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Post by Manic on Jun 9, 2019 7:59:30 GMT
Hope you're paying close attention! Prometheus is the first Oracle who can speak comparatively freely, and he's got a lot to say about the overarcing plot.
As for Brycen...whew! I would call that a pretty compelling fight! In a sense.
Stay tuned, big developments still on the way!
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Post by crimsondoom on Jun 9, 2019 17:45:59 GMT
Ah, Victor. I think he's the first of your starters to still have his moments of silliness and immaturity even after reaching his final evolution. It makes him a little more endearing, even though he'd annoy the hell out of me in person.
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Post by Manic on Jun 11, 2019 8:17:38 GMT
Update #19: Surrender
Yeah, I pretty much have to. Hmmm. I do not sense the enthusiasm. All is well? I'm fine. I'm just...honestly, I'm kinda sick of these guys. Aren't we all? No, I mean, I know N will be a challenge. Probably Ghetsis, if he'll ever clam up and face me. Trouble is, their minions are no better than those of the previous teams I faced. All the same three or four pokemon, all the time, and they mostly just wear me out. Oh, um...do I really need to go in?
Well, yes, I suppose that would be fine. Hey, uh, Cedric? Look, I need to apologize for before. Don't trouble yourself with it. Your other friend explained everything before going inside. Yeah, but that doesn't excuse how I acted. Heh! Very well then. Apology accepted. Now don't you have somewhere you need to be? Yeah, I do. All right, team. Let's get in there and put a stop to this nonsense!
Oh boy. Oh, it's even worse than I thought...! It would seem to be in an advanced state of disrepair. Of course it is! Duh, how could I not have seen this coming? How would you have? Did you see the hole? Team Plasma had to blast their way in here. This place has been aging for centuries with no maintenance. Anyway, it looks like there's a path to the stairs, let's keep moving!
Cheren! Wait for me! I'm sorry, but that simply isn't an option. Brycen is ahead, and he needs my aid. Aid...wait, Brycen is fighting alone?! Cheren, go ahead, I'll catch up! Do try to hurry. You're the strongest among us, we're going to need your help before too long. Dinnae worry! I'll give tha' huge friggin' rock a push an'...oh, right. Fear not, milady. 'Tis my task, now!
(And I did try to hurry, but HOLYSHIT all the Goletts. Seriously, every three steps. WTF?)
Oh no, oh no, j-jumping in a t-tower with no f-floor? It's all right, Jonas. Hang out in your pokeball for a minute. Oh n-no you don't...last time I did that, you g-got slammed face-first into a wall! ...yeah, I promise, I remember. You have healed admirably. Squire, are you sure about this? Don't sweat it, man. We've got this. I can even see the path through. Wow, as puzzles go, this one is pretty anemic. It's f-fine...just tiny little jumps... Suit yourself!
Brycen! Cheren! Are you sure you're all right? Quite. Physically, I'm well. Emotionally...well, I would prefer not to have seen the slowly-growing pile of corpses, but I suppose it comes with the territory. All right. I'm going to go ahead after N. Brycen, I haven't seen your students anywhere so far. What should I do if they show up? Tell them that their master has come for them. Man, this guy really is all business. It is remarkable how, with so few words, je suis desole... C'mon, Frieda. Don't let him get to you, we need to stay focused!
DAMN it. What sadist designed this place?! I th-think I see...the place is DragonSPIRAL Tower. If we work our way to the center, then back out... The small land bridges and ramps do appear to be the key. Shall we begin? Well, the only way out is through... Aye, but that dinnae make it less of a slog.
We won't make the same mistake. Wait, aren't you supposed to attack one at a time?! Probably, yeah. So, what do you think you're doing? I said we were supposed to, not that we actually would. Have a care, Manic. These gentlemen mean business! Oh yeah? Well, so do I! Everybody duck! Victor, what are you doing?! Clearing a path!
Watch it! That thing is like a scythe! I know I'm hot, but you'll have to take it one at a time, boys! *ahem* Ah, Lady Manic, perhaps somewhat less vulgar? Ah, it was just a one-liner. A one...liner? Yeah, you know. After something awesome happens, you say something cool to cap off the moment. Something like 'hasta la vista' or 'and that's all she wrote'! Or 'let that be a lesson to you'? Right! Like that. Anyway, now that these jerks have backed off, we'd better hurry. Sounds like something's happening up ahead!
... Will you just LOOK at that thing?! I cannae tear my eyes away! C'est tres, tres mauvais! It is massive! And there is N, before it! Did we...did we fail? Are we too late? We can't be too late. I got here as fast as possible! I'll not lay down and die without a struggle, mark my words! I cannot believe that this is the end of your journey. The time is not right.
Wait, you're going to use a legendary against the champion? Indeed I am. That's kinda...lame. Is it lame to use the power of the hero of legend to accomplish my ultimate goal? If so, then I will happily accept the label as a reasonable sacrifice to achieve my ends. This is all pretty anti-climactic, though. All is not lost for you, Manic. Though our paths do conflict, it is my hope that if I should fall, you might yet succeed. That is why I tell you this:
The other legendary dragon? It is the way of things. The two wielding the power of the dragons must face one another in combat. This time, perhaps Unova will not be destroyed, but instead reforged in a crucible of power. N, I don't even know where to look. I don't even know how you knew to look here! Consider this, then: I have been following you throughout your entire journey. No matter how much we wished you'd do us the kindness of buggering off. Ahem. Yes, well, suffice to say that I know you have seen the other stone before. Two stones once laid here, where now there is only one. Then...if there w-was a second stone...someone must have moved it. Very good. And where would such a thing end up? Consider these questions. For now, Zekrom awaits! *whoosh*
For the same damn reason he got here before us. Come again? N was talking about how he's been following us for our entire journey, but the truth is, we've been following him. He's been one step ahead of us at every turn. Indeed. If he wasn't so bent on fulfilling the prophecy, we'd be well and truly boned right about now. We've got to push past him and take the lead! For the moment, let's just leave this place and regroup. We can discuss what to do when we're outside.
Alder?! What are you doing here? I honestly always thought I'd be a lot happier to discover a new hero. Yeah, but I bet you never thought the 'hero' would be a delusional maniac. Mind your tongue, milady. Arthur? Though we disagree with his methods, his reasoning is not wrong, only different. He is our enemy, but he is not evil, not truly. Can we talk about this later? For now, we need to focus on reviving Reshiram.
Incredibly, but we don't have any other choice. Y'know, for a hero, you don't seem too happy about the idea. Alder, everywhere I've gone, every experience I've had with legendaries has led me to believe that they're trouble. Harbingers of disaster. This time seems to be no different. I'm no big fan, never will be. Even if it's under your control? Yeah, I've seen what happens when people try to control legendaries. It never works! They always just go nuts and start wrecking shit. Much as I hate to admit it, history does seem to agree with her. D-does it even matter? We don't even know where to start...
I don't see how I have much choice. What about you? I'm not really sure...I'd mostly just be in the way... Tell you what. How about you stay here and make sure none of those Plasma goons try to get back into the Tower while Cedric and Brycen investigate the place? Just...stand here? Guard duty is super-important! Brycen is probably tired from all the fighting he just had to do, and I don't see any sign that Cedric is a trainer or has pokemon of his own. Okay. I g-guess I can do that. Excellent. For now, we need to hurry and catch up! Ye spend an awful lotta time sayin' that, lass. Ugh, don't remind me.
(one quick Fly and bike ride later)
You waited out here for me? Alder told me to. Doesn't that sandstorm hurt? I have sand in places I won't discuss. You know...to be honest, I was hoping never to come back here. Oh? And why is that? ...this is where we got Jacob's fossil. I am sorry, but il est important. Though the memories are hard to bear, we must push forward. I know how you feel, but - all apologies, I'm going inside. This is really very unpleasant. Yeah, same here. I don't even have the same covering you do. We'll just have to deal with it.
Oh, come on. Seriously? Haven't we shown you how much power we have, like, a dozen times already? Didnae we JUST finish showin' ye? Ask yuir pals! Don't make me go all Super-Saiyan on you! ...that's GOKU. You're RYOKU. It's not the same. Worth a try? No. No, it was not. You're in my territory now...move! (Please.)
Nice! Is this truly the time to be looting these ruins? For the iconic Ghost-type attack? Yes. I won't stop for much, but I'll stop for this.
Uh, I'm actually completely sure that's false. All apologies. I was actually speaking to your two friends here. In truth, Manic, you are the only one of the three in which he has even the slightest interest. Also not true! I happen to know that he wants to challenge me back at the league. That's true, he did say something about that before he flew off. I did say 'interest'. To say that he's interested in you, Alder, would be an overstatement.
Oh, I love it when they're overconfident. Hey, I don't suppose you could call him back here? Why would I do a thing like that? Well, I mean, if he's so confident and all, it shouldn't matter where we fight, right? No, I suppose not. I'll level with you, I'm really not looking forward to going back to the League. So if you can summon him somewhere else - it's cool, I'm not picky-
Asshole.
I can't believe it's not here! I mean, look at this place! Ruins, sand everywhere, mystery and ghosts...it's like the world crapped out a Scooby-Doo set! A who-the-what set? Oh, man. We've got to get you cultured. Remember, Manic. It's fifty years later. That show exists in the memories of your generation, not his. Yeah, what he said! (Nice Larvesta, by the way.) Anyway, c'mon, let's go back outside. But I just got sand out of my-
Erk, that sounds urgent! When Juniper calls, you move your butt! You too, hmm? I suppose we should hurry, yes. Hey, I've seen her angry. Scary stuff. Let's go, move! What do you suppose she wants? I don't know, but let's not delay!
The other stone. Lenora: Yes. I've been safeguarding it as 'pretty' for a while. You knew what this was the whole time, didn't you? Lenora: Again, yes. I was hoping to hide it in plain sight. Cedric: Looks like you did a good job, too. N could've stolen it at any time. He wouldn't have, though. What makes you think so? Cheren is right. N doesn't want to win and have that be that. It's not enough for him. He actively wants me to find and use the stone. Only by defeating me with Reshiram at my side can he prove his point. If he'd stolen it, it would've only been to give it to me.
It doesn't matter whether or not I'm okay with that, though I admit I'm exhausted. How could it not matter? I don't really have the ability to say 'no', do I? Are...are you okay? Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just really, really getting sick of this. It will be fine, ma chere. N, he will wait for you, non? Verily! N is waiting? Let him wait! Take your time. Heh, yeah. You have a point. Maybe a break is a good idea. Let's just get this thing awake, at least.
