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Post by Manic on Jul 6, 2019 23:50:19 GMT
Time to face Johto down, and it's not gonna be easy! Be watching for a number of unusual rules, not all of which will be visible at the start of the run! If you want to know what they mean, just keep reading!
Standard Rules: 1. Catch only the first wild pokemon from each route. - 1a. Dupe clause is set to 'optional'. May skip dupes and catch the next. -- 1ai. A dupe is any pokemon that you have owned that still lives. - 1b. This rule does not apply until you get your first pokeballs. - 1c. Shinies may be caught, but may never be used. 2. Name every pokemon you get. "Hey You" is not a name. Nor is 'Rattata', any more than 'Human'. 3. NEVER FORGET - Any pokemon that faints, dies. Box them where you will see them. 4. Gifts, trades, etc. all count as the pokemon for their respective area. 5. PERSISTENT STARTER - You may not remove your starter pokemon from the active team. 6. STARTER DEATH - If your starter pokemon faints, the run is failed. 7. DEICIDE - For the run to be considered complete, all available legendaries must be eliminated. 8. THE CHALLENGE - For the run to be considered complete, Red must be defeated. - 8a. Red cannot be challenged until the Elite Four and Lance are defeated in a rematch. - 8b. The Elite Four and Lance cannot be challenged to a rematch without 16 badges. Special Rules:
10. WHIMS OF FATE - Every time you acquire a pokemon, you must flip, and the pokemon drifts based on the result. 11. DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION - Every time you enter a town for the first time, drift. 11a. This rule activates only after you name your rival. 12. MANIPULATE - Every time you defeat a gym, you may choose a pokemon. That pokemon drifts. 13. JOHTO'S FOLLY - After you defeat Lance for the first time, you may drift any number of pokemon. 14. JOHTO'S FOLLY REDUX - After you defeat Lance for the second time, ____.
Updates:
Hey, you know what's a great idea?
First of all, let's genetically manipulate a legendary goddamn pokemon and treat it like crap in order to create a sociopathic monster of ridiculous power that we can't possibly contain, and then act all surprised when it gets out of our hands and leaves us with a "Poor service, would not be created by this place again" calling card in the form of a smoking crater where our research facility used to be. That's always a game-winner.
Then, let's flounder around and utterly fail to recapture the thing before it latches onto some dumb, neglected kid and turns him evil.
Oh, but there are so many good ideas to go around! Let's shift perspective and work on earning our grandfather's love by helping the evil creature enslave the world with mind control, because there's absolutely no way it would turn on us if we ever let it think we had failed it. Let's even go become Champion of Kanto for, like, thirty seconds so that the good guy officially has an Evil Overlord to vanquish.
Whoops, perspective shift again, hang on tight! Now, it actually is a good idea to stop the insane pokemonstrosity and the evil overlord from destroying multiple worlds at once, even if that's about all anyone will remember, and even if it does cost us the life of Professor Oak. (Poor guy.) But hey, you know what's a brilliant idea after that? Let's completely fucking vanish after we do that, leaving an enormous power vacuum in Kanto so that some freakshow supremacist can take over and start making war on its neighbors.
Final shift now: let's go have a child with a woman and name the kid after the guy who vanished without warning and, in a way, helped to create this whole problem. Once we've done that? Let's go fight in the war and get killed so that the kid with the loaded name can wind up alone with his mom, surviving largely by the kindness of the people around him!
My name is Manic...and I wish things were different.
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Post by crimsondoom on Jul 7, 2019 3:51:53 GMT
So this is clearly Manic, Bitter. :v
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Post by truezero2 on Jul 7, 2019 9:47:52 GMT
Here we go, arguably my favourite run of the first saga. Looking forward to this one.
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Post by Manic on Jul 7, 2019 22:16:33 GMT
Update #1: Without a Trace
Well, I guess it's time, then. I may be too young to fight, but at least I can help a little.
I know you said you didn't want her to come see you off- Mom, you know it's just going to hurt her feelings. I know, honey, I know. But...she's your friend. You should take care of this; you don't exactly have a lot of friends. *sigh* You're right, of course. I'll make sure to say goodbye.
Mom's not kidding, either. I'm sort of tolerated around here, but that's about as close as it gets to me having friends. Even people I don't recognize seem to dislike me. I mean, hey, at least the people who know my name have that. But strangers? I dunno. Maybe I radiate some sort of 'piss on me' vibe.
Fortunately, Elm doesn't seem to have anything against me. Hi, Professor Elm. Are you ready for your first day as my assistant? Not...really? Good answer! Of course you're not. You'll be visiting faraway places and running all sorts of errands, how could you possibly do this on your own?
What...seriously?! Of course! A dead assistant isn't much good to me, right? Professor, the only person in town other than me who has a pokemon is- Lyra, that's correct. So if you don't become my assistant... ...then she has to risk her neck in my place. Got it. I'm in, of course. Naturally. Now, let me brief you on your first mission.
He has ways of...acquiring things. Things that will help our efforts in the war. We don't ask for explanations, and he doesn't offer them. We'd normally go retrieve the item he's 'acquired', but right now, we're needed to guard the Eastern border.
Of course you can. I'll go get the whatever and be back before you know it. Good, good answer. Now, choose your pokemon and be careful with it. Remember, starter pokemon are difficult to come by, even now.
This one seems like the right choice. This one is the right choice. Wow! I've never had a pokemon before, I expected my understanding to be spotty. And I've never had a trainer before. I suppose we're even.
Go north, past Cherrygrove. Obtain the package and return here as quickly as possible. If you are captured by the enemy - highly unlikely considering his very defensible position, but possible - we will disavow any knowledge of you. Of course, I understand. All right, uh...
Lana. Okay, Lana. Let's get moving, there's a lot to be done. Don't need to tell me twice. I've been learning too, in preparation for this moment.
Here you go. Basic supplies. Keep your pokemon alive, and it'll return the favor. Hey, thanks! We're in it to win it. Let me show you what I can do!
Lyra! So, it really happened. You have your own pokemon now... I sure do. Lyra, say hello to Lana. She's bigger than my Droplet. Naturally. Heh, yeah. I'm going to go talk to Mom, then head for- Shhh. You know you can't tell me. I...I know. Lyra, don't worry about me, okay? I'm trying. I really am. Be careful. Promise me! I promise, I'll be the picture of caution.
Mom...you know we can't afford this. Honey, we can't afford not to have this. It's the only way we'll be able to stay in touch. You're right, of course. I'm sorry. Shh, it's all right. So, this is your pokemon? So, this is your mother? Yes to both of you. Now, you be good to my boy. I will, don't worry. I'm tougher than I look! Heh, she agrees. C'mon, Lana, let's get started. I'll be back soon, Mom! I hope so...
Before I forget: don't worry about your mother. If something should happen to you, she'll be cared for. Now, register me in your Pokegear and...there we go. Good luck.
Come with me, I'll try to take it slow! Remember, you've never been here before. Right, right. I guess...er, I guess you're my contact in Cherrygrove. Good guess. Now, follow me. Now, as you can see, here's the Pokemart, and here's the pokemon center...
This is also the quietest spot in town. We can speak freely here. Do you have any more details on the job? The route to Mr. Pokemon's house will have trainers. Their job is to keep you on your toes and weed out agents who aren't suitable to the role. Well, that sounds promising. Your Cyndaquil there should be fine, so long as you don't slack off on the healing. I have every intention of grinding for a bit. That pokemon center on the north side of town, near the exit... Good eye, good eye. Yes, it's there for a reason. We should probably head back.
Oh, hey, thanks! You couldn't run without those? Sure I could. Just...not very fast, or for very long. Lame.
Okay, Lana. Let's train a little before we reach our goal, mmm? Yeah, that makes sense. I'd like to teach the locals who they're dealing with. We'll be hanging onto the potions as best we can, so don't get too excited, and let me know if you need a heal. Urgh. Speaking of which...
*cough*cough* Hee hee...'scuse me! Well, that could be useful, I guess. Just don't aim that at me next time! Mmmn. I promise nothing. That's great, just start being a bi- hmmm. There's a house midway through the route. Let's pay a visit.
Don't forget to collect these. You never know when 'supplies' might come in handy. Ahhh, I get it. Yeah, 'supplies' could be pretty useful, once I can process them. What the hell are you talking about? Making pokeballs out of these things can save cash. Silph may be staying out of the war, but that means that at least part of all the money I spend goes to Kanto. Ohhh. Okay, I get it. Yeah, let's keep an eye out.
... Wait. Isn't that- Yes. And there's a big sign announcing it. Looks that way. The fuck...? I'm just going to pretend I didn't see this.
And you must be holy shit it's Professor Oak! Oh, you like it, do you? Thank you, it was difficult to come by. At any rate, enough niceties. I believe you came for something. I, uh...yes...? I can't be the only one who thinks that's creepy as hell. You're not, I promise. Oakbot! Pokedex dispensary routine 1.02.1.
