@Ariamis@DarkwolfX37(The last because potentially spying, without which there may not even have been reason to write this NPC fight XD)
Victoria looked annoyed as Su jumped off, frowning after them. ‘Tsk, I’m the one challenging you!’ … Though, then her focus turned to Helga, who was introducing herself. Victoria regained her grin. ‘Oh, well, you’ll do.’
Then… Helga blasted herself off towards Victoria with monstrous speed using her sound-cannons. ‘Wha-o,’ Out of nowhere, a shield of ice sprouted in front of Victoria while her arms made a cross to block the attack. Helga at that speed was way too powerful to be stopped by a mere sheet of ice, and promptly slammed through it. Upon impact, a burst of cold emanated from the shield before it in turn shot back into Victoria, who was launched back towards a building. However, despite the speed she was hit with, Victoria regained control in mid-air and kicked her legs and leaned one gauntlet back into the building, where ice froze around her feet and hand in such a way she was now solidly attached to the wall. She grinned at Helga.
‘Right! Okay, yeah, you’re probably faster and stronger than I am, hahaha! Stronger than me I’m used to, but faster? Woah. So this is a Magical Girl. Hahaha…’ Victoria grinned, somewhat. ‘Yet, you’ll fall to the same trick as monsters will, won’t you?’
… Upon impact with Victoria’s shield a burst of cold had shot out, and it was now settling on Helga. She’d feel the cold ice in the atmosphere attaching itself to her muscles, cold and crystalizing, seeking to restrain her movements. Not a lot right now, it had only been one impact, but it was there and promised to be a pain if the fight turned long.
Victoria manifested a longsword of ice in each gauntlet, long and beautiful, smiling at her opponent. ‘En garde~!’
If Helga had continued to hunt after Victoria after the first blow, then Victoria would have made her speech while on the defensive, dodging and creating blocks of ice to defend herself as Helga pursued, each hit to an icy blockade sending another burst of ice to collect around her and seeking to freeze her muscles and joints. If Helga paused after realizing the effect Victoria’s ice was having on her, then Victoria instead went on the offensive, slicing with swords of ice and hitting with gauntlets, not intending to let Helga have the chance to brush off Victoria’s ice or think of another strategy to counter Victoria’s strategy…
The eyepatched girl was already part-way turning around when Su floated up, lifting her metal hands in case she needed them in battle. Her one visible eye widened as Su threw the flash-stone. She lifted her huge metal hand in the direction, and from within her huge coat pieces of metal slunk out and flew to meet the stone… and then it flashed hard. ‘ACK!’ she made a noise.
Then, Su flew into the neighboring window. She came into an apartment with nothing of note, just bookshelves and couches and a TV, but a door deeper into the building and a path to where she had left the girl behind. She pressed on to search-
‘KAH!’ A giant metal hand burst through the wall between the girl and Su, the eyepatched bunny-coat girl grinning widely as she came through with quite a bit of wall debris. ‘TOO BAD! WRONG TARGET FOR A FLASHBANG! NOT VERY EFFECTIVE! HAHAHAHA!’ Saying so, the girl swiped with her metal hand, which was significantly larger than before and covered a significant amount of the height of the apartment. It seemed at first that she was too far away to hit with the swipe, the girl’s metal manipulation on her her own limbs extended the arm and thereby the swipe, intending the giant metal hand to tear through furniture and Magical Girl alike. While her visible eye was red and partly closed after the flash, she didn’t seem to be particularly pained by it, and neither did she seem blinded. Su had her job cut out for her yet.
The Shion that had gotten closer to peek at the skeleton army and possibly the fight suddenly felt a shill of cold and notice another Victoria alike the one fighting had walking in beside her, identical to the one down there currently fighting Helga. Now, duplication should not be a foreign concept to Shion, but still. Another Victoria was right there beside her all of a sudden, smiling slyly at her.
‘We’ve picked out a few suitable spots,’ Freya said, looking out over the vast table in this dining hall of Mariette’s new gothic mansion HQ. Numerous girls were gathered in this dreary room, lit by a luminescent glow emitted from the floor. It was Mariette, Freya, Suzette and Tullia. None of the latter three girls were transformed, which most likely made them look out of place in this shiver-inducing place to call home. Mariette, the only one transformed, simply stood as always, clutching her bunny. She looked over the noted which the kimono-clad Freya had presented, letting the others talk, only speaking when needed to.
‘However, the town is, rather frankly, a mess.’ Freya continued.
‘Messes are good for us, makes it easier to act without being noticed,’ Suzette giggled a little, looking over the map.
‘Normally, I’d agree,’ Freya looked to Suzette. ‘Except there are powerful forces creating said mess. They’re unpredictable, and if they turned on us at the wrong moment we might be facing a force we’d have trouble contending with. As it is, our operation faces risks from unknown forces that’d attack just for the sake of it.’
‘Oooh, scary. Very well, then,’ Suzette kept a smile, looking over the map.
‘So… What do we do, then?’ Tullia asked, eyes unsure and folding her arms, looking from Freya to Mariette.
The list was a bit more extensive than Mariette would have wanted it, and it seemed like more would be appearing. However, her eyes lingered on a name…
All their phones rang. The fact the phones rang even though they were in this shut-off region of space meant it was one of their own. They took out the phones from their pockets, and put to their ears as a single voice spoke to each of them, briefing them on the current situation. Tullia’s eyes widened a bit in alarm. Suzette’s lips curled in the slightest of a smile. Freya frowned just a little. Mariette’s expression did not change at all. This was just normal, after all.
‘Damn it, Victoria…’ Tullia muttered.
‘Sooo, seems like some of our own are doing their own thing,’ Suzette giggled. ‘What do we do, oh fearless leader?’ she asked, looking to Mariette. Freya also opted to do so. Mariette was still looking at the name. As terrible as this was, there were objectives that could be accomplished today. The events at hand could be used as distraction. In addition, she was interested in…
She made up her mind.
Once again, Eli sat and scouted in the real world. Her other duties done, other girls out on missions and Mariette handling those that weren’t, Eli finally had some time over she didn’t need to manage Mariette’s new mansion on. And… she used it to scout. There was something therapeutic about just focusing on a simple mission in the real world, lazily concealing herself with her Darkness magic and keeping an eye on an individual.
Today’s target, whom Eli spied through a window from one of the nearby trees, was one miss Brittany Todd, the Mini Mystic. The young-looking magician was an alchemist of some prowess, though most of the time she was just cooking up absolutely nothing of note, just things that spontaneously lit on fire, changed the size of her table, or made everything in the room green for a couple of seconds. Brittany seemed to have a lot of fun, but she didn’t appear to be capable enough to actually be an asset to Mariette.
While her unpredictability could be masking a massive capability, there was a problem with trying to capture her. Brittany had the “Get Out Of Jail Free” card up her sleeve, which they knew because it wouldn’t be the first time someone tried to kidnap her for her alchemy skills. She was, of a fashion, uncapturable and an eternally free soul. That said, there were still ways to take advantage of her by offering her a deal, but it was hard to say if the mini mystic would even be interested in such an-
Her phone started buzzing, vibrating within Eli’s slime body. It was honestly uncomfortable. Because of the arrangement they made, everyone in the team carried phones, including the one with no clothes and a slime-body. She had it on sound-less with minimal vibration to indicate calling, but having something there and having to press around herself to keep it there was rather annoying. She pushed it through herself so the phone exited out her shoulder so she could place it next to her ear, as to listen in on the conversation.
Oh. Something was going down. And… she had orders.
Eli launched herself onto the roof of Brittany’s home, looking out in a different direction. Something was happening, and Mariette was using it as a distraction. It was time to tip our hands a little, then.
A girl in purple stood as bewitched, in a small witch-hat looking over the horde of approaching skeletons. Helga called out to her, and her face immediately contorted in a wicked little smile as she turned to face them.
‘… Teh-heh. You’re talking to me? Magical Girls talking to me. Hahaha,’ she said, an aura of chill around the purple little witch. In body, she was but 9 years old. ‘Nah. I don’t feel like fighting monsters tonight. I’ve fought nothing but monsters for so, so many years. With nothing but Tullia to accompany me, I’ve been used to hunt monster, after monster, after monster… It has been ages. We still lived in cottages and castles when I started,’ she said and giggled a bit. ‘As a result, I’m pretty boss at monsters, now. These… these have a purpose. They were summoned here by someone, and commands were put inside their dumb heads. Who did it, and why? I dunno, and I’m not interested, either,’ the girl shrugged, still smiling. ‘That said, they make excellent bait for Magical Girls!’
