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 Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:27 pm
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 10:17 am
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[Naranja House]
[South Province, Area Three - Drylands]
“Klaaawf!” Roared the angry giant as the flurry of leaves of Leafage and Razor Leaf assaulted its rocky hide and while both Super Effective the strength of their sources paled in comparison to it thus the giant was able to largely shake off the attacks. With Clare freed the titanic crab only became even angrier as it lashed out once again, this time targeting the newly arrived Terashi and Brunor as it slashed in their direction with one of its mighty claws followed by the other, the two appendages racking the air and sending force a blade made of Bug energy, the sickle-like slash racking the ground as it continued on its path towards Terashi and Brunor as it used X-Scissor. Each claw would slam into the ground afterwards, causing more quakes and rocks to spew forth, endangering all nearby.
Immediately after the second claw hit the ground a certain Capsakid appeared in front of the Klawf and delivered it a face full of Rage Powder, the crab immediately inhaling the rage inducing powder, spiking its anger. “Klaaaaaaw!” It roared, its eyes almost seeming to grow in size as its rage peeked. The Klawf would forget any type of tactics or critical thinking as it immediately went about trying to crush the Capsakid with its mighty claws, executing one Rock Smash after the other as it vainly smashed the ground where the Capsakid once was as Mirage continued to roll around and avoid the titan. As each claw hit the ground more chunks of earth were sent flying and more quakes set off. The ground sure was taking a beating as more and more craters were formed from its impacts. It was distracted as planned, now was the time to deal some damage.
“Gravity! Hold down one of those claws!” A woman’s voice called out from atop a nearby small mesa. If anyone looked in that direction they’d see a sundress-clad woman, aged somewhere in her thirties, and her Probopass, her white haired blowing in the wind as her Probopass’s mini-noses danced around them. Immediately after one of the Klawf’s claws slammed into the ground the gravity ground would become incredibly intense and the crab would find it near impossible to lift it up. The monster would continue to try however and slowly but surely it would find success, the Probopass quickly realizing it couldn’t hold down such a giant for long but could keep it occupied long enough for others to do something as it made the creature vulnerable. “Do something useful while you can!” The woman shouted at the Snagems and the other students, arms folded and in spite of assisting them she didn’t seem too happy. By the pattern of her orange sundress it would appear she was part of Naranja House but any of those familiar with the events of the WCC might recognize her as being part of Team Sinnoh during the cup.
-----
[North Province, Area Two - Bamboo Grove]
The Bisharp glared at Monique for a while, looking to Chichi and then back to Monique, noting her reaching for the ball for but a second before speaking again. ”Very well, you will come along as well.” The leader of the cutthroat group informed her, snapping its fingers, the Pawniard now positioned behind Monique and Chichi proceeding to nudge and shove them forward, and if they resisted they would be gently poked by a blade as if to emphasize they could poked much harder.
With Brian the Bisharp of that group would accept Lu’s terms as well, however the group seemed to be far more gentle with them, instead motioning for Brian’s group to follow, the Pawniard escorting them from the sides rather than behind. Was it a respect thing? That Lu had gotten on their good side with her approach?
Both Monique’s and Brian’s groups would be escorted deeper into the bamboo by the groups of Pawniard and Bisharp commanders. In time they two groups would converge together, Brian and Monique finally seeing each other and confirming they weren’t alone in being essentially kidnapped by the local Pokemon. Now standing in front of a large waterfall, what the nearby wooden sign informed was called ‘Fury Falls’, the Bisharp of the two groups would come together at the edge of the falls’ pool. Standing before each other they would salute one another before proceeding to clash their blades into the other’s blades, clearly a carefully choreographed performance as they were purposeful with their moves, the sound of metal clanging almost like a song. With one final clash that rang out louder than the others a group of Pokemon would fall silent and stand to face the waterfall, as if waiting for something.
A second later a loud rumbling noise was heard as a large sheet composed of numerous pieces of bamboo shutted out from behind the falls, water running off the bamboo ‘roof’ as a cave was revealed behind the falls. In response some of the Pawniard would march forward into the cave, others shoving Monique and Chichi along, the others gesturing for Brian and his friends to follow.
Inside the cave they would be marched down a long tunnel lit with the ghostly flames of numerous Litwick hanging on the walls, staring at the new guests hungrily. Upon closer examination it would appear the Litwick were chained to the walls by some sort of black metal. Journeying down the tunnel they would find numerous other tunnels branching off the sides, very little of note to see from their point of view but one seemed interesting as they could spot some Sableye being knocked around by a Bisharp, however their Pawniard captors would hurry them along, as if to avoid them from seeing that.
Eventually the tunnel would end and give way to a huge open dome-like chamber filled with Pawniard and fewer Bisharp, the walls again lined with Litwick to illuminate the place. Glittering on the walls were black gemstones, the light of the Litwick bouncing off them to make them sparkle. Bamboo structures dotted the chamber as well, what looked to be furniture such as tables, chairs, room dividers, a whole assortment of goods to make this place comfortable. At the far end of the room was a massive black gemstone carved into what looked like a throne, pieces of bamboo and discarded Bisharp blades added to it for more decoration and make it more intimidating. Seated upon the throne was a Pokemon, though not one Brian nor Monique was familiar with. It looked like a Bisharp but bigger and more imposing. As the group approached the Pawniard and Bisharp would throw themselves at the ground and kowtow before the seated Pokemon, paying their respects. If the humans and hybrids didn’t do the same they would be forced down by some Bisharp.