Um...I was really hoping one of you would know. Lenora: Open sesame? Try giving it a good polish. HEY! RESHIRAM! WAKEY-WAKEY! Cedric: What if we take it back to Dragonspiral Tower? If that were all it took, Zekrom would've awoken ages ago. Would barkin' help? No...well. Maybe? HEY! HEY HEY HEY! HEY! ...nope. Sorry, lass. I got nothin'. See, stuff like this is why it's good to have a Dragon-type gym leader around. Go ask Drayden, I bet he knows.
Aheh. Sure! I'm sure everything will be fine. You have absolutely no idea how we're going to do this, do you? Not the faintest damn clue. I hope this Drayden is some kind of savant, or we're in deep trouble.
(And so, back to Icirrus...)
Or, y'know, maybe a bodyguard full-time. Or maybe I could help Lenora with her research...nnngh, my head... Bianca? Urgh...nnnngh...! Bianca! Guess again. YOU! Me! It's a pity, your friend here isn't much of a fighter, but she'll simply have to do. Hey! If you're so tough, why not come out here and do your own fighting?! Hmmm, this girl can't understand the pokemon of others, thanks to her 'vaccine'. Hmph. Ah well, I suppose we'll do this in relative silence, then.
You think so? I owe you for what you did to Jacob, you sick freak! By all means! Take out your aggression on this girl. Get yourself arrested. Better yet, why not kill her? Fucking coward...everybody be careful, we don't want to hurt Bianca, only drive this thing out!
Y-you...you're the lowest of the low...the worst there ever was...you're like a leech, feeding off of people stronger and better than you...! Terribly sorry, little Excadrill...what's your name again? Jason? I can't understand a word you're saying. Besides, I'm focused on this damned monkey at the moment. Attack! What's wrong with you? It can sense that you aren't the real Bianca, can't you tell? Not me, you imbecile! N-no...I said nobody can hurt Bianca...and I meant it...!
"Experience is a strange device by which we grow to understand the world around us. For Pokemon, it represents the culmination of their victories in battles strengthening their abilities and potentially allowing them to understand their own capacity for new attack, potentially even causing them to evolve. For humans, it is the capacity to comprehend the behavior of the world around us and - with luck - adapt to that behavior.
It is, however, a double-edged sword. I look back upon that moment and think of all of the things I could have done. I could have called Jonas back and allowed Bianca to meet her fate. I could have warned him off, or perhaps told him to tackle her Simisear instead of taking the blast himself. Instead, in my hubris, I allowed myself to think 'Jonas has full HP, it'll certainly hurt, but he'll be fine.' instead of taking action. As a direct result, my dear friend ascended from the role of hero...
...and into the role of martyr."
- excerpt from All At Once, the memoirs of Manic
Jonas...no...this c-can't be happening... No, man, no! Not Jonas! What the hell?! What the hell was that?! My squire...my friend! 'Tis a dark day indeed... I cannae...yuir nae...ye gotta get up... My deepest sympathies, Manic. I could do nothing. Why? Why is this happening? I don't understand...
DIE!! Don't lie to yourself. Wh...what? You know exactly why this is happening. Wait. You do? More importantly, you know how to make it stop. F-fine...fine. Just stop. Just stop the fight. ...Manic? Alder can handle N. If not, Cheren will finish him off. I'll go home, just stop...stop hurting people I care about.
I give up.
There now, was that so hard? Here, take this for your other pokemon. Shut up. Leave me alone. Now, don't be like that. You did your best, you're simply no match for someone with my kind of power. Irresolute minds are everywhere; Bianca simply happened to be convenient. I'll "drop her off" outside Dragonspiral Tower. Just GO! Very well then. Do what you need to do, then go on home. Okay, she's gone. Let's get going to Ope- Milady...Opelucid is the other way. I'm not going to Opelucid.
Oh, Jonas...you deserved so much better than this. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again. Maintenant, it is imperative that we move on. Did you not hear me? I'm not going to Opelucid! Oui, not before tending to Jonas, but now? AT ALL, Frieda! Lass, ye dinnae mean...?
Nay, yuir not really givin' up, are ye?! Of course not! This is Manic we're talking about. She's just...resting. Ah, but of course. We'll venture forth tomorrow to...avenge Jonas's...demise? This is unprecedented. I know what happens if a Manic dies, but this prospect never even came up! Ma chere, non...is this truly the end...?
No visitors, mom. No exceptions.
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Post by crimsondoom on Jun 12, 2019 16:31:41 GMT
And therein lies the problem with being experienced: you also grow tired. The weight of everything begins to accumulate... and then all it takes is one bad day and you're just done.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Jun 12, 2019 23:59:34 GMT
And therein lies the problem with being experienced: you also grow tired. The weight of everything begins to accumulate... and then all it takes is one bad day and you're just done. A tiredness that we see increase and weigh all the more heavily on Manic as the saga goes on. Which makes us cheer for him more, and all the more relieved at the conclusion of the series.
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Post by Manic on Jun 13, 2019 2:40:14 GMT
Update A: Intervention
"For five full days, I languished in my room, unable to find it within myself to continue. Beaten and humiliated, I considered further combat to be the greatest of all possible disservices to my friends. Two of my pokemon had already fallen to the forces leveled against me, forces I could not understand, within such a short time. Worse, Bianca had been mentally violated; I could not bear to see her, for fear of witnessing the effects such an ordeal might have on her. For five full days, my adopted mother honored my wishes, allowing no one in to see me. Even Professor Juniper was turned away at the door, though I could hear the voices downstairs as the two argued. My faithful pokemon remained by my side, of course, but their attempts to soothe my anguish were in vain.
In Hoenn, I had lost one pokemon, and it had gouged a hole in my heart. That hole was later filled thanks to the good graces of one of the legendary pokemon who owed me a favor. Here, there was no help to be had, and I was utterly unprepared for the sheer gravity of the realization. The stories of Unova clearly stated that even their greatest of their legendaries was little more than half of a powerful force, divided by the argument of two brothers who had failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion. There was no power over life or death there, there was no chance at redemption. Both Jacob and Jonas were truly, permanently gone.
Jacob's death, at least, I could chalk up to being taken unawares; the true power of Unova's fighting types had yet to be revealed to me at the time, and I had reason to believe that he could have been victorious. In my heart, I knew these ideas to be little more than excuses, but they were valid excuses which might yet hold under scrutiny. Jonas' death, on the other hand...that was purely my fault, my failure. I was supposed to be this great renowned trainer, this beacon of hope striving to clear her name and act as salvation for the entire region of Unova, and Jonas' charred corpse was proof positive of my burdensome hubris. I could scarcely face myself in the mirror, much less what I felt to be the judging, pitying gazes of those I had failed, those who might yet be next in line for the grave.
I might have languished forever, had it not been for a timely intervention."
- except from All At Once, the memoirs of Manic
Honey? There's someone here to see you. Just send them away, mom. I'm not interested. Er...I don't think that's an option, dear. Mom, I'm not kidding! I don't want to see anyone. Tell them I want to be left alone. They don't seem to be terribly interested in hearing that! Ugh. Madison, could you...just go see who it is? Aye. Aye, lass. Dinnae worry about it, I'll chase 'em off if I hafta. Manic, how long...? It's Monique. I'm not Manic, remember? Not really. Go ahead, ask Prometheus. I wish I could explain properly, but even now, that which has done this to you represents too great a danger. I will say this: you both are and are not Manic. You are A Manic, as I said before. And it doesn't make any more sense now than it did last- oh, Madison. What's up? I see what yuir mum was sayin'! They're comin' up after ye! Fear not, milady! They shall not harm you! ...wait a minute. I know that hair...
Chili: Yo, you seen Manic around? I'm right here, Chili. Chili: Naw, I mean the real thing. The one who whooped my butt. Speaking. Chili: Naw, naw. You ain't her. That girl was hot! She had fire! Cress: Let it go, man. The fire puns just ain't your flow. Cilan: Seriously, you sound like a bad cartoon. Wait. All three of you are here? Chili: Yup. We're lookin' for Manic. She up and vanished, you seen her? Elesa: Ugh. Boys, please. You have no idea how to speak to a lady, this isn't working at all. Uh...am I high? Elesa: I certainly wouldn't call it that. Chili: Girlie, you want a diplomat, you call the champ. You want the brass monkey, you call the Beast- Cress: -ie- Cilan: Boys! Are you sure I'm not high? If you're high, then we're both high. Clay: Y'all don't seem th' type. Holy shit. How many of you are waiting down there? Clay: Reckon we got th' whole crew.
Why are you even doing this? Clay: Forgot yer promise that quick, huh? Look, Clay, I'm sorry. I can't fulfill the promise, okay? If I try, there'll be even more death. Besides, I'm not even- Clay: Not even th' real deal. Yeah. I know. What? How did you know? You really should keep a closer eye on your Pokemon. You never know when they might go off and bother people. Dammit, Prometheus! He did what was necessary. Please, forgive the deception. It was vital. Burgh: This is what we call an 'intervention', Manic. This, what we're seeing here? This isn't you. I know better. Look, I'm not who you think I am, okay? I'm no champion. I never really was. I'm just somebody with a head full of memories that aren't theirs. Burgh: I know what Prometheus says, but if I know anything, I know bugs...and there's more to it than just that, I can tell. Yeah, tell me about it. Prying anything out of him is like trying to steal a Trapinch's lunch out of its mouth, though. Skyla: Wow, it's getting crowded in here! Look, so you're not the real Manic. Big deal! So what? So what? So I'm not this big hero! Hell, I don't even have any memories aside from these stolen ones. I don't even exist! Clay: Think hard now. Y'all sure about that? For one who does not exist, you have done much good, n'est-ce pas? Okay then, who do you think I really am?
Chili: I think you're a girlie who busted off some dope jams in our gym! Cress: Upside his face! Cilan: It was sick! Yeah, but- Lenora: I think you're one of the most knowledgeable trainers I've had the privilege of facing in years. Burgh: I think you're an absolute riot! I still *snrk* snicker at that last one! Elesa: I think you were just about the only person who could have given that poor girl the courage she needed. Bianca... She's fine, Manic. I've been watching over her. She's badly rattled, but she'll be okay. Clay: I think you got a damn fine sense of justice, whoever y'are. Skyla: I think you can improvise with the best of them! I usually knock out at least two pokemon before somebody even gets up in the air with me! About that. There won't be any more aerial battles for me. Brycen: I doubt that. You are unstoppable. Well, I sure feel stopped. How can I keep going when doing so kills people I care about? B-because...you're sharp, smart, funny, inspirational, just, adaptable, and strong...and b-because the world needs you. ...Bianca?