The girl’s gaze sharpened, her legs parted and she lifted her fists, which froze icy gauntlets around her hands as she took what was unmistakably a battle-stance, the air itself around her cooling numerous degrees. ‘I’m the “Frostbite”, Victoria Tretyakova! You’ll make this fun for us, won’t you?’
‘Heeeey! Frosty!’ Another girl yelled out from an adjacent window, with two great metal hands holding the railings. This girl had arms and legs of metal, white hair and eyepatch under a massive black coat which hood somewhat resembled a bunny. Sticking out from said coat were two massive metal hands. She looked rather excited. ‘Are we starting? The ice restraining our monster is about to melt!’
‘Fu-fu. Let it! Just didn’t want her to be the first thing they saw!’ Victoria simply replied, which the eyepatched girl replied to by nodding excitedly and then spinning around and running into the apartment for the moment.
Now, that was a lot of talking, so it is reasonable they got time to do stuff if they felt like it, like completely ignore her if they so choose, or whatever else. What would Su and Helga do?
Now, while Victoria was completely ignoring the skeletons, that didn’t necessarily mean the skeletons would be ignoring her… but that’s up to the GM.
'Y-yeah! Good battle! I’ll battle you again when I am better!' Simon replied to Skylar, giving a bit of a hesitant grin. … Then, he looked towards Skylar with an expression of utmost confidence. 'You will grow to become an exceptional trainer, Skylar. I know it! Count on it!' he said, in a way he probably wouldn’t to anyone else. Then, though, there was the matter about his Barboach’s name…
'Um… but, hm…' Simon looked hesitant, looking down at #8t’s fainted form, considering a reply, but before then came Alice’s words. He nodded somewhat happily to her words about becing creative and such, but then looked utterly shocked, his eyes wide in panic, when she told him he wasn’t caring for his friends. 'W-w-w-what? I- I care! I take care of them! They’re my precious friends! I-' In confusion, he looked down on Simon #8 again.
'Because I want nothing but the best for them, I have to give them all the best name, that is, “Simon”. But, if they’re just all called “Simon”, then it becomes hard to keep track of them, and… no… No, wait!' Suddenly, his eyes lit up, a fire burning within Simon’s eyes. 'I know where I’ve gone wrong! I must fix it immediately!'
Saying so, he took out five Pokéballs, and let them down onto the ground, crashing forth his whole team…
Pokédex Entry #187 – Hoppip, the Cottonweed Pokémon. Known to drift on winds, Hoppip is known to clutch to others of its kind to not be separated or to prevent being blown away. It is so light, even the gentlest breeze can lift it. When Hoppips gather, it is said spring is on the way.
Pokédex Entry #129 – Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon. While known for being extremely weak and washed away by even the weakest current, Magikarp can survive even in the most polluted of water. They’re incredibly fertile and have spread to waters all around the world. They jump fairly high, and older Magikarps are known to brave mountains with these jumps, seeking evolution.
Pokédex Entry #412 – Burmy, the Bagworm Pokémon. To shield itself from wind or elements, it creates a cloak made out of whatever elements are easily available in the area. Should the cloak be destroyed in battle, it will simply create a new one from the materials where the battle took place. When female Burmy’s evolve, the current cloak becomes part of its body, giving it a new type.
Pokédex Entry #104 – Cubone, the Lonely Pokémon. Each Cubone is under the impression its mother is dead and it wears her skull over its head, despite the ridiculous ramifications had this been true. As it never removes the skull (and is apparently born with it), it is said nobody has seen its face. When alone, it cries loudly and makes the skull rattle..
Pokédex Entry #280 – Ralts, the Feeling Pokémon. The horn on its head can sense emotions, and its own mood will be affected in turn. It will approach positive emotion and its body will warm, while it will shy away from and avoid negativity and hostility. Quite rare to see in nature.
Pokédex Entry #339 – Barboach, the Whiskers Pokémon. It buries itself in mud with only its whiskers visible, awaiting prey. The whiskers are very sensitive and serve as a superb radar-system, giving it awareness of its surroundings. It is covered by a slimy film which prevents intrusion of germs and is very slippery if a foe tries to grab it.
He faced his damaged Barboach, who was damaged but slowly drifting awake, looking at him in slight confusion…
'Barbo…?'
Simon looked otherworldly determined.
'I gave you the best name, but then started referring to you as the number in which you were given the names. That was wrong, it removed the significance of the name. THEREFORE! FROM NOW ON! Barboach, your name… is SIMON!' Simon called out decisively. Barboach Simon looked confused.
'Hoppip, your name is SIMON!' 'Hoppip!' Hoppip Simon looked super happy. 'Magikarp, your name is SIMON!' 'Magikarp, karp, karp,' Magikarp Simon didn’t seem to process this at all and was Splashing on the ground (Magikarp’s is apparently an exception to that water-Pokémon are granted water-bubbles). 'Burmy, you will be called… SIMON!' 'Burmy…?' Burmy Simon looked confused. 'Cubone, you are SIMON!' 'Cubone.' Cubone Simon looked indifferent. “Okay”. 'And Ralts… your name is SIMON!' 'Raaaaalts~' Ralts Simon looked totally content.
'TOGETHER, WE WILL BE THE VERY BEST, LIKE NO ONE EVER WAS! TEAM SIMON!' Simon spun and pointed at the horizon, and for that brief moment it was as if a sun shone from behind them in all their glory. 'EMBARK!!'
… And so, Simon dashed off, Barboach Simon in hand, Hoppip Simon flying along with him, Ralts Simon jumping up on Cubone Simon who carried it along, Burmy Simon hurrying after and Magikarp Simon bouncing after, their team of Simon’s embarking on their Pokémon journey…
Meanwhile.
Vivia blinked a bit at Alice’s words, but avoided her hand for the moment. She smiled happily, though.
'Oh, no, I’m not the one who’s going to beat myself up, don’t worry. Just, don’t touch me right now. Any moment now, I’m gonna-' … And then a zap of lightning descended from seemingly nowhere and shot through Vivia, who’s eyes shot open and she jolted from the sudden shock of electricity. 'JJJjjjjjjjjjjjkh…!-'
A slightly smoking Vivia then smiled and took Alice’s hand, maybe giving her the slightest of a static zap upon their skin meeting. 'Th-thank you. Hopefully we get scary before the shocks of punishment for losing makes my skin-colour change, ha-ha…'
'Ro-to-to-to-to-tom~' The source of the little zap, Rotom, came back floating down behind Vivia, peeking over her shoulder and grinning at Alice. Venonat, who was still outside the Pokéball, proceeded with staring harshly at Rotom the moment the little ghost appeared.
'Well done, you two!' Kalmia said happily as they returned. 'Oh, yeah, we can get some baths and towels to help get them clean~' she said and hurried back in, because as her role determines she probably has a boatload of things to keep Pokémon healthy. Meanwhile, Jacques smirked to her words.
'Fu-fu. A lot of people are coming for me. I look forward to seeing how you distinguish yourself,' Jacques replied, and then… '… And yes, he can come out,' he said, taking a step so that he could return Rhyperior to his Pokéball when Kalmia opened the door, and then just dropped the Pokéball where he held it. It crashed into the ground and Rhyperior came out.
'RRRRHHHHHHYYYYYYYYY... perior!' … Rhyperior was out again, looking totally happy to be outside.
Kalmia eventually came out, with a basin of water and towels and whatnot to clean Pokémon. They were free to use those as they pleased, and then…
'And this, is for you!' Kalmia said, before handing over a couple items…
Skylar obtained 5 Pokéballs!!
Alice obtained 5 Pokéballs!!
'Good job out there. Now, Isson’s yours to explore. If you have any questions, I’ll always be but a call away! … Just, take it easy on the calling at night, okay? Haha.'
… And that was potentially it, unless there was more they wanted.
They’re currently in Pureplain City.
Pureplain City is placed on the south-west brink of Isson, with the town facing the water and spreading quite far. The further in-town you go, the higher the buildings become, but the suburbs spread quite far. In terms of sheer landmass, it might even compete with Worldedge City, although maybe not in height. Life passes normally within this city. Children grow up alongside their parents in houses in the long, friendly streets. Jobs come from the depths of the town in the taller buildings. Schools grow from the reasonably high amount of children in need of tuition. And of course, there are lots of Pokémon.
In Pureplain City, human and Pokémon work together. Be it for manual labour or just for company, Pureplain houses often contain at least one house-hold Pokémon and there are many Trainer's Schools around the city have always been plentifully attended, not counting the recent drop of embarking trainers due to the Team Wars. In addition, Pureplain Harbor is known as the “Gateway of Isson”, as that’s where all the ferries from outside the region dock, giving life to quite the marketplace. A common attraction of the city is the Super Contest stage, but other than that, Pureplain remains what it has always been. Pure and plain.