“Oh Great Shogun, we surrender ourselves to your mighty blade! May it never rust!” The lead Bisharp cried out, the rest of the room shouting in unison “May it never rust!”. The apparent leader, the seated Pokemon, didn’t seem to react, instead it glared at the guests and spoke directly to them. “Who have you brought before me?” The strange Pokemon asked, expecting answers not from its underlings but from the humans and hybrids before it.
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 12:23 pm
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 1:25 pm
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The Bisharp glared at the two, eyes darting back and forth. "Very well, you will come along as well." The two were then prodded only vaguely gently, by the slightest pokes of what were undoubtedly sharp blades, riding on a current of Pawniard deep into the grove. The two of them and another group—she saw Brian on the other side—converged at the foot of mighty Fury Falls, its roar nearly deafening and threatening to drown out the clangor of the Bisharp, the two leaders engaging in a demonstration of the Sword Blade Pokémon's skills and sounds. What a dance, ChiChi thought, taking mental notes. With one last clash, the two finished their show-and-tell and turned to face the waterfall. All the Pawniard were facing that way, too.
Out of nowhere, a massive bamboo screen swung from under the falls, the torrent from above crashing down upon it and revealing that the screen protected a cave entrance. The two groups waded into the lake and to the cave, more odd pokes and prods. The cave was the start of what looked like an extensive tunnel system.
Litwick. Ghost/Fire. The Candle Pokémon. The flame on its head keeps its body slightly warm. This Pokémon takes lost children by the hand to guide them to the spirit world. Their ghastly light—a different hue from Kalama's—was a little more unnerving in light of the Pokédex entry that piped into Monique's ear. She scanned left and right, looking for any clue on these tunnels. As she turned left, she saw what looked like another Pokémon being attacked by Bisharp, but the sensation of cold steel on her back was sufficient to tell Monique she was not to look any further.
The tunnel reached its end in a massive underground volume, with more Litwick and even a few Lampent at the top serving as light to illuminate the furniture and other bamboo fixtures. The centerpiece of this chamber was at one end, and every chair faced it: a massive throne of black stone and metal. Atop it sat an unfamiliar Pokémon, clearly related, with a massive blade-like protrusion sticking up vertically from its head area. Atop it was a Chandelure whose flames were orange. The chamber was full of Pawniard and Bisharp.
"Oh Great Shogun, we surrender ourselves to your mighty blade! May it never rust!” The cry of one of the Bisharp was enough to send every assembled Pokémon in the room—bar the Shogun—kneeling to the ground in a pledge of their fealty. "May it never rust!" Monique and ChiChi barely had time to start dipping their head before two of the Bisharp gently forced their heads down.
"Who have you brought before me?" the Great Shogun spoke up for the first time.
This database lacks information on Pokémon 0–9–8–3. Contact Team Snagem for updates to the Pokédex in your region, Monique heard from her SNAG, delaying her gathering her thoughts.
"I am ChiChi Komatsu, dancer and student of the Academy in Mesagoza," the Lucario hybrid began before realizing that a long explanation might be enough to be cleaved.
"...Monique Ka'ana'ana, Sheriff of New Po Town, member of Team Snagem, at your service." Monique raised her head for a moment before bowing again.
The two women, and Brian once he introduced himself, would wait expectantly for the Great Shogun to see if the new arrivals passed muster and to hear for what reason exactly they had been carried here.
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Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 8:56 pm
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[Naranja House]
[South Province, Area Three - Drylands]
Moments before Titan Klawf attacks
"It's not quite as obvious as with a lush flower field around a body of water or a river, but the aquifer underneath the drylands here is extremely active. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many pockets of plant life and there is no way that the local hoodoos would have been carved." Chris calmly explained to her companion, the bugman staring at the strange rock structures with a sense of weird awe towards them even as Chris' Roserade was sighing at the argumentative bumpkin her trainer was palling around with.
"I can get my head around plants somehow accessing water beneath us we don't regularly touch. Water somehow having existed here long ago and carving these crazy rocks into these shapes through flow alone and then just vanishing from here is where I draw the line." Beau shot back, defiantly looking towards the rock face above them. "If something is going to alter a solid rock like this, its going to leave some major, distinctive marks. You don't destroy something with a light tap very few minutes. You hit it with one great blast and then you've taken it out and there are marks from you doing it in the shrapnel and the scorch marks."
"Where were you educated before this? That sort of erosion is generally taught in schools."
"Uh.....hybrid commune in the depths of Kalosian forests. It was mostly homeschooling to make sure you knew to kowtow to the royal forces and to do the sanctioned job they decided you would have when you were born. As my history of being an explosion-causing menace to the royal can attest, I failed miserably at everything involved there."
Giving a nod a the weight of the conversation she could feel herself walking into bared down, Chris would give a small point towards Beau. "Okay. I'll use an example you likely saw in the city to explain then. You saw the few dandelions that poked out through the cracks in the sidewalk?"
