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Post by truezero2 on Dec 21, 2019 22:22:56 GMT
To be fair, three out of four members of Unova's Elite Four are weak to Scrafty. Right then, got to do the highlight catch up. Update 21: Vs. MewtwoRight, as was previously mentioned, Mewtwo's Pokemon are all custom built. While I'm not going to go into the full stats (tables on this forum are not easy to create), I can at least cover some notable aspects about all of them: - Pikachu: Holding a Light Ball, since it's not technically a proper Pikachu (being a clone of one, a Pikachutwo if you will) however, it gets no stat boosts from it. Instead, the boosts are fixed directly into Pikachutwo's base stats. As a result, 211 base attack, and 121 speed. Base Stat Total: 550 Also has a Lonely nature, so that attack stat is even higher. Moveset is Volt Tackle, Extreme Speed, Raid (Bug, chance to inflict status effect based on weather) and Wave Splash (Aka Big Splash, Water. No info available).
- Scyther: Naive Nature. Focus Band and Explosion, need I say more? Aside from that, it's the only other physical attacker on the team, with 157 attack and 136 speed. Base Stat Total: 570. Moveset is Brave Bird, Earthquake, Explosion and Grand Boulder (Rock, 75% Acc, 30% chance to flinch).
- Venusaur: Modest Nature. Holding Leftovers, 146 special attack and 111 HP. Base Stat Total: 592. Moveset is Rapid Growth (Grass move, chance to boost sp. atk), Geo Impact (Steel, 60% chance to sharply boost sp. atk), Dark Resolve (Dark, 120 Power, poisons user) and Hydro Pump.
- Blastoise: Modest Nature, holding a Quick Claw. The slowest Pokemon on the team with 78 speed (Venusaur is next with 80) but rocking 134 special attack and both defenses at 100 and 105 respectively. Couple that with 110 HP, and you officially have the bulkiest member of Mewtwo's team. Base Stat Total: 599. Moveset is Hydro Pump, Earth Power, Flamethrower, Toxin Spray (Poison, 30% chance to poison).
- Charizard: Fastest member of the team with 146 speed and 140 special attack. Holding Bright Powder, Lax nature for added defense. Base Stat Total is 600, putting it at Pseudo Legendary status. Moveset is Earth Power, Heat Wave, Thunderbolt and Bug Noise (Bug, 120 Power, 20% chance of paralysing the user).
So yeah, Mewtwo's battle is openly cheating.
Update 22
I knew this was coming. Meet Gorichu, or Machu as the English translation puts it. Machu Pokedex: Its throat is so powerful that a loud enough roar can form a blade of air that slices even the sky.First thing I notice about it outside of the design is that it has Cute Charm as a potential ability. The next thing I notice is that this is a friendship evolver. So yeah, it's actually really easy to land this thing. That being said, it actually has decent stats. 130 Attack, 90 Speed, 80 Def being the top three. Movewise, it learns mostly Electric and Fighting moves by Level Up, with Bullet Punch being thrown in there. TMs, Tutors and Breeding throw in the usual fare for coverage. Also move related, but that Pokedex description is entirely pointless, because the only sound move Machu learns is Uproar and even then, that's only by breeding. It also does not learn Air Slash, so it's a double lie! I do find it funny that the entire wiki page for it turns it into a meme though. Update 23: No new Pokemon.
Update 24First one's nice and simple. Blitzune Pokedex: Its fangs are sharp and coursing with electrical power. A bite will leave the victim shocked and numb.I covered this Pokemon through its Pre-evolution in the highlights for Chapter 16. The other one is a fully evolved Fossil Pokemon. Meet Scimitooth. Scimitooth Pokedex: It viciously attacks prey with its two enormous fangs, landing the final blow by skewering them straight through.As much as I like this design (especially the shiny), it's a bit slow for a glass cannon. 90 speed, which is good in most cases, but both defenses are at 45. Movewise, it mostly learns Rock and Electric, with a healthy dose of Steel via TMs. That's actually it for this bumper highlight. Next time, we'll see what appears during the Champion battle!
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Post by crimsondoom on Dec 21, 2019 22:34:26 GMT
To be fair, three out of four members of Unova's Elite Four are weak to Scrafty. I mean, yes, but that's one specific dual-typed Pokemon as opposed to an entire type.