1. Find Pokémon. Can still search for Pokémon in towns~ 2. Talk. In cities, there are considerably more people one can talk to. Specify what kind you’re looking for. 3. Exit. Exit the town to any of the connected areas. 4. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 5. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 6. Notable Buildings. Visit any of the facilities of the city! 6.1. Pokémon Center. Heal all your Pokémon. 6.2. PokéMart. Go to a store and buy things. 6.3. Gym. ??? 6.4. Super Contests. Rank 2 / 4. Where hopefuls become idols! 6.5. Trainer’s School. Where young trainers study to become better. Has a little park of wild Pokémon. 6.6. Kalmia’s Lab. You know you’re always welcome. 6.7. Pureplain Harbor. Known as the Gateway of Isson, it has a marketplace and ferries to places. 7. Familiar Faces. Kalmia’s still in front of you, and then you have each other, of course, if you want to talk. Jacques is still here, as is Eryn and Oaken, Axl and Rodger. Vivia over there, Simon might be possible to catch up to.
Connected areas: Route 1. Easier path, just follow the bigger road. Route 2. Walk through quite an amount of suburbs until you eventually reach the path. Sea. There’s water, alright. Can take you anywhere you want to go, assuming you have means to traverse it.
Given that Atlas is immune to Poison, that left Tackle as Koffing’s only barely effective attack. However, as notable, Koffing is immune to ground-type moves with Levitate. That said, Atlas could just Headbutt or Metal Claw as well when Koffing came close, so we’ll assume he did that. Because of the Smokescreen this battle took a bit of time, but given considerable immunity to Tackle Atlas took down Koffing on his own, no problem. He took around 13% damage.
Atlas grew to Level 12!
Then there was Wooper against a Nincada. … It was easy work, the Nincada only getting in one weak Leech Seed before Wooper had disposed of it with two Water Guns after the initial Sand Attack and Mud Sport had cancelled each other out somewhat.
Wooper grew to Level 10!
Dawkin is victorious! Dawkin gained 158P!
‘Aha! I fell for your trap! … Wait, how does this work?’
So, they managed to fight off the Ninja Boy, and soon enough headed off again. Soon enough, they were approaching their destination. And here… Amelia felt a presence that was flaring out of control.
Old Tombs Entrance
On the outside, it didn’t look like anything special. Not too much so, in any case. It was an ancient structure built into the rocks, with probably stairs that led deep underground. Pillars stood, the architecture showing that it had braved the trails of time for ages past, but the recent touch of archaeologists was present as well. That, but… but there was something running amok. There was a former encampment where a couple researchers were currently in the process of fleeing from, and two people were standing up to the incoming attackers. The attackers being numerous small, bipedal rock-like ghosts that quite resembled golems.
Pokédex Entry #622 – Golett, the Automaton Pokémon. These Pokémon were created by ancient scientists and move using an unknown energy which it burns within itself. The source of this energy is unknown, and they’ve each been active for thousands of years. Constructed out of clay, it was meant to protect the civilization that constructed it.
Bravely standing to face them, was two people. A man and a young girl, and their Pokémon…
Pokédex Entry #27 – Sandshrew, the Mouse Pokémon. It lives in arid regions burrowing deep underground. It emerges only to hunt for food, which it catches by lounging out of their burrows. If threatened, it curls into a protective ball and bounces off from enemy attacks. If it gets cold at night, its body will coat itself with a fine dew.
Pokédex Entry #92 – Gastly, the Gas Pokémon. It is comprised almost entirely from almost invisible gases that it has complete control of. It usually defeat an opponent by shrouding them in its own poisonous gases, which causes most beings to faint. Due to its weight, it will be blown away by wind and therefore takes cover.
… And their Pokémon just promptly fainted, the Gastly Astonished and the Sandshrew Pounded to defeat.
‘It would appear our Pokémon have fainted, father,’ said the girl.
‘So it would seem, yes,’ the man replied.
‘It appears the ghosts of Old Tombs have gotten far more aggressive after the wicked one’s visit, father,’ the girl continued.
‘It seems so,’ the man confirmed. … The victorious Golett’s advanced on them. While other researchers had already vacated the scene, they stood rigid.
‘They are advancing on us, father,’ the daughter stated as if unconcerned.
‘They seem to be, yes,’ the father replied.
‘They’re picking me up, father,’ the girl reported, as a Golett was grabbing around her waist and hauling her up on its shoulder, her expression not changing in the slightest while reporting these precarious circumstances.
‘That… that’s no good,’ the father seemed to eventually decide. ‘Mr. Golett, if I may, could you please let go of my daught- oh.’ And that’s when the two others took him by his legs and shoulders to lift up as well.
‘They are lifting you as well, father,’ the girl stated.
‘So they are,’ the father replied, also as if unconcerned.
‘They’re carrying us down into the tombs, father,’ the girl reported.
‘… Hm. So they are,’ the father confirmed, sounding only the slightest troubled as they were being carried off.
‘It would appear we are being kidnapped by ghosts, father. Is this cause for concern?’ the girl asked.
‘… Possibly,’ the man replied, after a short pause.
‘... Oh,’ … Was all the girl could reply to that.
So that was happening. In fact, the Goletts were trying to grab at any humans that were too close and try to carry them into the tombs. Would Dawkin or Amelia try anything?
Amelia feels that there is some volatile energy burning underground… Something that most certainly reminds her of the lady they very recently confronted.
Del fainted, but he had bound up Lilligiant’s limbs tightly, slowing the giant plant up considerably. That’s when Claire instead sent out Zeal. Archie clapped excitedly.
‘There it is! Ooh, fire!’ Archie positively brimmed. ‘Lilligiant, Sleep Powder! Just because you’re slower doesn’t mean the strategy’s changed!’ he commanded, but then… Claire commanded for a Taunt. ‘… Eh. Taunt?’ he looked rather stunned at this development. Indeed, the huge plant was now slower than the Monferno, and the monkey got off his Taunt. Archie started laughing fairly hysterically.
‘Hahahahahaha! Taunt? Oooh, that’s terrible! Lilligiant’s only actual attacks are Absorb and Mega Drain! Hahahahaha!’
… And so, the irked Lilligiant could only Mega Drain at Zeal. However, despite being Not Very Effective, the Mega Drain still stung a notable bit of damage, nothing that could be just dismissed. HOWEVER… while the giant plant was pretty strong, this harsh sunlight blazed onto Zeal, imbuing heat and power, enhancing his fire…
'Why, of course you’d do that…' Oaken muttered almost accusingly at Eryn’s plan. 'Skorupi, we’re going offensive! You only need to hit once or twice! Forward, a bit to the right! Knock-Off!'
'Skorupi…!' Skorupi dove forward, trying to follow the sound of Dei’s Growl, which reduced its attack but still left him wanting to attack.
'More right!' Oaken resupplied when Skorupi was somewhat off mark. by some sheer luck, they managed to trade another set of blows, Dei hit somewhat by Knock-Off while Skorupi was scratched and burned, forcing Skorupi to run off again in a slight panic while Dei got to recover from the blow he took.
'Stay! Turn!' Oaken commanded, and Skorupi somehow got it, turning about to face Dei again, breathing heavily. Both Pokémon were now significantly damaged, not much left.
'Just… one more hit. We’ll do it again,' Oaken commanded, and Skorupi made ready, for what could be the final clash of the match. Would Eryn give any particular commands for this?
The Rocker base was like a kicked beehive, the few goons left scrambling like chickens without heads. Several were on the phone with the main force in Boulder, but no one seemed to know how to handle the bosses being captured and the other two Parahumans being missing. They feared the worst, and no one around was capable or willing to take charge.
And then Visage walked in, taking up residence in Shatterpoint's office, and a quiet, nervous energy spread through the base. Was she staking claim to lead?
Several of the longest running goons entered the office after nearly ten minutes of muttered conversation. “What's the plan? We got no boss or Shatterpoint now. We don't know what to do.”
Visage slowly removed the headphones, glancing up at the man. The node she had set for him about a week back came to the forefront of her mind. She actually remembered his name as well. When she spoke now she sounded confident and level headed, ”Don’t worry Joaquin, this’ll just be a change in leadership. I’d actually like to see what Creep says when they get back, find out how much a threat the other gangs are gonna be during this transition period, then go from there.”
Meanwhile, Creep entered the building. She was invisible, redirecting light around her to remove her from line-of-sight, first entering in order to ascertain the situation so she didn’t involve herself scene she wanted no part of. And… they were in disarray. Talking among themselves and on their phones, looking unfocused. Hm. That probably meant Visage had not come back. No time to waste, then. She needed to do something before the Rockers came to a decision of their own. Creep looked for something to jump up on to gain height. She found a table, carefully taking a couple of steps up to gain height, to look out over the rest. An innate nervousness built inside her as she turned towards the unknowing crowd.
