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Post by truezero2 on Sept 26, 2019 19:46:01 GMT
Gym leader re-challenges, huh...if it ever becomes an issue again, I'll try that! It's an old go-to trick of mine for power-leveling in HGSS. Also stupidly good for making money. I'd love to see them pull something like this in a game with Trainer Customization. Not gonna lie, I thought you were playing up some sort of caveman angle. Then when I saw the point about him being drugged, yeah it makes sense.
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Post by Manic on Sept 29, 2019 12:29:15 GMT
Update #40: Decision - Pt. 1 - vs. Lance
Grace. Are you ready for this? To be quite honest, no. I don't know what I'll do if we can't liberate my father, but I know that I'll die trying if I have to. Hey, what the hell kind of talk is that? What? Oh, right, I guess introductions are in order. Nice to meet you, I'm Edge. That's Link, and Claire, and Farrah, and Curtis. We're the rest of the team. I don't- He's right, Grace. We've been focusing so much on you that we've been ignoring everyone else. I...I suppose it's true. What will we do, then? Well, I'm not going to lie. I only plan on using three of you for this battle...and Edge, you're not one of them. Fine with me, so long as I get a front row seat! We know that he has a Gyarados. Claire's up for that. [bgcolor=#000]And his Charizard?[/bgcolor]
Let's show him who the real fire starter is. Hell yeah! Wouldn't have it any other way!
Lance. Manic.
I'm aware of that. You must know why we're here. Of course. You want to become the champion. Don't play dumb with me. Oh, I suppose you want your father back. Didn't you learn from your last encounter? He doesn't want you. Manic, however...he's here for the championship, aren't you? ... I know all about your dreams. Why you set out on this journey to begin with. Shouldn't you be honest with your pokemon? Sure, that 'other you' may have responsibilities as an agent or whatever, but there's no war here. You're here for the acclaim and prestige. Just admit it. This guy's full of it! No, he's right. At first, that was what I wanted.
That's all?! At first, yes. As I kept moving forward, though, I kept running into Varas...who viewed everyone he encountered as a means to an end. I did my research, after all; Varas is Latvian for 'power', and that's all that matters to him. A boy after my own heart. He has it reversed. The championship is the means to help people, not the other way around! Come now, is that really what you think? It's what I know. Lance, let's be perfectly clear: I'm here to liberate Grace's father. Gaining the championship is just an added bonus. If you don't understand the will to power, Manic, you will never truly defeat me. But enough of this.
...it is my responsibility to ensure that a weakling who can be swayed by his emotions never gains control of this region! And it's my responsibility to ensure that a craven monster who destroys people and families in pursuit of glory and power is in no position to hurt anyone else! You tore my family apart, you son of a bitch. I'm going to end you!
I am giving you one final chance, Manic. Your team is not ready to face mine. I have no desire to destroy someone with your potential, but I will do so if you force the issue. Back down. That was never really an option, Lance. There's no way I can surrender to someone like you. Even if you handed over Grace's father right now, it's imperative that I stop you. You're a total dick! [bgcolor=#000]You've become hopelessly corrupt.[/bgcolor] [bgcolor=#090]W-we can't just let you do as you please![/bgcolor] It's gotta be this way. Manic's gotta take you down to pass his test! Nice fashion sense. Did David Copperfield have a yard sale? Seriously, man? What? Look at the guy. You have my father. I WANT HIM BACK. Then the battle is joined!
Wait, how...? Problem, Lance? This doesn't make sense. Even with EV training, your Dragonite shouldn't be faster than my Salamence! Pay closer attention, then. Take a good, close look at Grace. What is...is that a Choice Scarf?! You'd better believe it! 50% boost to speed, but Grace is limited to one move so long as she's active on the field. And I choose Ice Beam. Bring out your next fighter!
Really, Lance? Are you even trying anymore? Heh heh. You underestimate Altaria! It may not be the most visually impressive of my dragons, but it's got defenses to spare! Altaria, how about giving her a super-effective move of her own to deal with?
OW!! No, no, no! It's okay! I'm fine. That stings like you wouldn't believe, but I'm still in fighting shape. Listen to you, fawning over your Dragonite at the faintest hit. You should be planning a counter-attack! Huh. That's weird. What is? Shhh, let's see what happens next. He has a point, Manic. He'll heal this turn, let me hit him back! You've got it, Grace. One Ice Beam, coming up! And how will you stop the same thing from happening? What if I score a critical hit?
I don't think we need to worry about that. *sigh* Even if I healed you now, you wouldn't be able to keep up, Altaria. Go on, end it. You heard the man.
I knew it! Whatcha got? Lance is fighting smart, right? I would expect nothing less from the champion. Yeah, but think about this: why is he narrating? 'Cause he's a show-off? I don't think that's it. Oops! Claire, you're up! I don't think you'll be able to ice this problem away! I won't have to.
Say, this reminds me. Will was surprised to see my team before, but I know the other me came through with basically the same group. What's up with that? Oh, that? Will tends to read the memories of his opponents. ...I see! And the last time I came through the Elite Four... ...would've been in the other world with your other team, right. So he got the two mixed up. You and the other you I briefly saw through that vortex...you're one person, but you're also distinct. It must have boggled his mind. It still boggles my mind! Enough of this, though. Gyarados, remind Manic about electricity's resistance to water! Er, electricity doesn't have a resistance to water, Lance.
Exactly. [bgcolor=#000]NNNNGH! So...strong![/bgcolor] Claire, are you all right? Do you need a heal? [bgcolor=#000]Nnnf...heh heh...n-no, I think he's got it worse than I do.[/bgcolor] How's that, again?
Damn it! First the freeze, then the paralysis. How do you have such crazy luck?! The romantic in me wants to say that the gods are gazing down on me with approval and lending me their power. What. The realist says that even unlikely outcomes will occur on occasion, and this just happens to be one of those occasions. Phew, much better! You can't rely on luck in situations like this. Especially now. This is very disconcerting. How's that? With standard damage deviation, one crit could have killed Claire. Now then, Claire, could you make sure that can't happen?
[bgcolor=#000]Ha-a-a-ave at you![/bgcolor] Interesting. Now, I wonder if she's strong enough to survive an attack by my first pokemon ever! You know what that means, team! Hmmm? Switching, then? I think it's only fair if I answer your first pokemon with mine, don't you? Hmph, you have a sense of the theatric, don't you? Drama nerd, four years. I know a little something about the stage! Splendid! Well then, STARTER BATTLE!!
WOO! Yeah!! Best fire starter, right here! You can take your double-weakness and shove it up your ass, you overgrown Charmander! And that's what we call an anti-climax. You do rather like the single compelling hits, don't you? The longer a battle stretches on, the greater the chance my friends will get hurt or worse. When you have to fight, fight to win. Heh. I'm very pleased. Now, though, it's time to get serious. No more fooling around. Lance, toying with me before now is why you're down four pokemon. Bring your 'A' game or surrender. As you wish!
I've heard of this thing. Rare even in their home region. Immensely powerful, arguably moreso than a Dragonite. I admit, even I can scarcely keep it under control. Garchomp is a savage creature; I'm told there's a movement to ban their usage in competitive battling. What's so strong about it? It has an obscene attack stat. It's fast, faster than a Dragonite, even faster than a Salamence. Properly trained, there's very little that can stand up to it. Sounds impressive. I might like to get one, someday. Good luck. It was incredibly difficult to find one, even moreso to train it. There's just one little flaw with yours, though. Oh? What's that, then?
IT'S IN MY WAY. Arceus! I don't think he's ever fainted before! Grace is a gentle, tender dragon, Lance. I would trust her with a newborn Sentret...but her rage runs equally deep. You're out of stalling tactics now. Bring him out. Very well. Let's see her true mettle.
Daddy? Daddy, it's me. Your daughter. It won't work any better this time than it did last time. He doesn't know you, can't you see that? Daddy... Hey! Grace! Don't let him mess with your head! You know it's the pokeball. He's in there somewhere! I don't want to hurt you! I assure you, he has no such problem. It's fight-or-die, Grace. What will you do?
Oh, Daddy...forgive me, I'm so sorry...
Oh, Arceus, how could I... Shhh. You've set him free. Lance. You're out of usable pokemon, I believe. Uh, Manic? We've got a bit of a crisis over here? Just a second, Link. The hell, man? Don't you even care?!
Lance, come here. You've done well. I can safely put Johto and Kanto in your hands. Speaking of hands, I believe you have something of mine. Ah, yes. The Dragonite. As the deposed champion, I no longer have use for him. He should be a powerful ally. The pokeball, please. Here you are. I have others like it in the back, as well. Good to know. Incredible. Absolutely goddamn incredible. You really did only care about being champion! Now that he has Grace and her father, what about the rest of us? I think we might be seeing the emergence of Lance 2.0. Ah, you seem to have dropped- wait, what are you doing?
(Art courtesy of HappyFlareon!) Wha- why on earth would you- Grace's father is free of your control, Lance. Mine too. What he does now is his choice. Heh. I ain't even a little surprised. This's Manic, remember? Awkwaaaaaard... But what about- Here you go. I can't use Revives on my pokemon, but he's not my pokemon. Use this. Y'mean, that's why ya didn't sell yer Max Revives? You never can tell when you'll need them.
What will you do now? I think we'd better wait a moment on that question. Daddy? Daddy, it's me! Rrrrr...Grace? Is that really you? You've grown! Where are we? That pokeball Lance used was controlling your mind. Manic freed you! I see. And the small human is Manic? That's me. Well then. It seems I have only one human to dismember. Excuse me, little one, this will only take a moment. Ohhhhh shit.
Stop. You do not command me, small human. Get out of the way. No, I don't command you. I'm not speaking to you as a trainer, but as one thinking being to another. Lance has lost his way, but he's not beyond redemption. Spare his life, and your debt to me is paid in full. Hrrrrr...fair enough, young human. Come, Grace. Let us never return to this place again. I can't, Daddy. I'm Manic's pokemon. Then you are his captive? No! It's not like that. Manic rescued me from the Game Corner, trained me, evolved me, helped me find you. We're friends! An ally of my daughter's is my ally as well, young human. I will allow this...for now. Thank you. Ah, here comes P-p-professor Oak...!
Th-thank you, sir! It's an honor! Manic, if you don't stop being so formal right this moment, I swear I'm going to strip naked and belly dance for you. GGGGGGH...augh...why...my brain...! Now, are we done with the 'sir' and 'honor' business? Yes! Yes, I swear! Good. Now, what do you propose we do about Lance? Actually, uhm, I'd been thinking about that. And?
Lance, I hereby strip you of ownership of all of your pokemon and possessions. Including all badges. W-what?! All of them?! Yes. Once we're done here, I'm going to give you a lift to New Bark Town. I don't understand. Unless I'm mistaken, Professor Elm still has a Chikorita to give out. That will be your one permitted pokemon. A grass type?! A grass type. Now, here, take this. Five pokeballs - ultra balls, isn't that nice? - and 3,000 poke. Oh-ho! I see! Why does this seem familiar? Because you're going to take the league challenge from the beginning, with the same rules I did. Only the first pokemon per location can be caught, nickname everyone, release any fainted pokemon. Why are you doing this?! Because, Lance, you're not evil. You've just lost sight of why the league challenge exists in the first place. This will help to remind you of what this is all supposed to be about. When you come to face me again for the championship, I look forward to seeing the person you will have become.
I'm going to miss this place, all the same. You may yet regain it, if you can find your way again. I...I don't even know what it's like any more, not to be champion. I know. That's exactly why you need to start again. I think I understand. Long ago, I fought for other things, as well. In time, it all became about being stronger, more powerful, not losing. With the weight of two regions on my shoulders, nothing else mattered. Grace, I am sorry for what I have done. I don't think I can forgive you, Lance. Not yet, at least. But...the apology means a lot. Maybe in time, the wounds will heal. That's all I can hope for. Now, everyone back in your pokeballs. By the way, Lance, I will be destroying all of your mind-control pokeballs, along with the plans to make them. Good. I understand now, they never should have existed in the first place.
