Orion strolls into the Battle Arena, Pikachu perched comfortably on his shoulder. The arena itself is a marvel of adaptable technology, currently set to a lush, grassy plain dotted with vibrant wildflowers. In the center, two figures are locked in a mock battle, their Pokémon darting and weaving with surprising speed. It's Cyborg and Beast Boy, their friendly rivalry spilling over into their first Pokémon sparring session.
Cyborg, his metallic arm whirring softly, commands Whismur. "Alright, little guy, let's hit 'em with an Echoed Voice!" Whismur lets out a surprisingly loud, though still somewhat timid, cry. The sound wave washes over the battlefield, heading straight for Beast Boy's Rockruff.
Beast Boy, grinning from ear to ear, shouts, "Whoa there, big fella! Rockruff, use Sand Attack!" Rockruff, a bundle of energetic tan fur, stomps its paws, kicking up a cloud of dirt and pebbles. The Sand Attack effectively disrupts Whismur's vocal attack, the sound waves scattering harmlessly as the dirt obscures the target.
"Nice one, Rockruff!" Beast Boy cheers, giving his Pokémon a thumbs-up. "Now, let's get close with a Tackle!" Rockruff charges forward, a determined glint in its eyes, aiming to close the distance and land a solid hit.
Cyborg, ever the strategist, anticipates the move. "Not so fast! Whismur, use Astonish!" Whismur, startled by the sudden charge, lets out a surprisingly eerie cry, its small form vibrating with a strange energy. The sudden, unexpected sound and appearance makes Rockruff flinch, momentarily freezing in its tracks.
"Oh, snap!" Beast Boy exclaims, Rockruff's flinch giving Cyborg an opening. "Whismur, hit 'em with another Echoed Voice!" Whismur unleashes its vocal attack again, and this time, with Rockruff still recovering from Astonish, the sound wave connects, pushing Rockruff back a few steps.
"You're good, Vic, I'll give you that," Beast Boy admits, patting Rockruff's head. "But we're not done yet! Rockruff, Howl!" Rockruff lets out a brave, if slightly shaky, howl. Its attack power visibly boosts, a faint glow surrounding it.
Cyborg chuckles, his sonic cannon arm humming slightly. "You think that's gonna stop my Whismur? Let's see how you handle this!"
Orion watches them, a warm smile on his face. The genuine joy and competitive spirit radiating from them is infectious. Pikachu, on his shoulder, lets out a soft "Pika!" of agreement, its ears twitching with interest.
On a different platform, bathed in the soft glow of simulated moonlight, Starfire and Raven are engaged in a Pokémon battle of their own. Starfire, radiating her usual sunny disposition, holds Togepi carefully in her hands. Togepi, a tiny, egg-shaped Pokémon, chirps excitedly, its little legs wiggling as if eager to join the fray.
"Oh, this is so delightful!" Starfire exclaims, her eyes sparkling. "Togepi, my little friend, let us show Raven how much joy we can bring!" She gently places Togepi on the ground, where it immediately wobbles forward, a determined look on its face.
Raven, cloaked and composed, stands opposite her. Beside her hovers Misdreavus, its spectral form shimmering slightly. Misdreavus lets out a low, almost musical hum, its large red eyes fixed on Togepi.
"Starfire," Raven says, her voice calm and measured, "Togepi is… quite small. Are you sure it's ready for this?"
Starfire beams. "Of course! Togepi is full of spirit and kindness! That is what matters most, is it not?" She doesn't seem to notice that Togepi's current level of strength is akin to a newborn's, its moveset limited to basic commands.
"Alright, Togepi," Starfire coos, "Let's try a Sweet Kiss!" Togepi puffs out its chest and lets out a tiny, adorable kiss-like sound. A faint pink aura emanates from it, drifting towards Misdreavus.
Misdreavus, however, seems more amused than affected. It hovers to the side, its usual mischievous aura replaced with a gentle curiosity. Raven subtly directs it. "Misdreavus, use Confuse Ray, but… not too strong, please." Misdreavus obliges, firing a weak, spiraling beam of light that washes over Togepi, causing it to wobble slightly, but not truly confuse it.