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Post by Manic on Dec 23, 2019 7:48:48 GMT
That's right. We went through the entirety of the Elite Four and ALL of them had a weakness to Ground. (Electric, Poison, Steel, Fire) This is still a super weird design and I have no idea why anyone would do that. It's so out-of-place, too. In a hack that delights in punching you in the throat at the slightest opportunity, the Elite Four is "bring Earthquake, win".
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Post by Manic on Dec 23, 2019 7:55:26 GMT
Update #26: All or Nothing - vs. Champion Cynthia Jr.
Oh, uh, excuse me. Is the champion around? Do not be fooled by appearances. ...this is her, isn't it? A little girl. Yes. This little girl is all that stands between me and my Hanami. Actually...
Close your eyes, I'll try to make this quick. Iwao, no, she's a child! She's in my way, Yuki! Unless you want the death of a child on your conscience, I recommend you take action, Manic. Shit! Um, um...Hisao! Get out there! You lead! Certainly.
...seriously, she couldn't be more than... Your age. I see. Which means she probably beat the previous champion. Isn't that how this works? Right. She definitely beat the previous champion. Which means she's a hell of a trainer. So are you, Sensei! Now let me show you how good! Patience, Terry. Let Hisao do his job.
Manic. Hisao? If you wish for me to fight, I will, but Terry has a super-effective attack. Perhaps... Hmmm. Fair enough. Terry, get in there and soak that thing! At last! Hee hee... I don't like the sound of that... Giga Spark! What?!
TERRY! Nnngh...it's all right, Sensei...I'm fine...! Like hell you are, I'm switching you! For who...? What? Yuki is weak to Rock, Hideo to Electric, Nobuo to Flying, and I bet this thing has a Water attack. Then what do you recommend? I can win. Terry, that thing is an Aerodactyl! It's faster than...than...I can't think of a good metaphor right now, but it's really fast! I. Can. Win. You're serious, aren't you? Let me fight, Sensei. Please! Arceus help me, Terry, I hope you're right. Wreck it!
Wait. What just happened? I didn't even see it! So fast... Phew! I told you I could do it! Terry, you have a lot to be proud of. Thank you, Sensei! I'm glad you're proud of me! Now sit down before I have to change my pants. Yuki, I want you up front to field whatever's next.
We fought one of these earlier, didn't we? We did? They did. In the Normal-type gym we sort of trampled. Then this should be easy! Go get 'em, Yuki! In our previous battle, I tried Shadow Ball, failing to take into account its actual typing.
I will not make the same mistake twice! Nice, Yuki! Way to...go?
Most impressive. It's super-threatening! No! No more of this! I am fed up with my opponents showing me up in front of my Sensei and teammates! Stay down! Um, Yuki...
What?! Nevermind! Nothing! Good work! She's scary when she's angry... To think, she was worried about me. Yuki... *sigh* Who is swapping in, Sensei? Actually, I was wondering if you might be willing to stay in front for a moment. Truly? So you didn't one-shot it. So what? It's a tank anyway, we all know that. You have three different attack types and a disabling move. Truth is, we're better off giving you first crack at our opponents. Thank you, Sensei! I am so pleased! I would be happy to-
Oh my. Shake it off, Yuki! All it did was neutralize your physical strength. That's not what you rely on, remember? Sensei, perhaps you should switch me? It's likely to have a Fire attack. A Fire attack it'll never get to use. Yuki, your biggest problem is that you have no self-confidence. You're going to fight that thing, and you're going to ruin its whole damn day. I'm pretty sure that's a dragon, now freeze it solid! But if I can't strike it down in one shot... That's irrelevant, because you will! Now freeze it in place, or I'm sending Terry out after it!
I...I did it... Damn right you did. You don't give yourself nearly enough credit, you know. Huh. Not bad. Not bad?! That was amazing! Yuki, you're so strong! Maybe we can spar someday? Oh, I, uh, maybe... Eugh. Be quiet. You're not your Sensei, little acolyte. You can't tell me- BE. QUIET. ...hmph.
Sensei? It may not have any elemental weaknesses, but it's not all that strong, either. You can take it! But this is... The same type that killed Akio... Yeah, it is. And we're going to neutralize it. Ice Burn? Shadow Ball? I have a better idea. It's a physical attacker, so why not turn on the charm?
I hope you know what you're doing, Sensei... Ohhh, Yuki... A very useful talent. Don't worry, I know that a crit will defeat that power decrease, but we're just doing it enough to slow him down. Besides, it's not as if- Anger Burn! Son of a BITCH!
