defeating me in combat does not earn my respect. You are arrogant to imply it. I will, however, accept your challenge. Come. Your friend can come too, but she must stay on the beach."

He turned towards the beach and walked out as Tyson presumably followed. He walked across a bridge over a small pool and came to a stop on the opposite end of a large wooden platform where the battle would take place. He turned to look at the young Tyson and crossed his arms. He looked the boy up and down and grunted while thinking. His goal as a gym leader was not to stomp any and all challengers. It was to provide the fairest matchup to ensure that the battle was not decided before it even began. He needed to know the strength of his opponent.

"I want to fight my challengers at their absolute best. Pokemon battling consists of leading a team, and I would not want to deny you a portion of your team, else they may lose their dynamic. I want you to give me all you have, and after I defeat you, I don't want you to say 'if only I could have used another pokemon.' Present your team to me, up to six. This will allow me to give you the fairest matchup possible.