The Nuzblog: My Nuzlocke Challenges: Storm Silver Nuzlocke

Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

Hello all, my name is Graham and this is the story of my Pokemon Storm Silver Version Nuzlocke Challenge! For those of you who do not know, Pokemon Storm Silver is a hack of Pokemon Soul Silver Version that incorporates a lot of really cool new additions to the game such as new obtainable Pokemon, new events in the story, and higher level Pokemon from Trainers and in the wild to increase difficulty.

If this is your first time seeing what a Nuzlocke Challenge is, click here for more information on Bulbapedia. The basic description of a Nuzlocke Challenge is "Pokemon on Hard mode." In this challenge, I will impose a set of rules on myself to make the game more difficult (and in my opinion, more fun).

Here are the rules I will be playing by (taken from Bulbapedia):

- Any Pokémon that faints is considered dead, and must be released (I will be putting them in a "Death" box in order to keep a capture record).
- The player may only catch the first Pokémon encountered in each area, and none else. If the first Pokémon encountered faints or flees, there are no second chances.
- The players must also nickname all of their Pokémon, for the sake of forming stronger emotional bonds.
- A black out/white out is considered to be "game over", even if there are Pokémon left in the PC.
- Dupe's Clause: If the first Pokemon encountered on a Route is a duplicate of a Pokemon that the player has already caught, the player has three chances to find a new Pokemon. If no new Pokemon is found, there is no capture for the route.
- Capture rules will not be enforced until the player has Poké Balls and can catch Pokémon.
- No catching/using legendary Pokémon.
- As another mercy rule, if the player runs into a Shiny Pokémon on the incredibly rare chance, the player may still catch it, regardless of whether or not it is the first encounter in the area. It also does not need to be released if it faints.

With these rules in mind, and with hopes that I will be able to kick butt on my first public Nuzlocke, I will dive right in to Pokemon Storm Silver Version!

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

Well, here I go! I booted up my DeSmuME and loaded up the hack. I was greeted by the same intro I have come to love and am ready to dive in!

The hack does not have a different title screen than the original game, but you will quickly see the differences that start to appear.

Told ya. I'm going to skip ahead to the finished product of the introduction. This is a Pokemon, mass migration to cause great variety in Pokemon, differences in how you will raise them, blah blah blah, please just let me play.

Hell yes.

Let's get started.

Awesome! I walked downstairs and my mom just handed me running shoes, the bike, and the GB Sounds. That is already an improvement. Having running shoes from the start is going to cut down my frustration a ton. And Professor Elm wants to give me a gift? Cool! It must be my birthday or something.

When I walked outside, Lyra (the female character choice and one of the characters in the game) and her Marill walked on by, but I have bigger fish to fry. Wow, this brings back memories from playing Silver Version as a kid. I can see that red-haired kid staring in creepily at the professor, but for now, we won't bother him.

You need someone to help with Pokemon research? And get something from Mr. Pokemon? And you would like me to take a Pokemon? Can I do that? Of course I can! But which one will I take...

...

....

That's right! Blake the Totodile! With a Quiet nature, his Special Attack will be elevated, but his speed decreased. Not great, not terrible, I can work with this. I think we will be great friends, Blake!

And what's this?! Guts!? One of the best abilities? Awesome! I think we will do good together. So, off we go! Into the wild blue yonder! ... After we show you to mom and get our Pokegear back.

That's OK buddy. Soon enough.

Current Team:

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Day 2: A Day of Surprises

Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

And so, the journey continues. Blake and I are ready to tackle Route 29, the famous route of Pokemon no one likes (and consequently the route most Nuzlocke's get much of their character from; check out Marriland's Heart Gold Wedlocke on Youtube for an example). Going into this route, I was not sure what the hack would bring.

Very cool. Generation III Pokemon making an appearance for my very first encounter. Unfortunately, no Poke Balls yet. So, might as well battle it out.

Worth it. Blake got a new attack and I learned something new. The creators of the hack, in addition to creating new events in the story and putting new Pokemon to catch, have given certain Pokemon moves that they did not previously have or have changed the time at which Pokemon learn moves. I was very surprised when the Wurmple I just slew used Bug Bite on me. In Generation IV games, Wurmple did not learn Bug Bite until Level 15. Woah. I almost regret not being able to catch that Wurmple. Almost.