Ggggh... Is there a problem? I just took a Pokedex from Professor Oak's chest cavity. Yes, there is a problem! I...I don't even... All right, look, this is very simple. Johto needs a Professor Oak. This is a robotic version. He does the radio shows, makes appearances, yadda yadda. Keeps the sheeple in line. So the real article... Is a fine red mist, yes. Oakbot! Guard protocol 3.4.91.
And there it goes. It's all right, honestly. He'll just be waiting outside. He's completely obedient. Right, so, okay. This is my first one of these. Do we have a secret handshake, or do I give you something, or...? This is the part where you finish your mission. Right. Okay then. Bye!
We've been inflitrated! *click* Fuck! Lana, take point! If we don't finish this mission, we won't get paid! That seems like a problem. I'm on it!
Huh. What's your problem? That pokemon should be mine. All three should be mine. Uh, that's not how this works. You get one, and only one. Who is this assclown? Beats me. Hey, what is your name?
Beat me, and maybe I'll tell you. Look, man. I didn't want to bring this up, but you're kinda in the way of my mission. Implying I didn't already know that. Oh. ...OH. I see. Well then, Lana, you ready to- Bring it on, you walking tampon! So that's a 'yes', then.
Chompers! Lana! You're not really going to help this guy, are you? Comes with the territory. But he's a douche! And an arrogant one, too! Yeah, but he's my trainer. *sigh* Nothing personal, right?
Yeah...nothing personal...
No one will stand in my way. Especially not you. Are you done yet, Bucket? ...what? Until you tell me your name, your name is Bucket. Ugh. Fine. Here's my card. I'm leaving. Come to think of it, what's your name? Manic. No, seriously though. Seriously. My name is Manic. Wow. That's mean. Anyway...weren't we running somewhere? Fuck!
Stick a Super Rod in it, Barney Fife. Some red-haired boy broke in here and stole one of the starters! Flora's ball rolled under the table, but Chompers... Wait. Chompers? Lana, didn't you say that was Chompers you faced? Yeah... You fought him? Are you all right? Well, yeah. Lana swatted him down pretty hard. It didn't look like he'd been trained much at all. Did you learn his identity? Yeah, hang on, I got a card off of him.
Varas. A strange name. Definitely not native. He seemed to know that I was on a mission, but he didn't seem to care either way. He just wanted to be the strongest trainer ever or something. I hear that far too often...at any rate, did you accomplish your goal?
Excellent work. You've paid your bills for the month with this mission, but... But what? Somehow, I think you could do more. I'd like you to report to the gym leader, Bugsy. He may be able to get you more lucrative missions. You'll also be able to find more pokemon, though the rules of engagement prohibit catching more than one from a single area. I need to think about this. I'm sure you understand... Of course, of course. Go speak to your mother, first.
Mom, I don't need to go. I can stay here. Lana and I can do small missions, and we can finally earn our keep! You know that's not true. Sure, okay, they'll try to promote me if I succeed enough. So I'll fail a few non-vital missions. Problem solved! Sweetie...you can do better. You can make a life better than I could, better than...your father could. I'm just going to sit over here while you two work this out. But what about you? As long as you continue to send money, I'll be all right.
That makes sense. But the chores need doing, and you need help cleaning... You're making excuses, now. I...*sigh* Yeah. Always remember, you are my heart. Your parents love you very much. Don't think I could forget it if I tried. Go, honey. Change the world. ...I will.
Just...just take them. Lyra... You're leaving. I think, somehow, I always knew you would. It's not forever, Lyra. It...it'd better not be! You hear me? If you get hurt out there, I'll never let you hear the end of it! Lyra. Calm down. Lana will protect me, and I'll catch more pokemon. You don't have to be afraid. Just go. Go before I change my mind. I'll be back, Lyra. I promise. And you thought you were unpopular. I am. Mostly.
Okay, here we go! Our first catch. Don't worry. I've got this. Nice and easy, now. Let's see what one Tackle does. He's a little on the frail side, isn't he? Maybe, but he's our catch for this route. Okay, nice and slow...lead the shot...and... *click* Nice! On the first shot, even! What's his name?
Looks like his name is Percival. Welcome to the team, Per-
-ci...val?
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Post by Manic on Jul 7, 2019 22:22:21 GMT
Well, that's not supposed to happen.
Seems like Manic isn't exactly Mr. Popular around town. And has a bit of a foul mouth to him.
At least Professor Elm isn't taking any guff, putting the kibosh on accusations with a quickness!
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Post by Manic on Jul 9, 2019 5:22:55 GMT
Update #2: Seesaw
Manic. Where is Percival? That's an extremely good question, and I'd very much like an answer! I know you caught him. I saw you catch him. I know, but he's gone! The ball too! Okay, okay, let's not panic. Let's keep training around here, maybe we'll find him.
Finally, a fire attack! Seriously. I was beginning to worry. Seems to me like we have more pressing problems to worry about, don't you agree? Yeah...yeah, we definitely do. C'mon, let's get out of here. If we haven't found Percival's ball by now...
Okay. Just like before. Make sure you keep your eyes on her. No Smokescreen this time. I want to see this very clearly! Agreed. Focus...hit her a little more, and...now! *click* Lilly, huh? Looks like...huh. Do you feel something weird?
Well, she's still here. Maybe the situation with Percival was a fluke? Welcome to the team, Lilly. Oh, hey, thanks! I'm glad to have you as my trainer! I'm glad to have you on my team. I'm sure we'll be great friends. Er, right, sorry. Something...strange...happened to our last catch, and we wanted to make sure it didn't happen to you. I'm not gonna sprout a third arm or anything, am I? I sure hope not. Anyway, hi. I'm Lana, this is Manic. That's much better. I'm Lilly, as you know. I've always wanted a trainer. This should be fun!
Dat nature! The grin says it all. Yeah, that's right. I'm adamant as hell, and don't you forget it! We're still screwed if we face a water or ground type, but we should be okay apart from that. I don't think that'll be an issue just yet. Anyway, let's get you trained, Lilly. Bring it on!
Uhm. Yeah, yeah, I know. You've gotta bear with me. The good stuff comes later! I sure hope so. Although...I guess Rock Polish isn't too bad? Don't kid yourself, it stinks like Wailord crap. It's okay, I'll get better! For now, let's head into town. Healing seems like a wise choice. Suits me!
There, the center is just north of here. Let's get-
-moving? Indubitably! PERCIVAL! Mmmm? What's the matter! Where were you? ...he was right here with us the whole time, Manic. What? No he wasn't! Remember? We went looking for him? You learned Ember? While it's certainly true that Ember was obtained, it was your Route 46 catch that went missing. Don't you recall? No! I can...I mean...guh. Maybe I'm just tired? Anyway, let's get a look at you.
Careful, huh? And you made level 8... Thanks to your sage guidance, yes! Oh, go on. Well, that and Link's help. Who? Link. ...doesn't ring a bell. I'm standing right here!
The fuck?! Nice to see you too. Lana, what happened to you?! Who the hell is Lana? Seriously, you're not gonna be like this the whole time, are you? Wait. Where's Lilly? Ah, your missing Route 46 catch. We're wondering that as well. I...I need to see my contact here. Maybe he'll have some info. Contact? What?
Only one from each location, though! Those are the rules! Right, right. Listen. Is this a safe place to talk? Well...sure, kiddo. What's on your mind? Are you aware of any enemy activity? Pokemon theft? Enemy? You mean other trainers? No! You know. Kanto agents? Maybe you should pay the Center a visit. You seem a little disoriented! Right...right. Gotcha. The center.
I must admit, I'm a little confused by your behavior. Likewise, I assure you! For now, we need to report to Bugsy. Report? Well, if you mean beating him, I guess that works. Let's see what we can catch here, hmm?
Hey there. New trainer, huh? Is it that obvious? You have a Cyndaquil and a Hoothoot. You might as well have a tattoo on your head that says "HOW DO I POKEMON?". *snicker* Come now, that's a little rude. I see we've found our comic relief.
The name's Will, and I'll be your requisite Pidgey for this journey. Hey, I'm just glad you stuck around. Yeah, welcome to our weirdness. What kind of weirdness? Memory loss is involved. Look, I'm telling you, I remember all of this...I just remember it differently. Percival, it was your ball that was lost, not Lilly's. And yet, evidence points to my having been trained, and this Lilly is nowhere to be found. Too much thinking, not enough training! Yeah...yeah, you're right. Let's get everybody leveled.
(In due time...)
Better! I must agree, you've caught up nicely. Still convinced this isn't real? ...could I have made it all up in my head? Ah, don't take it so hard. C'mon, let's get to the next town.
Um? Please? It's lonely out here, and the other kid just picks on me. Well...sure? I guess? What's wrong? The old man said that the other trainers out here were meant to test my mettle as an agent. What's all this 'agent' business, anyway? ...I'm...you know what? Let's just skip it for now.
