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Post by Manic on Apr 12, 2019 23:01:26 GMT
Update #22: Cleaning Up
It's hard to believe we've explored this entire region already. It seems like just yesterday Birch was keeping me in that pokeball. You poor dear, that must have been simply dreadful! I'll never enter one of those things again. If we're lucky, there'll never be a need. I thought it was fun! But...how do you fit someone like Chester or Gordon into one of those things? I don't know, really. None of the pokemon ever seem to mind. I think it must have something to do with the fact that you're not native to this world. Yes, that's all very nice. Now, if you don't mind, I see a store here with new items for sale!
You're buying that many Full Restores? You think we'll need them? Doesn't hurt to be prepared, and nothing else needs the money right now. Arright, it's time fer th' big rodeo! The whole kit and kaboodle! Hey, what's a kaboodle, anyway? C'mon, let's get in there and show them what we're made of. Not a chance. You...you don't think we can do it?
I don't think we're ready yet. Aw, you don't know what you're talking about. I can take 'em all! Pinkie, do you think you can figure out what kind of levels we're talking about there? Sure, just a sec! Ooooh, that guard on the left knows...EEP! What is it, what's wrong? Training, definitely more training! A lot more, unless we wanna be pony paste! Ugh...this'll be boring, we've already done everything there is to do around here! Think so? First, let's get rid of some HM moves we don't need anymore.
Hey! I think I thought I forgot to remember something that I forgot! Thank goodness. I trust you'll outfit me with attacks better suited to my skills, now? Naturally, but there's one last move to forget.
You're kidding. I'm not kidding. I'm getting rid of a move that's almost as strong as Surf and can make my opponents flinch, for the water equivalent of Dig? Why?! Because we have a promise to keep. You promised she'd remember Dive? Manic, didn't we dive everywhere we needed to dive? We've practically explored the entire ocean floor! As fascinating as it was, I don't think we need to go back. That's true. We're not going to the ocean floor. We're using Dive, but not to the ocean floor, to fulfill a promise? A promise to whom?
Well, I'll be! I have to admit, I had completely forgotten about this! It seems like so long ago. Ugh, this ship is dreary and tattered, in dire need of a little tender loving care. Okay, fine, we have the widget. Can we go now?
Oh, come on! Well...I suppose it's not too much trouble... Come on, it'll be fun! Maybe he'll give us a ride in his submarine and we'll get all smooshed against the walls! Don't sound too fun ta me. Rainbow. Let me remind you of something. Oh yeah? What's that? Ice Beam. Rrrrgh...okay, fine. But if he sends us on another errand after that, we say no. Got it? Got it.
No, it's okay, you can just have it. No, really, I insist! You simply must accept one. Seriously, I don't actually need it, they'd be better in the hands of scientists. I'm not taking the scanner until you take one. I think he might be serious! Just go ahead and choose one. Okay, I'll take the tooth. Fine choice! Here you go, one scanner! Great! Okay. Now are we ready? Not yet! AUGH. What's next, rescue a kitten from a tree? How about improving movesets instead? All right, now you're speaking my language!
Okay! I admit it. This is pretty awesome. I'm quite pleased as well, Manic. Thank goodness you understand my natural appeal! Me next, me next! Actually, the last move I have in mind for you will be gained through training. Awww, okay! Am I going to get to levitate huge boulders with my mind or something? If he's thinking what I think he's thinking, nothing of the kind. That's a lot of thinking! ...but it's still not time for training. We have more things to do, and you can gain levels on the way.
What is all this junk? I think it makes us stronger...I already feel more charged up...! Yes, and this ice seems to be super-cooling my body. Refreshing! What's th' bandana for? Not entirely sure yet, but hey, it was on the way. It never hurts to be prepared! All right, what's our next stop? Pokemon center. Retrieve Spike, hit Victory Road, start training. Won't Captain Creepypants be there? My guess? He already got out, found out we were long gone, and went off looking for us. ...and the last place he'd look for us is the place where he saw us last! Clever!
This is my last move?! It sure is. I remember how much you said you like sunny days. This is wonderful! I love it I love it I love it! I can feel the morning sun on my face at any time! I'm fond of my new ability as well, I must admit. Its healing powers complement my natural defensive capabilities nicely!
(And then I did some grinding. Forever. Literally hours of it.)
All right, that's it! We're ready. I'm going in! We're all going in, Rainbow! Together! For Equestria! For the innocent! For the greater good! For the benefit of Hoenn and Equestria, and all of us together. Let's go show them what we're made of! For the good of all worlds...and for your own good, Manic. You must win. Did anyone else hear that? Hear what? ...skip it. It's time.
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Post by Manic on Apr 12, 2019 23:03:33 GMT
red5 - Glad you're enjoying! It's always interesting to see things unfold in real time, right? So, we've taken care of some business - almost forgot about that promise, too! - and readied ourselves for the League. Also, it sure seems like Penelope is dead but not gone. Perhaps she has unfinished business? There are three more updates after this one!
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Post by Manic on Apr 14, 2019 6:07:51 GMT
Update #23: The Gauntlet (vs. Elite Four)
Just remember, everyone: whatever happens, I'm glad I get to face it with all of you. Awww. Feelin's mutual, darlin'. When we work together, there's nothing we can't do! Group hug! OOMPH! Yes, dear, I'm happy to have you here as well. All right, all right, enough with the lovey-dovey. It's time to get our game faces on! Rainbow has a point, actually. Fluttershy, I'd like you to take the lead. M-me? But...why? I have a clever plan, don't you worry. It's all right. Manic's plans hardly ever blow up in his face!