'Hall of Fame', hmmm? It suits her. That it does. You have a lot to be proud of, she's been a key member of my team since she joined it. What's that sound? I hear it as well. Is this some kind of trap?! Quick, everyone out of your pokeballs! Wha- ah, shit! I get it now! What Suicune was tryin' to say!
P: It's happened again! W: Hey, there they are! Ah, they don't look so tough! Neat, it's the other team! Hey, how'd they get two Dragonites?! P: So I guess we even out the teams again? I'm afraid not, Manics! W: No? What is it this time, then? You feel it too, huh? Naturally! I'm afraid this is nothing so benign as before!
P: How could this get any worse? W: What else could go wrong? W: You smack your Manic, I'll smack mine. P: Damn right. *smack*smack* In case you ain't figured this out yet, the one who made the rules isn't exactly our best friend! He's telling the truth: beating Lance for the first time gets you a reward, but the second time is a penalty, saved for when it does the most harm!
W: What is it?! And speak up, I can barely hear you! P: The vortex is emitting some bizarre keening sound! I can barely hear anything at all! P: Curtis, man, I dunno if I like that expression! T-Trish? How bad is it? I'M AFRAID IT'S RATHER BAD INDEED, MOLLY! MANIC! LAST TIME, YOU HAD FIVE MINUTES TO SWAP TEAMMATES, REMEMBER? P: YEAH, I REMEMBER! WHAT IS IT THIS TIME, THOUGH?! YOU STILL GOT FIVE MINUTES, BUT THIS TIME...
...YOU GOTTA PICK A WORLD! W: WHAT DOES HE MEAN?! WHAT DOES PICKING A WORLD DO?! YOU MUST SELECT WHICH WORLD WILL PERSIST AND WHICH WILL VANISH! P: WHAT?! THAT'S INSANE! ...ALL RIGHT, FINE! EVERYBODY OVER TO THE OTHER WORLD, THIS ONE CAN GO! STRIKE TWO, PALLY! NOBODY GETS TO SWAP NOW! W: WHAT IF WE DON'T CHOOSE, THEN? ONLY THE SELECTED WORLD WILL BE SPARED! IF YOU SELECT NEITHER WORLD, NEITHER ONE WILL BE SPARED! HURRY, PICK A WORLD! AND MAKE IT QUICK!
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Post by crimsondoom on Sept 29, 2019 16:03:46 GMT
Ahh, I remember this twist. I wasn't prepared for the bumpiness of this ride the first time around.
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Post by Manic on Oct 1, 2019 10:17:12 GMT
Update #41: Decision - pt. 2
W: LET'S GET AWAY FROM THIS THING AND TALK IT OVER! P: AGREED! WE MUSTN'T MAKE A RUSHED DECISION! WE HAVE FIVE MINUTES; LET'S USE THEM!
W: All right, team. What do you think? We know that this world is the true one. All other Manics spring from this timeline. Moreover, there's still too much binding us to this world. Your mother. Lyra. Jack...and we still have to see to Anemoi. ORDINARILY, I WOULD REMAIN SILENT ON SUCH THINGS, BUT I DO NOT WISH TO STOP EXISTING. But...we can't just kill everyone in that world! Hey, if it's them or me, it's gonna be me! To destroy a universe full of boundless life...there may be no right answer.
(Elsewhere...)
P: Thoughts? I dunno, man. This is all way over my head. I haven't even come close to seeing all the world has to offer. I vote we keep this world! Isn't the other world at war? That sounds awful, but...I don't think I can make this choice! Ma-a-a-anic, you know I will support whatever choice you make, but I ask you to consider this world. It may be at peace, but is it deserved? I gotta be honest, buddy. In this world, Lance is an asshole, your mom's a drunk, and Lyra is kinda creepy. Is this really the better choice? I think I see your point. I don't know if I can bear to find my father, just to lose him again! Do not be afraid, my daughter. From this point on, we will always be together.
W: OKAY! I THINK WE'VE MADE OUR CHOICE! P: SO HAVE WE! W: WHAT DID YOU COME UP WITH? P: IT'S CLEARLY YOUR WORLD THAT'S MEANT TO EXIST! THIS ONE WAS NEVER REAL TO BEGIN WITH, AND IT'S BEEN SPOILED BY THE PEACE IT ENJOYS! W: THEN WE CAN AGREE TO SAVE MY WORLD? P: YES, THAT'S HOW IT HAS TO BE! W: ...MANIC, I'M SO SORRY IT HAS TO BE LIKE THIS! P: DON'T BE! I ACCOMPLISHED EVERYTHING I WANTED TO DO: I GOT FREE OF MY MOTHER, I BECAME CHAMPION, I LEARNED A LOT! THIS WAS A VICTORY TO ME! W: ALL RIGHT THEN! WHATEVER'S LISTENING...WE CHOOSE MY WORLD TO PERSIST! P: GOODB-
...and the vortex is gone, along with the other me. He was a good person; I wish he didn't have to cease to be. It's not your fault. There was no right choice, we did what we had to do. IF YOU'RE WAITING FOR REGRETS FROM ME, I HOPE YOU'RE NOT IN A HURRY. Not now, Anemoi. Oh, Manic...what have you done?
Molly, I know. Believe me, I'll remember this for the rest of my life. Yeah, lay off! You know he didn't want to do this! No, no! That's awful, but it's so much worse than that! What are you talking about, Molly? How could you forget? You left something very important in that other world! Something- oh sweet Arceus, no... I tried to tell you!
Trish. How do we get Grant back? I'm sorry, Manic. Everything that was in that universe is gone. Irretrievably. ... Manic, I'm so sorry... ... I think we broke him. Lance. Yes, Commander. As a military man, I trust that you carry a sidearm at all times. Of course. Give it to me. That's an order. Yes, sir. Manic, what are you doing?!? Someone stop him! MANIC, D-
(the above is a clickable link!)
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Post by truezero2 on Oct 1, 2019 15:11:30 GMT
Oh yeah, the multiple ending moments. I forgot that War!Manic commits suicide in his ending.
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Post by Manic on Oct 3, 2019 4:36:30 GMT
Update #42: Decision - pt. 3
W: LET'S GET AWAY FROM THIS THING AND TALK IT OVER! P: AGREED! WE MUSTN'T MAKE A RUSHED DECISION! WE HAVE FIVE MINUTES; LET'S USE THEM!
W: I need some input here. What do you all think? I remain uncertain as to the correct choice of action. The selfish part of me wants this world to persevere, but my oath was to end the war...and this will. ORDINARILY, I WOULD REMAIN SILENT ON SUCH THINGS, BUT I DO NOT WISH TO STOP EXISTING. That world seems like the better of the two. Less death, less fighting. It seems wrong to choose ourselves. I don't really wanna stop living, but if I gotta go, I wanna go saving an entire universe! To destroy a universe full of boundless life...there may be no right answer. W: I see...I hope we're making the right choice here.
(Elsewhere...)
P: We have five minutes. Let's talk it out. This world has its flaws, but you gotta take that Lugia down anyway, an' every world has flaws! I came this far to save my father. I'm not going to let him go now! I choose life, 'cause living is pretty awesome. Yeah, it's basically all you're good at! Hey! Anyhow, I'm all about staying alive too, so there's my vote! Of all the choices I could ever make, I'm so unqualified to make this one...I'll go with whatever you choose. For once, I'm with Fa-a-a-arrah on this one. Do what you need to do, I'll support you. P: Understood. I'll share the message.
W: OKAY! I THINK WE'VE MADE OUR CHOICE! P: SO HAVE WE! W: WHAT DID YOU COME UP WITH? P: PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE ON MY SIDE WANTS TO KEEP THIS WORLD; WE'VE GOT FOUR VOTES AND TWO ABSTAINS! W: WE'VE GOT TWO ABSTAINS, ONE VOTE FOR MY SIDE, AND THREE FOR YOURS. P: I'M SORRY. MAYBE IT'S BETTER THIS WAY! W: DO SOMETHING FOR ME! P: NAME IT! W: TELL GRANT THAT HIS DADDY IS VERY SORRY THAT HE CAN'T BE AROUND ANYMORE. TELL HIM THAT HIS DADDY LOVES HIM. AND TAKE CARE OF HIM. P: I WILL, I SWEAR IT! W: LET'S DO THIS, THEN! P: WHATEVER'S LISTENING, I CHOOSE THIS WORLD TO PERSIST! W: TAKE CA-
It's...over. I think. I sure hope so. One world is plenty to experience, thanks! How can you make choices like that? How can you bear to? I don't have any choice, really. That's something the other me taught me: sometimes, things just need to be done. To be honest, I'm just gla-a-a-ad we're still around. Yeah, but what now? I wouldn't mind a bit of a break, if that's okay. Now we're outta legendaries, so we gotta go take Red down and move on! I don't think so, Curtis. Uh, you wanna run that by me again?
Let's review. I'm currently the champion of Kanto and Johto. Yeah, but- I've sent the former champion on a quest to regain his spirit, which will culminate in facing me. Sure, but- I have two regions to take care of, an Elite Four to maintain, and Grant...he'll need someone now more than ever. But- And you want me to go chase down the most powerful trainer in the world - who's up on a mountain doing nothing - and risk losing all of you, and myself, to meet even MORE versions of myself and probably get into even MORE danger. Seriously, what are you, retarded or something? Hey! Watch it, puddlejumper. Not cool. But you gotta- I gotta take care of this world, the gift given to me by the other me, and the people in it. Curtis, you're my friend and I respect your opinion, but what matters is the well-being of the world. We need to chase Varas down, revise the Elite Four's teams, break the news to Grant, check out the economic situation...
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Oct 4, 2019 4:20:50 GMT
There's something that bothered me the first time I read this, but only now can I put words to it. Why? Why did you choose to show all possible endings, Manic? It feels a little jarring. It's not a fair comparison, but I'm reminded of the multiple endings for Wayne's World (wow, I just dated myself).
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Post by Manic on Oct 6, 2019 12:46:10 GMT
There's something that bothered me the first time I read this, but only now can I put words to it. Why? Why did you choose to show all possible endings, Manic? It feels a little jarring. It's not a fair comparison, but I'm reminded of the multiple endings for Wayne's World (wow, I just dated myself). You may recall that in the original, I asked for feedback as to which world the readers thought should be saved. The original vote was to save the War world, so I showed what would have happened if that was chosen.
Then I showed the other path, so that people could see that the only way forward was to think laterally.
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Post by Manic on Oct 6, 2019 13:08:44 GMT
Update #43: Convergence
W: YOU TALK IT OVER WITH THAT TEAM, I'LL TALK IT OVER WITH THIS ONE! P: THAT SEEMS LIKE THE LOGICAL COURSE OF ACTION! MEET BACK HERE IN FOUR!
W: I'm not sure where to go with this one. Thoughts? I am afraid that I can be of little help; the Maker tells me there may not be a right path.. There is always a right path. We have only to open our eyes. Well, we can't get rid of that world! Grant is there. W: Good point. I don't think I could live with myself if something happened to him. We can't get rid of this world, though. I have a commitment to this region to honor. ORDINARILY, I WOULD REMAIN SILENT ON SUCH THINGS, BUT I DO NOT WISH TO STOP EXISTING. What do you do when every answer is wrong? W: ...the only thing we can do.
(Elsewhere...)
P: I could really use some help here. It seems like there are no good answers. I'm stumped, pal. Even the Maker isn't sure what to do! I came this far to save my father. I'm not going to let him go now! I wanna keep living, but I dunno. Is my life worth all those others? Probably not. Hey! Anyhow, I'm all about staying alive too, so there's my vote! Isn't there another option? P: You know, I think there just might be.
