#don’t hate me for the poor quality this is my first attempt at gif making 😭 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ghostly-thorn · 4 years

Text

Behind The Writing - 4 - The Turrfield Gym - Uplifting Roots

🎵 A bit of Ambiance 🎵

Greetings everyone !

Coming faster than expected is this 4th Chapter. Zera takes on her very first Gym battle and I was excited as hell to write it, though I’ve had some difficulty timing everything right... I’ll explain more later on.

I hope this hasn’t decreased in quality since I (kinda) forced myself to write. For those who don’t know, my deployment in an old people’s home is coming to an end. By the 22th of May i’ll have a free week, before returning to the hospital for a 6-week internship. During that “free” week I’ll have to work on an 8-page essay to validate my semester. It’s fine on its own, the issue I have though is that I have to surrender it by June the 12th, right in the middle of my internship. I didn’t want to keep you waiting so long (considering I’ve gained such a fanbase, THANK YOU!) so I figured I should post it this weekend, come what may!!!

And here we are now. Without further do, let’s dive into this 4th BTW. Did you pick on my every references? We’ll see about that!

Starting off strongly with a hint at Rose’s true nature. I mentioned in the text that he used to be a miner. Bells would rung as he was heading to work to die a little more everyday. They were said to protect their miners, but failed to do so with Rose. I will say nothing else, just know I don’t leave stones unturned. So here’s a commission I’ve ordered from hx.storia. The title of the track that goes with this art is Artorias’ theme from Dark Souls. The rest is up to you my friends...

Our future Champion, so graceful in her sleep...

For those who haven’t seen it yet, I’ve made a post about Voice Headcanons for SwSh. In it, Milo is dubbed by Nial Horan, an irish actor. Now I know Isle of Armor is supposed to be Ireland... Or is it Scotland? I don’t remember. Either way! It’s my Fic and I’m free to do whatever I want. No, that sounded awful. Aaaaanyway. Milo is Irish and I tried my best to depict that in this Chapter, though I’m not native so it was hard at times. All of this to say that Hop tried imitating the Gym Leader. “Top of the morning” is even an irish greeting. And believe me, I’ve looked a lot of slang for this Chapter!... *sighs* the things I would do for you...

I changed a bit the texting format for this chapter as when I’ve re-read Castling I felt like something was off. Now Zera’s texts will be located on the right, whereas any recipient will be on the left. Basically, like a real phone. Also, if there are several ✉ on different lines, it means that the people is spamming. I hope this was clear enough for you on your first read.

Raihan is such a jerk... But we love him nonetheless. Blackmailing poor Zee like that... unfair. But at the same time, this marks the beginning of their relationship and BOY, do I reserve some fluff for you

In the meantime, Zera will be flushed at Raihan’s every flirt attempt. Still, she’ll resist... for now

Zera may have inherited her mother’s purple eyes and white complexion, but she did get her hair from her Father. As mentioned in another BTW, Rose comes from india where most people have straight silky hair.

Here’s another commission from the incredible M0nomercy. This will be Zera’s look for the rest of the Challenge. Make sure you remember it

I mentioned Tesco in the text. I don’t live in the UK, but apparently it’s like the local groceries store. And since I’m writing a realistic fanfic, well here it is. I’ve been to London quite a few times but I’ve never seen any, I was mostly going to Boots

I wanted to make Scorbunny evolve before he reached Turrfield. However I wasn’t planning on letting Zera rest on her laurels. Because I hate Mary Sues I try to complicate my OC’s life as much as I can. Therefore I’ve had Raboot flee into the wild.

That is the reason why I’ve had Raboot behave like an angsty teen. I haven’t watched the new anime yet. At least, like any decent fangirl I just watched the Leon and Gengar Episodes, but from the GIFs I’ve seen Gou’s Raboot is pretty much the same

The idea for the kick in Hop’s face came from this extract of Bleach, an anime you must watch. The characters are Hiyori Sarugaki (the girl) and Urahara Kisuke.

Rose came from India at a very young age. Makes sense that he would bring his own values with him, amongst them, karma.

He played the drama queen by saying he was unable to breathe and needed mouth-to-mouth, but you swiftly put him back in his place with a slap.

- “Ow!... I'm not sure that's how you treat people, Zee...”