Manic, I wanted to...I just... Don't, okay? It's my fault. If I hadn't been dragging you along- N-no! Stop it! I came with you by choice. Don't forget that. Elesa: It's true. Remember, that's what you taught her. It's not safe, though. Why are you even here? What if you get taken again? C-can't happen. How can you be sure? Oh, Manic...it's all my fault. I lost my focus. I couldn't decide where I was doing or what I was going, I was just drifting...and that...thing seeks weak minds, minds without purpose. But you could have just stayed behind. No, she really couldn't. Are you truly so blind? She could no more abandon you than we could. Never forget this. Whatever you choose to do today, never forget: the failure was mine, but it won't happen again. ...sounds familiar. Now I know more clearly than ever what my purpose is. I'm n-not sure how...but I have to help you to defeat N and get to the bottom of this mystery...! Clay: We all do...an' I'm mighty ashamed of us. Say what now?
Lenora: Every time I look back on those last words I said to you, I just want to slap myself. Clay: All we've been doin' is bickerin' like kids. All th' time, we coulda been helpin' you, and we were just swattin' flies. Hey, wait. That's right, all seven of you are here, and none of you are dead or anything! Burgh: It's a stupid fight. It always was! Besides, we have more important things to deal with right now. Like maybe not getting a crazypants champion who makes us all release our pokemon! Chili: That shit is messed up, man! I ain't releasing anything but a new album! Elesa: Besides, I think it's been decided. We agree on this, yes? Chili: Yeah, I guess. Skyla: Doesn't matter. Looks like he's going to earn it one way or the other! What, just like that? After how long?
Lenora: It's a little embarrassing to admit, but Alder sort of called a session for the gym leaders. I can't imagine where he got the idea from. Lenora: Right, well, anyway. He sort of, uh...scolded us. A lot. All of us. Elesa: I was so embarrassed! Lenora: He started going on about how N is going to ruin the entire region for everyone, and how - one way or another - he's going to wind up facing someone for the championship role, so the entire argument was moot anyway. Then he asked us what each of us has done to help you against N. Skyla: I, uh...didn't exactly have a good answer for that. Clay: Every time we said somethin', he had somethin' worse. I talked about th' web, he talked about tryin' ta blow ya sky-high. Skyla said 'tower', he said 'busted face'. Even Lenora and Burgh didn't get off scot-free, an' they've mostly just been helpful. Oi! Wot's this about 'scot-free'?! Not now, Madison.
Burgh: So, we're finally here to lend a hand! Lenora: Besides, looks like we're involved in the bigger picture too. Prometheus gave us that disc you found. Something's rotten around here, and it's in our best interests to determine what. Clay: I got my men clearin' out Twist Mountain right now. Brycen: Icirrus City is now fully open to you. Lenora: I'm continuing my research into the Unovan creation story, and branching it out to the stories of the other Manics. This is a lot bigger than just here or just us. Burgh: I'm your hookup for anything you need in Castelia! Chili: I...I ain't got much I can do, but you lemme know, all right? Elesa: The forces that were dedicated to facing down Clay and Burgh are now focused on clearing Marvelous Bridge. It'll take some time, but we will succeed. Skyla: You need anything, anywhere, anytime? Just give a call, I'll be there! Thanks, but...the ones I really need to ask are my team. You really think you need to ask? Vraiment? We owe some dobber a drubbin'! As ever, I stand ready at your side! If you really need to ask, you haven't been paying attention. M-Manic? ...yeah? Whoever this is...they've violated my mind, hurt your friends, killed your pokemon, manipulated the gym leaders...make them PAY.
Aye! That's th' spirit, lass! How much do I have you at my disposal? Lenora: Hold on. Let me call... I knew you wouldn't really give up! I totally called it! I did, though, for a minute. Lenora: He says 'carte blanche'! Il est une francophone?
Right, then! Here's what we're doing. Chili! I need you to post some guards at Wellspring Cave and at the entrance to Route 3. No one wearing a goofy-ass uniform gets though, you hear? Chili: Knockin' that shit out the park, yo! Lenora, I need you to absorb the biographies of the other Manics. Everyone seems to know the Unovan creation legend, so lets focus on things people don't know. Determine what they have in common, look for anything that stands out. Focus on 'oracle', 'real', and 'memory'. I need to figure out what the hell is happening here. Lenora: You got it! You're sure you're not the real thing? I'll work that out later. Burgh, I need you to send people out to every city in Unova. Spread out, look for information. The only way we're going to beat Team Plasma is if we stay one step ahead. Elesa, I need you to focus forces on your south end. Nimbasa makes a perfect geographical choke-point; if we stop them there, we cut them out of half the region. Burgh: I'm on it! They won't so much as sneeze without you knowing! Elesa: Ingenious. Their strength is in numbers, so we're cutting off their legs. Bingo. Clay, I need you to do the same for Twist Mountain. I also need you to see how much you can do to undermine their supply lines. They have to be getting their gear from somewhere; make 'em starve. Clay: Why th' hell didn't I think of that? Skyla, I need your eyes in the skies. You have a unique advantage. Let's exploit it. Regular intervals of airbound patrols. Nothing conspicuous. What Burgh has below, I want you to have above. Brycen, I need you to train me in the usage of Ice-type attacks. I learned the power of Dragon types during my time in Hoenn, I know how ferocious they can be. You represent my best chance of beating Drayden. Skyla: Now, that I can do! Brycen: Very well, but I will not go easy on you. You'd better not. Bianca. What's the status of Cheren and N? Oh! Ummmm...Cheren has been training like crazy...and N hasn't moved a muscle. He says he can't finish what he's doing without you... Then let's not disappoint him. Everybody got their jobs set? Good. Then let's move!
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Post by Manic on Jun 14, 2019 5:24:50 GMT
Update #20: The Higher, The Fewer
(One week later, after vigorous training...)
Are you sure you're ready for this? Absolutely not. Look, Victor...I'm not doing this for fun, or because I want to. I'm doing this because it needs to be done. 'Tis true! Never should there be joy in dispatching a foe. Monsieur Prometheus, I have the question for you, if you do not mind. I'll do the best I can to answer, Frieda. Here, let's hang back for a moment and chat while Manic goes about her business.
Score! Hmm, I'd like that. What's on your mind, Frieda? Manic, she was un homme in her time before, yes? Yes, that's correct. For what reason has this changed? No advantage is to be gained by it. I'm afraid that's not entirely true. You see, change is something of a specialty of mine. Hey there. What're you two talking about? I am asking why you have become a young lady. I apologize if I am prying. Not at all. In fact, I've been wondering too. I've actually been wondering about a lot of things that have changed. Assuming this is being done to me by some sentient force, why? Tactical advantage. You are Manic, Experienced. You retain the memories of the original. Right? Experience is a thing that can be used against you. Forced into a strange body in a strange land in a strange time, you have preconceived notions that mislead you. Your memories are a great asset, make no mistake...but they are also a liability. Distressingly obvious, now that I think about it. Anyway, let's finish crossing this br-
Wait. What just happened? Isn't it obvious? You've fallen victim to my personal hit squad. Be grateful that I don't want you dead. Just once, just once I'd like tae bite th' bastard in th' bum! Madison, calm down. Like he said, if he wanted us dead, we would be. Which means there's something else he wants from us. Quite correct. You see, I'm here to assist you. Exsqueeze me? It is imperative that you defeat Drayden and obtain the eighth badge. Only then can you meet N. He has bypassed the requirements. Okay, not that I'm disagreeing with you, but why do you care? N is a willful boy. He refuses to continue his journey until he has seen with his own eyes that you have resumed yours. Some rubbish about needing an opposite number.
But you disagree. Of course I disagree. Had I the resources, I would put bullets in the heads of the Elite Four and Champion, and all of their pokemon. Truly, you are the worst manner of coward, sir! Chill, Arthur. See, that doesn't really jibe with what I've been hearing so far. Do go on. You're talking about murdering people and pokemon alike, but I notice you won't do that when anyone other than you and your little hit squad is around. Hmph. Allow me to let you in on a little secret, Manic. This I've gotta hear. I honestly do not care in the slightest for the welfare of pokemon. I cannot conceive of anything more odious than continuing to persist in a world where weak, pathetic creatures such as those flaunt their inadequacy in front of me. Unfortunately, I have been blessed with a cadre of gullible imbeciles; disposable, yes, but inept at training any but the most basic pokemon. Then...by helping N to become champion...
Even more craven than I first believed! You cower at the mere notion of honorable combat! Hmmm. Interesting. I expected more of a reaction from you, 'legendary hero'. Huh? Oh, I'd probably react more strongly if I was - y'know - surprised. You knew of this? Well, not this specifically, but it's pretty clear that N and this assclown are on different pages. The arrogant little puke probably thought he'd brainwashed N enough that he could just turn the poor guy loose, but he miscalculated by letting us talk. Now N is starting to veer away from his path, and I bet it's got his undies in such a wedgie he can feel them in his sinuses. Hmph. I expect nothing less from the 'inestimable' Manic. Farewell, then, and enjoy continuing to serve me.
Ghetsis. Before you go. Hmmm? What do you want now? Two things. First of all, I'm not that Manic. I have the memories in my head, but I'm forging my own identity. Never forget that. My apathy is rivaled only by my impatience. Is there something else you want? Yeah. Who on your team has the power to control minds? I beg your pardon? ...you have an answer you're expecting from this, don't you? Yes, I do. Like I said, who is under your employ that has the power to possess and control the weak-willed? My dear girl, if I had such an individual within my power, this entire venture would have gone a great deal more smoothly. Thought so. Smell you later, cockbite.
Bleh. So, you gonna tell us what that was about back there? What, you mean the mind control thing? Yeah! For one thing, why do you even believe him? Because I'm pretty sure he's telling the truth. And why would you think that about such a black-hearted villain? Think about it. There's no shortage of weak-willed people out there. If he really did have that kind of power, he'd be using it pretty much 24/7. Besides, even if N had that kind of power, he wouldn't use it. Goes against his principles. You sound rather like you respect the boy. In a very real way, I do. Even if I think he's wrong, he has the strength to fight for his convictions. An awful lot of people couldn't say the same. Then we must warn him of Ghetsis's machinations! He'd never believe us. Remember, that jerk raised him. Would you believe something like that about your father? ...no. I do not believe that I would. Damn!