W: HEY! OTHER-ME! P: YEAH? W: ARE YOU AS FED UP WITH THIS BULLSHIT AS I AM? P: IF I HAD TO GUESS, I'D SAY EXACTLY AS MUCH! W: NEITHER ANSWER IS RIGHT! P: WE DECIDED THE SAME THING! SO, ARE YOU THINKING WHAT I'M THINKING? W: PROBABLY! P: IF ONLY ONE WORLD CAN SURVIVE... W: YEP, THAT'S WHAT I'M THINKING, ALL RIGHT! P: THEN LET'S MAKE THE CALL! W: LET'S DO THIS, THEN! P: WHATEVER'S LISTENING, HEAR ME! I AM MANIC! W: WHATEVER'S LISTENING, HEAR ME! I AM ALSO MANIC! P: THE CAPACITY TO CHOOSE GIVES US THE ABILITY- W: -TO CREATE THE WORLD WE WANT TO LIVE IN! P: NEITHER WORLD WILL BE LOST! W: BOTH WORLDS WILL BE USED- P: -IN THE CREATION OF A NEW ONE!
Well, I can't say I'm surprised. What the hell happened? Link? Where's everyone else? Beats me. We were in the Hall of Fame, and then we were here! Well then, that's our first order of business: go find the others.
Oh! Manic, honey. Howwwww're you doing? Mom, I want you to put the bottle down. What's wrong? I just wanted a little drink. I know you did, but that stuff is poison. I've seen what it can do to you...first-hand. It's just a little something to tide me over while you're off gallivanting around. It's not doing any harm! Good! Then you won't mind if I get rid of it. What? No! This is perfectly good scotch! I like this stuff! More than you love me? Wha- no, I- Mom, I love you. And I've missed you...but I can't be here while you drink. You have to make a choice. But I need it...
No, Mom. You need help. There are support groups, people who can help you get off of this stuff. It's so hard, honey. With you gone all the time... It won't be much longer. I have two more little things to take care of, then I'll be back. I'll help you stay off of this stuff. All right... Promise me that you won't get any more. If you promise, I'll know you mean it. I...I promise. I get it. She's not as bad as one mom, but she's not as good as the other. She's just like she should be. I love you, Mom. I'll be home soon. Hurry back, Manic. I miss you.
As I left my home and stepped out into the cool breeze, the sun shone brightly overhead. Inhaling deeply and tasting the wind, I turned my gaze toward the eastern shore; beyond the gently lapping waters lay my fate, I could feel it in my bones. More importantly, I felt a deep, satisfying sense of certainty that this was the true world. It always had been, I realized - whatever malevolent force had attempted to break me with such fervent ardor had been so devout in its malice that it rent the very world asunder to reach me. Now, thought, there was no more Peace world or War world, there was only the world. There was no more Peace Manic or War Manic, there was only Manic. Curiosity gnawing at the back of my mind, I departed for the nearest source of information in order to better know a world that had always - and yet never - existed.
- excerpt from All At Once, the memoirs of Manic[/i] [/font]
[/div]
Professor Elm. How are you? Splendid, splendid. Tell me, how did the mission go? I'm sorry? Come now, you know! The diplomatic mission to Kanto! Ah, right! Of course. I think it could be said that it was a rousing success. Wonderful! We need to do everything we can to smooth things over, what with that extremist causing trouble. ...Professor, I'm a little dazed from the trip back. Could you remind me about this extremist? Certainly. Someone calling themselves Genwyn has been spreading anti-Johto propaganda all over Kanto. Some of the locals have picked up on the notions it espouses, and as such, Kanto and Johto are teetering on the brink of war! That didn't take long. I see. Professor, could you watch over my mother? She's taken to drinking, and I'm worried; I've just poured all of her alcohol down the sink, but she might have more. I will, Manic. Go, and be well! Come on, Link. I think I know where we can find the others.
In Cherrygrove? Not specifically, but yes. Not specifically? What's that mean? The two worlds have become one, Link. The rift has healed. So if I'm right...
I knew it!
There he is! I told you he'd come for us! Liar, you said you were getting bored! Well, I was! So sue me! Ma-a-a-anic...but which one? There's only one world now, Claire, and there's only one me. We are me. DADDY! Grant! C'mere! Oh man, it's good to see you! Daddy, what happened? There's so many other pokemon now! I know! Everyone's finally together. Uh huh! Lookit the other boxes, lookit! Other boxes, huh? Sure, why not?
Wow, you weren't kidding! Everyone is here! Well, almost everyone... Huh? What do you mean? ...wait a minute... Where's Curtis? Hey, yeah! Trish is gone too!
...and who are you? Man, you change your look just a bit, an' everybody forgets you! Curtis?! Not exactly. Wait. Trish? It all makes sense now, y'see? One pokemon, male, special-focused, renowned for combat, found in west Johto. One pokemon, female, physical-focused, mostly utility, found in Kanto! So you're saying- We are Maat. Oracle of Balance and Endurance. Split apart by the same force that split the worlds, and you. Never sharing a world. Implanted with the knowledge that somebody else would claim to be the Oracle, but that we were the Oracle ourselves. And so, already your allies, we meet for the first time once again. Ain't that some shit?
I...honestly had no idea. You think you're surprised! We know some attacks given to each previous form. Maat, huh? It'll be weird not calling you by the names I know. You wanna call us the old names, we don't mind. No, I need to get used to it. Look, Maat... We know. Girafarig are not the most combat-ready of creatures. Yeah, and if you're gonna pound Red, you're gonna need your best! My best...the team! We will stay behind to counsel you. It is crucial that we remain alive; even after you pass your test, there will be much to do.
Manic, could you come here for a moment? Sure thing, Lana. What's up? So this is Link, hmmm? Not bad, not bad at all. Anyway, I wanted to share something with you. Lana? You look nervous. G'wan, it's Manic! Just say it. Right, um...Manic... Yeah? I quit. Yeah, me too. ...sorry?
My nature decreases my defense. Link will be a better asset out there than me. Besides, I've successfully seen the war's conclusion - at least for now - so my duty is discharged. Sorry, guy. She's mine now. Can't have her, I call - what'sit? Dibs! Yeah, I call dibs. Jack, Lana...I couldn't be happier for you. As of this moment, I consider you both formally retired. Oh, Manic! Thank you for understanding. Toldja he would. You did no such thing! You said that if he didn't, you'd 'chew his kneecaps off'. Heh heh. Well, while you two sort that out...Link's an auto-include, but let's see who else is coming with.
DELIGHTFUL. Sorry, Anemoi. You know it needs to be like this. OF COURSE. IT'S BEEN MY LIFELONG DREAM TO DIE IN AGONY. That reminds me. I need to talk to you later. AND I SUPPOSE NOTHING WILL STOP YOU. Correct.
Hell yeah! Draft pick! Hey. I'm Link. Lilly. You any good in a fight? Heh. Lady, you just stand back and watch ol' Link work. Now, you I like! Way better than stick-up-her-butt. BEHOLD AS I CONTINUE TO GIVE NOT ONE SINGLE FUCK! Uh, thanks? All right, that's three. Who's next?
I'll be ha-a-a-appy to help. Huh. You're kinda familiar somehow. She should be. She hatched in this world. Wait, THIS is the Mareep?! Ampharos, more like! A REUNION, THEN. PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AND GET REACQUAINTED.
And you're A-a-a-anemoi, I presume. HOW A-A-A-ASTUTE. I'm not above Thunderbolting you. YOU WOULDN'T DARE. You might not want to test that. HMPH. AS YOU LIKE. Heh heh. Claire doesn't put up with shit from anybody! Next pick...
M-me?! The bug? The bug is Farrah. She's immensely powerful, even if she doesn't realize it. Oh, I'm not really all that strong. You know we know different. Here, hit the wall for me. Let's see what you've got! Oh, um...okay. Stand back... *WHAM!!!* DAMN, girl! You're welcome on my team any day! UGH, YES, LET'S GET ON WITH IT. WHO IS THE LAST TEAMMATE? Who indeed? It's down to Molly, Edge, or Lucky. I think you've got bug pretty much covered with Farrah there. Wow, what a hit! I'll help everyone get acquainted instead! In that case...
WOO! Yeah! I knew you'd come through. Something tells me that Lucky has a lot of thinking to do. It's true. Two worlds made one, the implications are...staggering. I must consider this carefully! So that's the team for now. So, where do we go first? Maat. Do you have any idea where I can find Varas? The greatest psychic void in the area is in the League itself. That's gotta be him. Go kick his ass! Well, team, you heard them. One beating, coming up!
Okay. Varas is going to be desperate at this point. He predicted that our next meeting would be our last, and I think he meant it. We have no idea what to expect here, so be careful. I EXPECT THAT HE WILL TRY TO KILL US. WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THIS. What the dour hour here is trying to say is, how hard can it be? We go in, we kick his ass, we leave him whining for his mo...oooh. Damn, dude! Do-over? Awkwardness aside, I see your point. I do want to talk to him first, though. Whatever. Let's just do it!
Manic. Varas...you can't mean to battle here. What about all of these people? They can't even see us. Come again? The people. Can not. See us. I am clouding their minds. I didn't know you could do that.
You're stalling for time. Maybe a little. Interesting. This version of you seems a lot more whole than the split version. Of course. After what I've been through, I'm exceptionally well-armed. Then why are you stalling? Because I want to talk to you about something.
Afraid of what I have to say? Oh, not at all. You see, I already know what you're going to try to do. Do tell. You're going to try to redeem me. It's not too late, Varas. You can still turn a new leaf, Varas. Stop being a criminal and a monster, Varas. Well, it's not going to work! Even if I did change sides, once you leave, this world will have no more reason to exist...and, as a consequence, neither will I. I was created explicitly for the purpose of destroying you!
Oh, Varas. You couldn't be more wrong. I don't- I'm not going to try to turn you. That's pointless. You've made your bed, now you have to lay in it. Really now. That's hardly something I'd expect to hear from the likes of you. Well, now you have my interest. What were you going to say? I just want you to think about this task to which you've dedicated your entire life. You basically have two reasons for wanting me dead, right? To get put in a 'real' world, and to get revenge, right? Correct! At last, you understand.
Let's talk about that while we fight, hmmm? You're sure no one can see us? It's as though we aren't even here. Continue.
MOTHERFU- Let's look at the first reason. To get put into a different world. Now, we can safely say that you're either going to succeed or fail, right? ...right... If you fail, then you've failed. You don't get your new world. You lose, you get nothing, good day sir. But if I succeed! Then the malignant creature that caused all of this will have no more need of you. Wha - but - I will have served it well! Ahhh, and you'll be rewarded. There's no chance it would leave you in a dying world to amuse itself, because it certainly doesn't have a sick sense of humor.
Ggggh...you don't know that! You don't know anything! I know that a Sneasel isn't a very good match-up for me. I know a lot more than you think, Varas. For example, let's look at the second reason. Revenge. You murdered my parents and ruined my life! I deserve my revenge! Did I really?
Yawn... Tell me, Varas. You know all about what's happened so far, with the other versions of me. (Arceus, I'd hoped never to have to do this again.) I do! I know all about the other Manics, and your oracles and benefactor. Right. Now, your parents were Giovanni and Mewtwo, right? Yes, and you murdered them both!
WAKE ME UP WHEN THE EXPOSITION IS OVER. Well, a different me did, but...essentially, yes. You see, you even admit it! So, ask yourself: why did I kill them? W-what? Your parents died. A different 'me' killed them. Why did he do that? Because you're a monster! Because he had to complete his trial.
This isn't even a challenge! W-well, all right, fine! To complete his trial. That doesn't justify- Varas. Who gave him that trial? Wh...wha... Who. Gave. Him. The. Trial? M-my...ally... So it's your ally who put this other version of me on a path wherein your parents had to die. You're saying...?! I'm saying that blaming the other me for your parents' death is like blaming the bullet. Your ally pulled the trigger. No...no, that's not true! Oh, wait. It gets worse.