Very, very nice. It's a pity that my nature undermines this attack, but I will persevere. Man, I wish we could trade. You'll be fine, both of you. C'mon, let's get to Violet City.
Rhonda, huh? Hey, not bad. A Butterfree could be pretty convenient to have around! Wait. Do you feel that? Indeed. Something strange is in the air. Here it comes...!
Hey, sugar. What's cookin'? You're...still here! You made that catch legit, sweet thing. I'm not goin' anywhere. Perhaps the phenomenon that caused Lilly to vanish was unique to her. I hope so. Anyway, I'm Manic, and this is La...er, Link, Percival, and Will. Nice to meet you. Charmed, madame. Hey there! Huh. A real sausage party. You boys need a woman's touch. You volunteering? Sorry, hun. You're not my type. Literally.
This is just weird. Why? None of these people seem worried about being out in the open! Is there some reason they should be? Well, yeah! We're still pretty close to the Eastern border. Don't get me wrong, Geography 101 is fascinating, but what's your point?
Ugh, thank goodness. What's my point?! My point is that they could come under enemy attack at any time! Manic, you're honestly starting to scare me a little. You've got the shakes pretty bad! All right, look. I've been pretty calm about this up until now, I think, but-
Lyra! You shouldn't be out here, it's dangerous! What? Why? Uh. You wanna run that by me again? Oh, I get it! You're trying to psych me out! Well, it's not going to work! I'm going to go challenge the League, and there's nothing you can do about it! Way to go, Romeo. ...the fuck just happened?! Lyra! Lyra, wait! Man, you've gotta chill out! You're gonna bust a blood vessel! All right! Enough's enough! Lyra's in danger out there, and all of you know it!
I've been trying to keep my eyes open for enemy activity so that we don't wind up easy pickings for an enemy agent, and-
- you're acting like we're not even at war! Excuse me? Both of us have been very patient, watching you lose catch after catch. We've both got your back and you know it! Seriously. You owe us an apology. Lana! Lilly! You're back! Um, we didn't go anywhere.
Look, this is all well and good, but could we get to the center? Being poisoned is no fun! Wh...where's Percival? Well, he didn't suddenly appear while your back was turned. What about Will? Rhonda? You mean the other vanishing catches? But they didn't...you're... Manic. Huh? HEALING. NOW. Right!
For an agent, your team is, ah...pitiful. Finally, someone else who knows what an agent is! What are you talking about? Lilly and I both get it. Okay. Look. I don't know how this is happening, but I met Percival and Will and Rhonda. They were here! Percival is a bit formal, Will is a wiseass, and Rhonda is a bit saucy. And...your name was Link, and you were a guy! We need to stuff you into a pokeball and get you healed. Great, my trainer is a Section 8. Okay, okay, let's just get the egg.
Weird...okay, I've gone over that strange feeling whenever I get a catch, right? At length! Seriously, it's getting a little redundant. I didn't get that feeling just now. That's a relief. I think? That's great, but it doesn't get us any closer to an answer about your, uh, other friends. Yeah, tell me about it. Something is very, very strange here.
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Post by Manic on Jul 9, 2019 5:23:57 GMT
Okay, so! If you were waiting for things to get less weird, they just got more weird instead.
Meet Link, Will, Rhonda, and Percival. None of whom have any idea what an agent even is!
Can you blame Manic for being thrown for a loop?
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Jul 10, 2019 0:59:01 GMT
As if this Manic didn't have it hard enough. There's nothing worse than having people (or pokemon) not believe you when you're telling the truth.
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Post by crimsondoom on Jul 10, 2019 1:44:03 GMT
As if this Manic didn't have it hard enough. There's nothing worse than having people (or pokemon) not believe you when you're telling the truth. Particularly when you don't have the social skills to convey sincerity in a way other people will understand, which seems to apply to Manic here. Growing up paranoid with enemies just around the corner tends to do that to a person.
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Post by Manic on Jul 10, 2019 23:26:43 GMT
Update #3: Necessity - vs. Falkner
Ghosts in Sprout Tower...that's a bad sign. Something we should know? Sprout Tower is a good lookout point. The, uh...people there don't bother us, and we don't bother them. If there are ghosts there... Infiltrators! Bingo. We'd better check it out.
Fal...DAMMIT! What? What is it? Arceus, how stupid can you get? Manic. Words. Right, right. When I was told to report to Bugsy, I completely forgot he was the second gym leader. I've got to deal with Falkner first, and he's a ball-buster. So what's the big deal? We go deal with the Tower, we come back and beat this Falkner guy, we go report to Bugsy. Yeah...yeah, you're right. I just can't believe I forgot. That's a rookie mistake, and that kind of thing will get us all killed.
...what does that even mean? Right. I should warn you, something insidious lives here. Something that will haunt your dreams.
It's pretty. Pretty creepy. Yeah, that's sorta part of the arrangement. We get to use this place as a lookout, and the inhabitants decorate it how they please. You wouldn't th- ack! Look lively, we've got trouble!
Okay, slight problem: I'm the only one with any non-Normal attacks, and one Ember from me will lay this thing out. Ow! A bit of help, here? Okay, okay. We can't hit it, or we'll knock it out. We need the teammate...c'mon, think... No rush, it's not exactly doing a lot of damage.
That's it! Lana, swap in. Okay, sure. What now? Start Smokescreening it. Okay, it's as smoked as it's gonna get. Keep going. Use Smokescreen until you run out. O...kay? Now start Leering at it. Okay, why? We literally don't have a single physical attack that can hit this thing. Just trust me. *sigh* You're the boss...
I... If we can't hit it, it'll just have to hit itself. Poke-respect plus. Wow, she hits harder when she's Struggling! Don't be fooled. A Gengar will be an incredibly valuable addition to the team.
...if I could ever fucking hold on to it! Dammit! Rrrrgh...it's fine. I think I'm starting to figure this out, in some miniscule way. Wanna share with the rest of the class? I'm thinking that Gail wound up with Percival. With the, uhm, other group. I still think you're crazy, but it's better than anything else we've got.
Just the two of us, then. Three. Remember, I'm here too. Yeah, but a fat lot of good I am. Aw, c'mon. You just need more training. You know what? Screw this place. Let's go work on our team. Really? Really. It'll still be here when we get back. I hope.
A quick pit stop to buy some basic supplies...
...and here we are. The lamp-posts are pretty. Yeah, and we can fight by their light! Good thing, too. We're gonna need to. It's time for our next ally!
Shiiiiiit! Hang back, Lilly. I've only got a single weakness, but one hit might take you out! Don't waste time with status effects, Lana. Hit her hard and fast, I'll keep you healthy. C'mon, Lana! Kick her ass! Manic, if you're going to make the catch, now's the time! Wait for it...wait for it...now! *click* Hah! Nice!
Oh please oh please oh please...
Yes! Thank Arceus! Okay, I admit, that's the most enthusiastic reaction to a Wooper I've ever seen. Nice to meet you too! Honey, you have no idea. I'm just glad you didn't vanish like the others. Ever considered a career in pep talks? Look, it's fine. Everything's fine. We've just been having a streak of bad luck, and I think catching you might have ended it. Well, I sure hope so. Any trainer who's this happy to have a Wooper is okay in my book. Where to? Let's just keep going along this route.
Listen. Until you get clearance, you're not getting through here. It's important that I speak to Bugsy as soon as possible! Then get clearance. Let me guess. I get clearance... From Falkner, yes. Good luck, kid. You'll need it. Want me to punch him? Nnnnn...no. Yes, but no. Let's head west instead.
Is this really necessary? What's the matter, newbie? Scared, hmm? Yes. Yes, I am scared of this place. If you knew the stories, you'd be scared too. That doesn't sound good. What kinds of stories, Priscilla? Traps for the unwary. Inanimate objects moving on their own. This place is fascinating, but it's terrifying, and I'm normally not scared of anything! So, think we could just skip this part?
Mmmmnope. That's what I like about you. You're stone-cold. Yeah, yeah. I appreciate the sediment - all the 'shale to the chief' stuff - but don't take it for granite. Oh, sweet Arceus. HA! Hey, check it out. A sliding tile puzzle! Wait, don't touch-
FFFFFFUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu... I've got him! And I've got you! Nnnnf...a little help here, Priscilla?! In case you didn't notice, I have no arms! Down we gooooo! I'm not ready to die yeeeeeeet! *sigh* Screw it. *leaps*
You look terrible. Thankfully, Lana broke my fall. Thankfully (I guess), Lilly broke my fall. Thankfully, Manic broke my fall. What broke your fall, Manic? Oh, you know...the ground... I'll go see if I can get help. You stay here.
We are not staying here. Can you walk? Sort of? Just slowly. Here, give me your shoulder. Ahh, the more subtle benefits of having a strong levitating friend made of stone. Let's...let's just leave, okay? Now. Just don't turn around and keep walking.