Alder. I need to tha- Shhh. Stay quiet, keep low. We don't want to be noticed. Aye, just ignore th' fella with his haid on fire.
Or should I say, heroes. I think we've been found out. How could he even see us?! Haid. On. FIRE. N represents the hero of ideals. A boy with no goal greater or lesser than ensuring proper treatment for Pokemon all over the world.
Yes, freed! Freed from indentured servitude, freed from slavery. Freed from the influence of humans who bring with them lethal pass-times without care for their well-being. Nuzlocke is not communicated through Pokemon. It is communicated through humans! Hey! Ghetsis! Why don't you tell them what you're really after? I bet they'd love to hear it! Oh, man. I wish you hadn't done that. Ah, yes. The 'hero' of truth. The 'hero' who stands in support of the status quo. Tell me, 'hero': how many of your friends have died in support of your quest? Is it two, now? How many more will die? How many corpses will finally slake your bloodlust? You know, I'd tell you to burn in hell for invoking the memories of my fallen pokemon for your fraudulent quest, but I'm pretty sure that's waiting for you anyway.
Really? Why don't you tell them what you told me on the Tubeline, hmm? The hero of truth making up lies? I fear you'll be little match for one who faithfully pursues their goal. Manic. There's nothing to be gained from this. I disagree, Victor. Hey, Ghetsis! Why not tell them how, once they've released their pokemon, you plan to have your team be the only ones who don't? To rule with an iron fist against a now-defenseless populace? Your wild accusations won't avail you one bit, false hero. And now, farewell. Okay, I give. What good did that do? I must agree. What is the point of this? Did he really tell you that? In not so many words. As for what the point was, just watch.
That can't be right! I treat my pokemon well! Yeah, me too! Besides, we need pokemon in our daily lives. I don't think I'd be happy without them, and I don't think they'd be happy without us. That guy is trying to scam us! I'm leaving. Okay, I'm watching. Ghetsis has decided to air his case in the court of public opinion. If I don't speak out, his will be the only opinion that the audience hears. It'll win them over by default. By giving them an alternative, I've drawn them out from under the yoke of his oratory skills. You know, I don't care if you aren't the 'real' Manic. You're real enough for me. Damn, I should've been taking notes.
Too long, old friend. So, you're Drayden, huh? Quite. And you must be the young Manic protege. That's me.
Oh, it was just Ghetsis, spouting his nonsense. Same crap he's been saying all over the continent. Blah blah, release your pokemon, yadda yadda, oppression freedom I look like an anime villain. Don't be so quick to dismiss him, Alder. His power may come from the people with whom he surrounds himself, but it's no less real than your own. The charlatan should be strung up by his toes and beaten. I think we can all agree on that. Incidentally, Drayden, I wonder if you could-
...yes, that. Ever the impetuous one, Alder. No great surprise the Pokemon League can't keep you caged. Persuasive, too, I might add. That assembly was a stroke of genius. Who knew he had it in him? At any rate, I'm afraid you're going to have to be a little more specific. You see-
Okay, can we just make a rule right now? People stop interrupting each other? Indeed, it's very ill-mannered. Am I the only one who's noticed that Drayden's Alder-analogue is a little girl? No. Hush. In fact, I'd like very much to know about both of them. Then you'll have to come with me, to my home. Right, well, looks like you've got things well in hand here! Looks like I'm headed to the Pokemon League! Yay.
Now, teach this old geezer what you learned from Brycen! Ah, you've trained with Brycen, have you? Dammit, Alder! Uh...that just sort of slipped out. So anyway, bye! *sigh* Let's just go, okay? He was like that as a boy, as well. You knew him when he was just a kid? Quite! He was always impetuous and brash. Now, shall we retire to my house? Definitely. By the way, slick motif you've got going here. Very future-y. The most attractive shade of azure! Hah! Quite. Now, let's be off.
(Shortly...)
I gathered. Please, allow me to finish. Once I have spoken, you may ask your questions. Gah, sorry, right. No interrupting. Some time ago, the two legendary dragons were one immensely powerful being. Unfortunately, a pair of brothers came into possession of the single entity, and they began to bicker on how best to shape Unova. One wanted to pursue the goal of ideals, the other wanted to pursue the goal of truth. The dragon was attached enough to the boys that it could not bear to side with one over the other. So powerful was the pokemon, so intense its desire not to alienate either one, that it split itself in two.
The two fought furiously to prove that their chosen brother was the right one, but the end result was stalemate - and a fractured region. Witnessing the destruction caused the boys to realize that the argument was secondary to the well-being of Unova as a whole, and they retired the discussion. Upon seeing this, the dragons realized that they could not reunite; they had become too different from one another. Rather than have their battle rage endlessly along the region, they sealed their powers away inside the stones. Now, please, ask your questions. Okay, I have two. First of all, that sounds like a morality tale, so what exactly is the lesson we're trying to learn? Second, N has already awoken Zekrom, so I need to awaken Reshiram. How do I do that?
BUGGER! Ohhh, that is super-bad. You have no idea how bad that is. Is it, then? Did you listen to my story? Look, N is on his way to face Alder right now, and he has a revived Zekrom. He's gonna wipe the floor with the champion, and force everyone to release all of their pokemon! This might yet be better than the alternative. Even if I knew how to awaken Reshiram...at this time, I would not tell you. Wait, what the hell is this? Okay. Okay, fine. We'll figure it out on our own. For now, we need the eighth badge so we can chase after N.
It's my hope that, in earning it, you will grow to understand why awakening Reshiram would be disastrous in your current state. Man, I really didn't want to do this...Alder gave me carte blanche over the gym leaders. You're a gym leader. Give me the badge. No. I don't think you understand what's at stake here! Similarly, I don't think you understand what's at stake here. A situation in which N is victorious would, in fact, be preferable to the outcome if you were to use Reshiram to face N as you are. Fffff...fine. Then we'll win it the old-fashioned way. C'mon, team. Let's head back to Route 9. An' the biker gang? If they know what's good for them, they'll stay out of my way.
DAMN it. It is so cute! It is, but I think Manic was hoping for something more...compelling in combat. Okay, team. Looks like we've got what we've got. Unless...hmmm. Let's see if there are any other routes we can pick from before we make our move.
O...kay then. So! As you were saying, we've got what we've got. Is anyone else a little hesitant about putting Gretchen and Frankie in the same box? Urgh...milady, please. Unless you wish me to revisit my lunch, drop the topic post-haste. Je ne comprends pas... And you don't want to, trust me. Okay. Let's go to the box. I need to think. There has to be a way to win.
Okay. Here are our choices as they stand. You've got two ice types, Boris and Frio. Frio would take quite a bit longer to train. Y'know, let's clear the room a little bit. First, let's put everyone we know we're not going to use in another box. Then, let's move Boris and Frio to the top and see how things shake out.
That certainly helped. Marla won't be fighting. If we lose her, we have no one that can use Fly, and that's a major tactical disadvantage. I know who I'm thinkin' of. Yeah, it's kinda staring us in the face. Eugh. Literally, he is staring us in the face at this very moment.
Hold this, Boris. HAH! BORIS DOES NOT NEED LITTLE CROWN! Uh...is the shouting really necessary? BORIS IS NOT SHOUTING! LITTLE TRAINER GIRL NEEDS TO TOUGHEN UP! Ooookay, socially awkward much. LET US BE CLEAR, GIRLIE TRAINER. ENTIRE TEAM IS LITTLE BABIES! BORIS WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO KILL STUPID DRAGONS! PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO BORIS. Calm yourself, Arthur, he is merely an overstuffed buffoon...
STEP ONE! GET ICE! Uh huh.
STEP TWO! CRUSH DRAGON WITH ICE! Mmmyep.
STEP THREE! WHAT FOR YOU NEED A STEP THREE?! DRAGON IS DEAD! Yeah, uh, there are just twooooo little problems with that. PROBLEM?! IS NO PROBLEM! YOU SEE HOW WELL IT WORK! Well, see, here's the first problem.
You, sir, are slow as mud. DOES NOT MATTER! BORIS IS STRONGEST! See, that would be true, if it weren't for that defense stat. BORIS HAS ATTACK STAT OFF OF CHARTS! YOU NEED NEW CHARTS TO KEEP UP WITH BORIS! Okay, so, answer me this. If you won't go first - and I assure you, you won't - and you can't take a hit...how does your attack stat even factor into this? BORIS IS WAITING TO HEAR SECOND PROBLEM! Look at everyone else. Mmmph. C'est terrible! Oi! Why do we need this bam fer? I'd sooner have a tryst with the Garbodor, you lout! Don't look at me. Means to an end, I say. BORIS DOES NOT SEE PROBLEM! Frankly? You're kind of an asshole. Back you go. HAH! GOOD LUCK WINNING WITHOUT BORIS, STUPID TRAINER GIRL! Oh, Arceus. Thank you. True, but we're now left without a plan. I just need to go study the box a little bit more, is all.
(A couple hours later...)
Damn it! I can't make any headway here. Frio is even more fragile than Boris is, and I'd rather personally headbutt Drayden's dragons to death than put him back on the team. Synch's movepool is atrocious, Sergio shouldn't even have escaped the cut - there, into the other box you go. Sarah would take forever and a day to train, Buck is a Deerling of all trades and a master of none, Frankie still creeps me right the fuck out (and that attack-boosting nature isn't helping), and half of what Lumiere can do won't be very effective! So...what now? The dragons, they are tres formidable. Frost Breath will not be enough! We're in a right squeeze, we are! In the darkest night, do not fear. In your hour of need, do not fear. Did you hear something? When all light is extinguished, when times are at their darkest, do not fear. Are you kidding me.
...for, no matter how desperately the night encroaches, Dawn always awaits. BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!! You are...*snrk* You are the enthusiastic one, oui? I think we all needed a laugh right then. Thank you, Dawn. Attack me. Milady, I could not possibly- I said attack me! I...don't think she's going to let this drop. Prometheus, you do it. Just be careful, okay? Says she's Gentle-natured. Very well. Now, try to brace yourself, Dawn. I'll attempt to make this as painless as possible. Here I come! Dance with the flames! Momentum Throw!
...Prometheus? Hey, where'd you go? There. How did I get across the room? Another!