One for each of us, huh? Share and share alike, I guess! How...how could it... Let's go even deeper. Your ally put the other me on that course. Why? B-because that was the deal he struck. And why was the deal struck? To get revenge...for what you had done... So if it hadn't been for me, the deal would have never happened. The world where your parents existed never would have been created. The other me never would have gone there, and you never would have been created to be a legacy. No...
Your ally murdered your parents, Varas. Me? I'm the only reason you ever existed in the first place.
KILL THIS SON OF A BITCH! Yeah, no. GGggghkk!! Chompers? See, me and the rest of the team, we're pretty sick of this shit. He can't breathe! Do you even know our names? Aside from mine, since Manic has said it? Put him down. We're done doing your dirty work, asshole. We're done with being treated like shit. You wanna see cowardice, weakness, unworthiness? Go find a fucking mirror. Chompers, don't make me do this... *WHEEEEEEZE* It's fine. I'm done. Hey...you think we could hitch a ride back to New Bark? OH, YES. LET ME ACT AS A FERRY FOR EVERY POKEMON. How nice of you to volunteer! I WAS BEING SAR- Nope! Sorry. You said it, now you've gotta do it.
As for you...get out of my sight.
Damn it. Didn't get a chance to fight. You always were a scrappy little bastard. Heh. You too, you big jackass. I have to admit, I was worried... Oh?Well, they say that a pokemon raised by a bad person turns bad itself. Yeah...they do say that. Well, I think it's a pile of Tauros crap. The circumstances of your youth help to shape you, that's no lie, but the real choice as to who you are is something you make anew every day you open our eyes. Can we not do the after-school special thing? Come on, let's go. We have several trips to make, don't we, Anemoi? I HATE YOU ALL.
(Later...)
Well, I have good news and bad news. Oh yeah? The good news is, there's only one part of my trial left. Well then, let's rock! The down side is, while we were at the league, I heard about this Red guy. Okay? Pfft. So? It's nothing we can't handle. His pokemon start in the low 80's and go up from there. WELL THEN. I suppose we'd better get to work.
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Post by crimsondoom on Oct 6, 2019 15:43:56 GMT
It's always so satisfying when I see Silver's (or the story-specific equivalent) Pokemon turn on him and decide "No, I'm not taking your shit anymore". It's also satisfying to see the narrative resonance that comes from Varas only being truly defeated only after the two Manics reforged. That balance that comes from having his whole self again (so to speak) shows through very clearly this way, which I appreciate.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Oct 6, 2019 16:24:18 GMT
You may recall that in the original, I asked for feedback as to which world the readers thought should be saved. The original vote was to save the War world, so I showed what would have happened if that was chosen.
Then I showed the other path, so that people could see that the only way forward was to think laterally.
Ah yes, I forgot. I didn't find your stories until you were working on Stan, so I was reading everything after the fact. And in hindsight, holding that vote was a warmup for later on. I wouldn't be surprised if you planned it that way.
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Post by Manic on Oct 9, 2019 5:28:34 GMT
Update #44: Summit - vs. Red
If I never fight...another damn Ponyta...it'll be too soon! My horn hurts...I didn't even think that was possible! We need a breather in the worst kinda way! Yeah, what she said. Lemme back in my pokeball! Ma-a-a-anic, please say we're finally done. We're finally done. PRAISE ARCEUS. YES, MY IMMINENT DEMISE HAS BEGUN ITS STAMPEDE TOWARD ME. I'M THRILLED. That reminds me. Anemoi, I want you on point. We're going to Repel our way through this thing. I want to talk with you. FANTASTIC. Everybody else, back in your pokeballs. I'd like some privacy with him, please.
I have to admit, I'm trying to understand you, but it's not going so well. YOU FAIL TO RELATE TO AN IMMORTAL CREATURE. WHAT A SURPRISE. I'm not talking about the immortality. That's actually not relevant to this at all. THAT IS COMPLETELY RELEVANT. IT'S TRUE, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND IN THE SLIGHTEST. Then teach me, Anemoi. I want to understand where you're coming from, why you always seem so unhappy with everyone and everything. WHY BOTHER? I'M NOT LONG FOR THIS WORLD. I dunno, how about 'because I care'? ...VERY WELL.
LOOK AT IT. WHAT DO YOU SEE? You mean the waterfall? I SEE A WALL. A wall of water. Okay, I can follow that. WHEN YOU MET ME, HOW DID IT OCCUR? Ah, right. You emerged from behind a waterfall. THAT'S CORRECT. DID YOU SEE ANY WAY TO REACH WHERE I HAD BEEN? Well, no, come to think of it. THAT IS BECAUSE NONE EXISTS. THE ONLY WAY BEHIND THE WATERFALL IS THROUGH. And yet, you just said you see it as a wall...
Hmm, this could be useful. Anyway, continue. HOW DO YOU SUPPOSE I GOT BEHIND THAT WATERFALL? To be honest, I have no idea. I just assumed you had your ways. I WAS PLACED THERE. ...willingly? NO. Wait. You're a Lugia. You're a legendary pokemon. How does anyone place you anywhere against your will? YOU DID. Sure, but I had a Master Ball. There was no sign that you'd ever been in a pokeball before. CORRECT, I- STOP.
What's wrong? SOMETHING POWERFUL IS HERE. SOMETHING MALEVOLENT. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE PREPARED. We've trained more than is reasonable. So, back to the topic. How did someone place you behind the waterfall without a pokemon? SOME ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO, CIANWOOD - ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT CALLED CIANWOOD AT THE TIME - WAS A MUCH LARGER PLOT OF LAND. THE WHIRLPOOL ISLANDS WERE NOT ALWAYS ISLANDS. What happened? THE PEOPLE OF THAT PLACE WORSHIPED ME. THEY CONSIDERED ME TO BE BENEVOLENT...WHEN, IN TRUTH, I WAS NEUTRAL. I DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO, A TSUNAMI WAS REQUIRED, TO MAINTAIN THE BALANCE OF THE SEAS. WITHOUT IT, MUCH OF JOHTO WOULD HAVE BECOME A BARREN WASTELAND. And the responsibility fell to you to create it. I DID WHAT HAD TO BE DONE. THE VILLAGERS...DID NOT AGREE. ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE. I WAS ATTACKED, HARANGUED AND FORCED BACK INTO THE CHAMBER IN WHICH YOU MET ME. A CEREMONY WAS UNDERTAKEN, WITH HUMANS AND POKEMON ALIKE.
THE THREEFOLD PATH. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS. WE ARE NEAR THE SUMMIT. With this cold, I can only imagine. Go on. AS MUCH AS THEY WISHED TO DESTROY ME, THEY COULD NOT. INSTEAD, I WAS IMPRISONED FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS, AWAITING A TRAINER WHO COULD END MY LIFE. Arceus...and when they found me... YOUR SALVATION WOULD MEAN MY DEMISE. TWO GOALS WITH ONE DEATH. But the kimono girls didn't seem evil at all! THEY ARE NOT. IT HAS BEEN ONE THOUSAND YEARS. MY LEGEND HAS LIKELY BEEN TWISTED BEYOND RECOGNITION. I get it. They didn't know why they needed to free you for me, they only knew that they needed to.
AND NOW, HERE WE ARE. YOUR GOAL LIES BEYOND THIS ARCH. ...Anemoi, I had some time to think. GOOD. Wait, let me let everyone out first. Man, you scaled the whole mountain without us? And with only creepshow here for company? Ballsy! Stow it. Anemoi, when I first got the Sacred Ash, I thought it was meant for Priscilla. Yeah! We can bring her back! No. Priscilla is gone, her memory honored. I don't even think it would work...but I have a better idea. Better than bringing Priscilla back?!
Whatever 'rules' I'm subject to, they only say that Anemoi has to die. I haven't heard anything about him being brought back. Ma-a-a-anic, you know that you can't bring back your pokemon... That's true. Here, this is for you. WH...WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? It's your pokeball. Smash it. Have you flipped your shit?! Seriously, he'll blast us off of this mountain! Are you...are you sure about this? No. What I am sure of is that - for the first time in a thousand plus years - his decisions will be his to make. THEN, AT LAST, I AM FINALLY FREE! Anemoi, if you will stay with me, I will promise to use the Sacred Ash on you. I WILL ACCOMPANY YOU, AT THE VERY LEAST. YOU ARE THE FIRST HUMAN TO TRUST ME IN A VERY LONG TIME. Good...because we have a monster to kill.
WHAT MANNER OF MONSTER? I've been doing a lot of thinking about the things we encountered in the split worlds. What about it? One death, two goals. Ma-a-a-anic? On the one hand, we need to defeat Red for me to pass this trial. A powerful trainer who conquered the Elite Four and champion of Kanto, but who gave up the role to ascend to bigger and better things. A 'hero' who exclusively uses Kanto pokemon. Yeah? On the other hand, I feel the need to do something about Genwyn, a rabble-rouser who's been using their influence to espouse the superiority of Kanto pokemon to the exclusion of all others. Left to their own devices, they would certainly start a war...and did. Wait a minute...you mean...?
I mean that no one can describe Genwyn with any level of accuracy; the supremacist is only known through their message. And I mean that no one has seen Red in a very long time, hidden away up on a mountaintop. Ostensibly meditating, but... I SEE. VERY CLEVER. Dude, WHAT? No way. No way! In the end, it's the only answer that fits. Not only can it be true, but it must be.
Hello, Red. Or shall I call you by your other name: Genwyn?
HOW GOOD OF YOU TO JOIN US. Whoah. Okay, that voice from that mouth, I was not expecting. YOU ARE CORRECT, OF COURSE. I AM RED. I AM ALSO GENWYN. I AM ALSO FAR, FAR MORE. Okay, I am really creeped out right now. Explain yourself. I AM THE SOURCE OF YOUR PAIN. I AM THE ONE WHO FORGED THIS WORLD, LIKE THE OTHERS BEFORE IT, AND THEN SPLIT IT IN HALF. You're Varas' ally. HE IS NO LONGER RELEVANT. I HAVE MADE A PACT WITH SOMEONE WHO DESPISES YOU WITH A DELICIOUSLY ARDENT FERVOR THAT MAKES VARAS' HATRED FOR YOU LOOK LIKE CASUAL DISREGARD. You're no ghost. What a-a-are you? BE CAUTIOUS, MANIC. I SENSE POWER HERE TO RIVAL MY OWN. How...how can we fight something that strong? I AM THE KING WHOSE PAWNS YOU HAVE DEFEATED. I AM DARKNESS INCARNATE, HERE TO DO WHAT MY UNDERLINGS COULD NOT. THIS IS NOT A STORYBOOK, BOY. THERE IS NO HAPPY ENDING, NO FINAL VICTORY.
I WILL DRAG YOU SCREAMING INTO HELL!
Creepy spirit thing used Intimidate... It's shit-yourself effective! LET'S SEE NOW. AH, YES. I BELIEVE RED WOULD SEND HIS PIKACHU OUT FIRST. Nnnngh...this hail stings! Lilly. Do you think you can handle his Pikachu? I'm gonna try! DID YOU THINK THIS LOCATION WAS CHOSEN BY ACCIDENT? THIS IS MY WORLD, BOY. LET IT BE YOUR UNDOING! I THINK NOT.
Anemoi, it's a Pikachu! Electric type, remember? HAH! YOU CANNOT DIRECTLY INTERFERE. YOU KNOW THIS. What's he talking about? HE IS CORRECT. I CANNOT HARM HIM, EVEN IN THIS BORROWED FORM. What? Just blast him or something! IT IS FORBIDDEN BY THE OLDEST RULE. What the hell kind of rule is that?! THE KIND THAT ALLOWS THE UNIVERSE TO EXIST. Ask a silly question...