Starfire claps her hands. "Oh, Togepi did so well!"
"Now, Togepi," Starfire continues, "let's use Growl!" Togepi lets out a tiny, squeaky sound that barely registers as a growl. It's more of a gentle sigh.
Raven watches, a faint, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips. She knows Starfire's heart is in the right place. "Misdreavus," Raven instructs softly, "use Disarming Voice. But make it… gentle." Misdreavus emits a soft, melodic tone, barely louder than Togepi's own chirps. Togepi seems to bask in the sound, chirping happily in response.
Starfire giggles. "It seems they are friends!"
Raven decides it's time to end the match before Togepi gets even the slightest bit tired. "Misdreavus," she says, her voice carrying a hint of playful finality, "use… Mean Look. But make it… a friendly look." Misdreavus fixes Togepi with its large, red eyes, which, for a moment, seem to glow with a soft, warm light. Togepi, unfazed, chirps happily and waddles towards Raven's feet.
"It seems Togepi has chosen to approach you, Starfire," Raven states, a hint of amusement in her voice. "A valiant effort, but I believe Togepi prefers a less… combative approach."
Starfire beams, scooping Togepi into her arms. "Oh, Togepi! You are too precious! You brought such delight to this battle!" She hugs the little Pokémon tightly, completely oblivious to the strategic dance that just took place.
Meanwhile, on a smaller, more contained training platform, Robin is focused on honing his skills alongside his new partner, Pawniard. The metallic clangs of blade against blade echo in the confined space. Robin, ever the disciplined warrior, moves with precision and speed, his small katana a blur as he parries Pawniard's sharp arm blades.
Pawniard, its Dark/Steel typing evident in its unwavering stance and sharp movements, matches Robin's intensity. Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, track Robin's every move. This isn't a battle for victory, but a session of mutual learning. Robin isn't just training Pawniard; he's studying it, trying to understand its fighting style, its instincts, its strengths.
"Metal Claw," Robin commands, deflecting a swift strike. Pawniard's blades extend, glinting under the arena lights. "Impressive. But predictable if you only rely on raw power." He dodges a quick Feint Attack, then parries another Metal Claw. "Your speed is excellent, but you telegraph your moves. You need to mask your intentions."
Pawniard lets out a sharp, almost bird-like cry, tilting its head. Robin interprets the gesture. "You're asking how? Observe." Robin suddenly feints left, drawing Pawniard's guard in that direction, then pivots sharply right, landing a light tap on Pawniard's side with the flat of his blade.
"See? Misdirection," Robin explains, his voice crisp and precise. "You anticipate, they react. Then you exploit their reaction. Your Defiant ability is a strong asset, but don't let it make you reckless." He pauses, tapping his chin. "Iron Defense. Show me. How do you brace?"
Pawniard's metallic plates seem to harden, a faint sheen appearing on its armor. Robin nods approvingly. "Good. Sturdy. Now, let's work on your offensive pressure. After a successful defense, you need to counter immediately. Don't give them a chance to recover."
He initiates a series of rapid strikes, forcing Pawniard to defend, then counter. Robin critiques each move, not with harshness, but with the exacting standards of a seasoned combatant. He's not just teaching Pawniard to fight; he's building a foundation of strategy, of understanding, between them. Pawniard's sharp blades flash, each movement a testament to its warrior spirit, and Robin's katana dances in response, a silent conversation of steel and strategy.
Orion watches the Teen Titans from his spot by the arena entrance, a contented sigh escaping him. Beast Boy and Cyborg are still playfully sparring, their Pokémon engaged in what looks more like a dance than a battle. Starfire's joyful giggles float over from her corner, where Togepi is attempting to "help" Misdreavus with a very gentle Growl. Even Robin, usually so stoic, has a flicker of something akin to approval as Pawniard practices its defense drills with focused intensity.
"They're really getting the hang of this, aren't they, Pikachu?" Orion remarks, scratching the electric mouse behind the ears.
Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, lets out a happy "Pika!" and nods enthusiastically, its tail giving a little thump against Orion's cheek. Yes, this was exactly what Orion had hoped for.
***
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