Okay, okay. You've got some fight in you. Let's see here...Maddy. Now, remember, be careful. Aye, lass, dinnae worry. Now, c'mere, ye wee- Know the eyes in the darkness! Feral Blitz! Fuck me running, did she just chuck Maddy out the door?!
You two. Together. Uh, are you sure? That isn't exactly fair. Life is not exactly fair. Together. NOW! D'accord, you asked for it! Summon the twin winds! Chaos Flare! Motherf...she just knocked us flat on our asses! And I don't even have one of those!
And now you. Come, milady. Be reasonable! I have a type advantage. Fascinating. According to my instruments, I give precisely zero fucks about your type advantage. Now come! No. Do you fear me? No, but you have proven your valor in combat. I would gladly accept you as an ally. Any objections? Owwww... Mais non, not a one... Th' hell was that?! Could someone help me up? That sounds like a 'no'. You're in. And that ability gives me...heh heh...ideas. I'm...well, you might as well call me Manic. My friends whose asses you kicked are Victor, Frieda, Madison, and Prometheus, in reverse order. The one you didn't fight was Arthur.
I see. Okay, I give. I don't get it. Just wait, there's more coming. Here, take this.
Destiny awaits.
Okay, yeah, still don't get it. Okay, let me put it this way. Your Leaf Blade. Power 90. Right. Thanks to your STAB, it's actually 135. Damn right it is. Dawn's ability is Technician. Any move with a base power less than 60 gets that power multiplied by 1.5. Protip: All of her moves now have a base power less than 60. By the mercy of the gods...! I think Arthur gets it. Now, Tail Slap hits 2-5 times, right? And she also gets STAB, right? Right... So, what's 25...times 1.5...times 1.5? Wait, that can't be right. That's right. 56. So, when she hits with that move, it's a minimum of a power 112. If she gets in all five hits... TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY?! Two hundred and eighty. Better than Explosion. Now, let's suppose I give her that Silk Scarf we found a while back. Okay! I get it, I get it! Sheesh! Welcome aboard. I understand you have a dragon problem.
Not anymore.
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Post by Manic on Jun 14, 2019 5:36:46 GMT
Meet Boris! He's loud! He's obnoxious! He's...not on the team!
Meet Dawn! She's cute! She's fuzzy! She'll kick your ass!
And meet Ghetsis's true intentions. Anyone who's surprised hasn't been paying attention.
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Post by truezero2 on Jun 14, 2019 7:36:05 GMT
Okay, yeah, still don't get it. Okay, let me put it this way. Your Leaf Blade. Power 90. Right. Thanks to your STAB, it's actually 135. Damn right it is. Dawn's ability is Technician. Any move with a base power less than 60 gets that power multiplied by 1.5. Protip: All of her moves now have a base power less than 60. By the mercy of the gods...! I think Arthur gets it. Now, Tail Slap hits 2-5 times, right? And she also gets STAB, right? Right... So, what's 25...times 1.5...times 1.5? Wait, that can't be right. That's right. 56. So, when she hits with that move, it's a minimum of a power 112. If she gets in all five hits... TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY?! Two hundred and eighty. Better than Explosion. Now, let's suppose I give her that Silk Scarf we found a while back.
Well, Math can be fun! STAB, Technician and Silk Scarf on Tail Slap: 25 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.2 = 67.5 per hit. 2 Hits: 135 3 Hits: 202.5 4 Hits: 270 (Explosion is 250) 5 Hits: 337.5 Swap out Silk Scarf for a Kings Rock, and that's a move with 112-280 Power, with a chance to flinch every time it hits. Let's swap out Technician for Skill Link and see where that goes: 45 per hit, guaranteed 5 hits, clocking in at 225. Not far off Explosion, consistent, and doesn't KO the user. Skill Link and King's Rock: 187.5 Power, but that's five separate chances to flinch. Dawn is the reason I used a Cincinno in White 2, which I then reraised for Competitive come Sun and Moon. A friend of mine has called that Pokemon off limits for our eventual nuzlocke of Sword and Shield, simply because it can be too good if you're lucky enough to land all the hits and we'll be battling after every badge.
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Post by crimsondoom on Jun 14, 2019 16:39:26 GMT
Dawn may kick my ass for saying this, but I think it's hilarious how she acts all chuuni even though she can demonstrably back up her prowess. You don't need to call your attacks, Dawn, they'll be just as unconscious/dead when you're done with them.
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Post by Manic on Jun 15, 2019 7:20:43 GMT
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Post by Manic on Jun 15, 2019 8:19:04 GMT
Update #21: The Truth - vs. Drayden
Okay, team. It's time. We've done as much training as we can reasonably do. Thank goodness. I was starting to feel like quite the bully. Why'd they have to make the XP gift baskets so cute? Focus, people. We've seen what the dragons around here are like. The word 'brutal', it is coming to mind. Worse, they're straight-up dragon types, so no quad-weaknesses. Quad wot? Oh, most regions' dragons are dragon/flying or dragon/ground or whatnot, making them doubly weak to Ice attacks. Ye dinnae say...heh heh. Not here, though. Here, we beat them down the old-fashioned way. Damn right. So, everybody ready? XP sponge set to maximum absorption. Set course for the heart of the sun!
Er, thanks. Yep, this place is an absolute beating! Filled with dragons who would like nothing more than to tear you to ribbons and-URK! Keep talking. Dawn, let go of the nice man. He's trying to psyche us out. Duh. I assure you, madame: I have watched two of my close friends fall before me. I shall not be dissuaded from ensuring that there will not be a third.
(And then we fought through some seriously challenging trainers. Many of these guys have pokemon the same level as Drayden's team!)
Manic. Drayden. Have you given any thought to what I've told you? Yes, but it still doesn't make any sense. If I don't revive Reshiram, N won't face me! And if you do revive Reshiram, he will. And you will use Reshiram to fight him. Yes, that's sort of the point! I consider that a worst-case scenario. I must do everything within my power to prevent that from happening. Why would you want to stop me from saving Unova? You misunderstand me.
I must stop you from destroying Unova. You misunderstand me, but I don't have time to argue. Let's do this.
Your Stoutland is overleveled. Yeah, Maddy kinda wound up taking down most of the dragons on the way here. What with that Ice Fang she's got, coupled with the NeverMeltIce she's holding and her natural Intimidate... Explain this to me. If you are truly Manic, you must know a great deal about dragons. True enough. I had two of them on my team when I took the Hoenn championship, and Drake used nothing but. How would you describe them as a type? Powerful. Is that all? Committed? Active? In my experience, most dragons are frightfully stubborn. Okay, sure, there is that. What's your point? Let us suppose that you awaken Reshiram. What will you do with it? Much as I hate to admit it, use it to defeat Zekrom. This isn't your desire, then? Are you kidding? I hate fooling around with legendaries. People always get hurt. I don't have a choice, though. Then your fate is predetermined. You have no say in your future, you can only follow along, placid and meek.
Wait. Dawn, what are you doing?! This one is mine. Look closely at her, Manic. What? What am I supposed to be seeing?! A diminutive Cinccino facing off against a bruiser like my Druddigon. It's like a death sentence, isn't it? It does look pretty bad. Did I mention that my Druddigon knows Revenge? Revenge is the move...the move that killed... Sweet merciful Arceus, get out of there, Dawn! Just wait and watch.
The body's dire betrayal! Siphon Strength! ...Dawn? Hadn't we just decided that she was fated to die? Some day, I will die. That day will not be today. It is true. Sometimes, we have no choice. Sometimes, our path is laid out before us.
Sometimes, others can even take our choices away from us by force. And that's what's happened here. You think I want to revive Reshiram? No. I sincerely believe that you do not. Well, it's not like I have a choice! We are discussing two distinct topics. On one count, you are correct. On the other, you're not. Arthur, let's start working on finishing this thing off.
I see. Most ingenious, milady! Now we can heal our comrades while the poison does its work. Very good. Hyper Potions won't cure that. Drayden, look. I understand that you believe what you're saying is true. And I respect that! But you're just plain wrong here. Have you ever heard the saying, "Those who will not learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them"?
Cheeky bugger! Yeah, but what does that have to do with this? You already have all of the information you need to make the correct decision. Quite literally, everything you need is on you right now. I sure hope so. If this little stone isn't really Reshiram, or if I can't awaken it, we're all in deep, deep shit. *sigh* I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but if you cannot think laterally enough to save Unova, you must be stopped.
Mine. S'il vous plait, listen to reason! Look at that monster! Ah, madame, perhaps a tactical retreat is in order? MINE. Your Cinccino seems determined to prove her worth in combat. Will you allow it? I...I trust you, Dawn. If you say that you can handle it, you can. The weakness of the flesh! Nerve Strike! Enough of this.
Er, Manic? Assistance? Maintenant?! Swiftly, while she recovers, begin to use Dragon Dance! Too little, too late. Hmmm? Dawn has already ruined your Haxorus' attack. Go ahead, keep using Dragon Dance. It's at +3 steps to speed, but -6 steps to attack. Maddy, c'mon out and keep him down, then finish him off. Remember back in th' day, when ye promised me a right scuffle now an' again? Absolutely.
Ne'er once did I think I'd be bitin' a dragon! Complaining? Nae on yuir life! This's th' best!
As is the custom, I present you with the Legend badge. Hell yeah! You did it! Actually...seems to me like Dawn and Madison did it. In truth, it seems to me like all of you did it. None of you could have gotten this far without the others. Even within the scope of combat, neither Madison nor Dawn could have succeeded without the other. I'm...not used to working with partners. It'll grow on ye, lass!
Wait. I thought you didn't want me to go? I never said that. I said I don't want you to use Reshiram against N. I'm sorry, Drayden. I don't want to use Reshiram against N either, but there's just no other way. Manic. In the time that you have been a part of this region, you have gone from being commonly known as a monster guilty of war crimes to being publically exonerated of those crimes. You have gone from being a frightened girl with one starter pokemon to a powerful trainer with a full team of seasoned warriors. Okay? There is always another way. You already know what it is, you have only to accept it. Now go, the champion awaits.
In more than one way, yeah. Are you all right? Yeah, Drayden just had some things to say that make me wonder... If Drayden told you something, you should probably listen. I don't know. The legend says he's wrong. This is a man who holds counsel with dragons. If he thinks something is true, it generally is. Also:
It's okay. I think I've figured it out. What? What could you possibly have figured out? Walk with me toward Route 10 as we talk. The two stones are the two dragons, right? Right. N resurrected Zekrom with the intent of facing Reshiram with it. Right? Wait, so you're saying... I'm saying that if I find N with the intent of using Reshiram to face Zekrom, Reshiram should awaken. What happens if you're wrong? I have to concur with Victor there. If you're wrong about this... ...then nothing happens. Ah ha, of course! N is an honorable fighter, he will wish to face us on equal terms. Why, he may even be of some help in resurrecting Reshiram, if milady's plan is a failure! Bingo.