So, what? You're just gonna stand there and let him pummel you? I don't think tha-a-a-at's his plan. MOST ASTUTE. I HAVE SPENT A MILLENNIUM DESPISING ALL THAT LIVES. I KNOW. IT HAS BEEN...DELECTABLE. I HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY MY OWN HUBRIS, A BLADE TURNED UPON ITSELF. IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME, BROTHER, WHAT THESE HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF. ONE SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS, ONE GESTURE OF FAITH, HAS CLEARED THE FOG FROM MY MIND. ALLOW ME TO SHARE THIS GIFT WITH YOU.
LET ME SHOW YOU THE LIGHT! What?! When did you learn that?! AAAAAAGH! BLASTED SUN! MY STRATEGY IS RUINED! AND YET, I WILL HAVE THIS SATISFACTION AT THE VERY LEAST! STRIKE HIM DOWN, NOW!
No... DAMN it! In the end...he gave his life to protect us all. All is not lost. I've got an ace up my sleeve. Hey, yeah, the- Shhh! To have a chance to use it, we still have to win this fight!
Come here, you little yellow FUCK.
And stay down! Lilly, are you okay? What? Yeah! Just got some snow in my eyes. You know how I feel about water. Yeah. I know exactly how you feel. TOUCHING. I THINK I MAY FORCE THIS BODY TO VOMIT. LET US CONTINUE. EVEN WITH NO HAIL, A LAPRAS SHOULD POSE A PROBLEM. You don't even need to ask.
I really wish that would stop ha-a-a-appening. HMPH. PATHETIC. A BLIZZARD SHOULD - AUGH, DAMNABLE BEAST! I SHOULD BE DOING THIS MYSELF. Well, we're not going to give you another chance. Claire, I want an all-or-nothing out of you! Unload onto that thing with everything you've got! All right, no more resistance - you might want to stand ba-a-a-ack!
...where did it go? Damn! Did you evaporate it or something? I don't think that's even possible. It's a good question. Hey! Whatever-you-are! Where are your pokemon? HAVE YOU NOT BEEN LISTENING? THIS IS MY WORLD. THESE ARE NOW MY POKEMON. WHEN THEY SERVE NO MORE PURPOSE, I CAN UNMAKE THEM WITH A THOUGHT. THAT ONE WAS A WRETCHED FAILURE, BUT I AM NOT YET BEATEN. I BELIEVE RED WAS WELL-KNOWN FOR THIS POKEMON. CHARIZARD, DO NOT FAIL ME. Heh heh. LAUGHTER? Didn't we JUST play this game not long ago? They just never learn, huh? Go for it.
Whoah! Okay, I did not expect him to...survive...that?
BWAAAHAHA*ow*HAHAHA*ow*HAHAHAAA! Oh man, that was totally worth it *ow*! I know! He's all, "that's not how you kill a Charizard! Let me show you! WHAM!" and offs himself! *snrk* Wow, now that's just humiliating. I'm sure he didn't...mean to? Oh Arceus, my sides... YES, YES, LAUGH ALL YOU LIKE. LAUGHS AND SCREAMS ARE SO CLOSELY RELATED, AFTER ALL...NOW, LET'S SEE HERE. AHHH, A BLASTOISE. Dibs! Uh, Edge? It's a wat- Dibs! -er type, and you don't have any- DIBS! What, you've got hail in your ears? ...oooo...kay then!
That's better. Wait, you're...ohhh! I don't get it. Duh, flea-farm. I'm not here to dish it out, I'm here to soak it up! He's tanking for you! Oh, uh...thanks, man. Appreciate it! Don't even worry about it. What's this thing gonna do, be fat at me?
Just in case.
Seriously, are you just choosing at random or what? Maybe he's saving the best for later? What are you talking about? This is it! This is the big climactic fight! THIS IS LATER! He's just being stu-
GO ON, USE YOUR FULL RESTORE. I KNOW YOU HAVE THEM. ... ... WELL? Thinking about it. WHAT?! This is the quietest he's been in a while. Manic!
Well, I'm not going in there! I know, I know! I'm joking! Sheesh. Here you go, Edge. Why does everything taste like a popsicle? Hey, Edge. I've got an idea. He froze you, let's see if you can return the favor! A 10% CHANCE IS A FOOL'S BET. YOU CAN'T POS-
FUCK YOU, MANIC. Oh, come on. You were asking for that. Edge, just finish it off. I can just hear him now, 'Does this shell make me look fat?'
No, dumbass, light makes you look fat! HMMM. I SEE WHY MY UNDERLINGS HAD SUCH DIFFICULTY WITH YOU. THIS IS MOST HELPFUL. ...my team knocking out your pokemon is helpful? IN A WAY, YES. THE VENUSAUR NOW, I THINK. C'mon, send me in for Round 2! He's practically begging for it. Do your thing, Link.
Here you go, one Mt. Vesuvius special! ...what. It survived. But how? I COULD NOT CARE LESS. IF GRASS ATTACKS WILL BE USELESS, PERHAPS WE SHALL TRY SOMETHING ELSE.
AAAGH! Arceus, what the hell?! Link! So help me, if you've hurt him... Pffft, what're you so worried about? He's fine. He's not fine, he's poisoned! Link, buddy, speak to me! Edge...come closer...I don't have much time... Yeah? What is it? I'm right here! Lean...close...gimme your ear... ... ... ... ... *BRRRRAAAAaaaaaAAAAAaaaaaAAAAPPP!*
Oh, what the hell?! Augh! Arceus, I think I'm gonna puke! Told you he's fine. Well, he will be. Full Restore, right now. Ahhhh. Much better! Son of a poochyena! C-can't...breathe...can't stop...laughing! Want me to finish it off? Absolutely!
Ah, the little bastard tagged me on the way out. VERY INTERESTING. I SEE. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD SEND OUT THIS LAST POKEMON, THOUGH I DOUBT YOU'LL HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH IT. If you know you're going to lose, then why don't you give up? YOU LOOK TO THIS FIGHT AND YOU SEE THE END. I SEE WHAT LIES BEYOND. I LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU WITH EVERY PASSING MOMENT, AND HOW TO DESTROY YOU WHEN NEXT WE FACE EACH OTHER. HERE, DEFEAT THIS SNORLAX. Well then, Farrah, it's your turn. You're...sure this is a good idea? Farrah, one day, I'm going to teach you to have confidence in your abilities.
For now, though, this should be enough. Well, if you really think so... Start it off with a Brick Break, okay? You don't have to do this all at once.
Awww! That was so close. Nothing to say, evil spirit thing? NONE OF THIS MATTERS. I WILL DESTROY YOU AFTER YOUR TEST HAS BEEN PASSED. I NOW UNDERSTAND YOUR TRUE WEAKNESS. Well then. Um...Manic? I've been waiting for a while...do you think I could... You know? I think it would be pretty sweet if you would do exactly that.
SHORYUKEN!! Her friends call her Hadouken 'cause she's down, right, fierce.
I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU IN THE SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS. YOU HAVE PASSED YOUR TEST, BUT YOU HAVE NOT WON YOUR SURVIVAL. Hey! It's getting dark! Ma-a-a-anic, my glow can't fight this! It's all right. Here, take my pack. I won't be needing it. What're you talking about?!
This is it. I've passed my test. It's time for the final confrontation...but it won't happen here. N-no! What will we do without you? You'll stick together. Help the others. Guard both regions. I hate to admit it, but we've just created a martyr out of this Genwyn person...something tells me this is far from over. I'm gonna miss you, you gigantic nerd. I'll miss you too. All of you! Don't forget to use the Sacred Ash on Anemoi when I'm-
Hey, I can see again! He's gone! First decent human I've ever known, too. How do we get home? Anemoi will fly us back. Help me with the pa-a-a-ack. Manic may be gone, but we still have work to do.
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Post by Manic on Oct 9, 2019 5:45:26 GMT
And there you have it! The resolution of Anemoi's plotline, the mysteries of Red and Genwyn, and something...new.
Don't look away for too long! The epilogue of this thread is still to come, and it's a four-parter for good reason!
It's time for the Grand Melee!
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Post by Manic on Oct 11, 2019 6:57:19 GMT
Epilogue A: Delumination
It all started with a single, tiny fissure.
Dedicated stepped forth from a single patch of darkness, the only unlighted area in the otherwise endless, vast expanse of white. "Welcome home!" proclaimed Courageous, clapping him firmly on the shoulder, enough to make him stagger forward slightly in reply. What followed was a long explanation; yes, the others had seen all that transpired. Yes, Dedicated was the final Manic to succeed in his trial. And yes, the quintet were to wait while the Oracles gathered to explain what would happen next.
Seemingly from nothing, a trio of forms appeared. One, a brown-furred lapine creature standing on two legs, approached the team with a broad smile upon his face. "Excellent work!" he proclaimed, presenting a paw to the newly-arrived and presently-stunned Manic, which was accepted and shaken in kind. From behind the Oracle who was known as Franklin, a large insectoid creature drifted toward the gathering on gossamer wings. "I am most relieved that you were able to persevere." proclaimed Prometheus, antennae perked high as he addressed the small group.
It proved no small comfort to Dedicated - a name he had accepted, as it was one of the few ways to differentiate himself from the others, all of whom were also evidently Manic - when Ma'at emerged from behind the other two to address the cluster of youths. "Ya did good, kid! All of ya did. Wish I could say it was over, but I'm not gonna lie to ya like that." This earned the Girafarig a slight nudge from the Lopunny, at which the creature shrugged. "What? It's true, an' you know it." groused the exasperated Oracle. "Shit's about to get real interesting."
The fissure yawned open, spending spidering cracks through the white of the world, cracks of absolute darkness.
"So...what now?" asked Innocent, hands clasped behind his back. "I mean, we all succeeded, right?" The question hung in the air, its gravity burdensome among all gathered as all eight beings suddenly quieted under the weight of its implications. Finally, a single voice broke the silence, ringing out clearly.
"Simple." stated Self-Aware, whose resemblance to Red could not be ignored by the discomforted Dedicated. "We've beaten every stage. What happens when you beat every stage in a game?" All human eyes widened, and Experienced frowned, his face drawing into a grimace.
"The boss." he whispered, scowling slightly as he contemplated the implications. "There's always a final boss to beat."
The following moments erupted into a cacophony of Manics, each addressing another with speculation. Perhaps it was Wallace? The deposed former champion had been dogging the team throughout the entirety of their exploits. Could it be Mewtwo, come back from the dead to destroy them all? Innocent even mentioned a being named 'Discord', though the notion was quickly discarded by the others. Moments passed as the five argued amongst themselves, theories being offered and discarded, ghosts of the past being dredged up from what memories could be salvaged from the team.
A single shard of white fell away, revealing gaping nothingness.
"Arright, cut it out!" bellowed a voice, convincing the five to silence themselves and pay attention to the Girafarig that had barked her command with such insistence. "C'mon, you guys're smarter than this! Even Courageous!" it insisted, grinning as the Manic in question shot it a dirty look. "She's a jerk, but she's right." commented the slandered trainer, folding his arms. "Think hard. Wallace had an accomplice, we know this. Who has this kind of power?"
Arguments forgotten, the five looked among one another, appearing utterly lost. Who could possibly have undertaken this sort of effort? Moments passed, and Self-Aware cupped his chin in his hand, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Whenever there's a mystery like this, there are always clues." he opined. "Let's combine our knowledge."
"I know that whatever did this had the power to warp the games themselves." he continued.
"Let's see...I know that it gave Wallace the power to possess others. And it brought my team over from a different world altogether!" volunteered Innocent, his expression hopeful.
An apologetic Courageous could only reply, "I'm afraid I don't have much to offer." At this, the Oracle of Time and Patience placed a paw on his shoulder. "You were dying." he replied, simply. "You can be forgiven."
Experienced appeared markedly less reticient. "Let's see...I know that it can pull my consciousness through time." he began. "We also know that it can create worlds."