...Yuki? You are more wise than I give you credit for, Sensei. Me? I had my doubts, I admit...but if it were not for the Charm, I might be dead. And an attack boost to boot! Way to go! Hmmm. Yuki, how would you feel about a repeat performance? Let's put this thing on ice. Urgh. The next time you make a pun like that, I'll kill you in self-defense. The next time I make a pun like that, I'll deserve it.
Very nice indeed! TWO attack boosts now! Sensei, if it's all right, I'd like to continue. Hmmm. I don't know if I should press my luck. Is it luck? You know what? You're right. It's not luck. Keep on going, Yuki, and make those boosts count!
I'd like to come back now, please. Ohhhh shit. Metagross time! So what? It's weak to Fire and Ground. Guess what I have! Iwao, I know you're strong, but this is a Metagross. Gonna leave her in, then? Okay, okay. Fine. But if you get in trouble, I'm pulling you back.
Here we go! Oh, stop whining. It's a Steel type attack, it isn't super-effective. What's the worst that could-
...OW... And you just had to choose now to miss with Heat Wave. Yes. I chose to miss with it. That's obviously what happened. Sorry, sorry. Okay. Hisao, I need you in there. Why him? Because he'll resist Metal Bullet, and because as long as you're in there, I'm mostly just healing until it crits and kills you. Compelling arguments. I suggest you listen. Fine. Go, assassin-for-hire!
Okay, Hisao. You're on tanking duty. You'll resist Psychic and Steel alike, so I need you to stay up front while I heal everyone. I will do as you ask. Thanks, I guess. Uh...Sensei? Calm down, Terry. You're next. No, Sensei... Okay, you can fight next too! SENSEI! What?!
Are you fucking kidding me?! Oh, hell. Uh, it's okay if you don't swap me back in. Gahhhh! Okay, fine. This lets out both of my pokemon who know Fire or Ground attacks, because they're both weak to Water. Yuki can't fight, for obvious reasons. That leaves Nobuo, Hideo, and Terry. It's looking bad, Sensei... Terry is hurt, and we can't risk Sensei. Send me in! Nobuo, you're weak to Psychic, and so is Hideo! Well, you can't send Terry in, he's too hurt! I can't send anyone in or they'll die! I need a buffer zone...a turn to breathe!
Sensei? Is one of us going to die? NO! I refuse to accept that! Too many have died already! There must be a way, I don't believe in the no-win scenario! What will we do? The choice is obvious. Use this turn to heal Terry. You can't survive another hit like that! And my fee will double, but you can afford it. Hisao, no more death! I'm not joking! Sit. What? Sit down on the ground. Hideo, this isn't the time for- Now. Fine.
For a long moment, I sat.
My opponent gazed at me with an impassive stare.
There was no pity in her eyes, no mercy.
I needed an answer.
My mind was racing in a thousand directions.
The next attack would surely be fatal.
Hideo gazed at me calmly, unworried.
What did he know that I did not?
Had he accepted this fate?
No. This was not his way. What did he see?
See...
My eyes met his.
My breathing slowed.
I blinked, once.
When my eyes reopened, I could see again.
I smiled.
He smiled in return.
Hideo. Your turn. Sensei, NO! How could you do this to him?! I admit, I'm equally surprised. I thought you were attached to him. I am. But he'll die! No, he won't. He's weak to Psychic attacks, remember?! The Metagross isn't going to use a Psychic attack. How could you know that?! Because a Psychic attack wouldn't work very well on Hisao. You know what would?
TERRY, NOW! I have it! I...you... After this, perhaps we can discuss a business arrangement. He's alive! They're both alive! Hideo, how do you feel about the idea of wasting this thing? I think that I need to be switched immediately. Hideo?
No... I can't watch! SENSEI!! How...how could it possibly... Don't look. This is nobody's fault. Perfect defense...water for the fire and ground types, electric for the water types...
I live? Arceus preserve me, you're alive! Alive, but grievously- Don't speak. I'm getting you out of here. But now we have a new problem. Even Terry can't stand up to that! He's not going to have to. Sensei? Hisao, get out there! But the wat...ohhhh!
Exactly. It's not going to use Big Splash, it's going to use Giga Spark, because that's what would have worked on Hideo! Thereby enabling you to stay one step ahead of your opponent. Very nice. Yeah, but you can't do this forever! I'm not going to have to. First of all, Hisao, take this Hyper Potion. Bill me. Second. HEY, METAGROSS!
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, RIGHT? !!! OH YEAH? WELL, CLAP!