Beau would raise one eyebrow slightly as he pensively eyed the girl beside him. "Yeah. Did the dandelions somehow punch through the ground? Because if plants can punch through concrete, I might really need to take that gardening thing seriously."
"No....okay, actually yes." Chris admitted, her initial point being lost as she did her best to spin and adapt to this. "Those tiny plants can anchor themselves into all kinds of crevices. Then all it takes is a little water and they will fight tooth and nail against a substance you'd think would never be able to breach before claiming themselves a stake where they so desire. And even for a solid piece that a plant seed might not normally be able to anchor to, it can be broken apart due to the sheer strength of freezing and thawing water or the naturally produced substances of a plant managing to cut through and allow these plants to thrive where a normal human has attempted to deny them purchase." Snapping back to attention after her eyes began to glaze over slightly during her explanation, Chris would give a small laugh as she clasped her hands together. "I'm currently writing a dissertation on the adaptations that plant life has taken on in order to survive and thrive against the conditions that humans have caused. So I tend to get a little into the weeds when the subject even tangentially comes up."
Beau offer up a placating hand. "No apologizing. I asked for some know-how about plants and the environment around here, so I was expecting to get talked to and over by a lot of details I might not fully grasp."
Before the pair could continue their conversation, a loud rumbling would erupt around them as something awoke for the other Snagems. Immediately looking up, Beau would immediately see that these quakes were dislodging some of the rocks from the cliff face and sending them cascading towards them. Dropping a Pokeball as a small cloud of powder began to leak from his wrists, Beau shouted, "Take cover, Chris! Baron, burn!"
A Fletchinder would emerge from the beam of light the Pokeball gave off, not even giving a noise before an Ember attack shot out past its beak. And Beau was already in motion, a black cloud quickly erupting from the Vivillon hybrid before his wings sent it flowing towards the falling rocks. And while he might not always have been able to steer the clouds as he desired, Beau could see that for once the Powder was concentrating and coming together closer to the rocks. And with the small Ember finally slamming into the cloud of Powder, it would ignite and erupt, the explosion having enough power to force Beau down to one knee. And also having the benefit of smashing the cliff face that had just attempted to assassinate the pair, sending a flurry of rocks falling towards the Klawf and knocking the monolith down a few feet in height as it did so.
Taking a moment to stare at the small shrapnel that was casually falling down now, Beau would take a moment before erupting into a cheer. "Wooo! That was a blast! I barely ever make one that big! Let's go beat up whatever tried to kill us before anyone else gets into any trouble!" Turning towards where he had see Chris shuffle away for cover, she would be stuck staring towards where the explosion had just been, eyes focused on what had just occurred. "Um. Did the explosion scare you?" Beau carefully offered the statement, suddenly very aware of his own reaction.
Snapping to attention as Beau spoke directly at her, Chris would give a small smile towards the hybrid. "Sorry. Just never been that close to an explosion. That was certainly an experience I won't forget." Looking towards her Roserade, she would extend a slightly sweaty palm to her Pokemon before she gripped around the arm it offered her. "Alright. Now let's go see if we can find the dreadful thing that caused that earthquake."
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Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2023 8:06 am
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[Naranja House]
[Drylands]
While the Razor Leaf didn't do much to Klawf itself, the rock being dealt with between it and Angeal was the outcome he was much more concerned with. Not that he or Agueda were totally safe, but smaller, more scattered rocks meant less danger and Sol would be able to weather those a lot better. To the credit of the Fuecoco hiding behind their trainer, they were managing to work up the courage to step in front, only for a stray rock to crash right beside them, causing a freakout as they clung even tighter.
If it wasn't for the constant quakes, Agueda would've contemplated tossing one of the rocks that landed nearby back at the Klawf, and ended up tripping when she tried to. "Y-you coulda just said no!" She shouted, her Fuecoco giving a glare to match the mild indignance... well behind her, because there was no way they were challenging that Klawf.
Sol would try to keep his footing as well as he could, having a hard time moving or enough time to get in the air and eliminate the iffy footing issue entirely, finally getting a reprieve when he heard the sudden command and Gravity kept Klawf from lifting up their claw as quickly. Looking towards the voice, he'd see the woman atop the mesa, giving a confused look for a moment. "That's... not the channeler Amaranth described, is it?" He hadn't been around to see her during the team's outing in Galar, only recalling remarks about a woman with white hair that had a Golem and Probopass. This alone wouldn't have narrowed her down at all, even with seeing profiles of the WCC's teams, but he could swear she seemed less than enthused about the current turn of events. Still, he hadn't really encountered anyone else like her, so maybe it was a safe bet. If only Amaranth was around in the Drylands...
Seeing that Klawf would be able to raise their claw again sooner or later, plus the shout that followed, reminded him that those few seconds of contemplation weren't a good idea right now. "Er, right! Calida, Sunny Day!" Sending out his Quilava to join Leafeon, he'd give her a moment to intensify the sunlight around the area before starting to use it to quickly charge a Solar Beam. "Hoja, give me a Helping Hand!" He and the Leafeon himself would be surprised at the sudden burst of speed in getting back to the hybrid's side, Hoja giving a nod before putting a paw against one of Sol's feet and giving what energy he could to boost the attack just before it was fired at the Klawf, keeping it aimed a little higher than usual to avoid catching anyone in the crossfire.