Finally, Dedicated could restrain himself no more. "Not only can it create worlds and sustain multiple worlds at once, but it can communicate with the people in those worlds! It seems to feed on negative emotions, too...and it said it would meet me here."
Wherever the fractures spread, increasingly large bits of white began to fall away, clouding more and more of the broad, flat plain in darkness, granting contrast to a previously placid world.
"Do you feel that?" breathed the insect, prompting all present to pause in their speculation and take note of the ominous presence that had begun to loom over the gathering. Even as more fragments of the world began to disintegrate, the other Oracles turned their gaze to their surroundings and took up position around the Manics. "Dammit...this bastard works fast!" scowled the Girafarig, rearing back as if to prepare for a fight.
"Who works fast?" came the quiet reply, the voice of Innocent ringing out in the ever-increasing darkness as some unfortunate combination of reverence and fear. "Who is it? Who's coming?"
Even as the makeshift seating the others had been enjoying crumbled to dust, the Lopunny tossed a glance over his shoulder. "I can think of no more reason not to tell you." he remarked, fists clenched as if preparing for combat. Great chunks of the world seemed to fade into nothingness, the darkness destroying the area's light at a brisk pace now, and he breathed, "Every culture has a name for it. Call it Breaker, call it Lunacy, call it The Unknowable. It haunts humans and pokemon alike, feeding from their pain. To strike a deal with something like it is absolute madness, but so it is."
From within the darkness, a lone human figured emerged, glaring at the quintet of Manics with a crazed leer. Whatever he had once been, whatever he had once known, the figure was now something Else...nautical garb tattered and worn, hair thoughtlessly mussed, eyes glazed over with an expression of pure malice. His gaze made all present recoil, and he hissed in a harsh voice like a thousand blades being drawn over a chalkboard. "Hello, Manic." he snarled, spitting the final word as if it were laced with venom. "A great deal of effort has been spent trying to eliminate you. It's time that you face me more directly, I think...me, and my ally."
From within the darkness, a pair of radiant crimson eyes began to appear; the form of the creature bearing them was indistinct, shapeless within the void. "I believe you've met once before." purred what had once been Wallace, his mouth twisted into a cruel sneer as the eyes of all present - save Dedicated - widened at the realization of what they were facing.
As if in reply, a voice filled the very air, seeming to come from all sides at once. "IT IS TIME. KNOW ME NOW IN MY TRUE FORM, AND DESPAIR. From the darkness, onyx tendrils began to emerge as the being drifted into the dim light cast by the few remaining fragments of the once-pristine landscape, granting some meager view of their owner. A quiet whisper escaped the lips of Courageous, his shock evident in his tone: "But that's impossible..."
"Welp." murmured Ma'at, gawking at the sight. "We're fucked."
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Post by Manic on Oct 13, 2019 17:45:35 GMT
Epilogue B: Behind the Curtain
From within the seemingly infinite darkness, a second being emerged, wreathed in darkness somehow even deeper than the mere absence of light; it seemed to radiate absolute night, its body the hue of a sky in which stars could not shine, could never have shone. Only a wreath of jagged red about its neck and a flowing mane of white made it visible to the naked eye, along with deep azure eyes that scanned its surroundings. Teeth clenched, Franklin peered at the being and spoke slowly, with audible contempt in his voice. "Darkrai." he breathed, standing fast between the dark entity and the cluster of Manics that had been fenced in by the three standing Oracles, as though they were sheepdogs guarding their flock. "You've finally graced us with your presence." Seemingly from everywhere at once, a voice overflowing with deep, rich bass sounded all at once. "INDEED." it answered, those eyes fixating on the Lopunny, who flinched almost immediately at the unyielding, penetrating stare before that gaze roamed toward the quintet of humans. "I MUST COMMEND YOU, MANICS. EVEN DIVIDED, YOU COULD NOT BE DEFEATED BY YOUR TRIALS. NO MATTER WHAT INJUSTICE BEFELL YOU, YOU COULD NOT BE STOPPED. IT IS ALMOST A PITY TO DESTROY YOU NOW." At this announcement, Wallace folded his arms over his narrow chest, scowling at the dark entity. "Ah, but you will!" he scolded. "That was our deal. You destroy Manic, I let you drink deeply of my hatred for him."
Emboldened, Experienced finally spoke up from amidst the small crowd. "Wallace, what possible reason could you have for striking a deal with the Lord of Nightmares?!" he called out, aghast at his former opponent's sheer audacity. "Was the life of a swimmer really so bad?"
As if a switch had been flipped, Wallace rounded on the group, eyes wide with crazed fury. "So bad?!" he shrieked, fingers clenching nearly into fists, his voice shrill with outrage. "You stole everything from me! My region, my championship! My reason for living! You turned my friends against me, and for what?! Because you thought that you could manage Hoenn better than I could?! Well, let's see how you handle Hoenn when you're DEAD!"
Seething with fury, Wallace turned his attentions to Darkrai once more. "You! Fulfill our deal immediately! Kill them all!" demanded the former champion. "I didn't spend all my time finding a way to summon the One True Darkrai just to watch you flounder about like an imbecile! You're a god! DO something!"
Darkrai merely nodded, and the tendrils of darkness began to split away from its main body, taking on life of their own. Eyes opened as the formless mass began to take shape, and the gathering could only watch in horror as dozens, then hundreds of inky-black pokemon began to take shape. From Pikachu to Pachirisu, from Chimchar to Chimecho, all manner of different beings began to rise from the ground, the strength of an army staring down the Manics and their trio of guardians.
Fear gripped the gathering of heroes, and Innocent sought to conceal himself behind Courageous and Experienced even as Prometheus' heat began to rise. "You will not have them." he stated, his voice smooth with calm finality. "We will fight you to the last." At the statement of bravado, Wallace uttered a crazed cackle. "You will fight us?!" he laughed in open derision. "Oracles or not, you are three pokemon against hundreds! What can you possibly hope to do except die a slow, violent death?"
The Oracles paused, glancing amongst one another with concerned expressions. Finally, Ma'at spoke up. "Then we're gonna die." she confirmed with resolute acceptance. "Prob'ly pretty quickly, too...but we're not gonna give up without a fight, y'hear? We were created to save these guys, and that's what we're gonna do!" The others nodded their assent, and Dedicated laid a hand to Ma'at's foreshoulder. "We'll fight too." he said in a quiet tone, hoping that his voice projected more confidence than he felt. "Maybe we won't do much, but it's got to be better than laying down and dying."
As if on cue, a light shone from above the gathering, and a viper's hiss could be heard as Darkrai recoiled from the sight. "YOU HAVE BROKEN ONE OF OUR OLDEST RULES, BROTHER." came a melodic tone as a gossamer-winged being descended from the sky. Those whose eyes adjusted quickly enough could see a crescent-shaped body descending toward the scene, obviously invoking the distaste of the dark entity with which Wallace had forced his alliance. "YOUR DIRECT ATTACK AGAINST THE FINAL MANIC THROUGH HIS NIGHTMARE VIOLATES THE PACT NOT TO DIRECTLY INTERFERE WITH THE HUMANS. TO THIS END, I CLAIM THE RIGHT OF EQUIVALENCE. YOUR ARMY AGAINST MY OWN."
For several long moments, all was silence...and finally, a single voice could be heard.
"Awk-waaaaaard..." murmured Courageous, head slightly bowed.
The legendary pokemon turned to face the speaker, and Franklin cast his gaze back at his trainer. "It's okay." he reassured Courageous. "The Maker understands that you did what you had to do." All three pokemon showed deference in their own ways; Prometheus lowered his head, Franklin swept low in a bow, and even Ma'at knelt upon one foreleg. "Of course!" Self-Aware finally announced with a chuckle. "If you have an overwhelmingly powerful Big-Bad and you aren't going for the whole Crapsack World thing, you have to have an equally powerful Big-Good!"
The first of the new Manics garnered Cresselia's attention, and a benevolent voice filled the air. "OF COURSE. YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF TROPES HAS SERVED YOU WELL. IN TRUTH, ALL OF YOU HAVE MADE GOOD USE OF YOUR ABILITIES; EVEN INNOCENT, WHO GIVES HIMSELF NOT NEARLY ENOUGH CREDIT, WAS WELL-SERVED BY HIS NAIVETE AT TIMES." Even while Innocent's cheeks warmed in a blush, the announcement was interrupted by the bass tones of Darkrai. "VERY WELL, 'SISTER'." it declared, its voice dripping with contempt. "SUMMON YOUR ARMY. LET US SEE WHO HAS THE GREATER CHAMPIONS."
"VERY WELL, BROTHER. ONE MOMENT." Three flashes of light surrounded the group of Manics, and when their vision cleared, all three Oracles were gone without a trace. Nothing but Cresselia herself stood between the five humans and the horde of ebon poke-mockeries that glared at them with malice.
Another long moment of silence followed, wherein even Wallace was sufficiently stunned out of his fury to gawk in disbelief. Slowly, his mouth opened...and a harsh, grating, mirthless laugh began to echo through the remnants of the world, mocking and hateful, disbelief echoed in its tone.
Gazing skyward, Self-Aware wrung his hands in nervous anticipation and noted, "Whatever you're doing, I hope you're quick about it..."
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Post by Manic on Oct 15, 2019 5:08:10 GMT
Epilogue C: Some Assembly Required
Wind whipped past a crimson-hued figure as it plummeted toward the ground, its eyes narrowed in concentration. "Get back here!" it bellowed, arms outstretched and wings tucked against its back in an effort to outspeed its prey. Below it, a smaller ebony figure was in a similar dive, this figure more avian in nature than its draconian pursuer. Ignoring the cries of the firedrake, the small black bird dove faster, faster...and then pulled up abruptly, leaving the surprised Charizard to miss it by a wide margin. "Sorry, friend." it leered as the heavier body passed by. "You're going to have to AWWWK!" From below, a lance of white energy flew past the panicked bird, a blue-shelled figure cursing softly under its breath. "It's okay, Aaron! I've g-got it!" stammered the Lapras, firing another blast of ice toward the bird. Wings flapping furiously, the Murkrow darted to the right, narrowly avoiding the second chill volley and sneering over its shoulder at Ness. "Sorry, you seasick sea serpent!" it announced. "Your aim is as bad as your personality!" Continuing to bank to the right, Bela made for Route 8, only to ram into a bulky orange-hued body.
"Did you really think we'd allow you to poison Celadon's water supply?" sneered Jalen, even as Aaron rose up to sandwich the bird between the pair and flatly stated, "Nowhere to run now, Bela. Come quietly and we'll see to your rehabilitation." The bird's beak opened to announce a response, but the words never came; instead, all four stared in surprise as a feline figure descended from above, addressing the quartet.
"It's time!" declared Mew. "Manic is facing his final battle; he needs you, all of you!" The Charizard's hands clenched into fists, and he growled confirmation in reply. "If M-Manic needs us...then we're there!" stated Ness, drifting closer to the gathering and awaiting Jalen's confirmation, not that any was needed; all present knew that Jalen would gladly follow their former trainer to the ends of the earth, and even beyond.
"Well, then." stated Bela, even as Mew began to open a shimmering portal in the air, low enough to the ground that even Ness could make his way through. "You all seem terribly busy helping out, so I'll just be on my way. Don't worry, I'll take care of Kanto while you're gone...heh heh."
Three crimson digits closed around the bird's body as the trio-turned-quartet stepped through the portal. "Nice try, birdbrain. You're coming with us."