The third encounter of the day was another brilliant surprise. A Generation VI Pokemon, wild in Johto?! Awesome! Once again, still no Poke Balls. Oh well.

By the time I reach Cherrygrove City on the way to Mr. Pokemon's house, Blake has put in work. It appears that the new Pokemon on the routes (with higher levels and varieties that yield more experience per battle) have treated Blake nicely. And now, he can Rage.

Aw, man, I don't want the grand tour, old man! I have heard this a million times. I know what a Pokemon Center is, I already have the running shoes you are supposed to give me, what could I possibly

Thank you, sir. I had a lovely time on the tour. (Apparently, the Old Rod catches more than Magikarp in this game!!! But we will try that later on).

Nope.

Yeah.

I would like some

Dammit. Still can't catch anything yet. Well I guess we should go to Route 30 and get to Mr. Pokemon's house.

Wait, son!

Can you be my grandpa? You are so helpful and good to me. Anyways, onward!

And Generation I Pokemon still sticking it out. So far I have run into at least one Pokemon from each of the four generations that this hack includes. I am impressed. Alas, goodbye, battle fodder.

Oh...Thanks...I'll just um....I'll just go...

Quick, steal his fruit, Blake!

Anyways, Blake and I trekked until we got to Mr. Pokemon's house. When we got there, there was something beyond all comprehension there that threw me for a loop...

...

Holy crap it's pink!!!

...

Oh hey, and the Champion of the Sinnoh Elite Four. Wow, and she knows your name. How does everyone know your name when you appear to just be setting out on a journey for the first time? Maybe you were an honors student and your name was in the paper or something. Anyways, she tells you a story about the Legendary Trainer who travels across Johto and Kanto capturing every Pokemon known to man. Foreshadowing? Nope, this is a Nuzlocke. Either way, she is here studying archeological sites that have significance to this legend. She also says you remind her of a trainer from back in Sinnoh. That's pretty neat. And she says you have potential. And you wanna give us something to help us? What is it?

What?! An Eevee? Fantastic! Little Axel is also Quiet. What a cutie. Maybe he will grow up to be something with lots of Special Attack. Maybe we will aim to evolve him into a Jolteon or Glaceon or something. That will be sick. Thank you Cynthia! Are you excited to be coming with me and Blake, Axel?

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

We are back! After getting our new friend Axel from Cynthia, we enter Mr. Pokemon's house.

Mr. Pokemon was delighted that we came. He talked to us for a little bit and we had tea and cookies. Axel and Blake rested for awhile while Mr. Pokemon explained that this Mystery Egg was nothing like he had ever seen. We graciously accepted the task of delivering it to Professor Elm.

Professor Oak was also delighted to meet us too. He watched Blake and Axel while Mr. Pokemon and I were talking. The professor was very impressed with how much our Pokemon, even baby Axel, already cared for us. He entrusted us with the newest version of the illustrious Pokedex, another great honor.

As we left Mr. Pokemon's house, our Pokegear started ringing. Uh oh. We better hurry back.

Oh god! Almost cut down in his prime! Axel bravely jumped in front of Blake and I when a Weedle tried to use Bug Bite on us! The critical hit almost brought Axel to his knees, but with renewed courage, Axel fought off the rogue Pokemon and came out victorious!

As the race to New Bark Town continued, a stranger...no, wait...the kid from the lab! The kid from the lab ran into us! And he called us weak! How dare he? How can anyone be so cocky!

And also so wrong. Blake absolutely wrecked his Chikorita. Poor thing, but hey, this kid asked for it.

No way, dude. That title is reserved for me.

Wait! You dropped your

Jerk. If a policeman asked me if you committed a crime and what your name was I would totally rat you out.

Karma.

(For those of you wondering why I chose Ian, I always name my rivals Ian after my little brother.)

After the whole investigation was over, I gave the Professor the egg. He was pretty baffled by it, which was pretty cool. To think I was holding an egg that no one had ever seen before. Wow. Oh, Mom wanted to see me! She will probably be torn up when she hears I'm going...

Or she will encourage me to leave.

But she will start me a bank account. Which is good. Bye Mom, love you.