Kill it! Kill it quick! My vision's all blurry...what is this? Hey, mine too! I don't like this...kill it already! Okay, okay!
Feel better? Seriously, you have no idea how close that was. All right, I'm for getting the hell out of here. Yeah, uh...these guys are no challenge anyway. Did you know that Hidden Power can be any type? Including grass or water? We are never coming back here!
Hmmm. We're gonna have to visit Ecruteak, probably. Let's make a note of this. Enemy blockade? Plausible, but if they could put up a blockade this far into Johto, I'd rather not think about how much further in they might already be.
This will be crucial in your travels. Damn handy. But how did you know I- You have three pokemon with you, and are traveling freely. Your status is beyond question. Okay, I can't really argue with that. I get it. You're not just a trainer, you're an- YES. Yes, I am. And let's not finish that sentence.
(A little more training later...)
Something tells me I'm gonna need this. Something tells me you're right. It's actually important that you get buffed up, as you're going to be the only one fighting if the occupants of Sprout Tower put up a fight. What the hell? Uh, I could really use the experience. I know, I know, but they almost exclusively use Bellsprouts. Grass types? You mean they're- Oh, for the love of Mew. That's right, they're...
...hippies. Bend over and try to relax, you weirdos. If you play with fire...
...you're gonna get burned. Hell yeah! Very, very nice. You like it? I was practicing earlier. Oh, it totally shows! Smooth delivery.
Rock on, little dude. Make love, not war. Ugh, I think some got on me. Hello, Varas. Oh, it's the weakling. And now you have more weakling friends. Still strong enough to kick your sorry butt. Get out of my way. In a moment. Tell me, Varas. Whose side are you on?
In other words, I'm on the side with the better pokemon. Just like when I fight. And which side do you think that is? The knowledge would be wasted on you. Stay out of my way, or I'll end you. *vwip!* So tempted to blast him. Why didn't we? He has stolen pokemon with him, that's why. Innocents. Including, um. Including...no one in particular. Just stolen pokemon, is all. I get it. We smash him, we risk hurting them. Bastard! Hey, you. Little dude. Hmmm? You want info? I got what you need. Really! What do you know about Varas, or the ghosts? Oh, dude, the ghosts are chill. They just wanna hang with us. Now, that other dude...
Haaaaa, gotcha! Pokemon match! Asshole! I thought you were against violence! I'm just playin' around, man! You've gotta learn to chill!
(So we curb-stomped his team. I might have over-leveled a bit...)
It's, like...at one with the cosmos. What does that even mean? I think you've been hitting the Bellsprout too hard, old man. Ha, awesome, a talking fire thingie. Hey, fire thingie. Here, I think this is yours, or something.
This isn't mine. Of course it's not. Then you should keep it, probably. No way, man. It's not mine, either. Then whose? You can't own stuff, man. Stuff wants to be free! MANIC. IF WE DON'T GET OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW, I'M GOING TO START PUNCHING THINGS, AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN I'M GOING TO STOP. Right, uh, okay, thanks for the TM, later! Arceus, I can't take you anywhere. Whoah. I can see...phantom arms and hands. Great. Secondhand Bellsprout. Let's get out of here before we're affected too.
Okay, I think we're about ready for the gym. You lot up for it? As ready as I'm likely to get. After that mess? I'm definitely ready to start beating things up. Yeah. Yeah, I think I'm okay. Hungry, though. We'll do food after the gym. Deal? McPoffins? Works for me.
Anybody who has a fear of heights, raise a hand. What, seriously? Oh, uh, right. Sorry. Well, nobody's barfing over the edge, so I think we're good.
Falkner. Manic. Good, you know who I am. So you can give me clearance. Nope. I can't send a rookie like you to Bugsy. Rookie? Hey, take a better look! Here, I'll prove it. This entire tower is a lightning rod; electric moves are pretty much useless. But you? You're planning to use your Geodude there, right? Actually, yes. Uh huh. And you're going to use Rock Throw. Right? Don't see a reason why not. And you think you're ready to go face Bugsy?
You've failed one of the most basic tests, rookie! Go ahead! Use Rock Throw!
Uh oh. Manic, I think I figured out the problem! What? Just chuck some rocks at his birds. What rocks? Crafty bastard! We're isolated from the ground, there's nothing to throw! The battle's started, rookie. Should've thought of this beforehand! Ohhhh, Arceus. I think we're in trouble! Like hell we are.
Priscilla. Blast the ground with Mud Shot! What? Why? Most of it will just drip off anyway! I'm telling you, do it! Unf...if he says to do it, do it! I can't win by just Tackling! Ugh. Very nice. Now I'll have to clean the place. You've made a mess of the platform, good job. What of it? Lana, time for some shake 'n bake! Make sure you don't hit us! I'm on it! What? What are you doing?! Basic strategy, rookie! If you don't have supplies?
Make some! Wha- the entire ground is caked with hardened mud! It's not rock, but it's close enough for combat! Keep flinging chunks of it, Lilly! Did you have this planned all along? No way. I can personally vouch for us never setting foot in this gym before now!
That's...that's impossible! No, that's improvisation. Was that it? Did we win? We certainly did! I...I can only admit defeat. The results are right in front of me. I'm just...dumbfounded. Maybe you can handle Bugsy after all.
Clearance, then? Clearance. I'll let the guard know. And badge, and TM. Right, here you go. Falkner. I have a strange question for you, before I run off. Shoot. Have you heard anything about people catching pokemon, and having them mysteriously vanish? What, like being stolen? No, just vanish. Poof, gone. No pokemon, no ball, nothing. No, that's pretty weird. I'm sure I'd remember that. Right...right. Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, seeya. I wish Percival was here, he'd probably have a theory right about now.
I'd like you to meet one of my assistants in the Pokemart nearest you. I think your mother also has a package waiting for you, but, well. Remember that egg we found? Yeah? My assistant will explain. Meet him there. What was that about? I'm not entirely sure. Let's go find out.
Mom... Don't worry. You've been sending her lots of money. Think of it as a way to make sure you can continue to do that. What's all this about? Manic is supporting his mother with the money he gets working, uh, in his role. Looks like she's buying him a few things with it. Lana! You're making me sound like a mama's boy. Don't worry about it! I think it's sweet, and that healing may come in handy someday. Riiiight. Anyway, now for the main course.
What is it? We're not sure. We only know that it needs to be hatched. It may contain our final solution to all of this fighting. So you're giving it to me. Instead of keeping it at the house of a widely-known professor? Yes. If it's on the move, it's harder to track. Sounds pretty important. Looks a lot like the other egg. Wish I could carry it. I'll guard it with my life. Good. You may have to.
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Post by Firebrand on Jul 12, 2019 13:10:41 GMT
Huh, interesting concept. If I'm understanding right, each time Manic switches between Johtos, he's moving between HG and SS. It's too early to tell which "world' is which, but as things stand now, I have to figure that the world with Lana has the more solid team. Link and Percival will have a tough time keeping up if they don't get a couple solid new teammates.
By now, it's pretty clear what special rules 10 and 11 are, but I'm wondering what 12 is going to be. We'll probably see in the next update.
I also realized that because of Rule 11, when Manic gets to Azalea Town, he's going to be in Link's universe, but he needs to meet with Bugsy in Lana's. So uh, that's going to cause complications, unless he switches universes on beforehand.
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Post by Manic on Jul 12, 2019 14:30:49 GMT
Update #4: Rejection
This egg here? That egg there. There's nothing special about it. It's an egg. A pokemon will eventually hatch from it. And you don't think that's special? Okay, fair enough, sorry. There's nothing unusual about it.
How dreadful...do be careful, young man. Be careful of what? To say that the egg you hold is not special is false. To say that it is not unusual is also false. Others may desire it; be wary of them. Wait. What do you know about this? What ever do you mean? I am a simple kimono girl, nothing more.
Should we stop her? No...no, I don't think so. Not yet. Let's follow her. I get the feeling it wouldn't do any good to try. I'm also pretty sure- -that we'll see her again? Yes, actually. For now, we press on.
What's this for? Your Bellsprout. I don't have one of those. Presumptuous, isn't he? What? Pretty much everyone winds up with a Bellsprout around here. Well, not me. Check it out. Hey there! Oh. Uh. Well. It's sort of customary, so... Nah, it's fine, I'll take it. Never know when I might need it. Actually...before we run off, I want to try something.
WHY ARE WE HERE?! Because if I'm right, and I think I am, this says 'Escape'. So if I waggle this Escape Rope at it like so... ...then you look like a nutcase, yes.
I don't even... More like I wind up in a hidden vault full of stuff. Some berries and some foul-smelling roots. Whee. Hey, it's free. What's through the hole up there? C'mon, let's check it out! You want to go for another dive? Hey, now that we know it's coming, we can plan for it! Let's go! Well, you can't say she's shy.