No. Even after all you've been through? Even with what's yet to come? It's been really difficult. I still don't know a lot of things about what's happened, and I'd be a filthy liar if I said I wasn't scared. It's okay, we've got your back! No harm will befall you while I stand. See? Sure, I wouldn't have suffered if I hadn't done this...but I wouldn't have met any of my friends, either. I wouldn't have cleared my name, I wouldn't have renewed Cheren's faith or inspired Bianca to stand up to her father, and Team Plasma would probably be running things by now. You've thought about this a lot, haven't you? Yeah. Somebody put me on this road because they wanted to hurt me, but all they've done is make me stronger. And let me tell you...when I find that person, they're going to pay.
Whoah! Mon dieu! It's...a Master Ball! I've never actually seen one before! I've been saving this for a very special occasion. Sure, but... When Reshiram awakens, you'll need to catch it. Legendary pokemon have an appallingly low catch rate; use this to bypass it. Juniper...
When I was a little girl, I remember learning in history class all about how Manic had brought plague to the region. Back then, we still had roving gangs, power failures...it was a nightmare. I remember my father holding me in his arms and telling me how someday, someone very brave would come along and fix all of it. Things would be okay again, and we would be safe. Alder. Alder tried, bless him, but there's only so much one boy could do...and he wasn't ready yet, not really. You've seen how much he aches to be free of the league. No, I don't mean Alder. Then who? Are ye daft? Milady, I believe she is referring to you. With a team of fanatics aligned against you, you press on. In a world you don't know or understand, you press on. In the face of death and pain, you press on. The gym leaders aren't squabbling like children anymore. The champion has returned to the league, after years of wandering the region. For the first time in more than two decades, someone has gotten all eight gym badges. You've even freed us from a long-standing lie, although you have yet to find the truth. It's you, Manic; my father was talking about you. Make things right again. We're all behind you, I know you can do it.
But, y'know, no pressure or anything.
Yeah. Just got my eighth badge. I need to go and put a stop to N. It's...embarrassing, you know. Huh? I heard what you've said. That you aren't really Manic. But you are, you know. Here I am, focused on getting stronger, stronger, stronger. All I care about is my own power, and you're out here trying to save all of us. Look, Cheren. You aren't all that dissimilar to someone I used to know. Personal strength is a means to an end, not the end itself. It's an easy mistake to make.
Actually, that's what I'm hoping for. B-but without the other dragon... I have it. Right here. That's supposed to stop Zekrom? It will when it awakens. And that'll happen when I find N. That's the real issue here: N is the problem, not Alder. I'll face Alder eventually, sure, but the goal is to face N before he reaches Alder and becomes champion, and starts giving orders. I...I hope you'll be all right... I will be. My team and I will put an end to all of this, you'll see. Manic. I challenge you to a match. I have to ensure that you're strong enough to do the job.
I accept. Let me put your mind at ease.
I wish th' poor lad could unnerstand us! Moi aussi, but it is the price he pays. We just have to show him that we're up to the task, is all. Indeed. Allow our actions to speak for us! You...you aced them! All of those injuries were from before the match!
Cheren. Before you run off, I have to ask you something. Feel free. We're at Victory Road, and you only have a team of four. Why? Didn't I already answer this question? Yes, and now I want the truth. Cheren...just t-tell her. Maybe she can help. Shortly after Nacrene, our pokemon started to get sick. It was awful...we contacted the league, and they told us to stop by the pokemon centers for booster shots for our vaccines. Okay. Didn't they work? They worked. They worked quite well. My team's current condition is proof of that. But after a while, we began to notice a side-effect. What kind of side-effect?
We...we can't catch more pokemon, Manic... I have thrown six hundred and forty-seven pokeballs since that time. Not one capture. The odds of that are infinitessimal. Sweet Mew. We'll never lose our friends! But...we can't make more.
Here, let me tend to your team's wounds while we talk. That's...that's a terrible price to pay. Is it? Are we more or less fortunate than you? Don't forget, he knows how losing Jonas affected you. C'est vrai, but the inability to understand pokemon not your own... I have to agree. I don't think it's an issue of 'more' or 'less', just different. You've traded my curse for a new one.
I really, truly wish there was, but- But without Reshiram, we can play a supporting role at best. Just allow us to play that role if we can. I said I would help you, and I will...! Even if that means staying out of the way. I promise, if there's anything either of you can do to help, I'll come calling. I, um...I have something for you. Oh? That...that Ghetsis person...said I should give this to you. I don't know what's inside... Is it safe to open that thing? Ghetsis was saying he wanted to help me to reach N. Let's see what he gave me.
Son. Of. A. BITCH. Wow. Just...wow. That's messed up. Let me see wha- oh. Ugh. What a perverse sense of humor. Heartless wretch! We must end him. All right, that tears it. Next time I see him, he's getting a kick in the nuts.
But to accomplish that goal, I will need to continue my training. As it stands, I doubt I could make it through Victory Road. As it stands, I doubt any of us could make it through Victory Road. N-not even you? Not quite yet. If this is anything like Hoenn's Victory Road - and Arceus, I hope it's not - it'll be full of immensely powerful pokemon that like to forcibly eject you from combat. I'll be training on Route 9. I'll be training right here. I'll be in town with Iris if you need me!
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Post by Manic on Jun 15, 2019 8:23:16 GMT
Manic certainly seems to have a lot of support! And she even has a plan...
...but Drayden, the regional expert on dragons, seems convinced that the plan is the wrong one! That it'd be even worse than N winning!
Also, we find out why Cheren and Bianca really haven't expanded their teams. Quite the price to pay.
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Post by crimsondoom on Jun 15, 2019 17:11:19 GMT
Y'know, it's hard to make Ghetsis any more of a sociopathic asshole than he was in canon, but you managed it with those Max Revives, man.
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Post by Firebrand on Jun 15, 2019 23:42:34 GMT
I feel waaaay behind on this run, but I binged all the stuff that I'd fallen behind on in one go today. It's a bit too much all at once for me to synthesize into an in-depth review, but on the whole, I love the twists and turns this one has taken. I think this incarnation of Manic is probably my favorite to date (Courageous was cool, and I always love a shonen style determinator, but I think Experienced is more of a fleshed-out and nuanced character).
Looks like I'm just in time to follow along with the big final battles in real-time, so looking forward to that!
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Post by Manic on Jun 16, 2019 15:50:10 GMT
Update #22: Threads of Fate
Wow. It's been a while. You've never been here before, though. I believe milady is referring to the badge check. Okay...see previous statement. Don't forget, while she's never been here before, this is not her first Victory Road. Hoenn is a lot less grandiose about it, though. Seems like a lot o' trouble tae me. Seriously. In Hoenn, there's literally some dude who stands at the entry way and goes, "You have all eight badges? Yes? Cool, go on in." Although...I suppose they don't really need it. You can't even reach Evergrande without knowing Waterfall. In Unova, you go as far as you want...and you pay the price. Huh. Y'know, it hadn't really occurred to me before, but...with enough luck, you could literally walk from Nuvema to Victory Road. Y'know, assuming nobody stopped you.
Wow. We really have come a long way, huh? What a long, strange trip it's been. Oui, but do not be complacent. There is much left to do! Well, at least this part seems simple enough. Each gate seems to suit its leader well. Yeah, nothing too weird so f-
(Remaining gates not shown)
WOW. Sacre bleu, it is a maze! True, but if I know Manic, she has a plan. Yeah, I guess you could call it that. Let's hear it. What's your plan? Try ALL the things! But first, I want to see what awesome pokemon is awaiting us in Victory Road. I bet it's some awesome dragon or something!
Fuck my life. Is this thing any good? Er... It is not terrible. Does it evolve into something good? Some seem to favor it, I suppose... I hate tae tell ye this, lass... Just tell her already. This thing is Unova's Zubat. Fuck. My. Life. Except with no powerful third form. FFFFFFFF...fine. Let's just keep moving. Look, it's a path outside!
Well, fuck me running. Ahhh. Much better. Pour vous, perhaps. *achoo!* I have the, how you say, hay fever? *achoo!* Sort of a dramatic shift, don't you think? Everything in Unova seems to be dramatic. I'm trying not to focus on it. I do remember a promise I made, though, and it'll give us a break from this hell-mountain. In fact, I think we could all use a breather.
Yep! Sure, here's Buck. Good of Prometheus to be willing to wait in the box for a moment. He is a *snf* good sport, yes. Extra weak tae grass attacks, aye? Alors, please, do not mention grass right now! I'll just go wait on this side of the room, then.
Still trying to work out who gets this. I am a candidate, n'est-ce pas? True, but you're pretty much the only candidate. Worse, it's hard to imagine this being better than what you already have. Let's hold off for now, okay? Take heart, madame. Your time will come soon enough.
Oh, nice! Who wants some? Pass. I'm afraid I'd only melt mine. I do not think I could taste anything right now. Ohhh, my aching tete... I'd be delighted, milady. Madison, would you like me to hold yours? Aye, lad! Yui're a peach, ye are. ...fine. Just a little. Okay then! Four Casteliacones it is.
...I swear, the minute we get back from our break. Oops! Uh, sorry, lady. It's fine, it's fine. At least nobody was hurt. We're not going to do that, are we? ... Damn it! Don't worry. I'll carry you. Hell, I'll return anyone who doesn't want to do this to their pokeballs for the duration, it's all good. Lass, paws are'nae quite right fer mountain climbin', worse fer slidin'. For once, the pokeball does sound like a good idea. I think I'll take you up on the offer. Done. *pchoo* x3 Anyone else? Biped. Biped. Biped. All right then!
Thoughts? Pokeball, s'il vous plait... Not much for sliding, huh? It is not that. In the pokeball, there is no pollen... Right. Got it. *pchoo* And you two? As ever, I am at your disposal, milady. Child's play.
Ow ow ow...I'm gonna need new shoes after this! Would it be easier if I were to carry you? Uh, Arthur, not that that's not sweet and all... Keep it in your species. Let's move. Madame, I assure you, my intentions were honorable! Don't care. About to leave. You coming? Madame Dawn is certainly...boisterous, is she not? Yep! Nice trait to have, too.