As we headed back out to Route 29, we met Lyra on the road. She offered to show us how to catch Pokemon, even though I already know how. Doesn't everyone? She demonstrated really fast though, she will probably be a great Trainer.

She knows us so well. Either way, time to catch us a Pokemon! What will it be? Maybe a Wurmple, or Starly, or

...

Eh. Not my first choice, but she seems pretty sharp. Axel, now trained up a little, takes this battle.

And quick as a flash, we have a Bidoof!

This country gal is itching to go. She seems a bit scatterbrained, but I'm pretty sure this sturdy, quick little bundle of fur will be an asset to our team. Welcome to the family Talula! Ready for some intense training before we head out?

...Nothin. Oh well. At least she doesn't bite.

(Grinds)

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

Today we continue our journey to the first Gym in Violet City. Since we are spending the night in Cherrygrove and Blake wanted to go swimming, I decided to try my hand at night fishing.

As I reel in my catch, I can't wait to see what it will be...

...

A Magikarp...that knows Reversal?! And Tackle and Bubble?! And not Splash!? Cool!

Welcome to the team, buddy!

This is not the Magikarp with the entry in the Pokedex as the most useless Pokemon in the world. Although he is Gentle, his Swift Swim ability and future huge power lead me to believe he feels very much like a misunderstood superpower. So, we will call you Hancock. You ready to go bud?

Ooh, should probably heal you first. And get you a goldfish bowl.

And so we head to Route 30 to meet none other than the famous Youngster Joey with his "top percentage" Rattata.

First Trainer battle other than rival, check. Gain experience, check. Crush kids dreams, check. But Joey was not the only annoying Trainer on this road. We also met Carly Rae Jepson.

Maybe. Not.

*Walks away*

Finally, after much running about and training along the way, we reach Route 31. I am stoked for another encounter. Who will be our next friend?

...

A Kakuna? I have never ever used one ever. Not even back when I played Red, Fire Red, and Silver. I just don't really know how I am going to train you. Either way...

Welcome to the team Quince! When we get to the Violet City Pokemon Center, we will give you a proper checkup.

Hello Lyra. Yes I did beat you here! Really? More gifts? Thank you very much.

And now safely inside Violet City, let's take a look at Quince.

I'm digging the ability there buddy. And I have never met a Gentle Kakuna before. And as soon as you evolve into a Gentle Beedrill you can run all you want. I just don't know how we can get you to evolve into a Gentle Beedrill...

Convenience.

Eh. I mean, it's almost time for me to turn in but sure. Why not?

Yes

13 feet and 1 inch

Oh hell yeah.

Hello beautiful. You may be Mild natured, but I'm glad you have that fighting spirit!

But it is almost bedtime. Lets go for one quick walk outside before bed.

...

Ahhhhh!

...

No...Talula...Axel and I were just walking and it came out of nowhere...You saved us....

I won't be sleeping tonight. Rest easy Talula.

She was so young. And so full of life. This little country girl had a spring in her step and more courage in one Bidoof paw than most Bibarel have in their whole bodies. You were our first real capture. And now you can run around with all the other Bidoof in heaven.

R.I.P. Talula

Level 4 - Level 9

...

...I can't let this happen to anyone else...

...

...You will be avenged...

(Grinds through the night)

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

I didn't sleep last night. Before we go any further, we need to take a few days and collect ourselves, train up, and be ready to go.

Holy crap, what is it with these damn Spinarak?! They already took one of our team members away, no more!

What?

Needless to say, the Spinarak got wrecked.

Take it easy buddy, you just evolved! I am very impressed with you. And that Sniper ability is going to come in handy. I will do my best to train you up to be the best Beedrill you can be.

Later that night, Blake, Axel, and I were out, doing some one on one training. Blake was starting to feel under the weather, I was afraid he had picked up some poison from a Spinarak we had encountered earlier (we were both a little hungry for revenge). But something remarkable happened...

...

Woah! A golden Bellsprout! That's incredible! I quickly decided that we needed to catch this guy. In the wild, shiny Pokemon are occasionally kicked out of large family groups because they are too easy to spot, and this guy was no exception.

And with a little help from Axel, we succeeded!