More of this jumbled-up mess... "Our clan engraved words in this place." Whoah, whoah. What? It's not that hard. Yes it is! Look, it's simple. In every letter, the circle is either a recognizable part of it or needs to be removed. Just go through each letter one by one. I have an idea. How about I take your word for it and we get out of here? Yes. If I could applaud, I would! Okay, okay. Crybabies. Just one more thing, and it's outside, I promise.
SCORE! That's good, right? Even the files I studied didn't say anything about this. Ladies, that's a Max Ether. Fully replenishes the PP of any one move. It's man-made, though. So? How the hell did it get inside a rock?! Don't know, don't care, mine now. Well! At least he has his priorities straight. Now, c'mon. Let's go get you trained up, Priscilla. I have the perfect opponents in mind for you. Great! Bring 'em on!
Hilarious.
Wow. A center, way out here? Makes sense. Sure! After that trek from Violet City, people need a refresher. So, it's like...an outpost? It's exactly like an outpost.
Very nice. Apparently, they give out fishing rods here. Aquatic pokemon? Not bad. Ahem. It's true, while Priscilla is around, we should be okay for water types, but... Choose your next words carefully. ...nah, you wouldn't believe me. Let's just get back to training.
Hey, Manic. Mmm? Know what time it is? Fairly late in the ev- It's time to ROCK! With your Ground attack? Really? My thunder. Just like that, you've stolen it. Hee hee!
Wait. What was that? The egg! It's moving! That was fast! No, not the new one. The Mareep egg! Everybody gather around, here it comes!
Hey there, Claire! Welcome to the-
I... Oh, no...I really thought she might be immune to it! I don't understand. What happened? Almost every pokemon Manic has caught has vanished. He says he gets to see them sometimes, but... Wait, so I could've vanished too?! Not the time for this. It's okay, Manic. It isn't everyone, right? We got Priscilla, right? ...right...right. Yeah. I just...if it's not all the time, why is it so damn often?! I wish I knew. But you still have us, right? Yeah. Yeah, I do. Okay. It's fine. Maybe the other team needs her more. Let's just move on. This is really starting to wear on him, isn't it? It's wearing on all of us, but what can we do? I don't know. Maybe nothing. Let's just stick it out. What're you two talking about back there? Speculating on the other egg, nothing big.
(Some time later...)
Wow, that didn't take long at all! I hope it's a grass type! No way. I want it to be a dark type! Electric! I just hope it doesn't obliterate all of us on the way out. Remember, this may be what wins us the war!
It's...an egg? I don't get it. Awww, it's adorable! Okay, well...hi, Grant. I guess we'd better get you back to-
Wha- nonoNONONONO!
Ah-haha! Hi, Professor Elm! The tracker we put on that egg indicates that it's hatched. Excellent work, agent! It's sure to be a game-changer for us! Ha! Yeah! It's, uh...impressive! Defies description! Let's hear it's voice! Just put it up to your pokegear. Oh, uh, it fell asleep right after hatching! Must be tired. Hmmm. Saving its energy, I suppose. Clever!
Oh, I don't know, we're right near Union Cave, and- And of course, when I say 'should', I mean 'you're ordered to'. Right! Um, it'll take a bit to get back. Long walk and all. I'll be waiting! Elm out. Ohhhh hell. What do we do now? Tell him the truth? ... You're right, I can't believe I said it either.
So, uh... Mmm-hmm. How, uh... I think what Lana's trying to say is, um... How fucked are we, here? Oh, we're completely fucking fucked. We're so fucking fucked that to say we're fucked is fucking inadequate. We need a new fucking word to describe how fucking totally fucked we are. What'll happen? For you three? Well, Lana, you'll probably be retired from service and given as a housepet. Lilly, Priscilla, you'll be released into the wild. And you? Court martial. Public execution. What?! Then let's leave! Where would we go? What would we do? Hide out in Johto in war time? Defect? No, that's just a slower death.
You're very brave. I prefer to think of myself as cursed.
So I'm thinking it's a joke egg, right? Like maybe inside there's a smaller one? Wha - WILL! MANIC! WHY ARE WE SHOUTING? Oh man, I'm so happy to see you! Hmph. What are the rest of us, dried Pecha? Rhonda! Man, I'm glad to see you too. We didn't go anywhere, Ma-a-anic. You look like you've seen a ghost! Hee hee! Gail! THERE you are! And Claire?! You're a Flaaffy already?! Dude, that happened a while ago. Earth to Manic, anyone home? ...you all deserve better than to see me have to face the music. What kind of music? Cha cha real smooth? I'm sorry. To all of you.
Look. Professor. It's nobody's fault but mine, okay? What are you trying to say? The egg. It hatched, but whatever was inside just...vanished. Poof, gone. Like it had never been. I sure hope this is a joke. It's not. Look, for what it's worth...my pokemon have been flawless throughout this entire mission. They deserve better than to be retired. Papa? Why are you sad? I'm pretty sure the Professor is going to decommission all of you, and I'll get a court-martial. Oh...is that bad? Ohhhh, Manic! You creep, you really had me going! HA! Nice one! Dafuq...?
What's wrong, Papa? I...ggggghk...but you're... Ohhh Arceus, my sides! Wow, I really believed you! Very, very nicely delivered. Here, I'll run a few quick tests, then you can have him back. Uh. Maybe we should just, y'know... I think he's broken! All right, sugar. Easy now, Rhonda's got you. Papa's being silly!
Okay. Okay, I think I've got this. Wanna talk about it? Somehow, I'm...shifting back and forth between worlds. The other one is just like this one, except in this one, the war doesn't seem to have ever happened. War? With who? Kanto. In the other world, Johto is being attacked by a lunatic named Genwyn, who took Kanto over. Kanto? So she...he...whatever kicked Oak out? Oh... Oh? What is 'oh'? In the other world, Oak is dead. ...oh. Who killed him? How? Nobody's really sure. All we know is that Gary Oak went berserk and took over, then Mewtwo killed him, then my namesake killed Mewtwo before vanishing. That's a pretty twisted-up alternate universe you've got there. Rhonda...that's the history I remember. To me, THIS is the alternate universe! That's...that's pretty messed up. Tell me about it. Let's stop off at home, I want to say hi to my mom.
Mom! Wha...fuh...GEDDOUT! Mom, it's me! Manic! Wow, I've missed you! 'Zabout time someunny said that t'me! Are you...Mom, are you drunk? An' why not?! Ever since your worfiss fa-hic-father left, you've been nuffin budda burden! Mom... An' now y'won't even stay gone! Mom, why are you doing this? I love you! Wellllllllll I dun love you! GEDDOUT!! Arceus! Manic, run!
... Okay, that was terrifying. I'm still shaking! That woman is ba-a-a-ad news! Daddy? It's okay, babydoll. Daddy just needs some time to think. ... He looks like death warmed over.
I don't like this. He hasn't said a word since we left. C'mon, man. It's not that hard to figure out. You saw how happy he looked to see her! Now he just looks...empty. Is Daddy going to be okay? Where there's life, there's hope! Don't you worry, he'll be okay. He got us past Falkner, right? He's tough. Manic, don't you dare make a liar out of me.
Wow. And not a single fuck was given. This can't be healthy. Where did Walt go? Full team. He's living it up in the PC box!
(Click this link for insight. Seriously.)
Rhonda. Normally I wouldn't ask, but you're the only one with a Psychic move. Could you see if maybe... Sure thing, hon. I normally wouldn't do it, but we can't keep on like this. Here goes: Stop. Daddy! C'mere, Grant. You okay, sugar? Yeah. Yeah, I've been using this time to think...about a lot of things. What kinda things?
This world, and the other one. In the other world, my home...there's war. Death. I would've been killed if I hadn't...drifted just before I got to the lab. Sounds rough. It is. I started to think: what if I was born in the 'wrong' world, and this is the 'right' one? It does sound like a disa-a-aster zone! The sort of place you'd kill to escape! I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of not dying. If you were gonna die there... Then...then I saw... Easy, hon. Then I saw what happened to my mother. It doesn't look like I get a father in either world. Poor Daddy! Hup! Here we go. Wheee! *giggle* That said...at home, my mom and I may be poor, but we're basically happy. I was sending her money to help out. I still am here, but she's...well. You saw. I don't care about anything else, any world that could turn a woman like my mother into that is beyond repair. Meaning?
Meaning I've reached my decision: this world is the wrong one.
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Post by Manic on Jul 12, 2019 14:39:27 GMT
Firebrand You're onto something there, but this update should offer some explanation as to how we circumvent the issues! In the meantime, hoo boy, does Manic get it right between the eyes. This update is all kinds of rough on him. Also...apologies if anyone is set off by Drunk Mom. It's supposed to be difficult to handle.