[Bamboo Grove]
"They kind of crashed into the grove, if anything," Amaranth spoke up, looking to Leslie briefly. "I'm not sure what happened, but they can't fly like this... I'm sorry, what?" Understandably, she'd be a bit confused at what was just remarked. "They're already hurt, I don't think they're exactly in fighting shape here. And are you a new hybrid? That's something all of them can do." Not recognizing Leslie and assuming her one of the other students, she felt like adding the fact that she was able to vouch for it once would've been a weird thing to bring up. "Erm, do you know anything about this?"
The Altaria perked up for a moment, looking towards the two and Guts before remarking towards the Pawniard as Amaranth took out her SNAG to translate. "...what?" Their tone suggested they were just as confused about these accusations as Amaranth and Leslie were, and little in the way of resolution would be coming when the metal clanging would finally be heard followed by seeing a waterfall nearby crest as the bamboo formed a roof and revealed a cave behind it.
"You... heard and saw that too, right?" She asked Leslie, walking towards the falls and trying to peer inside the cave. For the moment, she couldn't see much past a tunnel, curiosity getting the better of her as she slowly started inside. The Altaria did follow her slowly, having to stay on the ground and all, but she did seem safer what with trying to help earlier. "This something your friend knows about?"
[Uva House]
"Wooloo, intercept-" Before Aden could try to get Wooloo in to defend Palladia, the Parabolic Charge from Hepa would end up hitting. While she wasn't the most thrilled about the attack, Aden could feel quite a bit of electrical energy lingering around. And if not felt, it was certainly visible as her wool sparked and crackled as if she'd suddenly decided to be some sort of off-brand Mareep. "Actually... no, Absinthe's right and Reno's got the right idea. Sure, most trainer battles aren't going to do something like that, but sometimes, the trainer's gotta get their hands a little dirty too. Even if they don't have anything fancy they can do. And with this extra electricity... Wooloo! Let's give Castform and Palladia a chance to let loose! Thunder Wave on Reno's Shelgon!"
While it was less firing a jolt and more rolling against Spike's Outrage with her electrified wool and letting that do the work, she'd try to trip up the Shelgon with the command given. Though, this also meant she'd be taking the attack head-on and wouldn't be too happy about it even with her heavily boosted defenses.
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Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2023 8:41 pm
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[Naranja House]
[Bamboo Grove]
Leslie would look towards Amaranth as she spoke, pursing her lips as she contemplated her response. "Well....No but yes? I always thought I was just making up what they were saying and I had a great imagination for giving things personality." Leslie told her fellow Snagem, prepared to continue the discussion when the sound of ringing metal and marching echoed past them and led them towards where a nearby waterfall and the local bamboo was doing its best to conceal an entrance. Apparently, there was a whole cave system to this crazy bamboo forest too? Wonder what goodies might lay deeper in. Swinging her small rattle-like club to her shoulder, Leslie would look towards Guts for some explanation.
"Behold, new master. This is the domain of the Great Shogun. They must have succeeded at gathering any stragglers in preparation for the great resistance. Now will come the time to eliminate the oppressive rusting living cloud in order to save our society or face our certain destruction." Guts pontificated, arms swinging around as he attempted to convey the grandiosity of this entire statement within his mind. Turning back to Amaranth after seeing that interesting display, Leslie would translate. "Uh....something something Great Shogun, kill the Altaria, end of days nonsense. I guess there's a big Bisharp down there or something? Think you got something for that, birdbrain?"
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Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:03 am
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Brian watched as Lu spoke to the leading Bisharp, her actions reminiscent of his mother's Lucario when she sparred against his father's Gallade. The two would make that particular gesture as a sign of respect, and Brian had to assume that was what Lu was doing now. That the Bisharp gestured for him and the rest of the group to follow instead of using force told him Lu had likely pleased them with her gesture, though he had to wonder why he was allowed to go along. What was going on?
He got his answer when he and the others were led to a waterfall. He could see Monique and another hybrid, this one a Lucario, standing nearby, and he nodded to Monique to let her know he'd seen her. Seeing the dance the Bisharp were doing was mesmerizing, and he had to wonder just what in the world was going to happen. The sound of rumbling caught his attention, and he watched with interest as a cleverly hidden bamboo screen began to part the waterfall, revealing a cave behind it. Hmm, that was rather interesting. Had the Pawniard and Bisharp constructed that? Feeling a need to document what was happening, he discreetly turned on the recording function on his SNAG, hoping to find out more about the heirarchy of Pawniard and Bisharp here in Paldea.
He followed the others down the tunnel behind the waterfall, noting the Litwick chained to the walls. He could briefly see a few Sableye being knocked around by a Bisharp, though he made no move to aid the Ghost/Dark-types, despite his dislike of seeing them that way. He had no desire to interfere with anything the Dark/Steel-types were doing, unknowingly proving Lu's statement to the Bisharp back in the grove. When the leading group began kowtowing before a strange Pokemon Brian didn't recognize, he and Lu moved as one and knelt, bowing their heads out of respect for the power they could sense from the seated Pokemon, with the male following suit. Lu and the male Lucario knew instinctively this wasn't someone they wanted to get on the wrong side of.