Casting their gazes about the palace with their usual sense of awe, the six friends traveled toward the Princess' throne room with a sense of anticipation. It was exceptionally rare that anypony would be called in on even the most official of business, so something must be either very wrong or very right. "I bet I know!" cried Pinkie, bouncing about the other five as they walked. "I bet there's some kind of oogly space alien! Oooh, or maybe Discord is back and he's turning frogs into butter! Or maybe-"
Interrupting her friend with an apologetic smile, Twilight declared, "I'm sure that whatever it is, we can handle it. The Princess wouldn't have called us in if she wasn't sure we could handle it!" This statement garnered a nod of agreement from the others, and as the stallions at the door to the throne room, Princess Celestia rose to her hooves and awaited the approach of her faithful student and friends.
Even Rainbow Dash was wise enough to be silent rather than speak out of turn in the presence of royalty, and all six knelt before Equestria's ruler as the regal alicorn approached. "Girls, there's very little time." she stated, her voice as smooth and confident as ever. "A friend of yours is in dire need of assistance. Do you remember your trip to another world, some time ago?" At this, Pinkie leapt into the air and announced, "I do! There were these weird pokeyman things and we were all fuzzy and looked like weird dog-rabbit things and I had braaaaaain pooooowers!"
Clearing her throat, Celestia nodded with her customary patience in dealing with the exuberant pony. "That's correct. Manic is in dire need of your help, girls. You may recall that there were dark forces involved in his fate and your own; he is coming face-to-face with them now, and he is desperately outnumbered."
Eyes narrowing, the azure pony's wings unfurled as she replied, "Oh, an unfair fight, huh? And I bet he needs backup from his buddies! All right, let's go kick some butt! Just give the word!" Twilight nodded her agreement, adding, "Princess Celestia, will we wind up changed the way we were before?" This brought a brief nod from the wise mare, who answered, "Yes, Twilight. I can get you to that world-between-worlds, but I can't preserve your forms while you're there. Don't be afraid, though; if you keep your purpose clear and follow your heart, your friendship will keep you on the true path."
The six drew close together as Celestia's horn began to sparkle with magic, and even as rainbow-hued energy began to surround the sextet, an inexplicable sword was raised to the heavens for just a moment with an announcement of, "For the Herd!"
Behind a mahogany desk sat a conspicuously stout figure. Regal in countenance, deep royal blue in hue, it seemed to be contemplating a stack of papers with a faint sigh. "Aw, what's wrong, baby?" came a call from the other room, and in strolled a chestnut-furred figure who leaned on the penguin's shoulder. "Roxy's here, honey. What's the trouble?" The answer came with a peck of a kiss - literally - and a gesture to the papers upon the desk. "This feels...inadequate." came the reply. "We should be out policing the area with the others, not sitting here doing paperwork. Look at this!" He lifted a flipper, demonstrating a darkening of the hide there, the flesh dyed from too much usage of a stamp.
"Baby, you need to get out more." replied the Bibarel, giving him a nudge. "Go on! This place ain't gonna fall apart without you. We fixed it up real good!" Almost as if on cue, the door to the small cabin opened, and in stepped two more allies. "Reporting for duty, Your Impotence." snickered Virgil, which got him a dour look from the Bibarel. "No-account Cousin Itt wannabe-lookin'..." From behind the Electivire emerged a Lucario, shouldering the electric pokemon out of the way. "Ahem. On to more pressing matters. The area is secure for now, though unrest continues in the northeastern region. We've got people looking into the matter."
Nero nodded his head in appreciation. "Thank you, Icarus. As ever, your assistance is most welcome." Visibly irked, the Electivire noted, "Hey, what am I, chopped liver?" The query earned him a smirk from the Bibarel, who replied, "Sugar, you sure you want Roxy to answer that?" As if deliberately timed to defuse the developing scene, another figure emerged behind the first two, the Medicham radiating a sorely-needed aura of serenity. "All of you, come. You must see this." The four pokemon glanced at one another - when Diell spoke, it seemed wise to listen - and filtered outside without a word.
Instantly, a leaner figure was grasped within the arms of a much more zaftig form. "Franklin! Honey, Roxy ain't seen you in way too long! How you doin'?" Following close behind, Nero clapped the Lopunny on the shoulder and smiled. "It is good to see you, friend. I must ask, though: where is Manic?" The smile disappeared from the Oracle's face almost instantly. "Manic is in trouble." he stated frankly, words that brought the cheerful mood of the reunion to an abrupt end. "The entity that cursed him with his sickness is confronting him now." At this, Virgil only shrugged and replied, "So? Big deal. He's a ballsy kid, he can handle it with his current team." Turning to face the Electivire more directly, Franklin answered, "Manic HAS no pokemon where he is...and the entity has summoned an army. If we don't help, there's no chance he'll survive."
Pounding one paw into the palm of the other, Icarus' spikes began to glow with an eerie blue power that the others had come to recognize as aura. "Take us to him. But...shouldn't we find Michael and Lucille first?" A confident grin found Franklin's face, and - without delay - the Togekiss and Scizor appeared, evidently ready for combat. "Done and done." came the answer. In reply to the astonished expressions of the others, he noted, "Oracle of TIME, remember? Now, everybody get ready, it's a long way up!" With that, the gathered pokemon began to rise into the sky and out of sight, with but a single protest: "My contract expired, he said so, I'm too old for this!"
Dusting herself off, Dawn uttered a minor huff of irritation. "How embarrassing." she murmured, only to be treated to the comforting tones of Vanessa's voice. "It's okay, it's fine. I'm pretty sure none of them saw." Helping her teammate up from the fall, the Gliscor silently noted that she was grateful for her ability of flight; the descent down Victory Road had proven problematic, as not all of the pokemon present could properly navigate the slopes they had so recently traveled. Calima was similarly blessed with the gift of flight, but both Arthur and Dawn were occasionally losing their balance, and Victor had to be carried outright.
"It's still hard to believe she's gone." lamented the Serperior, still visibly shaken by what he had witnessed just a short while ago. "I mean, let's face it...she became a pretty big part of our lives." This prompted a murmur of agreement from the others, but Arthur drew himself up to his full height and replied, "Aye, friend, but remember that milady's destiny lay elsewhere. We knew that she would depart for other lands when we made this ascent, and now we must lay in the bed we made for ourselves."
The quiet, mellifluous tones of Calima's voice followed this assessment. "Though this may be true, we have greater problems." she observed. "Trainerless, we are now wild pokemon; we can be captured, even attacked." This prompted a look of surprise from the others, but Victor uttered a bit of a sigh. "Everything was better when she was here...all right. We stick together, and if any trainer tries to catch one of us, we all go after them at once. They won't be expecting it, and we can make our getaway while they're still reeling. Got it?" Tail lashing, Dawn scowled, "We could do that, or we could strike them down."
"Or, you could try something different." came a familiar voice, the body of Prometheus materializing before the harried team. Several long moments passed as questions formed and were discarded, but Calima was the first to speak. "Prometheus." she addressed the Volcarona, drifting closer. "It is good to see you. That said, if you are here...where is Manic? The winds whisper nothing of her fate."
Insectoid wings fluttered rapidly as a reply was formed. "Manic is facing his final fight, but he desperately needs his team at his side." Victor startled briefly at the proclamation, but immediately took it upon himself to slither closer. "Wait. You're telling me that Manic is in danger right now, and we're just sitting here? Why aren't we already on our way?!" he stated, gaze cast back at the others. "Everybody, use the leftover healing items. However many you need, take them. We're going to need to be at our peak form if we're going to help!"
At this, Vanessa drifted over to Victor, laying a claw upon his back. "Try to calm down. We're all going to help. Just remember: Manic is facing HIS final fight, and HE desperately needs HIS team at HIS side. It sounds like this isn't going to be the Manic we know..."
Head turned, the Serperior cast a dubious gaze at the Gliscor. "I understand why you think that. I said how I felt about Manic, and I meant it. I still feel that way. I don't care if she's a guy or a girl or a pancake or a Snorlax, she was with me from the very beginning, and my feelings haven't changed." Surprised, Vanessa drew her claw back and smiled. "Well then, color me impressed. Prometheus, I think we're about ready to go."
Wordlessly, the Volcarona gestured, and all six pokemon were quietly digitized into the pokedex and sent on their way.
"So, uh. What now?" asked the Vaporeon. "I mean, aside from getting in out of the cold." Edge shook himself to get some of the fallen snow off of his body, and Link shrugged. "Well, Manic asked us to guard this world. So, I guess we do that." A disbelieving glance from the water pokemon stopped him cold, along with a statement of, "Six pokemon. Six of us are gonna guard the world against whatever may come. Man, this cold has frozen your brain!"
"We can totally do it!" came a confident reply, this time from the Golem who was already heading away from the site where their trainer had stood mere moments ago. "C'mon, we're all badasses! We just beat the stupid out of what's supposedly the strongest trainer ever. Following close behind, the Ampharos' tail swung from side to side as she noted. "You know, you're not half ba-a-a-ad, Lilly." This earned her a nudge and a grin, and an answer of, "You know, for being named after a total bitch, you're not half ba-a-a-ad yourself, Claire." Ears pinned back, the electric pokemon muttered quiet imprecations to herself; that would have to earn some manner of non-specific revenge in the future.
"I WOULD BE MOST OBLIGED IF YOU WOULD STOP BICKERING." boomed the voice of Anemoi. "I HAVE A MONSTROUS HEADACHE." For a long moment, all present fell silent in deference. "UGH. LET'S NOT MAKE THIS AWKWARD." it continued. "YOU SAVED ME FROM CAPTIVITY, I SAVED YOU FROM THE HAIL. WE ARE EVEN." Even after this reproach, several more moments of silence passed, before Farrah spoke up. "Well, um...we're still grateful." breathed the Heracross, declining to face Anemoi directly. "But okay. We're even. I mean, if that's okay."
"Nnnnope!" rang out a familiar voice behind the retreating group, and from out of a patch of darkness emerged a familiar Girafarig. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'NOPE'?" inquired the Lugia, unable to fully keep the derision from its voice. "I mean, ya saved these lot, but ya haven't really saved Manic yet, right?" came the smug answer, before a second voice rang out from the tip of Ma'at's tail. "He is correct. You have rescued Manic's pokemon, but Manic remains in pressing danger."
"Whoah, whoah. We won, right? This Genwyn guy is dust." protested the Typhlosion, before Claire nudged him in the side. "Remember the creature that occupied Genwyn's body. It said it would meet Ma-a-anic between the worlds. That must be what she's referring to." At this, Ma'at nodded - a gesture magnified by her long neck - and answered, "Bingo! The bigbad's got a hell of an army. Anemoi, pal, we need a lift back to Manic's box!"
The announcement made the Vaporeon grin. "Hell yeah! We're gonna have a huge damn army, huh?" This prompted a headshake to the negative. "Sorry, kiddo. We can only bring pokemon Manic bonded with, y'see? If they've been on his team, it's all good, but if not? Nope. So we're bringin' everybody that fought for him, an' that's all."
Wings unfurled, revealing a massive wingspan, and Anemoi glanced among the clustered group. "COME WITH ME, THEN." it stated, already beginning to flap its wings and kick up snow in the surrounding area. "I WOULD SEE MY DEBT REPAID IN FULL."
"I AM FINISHED WITH WAITING, SISTER." stated Darkrai, in a cold, emotionless tone. As one, the dark army began to advance; Metagross and Hydreigon, Floatzel and Hariyama, hundreds of pokemon began to draw toward the waiting Manics with claw and fang and wing, each one darker than the blackest night save for deep, blood-red eyes. These were false things, forged of darkness, but they seemed no less lethal for the manner of their construction. Courageous took point, hands clenched into fists as he shouted, "Oh yeah? Well, bring it on!" with a bravado he could not truly feel. Only Cresselia seemed calm and confident, floating in the air above the confrontation, seemingly unassailable.
"YES, BROTHER." replied the legendary pokemon, even as the air began to crackle about the quintet, space deforming in five distinct locations. "YOU ARE." A chorus of 'Manic!' emerged as each human found himself tackled, embraced, and nuzzled by what remained of his team. Only once greetings were issued did dozens of eyes fall upon the advancing horde. "Wisps of smoke..." murmured Self-Aware, noting that the opposing force seemed to have thinned somewhat. "Cresselia, what's this about?"