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Post by Manic on Jul 15, 2019 5:22:30 GMT
Update #5: Comedy of Errors - vs. Bugsy
That was a damn rude thing to say. And yet, I meant every word. Hey, asshole. You do realize you just said about half your team shouldn't exist, right? Did I? As near as I can tell, only you and Rhonda are native to this world. It's not that there's something wrong with you, you understand, it's something wrong with this world. Daddy? Are you mad at us? No, no! Of course not. It's just...my mom...isn't supposed to be like that. Maybe this is all ha-a-appening for a reason? Screw that noise. A good reason for my mother to become that? Sorry, but no.
...if you're asking me, that is. I mean, I know you're not, but still. Wha...Priscilla? Yeah? I was just... Let me guess. You were just in the other world. Wait, how did you know? You've been prattling on and on about how much nicer your mother is in this world. I think we got the 'other' Manic while you wound up over there. Actually, yeah! Man, I'm glad to be home. Then can we go get healed now? Seriously, Union Cave can bite my rocky butt. Wait. Hang on, everyone. What's that sound?
Hide! Why, who are- Priscilla, I like you a lot, but if you don't get down and stay quiet right now... Okay, okay. Looks like he's just going to stand there and make like nothing's wrong. I'm guessing he's a bad guy? Team Rocket was at the heart of what happened in Kanto ten years ago. If they've spread operations to Johto, who knows what it could mean? Okay, everybody calm down. This is the first one we've seen, right? Right...which means that if they are operating in this area, they're just getting started. We have to report this to Bugsy!
...and there we are. Sir, I don't mean to intrude on things that aren't my affair, but, um. What, what's up? I couldn't help but notice that you only have three pokemon on your team. Yeah, there's been a bit of bad luck following me around. So, I couldn't help but wonder: is there some reason you're leaving the fourth one in your PC box? Fourth one?
PERCIVAL! You simply must stop doing that. Where...how...? I should like very much to know the answer as well! One moment, we had triumphed over Falkner's birds. The next, I was here, where I've been waiting! I'll be damned. He is real! Ah, but where are my manners? Ladies, I am Percival, Manic's very first catch. Priscilla, formerly the newest teammate! Woo! Lana. Good heavens. You're the spitting image of Link! So I look like a male, is what you're saying. Wha...why, no! No, I daresay not! *snrk* She's just messing with you, Percival. Good to have you on this side, whatever may have happened. C'mon, let's see this Kurt guy. I hear he's the guy to see for requisitions in Azalea.
Rrrrgh...fine. Orders from on high, right? Not hardly. Some sons-of-bitches are in the well messing with our local ecology, and I'm gonna give them hell! Wait a minute. Black outfits? Big red "R"? Obvious as hell? That's them! Those little shits are making things tough on the local Slowpoke, and I'm gonna get my steel-toed boots and kick their asses like they've been eating magnets! Heh. Rocket goons aren't too good at much more than mischief anyway. Truly? Yeah, Manic's namesake stomped their asses all over Kanto ten years back. So, what are they doing? Teasing them mercilessly?
Excuse me?! Dammit, boy, get the wax outta your ears! They. Are. Cutting. Off. Slowpoke. Tails. And. Selling. Them. Oh, hell no! Ooooh, I know that look! Hee-hee! Aren't we going to go report to Bugsy? You better believe we are. We're gonna go report to him that the Rocket presence in this area has had the stupid kicked out of it! Ha! Attaboy! C'mon, let's go beat them like they had a prize inside!
Ugh. This is why you don't jump! Ah, shut yer pie-hole. I used to jump from halfway all the time! How long ago was that? Hell if I know. Three years? Thirty, maybe! This geezer? More like three hundred! I dunno what your pokemon are yammerin' about, but now it's up to you to get your butt in there and start whoopin' ass! *sigh* Yeah, okay. We'll be back to help you out of here later. Lana, will you watch him, keep him dry? Sure thing. Take it easy, old-timer.
Damn it, Priscilla! Sorr-ee! What did you want me to do? I wasn't getting near that thing. Water type, remember? Manic, any one of us might have knocked it out in a single hit. Yeah...okay. Sorry about that. Don't worry about it! Some people just aren't ready for my power.
Well, since you asked so nicely.
(You'd think I crossbred a Psyduck with a berry, there was so much beet down!)
WHAT. What's your problem? The scariest, cruelest guy, you say? Cruel, perhaps. Scary...perhaps not in the conventional sense? That's a guy? No way. Wow, he's prettier than Lana! Sick burn! Two ways at once. I'm that good! Harsh! AHEM. Battle? Remember? Huh? Oh, right.
(Murder, pillage, spindle)
Okay, seriously, shut up. We don't tolerate that crap here in Johto. How dare you sp- You have two things you can say next. One is, 'Team, we're pulling out of Azalea!' The other is, 'Oh god, this Geodude is tearing off my arms and legs! Make it stop! The agony is incredible!' Which will it be? You wouldn't! Lilly, looks like he's made his choice. Start with the left arm. Oh boy! Team, we're pulling out of Azalea! Good boy! Awww, I never get to paste the bad guys! There, there. Your time will come.
GAH! Hah! Looks like you beat them down without my help. Gives me hope for your generation! Unbelievable. He literally sat up after about five minutes and said, 'Well, that should do it!' and just walked right in as if nothing had happened. He was, to use the vernacular, 'playing possum'! You... C'mon now! You wanted balls, right? Seems like you've already got balls, but lemme give you more!
Now, you show that to Bugsy, y'hear? He'll know what it means. What does it mean? Oh, you'll see. Hee-hee! And Manic's team was never seen again. Gee, thanks.
All right, team. It's time for Bugsy. Say, that reminds me: how did we escape a court-martial while I wasn't here? You told the truth. (I still can't believe that worked.) Uh, how much truth? You told him that you're from an alternate universe and that the egg must be in the other one, but you'll send it back over as soon as you can. ...I didn't. You did. Oh, Mew have mercy...and what happened? I don't know how to say this politely, so I'll just say it: you're also here to determine if you're psychologically fit to continue. So he thinks I'm crazy. Of course. Hell, I think you're crazy too. Thanks a bunch. Hey, just because you're crazy doesn't mean you're wrong.
Huh... Great, a maze. I hate mazes! Might I be of service? What? How? Just a moment, let me get airborne...ah, here we are. Take the leftmost cart. From there, the solution appears to be a maze at first blush, but activating every lever you encounter will allow you to breeze through it. Aerial recon! Man, I missed that. A pleasure to be of service. You're pretty cordial, huh? I prefer 'polite'.
Hello, Manic. How are you feeling? Bugsy. I need to report some developments to you. Do tell.
First, I'm sure Elm has told you all about my claims to him. I assure you, those claims are one hundred percent true. Mmm-hmmm. Alternate universes and all. Second, if I'm crazy, I'm at least still useful to you. An unstable agent in the field? I fail to see how that could do anything but invite disaster. You're about to get decommissioned, aren't you? I was told to show you this. That's...one of Kurt's Fast Balls. That it is. He only gives those out as marks of distinction. You have to do something special to get one of those. How did you get it? That's the third thing I need to tell you. Bugsy, Team Rocket has made its way here. The criminal organization that your namesake broke up. The same. Ask Kurt if you don't believe me. In the meantime...I need clearance to move on. If they're here, they might be elsewhere.
If that were true, we wouldn't have any mid-level agents, would we? Not bad, not bad. You'd be amazed how many would-be agents I've psyched out with that rhetoric. What? 'I never lose' actually works? Confidence is a very powerful tool, Miss Priscilla. Please, just 'Priscilla'.
This should be pretty fun. Maybe you're crazy, maybe you're not, but you're at least interesting! Go on, send out your bird! Bird? Who says I'm using Percival here? You may regret that. You see, Kurt and I have an understanding. I keep people off of his doorstep, and he bends the rules a little for me. I put all of my credit on the line for my ace; get ready!
Oh. Um. Bug/Flying, right? Yeah, well. I still have a level advantage! One level. I...have surprises up my sleeve? A surprise that can beat a 4x effectiveness STAB attack? Can I crush it now? Yeah, go ahead.
Buh... So, what's next? My...Metapod? No, seriously, though. My Metapod. I think he's jerking our chain. Boooooo! Hey! It knows Tackle! ...Percival. Indeed.
Wow. It actually hurt you a little! Hmph, how embarrassing! Crit Tackle will do that. Is it my turn again? Okay. What's your third and final pokemon? Go, Kakuna. Come again? I said, GO KAKUNA! You...blew your entire budget on that Scyther, didn't you? Yeah. Lana, would you?
That doesn't even feel like an accomplishment. Well, no offense, but it's not. Ugh. So much for the all-at-once strategy. Might not be a good idea to pin all of your hopes on something with a 4x weakness.