C'mon, let's just get this over with. Sheesh. Why so irritable? Seriously, kid? Think about it. I'm the lowest-ranking member of the Elite Four. So what? Somebody's gotta be. People don't train to fight me, people train to fight Wallace, or maybe Drake. That means that I'm always outclassed. Aw, c'mon. You're just being down on yourself. What level are your pokemon? High 40's. How about yours? Oh. Ummm. Awkwaaaaaard... The poor boy...but there's really nothing that can be done, is there? C'mon, out with it! What level? ...sixty straight across? Yep. C'mon, let's get this over with.
At least it was quick. He looks so depressed... Isn't there anything we can do for him? It must get really discouraging to have this happen over and over. Hey, uh...Sidney? Yeah? Whaddaya want? You have some really good pokemon, but you could probably raise them a couple of levels each without disrupting the flow of the E4. Hmm. Y'think? Been considering that. Also, I hate to say it, but your Cacturne and Shiftry give you a quadruple weakness to Bug attacks and a whole new set of weaknesses. Maybe consider Houndoom to cover for the Bug weakness, Murkrow to cover for the Fighting weakness? Even an Umbreon would be an improvement. Huh. You gotta point, kid. I'll think about it. Keep goin'.
Oh? Do you know the elderly couple at the top? My parents. Hmmm? They're my parents. Oh, uh, okay. That's...neat? Don't she seem a mite awkward? She's got more issues than Equestria Daily! No it's not. I trained there my whole life. What...your entire life? That's what I said. A year ago, I'd never been off of Mt. Pyre. I guess that sounds- Stay and talk to me a while. Let's battle while we chat.
That was fast. I guess you're leaving now. Well... Poor girl. I know just what it's like to have your studies get the better of you. Hey, uh...Phoebe? What, what do you want? Look, have you ever considered maybe striking up a conversation with Sidney? He wouldn't want to talk to me. Why not? I'm...creepy. What? No you're not. You're sheltered, sure, but he's a Dark type specialist. Not easily spooked. Besides, you're pretty, and I think he could benefit from someone to talk to. You think I'm...you think he'd like me? Couldn't hurt to try, right? O-okay. I guess. Awww. That's sweet. They're still people. Even if they're my opponents, they deserve a chance to be happy.
Let us begin. What, you don't want to chat a little first? Are you proposing an alternate set of rules? Well, no, but- Then no. Challenge me or concede the match. Sheesh. Okay, I challenge you, then.
Heh, don't think I didn't see that. What are you talking about, challenger? You cracked a smile there. And it's Manic. I did no such thing, challenger. Proceed.
Ah, and there's a scowl. Your imagination is getting the better of you. I am calm and composed. Oh dear...I hope she's not upset... Just a little. Keep it up!
Nice. You look good when you're hopeful. Manic, I assure you, I am serene and unemotional. Think so? You called me 'Manic' just now, not 'challenger'. A momentary slip. I'm fine.
Rrrrgh... Hmmm? I didn't quite catch that. It's fine, I am not yet out of pokemon. Wow, this lady is kind of boring. Come on, roll with it! Think so? I think she's a lot of fun. Fun? Well, let's see if you think this is fun!
I can't believe I lost to you! And do you know why you did? I suppose you have some useful critique on my strategy. Actually, yes. You lost because you're so dispassionate. He's right! Everything goes better when you have fun with it! Ditch that icy stare and get with the program! You think I would do better to be emotional, hmm? Not overly so, but sometimes? Our best tools are our instincts, and those are tied to emotions. Trust my instincts. Hmmm. You may have something there. Move on, Manic. Drake awaits.
You must have heard of me before. Yes. Yes, I have. Captain Briney's son, right? Hmph. While that old man plays ferry, I've focused on mastering the strongest type in the world! I don't like the look of this... What's wrong? Is it the hat? I bet it's the hat. The hat is awful, true, but I think she means Manic's face. That ain't the expression I was hopin' for. That's new. He looks worried! And with good reason, Rainbow. Glacia kept me on my toes, but Drake is a serious challenge. If he were to face Wallace for the championship...I don't think I could call that in advance. I'm not champion because I don't choose to be champion. Too many distractions from my training. I believe him, girls. This is the real deal. Rarity, you're up front. Take it easy, be cautious. Drake is no laughing matter.
Ice Beam. As I expected. Nice Glaceon. Wait, you know what a Glaceon is? I traveled the world before I settled in Hoenn. I've seen all of the eeveelutions at one point or another. I guess that makes sense. Now that I've taken your measure, it's time to fight in earnest. How will you handle a Flygon? That seems fairly straightforward. Quadruple weakness to ice... ...means that he has something planned. Rainbow, step in for Rarity!
Not bad at all. Flamethrower would have ended your Glaceon. I knew it. You're dangerous, Drake. As are you, Manic. Strong and honorable. Now, let's see if you can withstand an Altaria. Hmmm. Rarity, swap back in.
Impeccable. Now tell me why you did that. Simple. Altaria is one of the weaker dragons, but it has both Perish Song and Dragon Dance. Both require set-up time. And thus... ...and thus, it's important for me to end the battle as quickly as possible. I've never seen you quite like this before. Are you all right? We have to be at the pinnacle of our strength to win here, Rarity. I see it's time to get serious with you. You're a legitimate challenge. You mean he hasn't been serious before?! Salamance. Show them a good time. Ffffffff...Rainbow, I need you back here!
