And so begins Barney's quest to become a Pokemon Master

[failures]

Who: Larry Butz (failures) & Barney Stinson (usedsuitup)
Where: National Park
When: January 17th, afternoon
Summary: After being in Johto for well over a year and a half, it's time for Barney to learn what being a Pokemon trainer is all about. Fortunately for him, Larry is ready to teach him the basics!
Rating: PG-13 for possible language
Log:

[A nice sunny afternoon, perfect for doing some training! Well, they could do without the cold, but what can you do when it's in the middle of January?

Larry and Barney are out near the fountain in the middle of the park, getting ready for their training. All bundled up, Larry is giving his Pokemon a pep talk, because today is a very big day for his friend. To is Barney's first day of real Pokemon training and battling. The guys had been talking about it for months now, and finally Barney agreed to get started with it.]

Alright, are you guys ready to help Barney get his trainer life going?!

[His Pokemon cheer in response. They're pretty excited about it too. After hanging out with them so long, they've kind of sensed that Barney's Pokemon were itching for some battle over the last few months, so they'll be happy to oblige once the training starts.

Larry grins and gives them a thumbs up.]

Awesome! I'm expecting 101%! Not that you don't give me that anyway.

[After giving his Pokemon some Pokemon snacks to start off their training, he turns to Barney. He's still all smiles because damn this is exciting.]

So! Ready to go, man? We've made it to the park, the weather's great...it's now or never!

Comments

[usedsuitup]

Larry, c'mon man. I've played the games. I know my stuff.

Ted, use water gun!

[And they're off!]

[failures]

[Water Gun, no surprise there.]

Growlithe, dodge it with Dig!

Grrooowww!

[Growlithe jumps up and quickly burrows herself a tunnel. The stream of water goes over the spot where Growlithe used to be.

Larry grins, glancing at Barney. Now that there's an opening to respond to their conversation, he does so.] Then what's taken you so long to get into battling here? You had fun then, didn't you?

[usedsuitup]

That was me playing a video game when I was ten. Plus, you know, battling could ruin the suit and stuff.

[He's very focused on his appearance. And the fact that the growlithe is not where it should be and what should he do next. Ted is looking at Barney confused.]

Uh....

[failures]

[In a joking manner,] What kind of excuse is that? Are you saying suddenly being in the world you loved as a kid isn't cool? And for the other excuse...dude, it's not like you're the one doing the battling.

[The faint sound of burrowing makes its way under the Totodile's feet. Noticing Barney's hesitation, Larry decides to offer a little hint before Growlithe takes the attack into her own hands.]

The cool thing about battling here is you aren't as limited to the game's mechanics. You can get a little creative!

Here, I'll give you a hint: what can Ted do to get Growlithe out from underground without attacking him?

[usedsuitup]

It is cool! It's just weird, going back to the past. I mean...

[The past doesn't really sit well with Barney for a number of reasons. But Barney will stop there and focus on the task at hand. It's a puzzle. He's good at puzzles. He was going to have a bar named Puzzles some day.]

Without attacking him, huh?

It's got something to do with the hole, right?

[failures]

I get what you're saying.

[And he really does. At least in Larry's case, this part of the past was something worth going back to.

He nods, tapping his foot to let Growlithe know that Barney has caught on.]

Yep! Use what you think'll get her out of there.

[usedsuitup]

[Barney is really trying to take this seriously. There are a lot of inappropriate comments to be made but he is holding back.]

What if I fill the hole with water?

[failures]

[Barney no. Nooooo.

Larry shrugs, attempting to play dumb. But he's being pretty obvious, considering his smirk.] I dunno. Maybe that'll do it.

[usedsuitup]

I'm going with it. Ted, use water gun....in the hole.

[Oh god. C'mon Larry you're thinking it to, is what Barney is trying to communicate. Sorta. With varying degrees of eye contact.]

[failures]

[Oh he's thinking it alright. He's just trying to look like he's not. But he's failing hard at it, and eventually snickers like hell.

Growlithe has had enough of this immaturity, and bursts out from underground before the water can even touch her. Now closer to where Barney's standing, she glares daggers at both of the trainers.

Larry can't stifle his laughter any longer.]

P-Pffft-- Sorry Ted, she's just not into you.

[usedsuitup]

[And Barney is just going to lose it right now. It is so much funnier when he thinks about it in the context of Ted Mosby.]

Air five, Larry! Air five!

[Ted, in the meantime, is just going to look around confused. He was supposed to used water gun but the growlithe is out so what he is supposed to do. Commands Barney! He needs commands!]

[failures]

[AIR FIVE IS GO.

Can these guys be any less mature? It's likely not possible.

Suddenly, Larry is all serious'd up.]

Alright Barney, I gave you some pointers, but it's game on now. Let's see what Ted can do!

[Growlithe barks in response to that. It's about time this battle got serious.]

Growlithe, hit 'im with a Take Down!

[And with that, Growlithe starts barreling at the poor Totodile. Better do something quick, Barney!]