As a Nurse I can certify. That is how we treat people

Here is best boy’s League card. Must protecc. and also the caption that reads on it

This Pokémon Trainer got endorsed to take part in the Gym Challenge by his brother—the reigning Champion, Leon. Hop claims to have watched all Leon's matches. Commentators speculate that as a result, he might be quite the force to be reckoned with. The Champion himself has said that his brother has potential, but his carefully hoarded knowledge can go to waste as he tends to get easily flustered in battle. It's said that Hop's partner Wooloo is a great help to him both in battle and with chores around the house.

I like to think that the Gym Challenger have specialty on their medias. Like their League Cards are numerically available on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and so on.

Here’s Haunter being a good boy and clapping whenever he’s happy.

All the opponent on Route 3 are the same as in the game. Even the Pokémons Zera encountered.

- “I don't care! You hurt my girlfriend and now you're gonna get bruised” (He screamed, trying to sound as menacing as a 5-year-old could be…)

You and Haunter exchanged a shocked look before bursting out in laughter, to the dismay of the boy who just wanted to be respected.

If you guessed this was a reference to the Shrek and Donkey laughing meme, well you guessed right

It could not resist commenting on all the encounters you had with wild Pokémon. Even to the extent of learning your reactions to evade your hands when it left your pocket. It was learning...

Rose’s influence throughout the country was compared to a Tentacruel’s arms. A fitting metaphor I believe. The GIF is from James Bond’s Spectre opening that you can find here. Eva Green. Mention of ghosts and unreachable tyrans? Sounds familiar...

Haunter floated above you and pretended to squint, crossing his hands like Aladdin's genie.

Can you see it? Can you see it?! I CAN! genie!Haunter is canon, fight me

If Haunter is the genie, then Raboot is Puss in boots

A woman stopped you on the way, just as massive as the previous one. She reminded you of a character from one of your favourite TV shows...

Please tell me I’m not the only one who thought of Briene of Tarth when I saw the female!Worker

Haunter after missing all his attack on Digglet

- “I can see how you made it this far” (The beastly woman spoke) “Though I must urge you to leave as soon as you can. This is no place for children”

- “Ch-Children?” (You blew a fuse and your eyes started twitching)

Brienne!Worker urging Teen!Zera to leave the mines 👀

As if by magic, the young man sensed your presence, or perhaps that of your ghostly partner, since he was a Psychic-type Trainer: a kind of human Anticipation.

Anticipation is an ability that senses the foe’s dangerous moves. Here I insinuate that Bede has the same ability since he instantly senses your presence

Bede has been adopted by the Chairman a few years ago. He would do anything to please his foster father, much like Oleana does. You’ll see that in the next Chapter “Deceiving Waters”. That is the reason why he gets so triggered when Zera mocks Rose.

I’m sorry. But Gothita looks so fucking silly... Her whole line is fucked

- “Don’t grow over your head twat. I’m just giving your Pokémon a little chance to shine, that’s all”

Then all of a sudden, a wave of calm washed over him, putting out the fire that burned inside him. He looked much more civil now.

- “Oh dear, what have I been doing? Well, whatever. Let us just get this over with”

You had totally wrecked him, yet after the utter shock cleared out he still found the courage to sound smug. He seemed to boil from inside, before throwing his head to the side and raising his fist in a clench

- “I see… Well that’s fine. I wasn’t really trying all that hard anyway”

I hoped you enjoyed Milo’s first introduction. I sure did. As I’ve mentioned before, he’s irish in here and uses quite a lot of slang (I’ve had to research for your greatest pleasure). I’m going to make a list of all the terms he’s been using and their meanings

Sham ⌦ Friend

Bang on ⌦ Right, accurate, correct

Banjaxed ⌦ to break sth, broken

Culchie ⌦ Person from rural / agricultural area

Away on ⌦ an expression of surprise

“You know it already, but my name’s Milo”

“Y-yeah…” (You muttered as he kept awkwardly shaking your hand) “You’re quite famous”

“Think so? I do not think much of myself to be honest. I’m good with raising me pokes’ in peace”

“Sounds like the best life”

“It’s a peaceful life” (He retorted in a childish grin)

Already he was shielding his face from a possible blow, yet you restrained yourself.