Oh, nice! Shall I use it, milady? Hmmm. Not yet. Let's get out of here first.
At last. Okay, everybody out! We're done? We're done. No more reason to use Rock Slide on ourselves, heh. Ugh. Please don't mention that move in my company. Huh? Why not? Think about it, lad. Bug/Fire's double weak tae... Oh. OH! Sorry, man. Not used to double weaknesses. All's well. If I'm to fall in Manic's service, I'd simply rather that it be to save her, rather than as a simple folly of typing.
Okay. WHAT. Is there a problem, milady? The Elite Four lives in a palace that blots out the sun. It is immense! Well. Unovans certainly know how to live opulently, don't they? That reminds me. You said the other Manics were real too, right? As real as you are, yes. Did you get to watch them in action? Yes. All Oracles have seen all five Manics, even those who took place after their deaths. How can that be?
Let me try to explain. Victor, you stand off to the left over there. Arthur, you stand to the right. Er...sure, I guess. Certainly. Now then. Victor is 2012. Arthur is 2062. Frieda, could you go stand close to Victor? Comme ca? Yes, thank you. Now, Frieda will be 2022. So, tell me. Compared to 2062, does Frieda come before or after? Before, obviously.
Does she? We added her after we put the initial two out there. Lad, yui're nae makin' a bit o' sense. Yeah, I have to admit, I'm totally lost.
This will become clearer, I promise. Madison, will you go stand near Arthur? You'll be 2052. *sigh* Suit yuirself. In this example, Madison is Sinnoh's Manic. Frieda is Kanto's Manic. Now, what have you noticed they all have in common? Er...all named Manic? We have stood outside the timeline, watching each one take their place. From our vantage point, we can see a line. Each Manic, however, can only see their specific point in history. Most of them are even unaware that the others ever existed or will exist. So you're saying that in this example, we're the Oracles? Correct! We don't exist in the timeline until we're placed there, and then we join with that part of time to experience it and meet our fate. Creosote went to Kanto's Manic, and he died. Franklin went to Sinnoh's Manic, and he lived. Each Manic gets their own Oracle, with one exception. There...are two Hoenn Manics. Correct! But only one Hoenn Oracle, Penelope. The first Manic, the one in 2012, did not need an Oracle. Ugh...my head. Can we talk about this later? Time travel makes my head hurt.
That would be best. We have a big day tomorrow. *yawn* So much butt to kick, so little time. Don't mention 'time' again tonight. Aye, Dawn's got th' right of it. Just wanna lay down an' relax... Bon soir, mes amis. Rest well, milady. Pleasant dreams. Mmmmh. Yeah. Dreams. G'night...
Sometimes, I lay in my bed and gaze up at the stars as they twinkle in the sky, and I wonder: "Where the hell did my ceiling go?"
Mmmm? Oh, hello there. Hello! Are you here to dream with me? Sure! Let's do some flying, sound fun? Certainly! I used to love to fly. Used to? Did something change? I think I may have. The sands do not reach me here. I have been here for a very long time now. Oh? That sounds like fun, though. How did you get here? It's been so long...I remember an island emerging from the mist. I went to look at it, and then it was gone, and so was I. I've been here ever since. At least there's plenty of food to eat! Certainly, but I'm never hungry. I only wish that I could see him one last time...ah, I can see his face still, hazy though it is.
Oh, what's his name? Manic. Yes? That's his name. What is? Manic. Yes? Oh, nevermind. If you're going to leave, do you think I could come with you? Sure, I can always benefit from more friends! What's your name? I remember that much, at least. My name is Ca-
Huh? How did I get here? You willed it. So, whose world am I linking up to? By all accounts, your own. I'm not already linked to my world? It would be more accurate to say that your link to the truth is strengthened here. Unfortunately, you cannot stay. Oooookay. Mind if I ask why? I can tell you only this: when you awaken, check your PC box.
You're saying that I'm asleep? Do you not recall? You are about to undertake one of the greatest challenges of your life. Challenges...right! The league, N, the entire region of Unova! Listen, I'm really grateful for all your help, but I have to go. I'm needed. In ways you cannot possibly know. Go into the forest to awaken, and remember: the future is what we make of it.
Hello? Hmmm, there's nobody here. ...well, this isn't doing me any good. Making me awfully drowsy, though. Think I'll take a little nap...
Manic! Manic, wake up! Huh, wha? What's wrong? Stop shaking me! An interloper, milady! There is an intruder afoot! What?! Where? The box! Someone - something - I've never seen before has plunked right down and just kinda...well, sat there. Sat there? How menacing. Look, I know it doesn't sound so bad, but...just have a look, okay? ...when I wake up, check the PC box...yeah. Okay. Let's do this. Everybody stand back.
Where am I? Who are you? You're in my PC box, somehow, and I'm Manic. The sands here are strange and new, but they whisper the truth of your words. But how can you possibly be Manic? How would you know...me...no way... Manic? Manic, what's wrong? I...you...tell me your name. Please.
In my homeland, I was known as Calima. I left on an expedition to a mist-covered isle, and when it vanished, it took me with it. I ask once again: how can you be Manic? The Manic I knew was, ah...male? I...sweet mother of Mew...Calima, it's really you?! How?! How did I come to this place, and where is it? And why am I a Trapinch? You came to me in my dreams. You said you had been there for a long time, and I invited you to come with me... Milady, who - and what - is this? Victor, Frieda, Madison, you remember when you were reading about my life in Nacrene? Sure? Remember my winning team? Wait, this is that Calima?! I can verify this. Welcome, Calima. The date is 2062, and you are in the region of Unova. Manic was changed, time-warped, and brought here against her will. Then it is safe to say that you require my services once again. You're, I mean... She's dumbstruck. We'd appreciate the help. Aye, but if she comes, one of us has tae stay behind. Who?
S'il vous plait, if it is not too much trouble, I would like to nominate myself. Frieda? But you've been with me almost since the beginning! C'est vrai, ma chere. But every hit feels like a hundred...and my hay fever, it is a great burden. Manic...she's right. Her defenses never really caught up to the rest of us. But... If you are needing help through the water, I will be at your side, immediately! For now...there is another who needs your help. Frieda, I'll...I'll come back for you, I promise. Oui, you had better! In the meantime, I will inform Ingrid of what has come to pass. It seems that your natural talent at befriending pokemon continues to serve you well, Manic. What has happened in my absence? There's...there's a lot to tell. Let's talk while we train, I need to get you up to speed. What is this magnificent building? It's where the Elite Four stay. We're past Victory Road. OH. Then let us hurry, there is much to do.
"Even as my heart leapt for joy at the reunion with my long-lost friend, there was a distinct sense of trepidation that lurked within the periphery of my emotions. My lessons learned during my time in Unova had been hard-won, carrying with them their share of pain and hardship. Throughout Calima's training - and there was indeed quite a lot of training to be done - there was a concern that she would see the change that this trial by fire had wrought in me. I had been tempered with flame, true, and come out stronger for the process...but that was not the Manic she had known. That Manic was, by all accounts, gone. Or perhaps in another time? Prometheus' words danced elusively through my mind, adding to the confusion I felt.
As was my way, I filed away such fears beneath a veneer of strength and focused my efforts on the task at hand, knowing full well that there was a limit to how much I could hide from what could be considered my own Oracle of sorts (although Prometheus assured me that she was not an Oracle in the conventional sense - since when was there a conventional sense for an Oracle, I wondered). Compared to Unova, Hoenn was a leisurely stroll through the park, and the thought of regaining her in my life only to lose her to the ravages of this brutal environment felt as though it would tie my stomach in knots. This vestige of my former life, I knew, must be nurtured and protected as I had done long ago...to lose her, somehow, would be to lose myself."
- excerpt from All At once, the memoirs of Manic
What in the name of...?! Ah, right! You've just met your first Audino. Little parcels of XP. Fear not, madame - Calima, is it? - no harm shall come to you while I yet stand. Many thanks for your consideration, ah - mmm. Oh, right! Sorry about that. You've met Victor and Madison already. Hey there. Pleasure tae meet ye! The gallant one here is Arthur. Honored. Dawn is the quiet one. She had better be worth it. I sense disquiet within her. Be that as it may, she introduced herself to the team by kicking everyone's asses. Trust me, you do not want a piece of that. I am thus advised. Finally, Prometheus here is my Oracle, sent to help guide me through my missions. When I learned that I would be allowed to meet Calima, I was overjoyed. It truly is an honor. I appear to be somewhat renowned. We both are, Calima. Now I think it's time I explain to you why.
(and so, time passed...)
So you see, there are multiple objectives here. This region certainly is fraught with peril. A civil war, your name slandered, a maniac and his protege, teams that are not ineffectual...it is no wonder. What's no wonder? You forget: I knew you in the older times. ...damn it. Do not fret. Were we not as close as we are, I would be unable to see the immense toll this place has taken on you. You deserve better. It doesn't matter what I deserve, Calima. It matters what needs to be done. Some things never change. Yeah? Well, some things never stop changing! I must concur! With the strength of your foresight added to our team, we should be nigh-unstoppable. I don't need to know the future. I make the future. Soon enough, I will join in the fight. But not yet. If ye need haids knocked t'gether, I'm yuir girl! I may have changed a lot, but I'm still me. I'm a fighter down to the bitter end, and I've never forgotten the credo I found in my grandfather's records after I became champion:
Never forget.
Never give up.
Grind like hell.
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Post by Manic on Jun 16, 2019 15:54:54 GMT
One door closes - although perhaps not forever - and another opens. An old door from times past. If you have no idea who Calima is or what the significance is, check out the very first run of this saga!Also, we get a much clearer explanation of the overarcing plot from Prometheus...sorta...?
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Post by truezero2 on Jun 16, 2019 16:23:19 GMT
I think this was the only Unova run I'd seen that took advantage of the Dream World while it was still a thing.
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Post by Manic on Jun 17, 2019 11:36:16 GMT
Update #23: Oratory
Okay, let's get everyone healed. By the talons of Rayquaza, this place is immense! Hey, Manic. Maybe we should show her Castelia sometime, huh? Let's not overwhelm her. A lot of cities are bigger than what we had in Hoenn, Calima. Remember, this place has been isolated for decades, they've had nowhere to turn their energies but on themselves. Aye, an' there's other stuff! Like yuir 'pokemart' things now live in th' centers, an' TMs don't break. Manic, can you imagine the possibilities? I assure you, I can and I have! Incidentally, could you do me a small favor? Of course. How may I help?