Smiling down at the Kanto Manic, the dream pokemon answered, "DARKRAI CANNOT SUSTAIN A REPLICA OF A POKEMON WITH WHICH YOU HAVE FORMED A BOND. FOR INSTANCE, AARON'S PRESENCE MEANS THAT HE CANNOT CREATE A FALSE CHARIZARD, NOR CAN HE CREATE A FALSE TOGEKISS DUE TO MICHAEL'S EXISTENCE." A glance among the gathered pokemon - several dozen in total - made Self-Aware grin. "I see. I'm guessing that also applies to older evolutions, so no Charmander or Charmeleon either, nor Riolu, and so on. Wallace, you seem to be having some personnel problems."
Seething with fury, Wallace glared at the speaker with such intensity that even the usual smug detachment faded from Self-Aware's expression. "Idiot!" he scowled. "Our force still numbers ten times yours! Any pokemon with which you failed to bond is ours to command! Do you really think that you stand a chance, even with your teams at your side?!" For a moment, hope seemed lost...but a brief snicker from Experienced caught the attention of all present. "Oh, sorry." he mused. "I was just wondering how many EVs your shadow pokemon there had."
A brief glance between Wallace and Darkrai confirmed that the nightmare lord hadn't thought of that.
"Held items?" Nothing. "Well, at least you've used TMs on them." Face reddening with fury, Wallace shrieked, "Shut your mouth! Their natural moves are more than enough! We can make up with quantity what we lose in quality!" Only a few dozen yards away now, the dark horde continued to advance, mindless malevolence shining in their ruby eyes.
"THEN I WILL GRANT MY FINAL GIFT." spoke Cresselia, finally drifting down from above. "EACH MANIC, PLACE YOUR HAND UPON ME, PLEASE." Hesitance gave way before hope as each Manic laid a hand upon Cresselia's form, and the legendary pokemon began to speak once more. "BROTHER. WHAT YOU HAVE BROKEN, I REPAIR. WHAT YOU HAVE TORN APART, I REASSEMBLE. BY MY WILL, YOUR OWN CURSE WILL BE YOUR UNDOING." All present save the various Manics began to recoil from the halo of light that surrounded the quintet, the radiant gleam becoming more and more difficult to look at until no eyes could be felt upon the cluster; for a moment, it felt as if the oppressive darkness might be pushed back by the sheer power of the light. "I PRESENT TO YOU, YOUR GENERAL." With that, the wall of light fell, revealing what was hidden within.
Jaws dropped.
Awed stares were cast.
A single, quiet voice said, "...Daddy?"
"Yes, Grant." came the calm, singular reply. "It's time to take the fight to them."
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Oct 16, 2019 4:28:12 GMT
Though I was late to the party, I remember reading the first time I read this and feeling hyped as all get out. One of the things I'd love to see in a pokemon game: a large scale battle, but this will serve nicely.
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Post by Manic on Oct 16, 2019 8:06:17 GMT
Epilogue D: Grand Melee
A tense moment passed between the teams as eyes met, but the awkward second rapidly dissipated. Encouraged by a deep-seated knowledge that they were brothers and sisters in arms, an understanding was instantly forged; there was no league here, there were no rules. For the time being, Manic would control several dozen pokemon...against several hundred.
Watching on with sadistic glee, Wallace wrung his hands in anticipation of the slaughter that was to occur, the mass of shadows continuing their ceaseless advance on the group. Mindless and soulless, they knew only one thing: the will of their master was absolute, their sole purpose in life being to destroy the creatures before them.
One hand lifted.
A cap was turned.
"All right." stated Manic, flatly. "Let's do this."
With unrestrained fervor, a battle cry rang out among the pokemon not borne from Darkrai's machinations, and an arm was thrust toward the advancing army. "Aaron, Link, Lana! Show me your Dodrio impression!" Sans hesitation, the Charizard scooped the pair of Typhlosions into his arms and unfurled his wings, rising skyward. Within seconds, the battlefield before them was bathed in flames as each unleashed a powerful Flamethrower, scorching several dozen of the shadow pokemon.
"A nice start," sneered Wallace, "But you're going to have to do much better than that! These pokemon are forged from the depths of darkness, they aren't so easily beaten!"
Lips parted, revealing a grin. "Well, since you asked...anyone who knows Ice Beam! That means Rarity, Edge, Nero, Ness! Fire Team heated them up, you cool them down!" Standing shoulder to shoulder, the quartet braced themselves, the ground beneath them bunching up beneath paws and feet alike as a quartet of beams of pure white strafed the pokemon not defeated outright by the Flamethrower attacks and froze them in place.
"Good! Fighting Team, Normal Team, you've got your targets!" Glancing among each other, four pokemon charged into the fray amidst the frozen targets. Per his usual gallantry, Arthur took point and delivered a Brick Break to the nearest frozen shadow pokemon, a Simisage. An awed expression followed when the iced-over grass type literally shattered to pieces, and a questioning glance was cast back at his trainer. "Flash-frozen! They should be extremely brittle!" This prompted a shared grin between Dawn and Roxanne, and the two waded into battle to begin their own little competition to see who could devastate the most frozen foes, delivering powerful blows that laid low opponents that otherwise might have spelled instant defeat. Diell wove between would-be attackers, elemental punches swinging wide and connecting with several members of the false army, fists glowing an array of different colors and felling more than his share of opponents.
Scowling at the sight, Wallace turned his attention to Darkrai. "Why aren't you out there doing something?!" he seethed, hands clenched into fists. "This should be an easy victory!"
"All right! Teams, fall back!" announced the trainer, before gesturing anew. "Ground Team! I need you to kick up their fighting types!" Feet stomped the ground, seismic pulses emanating from Golem and Flygon, from Gliscor and even from Lucario, and the impact was nigh-instantaneous; poke-mockeries went flying everywhere, jagged spikes of earth launching Machamp and Breloom skyward, some two dozen or so pokemon launched into the air. "All right, flying types! They're all yours!" Half of the Ground Team launched themselves into the air, accompanied by a pair of Dragonites and framed by the looming form of a Lugia. Surging forward to pluck their helpless targets out of mid-air, they found their chosen opponents to be easy pickings.
"Don't worry." came the added remark. "Grant, you stay here with me. Victor, Lucille, you too; I want you at my back. Nothing reaches Grant or me, you hear me?" A brief nod was the only answer as the Serperior began to Coil around the trio, hide tensing tautly while the Scizor hunkered down and prepared for battle; nothing would reach their charges today. Impacts could be heard all over the battlefield as the helpless shadow fighters were plucked from the sky by aerial assaults, their bodies dissipating into nothing before they hit the ground.
"Twilight, can you-" began the general, but the voice was cut off by that of an Umbreon, grinning at him. "Of course we can. Ready, girls?" A chorus of "Ready!" echoed behind her, and the six eeveelutions began to rise into the air, glowing brightly enough to further illuminate the battlefield. For a brief moment, Twilight closed her eyes...but when they reopened, they glowed brightly, no iris visible behind the light. "You're done hurting our friend!" she declared, gaze cast directly at the maddened human and its divine ally. "HARMONIZE!" At the command, a ray of rainbow-hued energy lanced from the group, drawing lines through the battlefield before them. Those shades unlucky enough to be caught by the ray were sliced neatly in two, the individual halves beginning to sizzle before dissipating; not one could stand up to the light.
*SMACK!* The sound reverberated through the battlefield, sharp and sudden enough to draw the attention of all present, even the false pokemon. Reeling from the blow, Darkrai turned to face Wallace, its gaze harsh and intent; the human had just dared to backhand a god, his skin still stinging from the impact. "A deity, hmmm? All-powerful, hmmm? You can make entire worlds, but you can't dispose of one little trainer, is that it?! You're not even trying! Your minions are pathetic!" The hand reeled back to strike again, but Darkrai's voice sounded out, clear and firm. "I HAVE NO MORE POWER." it announced, fixing Wallace with an sufficiently intense gaze to give him pause. "I KNOW HOW TO DEFEAT YOUR ENEMY, BUT I REQUIRE MORE STRENGTH."
Fuming, Wallace threw his hands in the air, utterly ignoring the strategic massacre that was causing the numbers of the dark pokemon to dwindle toward nothing. "Then get more!" he shouted, his face red with rage. "Do whatever it takes! I don't care! No price is too high!" His will announced, he turned back toward the battle, occasionally turning this way and that as if to guide individual attacks through sheer willpower and ignoring the reply: "VERY WELL. I WILL CONSUME THE GREATEST SOURCE OF POWER IN THE AREA." Soundlessly, tendrils of darkness began to creep toward the deranged former champion, drawing around his ankles.
His shouting inaudible over the sound of the pokemon still in mid-combat, Manic could only watch helplessly as Wallace's eyes widened, his body slamming to the floor and slowly being dragged into the mass of darkness that was his benefactor. Without warning, a single shriek stopped the battle, all present gawking in horror as the sailor's body began to vanish into the blackness that was Darkrai. "We had a deal! You can't do this!" he screeched, clawing at the air as the deity replied, "THE DEAL WAS THAT I WOULD DISPOSE OF MANIC - AND I SHALL - AND IN RETURN, YOU WOULD FEED ME. AND YOU ARE. NO TERMS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED." Eyes wide with visceral terror, Wallace screamed out, "No! It can't end like this! Help me! Mani-" before vanishing entirely into the void.
Instantaneously, the shadows vanished. Only Darkrai itself remained.
"HIS FEAR, HIS HATRED...EXQUISITE. DELICIOUS. I COULDN'T EAT ANOTHER BITE." purred the Lord of Nightmares, seemingly more sedate after his meal.
Steadily, the pokemon present began to advance on the legendary being, with Manic following close behind. "He's gone, then?" inquired the trainer.
"IN A MANNER OF SPEAKING. I HAVE ABSORBED HIM; AS AN INDIVIDUAL ENTITY, HE HAS CEASED TO BE, BUT HE IS A PART OF ME NOW." The announcement was calm, emotionless, seeming to suggest that this had happened many times in the past.
"Then I think I'd like to go home. I think we all would." replied Manic, gesturing to his oversized team.
"I CANNOT. I HAVE NOT YET FULFILLED MY END OF THE BARGAIN." came the reply, Darkrai's eyes starting to glow ever more brightly, the ruby light becoming more and more difficult to look at until even Cresselia had to shield her eyes. "I HAVE ENOUGH POWER FOR ONE MORE TRIAL. I NOW UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR STRENGTH LIES, AND I AM OBLIGATED TO DESTROY YOU. TO THIS END, I WILL TEND TO THE MATTER...PERSONALLY."
Spots slowly began to clear before the eyes of all present, vision slowly restoring even after the image of Darkrai at full strength had been burnt into the memories of the fighters. A clamor began to rise among the group, swiftly rising to a cacophony. Some wept, some cursed, some gazed skyward at the Lady of Dreams for answers, and some began to comfort those who were at their most frightened.
Manic was gone...as was Darkrai.
TO BE CONTINUED
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Post by Manic on Oct 16, 2019 8:09:25 GMT
ghostwriter85 Alas, I don't even know how a mass-scale battle would work in a Pokemon game, but I'm glad I could provide here! Thus, Spirit Electrum winds to a close. And yet, the war is not yet won...Manic and Darkrai are both gone, ostensibly sent to one final trial. A trial forged with the notion in mind that Darkrai understands the source of Manic's strength, and knows how to subvert it. The next run will start soon, and it will be the final run of the saga!
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Post by crimsondoom on Oct 16, 2019 16:13:06 GMT
Y'know, I didn't expect this run to arrive so quickly... guess I'd better be quick about emotionally preparing myself. For the new people around: if you thought this run was crazy, you haven't seen ANYTHING yet. Brace yourselves.
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