I thought that advice was pretty obvious. I was being sarcastic. Oh, uh, right. Regardless, you've trained your team well. I know what my report will be: While unorthodox in his strategies and slightly overconfident in his abilities, and probably in need of further surveillance in the short term, Manic's skills as a trainer make him well-suited to meet Whitney in Goldenrod for further instructions. That's a relief! You've reminded me of a valuable lesson today:
And never put all your eggs into one basket. Ugh, don't mention eggs around me for now. That reminds me. This alternate universe stuff. Is it for real? As best as I can tell. Some pokemon I catch get switched, others don't. A new wrinkle has appeared, though: the first one to get switched is back now. It's true, sir. I was one of the lucky ones! I want you to talk to Whitney about this. Dig around Goldenrod, do some research. See if this could be useful. How did you get your Hoothoot back? I dunno. He just showed up in my box. Hell, the only two pokemon in the other world that are native to it are Rhonda and Link. Keep me informed. I will. Uh...Manic? Yeah? Remember how, after beating Falkner, you said 'I wish Percival was here'? Ye- oh, no...
Huh? What's this? Manic! Hey there, it's Joey! Oh, hey, Joey. What's- Guess who just got assigned to watch over you for a while? I can't imagine. Just guess! You. That's right! Don't worry, I'm not supposed to kill you unless you go absolutely nuts.
... Well, my vocabulary got expanded. Marvelous! What the hell could you have possibly learned from that?! Now I know what the opposite of 'ninja' is. Don't care. Just give me something to hit, okay? Okay, okay. Let's just get through the forest. But first, I need to check on something.
Was it something I said? DAMMIT! Who's this? *sigh* Team, meet Rhonda. I believe we've already met. Percy? Babydoll, where've you been? Approximately where you are now. It seems that Manic has unwittingly been transporting us across worlds. So, uh. Hi! I'm Lana. I guess you'll be with us for a while. Hey there! I'm Priscilla. I'm Lilly, I'm the leader. Just do what I say and we'll be fine. Excuse you? Pretty sure I'm the leader here. Yeah, thank goodness you were such an MVP for the last two gyms oh wait no that was me. Ladies, I don't care who you think's in charge, Rhonda marches to her own beat. Ladies, ladies! You're all pretty. Can we talk about this on the way through the forest? Fine. Uppity little pebble.
Great. It's you again. Okay, fine...yes, it is. Lovely. Then I can cull the chaff from the wheat. Come again? I. Can Kill. The Weak Ones. Sorry, buddy. That's my job. If you know what's good for you, you'll return that Totodile- Croconaw. -that Croconaw to Professor Elm. If you add in the other pokemon, you might be allowed to walk away. Suppose I do no such thing. Then it's my responsibility to put a stop to you. And mine! These Team Rocket boys are bad news, huh? We caught them cutting the tails off of Slowpokes and selling them. That's disgusting! I'm in.
Woo-hoo! More opportunities for the leader to shine! Lilly. Now is not the time. Hmmm. Your Geodude at least seems to have some fight in it. Lead with it. Oh, now, that wasn't a good idea. 'It'? I look like an 'it' to you?! Well, I didn't want to say anything... Ladies, please, a sense of decorum! Well, lemme show you what 'it' can do!
Splendid! How a weakling like you wound up with a Geodude like that is a mystery. Hang back, sugar. He's messing with your head. What? Hey! Let Rhonda show you how to deal with Big, Blue, and Bitey over here.
At least he didn't feel anything. Spent most of the fight asleep! I see...oh, dear. I'm bored. Let me try! Well, if you insist.
Ugh. Remind me not to pick a fight with anything immune to Ground attacks, okay? I'll keep it in mind. Pathetic. Say what you want, we won. Not you. These three. Pathetic, you hear me? I could have fought better myself! Wow. Take it easy, man. They did their best.
Deeply. Their presence makes me physically ill. Y'know, power isn't everything. What a ridiculous sentiment. It only tells me how little you understand, and how weak you truly are. Man, what is your problem? My youth was ruined by the weakness of my predecessors. I have pledged my life to the unending development of power! All problems in life can be solved via the correct and sufficient usage of power, including your stupid little war.
Get used to it. I'm on you like glue; you may not be my mission, but you're my new hobby. People like you always bring ruin wherever they go. Give Chompers back, or I swear...! 'Chompers' hasn't earned a name yet. Neither have you, I suspect, though I bet you have one. Wait a minute. This boy appears to understand us. How can this be? I understand more than you know, Percival. It's my birthright. That's... Impossible? Manic, if I impress one thing upon you, let it be this: with enough power, nothing is impossible. Now get out of my way.
Heyyyy, Manic! ...the fuck...? Hey Manic! It's Joey. Was that a friend of yours? I think that might have been the thief from before! Yeah, he was the thief, all right... Got it! Manic...friends...with...thief. What? No! He's not my friend! He's some power-worshipping freakshow. Sorry, sorry! Manic...meeting with...freakshow. Ugh, dammit, Joey! I don't need this right now. Okay, okay! Sheesh. I'm just trying to do my job.
Yes. Yes, I know what you're saying! Now do your job and let me do mine! Sure, sure. Peace and chicken grease! So you got your own stalker, huh? Joey is, uh, lonely. And special. Yeah, like special ed! Joey is an operative. Manic's sanity is in question. (Although between you and me, I think Joey should get checked too.) Auuuugh! Let's just go already. We've been trying to go to the forest for, like, half an hour!
Finally. 'Please' would have sufficed.
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Post by Manic on Jul 15, 2019 6:02:44 GMT
Well! There you have it. As is often the way early on in Manic runs, more information just begs more questions.
Why is Joey being assigned to watch over - and possibly kill - Manic? Why does Varas understand Manic's pokemon? Why on earth would Bugsy put all his eggs in one basket like that? And Proton. Cruelest? Scariest? Guy?
As is also often the way in Manic runs, the only way to learn more is to keep reading!
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Post by crimsondoom on Jul 15, 2019 14:31:23 GMT
Honestly, I think the bigger question about Joey is "Why the hell did anyone think he was competent?" Though, while I'm on the subject, congrats: this is easily the most creative use of Joey I've ever seen.
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Post by Manic on Jul 16, 2019 4:55:12 GMT
crimsondoom I think the creative process there was something along the lines of, "What if Joey had a different reason for constantly keeping tabs on you?"
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Post by Manic on Jul 16, 2019 5:55:28 GMT
Update #6: Dissent
Hmmm. Sure, I'll lend a hand. Ugh. Why are we wasting our time with a bunch of Farfetch'd? Simple, my dear Lilly: Because we may be in need, someday. Percival's right. Besides, it's a nice thing to do! You can't save the whole world, though. That's very true, but there's another reason. If those Farfetch'd know Cut, their owner must have a HM for it. Since we need that move to continue... Bingo.
So, I have to sneak up behind them and grab them? Mostly just surprise them. They'll just sort of keel over. Like those goats I saw online? Yeah, a lot like those. And they won't hear me coming from behind? They're not very bright. So noted.
That was a lot easier than I expected, honestly! Waste. Of. Time. Sugar, far be it from ol' Rhonda to tell you your business, but- Then don't. Excuse me? It doesn't matter why he didn't do it himself. It doesn't matter why he asked us for help. Getting that Cut HM is all that matters right now. If this is the worst legwork we have to do, we'll all be very, very lucky.
It was nothing. (No, seriously.) I know. It was so simple, a child could've done it. So, uh... You're a trainer. This isn't hard to figure out. Take it. Thanks! Mission accomplished, team. Great. I'm all a-flutter. Kid, I don't mean to tell you your business, but you might wanna take care of that. Yeah...tell me about it. Anyway, thanks for the HM.
Sweet, a new guy! And we get to keep him! Says his name is...Quentin? Interesting. Hey, Manic. Can I talk to you over here, away from the others? Hmmm? Yeah, sure, Priscilla. What's up?
I'm not gonna beat around the bush, here. I wouldn't expect you to. Heh, you know me pretty well. Anyhow, a lot of us are getting pretty fed up with the team conflict. Which one? Seriously, this whole leader thing? It's got Lilly acting like a whiny kid and Lana acting like a drill sergeant. We're here to help, but we're not troops. Ugh, yeah, tell me about it. It's getting on my last nerve, too. Rhonda and Percival feel the same way, even if he's too polite to say anything about it. Yeah, but Rhonda's not...and if she gets too fed-up, there's going to be a three-way argument that nobody's gonna win. That time isn't far off, Manic. I wanted you to have the chance to do something about it before it happens. Yeah. Hey, Priscilla? Thanks a lot. You've been a good teammate and a good friend. Hey, don't mention it. Woopers are like that!
All right, team! Sorry for the interlude. Quentin here needs some training, so we're going to be fighting here for a little while. Why? Just give the HM to the chief of police here. Me? Why don't you use it, Miss Whines-A-Lot? Ugh... *pchoo x2* Hello! My goodness! Right! As I said, we're going to be fighting here for a little while. Merely let me know if I can be of service. Now that it's nice an' quiet, I'm here for you, hon. Nice one.