Nice to meet you Victor! Welcome to the team. I can imagine why you are so vain, look at you! I am honored to have you as a part of the family!

What a goof.

(Grinds)

...

She's watching over us guys...we miss you Talula...

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

After training for a full day, the team decides that its time to move on to our first big challenge of our journey: The Sprout Tower. This spot is a place of training and meditation that is rumored to be held up by a 100 foot tall Bellsprout. Aim for the stars, Victor!

The tower sways back and forth, but lots of Pokemon and people inhabit the structure. Our capture for this area is close. Then out of the shadows...

...

A Rattata. Although a common Pokemon, trainers like Marriland have proved that this little runt can grow into a powerhouse. Do you want to come with us?

He was a little reluctant, but with some convincing from Quince, Felix joins the family!

This little guy will probably not be joining our immediate team, but he will spend some time with Professor Elm in case we need some backup on our journey. I am thinking some target training will be in order considering your ability.

Very attentive. A good quality for you. Let's call Mom to make sure she can pick you up from Professor Elm.

That's OK Mom. I'll pick that up later.

After dropping Felix off at the Pokemon Center, the team forges their way through the tower, picking up useful items and experience along the way. We got out of a few tough spots. We will probably need another day of training after this before we take on Falkner at the Violet City Gym.

Another close call. Winnona is a tough cookie. A Potion or two will fix her right up.

Uh oh. Ian. I didn't know he was here. I guess I should have known when he headed into Cherrygrove City after our battle.

I mean, I could have told him that. He let his Chikorita get absolutely wrecked by Blake.

What a jerk. He would probably laugh at me if he knew I was training up Hancock.

And gone before I could even battle him. Oh well. The Elder handed him something before he left. I wonder if I will get a prize if I win.

A long battle, but we manage to make it out with some pretty kick butt moves. Blake and Axel probably get the MVP award with Bite, but Winnona's Ember is a close second.

Well, I suppose that if I had to choose, I would want a Glaceon. But I would have to travel all the way to the Sinnoh region to train with him near Snowpoint City.

What?! A piece of ore from the Ice Rock?! Thank you so much! I promise I will do my best!

Back at the Pokemon Center, I take the ore out of my bag. It's so cold I had to hold it in my hat.

"Axel, do you want to be a Glaceon?"

Axel! He took the ore out of my hat with such assurance and joy that I knew this was what he wanted. He proceeded to aim some Icy Wind my way to dispel some of the excess energy from evolving. Falkner better watch out.

This is a new ability for a Glaceon! This will definately help all of his Ice type moves and maybe he will start to act serene.

Odd. I thought you had a Quiet nature. Hah. Alright guys. Time to rest for the day. Tomorrow we train for the Violet City Gym.

(Team update tomorrow)

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

So today, we have some work to do. This is going to be a training day and a battle day. We will only train up a little bit for the Gym, so I think that tackling the previously unexplored Dark Cave on Route 31 will be a great way to do that.

Another gift from Elder Li at Sprout Tower comes in handy in the cave. Quince lights the place up perfectly!

I'm not usually a fan of being in enclosed spaces, but this cave is spacious and Quince's light illuminates the high ceiling and the cave aquifers. As we venture in, we encounter our first Pokemon.

...

A Bronzor will be a great backup for my team. I wont take it on with Winnona, it would get wrecked. So Victor, give me a hand?

Great job Victor! And welcome Haung! Let's head to the Pokemon Center and get you checked out.

Heatproof? I did not expect that at all. Winnona probably would have actually had trouble with you rather than had an easy win. With your increased defense and low number of weaknesses, you will become a wall if you ever join the team. But for now, are you excited to go see Mom?

It's OK Haung. Even if you are not part of the team, Mom and Professor Elm will make sure you have a great time at home. I'll call soon.

At the Pokemon Center, I ask Nurse Joy to give the Pokemon a full checkup to make sure they are ready to tackle the gym. Joy comes back with the report. All healthy, except it appears that the cold that Blake developed earlier this week is something called Pokerus. Worried, I call Professor Elm to see what I can do.

Phew. That was a scare. Either way, I make sure that they rest up for a few hours before we head out.

This is it. The first gym of the Johto region. Leading with Axel, newly evolved, we make our way in.