When a series of noises came from the seated Pokemon, Brian listened as both Monique and the Lucario hybrid, who said her name was ChiChi, introduced themselves, and realized the leader of the group was asking who they were. "My name is Brian Adams, Pokemon breeder in training and member of Team Snagem," he said, loud enough those gathered could hear him while keeping his head bowed. It wouldn't do for the gathered Pawniard and Bisharp to think he was being disrespectful.
While this was happening, the male Lucario's mind was working furiously. What had they done to be summoned before the leader of the Pawniard and Bisharp? He'd only heard rumors of this Pokemon, and while he didn't know its name, other than that it was called the Great Shogun, he knew it wasn't one to underestimate. Although he liked to challenge himself against powerful opponents, even he wasn't foolish enough to think he could challenge the Great Shogun and come out of the battle unscathed; that is, if he was even able to issue a challenge without being shredded by the Pawniard and Bisharp for thinking he was good enough to issue such a challenge to their leader.
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Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:56 am
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[Naranja House]
Aile, their tag along Paldean Wooper, and Mateo eventually caught up to the others, staring at the gigantic Klawf in front of them in awe. “Uh….”
“Oh dios mio… That is one giant Klawf.”
“Well, I suppose that gives me a name… Now, what kind of Pokémon is this,” Aile retorted, looking back at her Clodsire hybrid companion.
“Uh… Rock type. Right, anyways-”
“Woop!” The little Wooper ran up in front of Aile now, looking at her as well until the call to action from another student came out. She hadn’t participated in the world tournament, so there would be very little recognition about this newcomer. Notably, though, Aile eyed the Nosepass and its focus on the Klawf. It seemed that, for now at least, she was an ally.
“Right…. Little one, why are you here, it’s rather dangerous right now! Didn’t we tell you how to get back home?” Aile would hold up a Pokéball, but this was one from around her waist. “You’re now quite a way from home.”
“Yeah, I was wondering the same thing, too. It followed you in particular after you began to run off. After you said you wanted to walk, by the way.” Mateo pulled out a Pokéball of his own, looking at Aile.
“Oh hush. Emergencies happen.” Aile’s Pokéball would be tossed up, releasing Sarlaac. The Palossand yawned, then looked ahead, noting the almost larger than life Pokémon. “Sarlaac, use-”
“Wooop!” The little Wooper looked upset at this point, having a tantrum while trying to get in front of the sand castle.
“Uh…”
“This is one insistent bugger. You think?...”
“Um… Sure? Sarlaac, keep up a defensive stance, block any attacks that might come this way. Uh, Little Wooper? Try… Mud Shot to start, I guess?”
The little mudfish cheered as it started to form a mud ball in its mouth, growing larger and larger, until it fired off the orb in a wild direction that vaguely resembled where the rock crab was. Arceus, left, more left! Come on, why… huh? To her surprise, the orb began to turn, kind of like a curve ball, coming back on course to hit the Klawf. Mateo was about to throw out his own Pokémon, until he watched the event occur with the curving mud ball. He just remained silent as well, wondering if Aile was going to mention anything about what just happened. That Wooper surely didn't make a curveball all on its own.
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Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:57 pm
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Uva House
Odd couldn’t think of an immediate response to stopping that Flamethrower coming at Glissando before it was too late and the Hypno was consumed by the flames for a moment or two. For a moment, he feared the Psychic-type was out of the fight entirely but the Hypnosis Pokemon began to move again before he could throw in the towel, shaking his head and glaring at Castform. “Are you alright?” He asked his partner, concerned that he shouldn’t keep going.
“Hypno! Hyp no no!” Glissando assured, giving his trainer a thumbs up to assure him that he was alright for now.
“Glad to hear it.” Odd responded with a sigh. He knew Glissando was putting on a front here and he wouldn’t expect him to do much more. If they got attacked again like that, the Psychic-type was out of this battle. He simply didn’t have the experience or training needed to last much longer in a battle like this. So this move had to count. So far Castform was the biggest threat and while he’d planned to play support and keep Glissando on the back lines, Palladia was a threat to everything he could really do in that regard, though she didn’t seem to be the biggest offensive threat as much as just being a really good wallbreaker to stop him from shoring up their defenses for right now. He couldn’t say that wouldn’t change the moment Glissando fell. The only way to find out would be to make their move and see what happened next. It was while he was considering his options that the channeler spotted the key to what he predicted would be his final contribution to this battle.
As Glissando shifted his weight, Odd spotted a small blackened patch on his side that seemed to be causing the Psychic-type to wince from time to time. He’d been burned by Flamethrower. “Glissando, let’s focus on Castform and use Facade!” He ordered, pointing toward the sapient weathervane Pokemon. Glissando nodded and dashed forward as a brilliant orange aura enveloped his body. Getting as close as possible before attacking, the Hypno reared back to throw a punch and the aura around his body condensed onto his fist, flaring up even bigger just before throwing the punch. That burn was going to be Castform’s worst mistake if they could help it, even if physical moves weren’t Glissando’s forte.
Naranja House
Lykas held Mara back as the Pawniard and Bisharp conversed with Brian and his group, then quietly began to follow when they moved. “Where are you going?!” Mara demanded to know as he crept after them.
