Onward! To God Only Knows Where...

_*With the pit of the world getting further and further out of their view Ivin, along with little Elizabeth made their way across Route 5 to Asteroid Valley and beyond that Dawn City.*_

"Here, we have to make it last but let me know if you get hungry Liz."

"Mime mime~"

_*Since leaving Dusk City and Elizabeth had grown quite conferrable with one another. And as he passed a cracker up to the little Mime Jr that rested on his head Ivin looked to the distance..*_

"We've got a way to go, but we should be fine..."

_*Before leaving Ivin had gathered enough food to last for a while and even though he had grown to live off the bare minimum he wouldn't want to test fate out here in the wild.*_

As soon as Ivin set foot on Route 5, he would see, feel, and probably even taste the electricity of true pokemon trainers and pokemon battles. Route 5 was the first step towards those seeking the Pokemon League. Being the gateway to Asteroid Valley, dozens of trainers could be seen coming in and out of the checkpoint about two hundred meters down the road. The crowded route had trainers battling and catching pokemon, all joyously enjoying each others company. Because of the amount of trainers in the area, the pokemon were tougher as well. This was the grinders paradise. On rare occasions, people could even find Dusk City's Gym Leader Shinta training.

As such, however, Ivin would feel that he was way out of his league in this area. The trainers and the pokemon had a skill that proved that they were no slouches and that Gym Leaders were merely another step in their journey to becoming Pokemon League Champions. One other person would noticed Ivin and sense the freshness of a new trainer.

"Hey! You there, with the Mime. Jr! You're a new trainer right? I'm Ricko, the head of the Grinders Paradise welcoming committee. What's up?"

_*To see such a collections of people all together for the same reason of healthy competition and friendly sportsmanship, it was hard to believe this was all just outside of Dusk City...*_

"Um, hi.."

_*Before Ivin could even make his way through he was greeted by a very energetic trainer. Ricko, Head of the Grinders Paradise welcoming committee huh...

Ivin wondered why on earth out of all the people here would HE be the one to be approached but as he looked around more he noticed that here he was a fish out of water, everyone else here seemed to be a veteran in their own journey, people who had put so much time into their journey....while he had only gotten started..*_

"Mi mime~!"

_*As awkward as being here made Ivin feel, Elizabeth able to read Ivin's inner emotions knew that his fiery passion was set ablaze by being put into such a place. Reminding him of that with two swift whacks to the head Ivin smiled and tried a less awkward greeting by extending his hand and for a shake.*_

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ivin"

"Ivin, you say? Got a catchy ring in it!"

Ricko accepted the handshake and extended his hand back at Ivin, shaking to introduce each other in a respectful manner. The curiosity that the energetic trainer sees within the freshly baked Ivin made him wonder why he would choose to venture out into the haven spot of the seasoned trainers. He cocked his head slightly to signal Ivin to walk with him for the time being while getting to know him some more.

"So tell me, Ivin. What brings you over to Grinders Paradise so early? This isn't really the type of place where newcomers begin their journey."

"I'm heading to Dawn City and this crowed isn't really too much for us, right Liz?"

"Mime Mime!"

_*Walking with Ricko gave Ivin a nice chance to look around. It seemed like everywhere he looked he saw trainers, battling, trading, socializing, thou the one who was more fascinated by this scene was Elizabeth her eyes just shining at seeing all the other pokemon around, and all the batting going on. In Dusk City Ivin imagined that she wouldn't of been able to socialize with any other pokemon at all other then Joy's Chanseys but I'm sure they had their hands full with how things are there...just thinking about it made Ivin "!!!"*_

"Ouch~!"

"MIME!"

_*Clearly not amused with Ivin's downing persona Elizabeth sought to end his mopey thoughts with a strong tug of his hair as his emo-ness wasn't going to ruin her fun. And just as the two were about to get into one of their little spats something caught their eye, pulling them away from their childish banter. It was a battle going on between two other trainers their pokemon fighting with everything they had...

Ivin and Liz looked on completely intoxicated in their own burning will reflected back at them while watching this battle.*_

Ricko laughed lightly from Ivin's remark among his enthusiasm against the tough odds surrounding him. The excitement, determination, and spunk that is constantly building up inside of him greatly foretells a powerful trainer locked away inside that newbie attire and ready to burst out against the world. All together, it was quite an amazing passion to express.

"Spunky and daring. I like that in you, guy. Keep that passion burning and you'll be like ourselves."

As the two trainers continue to roam about in Grinders Paradise, Ivin's eye of curiosity caught a glimpse of a Pokemon battle between two trainers which would easily graze him over to watch more of the action. There, he would witness a Hitmonchan going face to face against a Sawk. Two fighting type Pokemon going head-to-toe in an endurance match. The Hitmochan's trainer would begin his action move once it blocked the oncoming Karate Chop aiming towards it.

"Nice parry, Hitmon! Now strike him back with a Mach Punch!"