The few Trainers in the gym do not put up a challenge at all. The training that we have done really helped the team be prepared for the challenge. And being up so high makes the battles all the more fun.

It's finally time. Our first ever Gym Battle. Against Falkner, who quickly goes out of his way to make sure that we know that he means business.

Leading with a Doduo?

No problemo.

Your chances of winning this battle are Farfetch'd.

Swablu might be black and blue after this battle.

Winnona was itching to get in the battle. And against his next Pokemon, a Chatot, I thought Winnona would have her chance to shine.

Holy crap. That was too close. Blake tags in to finish the battle out. The Chatot

knocks Blake off of the platform with an uproar! Blake! No! He falls down three stories to the ground.

"Blake! Are you OK?"

I hear a weak reply. We need to finish this quickly and get down there.

Axel is furious. He annihilates Chatot and Murkrow, but takes a lot of damage in the process. Breathing heavily, he faces his last opponent. Falkner's prized Pidgeotto.

Falkner, although dumbfounded by the power of my Pokemon and shocked by Blake taking the fall, believes that he is now going to take the lead.

One hit knock out. Game, set, match.

My attention turns to Winnona. Ever since she was tagged out she has been watching Blake on the floor of the complex. She is shaking. But suddenly she starts to glow and change.

Winnona, now a powerful Charmeleon, lets out a Dragon Rage and leaps down the three story gap, landing feet away from Blake. She cradles him in her arms, trembling, and roars again in Falkner's direction. Falkner's eyes widen as he realizes what has happened.

"Graham...I-I'm so sorry...I didn't...I never..." he stammers as he holds out his hand with the Zephyr Badge.

I take the Badge and turn away without a word. I run down as fast as I can and take Blake from Winnona and carry him towards the Pokemon Center. He is so weak. His body is broken although his fighting spirit remains. He is breathing, but only just.

I remember checking my messages after that night and hearing Professor Elm congratulate me on my victory and send his well wishes. He also gives me a new assignment. But I'll worry about that later.

The whole family sleeps by Blake's bed in the Pokemon Center that night. I hold his hand as he sleeps. At about three in the morning, I wake up to feel him squeezing my hand. As I look up at him, he nods his head as if to say, "Don't stop trying." I nod back, tears in my eyes. His eyes close, he drifts off, and is gone. Sleep easy buddy.

My first Pokemon. My favorite training partner and the leader of our little group of friends. He fought hard, and played harder. You were Axel's big brother, Talula's inspiration, Hancock's idol, Quince's guardian, Winnona's training buddy, and Victor's best friend. Your performance carried our little team through countless battles even in the short time we knew you. You will be so missed and so loved.

R.I.P. Blake

Level 5 - Level 17

After the funeral, I came back from getting Haung from Mom to see Axel training with Hancock. Winnona, Quince, and Victor were watching the battle intently, following each movement as much as they could. I can't help but smile as Haung floats over and starts to do the same. Although Blake will never be forgotten, Axel has stepped up. And welcome to the team Haung. You two have big shoes to fill.

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

It took some time to readjust after Blake passed. Axel took to leading right away and didn't leave my side. Haung got stronger with each battle and soon was a contender against any other Pokemon in our party. But we realized that we had to keep going. With Talula and Blake in mind, we decided that it was time to head south towards Azalea Town.

Before we left, Axel and I left to pick up the egg from Professor Elm's assistant. To be honest, I probably will send it to Mom for a while. She is much better at the maternal stuff than me.

When we left the Mart, a lady in a kimono approached us.

It was almost as though the egg was hers. She disappeared without a trace after I looked away for a second.

Huh. It doesn't seem like a really special egg...Oh well. Soon.

With our Pokemon rested and ready to go, Axel and I head out to Route 32 heading south, picking Apricorns and battling Trainers along the way. While walking along, we hear a rustling from the grass. What could it be?

...

Cool! Nincada's evolutions are a force to be reckoned with, so this little guy will make a great partner!

Axel, proving his mettle over and over! Welcome to the family Mason.

Mom has been looking for another Pokemon to help around the house after Haung left. Does that sound good Mas...hey Mason what have you got there...You found a Soothe Bell? Cool! Thank you so much for finding that, I didn't even see it over there in the trees.