Okay, seriously, if you're going to do something, do it now... Rainbow! Manic, be careful, she can't take much more of this! Your pokemon look worried, Manic. You can still concede. No, I can't. Rainbow, take this Hyper Potion. This is precisely what I expected to happen, and it's why I've been using Acid Armor. Fascinating. Explain? Rainbow has a ton of health, but her defense is low. Turn up the defense, restore the health, and...
...bingo. Whew...okay, I need a breather. Somebody tag in! Your...Rainbow, is it? Looks exhausted. I'm not playing around, Manic. If you send in a weak pokemon next, I will take it out in one hit. My ace is waiting in the wings. Kingdra is no laughing matter. All right. Let's review our options. Applejack, you're out because of potential water attacks. Rainbow is hurt. Rarity, your attacks won't be very effective. That leaves me, Pinkie, or Fluttershy. You're out, Twilight. I'd wager that thing has Dragon Dance, meaning it's another race. S-send me in... You're sure? This thing is bound to be immensely powerful. You...you promised you'd protect me. I believe you. You w-won't let anything happen...send me in. You've chosen, then? I have. Fluttershy, if you can trust me, I can trust you!
You're aware that the Dragon typing removes the weakness to electricity, right? I am. Interesting choice, then. Kingdra, reduce her accuracy! Thunderbolt that thing into next Tuesday!
Startling...but your Jolteon has started to miss, and I still have a Full Restore! Fluttershy, switch out! Let Pinkie finish the job! N-no...I said I would make good on your faith in me...and I will! Girl, this ain't no time to be stubborn! Manic, she's out of control! Put me in, put me in! I bet I can finish this thing off in one hit! Haven't you figured it out yet? He can't! Aw, how come? It's done three Dragon Dances, Pinkie. I bet it can finish you off in one hit! Make your move, trainer, but be warned...if your next attack doesn't defeat my Kingdra, my Kingdra's next attack will certainly defeat your Jolteon.
I trust you, Fluttershy. Use Thunder.
(There in the chamber of the final member of the Elite Four, the summoned clouds loomed, darkening the room and blotting out the skies overhead. The air swelled thick with humidity, and the scent of ozone grew increasingly intense as the wind picked up, blowing Drake's cape in the breeze. The formidable man stood like a stone in the storm, a monolith of a trainer, appearing utterly unaffected. A deep rumbling built within the room, a bass growl rising toward a crescendo that threatened to shake the very foundations of Ever Grande City and surely warned all present on the island of nature's rage being called down upon the locus of the forming maelstrom. The air above surged angrily with a spark, and then another...and then, without warning, a cataclysmic crash of light that momentarily obliterated sight!)
Did I win...? I dunno, I can't see! All I can see is spots! She did! She did it! She won! Absolutely dazzling. That is what being a champion is all about. That was simply spectacular, dear! All right! Way to go, we've defeated the Elite Four! I knew we could do it! Don't get overconfident, now. You have the makings of a champion, but Wallace still stands in your way.
And remember: I fight with honor. He fights with everything. He's right, girls. We've defeated the Elite Four, but the champion is waiting for us up ahead. Our biggest challenge is just past that door!
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Post by Manic on Apr 14, 2019 6:18:45 GMT
I don't care what your team looks like, Drake is scary.
Also, how do you feel about that brief narrative moment? First one like it in the series! Though not the last.
And no, none of that was staged. Even now, years later, I remember the anxiety of that moment.
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Post by red5 on Apr 14, 2019 22:38:47 GMT
red5 - Glad you're enjoying! It's always interesting to see things unfold in real time, right? It is indeed! Now that I'm invested again, it's also taking immense amounts of self control to not go read ahead. And... woof. I can well imagine that anxiety, when you've gotten to the point that there's nothing else you can do and it all just comes down to chance. I appreciate the narrative moment, too. Sometimes, you just need a little imagery.
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Post by Manic on Apr 15, 2019 7:13:29 GMT
Update #24: Penultimate (vs. Wallace)
All right, girls. We're here. What's the plan? Applejack... Y'ain't gotta tell me. Water specialist means I'm real fragile-like. I'll watch this one from th' back. I'm afraid Rainbow and I will have similar problems. I suppose it's for the best, that man's outfit makes me gag. Fluttershy, I want you in the lead. Twilight, Pinkie, you're backup. Everyone else, I might need you to help stall for heals. I'll...I'll do my best! Yay team, woooo! Let's go knock his silly-looking block off! Seems like a sound strategy. Whatever happens, I want everyone to know, I'm very proud of all of you. Me too, girls. You've all come a long way. Now, let's show him what we're made of!
I was glad to hear you talking out there. You're going to need to be at your strongest. Hello, Wallace. Sorry, didn't mean to shout. Oops...my bad. First, I wanted to thank you for what you did back at Sootopolis. You're welcome. It's nothing you wouldn't have done.
It gives me hope that you might be able to succeed where I failed. What are you talking about? Your pokemon are cooperative. This isn't just about cooperation, Manic. This is about raw, unadulterated power. It'll take more than friendship to win. We've trained to beat you, Wallace. I'm reasonably sure we can put up a pretty good fight. Against me? Probably. Against your real opponent? You haven't a prayer.