“I’m following them. What does it look like?” The Jellicent hybrid snapped back. “You might be a coward but my friends could be in danger and I’m not letting them face it alone.” He snarled at her before turning back and rushing off after Brian’s group before he lost sight of them, stowing the Master Ball again for the time being. As he drew closer, his body began to shift and shimmer as the liquid that made it up took on its more watery properties via Acid Armor. Taking advantage of the mostly-translucent form this gave him, he quickly managed to catch up to the Pokemon and their captives while being careful not to draw attention to himself with too much noise. Upon reaching the base of Fury Falls, he watched from nearby as the Pawniard performed their odd dance and the hidden bamboo screen emerged to reveal the cave system behind the falls.
“Huh… Never would have expected Pokemon to have made something like that.” He whispered to himself, conjuring a watery ball of boiling flame to generate some light, keeping the Will-o-Wisp close as he waited for the group to enter the cave, moving to duck inside just before the screen came back to close and hide the entrance again.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Mara’s voice erupted, interrupting the silence he’d been trying to maintain and breaking his concentration on both his Acid Armor and his Will-o-Wisp, causing both moves to come to a sudden stop.
“I’m going in after them! Are you really this blind? That’s twice I’ve explained something that should be obvious.” Lykas snapped back, eyes flashing black as he barely contained the Hex fighting to blast Mara’s spirit.
“I heard your friends back in class. You lot are supposed to be learning a lesson after acting recklessly, right? Why would you do it again?” Mara questioned, genuinely sounding concerned. “This is bad but we know where they went. Let’s go get a teacher or something and tell them what happened. They might be able to fix this?”
“Then go. I already told you, I won’t hesitate to break any law I have to if it means keeping them safe. We all almost died once to protect the rest of the world. I’m not letting that possibility happen again for any reason if I can prevent it.” Lykas retorted, blinking back a few tears. Clearly the end of the World War and the final battle against Ein had left more emotional scars than he was willing to talk openly about.
Mara gave him a look, as if she was trying to decide how much she hated his every word but her look slowly softened over the next few seconds. “You’ve got a lot of pain in your heart… I couldn’t stop you if I tried. That’s clear right now.” She decided aloud. “Fine. Go. I’m going to get help.”
Lykas nodded, not acknowledging Mara’s recognition of his reasons for now. As the Seaking hybrid turned to go find the old man who was meant to be their proctor for this outing, Lykas’s body turned to liquid water once again and he rapidly moved through the small lake at the base of the falls, making his way past the crashing water and pressing himself through the cracks in the bamboo screen. Reforming his body as it should be on the other side, he moved quickly and silently through the caves, leaving nothing but an occasional dripping sound in his wake as he maintained Acid Armor in order to make himself as hard to notice as possible, disguising himself as a puddle at least once when he thought he might be spotted by another Pawniard that seemed like it might be leaving the offshoot cave it was walking around in, though it turned away and he was able to pass it by without incident fairly quickly. These weren’t like Pawniard he’d seen in other regions, clearly. This was a whole civilization of them.
Shortly after passing the Pawniard who’d almost caught him, he’d take puddle form once again as he slowly slinked closer to Brian’s group, just enough that he could observe the goings on and decide if he needed to intervene.
~~~
Clare would be put down a short distance away from the Klawf, thankfully unharmed aside from being partially disarmed, Santiago looking around for a moment to see if anyone nearby was one of their friends. “Is there another member of Team Snagem around here to watch the lovely lady?” He called out, surprised to find that Mirage and the currently unnamed Tandemaus both returned to Clare’s side after the Gravity had been cast on it’s one claw, the trio of tiny critters giving the Klawf a shared mean look, though neither seemed to have much else to throw its way at first. Until Tandemaus began to hop around, the mice jumping off one another and throwing each other around like acrobats as they spit seeds they’d apparently had stored in their cheeks for a bit at Klawf via Bullet Seed. Mirage watched in awe, her cheeks puffing up as she attempted to do similar, though to no avail. Poor thing wanted to fight but so far it seemed her only attacks had been used and none had been all that effective.
“Do you think you can keep her safe?” Santiago asked Mirage, grabbing for a Pokeball at his belt. “Well, just in case…” Popping the ball open, he released a strange, rock-like frog Pokemon that stood beside Mirage. “Naclstack. Protect the Capsakid and her trainer… And see if you can treat the hybrid’s wounds with your salt? She lost an arm thanks to that titanic Klawf. I’m going to find a teacher and see if they can help. Don’t let anyone else get hurt if you can help it.” The Frosmoth hybrid ordered, taking to the air again afterward.
“Nos van a matar a todos…” Santiago muttered as he flew off in search of the elder woman who’d greeted them. She must know something about this giant Klawf and how to diffuse its apparent anger.
In Santiago’s absence, Naclstack carefully approached Clare, examining the stump of their missing arm and spitting salt onto the wound, watching in mesmerization as the stump seemed to almost shimmer, the broken edges practically sparkling as their edges lost some of the sharpness they’d had a moment before. That was interesting for certain but it wasn’t the kind of response wounds usually had to being hit with it’s salt.