Thanks bud. I'll see you soon.

After Blake passed, Hancock has been training nonstop. I have never seen a Pokemon so determined to fill another's shoes, and Hancock is determined to make Blake proud. So after an immense amount of training, Blake has gained a lot of power. So much that...

Oh, wow.

Watch out, Ian. This Pokemon is a force to be reckoned with now.

But he is a gentle giant for me. I'm proud of you, Hancock.

With Hancock evolved, we trained tirelessly. By the time we reached the Union Cave Pokemon Center, we were ready. After a good, long rest tonight, we will tackle the cave on our quest to reach Azalea Town and the next Johto region Gym.

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

As we head into Union Cave, this is who we have with us: Storm Team Six!

Axel: The Leader

Met: As an Eevee, Route 30, Gift From Cynthia

Evolution: Violet City

Bio: Although typically quiet and unassuming, Axel has become the leader of this motley crew. With Special Attack that sends enemies packing, Axel has proven himself the undisputed MVP of this little team so far. He is most noted for almost single-handedly taking down Falkner's entire team at the Violet City Gym.

Hancock: The Titan

Met: As a Magikarp, Cherrygrove City, Caught with the Old Rod

Evolution: Route 32

Bio: Hancock hard a hard time while training. His attacks never seemed to do enough to enemies and his defenses always left him pretty vulnerable. Watching Blake (now passed) he gained the courage to try his best and finally evolved into the monstrosity that he is today. With amazing Attack power and thick scales to protect him from Special Attacks, he is sure to be a tank. Although he looks menacing, this powerful Pokemon is actually quite gentle.

Quince: The Gunner

Met: As a Kakuna, Route 31, First Encounter

Evolution: Route 31

Bio: Quince is a gentle soul with tons of energy. Before he evolved, he was virtually silent. With the help of an Exp. Share, Quince evolved into a Beedrill and was able to outshine the competition. His wide variety of moves and ever present Sniper ability ensure critical hits that have been able to floor most Pokemon it encounters. Quince loves to fly around and is as gentle as his best friend, Hancock.

Winnona: The Warrior

Met: As a Charmander, Violet City, Gift From Quiz Master

Evolution: Violet City Gym

Bio: Winnona is one of the toughest Pokemon you will ever meet. With incredible moves that can cripple just about anything, her signature Dragon Rage is her go-to attack. Her balanced traits give her a lot of edge on Pokemon that may have a disadvantage in one or many categories. She never turns down a fight, but is often mild-natured during training. She loved Blake like a sister loves a brother and evolved to help him during his last moments.

Victor: The Specialist

Met: As a Bellsprout, Route 31, Special Encounter

Evolution: Seems Close to Evolving

Bio: Victor was cast out of his group of Bellsprout when he was very young. While wandering Route 31, he encountered our team and was captured. This little shiny, while looking as special as he does, has incredible defensive power to make up for his other lower stats. He is always calm in battle and uses his many special moves to debilitate his foes.

Haung: The Wall

Met: As a Bronzor, Dark Cave, First Encounter

Evolution: Not Yet, Stable

Bio: Haung was disappointed when he was initially sent to New Bark Town while the team took on the Violet City Gym. Before the battle, Haung had been promised a spot on the team if anything ever happened, and due to Blake's untimely death, he got his chance. With ridiculous Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, this little Heatproof Steel-Psychic type takes very little damage from most attacks.

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

It feels like it has been a long time since we made a new friend. How fitting that the Union Cave is the next stop on our journey. The team ventures in, on the route to Azalea Town.

Before the migration, this cave was mostly home to Zubat and Geodude, or so the lore goes. I wonder what we will find after this great migration...

...

Wow a little powerhouse! Makuhita, you will make an excellent partner.

He seems laid back, but also seems like he would like to goof off every once in awhile.

Welcome to the family, Oswald! And good job helping me with the capture Victor!

...Victor?

Good for you Victor! You have gone from a little Bellsprout to a more powerful Weepinbell! We will keep training hard to help you evolve!

On second thought, maybe you ought to rest awhile. Hancock, take the lead.

Even with his relatively limited move pool, Hancock now tears through Hikers and Firebreathers like nobody's business!