What the hell just happened?! It...it missed! Amazing... He distracted it! Thereby throwing off its aim. And giving us the edge we need!
Now, Hisao! Hit it with a Bulldoze! My pleasure. It's still up! Hit it again! This time with an Anger Burn! What if it uses Big Splash again? It won't be enough to kill. Now, hit it good and hard, and don't spare the power!
That was one of the toughest fights I've ever been in! I will be honest: I expected to meet my end. I expected all of us to! Be careful, she still has one more pokemon! Be that as it may, I still have all six of you. Between us, there's no opponent that can stay standing! That's it! Now is the time! Unless this opponent resists Normal attacks, it's mine!
In a single hit. That's why you held me back, isn't it? I don't understand! No, but Nobuo does. He was my shock troop, the ace up my sleeve. The fighter no one sees coming. And if you had used me earlier... Right. Then you would have fought that Metagross, potentially in the throes of Thrash. Confused, or worse. So it's over? We won?! You're damn right we did.
And here's the professor to greet me. Hello, Professor. Look how I've grown! He does seem pleased. You know him? He's the one who gave me Terry. He's one of the first people I met on this voyage. Now, I think the two of them are done chatting, so we have something that needs doing.
What's this about? Such an artificial place. Shiny, though! Every region has this: the Hall of Champions. This is where a record is made of all of us, you and me alike. Future generations will study us and our strategies, and you six in particular. This is the right of all Champions.
Aspiring trainers will want to meet you. You will never want for food, shelter, or safety again. Sounds like a good way to raise a family. This may not sit well with the organization. It'll certainly be easier to get pardons. Your word will carry a lot of weight. We will see. I have no need of fame. True, but it's your renown that brought Nobuo to you. You and he can train the younger generation and pass on what you know. Let's give it a try, Sensei! I will return to my studies. Do you think you'll need a bodyguard? I just might, at that. You've all got a lot to look forward to...
...but we're not done yet. But we're the champions! Who could be stronger than us?! The source of all of my pain. The one who brought me here to begin with. The body is destroyed, but the head still lives; we have to strike now, while he's still weak.
I'm coming for you, Darkrai. And this time, only one of us is walking away.
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Post by truezero2 on Dec 23, 2019 21:39:54 GMT
Final highlight corner. Got to admit, this has been fun, but I know what's coming next. I figure now's a good time to end off my contribution for this run. So here's what I'm going to do. That last Fakemon is the region's Pseudo Legendary, so I'm going to cover the line as a whole. I'm then going to cover a Fakemon that's appropriate for this time of year. With that, let's start with the Pseudo Legendary line for the region: Laquagon, Dragune and Nostratos! Laquagon Pokedex: Its head is large and its body is small, so it falls over frequently. Because of this, its face is covered in bruises.Just reading that made me want to hug this thing. Then I saw that this thing is almost 3 meters tall. Dragune Pokedex: When it raises its long ears, it can hear even the faintest of sounds, up to a distance of half a mile away.OK, bit of a jump. Still no arms for the line though. Nostratos Pokedex: A rare Pokemon that lives high above the clouds. It is rarely seen anywhere close to the ground.Typewise, this line goes from Dragon/Water to Dragon/Flying, so it actually gains two weaknesses upon evolving, and one of them's a double. For the ability, It's rocking Intimidate. Statwise it's also pretty respectable. 89 HP, 115 Attack, 80 Defense and Special Defense, 135 Special Attack, and 101 Speed. Movewise though? It's also pretty damn good. A lot of coverage, decent strength attacks, there's a fair amount going for it. As per usual though, most, if not all, of that coverage comes through TMs, Tutors and Breeding. All in all, it's definitely a worthy Pseudo Legendary. It's even available pre-League and will likely spend a lot of time in its final evolution, given the levels involved.
Now it's time for the oddball. I've shown off a few Fakemon this run that are evolutions of actual Pokemon, and there's even some pre-evolutions involved as well. For example, there's a reverse Branching Evolution in this region, where three Pokemon evolve into the same thing. Solrock, Lunatone and a Fakemon called Stellith evolve into the same Pokemon, meaning the moves could vary a little depending on the route you take. This one though? I did mention it was appropriate given the time of year. Here's a Delibird Evolution for you, in the form of Blizentork. Blizentork Pokedex: It goes around giving out food to hungry Pokémon. Because of this, some call it "The Pokémon Santa Claus".That's pretty heartwarming. Statwise though, this things a special sweeper that's a little too slow to reliably sweep. Unlike Delibird though, this one does actually have a full on movepool, so there's that. I'm not going to go into major detail with the moves, it's the typical fare. Mostly STAB moves by level up, then a truckload of coverage through the other means.