C’mon, Sheila. You can do this.
She viewed herself through her power. … She didn’t look like leader-material. Except, she could change that, could she not? The hood looked like she was hiding. A leader wouldn’t hide. She threw back her hood, revealing long hair which she was colouring brown. She manifested the illusion of wearing a tattered, battle-worn cape from the texture of her dark clothing. She decided she could use a majestic aura, and added a certain slight aura of darkness seeping from her, subtly brightening her on a darker surrounding. That… that would do. She took a deep breath.
‘Alright. Rockers, listen up!’ she said, raising her voice out loud to make them look in her direction. At first, there’d be nothing. Then darkness coelessed over a short second, after which Creep threw out her hand and the darkness scattered from her form, fading away into nothingness before leaving her one-meter range. There stood Creep, in dark clothes, blindfold and mask over her mouth, voice changer in her mask making her voice somewhat more creepy and hoarse than her real one. After having waved her hand and had the darkness burst away from her she had her illusion-created cape flutter a bit as if there was wind from the burst. After that, Creep stood straight. She was exceedingly nervous, but she couldn’t afford to let it show. She raised her chin and started speaking.
‘I am Creep! I’m a Rocker like you! I’ve been your stealth-ops for longer than you might realize, for before this I answered only to Shatterpoint. I was his hidden subordinate, scouting for him and relaying information without our foes ever knowing. However, I received a sudden promotion when I was sent to represent the Rockers at the Denver villain’s meeting that occurred today, and now… Now it would appear I’m needed outside the shadows.’ Saying so, she now looked around at the sparse gathering of Rockers.
‘Are there more of our members in the building or close to it? If so, call them here. We have matters to discuss.’ She stopped there for now… assuming she had not been interrupted during her speech already.
Visage had just finished speaking when she heard a feminine voice speaking up with. . . Was that bravado. Something had changed in Creep it seemed. She stood up, not giving the command for Joaquin to follow, but expecting it nonetheless. Stepping around the corner graceful, she locked eyes with Creep.
Immediately after looking at her, her power registered eyes. Still though, Visage couldn’t see any eyes. A bit of a puzzle. Visage changed her appearance with no dissonance, making her mask appear on her face. From Creep’s perspective the mask would have always been there, and any surprise from seeing Visage’s face would be forgotten.
Speaking for the gathering crowd now, she walked forward slowly towards Creep. ”Is there a temporary truce with the other gangs, Creep, darling?” Visage’s voice didn’t quite betray the thoughts racing through her head. Creep might be trying to grab power here, but that wouldn’t be a giant deal-Would it? Creep wasn’t confident, she probably hadn’t taken any speech classes in college even. Wait was she college age? Regardless, this should go smoothly as long as Visage could keep Creep on the backfoot.
The Rockers present had started at Creep’s appearance, several raising weapons before looking at each other in confusion. Before they could open their mouths Visage entered, and one stubborn man finally spoke up. “We don't know no Creep, lady. I ain't followin’ someone I don't know an’ never seen before.”
Several others, the majority really, nodded in agreement while others seemed very indecisive.
Creep was taken aback by the man’s announcement, mind somewhat blanked out. She hadn’t even made her appeal yet, and they were denouncing her that quickly? That… felt like some sick joke or something. Regardless. Visage appeared, with a couple people in tow, though given how much the rest had been in disarray it didn’t seem like she had taken command yet. Visage’s question made it easier for Creep to get her thoughts running again. “Darling”, huh.
‘Visage, please confirm to the men that I’m not lying when I say I was a hidden subordinate of Shatterpoint until his capture,’ Creep said. Now, Visage didn’t have that much experience with Creep… but she did know THAT much, at least. Onto actually answering the question, for Visage and the rest of the men.
‘Yes, there’s a temporary truce. The gangs of Denver, the Rockers, the Jacks, Purge, Reflection, Lethal Force, independents like Sabotage, Retcon and the Broker will cooperate to pick the Community apart. Xolotl saw fit to attack the meeting, but he was swiftly dealt with by a device stolen from Epsilon of the Wards. We can consider him eliminated, assuming the Jacks knows how to handle him. We have been given a phone number by the villain known as the Broker, who has picked himself to manage this cooperation outside of meetings. As the only representative of the Rockers at the meeting, I agreed to the Rockers’ participation.’ So she said, standing and staring down at them, tense.
“Tha's all fine an’ dandy, but tha’ not helpin’ us. We need a boss.”
Visage smiled broadly under her ‘mask.’ So they had some time where their territory wouldn’t be taken. Still, the situation with Creep would have to be resolved soon, otherwise there might be a small kerfuffle. ”First of all, yes Creep is a subordinate of Shatterpoint. Second of all, I have an idea that will leave everyone here happy. I’ll step up as leader. I don’t have to say what I’ve done for the Rockers, many of you were there alongside me after all. But I can’t lead without lieutenants. I think Joaquin and Creep are perfect for the job, and I will discuss my decisions with the two of them before acting on them.”
Visage looked at the crowd as she spoke, but watched Creep out of the corner of her eye. Would this satisfy the young girl, or would she protest? Would she dare to? Honestly Visage didn’t even have to give Creep this much power, but losing her was a much much worse option.
Creep crossed her arms as Visage spoke up about being the leader, standing staring at her, silent.
Well, Creep thought. This was absolutely terrible. She couldn’t handle the deal she made with the Broker if she wasn’t the leader, for if the two of them spoke then Visage would learn of the vials. Creep had no intention of letting actual villains get ahold of the vials, and given what she had promised the Broker that would be a betrayal she’d never be forgiven for by either side. There was a small surge of panic within her. She had a weapon she could use, but there was a significant chance it’d be interpreted as slander and a hungry grab for power. She hesitated greatly to actually make use of it…
One of the members in the back spoke up then, interrupting and making themselves loud. “Creep has been here longer. I was here when that freak attacked the base with the dumb Minute Men, and after that we started getting the rumors about Creep. He's helped us out the whole time, and met with the boss a bunch. That should mean something.” There was muttered agreement to the statement, more goons looking confused between the two Parahumans.
… Huh, Creep thought. There… there was actually a pocket of support for her? Well… it was sink or swim, wasn’t it? Suppose she had a weapon. She just had to draw it and see how it fared. She was going to act like the one who had spoken up for her hadn’t said anything, but he had given her a small dose of courage, enough to allow herself to push over the edge and get her mouth to open and tongue to move.
‘I don’t know about that, Visage. Let me recount a series of events,’ Creep said, her arms crossed. Now, open for potential interruptions, but she continued. ‘Shatterpoint calls us, Creep and Visage, to his office. Because Ceramix and him are going to be busy elsewhere, attacking the charity event that was taking the place at the same time, we were told to represent the Rockers at the meeting. You have to understand, it’s a show of force to have two parahumans representing your team, especially when they know there’s at least two more. It’s my first mission being anything but hidden in the shadows. Yet, two steps in, what do you do?’ Creep wouldn’t leave enough room to respond before responding herself.
‘You abandoned me. Turned and ran, turned against Shatterpoint’s commands and left me to fend for my own against all of Denver’s villains.’ Now, yes, Creep was now aware of the circumstances, but still. ‘This tells me you’re whimsical and probably do not hold the Rockers’ best interest at heart. In the meeting itself, when the news of Ceramix and Shatterpoint’s capture came in mid-meeting, we were about to be dismissed as irrelevant, crushed without leaders, not to be given a say. However, I spoke out. I made a deal with the mastermind the Broker, to whom I offered the Rockers’ cooperation in future jobs for our continued relevance. I have friends, parahuman friends, that I could imagine inviting to bolster our powers. I have become invested in this team, and want to see it grow and succeed… which is why I hesitate to leave it under the charge of the one who abandoned me when I needed her the most.’ So Creep said, head turned towards Visage.
Creep apologized inside her mind. In different circumstances, she really wouldn’t have used that as a weapon, but this was a desperate time. … She was not confident about this. Not in the slightest. Her muscles were all exceedingly tense as she awaited the result, her fists squeezing where she had her arms crossed.
The majority of the Rockers turned to Visage, waiting for her reply. A small divide was already forming, but Creep’s words were turning the tide towards her. A betrayal like she had described was not a good sign for those who supported Visage, and murmurs expressed concern. The prospect of more Capes being drawn in was both a blessing and a curse to most of these regular goons, a bolster of support and a reminder that they were less.