The variety of Pokemon in Johto after this migration never ceases to amaze me. However, not a first encounter, so show them what you are made of Haung!

That's my Bronzor.

The long trek through the cave leads to Route 33, only a stone's throw from Azalea Town. We will avoid a capture now, since our Pokemon are tired, but we will return.

Team Rocket...why does that ring a bell?

Apparently this guy thought that the team had broken up...huh. I feel like I have heard about them but not as much as I should have. Oh well. Better move along and not disturb them for now.

This guy just taught me how to teach our Pokemon the move Shock Wave. Even though I do not have any Electric types right now, it could come in handy in the future.

Heck yeah I do! If you are anything like the guy in Violet City I definitely do.

Yes.

No.

Yes.

Cool! I love the Hoenn starter Pokemon. Although I am partial to Treecko, I think Victor's typing is more beneficial to us. So...

Welcome to the team Darius! You seem strong for a little Mudkip. A tough little body with humorous tendencies and a goofy grin. A good pick.

That's probably the charcoal makers down the street. We can go check them out soon.

Stopping by the shop, we got a package from Mom with some new Berries. She sent a note that said she would do this pretty often, but she may send some other stuff from time to time. Well, for now, it's time to rest at the Pokemon Center.

I saw Hancock looking off out of the window wistfully towards the direction of the sea...I don't know if he is feeling good about staying with the team. Now that he has evolved, he didn't seem one hundred percent in the battles in Union Cave. I think I'm going to sleep on it tonight to see if tomorrow he seems better...

(Team Update Tomorrow)

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

After sleeping on the idea of sending Hancock home, I have come to absolutely no decision whatsoever. I don't think that I will be able to post a team update with Hancock so on the ropes. However, I decided that it may be time to start training up a backup Pokemon and go for a couple more encounters.

My encounter for Route 33 is a little Aipom. This brings back memories from when my dad told me about his travels through Johto. He had an Ambipom named Layla who he ended up trading to my Mom when they first met. So, this little guy may bring me the same success that he had.

Excellent! Leon is our newest partner!

And what a great ability! Although he may be a little scatterbrained, he seems really nice.

Maybe I spoke too soon! He may be Bashful but he is not afraid to be frisky.

As we were training, I decided to bring Darius along. Back in Union Cave, he started making quicker and quicker work of the Sandshrew and Geodude. When all of a sudden...

A Marshtomp! After training for only a day, we have another contender Water type...hmmm....

I got a call from Falkner during training. He apologized over and over, asking if there was anything he could do. I swallowed my pride and told him I was OK. I just told him to send my Mom some flowers to put on Blake's grave back in New Bark Town. He said it was the least he could do.

Later that day I got a call from Mom that both Talula and Blake's funeral expenses were paid in full by an anonymous source...Thank you Falkner.

Still unsure of what to do with the team, I decided to take some of these Apricorns that I had been collecting over to Kurt, hoping that I could get some cool new Pokeballs out of the deal. However, he told me about Team Rocket and I immediately knew that I had to do something, especially when he told me this disturbing fact...

Holy crap! A guy on the other side of Union Cave said he was selling SlowpokeTails, but I thought they were a gimmick item. That's morbid.

He charged off without another word after I told him I had seen that goon standing by the top of the well. His granddaughter asked me to follow him since he was getting old, so I set out.

When we arrived, no people could be found, but I did hear a strange sound coming from the bottom of the well...

Since night had fallen, I camped out under the stars with my Pokemon to make sure nothing happened.

Tomorrow, we will venture down.

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

Today we awoke to calls coming out of the well. They are muffled but the voice is familiar...Let's head down.

The well is rumored to be one of the epicenters of all Slowpoke activity, maybe our first encounter will be in the form of a Slowpoke.

And here is the source of the cries: Kurt. He hurt his back coming down. I started back up the ladder to get help, but he insisted I go on ahead and that his treatment can wait.

I will do the best I can Kurt. Here we go.

Try all you want, you can't win.

My first encounter for the Slowpoke Well was not far away...

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A Zubat...well, a good Flying and Poison type is never something to scoff at. Axel, Quick Attack!

Well, that may have been a little much...but that's OK. Good job Axel. We'll get the next one. Make sure you keep up that power while we are battling Team Rocket.

