Through the woods we ran Deep into the mountain sound

[attr="class","mtnsndb"]thunder cracks, but it's not from the heavens above; it comes from behind the tree delta had fired at. silas raises an eyebrow in response, anticipating a battle; with what, he's not too sure. "ready up." his words are void of any compassion despite the intense training delta had just done for an hour. "it's coming."[break][break]

an electabuzz bursts forth from behind the tree, THUNDER PUNCH at the ready, swinging straight for delta's jaw. an intuitive movement makes the difference as delta avoids it. she lowers herself and forces the momentum against the electric-type, RAPID SPINning so the thick of her shell hits it. the impact sends it into a nearby tree, not the same one, but one similar. a HYDRO PUMP chases after it even before it has a chance to get up, pummeling it against the bark of the tree. the stream soon stops and allows electabuzz to conjure up a LIGHT SCREEN.[break][break]

"why'd you stop?"[break][break]

his words fall on deaf ears as delta takes the full impact of an ELECTRO BALL. sparks jolt across her body, surging through as she's sent backwards, skidding against the ground. she whimpers in pain as she struggles to her feet. a defeated glance is directed at silas, as if asking him to help. their eyes lock.[break][break]

"get up."[break][break]

the electabuzz surges forward with another THUNDER PUNCH, connecting against her shell to send out a powerful wave, rippling. delta's shell had PROTECTed her just enough to allow her to turn the tide with another strong RAPID SPIN. the impact separates them, creating enough distance for her to summon forth another HYDRO PUMP. it faints after that.[break][break]

delta looks to silas and he knows she wants his approval. she craves it. but he doesn't compromise. "you got hit because you were slow. try again."

Through the woods we ran Deep into the mountain sound

[attr="class","mtnsndb"]thunder cracks, and this time it's from the heavens above. silas' comments do more than sully delta's mood and confidence; it brings with it dark clouds that start to loom. "what are you doing?" he asks but he knows. it's not the first time that delta's summoned a RAIN DANCE after a disappointing battle. and it won't be the last time either; he's sure of that.[break][break]

the first drop falls onto his cheek, soon rolling down to trace the outline of his jaw. "are you sad?" he asks, stepping forward to begin his approach. each step he takes makes her cower, whimpering further into herself. "why are you sad?" another rhetorical. he stops in front of her and it's quiet; nothing fills the air for as long as he wills it.[break][break]

that's power.[break][break]

rain pours but he doesn't bother shielding his head with his hood. he lets it drench him, like how she had drenched his mood. "pathetic. crying because of a few words i said." he sighs. "i don't think you're strong enough to be here."[break][break]

"you're better off stored in some computer."

a movement up in the skies sets him off, calling for his attention. it floats down gently, but he realizes what it is: an altaria. it carries something odd-looking in its claws. "i've given you chances to prove yourself and yet, you haven't. you continue to let me down." sighing, he takes a step back and gestures at the altaria. "go ahead. disappoint me."[break][break]

a bright FLASH CANNON erupts, shining through the gloom to catch altaria off guard. it screeches in sudden pain and surrounds itself with a SAFEGUARD as if it'd help lessen the damage. it doesn't. delta is quick with her attacks; HYDRO PUMP targets the flying-dragon and sinks it. as it smacks onto the cold, hard ground, delta is already there to greet it with a RAPID SPIN.[break][break]

battle over.

Through the woods we ran Deep into the mountain sound

[attr="class","mtnsndb"]"better."[break][break]

credit where it is due; delta deserves it. even the littlest of words manages a smile to form on her features. the dark clouds overhead started to dissipate, drifting further and further away with every passing second. "you're improving. too slowly, though." still, delta is elated at the one compliment given. nothing could dampen her mood.[break][break]

suddenly, a bolt of lighting zaps the ground, sending ripples of powerful electricity surging across the battlefield. silas is forced to stand his ground and take the brunt of the shock; delta does, too. an ELECTRIC TERRAIN engulfs the battlefield, replacing the heavy downpour. the dark clouds no longer moved; they hang in the air like a predator stalking its prey.[break][break]

and out from the shadows comes the predator. luxray's INTIMIDATE sends shivers down delta's spine. its presence changes the tone in the air. a sudden DISCHARGE sends a jolt of electricity flying straight for delta. "block it." his instructions are clear. delta turns with as much speed as she could muster, letting her shell PROTECT her. this luxray is different from the other two they've faced. it's stalking, hungry for its prey.[break][break]

silas is uncertain if this is a battle delta could win.[break][break]

"flash cannon."[break][break]

but, he won't concede.[break][break]

a FLASH CANNON erupts, shooting across the darkened battlefield to hit the luxray straight on. the impact sends it skidding back against the ground, but it remains on its feet only to fire back with a DISCHARGE. it doesn't stop there. it follows its jolt of electricity forward, chasing after it so when delta manages to evade the attack, it's there to make sure she regrets it. it CRUNCHes down on her leg, causing her to lose her balance. it circles her with quick movements, soon CRUNCHing again.[break][break]

delta's in pain. this battle's almost lost.[break][break]

"break."[break][break]

an immediate RAPID SPIN smacks the luxray away, creating enough distance for her to rotate on her shell to blast forth a HYDRO PUMP. it carries the electric-type across the battlefield. it smacks the tree with a solid thud, falling to the ground only to have a great ball consume it in its entirety.[break][break]

one. two. three.[break][break]

silas never loses.