Afterwards you settled down on the terrace of a bar - the only one in town - to enjoy a coffee. As expected, the locals were very friendly with you, even as to serve you a second and third shot on the house.

Them Turrfy people... such good lads...

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the most gracious Pokémon Arceus has graced us with. Yamper is a good boy. No... he’s the goodest boy.

There she was, leaning against one of the railings encircling the platform. Her ginger hair was rippling under the late afternoon summer breeze. Seen like this, she looked frightfully pretty, which could only infuriate you.

- “Seems likely. It certainly looks like a gigantic Pokémon” (Sonia confirmed your theory before sighing) “I suppose people 1000 years ago could not just have imagined this, but it looks too similar to Dynamax. It can’t just be coincidence”

So in the game Sonia says 3000 ago, but I reduced it to 1000. Surely you know why...

She drew a sigh and hopped off the ledge, pacing back and forth while fiddling her hair in a familiar manner.

- “Guess I’m the lucky lady who’ll be lookin’ into that. Gran sure gives me a lot to do”

Milo’s League Card and caption

This Trainer was born as the son of farmers. He has honed his strength, stamina, and skill as a Pokémon Trainer from a young age by working together with his Pokémon. Because of his gentle nature, he has trouble going all out on weaker opponents, which is why his Gym is the first one for challengers to attempt during the Gym Challenge. He always wears his boots, as apparently they let him dig in his heels when he needs to.

As for Mareanie, she could not get a state-of-the-art bathtub this time, so you made do with it and descended to the reception desk to ask for a bucket. Surprisingly, they handed you one quite easily, claiming that during St-Patrick those buckets fulfilled another use… you were now looking at it with disgust.

Yeah you guessed it right. It’s used to collect people’s vomit.

You bounced out of bed, crashing to the ground two meters below. “Bunkbeds”, you had forgotten.

When I was little, I used to spend whole nights playing videogames with my brother. Often, during the morning I would fall off it. So I feel you Zera, me too...

Of course there would be a reference to Twilight Wings

✉ Hey-a Champ’ in the making 👑🧗🏻‍♀️

✉ Got Hop on the 🤙🏽📱. He told me you were going to face Milo today 🌿

✉ Good luck! 😁🤞🏽☘️

You sighed amorously and Haunter pulled your cheek until you came out of your trance.

Oh Haunter... you’re such a homie. Protecting your Trainer like this.

Luckily, the explanations came very quickly in the form of a short blond man with a large moustache and exorbitant eyes. He introduced himself as Dan, the Mission Manager of that first Gym. He must have been in his fifties or so and tried his best to use a bit of millennial humour... with no success.

- “Your mission... should you choose to accept it...”

👀...

You did not like being filmed however (you would be broadcasted live on Galar1), but you had no choice but to deal with it.

Galar1 is the name of the main channel of the country. As you’ve guessed it, it’s the equivalent of BBC.

A presenter's voice announced your name and origin as the mission was about to begin.

“Welcome everyone! My name is Caesar and I’ll be your host throughout the whole Gym Challenge. I’m accompanied here by Mr Crane”

“Caesar, it’s a pleasure as always.”

“Dear, the pleasure is all mine. So…” (The blue-haired host said while rubbing his hands) “What do we have here?”

“This is one of the two Champion-endorsed Challenger” (Replied his coworker while reading his sheet) “Her name is Zera”

“Zera what?”

“Just Zera” (He insisted) “We don’t know much about her except that’s she’s from the small village of Postwick”

“Where in the blazes is that?” (Ceasar unnecessarily joked)

“Eh. Somewhere deep in the South I believe”

“Well, Zera-from-somewhere-deep-in-the-south, good luck!”

I bet I made some of you squeal when you read that. To all the Hunger Games fans, *Rue sign*.

Also, Crane is a reference to Seneca Crane, the useless operator of Katniss’ first games

You were now free to carry on your way and climbed the stairs leading out of the dome. Once at the top you turned and smiled for the camera, waving to your audience. Then you left the place as they commented on your flawless performance. You were commended for your sharp and calm mind even in stressful situations.

(Hoh... you’re approaching me?)

You’ll see throughout the next Chapters, but every Gym Leader will have an “entrance music”. Obviously Milo’s had “Irish Party In Third Class”.