Come on, Wallace. Out with it, what's going on here? First, I want you to understand why I'm making you defeat me before I explain more. All right? On that night when the sky opened up, your friends there all emerged and were scattered across Hoenn. There was something else that emerged, though. Something evil, rotten to the core. You don't think... Whatever it was has taken over the body of this Scott person. I've done some research; he used to be an easy-going, laid-back person before that night, but now he's driven. He wants you to suffer, Manic. I've never seen anything so...vicious, so single-minded. That doesn't explain why you need to fight me, though. C'mon! You wanna be the champ, don't you? Recognizing the threat once it pilfered Steven's pokemon, I challenged it to a match. It was a massacre. I bet you squished him like a mashed potato! I couldn't get a single one of his pokemon to faint. He tore through me like a Slash through wet tissue paper. That...ain't what I was hopin' ta hear. Now you understand. If you can't defeat me, you stand no chance against it...and I've been watching you. I know you would try anyway. He has a point, Manic. I hate to say it, but...if we want more information, we're going to have to beat it out of him. All right, then. I'm ready. I don't know what we're going to do about this thing, but for my friends, I'll fight to the bitter end!
Fight to the best of your ability, Manic; you can bet that I'll be bringing everything I can to the table! You heard him, girls! Let's give it everything we've got!
Wow...that wasn't too hard at all. I hope it's okay... In a single hit, with a Thunderbolt?! That's our Fluttershy! Nice shootin'! Well, let's see how fast she is, why don't we?
What happened? I missed it! Th-that thing is...certainly big! Of course, I should have known better. Let this be a lesson to you, Manic. Even one mistake can be too many! I'll keep it in mind. Now, let's switch things up a bit, shall we? Go, Whiscash! Whiscash. Water/Ground. Manic, Fluttershy's attacks will be ineffective! Man, I wish we had somebody with Grass attacks. For now...hey, Rainbow! Getting bored? Ugh, like you wouldn't believe! Wanna come pummel this thing for me? Do I ever!
Interesting choice. Why your Vaporeon? Simple. Water resists Water, but Ground is weak to it. If I can't get a type advantage, I might as well hit with someone very strong. And that's me all over! Good, good. I'm glad you understand that much. And why not your Glaceon? If I had a Whiscash, I'd teach it Earthquake, just like you apparently did. Excellent! Perhaps you have a chance after all. Now let's see how you handle my Ludicolo! Oooh oooh! Me! I wanna play! Let me! Oooh! Oooh! Well, how can I turn down enthusiasm like that?
Awww, it fell over! I've, uh...I've never seen tactics quite like that. I'm not entirely sure what just happened there, I admit. What? We had a big fiesta party, had red-hot salsa and queso, and then we played pinata! Haven't you been to a fiesta before? That...would be a no. Well, it sure tired him out! Well, whatever that was, it certainly worked. Now it's time for my Tentacruel!
Did...did she just jump rope with my Tentacruel? On two legs? Uhm. I think so? My mother and your mother went down to the loft! My mother patted your mother on the back when she coughed! This one is a little, uh, different. She's irrepressible, that much is for sure! Well, I have one pokemon left...but it's going to rock your socks off! Pinkie, take a breather. Twilight? I'm on deck and ready for action, Manic. Let's show him our best!
Whoah... My strongest pokemon. Milotic can withstand just about anything. It's...it's dazzling! Gorgeous! Oh, how I wish I had my magic right now, I have so many designs going through my head! Milotic, lead off with Toxic. Let's get things off to a good start. Urgh...hnnnf...hah. Bad idea... What? What is this?
Come on, Wallace. Don't you know what Synchronize does? Synchro...ah, of course! Oh well, your poison is much worse than mine. And this is why I have Antidotes. Toxic! Antidote. Surf! Bite! Ice Beam! Psychic! Recover! Moonlight! It's...it's a stalemate! Neither one can get a leg up on th' other! Stunning! The way you dance around defeat is breathtaking; I can't make any progress! And neither can I...but I still have a strategy! You can't win, but you have a strategy? Say what? Manic...whatever strategy you have...now might be a good time to share!
I am reminded of an old saying:
The willow knows what the storm does not:
...that the power to endure harm outlives the power to inflict it. We...we won? You stalled my Milotic to a win? Every time I used an item and you used Recover, you reduced your available PP. I see, I see...that's why you didn't unfreeze your Umbreon right away! It afforded me several free turns where only you were exhausting your pokemon. Which allowed me to still have attacks left while the Milotic was forced to damage itself with every move!
Simply awe-inspiring! You may have what it takes to rid this world of that presence. Wallace. I need to know more about it if I'm going to have a chance. Absolutely. The first thing you need to know is that-
You're all right! Thank heavens! May! Where's your father? He'll be along in a moment. Thank goodness you're safe. Wait...are you about to challenge Wallace? Are you crazy?! Actually, miss, he just did. Oh, Manic. I should have warned you first. Don't feel bad! I'm sure you can challenge him again soon. Believe it or not, I won. Come again? Flawlessly. I couldn't make a single one of his pokemon faint.
I knew he was special from the moment he stepped off of that truck. People say Derpy is special too! Professor Birch!
Well done, my boy! And you too, Twilight. I see you've found your friends! We sure did! Together, we've faced every challenge to come our way! No surprise to me at all! At any rate, I've heard all about this Scott person. What's to be done about it? Wallace, perhaps you can lend a hand? I'm sorry, Professor Birch. This is something Manic has to face alone. I need to talk to him now...please excuse us. Manic, wait! There's no safer place in all of Hoenn than where I'm going, May. I'll be back, I promise.