Very nice. It's a start. I do wish we had somewhere better to train. Not that I'm complaining, mind you! It's okay, Percival. You're complaining, not needlessly grousing. I think we all feel the same, but for now, it's all we've got. We'll get there soon enough, don't worry!
Wait...what? Do my eyes deceive me? How...? Maybe it's something to do with the protector of the forest, or whatever? The supernatural stuff always gives me the creeps. At least it gives good experience.
(Finally, after ALL THE TRAINING...)
Whew! Nice! *bows* Huh. I just realized, you haven't said a word since I caught you. *nod* I get the feeling you don't exactly talk much. Or at all. That reminds me...*pchoo x2* What was that for?! In your case, it was because you kept starting fights. But why did you call me back? Must be because of your swollen head! You done? I'm just getting warmed up! Gotcha. *pchoo x2* Quentin, would you do the honors?
Thank you kindly. *shrug* So, um... Yeah? How long are you going to keep them in there? Perhaps, if I may suggest: slightly longer, this time? Hope you've got a plan. I'll let them out again in a bit, and see if they've figured it out.
You don't say. I do, Gramma! Sometimes I can hit the with my head and pokemon are fall out! Yyyyyyeah. Uh, I think that was meant to be a move for pokemon. Here, watch as I *WHAM* *cringe* Amma tHe pokeYMon jus' TUMMLE out... Okay, okay! I believe you. Sheesh. So, uh, could you teach my Quilava how to do that? Manic, perhaps you should take note of the readout on her pokeball. Let's see here: "I get it". Okay, fair enough. Hey, let's see if Kurt has finished those pokeballs I ordered yet.
Sweet, thanks! No sweat, kid! You want more? Just gimme some apricorns. Hey, where's the rest of your team? Oh, uh, there are some...discipline problems. We're working on it. Discipline, huh? Nice to hear a kid knows what that word means. Trainers gonna train. Just remember: you've gotta make your expectations nice and clear. You give mixed messages, they're not gonna know what to think! Hmmm. Y'know, you might be onto something there. Damn right I am! Now get moving, I've gotta get to work!
Here, maybe we'll have better luck on this route. Right, you didn't catch anything here. I sorta had a lot on my mind. To forget an opportunity at a catch, it must have been a weighty matter indeed. It's okay, I know what you mean. Do I even want to know? Even I don't want to know. *point!*
BIRD! Wh- what the hell was that?! Sorry! Birds just kinda, y'know...I ain't too proud to admit, I'm kinda scared of 'em. Percival is right here, you know. Yeah, but he's different! He'd never hurt me. Right? Perish the thought! Look, I'm real sorry. It'd just...never come up before! I was even scared of Will for a while, but I got over it, slowly. Who? Will. Pidgey. Other world. Oh, right. It's easy to forget that whole 'other world' thing, sometimes. Easy for you, maybe. C'mon, we've done what we can here, let's get through Ilex.
No, I'm pretty sure it was you. Are you, then? Is there only one Kimono Lady? Well, I mean... Also, if you met 'me' in Violet City, doesn't that mean I somehow got here before you? A seasoned trainer? ... She has a point, you know. And no pokemon with her. Y'know, I hadn't noticed that.
This way, miss. Over here! It seems your Butterfree has guided the way. With your permission, of course. Well then, by your leave... Anybody else creeped out? *nodnodnod!* I must agree, her demeanor is most unsettling. What are you all going on about? No pokemon, sugar. This deep in the forest. With wild pokemon everywhere. Not a scratch on her. ...let's get the hell out of here.
*pchoo x2* There we go. About time! I was starting to think you were never gonna let us out! The thought had crossed my mind. Well, he wouldn't keep boxing us if you'd stop running your mouth and obey orders! My mouth?! Listen to you, yammering on about this and that! THAT IS ENOUGH! Meep! Whoah! Yikes! Egad! Uh oh. *gulp*
I keep putting you two back in your pokeballs as a form of time-out, because both of you are acting like selfish children. Hey, she's the one who- Both of you! Yeah, what he said. BOTH OF YOU. Your behavior is destructive to our team dynamic and may eventually cause deaths. If you can't see past your own petty squabbles and learn that both of you are valuable, I can and will box both of you and leave you there! Even me? Especially you. Lilly isn't specially trained, she has an excuse for not knowing what's expected of her, but you? I'm disappointed in you, Lana. I...you're...*snf* Ease off a little!
C'mere, both of you. I don't feel like it. C'mon, Lilly. You too. Okay. I like you. Both of you. Really, I do! You've got very strong personalities, and I guess it's natural that they clash a little. I'm sorry. I'm only upset with you because, if you keep on like you have been? I'm going to get distracted at a crucial time, or somebody's going to lose their focus, and we'll be left with regrets and guilt about what we should've done. I'm...I won't let that happen. You can be team leader if you want, Lilly. You really have gone above and beyond at the last two gyms. Yeah, but you were the first, and you have all that special training.
Girls, girls. You're both wrong. I already know who the team leader is. Who? Well, duh. Me! Hee! Of course it's you. I mean among us, dummy! That was a pretty convincing 'duh', though. We'll discuss the rest later. Can we agree to get along now? Can I stop hiding two of my aces? Truce? Truce. Pebble. Puppy. *snicker*
(And then, training!)
What? Hell no. Why would you even...? The very notion! Wouldn't work anyway. Huh? My ability stops that kind of thing from taking effect! I'll be damned. Nice!
M-mom? Hi, honey! Look, I know I'm supposed to be saving, but I found something that would really help you, so I bought it and sent it to you. You should be able to pick it up at any Pokemart. Oh, um...thanks! Are you okay? You sound shaken. No, no. I'm just really glad to hear from you. You know you can call me anytime! Right! ...love you, Mom. Love you too! Be well! *click* Wow. Now I get it. That musta been- Let's...just head for Goldenrod.
Hey, it's Lyra! Hey, it's Manic! And...wow, a full team! C'mere. *hug* How're you doing? I hear things went a little rough for you back home. Yeah, uh, I'm working on that. Long story. Manic, are your pokemon really disappearing? You can tell me, I promise I won't tell anyone, and Grandpa is deaf as a post. Lyra, you know I'd never lie to you. They really, truly are. Just happened a little ways back, even. What's causing it? I wish I knew. Anyway, let me introduce you! You've met Lana, I know that. Lilly is the Geodude, Priscilla is the Wooper, Rhonda's the Butterfree, Percival is the Hoothoot, and Quentin here is the newbie, the Beedrill. The Hoothoot? Isn't that one that you lost? Yeah, but I got him back! I think I might be catching on to how, too. I'd be very interested to hear your theories on the topic. And I'll gladly share, once we're safely in town.
Eh? What? He's a painter? Trainer, Grandpa. Traaaainer. He likes trains? Me too! They're swell! No, Grandpa, he's my friend! If he just pretends, that's no good! Let's go inside, okay?
Woman: Welcome to the nursery, young man. Here, we put your pokemon through a vigorous workout regimen to gain experience while you achieve missions with the rest of your team. Whoah, wait. You're involved with the war? Woman: You'd better believe it. My husband up there may be deaf as a post, but he's got eyes like a hawk. He's a lookout, and I'm a master breeder and caretaker. Lyra: Grandma, don't boast! Woman: It's not boasting if it's true! At any rate, agent Manic, how can I help you? At the moment, I think I'm fine. I need to spend a little more time with my team as-is, and the box is, uh... Woman: Empty, from what I hear. All right. Keep me in mind if you need any help. Those dirty Kanto bastards will get what's coming to them! I'll keep you in my thoughts, I promise. No matter how hard we try to forget. Shhh.
Woo! My first catch in this world to go to the PC box! I guess this means we get to keep him, right? He's kind of cute, actually. Miss, you've only just met! What? No, no. Nothing like that! Ehhh, cute's all well and good, but aren't we coming up on a new town and a new gym?
We are, and this one has Whitney in it. Bugsy may have been a bit of a pushover, but Whitney's the real deal; that Miltank of hers is infamous. I'm sure we can handle it. Not without more training. Fortunately, we've got some aces up our sleeve. Rhonda can put it to sleep, Percival can nuke its attack strength, and Lilly can resist anything it can turn out. *squirm* Don't worry, Quentin. I think we'll be okay on this one without resorting to bringing you in. Whitney's surprisingly tough, but I've pretty much got the perfect team to handle her.
FUCK! Wha-a-a-at?
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Post by Manic on Jul 16, 2019 6:02:50 GMT
What's important about a leader? What makes someone fit for the role?
Sometimes, what you need more than anything else is a bit of silence. If I had a dime for every time I wished I could pokeball someone for a little bit...
And then, Whitney! Hey, you have the perfect team for that aaaaaaand it's gone.
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Post by truezero2 on Jul 16, 2019 7:54:41 GMT
Oh yes, this moment. The old thread freaked out when this happened since no one could think of a way to beat Whitney safely.
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