Well everyone, it's been fun. See you in the next run!
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Post by crimsondoom on Dec 23, 2019 23:46:04 GMT
Got to admit, this has been fun, but I know what's coming next. You had to remind me. I'm not ready. ;.;
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Post by Manic on Dec 24, 2019 5:23:17 GMT
Update #27: Final Battle - vs. Darkrai!
Oh, hello there. It looks like he wants us to follow him, Sensei. Should we? Sure, there's no need to be rude to him. We owe him a lot, all of us. What do you mean? If he hadn't passed Terry along to me, I wouldn't have been able to start my journey, and I wouldn't have met any of you. So I should punch him. That's a pretty poor idea, Iwao. Why not let me handle the details? You just stand there being grumpy.
Heh. Well, I don't know what you're saying, but it's not hard to tell that you're proud of me. He looks worried too, though. He is a learned man. Perhaps he knows of your plight. I don't think so, Hideo. Look at him; he's smiling. A smile can be a mask. My student senses it, as do I. Something is wrong. Hm. If you say something is wrong, it probably is. All right, let's see where this goes...
Kyle! Hey, good to see you! Manikku! Ogenkidesuka? < How are you? > It's good to see you too, man. Brofist! I suppose some things are universal. Hey, Kyle and I go way back, at this point. When someone has your back, you just know. It's really quite charming, Sensei. Heh, yeah. So anyway, what's going on? Watashitoisshoni kite! < Come with me! > Whoah, easy! Let go, I can walk! It doesn't look like he's going to release you, Sensei! Ah, hell with it. This might be the last time he drags me somewhere. Okay, Kyle. Lead on!
Ah, hello! I remember you. You were in the Unknown Dungeon when we confronted Turner! Sore wa anata ni futatabi o mite yoidesu! ...Terry? He says it's good to see you again! Right, um. Could you, y'know- Of course! How can I help you? Watashi wa dono yo ni anata o tasukeru koto ga dekiru? Anata ga chanpion ni nattanode, 2 kimyona enerugi no sokutei-chi ga aru koto ni natte kita. Since you defeated the champion, two strange energy readings have come into being. Two strange readings? Where? Futatsu no kimyona rodoku? Dokodesu ka? Hitotsu wa, michi no danjon ni natte imasu. One is in the Unknown Dungeon. And the other? Soshite, hoka no? Kakusa reta. Sore wa doko ni demo aru to omowa reru. Hidden. It seems to be everywhere. Got it. Goodbye, friend.
Where do we go first? Well, the first thing we do is gather supplies. If Darkrai really is out there, I want to be prepared. Supplies? You already have a hundred of almost everything for sale. What could you possibly need? First of all, while we're in town, I want to see if a roadblock has been removed...
HA! Thought so. Champion access only, apparently. Where are we? The preserve. Surely, you do not plan to catch and train another pokemon. I'm not quite that crazy, Hideo, but I'd bet that there are items hidden around here just like out there. Sensei! I found a PP Up! ...like that. All right, let's have a look around, then hit our next stop. Where will we be going next?
Thought so! Champion status has its perks. Omni Medicines...for sale... Sensei, how many will you take? A hundred. I want to literally be able to outlast Darkrai if I have to. That will dangerously deplete your funds. Don't worry, I've done the math. I'll still have enough money to double my payment, though I won't need to. Now, let's move on. Let's get this over with! I couldn't agree more. That's why we're paying a visit to one more previous location.
Are we ready for the battle that awaits us here? No battle awaits us here, Yuki. Then we are not here to investigate the energy readings? 'Investigate' may be the wrong word. I suspect that he intends to seek the counsel of their source. Ohhh, I see! You've got it, Hideo. It's time my benefactress and I had a talk.
Cresselia. Are you here? I AM. I don't know what to do next. If Darkrai is everywhere, how can I fight him? YOU MUST LEARN WHO YOU ARE. I know who I am! I'm Manic. I've defeated region after region, but nothing has taught me how to fight an opponent I can't touch!
WHO IS MANIC? I am. Didn't we just discuss this? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MANIC? I'm pretty sure we just covered this as well. YOU ARE THE CANDLE-BEARER. TO FIND AND DEFEAT DARKRAI, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THIS. Then I'm in deep trouble, because I have no idea what Candle-Bearer even means! YOU KNOW THE ANSWER. YOU HAVE CREATED IT. Cresselia. Please. This is no time for joking around. I honestly don't understand what you mean! THEN I SHALL AID YOU. Thank goodness.