All right, Wallace. Once and for all, I need to know everything. You already know most of what I do, Manic. When that thing came to ground, it immediately possessed Phoebe and grabbed me by the collar. It had one question: Where Is Manic? Why does this thing despise me? I have no idea. I only know that it believes you've done it some horrible wrong, and it's bent on revenge. How could I have wronged it when I don't even know what it is?! It doesn't matter whether or not you've wronged it, Manic. It only matters that it thinks you did. Great. What else can you tell me? Not only does it have all of Steven's pokemon, but it has skills to rival my own. Whatever this thing is, it has more experience with pokemon than I care to imagine. It wants power, revenge, and you. Then...if it lusts after power, and a bond to one's pokemon represents power... Wait. You don't think... Wallace! We need to contact Steven Stone right now! I'm on my way!
Girls, I think it's a foregone conclusion that we're going to have to face Scott. His pokemon are ludicrously powerful. I hate to have to ask you this, but...will you help me? It may be the only way you can get home and help me save Hoenn.
I'm...I'm not going to give up!
Leave you hanging?! No way, Jose! We're in it to win it!
I ain't the kinda filly that backs down from a challenge!
What a silly question! Of course we'll help you. Turnabout is fair play, after all!
Manic, you've shown yourself to be a true friend to all of us. We'll follow you to the ends of the earth if it means helping you through a jam.
The opportunity to kick this guy's keister to the curb? Just try and stop me!
Then it looks like we have some training to do, girls. We're not going into this until we're ready...failure is not an option.
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Post by Manic on Apr 15, 2019 7:15:05 GMT
We haven't stalled out an ace since Roxanne, but you gotta do what you gotta do!
And Pinkie Pie...being Pinkie Pie. Roll those images around in your mind!
As for Wallace...so he's not the bigbad in this. And Steven might be in trouble...
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Post by Firebrand on Apr 15, 2019 12:56:37 GMT
So this run we're actually going to see the fight against Steven in Meteor Falls, I guess? That's bound to be pretty tough, since most of the team can't really scratch his rock/steel types, so it looks like Rainbow and Applejack are likely going to take point. But that's getting a bit ahead of myself, and I don't want to put the cart before the pony (rimshot)
We've got another E4 gauntlet down in the books, and while this one didn't rise to the high drama of the original Emerald one, it was more in keeping with the more optimistic tone of the run. And there are a few aside glances at the fourth wall as Manic's multiverse awareness slips out, especially with regard to Drake and Wallace. But fortunately this time around, Drake is just a super-competent and masterful trainer, and Wallace is a flighty guy who's... maybe not so great at his job, but not the dangerous incompetent he was in Derpy Emerald.
The narrative moment in Drake's battle worked fine, and I probably wouldn't have paid it any special mind if you hadn't called attention to it. Dialogue and screenshots only take you so far, and sometimes you need a little flavor text to really drive a scene home, especially at a big, tense narrative moment. I think so long as they're used sparingly (mostly so as not to compromise the easy readability of the shotlocke form) they keep their impact, like it does here.
Wallace mentioned that the wormhole that brought the ponies to Hoenn also brought the thing that was corrupting Scott. I know vaguely that the ponies' big bad guy is a dragon (I think he got name-dropped as Discord here?) but I don't know enough about him to know if possession is his usual M.O., though I have to figure that Pinkie's mind reading powers would have tipped them off if it was him, since they seem pretty familiar. There have been some other big bads as the season has gone on, I think? But since this was in 2012 I don't know if any of them had been introduced yet. Further muddying the waters is the fact that this malevolent force seems to be gunning for Manic specifically, which makes me think that this is a Manic-verse threat, not a pony-verse one, and it was just piggybacking the wormhole that dragged the ponies in to get a shot at Manic. My money is on Mewtwo, or whatever possessed Mewtwo and made him aware he was just lines of code in a videogame, but I guess I'll find out in the next update.
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Post by crimsondoom on Apr 15, 2019 15:34:13 GMT
Wallace mentioned that the wormhole that brought the ponies to Hoenn also brought the thing that was corrupting Scott. I know vaguely that the ponies' big bad guy is a dragon (I think he got name-dropped as Discord here?) but I don't know enough about him to know if possession is his usual M.O., though I have to figure that Pinkie's mind reading powers would have tipped them off if it was him, since they seem pretty familiar. There have been some other big bads as the season has gone on, I think? But since this was in 2012 I don't know if any of them had been introduced yet. Further muddying the waters is the fact that this malevolent force seems to be gunning for Manic specifically, which makes me think that this is a Manic-verse threat, not a pony-verse one, and it was just piggybacking the wormhole that dragged the ponies in to get a shot at Manic. My money is on Mewtwo, or whatever possessed Mewtwo and made him aware he was just lines of code in a videogame, but I guess I'll find out in the next update. For the record, Discord technically is only part dragon: as a spirit of chaos, he finds the concept of sticking to a single species at a time to be... tedious.
As far as protagonists from 2012 and earlier go, Nightmare Moon would be a prime candidate, since many fan theories at the time suggested that she was possessing Princess Luna rather than being the dark side of her personality the way the show implied. That being said, that theory never even occurred to the ponies, so maybe they know something we don't. Chrysalis and Sombra might have been known villains at the time, but Chrysalis is a shapeshifter rather than a possessor, and Sombra is barely articulate. All the other villains were definitely not released yet, so make of that information what you will.