I know it's no big thing to swap out party members, but... Say no more. This does make me remember Hope, though. Yeah...I try not to think about that. Whyever not? Ah, madame, perhaps this line of discussion could- Because if it's been fifty years, they're probably all dead. Thank you, Dawn...yes. That. Oh...yes, I suppose that is true... It's just another reason we have to set things right: we have to honor their memories. They would be proud. I'm certain of it. Thanks, Prometheus. For the moment, there's someone I want to talk to.
Juniper, there's someone I want you to meet. Oh dear. Is Frieda... Is...no! No! Nothing like that. I just want you to meet Calima. Named after a former teammate, hmmm? Actually, as near as I can tell, this really is Calima. C'mon out. A female professor. I am honored to make your acquaintance. This is...but...how?! I don't know. I fell asleep, and I saw Fennel in my dreams. Then I saw Calima, though I didn't know it was her and she didn't know it was me. She asked to come with me, and I said yes. I must say, it's an honor, Calima! Out of Manic's original team, you're the one I wanted to meet the most. Flattering, but unsurprising. As a professor, I'm certain you're very curious about what I must know, but I will have to wait to tell you until after Manic finishes hi-er, her business. Certainly, certainly! Please, come back whenever you can. We will. For now, there's more training to be done.
(And, in the fullness of time...)
At last! Now, that's the Calima I remember! I am similarly relieved, I assure you. Are we ready, then? Now, don't be impatient. You know Manic has been training to get her caught up to the rest of us. Doesn't mean I have to like it. I think she's just sore because you've been focusing a lot on Calima. Well, she's right. I have. Now that Calima is ready, though, we can resume being a proper team again. 'Tis aboot time! Now then, let's go over a pre-battle review. This one is for keeps, people. Line up.
Calima. You're the newest - and oldest - member of the team, but I have confidence in you. Screech is there to make all of your other attacks more effective. I've heard the E4 is Ghost-Dark-Psychic-Fighting this time around, and you've got something there for everyone but Dark. How well I recall this moment, standing at the gates of a grand battle. I only wish I had been here for you before now. I have no regrets. Things proceeded as they needed to. For now, let's keep our eyes on the prize.
Maddy, you're an absolute tank. You won't be much good against Fighting, but Psychic is in trouble, and you're immune to Ghost attacks. I'm thinking that Ice Fang and Fire Fang will help with some off-main typing, and Return makes a good fallback. Set 'em up an' I'll knock 'em down! Never doubted it for an instant.
Dawn, your Charm makes excellent disruption for physical attackers, and while I dare not send you out against Fighting and you have no obvious SE attacks against the other types, you're my only Rock user and your Tail Slap has the potential to be nothing short of deadly. I have been training for this moment my whole life. Aim me at your opponents and turn me loose! ...and stay out of your way. Got it.
Prometheus. Sorry, but you'll still be acting as an XP leech for the duration. There's no need to be sorry. I'm on the cusp of evolution, I can feel it...and when I do evolve, you won't be disappointed. Tough it out, and it'll be worth it in the end.
Arthur. I expect great things from you for this fight. You're slated to be amazing against anything but fighting, and you're my best offense against Dark types. Psychic can't touch you, even. Ah, yes. Milady, the others and I had been discussing this... Hmmm? Sure, we'll talk it over after we review Victor.
And finally, Victor. You've been with me since all this began, and you're a good friend. I'll be leaning on you to face off against Fighting, and that Coil will both help keep you alive and help you ruin your chosen target. Got it. Look, Manic, we had this crazy idea. Er, okay. Are we talking "this is kinda risky" crazy, or "put cigarettes out on your genitals to make the voices stop" crazy? You...I...the first one! Good lord, woman. If N wins, he's going to pull Unova out of the League, right? Pretty sure, yeah. And fighting these four will deplete our resources and hold us up, right? Yeah? AND we're not really planning on facing the champion now, right? Waiting on that idea. What if we, y'know, explain the situation to them? See if they'll let us pass without a fight? Victor, that is the most insane, outlandish, implausible idea I've ever heard. There's not a chance in hell it'll work. Worth a try... ...and that's my bread and butter. Let's do it.
Ohhh, you're him, huh? What? Right, sorry. Every region has one of you. Come again? The guy who stands at the doorway to the E4 and tells challengers that they have to defeat everyone in one go or start over, blah blah. Every region has one. You know, you seem more professional than the last one I remember. Oh. Uh, thanks?
Yeah, but I'm hoping not to battle the E4. That's not really an option. Right, well, anyone who wants to face the champion has to face them, right? Yeah! Well, I'm not going to face the champion. Why, then? I'm here to stop N from trouncing him and disbanding the league. Wait, you're Manic?! Why the hell didn't you say so?! Get in there!
Okay, what the hell? Which way is the E4? Er, I think...all of them! Then what is to stop us from challenging them in an order of our choosing? A la carte style, huh? I like it. Don't forget, our aim is to pass through without conflict! We know it's not gonna happen, but it's worth a try. Let's see if maybe we can convince one or two of them.
Hey, we just met,
And this is crazy,
But can we go
Curbstomp N, maybe?
I can't believe that worked.
So...many...steps... Dinnae get discouraged, lass...not long now...! I think I saw some skeletons back there, of trainers who died of dehydration! I would gladly fly you, were there a pokecenter beacon there to track. Just think of it as a warmup for the main attraction. Quite! A knight never allows himself to be defeated by mere stairs! Just glad I can be carried. That's all I'm saying.
Alder! I got here as fast as I could! I... Stay where you are.
Oh Arceus, no... I'm sorry. I held him off for as long as I possibly could, but he was too much for me. Fucking crithax... I held off for as long as I could as well, Manic. I wanted you to be present at my time of triumph. This appears to be a standard for you, though: just moments too late to the scene. Ah, well. At least you can witness my true victory.
In the end, though, your travels were in vain. You should bless me, Alder: when I issue my decree, no one will have to go through what you went through ever again. Manic, you have to stop him! No I don't. Milady, is that not why we are here?! I'm going to end him here and now. No, Dawn. You're not. Just watch. Have faith, my friends. If Manic says nothing needs to be done, then she must have a plan. Let us see it to fruition.
*snicker* Interesting. Why do you think this is funny? You didn't think through your clever plan very thoroughly, did you? Sure looks like he won tae me! Explain. People will follow your orders because you're the Champion, yes? Yes. But you can't be part of the League if your region doesn't have trainers. And besides, you're planning to pull Unova out of the League. Right? Yes. Regions that aren't part of the League don't have Champions. Wha...you're saying...?!
That's right. It's a self-contradictory order. By issuing the command, you deprive yourself of the right to issue the command.
Then I hereby decline the Champion role! Alder shall remain champion, and the only one to keep Pokemon. Hee hee! Sucker. W-what?! Oh, I sorta lied there for a minute. Sure, you wouldn't have the right to enforce the command once everyone released their pokemon because you wouldn't be champion anymore, but then everyone would have already done the releasing. Ergh...played your hand a little too soon, there, Manic! Very well then, I will take the Champion role! Sorry! You already declined it. You even have witnesses. You'll have to defeat the Champion again to do that. HAH! You clever beast! I love it! Simple enough, then. Champion Alder, I challenge you - again - for the Championship! Sorry kid, no can do! I'm out of pokemon! And since you can't challenge me, you can't beat me! And since you can't beat me, you can't become Champion again! Come back in...say, a week or two! All completely legit. Sorry, N. Hope you enjoyed being Champion for about thirty seconds.
For years. Literally for years, Manic. Basically my entire life! Yeah, I heard from your 'father'. By the way, you and he might want to have a heart-to-heart on Team Plasma's real goals. And now my plans have been foiled because you tricked me?! Milady's guile is second to none! Without so much as lifting a finger. I still want that fight. Yeah, something like that. ...ingenious. And without placing your pokemon in harm's way for even a moment. Bingo. You catch on quick.
Yeah, well, it's not like I wa-
Hammer time. What? We've gotta get you some culture, N. That was, like, seventy years ago now. I'm sure you have a great deal to show me. Can't deny it. Well, I have something to show you as well. Alder, if he unzips his fly, kick him in the junk.
Excuse me?
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. Wot th' bloody Mew is this?! Nice entrance. So this is what the sands whispered of... I literally can't see the end of it! I'm getting dizzy! From a distance, it's enormous. In person, it's absolutely gargantuan! I...we...we can surely lay siege to this castle! Right?
DUDE. I WANT. Come again? You have a remote control castle. Do you even know how epic that is? Well, yes, I suppose it is rather impressive. Rather imp-...you could house, like, everyone in the region in this thing! How did you even get it down there?! I...I don't know. It has been there for as long as I can remember. Right under our noses this entire time. If I kick your ass, I want the castle. I'll see you within. Is he gone yet?
Tell him that if you lose to him, I'll be right behind you to avenge you. Cheren, come here. Yes? What is it? Throughout this voyage, you've been a good friend to me. Even before you believed me about who I was, you were always there with a helping hand. Well. I, uh... Ha! He's blushin'! I want you to listen very carefully to me. Hear what I'm about to say and memorize it. G-go ahead. If I lose to N, that will mean that he was able to take down my very best. If that happens, I want you to take Alder, Bianca, and the gym leaders and leave Unova. Make your way to Hoenn, recruit the help of the League members there. Won't that infect your homeland? Yes, but telecommunications mean that it needn't infect other regions as well. Organize an offensive. Unova will probably have to be brought down, and hard. If I lose...it will mean war.
My dreams of a happy, prosperous Unova...they weren't strong enough. Alder. I need to know something before I can continue. Yes? I can't help but notice how you're not dead. Say, that's true. I also don't see anywhere nearby you could've gotten a treatment. And the E4 didn't come rushing to your aid. Also true... Alder. How long ago did you arrive in Unova? How did you know I wasn't a native? How long, Alder? Some...forty-nine years ago now. I knew it. What did you know?
My strain of Nuzlocke isn't contagious.
Alder's is.
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Post by Manic on Jun 17, 2019 11:42:13 GMT
The bombshell, it has been dropped! The Nuzlocke that infects Unova isn't Manic's, it's Alder's!
Manic manages to defeat N by talking him out of his victory - at least, in the short-term - but N's not out of surprises yet!
Buckle up, folks! It's about to get real!
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