That's my Glaceon.

Uh oh. Better prepare for an intense battle!

Bring it on Proton!

Winnona definitely stepped up for this battle. Although Proton protested the whole time, her Dragon Rage and Ember absolutely ripped through his team.

I came here to protect Pokemon. And that means beating you to a pulp.

I'll do my best. You better hope I don't find you again.

After getting the old man back on his feet, Kurt and I bandaged up the Slowpoke. It was hard to look at, but I forced myself to make sure that I helped every one I could find. Kurt invited me back to his home after we were done.

Thank you sir. I just hope that I don't have to deal with that kind of Pokemon cruelty anytime soon.

After going back to the Pokemon Center, I found Hancock and Darius in the Pokemon Center Pool. Darius seemed furious at Hancock for some reason. When I asked Nurse Joy what was going on, she said that Darius had challenged Hancock to a battle and that after Hancock had refused, Hancock had flipped Darius with its tail. When Darius had confronted The Titan again, Hancock did the same deny-and-drop routine.

When I asked Hancock why he didn't want to fight, I could see from the look in its eyes that he didn't feel fulfilled. I asked him what he wanted to do. He looked longingly towards the Transfer System machine over by the front desk. All at once I knew what he wanted to do. He needed time to grieve. He didn't want to fight because he was constantly reminded of Blake, his old mentor. I immediately called Mom and made preparations.

Before the team set out, I said goodbye to Hancock. He was headed home to work for Professor Elm as a transport Pokemon between New Bark Town and the Pokemon League. There he would have time to grieve and think about what he wanted to do in the future.

With that, we welcome a new member to the immediate team, and set out once again.

Current Team:

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Pokemon Storm Silver Nuzlocke Challenge!

After Hancock went home, Darius took very little training to quickly become the Water type battler of our team. His dual Ground typing makes him a good match for Electric type battles too. With our team dynamic newly shifted, we prepare to take on Bugsy, with his Bug type Gym.

We return to see Kurt before we head over to the Gym. He has four Heavy Balls for us, fashioned out of Black Apricorns. He wishes us luck in the future and gives us some advice: "That Scyther of his is legend in these parts. It hasn't lost a battle in a couple of years. Take that one down and you are home free." Thank you Kurt.

For this Gym, we decide that the best strategy will be to go in with Winnona until Haung and Axel are needed and can tag in.

This creepy crawly Gym is filled with cool spider mechanisms that lead to lots of Trainers. Leading with Winnona, we dive in.

With the newly learned Fire Fang, we are met with nothing but success.

As Winnona tires, we are met with a double battle from a pair of twins. Axel and Haung take it on and win no problem.

When we reach Bugsy, I am surprised by how young he is and how prestigious his titles are.

And with that, we dive into the battle. I like a no nonsense kid.

They go down quick. Butterfree, Beedrill, Heracross, Pinsir, Yanma, all go down to a Fire Fang, Extrasensory, or Aurora Beam.

Then, the monster comes out. I had asked a couple of Trainers coming in what their experiences were with this Pokemon. One told me about a Firebreather who came in with a Magmar and came out with an amputee. Another told me about a Hiker whose entire team was finished off by the Scyther alone. Swords Dance is apparently its signature move. So Axel is all ready to go.

One Aurora Beam was all it took. This threat went down all too quickly.

And Bugsy was clearly impressed.

He awards us with a badge. After the traumatic time we had with Falkner, this restores my faith in my ability to compete on my quest to the Pokemon League.

He asks me if I have visited the Ruins of Alph, where he has been researching. I realize that even though I was in Violet City for so long I never dropped in. And didn't even get an encounter. We head back together and I take the opportunity to fish.

First bite of the night! What's it gonna be?

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That's the first time that I have had to invoke the Dupe's Clause. Hopefully I will be able to get away with something like a Goldeen...

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What the heck?! A Dratini?! That's incredible! And with an Old Rod? No way. Help me out, Haung.

Awesome job Haung. And welcome to the team Zane!

When you grow up you are going to be incredible. With your drive to win, you will be nothing but an asset to the team.

I'm sorry you are tired little dude. But we gotta head back to Azalea Town. When we get there, we decide to check out the Ilex Forest, but someone was waiting for us...

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