Creep calling out Visage actually surprised her, though it probably shouldn't have. She really wanted this seat of power, and she would lose Visage to get it, eh? She started thinking up a response as soon as possible.
Visage burst out laughing to stall for a little more time. After a beat though, she spoke. ”You think anyone here is going to believe your lies? I’m sorry that Shatterpoint called me out halfway through the meeting to assist with the situation at the Denver Center for the performing Arts. I even took out some guards for him, allowing him to sustain a little bit longer in the fight with the heroes.” Her voice up to this point was strained, but the next sentence dripped with sarcasm, ”I'm so so sorry that you're so adverse to responsibility that you're now whining about this to all present. 'When you needed me most' cut the shit. If you can't handle speaking about truces, I don't know how you'll handle the less than peaceful normal operation of the Rockers."
Visage paused momentarily, before continuing. Meanwhile Creep blinked in surprise under her blindfold, taken aback at Visage calling her a liar. Visage had lied. She 100%, undeniably lied. Sheila cursed internally. Leave it to a villain to use such a tactic. ‘That’s not-’ she started in a heated voice, but Visage interrupted her.
"You claim to actually care about the people here, well. Prove it. Pick someone out, anyone besides Joaquin or me, and tell me their name." She said, seeming supremely confident.
Creep was shaken. She wouldn’t do well in a social test, and Visage knew it. While she had picked out a couple of names during her time in the Rockers, Visage probably knew them all by heart. No. Creep would not win by playing Visage’s game. She’d have to play by the advantages she had, herself. The fact she felt slighted by the lie helped her talk.
‘I can’t-’ she started again, but then she figured starting with admitting a weakness was not good. Creep reconsidered her thoughts and took a deep breath. ‘I was a hidden scout. I counted the numbers of enemies. I stole weapons and information from our enemies to the Rockers. I left our calling card, spread our reputation and territory. I got Swarm down on his knees so that Shatterpoint could take him out. I can fight, and I think I am proving right now that I can talk. Truce-talk isn’t hard, you’re right, convincing the villains of Denver you’re still relevant as a lone unknown figure after your leaders were just crushed was harder. Yet, I created a little upset with my deal with the Broker. They know who I am now, I’m a recognized figure of the Rockers. That’s more than I can say for you,’ Creep said, head held high.
‘You know very well I wasn’t big on the social sector, whereas you’re an entirely social creature, so I’m not going to challenge you at your own game. I’d even claim you’re a much more natural leader than I am. However, I am concerned with the fact you’re the kind who would lie to your own men in order to win their trust. A worthy leader should not need to do that. You’re simply a manipulator by nature and can’t even help it, can you?’ she continued, disdain in her voice.
‘You’re making use of that nobody we can trust was at the meeting that can confirm the truth. Shatterpoint called nobody from the meeting. You took two steps in, and then, while I don’t remember exactly what you said, you left while saying something about being undermined. You left, because something in there displeased you. Something in there was too much for you. If I’d wager a guess, it was Epsilon’s power-nullifying device that the Broker had brought and activated, preventing you from getting readings on anyone in the room. You couldn’t manipulate anyone like that. Didn’t like not having an advantage over everyone else, did you, Thinker?’ If allowed to get that far, Creep’d leave it hanging after saying that. She’d gotten herself riled up on that slight. She made a mental note that’s twice now that anger had helped her talk.
Throughout the speech Visage shook her head and made a ‘tsk’ noise repeatedly. ”I’m glad we agree I’m a natural leader. I’m sure we can also agree that we shouldn’t have a leader who no one here has the seen results from. I’m not a manipulator, the men here have seen how I work. I’m about results not talk, while you seem to be doing plenty of the latter and have shown us none of the former..You claim you did this, you claim you did that, I bet there was a unicorn at the meeting after Shatterpoint called me out of it, but we’ll never know. It’s always interesting to see how someone reacts when called out for lying, but you weren’t interesting at all, you just doubled down. Again, you’re all talk.” Her confidence was growing. In all honesty, Creep’s comment about being a recognized figure did strike a bit of a nerve, but she didn’t let it show.
”Also I love how you ended your little speech with an accusation that isn’t true, and demonstrably so. Everyone here who has seen me work knows I’m not a thinker in the least.” Visage shrugged, before placing her hands on her hips. ”Do you have any other empty accusations, or nebulous things you want to brag about, or are you finished?” She said, staring down Creep as best she could.
Creep stared at Visage, who assured that she was all talk. Creep crossed her arms, her own confidence growing as well. None of what Visage had said came across as threatening to her.
‘I’m sure the men can think of a time during the last few months where Shatterpoint seemed to know more than he should, where enemies reacted as if we’d struck them twice or even saw when Swarm was knocked to his knees. My feats have been laid bare. However, you…’ Creep tilted her head, looking at Visage.
‘You’re hiding it, huh? Sure, you do have non-Thinker powers that you flaunt, but you got something more. I noticed it the first time we met. You have some manner of information-gathering technique that works as long as the person in question perceives you. Hence, you noticed me, even when you should not have, because nobody normally perceives me. What other powers are you hiding from your men, Visage? How deep does your manipulation go? What’s the goal of it all? Because, with the way you left me at the meeting, I sincerely doubt your goals align with those of the Rockers…’ She was going to maintain her supposed “lies”. That way, she hoped, she looked more believable.
By this point the goons had divided pretty solidly, with about 4 standing near Creep and 8 standing around Visage, and were steadily fidgeting more and more.
“I ain't seen nuthin’!” One man shouted from the front of Visage's group. “Ain't never seen no help from this freak.”
“Shut your mouth, Dwayne, you know damn well that what he said was what we seen. Even Shatter left that one night in a hurry when them Community punks were doing their thing!” retorted a man near Creep. “Seniority, help, it's a damn obvious choice.”
“Fuck no it ain't, ya half-wit. Creep about as elo-quint as my fucking dog. It's all just distraction, I bet, while the boss is gone,” another from Visage's side interjected. “They even agreed that Visage is a better leader!”
It was going her way, at least for now, but caught up in the moment Visage realized the problem too late. There was probably no way to keep Creep in the Rockers anymore if Visage became leader. After all, she wasn’t anywhere near useless, nor would Visage consider her a pawn to be thrown away. With the aggressive stance Creep had taken the stranger had reacted in kind, which now seemed like a poor decision. Having all the Rockers present probably would barely make up for not having Creep. Two-thirds would not in any way make up for Creep though.
Visage had to reflect on the cost-benefit more now. The gang members squabbled among each other as she considered resolutions. Honestly, being second in command or just about wouldn’t be a massive deal. The power she’d be able to exercise would be notably less, but she’d still be able to make power plays. At worst she’d gain more of Creep’s disdain, but that was already in good supply.
The shovel was honestly heavy, so Visage had to consider what to do now that she had dug so far down. Though it would make her base unhappy, joint leadership was an option. That probably wasn’t a good enough concession, Creep would see through it as a powerless political concession. However there was a forfeiture that would almost certainly make everyone present happy, and was an aesthetic that Visage found absolutely irresistible.
”I think I have a solution Creep. Although I don’t like the accusations made today, I’m willing to forgive them. I’ll accept your leadership, and act as your second in command under one condition.” Pausing, she sorted through all the nodes of those present. It wasn’t hard to find all of them, as she could just look at faces present for reminders. While she was doing that, she also dismissed the Epsilon node. No reason to have that. With dissonance dialed up to max, she changed her appearance to match Creep. A slightly more busty Creep, but clearly Creep. With the dissonance at max, it would appear to everyone present that where Visage once stood now Creep did, with no mind fuckery to smooth that out. ”We become Creep. I follow guidelines you set about being in this disguise, and we show power with more presence than a single leader can.”
Creep was a bit befuddled by the reaction of the crowd. None of them seemed to actually be getting her approach of that Visage was “a natural leader, but not a suitable leader”. It was confusing to her, and she wasn’t sure what to say to bring them to her side anymore, what kind of words that would get through to them. Should she try cursing? Would that work? Now, she had planted a trap in her words that she honestly hoped Visage wouldn’t bite, that she was sure would bring her victory but it’d cost so much more, an argument Visage could use against her reasoning which she had a fatal comeback against… But it seemed Visage had enough. Creep’s frown under her mask waned, mind cleared up, as it became clear that while she had little impact on the men, they had certainly gotten through to Visage.