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Post by Manic on Apr 16, 2019 8:29:35 GMT
Firebrand crimsondoom Ahhh, memories of the original run, with people trying to guess who the bigbad was. Don't worry, nobody got it then, either. XD
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Post by Manic on Apr 16, 2019 8:46:32 GMT
Update #25: The End
I certainly hope so! When we fought him, we weren't half this strong! Actually, I think we were slightly over half this strong, if memory serves. Whatever. HI, Normie! How's tricks? Heh. I did miss that. Son, I wanted to tell you: Birch is waiting outside. I don't know what he wants, but it sounds important. Is he still going on about that Pokedex thing? I don't think so. This seems somewhat more grave. I know you spent all day yesterday searching for Steven Stone and are probably still tired, but you should probably go see what he wants. Better do what yer pappy tells ya. Okay, let's...wait, what's that?
Pokemon are turning up dead around Meteor Falls! No explanation has been given, but they all seem to have been defeated with excessive force! Officials are investigating the matter, but no progress has been made as of yet. That's...that's terrible...who would do such a thing...? Give ya three guesses. We're not gonna let him get away with this, are we?! Not a chance. It looks like...I hate to phrase it like this...Steven wants our undivided attention. Well, he's got it. Come on, everypony. We're not going to get any closer to ending this by just standing here.
Wow. It feels like forever since I've been here! Hello, capacitor. Hello, massive computer. Hello- Twilight, dear, perhaps we could save the technophilia for later and pay attention to the nice man? Oh, right. ^.^; Sorry about that.
Be seated, Manic. This may be difficult for you to swallow. Er, okay? Professor, you look worried. What's wrong? I am worried, Twilight. The fact is...I've done some research into the anomaly that brought you here. Blah blah, egghead talk. What does it mean? Slow down there, he's gettin' to it. Okay?
Everything that came through that...portal...has a distinct energy signature. After scanning all of Hoenn, I've detected nine such signatures. Nine? Well, let's see. There's the six of us... Don't forget Spike... Right, that's seven. Then there's whatever that thing is that's possessing Steven, that's eight. You mean, there's someone else from our world that's here?! No, Twilight. Just like 'Steven' isn't from your world, neither is the final entity. So, where is it? Is it dangerous? Can we kick its butt? It's in this very room. In fact, it's standing right in front of me. Come again? It's you, Manic. You are not native to this world.
Dad, are you nuts? Of course Manic is native to this world. Birch, if this is your idea of a joke, your sense of humor needs work. Somebody needs to practice his punchlines! Think about it, May. Of all the people in Hoenn, only two can claim to have known Manic before that truck pulled up outside his house, and those two seem to have no specific memories of his earlier years. I'm afraid that not only is Manic not native to our world, he's...not actually real. He registers on my instruments as that foreign energy signature and nothing else. Now, wait just a moment, Professor. You can't argue that Manic hasn't had a profound influence on us, on this world, on everything around him. That proves that he exists! I didn't say that he didn't exist, Twilight. I said that he's not real. His identity, his past, all of it is a fabrication. He possesses sentience, free will, personality, all of the things that make us individuals...but he, himself, is not real. I'm...not real? Then my mother and father... ...have somehow had memories implanted. I'm sorry, Manic. Real or no, you've been a great asset to everyone around you. I thought you deserved to know.
Steven. Where are you now? Where do you think I am? If I had to guess? I'd say Meteor Falls. Very good! Now, why don't you do come down here and face me? This is not a good time, Steven. Interesting. You do sound rattled, but I happen to know that none of your friends have died. Hmph. Maybe if I'm not real, you aren't either. Fascinating! Someone finally worked it out, did they? And they even told you. How cruel. Well, I'll tell you what. I'll give you three days to train. After that, well...I can't promise that the local Pokemon will survive the wait. *click* He knew th' whole time! But this makes even less sense than before! How could Manic have done something mean to him if he doesn't even exist?! None of this makes sense, but we're not going to find any answers sitting around here.
(Three days passed...)
All right. We've used up our allotted time. It's time for us to face Steven. W-we can't let him hurt any more pokemon! I ain't gonna let this fella do whatever he wants no more! No more Ms. Nice Pony! I'm ready to stomp this clown into the mud! There comes a time when a girl has to put her hoof down! Agreed, all around. Let's go to Meteor Falls and face whatever is waiting for us!
Hello, not-Steven. Please, just call me Steven. Not a chance! Steven Stone is a good, honorable man. You don't deserve to look like him! I look like Steven. I have his pokemon. What else do you need to know? You don't sound, think, or act like him. Mmmm, no, I suppose I don't, do I? Ah, well. I guess it's no fun if I'm a perfect mimicry. I don't care. I'm going to put a stop to you, not-Steven.
You see, you had such luck against Mewtwo because it is, after all, a pokemon. It has weaknesses and flaws and...well, the Murkrow was a master stroke. Well done! What's he goin' on about? I have absolutely no idea. No, I suppose you wouldn't, would you? After all, you're a Manic, but you're not that Manic. And yet, in some ways, you are.
Okay, wait a minute. So what you're telling me is that I'm not real, but I am real, and I'm Manic, but not that Manic. Is that one the real one? Exactly as much as you are. Does this man ever say anything that isn't a riddle? All right, I'll try to keep up. IS there a real Manic? A reasonable question! Very good. The answer is, no. There was, but there isn't at the moment. Then I'm the real Manic. No, you're not. The professor was right about that. Yes, I am! He's a nice man who never did anyone any harm! I've personally witnessed him helping people in need! Feller's as solid as a rock! I've never seen anyone kick so much butt! Aside from me, of course. He's brought us together...and protected us all! I don't care what you say, I don't care what the professor's instruments say, Manic is a friend of ours! You hear that, not-Steven? Maybe I didn't start out real, but the friendships I've formed have brought reality to me! I'm as real as I need to be, and I'm ready to face you down!