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 2:27 am
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Uva House
Despite what she's said, Absinthe couldn't help but tense up when Reno literally kicked his Pokemon at Castform. Before she could respond verbally, however, Aden's Wooloo jumped ahead with the block, and hopefully a status effect on Shelgon to boot. It wasn't long before Castform was targeted by another Pokemon, but Absinthe knew she couldn't let Palladia focus on a Psychic-type - the feminine wall of muscle was at too much of a disadvantage there. Abby was honestly surprised Odd didn't try to push said advantage, since Palladia was obviously the strongest physically among their trio. But she DID say they couldn't keep focusing on defense, and if they kept trying to protect Castform, that'd only leave Wooloo and Palladia worn down, and contributing little else.
Abby had to make use of Palladia's strengths if she wanted to get any headway into this battle, and since Shelgon was covered by Wooloo and Hypno was absolutely out of the question, that just left one option. An option that was, interestingly enough, weak to Fighting-type moves.
"Palladia! Use Close Combat on Helioptile! Try to take it down in one shot!" Abby yelled for enthusiasm, which seemed to work. Palladia went from giving her trainer a concerned look to glaring at Helioptile in half a second's time. The Machamp took one large leap toward the Helioptiile and started pummeling it with fists coated in Fighting-type energy, sacrificing her natural defenses for pure offensive power that would hopefully be enough to bring the Electric/Normal Pokemon down.
Naranja House
Brunor was waiting for the giant crab Pokemon to swing, and timed his parrying Protect perfectly. Unfortunately, with the move being used to parry a standard Pokemon's attacks, Brunor could not deal with the weight of the giant Pokemon's X-Scissor. He did, after half a minute or so, finally knock the attack aside, but not without taking quite a bit of damage in the process. It's a good thing he was also a Fighting-type Pokemon, or that X-Scissor would have done much more damage.
Fortunately, between a much smaller, but equally unknown (to me at the time) Pokemon, and an oddly familiar face that I was having difficulty remembering, the giant crab Pokemon's attention was brought away from Brunor. While I had taken my time to focus on the newcomers, Brunor focused on Klawf, paying the damage he had taken back tenfold with a vicious Close Combat which eventually got me focusing back on him. "Keep going!" I cheered, which seemed to invigorate his onslaught of punches. Still, with an enemy that large, I had to wonder if such an attack would be enough.
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 4:06 pm
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 5:52 pm
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[Naranja House]
[Drylands]
The Klawf would continue to struggle to lift its claw, fighting against the Gravity that held it down, and slowly it would make progress. Any progress it made would disappear however as Beau’s explosion went off, startling it and sending rocks slamming against it followed up by a flurry of Bullet Seeds pelting its shell. While its claw slammed back down from the sudden barrage the sunlight became intense, a Sunny Day gracing them all. Its anger peaking as it noticed a tiny little native Wooper trying to prepare an attack the Klawf would be filled with a burst of adrenaline and throw its pinned claw up into the air, shattering the hold Gravity had over it. The giant crab would move just in time to avoid the incoming Mud Shot, the ball of mud flying past it. In this same moment it retaliated, slamming its claws onto the ground and summoning forth multiple pillars of stone from the Earth which threatened to entomb and squeeze Wooper and Tandemous respectively as it executed Rock Tomb.
While the Klawf managed to get off its attack it was distracted and vulernable to the Mud Shot that turned back around and slammed into its back, the crab crying out in pain and turning its eyes backwards to try and see what hit it. It was in this vulnerable moment that Brunor rushed up to it and delivered a flurry of painful blows upon it with Close Combat. The super effective assault wouldn’t end there though as Sol summoned forth solar energy from the intensified rays and blasted the giant with a Solar Beam, the crab letting out a pained cry as it tipped over and fell onto its back, seemingly succumbing to the damage it took, the ground shaking violently with its fall.
With the giant toppled and defeated the Sinnohan would mount her Probopass and ride the levitating Pokemon off the cliff, arriving back on the ground beside Sol, then stepping off her Pokemon and recalling it. “I guess your team wasn’t just lucky in the World Champion Cup, you seem to have actual talent.” She commented to Sol. The woman would then take a long hard look at him, an eyebrow cocked. “You seem really familiar…for some reason you remind me of that yellowed hair thief…that is besides being on the same team as that miscreant. Are you two related?” She asked with a glare. Sol would have time to answer but the woman would not have time to say anything else as the ground began to rumble as a certain crab suddenly flipped itself back over.
“Klaaawf!” Roared the giant creature as it revealed it was not knocked out and in fact got a second wind, flipping itself back onto its feet and proceeding to turn around, scuttle up to a cliff wall, and savagely slam its claws into it. The Klawf would eventually smash a hole in the side of the cliff and reveal a small cave containing nothing but a single pink plant, the small shrub sparkling as the sunlight bounced off of it. The crab would greedily scarf down the plant, leaving no remains, not even roots. Immediately upon consuming the pink plant an explosion of energy would emit from the giant’s body, a pillar of light shooting upward from its body as it began to swell tremendous power. Once all was done and said the already giant crab seemed slightly bigger and now had a burning cloak of pink energy, the energy sensitives nearby easily detected the incredible power it now possessed.