She was surprised by Visage’s words, and then… then Visage changed herself to look like Creep. Creep stood dumbfounded for a slight moment while Visage explained. They’d both be Creep, it took a bit for her to properly process that, the advantages and possible disadvantages. It was too easy to imagine that Visage would rule the Rockers behind her back. Still, this was the better alternative. … Yikes, that’s a perfect replica, better than what Sheila could have devised. Though, did she actually look like that? Did her outfit actually emphasize her chest like- A quick look at herself through her power told that, no, Visage was intentionally increasing the chest-size of the replica. … That irked her a little. Creep used said irk to speak. She’d think first later that perhaps, just like herself, Visage would rather not change her natural body-shape in her illusion.
‘I find this solution acceptable. It’s good to have you, Visage,’ she said. … It did occur to her to maybe call her “Creep”, but she was too unsure if that’d come across as unsuitable. Creep wanted to say more, but she couldn’t think of anything, so it became a pause and then she was too hesitant to say anything additionally. She now turned her head, looking to the groups of Rockers that were not in her favour. She didn’t need to turn her head to see them, but she did it in place of asking for their thoughts. Asking them such a question did not come across as leader-like in Creep’s mind.
The goons all looked at Visage!Creep with a kind of dumfounded surprise, her own supporters taking a few steps back towards the others. Shocked murmurs ran through the small crowd at her giving up, doubt of backing her growing.
And then Creep accepted the proposal, effectively silencing everyone as they looked at her in surprise. This hadn't been a change in the debate that they had expected, and it left most of them in a kind of stupor. Then she turned towards them and the spell was broken. One by one they formed a fist, putting it on their heart, and kneeled. Most seemed to be simply copying the first few, such as Joaquin, who initiated the strange behavior. It seemed that they were submitting to her rule.
“What of our main force in Boulder?” one man asked hesitantly, his voice echoing and loud in the silence. “A-and you said more Capes?”
It seemed that, at last, Creep had the undivided attention of the room. Even Visage had knelt down; she rolled her eyes, though they were hidden behind her new blindfold.
… Heh. They were… actually kneeling for her. A dumb, awkward elation went through Creep, seeing this. She determined not to let this show, simply raising her head as if all was right in the world right now, her arms still crossed. The man’s question was a valid one, one which she had been intending to answer.
‘The main force needs to be informed at once, and it’s a matter that needs to be told in person. We will depart at once. After that, me, Visage and any lieutenants will be discussing the inner workings of the Rockers, what is good and what is subject to change. And… heh,’ she let a small chuckle out, because yeah, she said that, didn’t she? Guess she was investing in that now. The “friends” she had mentioned earlier…
‘Indeed. I have a couple of friends I wish to invite to the Rockers, now that I’m this invested. Should they agree to come, the Rockers will grow stronger. Add that to my deal with the Broker, and we’ll see if we can’t get the Rockers moving up a bit in the world, won’t we?’ Saying so, Creep jumped off the table she stood on. She left a shadowy trail behind her using her power, simply for effect, which caught up to her when she landed.
‘I need a couple or all of you that can confirm what have happened here. We’re heading to Boulder,’ … Okay. That… that worked out, short-term. As for long-term… she’d have to see, wouldn’t she? Honestly, she was still a bit drunk on success, she wasn’t entirely thinking straight. It was the strangest thing to be happy about.
Even if it was partly because Visage had decided to let her, Sheila had successfully talked her way to the top of one of the villain teams in Denver. She was now a soon-to-be recognized supervillain.
A wyvern flew up over the houses of Grado. The sight of its soar was enough to draw many a gaze. However, from a distance, it was difficult to determine what nationality it belonged to, and it could simply be a member of the Sky Guild, and Nadir from the Storm Guild was known to be nearby and that he would survey the battle. Quite a few were unsure if they were supposed to rally onto the Wyvern Rider or not, but ultimately it all fell on the commander…
‘Wyvern Rider!?’ Zane looked over towards the Wyvern Rider flying up into the air and scouting about. ‘That’s not one of mine…’ Zane peered in the direction of the houses that Isolde eventually landed in, considering.
‘We should have eliminated all Grado Wyvern Riders this far out. We’d have noticed if they kept a wyvern in one of the buildings. It could be Nadir, or one of the Sky Guild? But, the Sky Guild is stationed much further out…’ the Mercenary considered.
‘Hmpf, nothing else to it. We need to examine it. The wyvern might have come through an underground passage escaping with the Fire Emblem from the palace and emerged from a hatch within the wooden floor and then fit through the door to then fly up into the sky without thinking of if it’d call attention to it…’ Zane recounted an unlikely sequence of events.
‘Sir, that’s insane,’ the Mercenary declared. He realized what he had just said a second too late.
‘THAT’S INZANE!?’ Zane spun on the spot and positively glowed in the direction of the Wyvern Rider. ‘INZANE IS THE WYVERN RIDER! INZANE, I HAVE FINALLY FOUND YOU! I HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR YOU FOR THE LAST TIME! TODAY, YOU WILL MEET YOUR MAKER!’ Zane called, blossoming with a fiery passion. ‘CALL ALL OF OUR FORCES! BLOCK HIS ESCAPE! DON’T LET INZANE GET AWAY…!’
The two mercenaries exchanged a look, wondering if they should explain their commander’s mistake…
‘… Yes, sir!’
Opting not to, they each took off in two separate directions to call commands to home in on that wyvern, while Zane himself thundered off in the direction where he’d seen the wyvern set down.
Quirk: Everyone is more likely to say the word “insane” in the vicinity of Zane, even if aware of Zane’s quirk.
She saw the town of Grado, how small pockets of resistance was being taken out, how the Jehannan Guilds were overrunning. There were more flying beings in the distance, probably belonging to the Jehannan Sky Guild, threatening if she tried to fly too far too high. Nothing that looked like it might be the Rogue that had taken Reina…
Nothing except one figure, past the walls, that may have marginally looked like a hooded thief. A small form was running past the boundaries that the Tactician’s Stone was showing, followed by a trio of Jehannan soldiers. It was a distance south, over the walls and the mentioned conflict involving children. Entirely up to Isolde what she does with this information before else, but she’d probably need to set down anyway.
When Isolde set down, they exchanged a brief conversation without moving. Assuming Isolde didn’t head back inside the building, Marwood likely headed out with them, for now placing Titania in the doorway and Aldo behind her. Aldo spoke.
‘We have the Fire Emblem. Good work, Titania, keep it safe. Even without Reina, we need to get it to safety. We need to get out of town. Fortunately, the heaviest fortification is behind us, and the gate is strangely unguarded…’ Aldo frowned a bit at that, staring at the image which was presented. Wasn’t there a few things on it that did not connect? …
‘Enemies have started moving in on our position,’ Aldo stated, as a clue to getting moving. Fortunately for them, the units at the castle behind them were strictly ordered to never leave their posts…
Now, Servus moved through town relatively unopposed, however at that particular corner he did not, in fact, get the axe-fighter moving when he thought he would. Said axe-fighter was more preoccupied watching the Soldiers a bit north disposing of a final Grado Soldier, before turning around and freezing up seeing Servus approaching. Servus promptly had an axe pointed in his direction.
‘You! You’re… not of our Guild. Uh. … This section of town is the property of the Zane Guild! We’re not sharing! Go back to your own!’ … So, while he wasn’t recognized as an enemy, he was recognized as not a part of the Guild. That said, he didn’t have time to respond before suddenly a tank of armour came shouting orders with armour clanking.
‘DON’T LET THAT WYVERN GET AWAY! SURROUND HIM, FORCE HIM SOUTH! I’LL INTERCEPT HIM THERE…!’
‘Er, yes, sir Zane!’ the Fighter confirmed, before turning around to the two Soldiers behind him. ‘You two! Clog up the northern path out the building-streets!’ Then he spun to Servus. ‘You, hang on with me! If you’re helpful I’ll ask Commander Zane of something nice for you! Let’s go!’ So he said, heading in among the buildings to the right…
Not entirely what Servus was intending. Now, what would he do from here?
Without his wyvern, Servus will now be represented by a Journeyman sprite, because axe-guy that doesn’t qualify for any of the other more capable axe-fighter sprites. Now, the Tactician’s Stone noted Servus looking like a Jehannan and being given orders by the Jehannan Commander, so it totally thinks Servus is a bad guy! Servus has been coloured red!
Other than that, there wasn’t a lot going on outside for Kara. There was rustling of troops moving on the inside of the town, nobody yet had noticed Kara where she was hiding…
Now, while a protagonist to her own adventure, Kara is an unknown to the Tactician’s Stone. Hence, she has been coloured green for now.