Hitmonchan grace and speed swiftly winds up a powerful wave around its fist and fiercely charge towards Sawk's chest, striking him down with a devastating speed punch against the blue warrior without any warning. Sawk groaned against the blow, but wasn't really devastated by the force. Instead, it took the chance to take the blow instead and intimidate for his own reaction.

"Don't let that weak Mach Punch screw you over! Counter him and show them how a real fighter take down his opponent!"

Within a split second after the 'Mach Punch' connects, Sawk took a mighty grip against both Hitmonchan's arm and fist without any struggle at all. The 'Counter' would commence by judo throwing the boxing Pokemon on the ground with powerful force to damage him. In addition, Sawk came striking back at the chest with his 'Karate Chop' to seek a menacing blow to retaliate back at Hitmonchan. Granted, the move struck well, but not as much damage against him as well. He quickly skyrocket back into the air with a 'Sky Uppercut'. Luckily, Sawk evaded the attack, but barely.

"It's something else isn't it?"

_*What a splendid battle between two trainers that Ivin could tell carried the same passion as he did. It made him so excited, so thrilled. He wanted to just jump in there as well, a battle, a really Pokemon battle...*_

"Oi, Ricko. We should have a battle."

_*He looked to new found friend with smile, he knew that in his eyes Ivin was just some fresh upstart who only recently got started on his journey, but..Ivin's battles started long before he became a trainer in a environment far more hostile then anyone here could ever make*_

"What do you say? It'll be one on one, I'm sure Liz can take anything you throw at her. Isn't that right Liz?"

"MI~!"

_*Almost if not just as eager as her partner, Elizabeth and Ivin couldn't just stand aside and watch any longer.*_

"Come on, we'll take anyone on."

Ricko would whistle from the bold and tenacious challenge that Ivin lead out towards everyone. His grin would be twice the size from the enthusiasm that Ivin spark out from within himself. Plus, the sheer thought of dominating the newbie into showing how far his path is to becoming an awesome trainer from the get go. He pat his hand on Ivin's shoulder and spoke confidently.

"Whoa slow down, newbie. I don't think that's the best choice of action for ya. Especially since you're all green."

Ricko took a few steps ahead of Ivin and tossed out his Pokeball from behind. Once tossed, the Pokeball unlocked his trusty partner, Jiraiya, right near Ivin and Liz. Looks like he'll have to break in the new guy completely to know his role.

"However, if you're really interested, then I guess we can have a quick 1v1 match against each other to see if you really have what it takes."

He turn around and stood nearby Jiraiya. The Lucario struck his fighting stance and is ready to battle.

"Alright then, let's go Liz!"

_*Hopping forward off of Ivin's head Elizabeth landed her gaze fixed onto the Lucario. A very faint aura of purple psychic energy started to appear around Liz as she let out a "Mi Mi", a sort of battle cry, showing that she was ready to battle.

Fighting a opponent much stronger then them Ivin and Liz would have to play it smart in order to win, which luckily was their specialty.*_

"Remember Elizabeth, concentrate and stay calm.."

_*With the odds stacked against them in such a way it was hard to even think Ivin could even hope of winning this but he was completely serious, he trusted in Elizabeth and he trusted that she trusted him in the same way.*_

"We can win this..."

Before the battle would begin, out of the blue would come an unknown person from another dimension or some crap like that and land at the center of the battle arena between both Ivin and Ricko. This character looks at his young age of eighteen with dark brown and gold spiky hair. His eyes were well tinted of brown and his facial expression only show a chivalrous, yet sincere reaction with a bandage on the left side of his cheek. His attire was nothing more than a Japanese school uniform with a few metal scraps of safety attire on the knees. Over his right hand were massively bandages wrapped around the entire arm and hand which emitted a few sparks every now and then. The unknown person raised his fist in the sky and spoke out only a few words. In addition, it would seem that time has stopped completely around everyone else except for Ivin for some odd reason.

"Row Row Fight The Powah!!"

After that was spoken, he jumped back up into the sky only to disappear once more in thin air. Was this a clue of some sort or random gibberish?

Several other trainers rush towards the battle location where Ivin and Ricko were about to encounter against each other in a Pokemon battle. This is a rare sight to see for many of the seasoned trainers as an absolutely fresh out the oven Pokemon Trainer is going against a seasonal Pokemon Trainer. Some of the trainers would cheer on Ivin as the underdog of the battle.

"Go newbie! Show us what you got!"

While the opposite would chant a completely different hymn against the favor of Ivin and cheer for Ricko.

"You better check yourself before you wreck yourself, newbie!"

In general, it was absolute 50/50 on both odds for this match. However, the chants won't mean a thing until the facts were proven right in front of their eyes. In a matter of seconds, Ricko spoke out to Ivin before beginning the match.

"You better not disappoint, Ivin. I want to see that same spark that you've been talking about."

And on that note, the match begin. Liz the Mime Jr. versus Jiraiya the Lucario. Who will win in this epic outcome? For the time being, Jiraiya kept his distance and begins to focus itself for the time being, glaring at the Mime Jr. with its enduring eyes of concentration. His fighting stance remain the same.