I do. I also understand who you are, now. This new perspective has given me the insight I needed. Oh, really? I suppose you think I'm Mewtwo. No. Mewtwo is a pokemon supremacist, it would view possessing a human as a step down. Very good, very good! Keep going. We already established that it isn't someone from our world. The flaw in my logic before now was in the idea that if it wasn't someone from their world, it must be someone from this world. But that's not it either, is it? Wherever I'm from, you're from that same place, aren't you? You're getting warmer! All the times I knew which way to go, all the things that seemed strangely familiar...it's obvious now. I'm from a different Hoenn, aren't I? A different Hoenn? How many Hoenns are there? Yes, yes! Very good! Remember all of it!
And if I defeated you and humiliated you as you say, there's only one person you can be.
Hello, Wallace. I'm here to put an end to this.
Fitting that you understand the truth only now, at the end.
What I don't understand is how you're here. And why they're here. I'm here because I wanted revenge and needed help. Unfortunately, I've already existed in Hoenn, physically...so I have to piggyback on the bodies of others. I suppose it's served me well enough. And my friends here? Let's just say that my ally is not entirely...wholesome. When something negative came into the world, something positive was needed to balance it out. Or at least that's the mumbo-jumbo that he spouts. Honestly? I couldn't care less. Murdering them is a means to an end. You'll do nothing of the kind. An accident? We've gone through all of this because of an accident?! Well, I wouldn't call it an 'accident'. It was intentional, make no mistake...but yes, it could have been anyone from any world. It just happened to be you. You didn't think you were special, did you? Twilight's ego harshly fell!
You...you leave her alone! Ah, yes. Fluttershy. The coward. What do you think you can do to protect your friend, when you can't even protect yourself? And that proves it. You did some research on my friends when you realized they came through, didn't you? Of course. Know thine enemy. Why? But you haven't been watching since then, because you have no idea who Fluttershy is. She's one of the bravest people I've ever known, and you're about to get proof!
Rrrrrgh...very reminiscent of last time. What I don't understand is how! Lesson #1, Wallace! Real courage isn't about not being afraid. It's about b-being afraid...but taking action anyway! No. None of this! No 'lessons', no platitudes, and no victory!
Ugh, look at this ghastly thing. I'll be doing this world a service in more than one way. Don't worry about rock-type attacks, Rarity. This X-Defend should help you to stave them off. Heh heh. It's true. Even after all this, you lack the experience of the original. What's this guy yammerin' about?
Lesson #1, not-Manic. Critical hits ignore stat modifiers. AAAIGH! ... ...Rarity? Wake up, sleepyhead! Come on, stop playing around!
One down, five to go. Rarity...no...sweet Mew and Arceus and all the legendaries, no... This can't be happenin'...it just can't! BAWWWWW! Rarity...oh, Rarity...I'm so, so sorry. I should have been there. I should have done something. Anything. Send in the next victim!
I'm gonna burn y'all ta cinders! YOU. Flareon. Applejack, yes? This should be amusing. By all means, leave her in. No more games, Wallace. No more revenge. Wh...what are you doing? Manic, get back here! No more pokemon battles. This is between you and me. You don't have the stones, boy. Stand back and take your punishment. No. I'm going to end you here and now! Manic. Do not be fooled. P...Penelope? *snf* I...I heard her too...! Think we all did. Say yer peace! He hopes to destroy you with your own rage. Do not be fooled! Be silent! That Machop took your life in fair combat! My life, yes. My voice, no. My influence in this world is all but gone, but I have enough strength for one final plea. You are Manic, the Innocent. Strike that man down, and you will cease to be. Do not let him change who you are...
What is this? You want to continue, now? Want to let me murder this one, too? No, you cowardly monster. I don't know what unholy deal you've struck, but I'm not going to let you get away with it! I...I understand. If his defining quality is his innocence, then striking down an unarmed man would have nullified his existence! Thereby easily granting him his revenge and allowing him to run rampant throughout this region. Miserable spirit...very well, we'll do this the hard way!
Hard for you, maybe! He may have to hold back, but I don't! I'm going to drown your stupid thing! Rainbow, come back. No way! This is the only chance I'm going to have at revenge for...revenge f-for... I know, Rainbow. I know it hurts. More than anything else I've ever experienced. Just don't let yourself become him. I've just...got something in my eye, is all Must've been the Sand Attack. Twilight, can you step in? Of course. I don't get it. That thing didn't use Sand AtOOMPH! Hush.
Hah! Your stupid little friend there doesn't have a single super-effective attack against Steven's Metagross. True, but I bet I nullified at least some of its arsenal, didn't I? Hmph. A little bit, yes, for all the good it'll do you. Better still? I'd completely forgotten about Dark's immunity to Psychic until your blathering reminded me. Are you ready, Twilight? Ready and willing. Hear me, Wallace: when we're done with you, you'll never hurt anyone ever again!
Have a few of each. Look, can you take it from here? Uh, sure, that should be simple enough. Why? I think I'm needed in the back ranks. Everybody come close. I c-can't believe she's gone... I... *snf* It's n-not fair... I'm trying really really hard, but...I just can't make a smile... It's stupid. This whole thing is stupid! AAAAAUGH! You listen to me, 'Wallace'. Oh? The beast speaks. How amusing. What is it, is little Timmy stuck in a well?