You backed away until you reached a mark on the second circle of the track. As you stepped on it, a red hexagonal barrier rose up all around you before instantly disappearing. These were the standard protections for Pokémon matches. Some attacks could sometimes have the unfortunate tendency to miss, and since the Trainers were behind... Oof, there had been some terrible accidents. Luckily, your father's company had managed to develop this technology to ensure the safety of any self-respecting Trainer. At least something he had done right…

Yet another idea coming from Bleach, but not entirely. Obviously I was inspired by Urahara’s Sword’s power, but also from the Pokemon Anime. During that battle with Leon, Ash or Lance (one of them) uses an overpowering Max Move that hit the audience, or would have if there hadn’t been any protections. There was this kind of red barrier that appeared and I figured why not have one for Trainers as well? It’s quite dangerous battling, but we don’t realize it. Remember in Chapter 2 when Rose had to duck to the side to avoid Volcarona’s flamethrower? Here’s a ready why safety matters.

FINALLY! MY FIRST GYM BATTLE! BOY, I WAS EXCITED

I have been listening to the track for hours on end, but never grew bored of it. The issue I’ve had though was with the timing in the song. It was a bit wonky and for the sake of realism I had to re-use timings even if you hadn’t finished listening to the track. I’m... not sure I make sense... Usually when I write, I pay attention to the song’s length and try to write so that when you read it at a normal pace you can follow with the music on. BUT I COULDN’T DO THAT HERE. So I tried to patch it up to the best of my ability... I hope this was readable nonetheless

So here’s Milo’s Team for this first encounter, at least in the game. Here in the Fic I’ve given more attacks to his Pokémon, lest the battle would have ended in two minutes. As you can see, Gossifleur’s movepool is essentially normal-type, hence why Milo tells Zera she had complicated his life. Also, he uses Protect which he can’t learn. Believe me, I’ve checked their movepools and so I had to fiddle a little...

I also gave Effect Spore, a hidden ability, to Gossifleur. We need more drama in those battles

- “Simply brilliant” (He started in a quiet voice) “But we’re not going to be done in that easy! We’re tough as weeds!”

- “Then I’ll weed you out!”

That is when the moment arrived. Milo threw his arm to the side, a white bracelet sparkling on his wrist. A red glow emanated from it and you knew what was about to happen.

- “Come on, then! It is Dynamax time! You’re about to be uprooted!”

A large 831 appeared on the screens as Milo was filmed from behind, then the camera focused on his face more determined than ever. He called his Pokémon back into battle and harnessed the power of his bracelet. His Pokéball turned pink and indented, like the pieces of a puzzle, and then it grew, growing to at least five times its size. You wondered how you could achieve the same feat. Milo had the muscles to hold such a mass, but not you! There ensued an adorable moment when he held his Ball close to him, gently tapping its surface. Then he threw the ball behind him about 20 meters away.

Then you recalled your Pokémon with a determined face.

- “So? How do you like Max Geyser?”

- “A little cold” (You teased with a smile) “But I'm not done yet!”

- “Good! That’s the spirit!... That will really leave you in shock and awe. It’s our Dynamax move, Eldegoss, Max Overgrowth!”

Winning her very first Gym Battle. you can even see the Grassy Terrain effect because of the leaf fluttering. However there was no rain when I fought Milo, which is obvious given the fact Eldegoss doesn’t know any Water-type moves

For the avid players, surely you’ve noticed the NPC present at every Gym throughout the game. She has no name but I decided to call her Gina in honor of the Character in Brooklyn Nine Nine. I had binge watched the show last year and she had been stuck in my mind for months.

And this my friend marks the end of our very own Behind The Writing. I hope you enjoyed this new post and I invite you to stay tuned for the next Chapter. Unfortunately, It might not release until mid-June, or beginning of July. As I’ve mentionned in another post, I have an essay to surrender + I’m starting a new Internship which means I’ll be real busy. Still, I’m your faithful servant and I’ll try to keep on working the next Chapter

WE’LL HAVE MORE ROSE AND ZERA INTERACTIONS THEN. And considering how much you loved the first one, I’ll be sure to give you what you need on the next Chapter! also, Zera will get to see her stepsister after 7 years, now that’s something i’m looking forward to write...

Take care!

5 notes · View notes