Notable Individuals;
Blue Wyvern Rider Isolde - Clumsy, but reliable Wyvern knight. Weapon Mastery: Axe: D Level: 5 Equipment and Items: Halberd, Tactician’s Stone
Blue Cavalier Marwood - The prince of Renais with a good heart and a rebellious streak, cares deeply for others. Weapon Mastery: Sword: C, Lance: D Level: 4 Equipment and Items: Reginleif, Steel Sword, Tactician’s Stone, 5,000G
Blue Cleric Titania - A tough healer from Rausten, she forges her own path to help as many people as she can. Weapon Mastery: Staff: D Level: 5 Equipment and Items: Heal, Mend, Tactician’s Stone, Fire Emblem
Blue Shaman Aldo - A shaman researcher and advisor on things magic in service of Grado. Magically gifted and incurably serious. Weapon Mastery: Dark: E Level: 2 Equipment and Items: Flux, Vulnerary, Guiding Ring, Tactician’s Stone x4.
Thief (not on map) Hevel - A young man on an aimless journey. A timid but humane thief that often monologues with himself. Weapon Mastery: Sword: D Level: 2 Equipment and Items: Iron Sword, Lockpick
Green Manakete Kara - Mature and worldly Manakete with a strong wanderlust and an even stronger appetite. Weapon Mastery: Stone: D Level: 6 Equipment and Items: Dragonstone, Vulnerary (2 uses)
Green Soldier in down-right corner. Viridia - Daughter of a Jehannan hero. Serious, righteous and dependable. Weapon Mastery: Lance: D Level: 3 Equipment and Items: Iron Lance
Green Knight in down-right corner. Osmund – A Grado Knight from the countryside. Inexperienced warrior with intimidating visage. Weapon Mastery: Lance: E Level: 2 Equipment and Items: Iron Lance, Vulnerary, Antitoxin
Red Journeyman (unmounted Wyvern Rider) Servus - Abandoned his home as a rogue mercenary. Adores his rare wyvern, Amboli. Weapon Mastery: Axe: D Level: 6 Equipment and Items: Halberd, Vulnerary, Pure Water
Red Knight Boss Zane - Former knight of Grado, now a commander of Jehanna. Craves battle and greater challenges. Weapon Mastery: Lance: C Level: 12 Equipment and Items: Iron Lance
Red Warrior on throne Nurit - Second-in-Command of Rhodri’s Wheel Guild. A hearty girl with a vicious battle-lust who feels at home at sea. Weapon Mastery: Axe: ???, Bow: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Killer Axe, Steel Bow, Hero Crest
Red Wyvern Knight next to throne Nadir - Second-in-Command of Eira’s Storm Guild. A charming man who dutifully takes care of all Eira can’t handle. Weapon Mastery: Axe: ???, Lance: ??? Level: ??? Equipment and Items: Spear, Elysian Whip
Enemy Base Level: 2 Enemy Base Weapon Mastery: E Enemy Equipment Quality: Iron Notable Deviations: Fighter in lower-left wields the STORMBELLOWS!Functionally an Iron Axe.
I'm bad at "tomorrow". In general, week-ends are the worst.
@Rune_Alchemist I'm just going to have this little thing that Gym Leaders are not allowed to use items... unless their challenger uses them, heh.
@Dusksong Well. Aren't you getting deep with those thoughts there, heh. Meaningful and such. Alright, then. How're you handling this?
@Old Amsterdam@Gardevoiran And for you two, it was pretty evident to me how the battle would eventually end so I went ahead. Here's your little window to say whatever you like to whoever you like, and all of that, heh.
@Eklispe Nice, then we just need Joshua's input on that matter.
‘Oh, String Shot?’ Archie giggled, then his smile waned a bit when he considered what that meant. ‘Oh, String Shot.’
‘Lilligiant! Leech Seed first, do healing later!’ he commanded, realizing the threat to his speed advantage, and Lilligiant abandoned her effort to shoot a seed at Del, who lay there sleeping on the floor.
Now, something apparently resonated with Del through Claire’s shouting, because he promptly woke up, command already in mind, and he shot out strings at Lilligiant that bound about the monstrous plant’s form. … Then he was put to sleep again by Sleep Powder, Lilligiant moving to stand above him and be ready with the Sleep Powder while Leech Seed was draining him. Second time he fell asleep was worse, he slept for longer, allowing Lilligiant to use Synthesis to heal and then do a couple of (very ineffective) Mega Drains. Del woke up again and was able to String Shot the Lilligiant a second time, the strings tightly binding the giant Pokémon by now, but Archie had managed to predict when Del would wake up and put him to sleep again with another Sleep Powder.
Now, Lilligiant was now bound by two String Shots and wasn’t nearly as fast as she previously was… but Del was running out of health. That was the point where Claire started preparing a Super Potion, and…
‘You don’t want to do that,’ Archie stated with a smile, looking over to Claire. ‘You don’t want an item-war with a Gym Leader~’
… Now, the result of NOT using them would be Del fainting in his sleep next turn, but could Claire risk the consequences?
Oaken gave Eryn a stare at her words, frowning somewhat. Skorupi was struggling in confusion, and got visibly frightened when Dei came running for him. Skorupi took the scratch, taking the damage, but before it could attempt returning the blow Dei spun around and hit it with his tail, sending the scorpion scrambling back in fear.
'Skoooorp…!' it objected.
Oaken was still staring at her, gesturing at his Pokémon with one hand.
'How am I supposed to maintain an attitude when…' he said, then sighed instead of finishing the sentence. Then… his look focused, staring straight at Eryn, and he spoke. 'Skorupi, close your eyes.'
'Skorupi…?' Skorupi sounded confused, but followed its trainers command, sitting still and closing its eyes. Dei went in for the attack, when…
'To your right! Knock-Off!'
'Skorp!' Skorupi followed its trainer’s command and Knock-Offed to its right! … Too much to its right, and Dei could easily dodge aside it, and then go in for a Scratch. Skorupi recoiled at the damage, and then cried out a bit in panic feeling the fire again.
'Run off!' Oaken now commanded, and Skorupi was more than happy to run off from Dei for the moment.
'Turn 180 degrees!'
'Skorupi?'
'… Face behind you!'
The scorpion got it and spun around to face against Dei again, eyes closed.
'Steady…' Oaken said, keeping focused. Appeared that Skorupi had been shaken out of its confusion, though had taken considerable damage now. Oaken was now commanding a Pokémon with closed eyes, following his voice with both claws ready to Knock-Off, which would still do considerable damage if it hit. What would be Eryn’s plan here?
Seabreeze dove down towards Scraggy after Skylar’s command, and Vivia was quick to react… though perhaps not with the most descriptive command.
'Scraggy, dodge aside!' Vivia commanded in a hurry.
'Scragg…?' Instead of following the command, the confused Pokémon turned to look around at whatever was going on. It promptly took a Water Gun blast directly into the face and rolled over a couple of times in the damage. However, it wasn’t out, and spun back to its feet. 'Scraaaaaaaagg…!'
'Scraggy, go to #8 and-' Vivia tried, but Scraggy had made up his own mind.
'SCRAGGY!!' Scraggy called and launched itself up into the air after Seabreeze! … But this time it was magnificently off-target with its aim, flying straight past Seabreeze and through the air in a beautiful arc before crashing down into a heap on the asphalt a distance away. Scraggy hurt itself in its confusion! Scraggy fainted!
'Ngh!' Vivia bit her mouth together and waved a fist in front of her slightly out of frustration at how that went.
Meanwhile. Cici dove into the smoke, pursuing her opponent. #8, startled, tried to Mud Slap in turn. Something akin to a brawl took place within the smoke, Cici spouting her bubbles in most directions and the occasional burst of mud coming out from a different direction. However, eventually the smoke settled (fairly literally), and Cici floated. Somewhat blinded from Mud Slaps, but victorious, #8 lying on the ground beside her. Mud Slap was the less versatile move, needing slight wind-up and range before it could be used while Cici could just Bubble like crazy, and because of that Water beats Ground Bubble also beat Mud Slap when the two moves met. Simon #8 fainted!
'#8!' Simon ran forward and scooped up the Barboach from the ground, #8 knocked out from the bubbles. 'Don’t you worry! In time, you’ll be the very best fish, like no fish ever was! Count on it!' he encouraging muttered to the Pokémon.
Meanwhile, Vivia was biting it together and closing her eyes, looking as if she was bracing herself for something.
Skylar and Alice were victorious! They each gained 1000 P for winning!
Seabreeze grew to Level 6!
Cici grew to Level 6!
Kalmia was looking on proudly over there. … Meanwhile, Jacques looked more curious about Eryn and Oaken’s fight right now, but he had surely noticed.
@Gardevoiran@Old Amsterdam Yupp. Nicely posted, the two of you. I will note you don't always need to be very complicated. You can also have give me if-statements for how your tactics might evolve if you predict your opponent's motions, but anyways. This is good. I'll seek to reply when I get home, later today.