You made Fluttershy cry. You wounded Rainbow terribly. You hurt my friends in a way from which they may never fully recover!
You took Rarity from me! I don't care who you are or what your problem is, I don't care what happened in this world or your world or any other world!
I AM GOING TO END YOU! No, no, NO!! I can't lose! Not now! I have the most powerful team anywhere! Twilight! WHAT?! ...this isn't the Twilight I know. And this isn't the Twilight our friends need. You're a kind, thoughtful scholar. This isn't you. I...wha... Don't let him win. Don't let him turn you into him. Let me in. Rainbow, are you sure? I need to do this.
N-no...it can't be...not again... I don't care if I never go fast again. I don't care if I never even walk again, or kick another butt. I just...I just want my friend back.
But I never thought...you would have what it took...to defeat me a second time... Get out. You've done your damage. M...Manic? What's going on? He's kinda, uh, whatchacallit? Translucent! Of...course. Once I'm gone...so is he. What's going to happen to me?!
That's up to the whims of my partner, but rest assured...we will meet again... He's getting worse! He looks like a stained glass window! I don't think I can handle losing two friends at once! I dunno what we're gonna tell Sweetie Belle... Well then, why not let me worry about what to tell my sister when we get home?
RARITY! Rarity, ya made it! Hooray! Rarity's all right! We were all really worried about you! Yeah, yeah. It's good to have you back. I missed you all terribly as well, I assure you. But...how? I'm afraid I haven't the faintest idea. One moment, I was walking toward this light...and then there was a brilliant burst of red energy, and now I'm back! Uh...Fluttershy? Whoah! Stand back, I think she's gonna- YAAAAAY!!! Come on, girls...let's get out of here, I feel something happening! Right! Talk on the way!
Spike? Where is everybody? I dunno! They said something about being needed, and how I had to stay behind, and then there was this bright red flash![ Bright red flash...that must've been what saved Rarity! I guess it's for the best; they're all free, so they don't just sit here forever when I'm gone! Whoah, what's happening to you? Don't know, but we need to get you all out of here...the portal is opening again! The same thing must have been keeping all of us here! When we beat Evil Wallace, that was our ticket home!
Whoah! We're falling up! WHEEEE! He's almost gone! Manic, thank you for your assistance! Don't worry, I've got everybody! You were the best friends I could've asked for! Y'all ever find yerself in Equestria, gimme a hollar! I'm gonna tell everyone about how awesome this was! Woo, airborne again! I'll miss you! Be well! It was nice meeting you! I'll miss you! Will we ever see each other again? I hope so! No, wait, I know we will! Just trust me!
We learned a lot during that time, Princess. All of us. We learned that we're defined as much by the company we keep as by our actions. We learned that revenge is a bitter pill to swallow, and it doesn't cure anything. We learned that who we are on the outside doesn't change who we are on the inside. And we learned that you can find friendship, true friendship, in the strangest of places. I don't know how, I don't know when, but somehow...I just know we'll see each other again.
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Post by Manic on Apr 16, 2019 8:56:16 GMT
And so, the third run of the saga comes to an end.
The spirit possessing Steven Stone has been defeated, the portal is back, and everyone gets to go home.
Well...sort of.
Stay tuned for more; next up is Fatal Platinum, an award-winner!
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Post by crimsondoom on Apr 16, 2019 14:44:41 GMT
And so, the third run of the saga comes to an end. The spirit possessing Steven Stone has been defeated, the portal is back, and everyone gets to go home. Well...sort of. Stay tuned for more; next up is Fatal Platinum, an award-winner! Ahh, I've been looking forward to this one. Fatal Platinum is my favorite out of the original runs.
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Post by Firebrand on Apr 16, 2019 15:20:37 GMT
And that's a wrap on Run #3. There's some interesting implications for the Manic multiverse here, especially Wallace's reference to his benefactor. There seems to be a lot going on "backstage" here in the climax, what with Wallace tipping his hand that there's a bigger bad behind him, hints at the nature of how Manic's consciousness moves between realities, and then that "red light" that Spike and Rarity saw.
As far as Rarity's temporary death goes, tough break there, but since it is the last battle of the run, and she immediately gets better... eh, kind of whatever. Not sure why she was subbed in in the first place tbh, that Cradily was a bad matchup. And sure, the girls were justifiably upset but since the boxed teammates gave themselves up to the light as the story ended anyway, it lacked a bit of narrative punch, though it did give some good motivation for the remaining cast to kick Wallace's teeth in. I have to wonder if that red light means the mons are gone for good (which... would happen anyway since the run is over) or if they've ascended somehow, which means we could see Gordon, Chester, and possibly axe-crazy Sakura again in later runs.
Speaking of crossing over runs, we never did figure out who Penelope was. Birch didn't pick up on her energy signature, but I guess we don't know if that's because she was dead in this world already or if she used some other kind of transfer method that wouldn't have blipped on his radar. I would guess she's working for some power in opposition to the evil power that Wallace made a deal with, something that's operating through Manic as well.
On to the next run then, and it sounds like this one is really good. I'll be looking forward to it!
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Post by red5 on Apr 18, 2019 22:20:25 GMT
There seems to be a lot going on "backstage" Hahahahaaaohhh my gosh you have no idea. :’D Great finish! And... onwards!!
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