_*With that completely random appearance and then disappearance of the strange tanned man and the crowd of onlookers forming around both Liz and Ivin's fire only began to glow brighter. For Ivin this was show in a burning determination in his eyes, and the same could be said for Liz though her "burning" could be a little bit more extreme. Her eyes became a ablaze in a bluish aura as a similar aura over took her body and she began to hover but a inch off of the ground.

With Ricko playing passive it was up to Ivin and Liz to start this battle off.*_

"Liz go for his legs."

"Mime~"

_*As Ivin instructed her Liz thrust her stubble little arms forward, sending out small telekinetic burst (Confusion) toward Jiraiya's legs, hoping to knock him off balance from the start and to put him into a prime position to get hit with another of these telekinetic bursts.*_

While Liz's anticipation and determination continue to spark massive flames for the wild ride, Jiraiya remained tranquil towards his young opponent. Usually, he's in a battle against a powerful opponent, but this time its a whole different ball game. Ricko's smirk of excitement is stasis throughout the entire time as he witness how will Ivin will pull this off. Unfortunately, the difference between the two is extremely high and the chance is very slim. Yet, anything is possible even if the odds are stacked higher in one's favor. Once Ivin gave out the order for Liz to strike, that's when he sway his finger at them both.

"Tsk tsk tsk. You shouldn't be too quick on the trigger there, kid. Jiraiya, One hitter quitter his Mime Jr., but only enough to faint it."

Jiraiya: "Lu!"

The reason why Ricko and Jiraiya didn't make the first move is because his partner was already analyzing the movement patterns of the Mime Jr. while waiting for the opponent to get the "first move". Instead, he took a quick glance at how Liz was using the "Confusion" and instantly use it against him by going with the 'Me First' ability. This allowed Jiraiya to not only imitate the same exact move, but to also grant a priority strike in comparison against any of his foes unless they used a higher priority move above 'Me First'. In addition, the force behind the Lucario's 'Confusion' attack would be double the amount.

When 'Me First' triggered, Jiraiya eyes began to emit a bright yellow aura while wavering his hands in a circular motion just once. Before Liz could pull out her 'Confusion' strike at his legs, he unleash a tremendous telekinetic force wave at her. The power of his strike intensely intercept Liz's attempt and blew her away in one go. The level difference is very high as the power easily wipe her out into fainting, but not in death since it wasn't a sincere fight.

"Don't take us so lightly"

_*It was obvious by Ricko's attitude and by the way he was dragging the beginning of this battle out, practically forcing Ivin to make the first move that he had some sort of trick up his sleeve, and from judging what he said it was suppose to be a instant KO on the newbie team.

But Ivin had been watching, Elizabeth had been watching. Growing up in Dusk City keeps one very aware of there surroundings always taking note of the minute details, and as the Lucario's hands swayed just before their attack was launched both Ivin and Liz had caught on to the same thing...*_

"Looking down on us is only going to make you look like a ass in the end my friend. Show him what we can do Liz."

_*With a courageous "Mime!" in response Liz stared down Jiraiya's telekinetic wave as it completely over powered her own and made its way, charging right at her. There was no way for her to stop it, there just wasn't enough strength in her to be about to fend off an attack from someone far stronger then her, but they had their wits at there side. The crowd "gasped" as the approached her but as it got closer Liz as well as Ivin, stayed calm and collected. The aura around Elizabeth began to change from its purple glow to a yellowish shade similar to the energy that over took Jiraiya before his counter attack.

With barely anytime to spare Elizabeth would suddenly show an outstanding display of acrobatics and reaction, dodging the telekinetic burst in a ballerina like fashion spinning just out of its radius with a stylish pierawet.*_

"Mime mime~!"

_*Like the little performer she was after their little trick. Elizabeth would try to show off for the crowd, her little arms going up into the air as she smiled and bowed, "Mime~"ing all over the place.

Even Ivin smirked, happy to see their little plan had worked off. Elizabeth's reaction time was superb "copying" up to that of Jiraiya's own reaction time, when using his "Me First". The fact was that if Liz wasn't what she was this little thing wasn't going to be possible.*_

"Come on Liz, get back into the game.....it's not over yet."

"Mi!"

_*They may of been able to work they're way out of this jam but they we're still the underdogs in all this...*_

"I hope we can pull through."

Jiraiya would be right next to the little Mime. Jr, bowing alongside her. The smaller pokemon wouldn't even notice until it was focused again and would see that Lucario was no longer where it should have been. The pokemon was still a baby, but seemed to be pretty wise for its age. That would help, greatly, but it would never make up for time, effort, training, and experience. The small pokemon, no matter how wise, would not be able to keep up with Lucario's speed, especially using Quick Attack. Ricko had seen what he needed in this duo. They thought ahead, which was good, and the trainer new his pokemon. They would make it far, however, they were definitely not prepared for the harshness that was Asteroid Valley.

"You're good, kid. You'll do well in the future."

With his words, Lucario flicked Mime. Jr with a glowing hand, Bone Rush. Mime. Jr would roll back towards Ivin.

Exp Drop: 200