@Rune_Alchemist Teh-heh. Overcome sleep by shouting drill-sergeant-like lines. I am amused. Nicely posted. And... yeah, I apologize, but I think I'll forbid items in official Pokémon League battles. That said, nobody has told you that yet, so I'm going to have Archie comment on it in a bit, heh.
@Eklispe Nicely posted. I'll note it's "Cacnea", and not "Cacane". But, um. I included a bit more in the post to you and Joshua in order to get you moving, including a part about a trainer that wanted to challenge you. No reaction to that part? Are you discussing the matter with Joshua or so?
@Eklispe@Joshua Tamashii There. Now, if Dawkin feels like doing something else than just heading on here, that's fine, too. I just need to adjust that as well. ... And I managed to be influenced by Rune again and wrote _ instead of for between the two names. Hah.
‘Cac?’ Cacnea blinked in surprise at Dawkin’s question. Its eyes rolled a bit, considering what exactly to respond, did not expect that. ‘Neaaaaa…’ It started, while making a wave with its cactus limbs in a circle…
‘Cac, cacnea. Cacnea-nea, cac-cacn, nea-cac, Cacnea! Necac, cacnea, nea-nea, Cacnea,’ Cacnea launched into a monologue, and it kept going on for longer than above, except Dawkin doesn’t understand a word, so here’s the translation for Atlas.
‘So, like, I’m just here minding my own business, attracting prey and food, life’s good, I’m fine with this. Then you’re coming along with the possibility of capture with adventure and power galore, amIright? Which, like, I’m totally indifferent to. That’s one major decision, yaknow? I can’t really make that on the fly. Normally a trainer would just go capture a Pokémon on their own, which I’d be fine with, natural law of this world, yaknow? But if you’re asking me what I want for some reason, then things get complicated. I need to actually think for myself. Things was so much easier when I was just living by instinct, which I’m not used to. Yagettinme?
Now, I hesitated ‘cuz, Steel-type, I’m outgunned here, don’t reeeeaaaally wanna fight ya, but, like, that’s how things go, ain’t it? I’d be rather comfortable sitting still for years on end. Maybe find a partner, laze around with smaller cactuses about, be totally chill, yaknow? But, like, I’m not THAT attached to the idea, so I’m fine with whatever a trainer would come along with. And since you’re here, you’re gonna capture me anyway, amIright? … Wait, then it makes sense that I come without a fight, don’t it? I don’t wanna battle, but the conclusion is already determined anyways… Um.’
Cacnea looks like it came to a realization suddenly staring at Dawkin. Then it grinned.
‘Cacnea-nea!’
‘Oh, whatheck, sure! I can come along!’
Cacnea walks over on little stumpy legs and looks happy.
Cacnea convinced itself to join!
Gender: ♀ Type: Grass Personality: (Up to player.) Quirks/Talents/Aspirations/Other: (Up to player.) Level: 11 Moves: Poison Sting, Leer, Absorb, Growth, Leech Seed Ability: Water Absorb. Contact with water restores health, including water from any Water-type moves. Held Item: None.
New Pokémon caught! Dawkin earned 1250 P!
Would you like to give a nickname to Cacnea?
With that done, Dawkin and Amelia could continue.
Current Condition; Mostly Clear, slightly windy - There’s a swirl in the winds, throwing the occasional sand into the air. It might grow more intense, it might cool down. Only the future will tell. The usual sandstorm blows over the path to the Mystic Oasis…
1. Find Pokémon. Can be specified what kind of Pokémon is being searched for, and how you search. 2. Train Pokémon. With this command, we can jump ahead in time and skip posting about grinding. 3. Seek trainers. There are miners and the occasional archaeologist around here to potentially seek out. 4. Talk. They can also just be chatted to! 5. Move along. Move along normally, letting any events that may come happen naturally. 6. Hurry along. Intentionally avoid confrontations and try to get safely to the next destination. 7. Specify. If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result. 8. Trigger random event. Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you. 9. Area Specific; Delve into the Sandstorm. If you think you’re prepared!
Connected areas: Raremine Town. Behind you. Desert Mines. What Raremine Town stands here for! These mountains are filled with dough!. Old Tombs. Across the desert, an old and chilling place awaits those who wants to visit… Mystic Oasis. Somewhere within that sandstorm, that is.
Common: #331 Cacnea #551 Sandile #554 Darumaka
Uncommon:
Rare:
Now, then. The two could head on if they so feel like. Using Amelia’s senses, they were efficiently dodging any Pokémon Trainers with ghosts…
‘Aha! You have fallen for my trap!’ a voice suddenly called out from a rock they passed by. … Not so much for trainers without them.
A rock-coloured poster (which as an afterthought is unbelievable they didn’t see, but at the time it was completely invisible) fell and a young strangely dressed little individual jumped up onto the rock and looked down at them, arms crossed, confident smile and a Koffing floating up to his right from behind the rock. ‘I am a master of staying hidden, of course you didn’t see me! I also seem to feel like I was snubbed at a metaphysical level, for some reason. You won’t get rid of me that easily! It’s time for a battle!’ ‘Koffing!’
Ninja Boy Alec would like to fight!
Pokédex Entry #109 – Koffing, the Poison Gas Pokémon. It fills itself with lighter-than-air gases to float, and concocts them into poisonous gases within. When agitated, it expels the gases within into a poisonous smoke-screen. However, it can fail the process and randomly blow up. At higher temperatures, it is especially prone to blowing up at little to no provocation.
Koffing is going to create a Smokescreen to hide itself, then attempt to hunt its enemy down with Smog to damage and hopefully poison his opponent.
Pokédex Entry #290 – Nincada, the Trainee Pokémon. It is usually found underground, using its antennae to sense its surroundings. It gains nourishment my tapping into the roots of trees with its claws as it await evolution. Nincadas are nearly blind, and avoid sunlight due to inability to withstand it.
Likewise, Nincada’s going to start with Sand Attack (lots of sand to attack with here). then Leech Life or Scratch for all he can. Possibly Harden if the battle promises to be long.
Now, one of them could decide to take care of the boy, or they could do it together against both his Pokémon, or simply take one of them on each. … Or they could just tell that they have no desire to battle, in which case Alec’s going to look extremely confused, what kind of Pokémon Trainers does not want to battle?
‘… Overgrown weed?’ Archie asked over there when Claire made that announcement. He then laughed, leaning forward and smirking. ‘Hahahaha! You going to take that, Lilligiant?’
‘LILLIGANT!’
So the huge plant announced, preparing for combat.
‘Beedrill, eh?,’ the young Gym Leader smiled widely and continued. ‘Poison and bug, and fast too. Hoping to outspeed me? That’s fun. Let me introduce you to Chlorophyll. Lilligiant, Sleep Powder.’
Lilligiant soaked in the sun for a bit… then blasted forwards on those tiny feet-like things under it at a blazing speed, leaf-limbs fluttering in the wind behind it as the massive plant ran straight into Del’s stinger, all while a green powder scattered from the crown of the massive Pokémon into the air over a wide space, likely wider because of the Pokémon’s size. Del would be unable to fly away fast enough because of Lilligiant’s massive speed, and after stinging the enemy he fell asleep, falling down onto the platform. Now, Lilligiant took a brunt of super-effective damage and staggered back a little, but she did not seem poisoned.
‘Chlorophyll boosts a Grass-Pokémon’s speed in the sun, and Lilligiant is already pretty fast. Oh, are you damaged, Lilligiant? Go ahead and use Synthesis, then. Then we’ll Leech Seed the bee and keep it asleep until we’ve won, and do it all over again if she switches Pokémon.’ So said Archie, looking away from the battle over the expanse of trees, while Lilligiant turned her flower towards the sun and relaxed intending on recharging health…
Now, Claire could hope for Del to wake up, or switch strategy entirely. What would she do here?
‘This is usually where first-time challengers go pale as they have no good ways of handling my giant, who’ll put all their Pokémon to sleep and just heal any damage they cause. Then they head off to Mountain Valley to catch a Flying-type to Whirlwind my Sleep Powder away. How about it? Wanna stop the battle here, so you can go prepare?’ Archie smiled so widely, looking over at Claire.
‘Young master, you are not supposed to suggest strategies to overcome your team. They’re supposed to come up with that themselves. Suggesting they stop is also disrespectful,’ Ramsey told his Gym Leader.
‘Oh,’ Archie lost his smile for a moment, then bowed briefly but meaningfully towards Claire. ‘I’m sorry.’
Xaltwind
Pirouette
Crimson Flame
Danyel
Mage
Noctis
Izurich
Damycles
jimapple
Zapdos