“W-what just happened!?” The white haired woman questioned as she stared down the Klawf in awe. “I must have it!” She declared, almost pushing Sol aside as she stepped forward and tossed out a Pokeball, releasing from within a Lunatone. “Go, use-” Before the woman could even give her command the Klawf simply swatted the Lunatone away and sent it violently flying into a nearby cliff side, smashing into it with a devastating impact. “Klaaawf!” The beast roared, far more angry than before and possessing even greater power. “Klaw klaw!” It quickly chanted before its cloak of energy turned an orange color, the monstrosity then proceeding to rush towards the entire group, its footsteps heavy and powerful, causing quakes, cracking and up-turning the ground as it rushed towards them and threatened to trample them all with High Horsepower. The only option would be to immediately run to avoid being trampled but the group would have to be careful with their footing as the ground around them was now incredibly unstable.
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2023 6:10 pm
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[Uva House]
Crystal’s ears tilted, not entirely expecting the pile on with Castform. Well, that was one out. Palladia’s charge at Hepa would bring her out of her thoughts, right as the little lizard flinched from the overcharging. There was no way Hepa would survive this, even with the Reflect added in. However, there was the Zen Headbutt from Spike and the Parabolic Charge, plus taking a Double Edge for another Pokémon as well… There might be a chance here. “Hepa, let’s go down swinging. Wait until they’re close, then make a point blank Thunder!” The Helioptile looked back for a moment, apparently nervous, but a nod and a smile from her trainer would keep her from running off, instead beginning to charge. Waiting until the moment before the attack was about to hit, she would let off all of the lightning she charged up inside, aiming the large lightning bolt right at the chest of the fighter. The first few blows after that would be enough to send Hepa flying off to her trainer, who picked her up and scratched behind her head frills. “Nice work, Hepa. Not bad for your first trainer battle.” Walking back closer to the Protect wall, she’d put Hepa on her head and let the little lizard curl up, who still took in the warmth of the bright light.
Maybe next time she should bring out Demon Wing.
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2023 6:35 pm
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[Naranja House]
[Bamboo Grove]
The old man scowled at the words ‘Paldean government’ as they left Darts’s lips, making it even more clear his dislike of the regional authorities. “We disagree on to what extent this grove should be protected and how. We both wish to see it thrive, yes, but for different reasons. They see money through tourism as a reason to preserve it, I see a natural treasure to be preserved for the sake of humanity and Pokemon alike. Relations soured when they allowed that awful Pokemon Center atop the hill aways, cutting down a portion of the grove to do so, tarnishing this gemstone of nature.” The old man almost hissed, pointing in the direction of the mentioned Pokemon Center.
“But yes, your assumption is correct. No one has use for bamboo here in Paldea, not these days. They prefer concrete, plastic and other man-made materials. It’s shame because bamboo is plentiful, grows fast, and has almost unlimited uses. Even the local Pawniard and Bisharp know this, they are known to make their own constructions out of the local bamboo. At least something respects it these days.” He sighed. “I once tried to get native artists interested in working with bamboo but it went nowhere. The Artazon gym leader, an artist himself, wouldn’t even humor my idea.” He explained, giving further reason why he might dislike the powers-that-be here in Paldea.
—--
The Great Shogun listened to the academy students before them, though showed little interest in what they were actually saying. For several more seconds after they spoke the ‘Great Shogun’ would stare at them in silence, examining them in their entirety with its eyes. Once it was down the Pokemon would gesture to a nearby Bisharp who responded with a salute before marching away. Turning back to the group it spoke. “Kingambit, king bit gambit king.” It said in Pokespeak and for those who could understand it would say; “The metal ones will submit to me, the Great Shogun.” With that said the entrance to the room behind them would suddenly be sealed up by a sheet of metal, old Bisharp blades welded together. The next thing they knew the Pawniard and Bisharp around them would get into a fighting stance and point their blades at them, ready to jump into action.
Again the Great Shogun would speak in Pokespeak. “You will serve in the Great Blade Army, to defeat the Living Cloud Which Brings Rust. To ensure your loyalty your non-metal companions will remain here as guests of the Great Shogun.” With that said a Bisharp each would attempt to approach the non-Steel types gathered, seeking to shackle them with crude metal cuffs. Would the group go along with all this willingly? Would they fight in spite of how outnumbered they are? There was more than thirty Pokemon here, not including the few Litwick and evolutions, provided they actually fight and aren’t just enslaved as a light source.
Lykas would be able to infiltrate the cave system without a problem, completely undetected. He would make it just several feet away from the Great Shogun’s audience chamber where everyone was gathered, visually confirming the other students at a distance, before the metal sheet dropped down and blocked the entrance. Examining the sheet metal he would note it was just discarded Bisharp blades welded together, crudely, he could even see a few small gaps here and there. He wouldn’t know what was going on but his friends were now trapped inside which was definitely not a good sign, you don’t trap people in a room because you want to serve them tea.
In time Leslie and Amaranth would arrive after Lykas, both finding the place devoid of Pawniard and Bisharp suddenly, as if they had moved quickly elsewhere, perhaps summoned. The Pawniard owned by Leslie would certainly find them strange as usually the place is crawling with them, even Lykas would be surprised to see them just waltz in here as minutes ago he had to sneak past them, certainly unsettling considering the situation. The group would now be standing before the construction of metal blades blocking their path, their friends just on the other side. What would they do?
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