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN? Well, I was in Hoenn, having just moved there. My father, a man I didn't really understand at all, was a gym leader there. My mother had turned to less savory work in order to keep us fed, and I was, uhm...a bit of a jerk. You still are! Ahem! So, that's how I started out. WHAT HAPPENED THEN? Well, I wound up getting mixed up in the affairs of Team Magma and Team Aqua, and their respective bids to alter the world to their liking. GO ON. I managed to put a stop to their plans, but in the course of fighting them, I found out how incompetent Wallace was. AND? And I fought my way to him and claimed the championship role, with the support of the friends I made along the way. I UNDERSTAND. WHY?
I don't understand the question. WHY DID YOU DO THESE THINGS? Well...I mean, I couldn't... THE JOURNEYS YOU UNDERTOOK AS SEPARATE BEINGS COULD BE JUSTIFIED BY A NEED TO REUNITE YOURSELF, BUT DARKRAI HAD NOT YET BECOME INVOLVED AT THIS POINT. Well, yes. THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO STOP THESE EVENTS? I had to! WHY YOU? Somebody had to, and nobody else was doing it! I couldn't just let things stay the way they were! WHY NOT? SURELY, SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE HANDLED IT, AND WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY DONE SO. Don't you know?! DON'T YOU? ... ... NOW YOU UNDERSTAND. YOU UNDERSTAND WHY A CHILD IN SINNOH SLEEPS PEACEFULLY. YOU UNDERSTAND WHY A BOY IN JOHTO HAS HUNG UP HIS SNIPER RIFLE, AND WHY ANOTHER IN UNOVA GRASPS THE NEED FOR A TRAINER TO BOND WITH HIS POKEMON. I... AND YOU KNOW HOW TO FIND DARKRAI. Let's go, team. Where are we going, Sensei?! Where it all began.
Ingenious. To hide in plain sight is to take your opponent unawares. I don't understand, Sensei. Why would he be here, of all places? I'm a fool. I can't believe I didn't see this before. Sensei? Terry. I need you to translate for me one more time. Of course!
Listen to me. Watashi ni mimiwokatamukeru. Manikku...? I only have time to say this once. Watashi wa katsute kore o iu tame no jikan o motte iru dake. Hai? You are in terrible danger. Go to the Professor. Evacuate the town. If I don't emerge in five minutes, hide. Anata wa, osoroshi kiken ni sarasa rete iru. Kyoju ni ido shimasu. Machi o hinan. Watashi wa 5-bu de dete inai baai wa, hi hyoji ni shimasu. H-hai... GO! Hold it. I want answers, and we're not going anywhere until I get them.
First, take these. Split them evenly. I'm waiting. Darkrai is the Lord of Nightmares. He feeds off of our fear. Where would such a thing stay? Very good. Sensei? Think, student. A being that creates and then feeds off of nightmares. Where would it be? You mean...
Near my bed. Sensei, isn't this the dead man you saw earlier? He's not dead. Not exactly. But you said- Darkrai enveloped him, yes. Fed off of his anger, his fear, his jealousy. Look into his eyes. Okay, that's really unsettling. He's like the walking dead... No emotion is left in him. He's little more than a puppet. Why would Darkrai send him? Because he needs a trainer, and Wallace is one.
Brace yourselves. I have no idea what to expect. I am ready. You're learning how I operate. Good. This will be our ultimate test; hold nothing back. MANIC... Hello, Darkrai. His mouth moves, but the voice is not his own. TELL ME, MANIC. I HAVE PUT YOU THROUGH TRIAL AFTER TRIAL, RIGGED HEAVILY AGAINST YOU. RAN YOU THROUGH RIGORS THAT WOULD HAVE MADE GROWN MEN SURRENDER TO A QUICK DEATH. I'm assuming you have a point. WHY WON'T YOU DIE?! Because I am the Candle-Bearer. It's my fate to stand against you!
...Mewtwo. This one is different from before. I should imagine so. In Kanto, it struck a deal with Darkrai to consume another world. I recall this story! This one is pitch black, though... It's a shade. A shadow from another world.
Its attack certainly feels real enough. I don't know why it's here, but I know what we're going to do about it. Hisao, Bulldoze it! Are you certain? Megahorn would be super-effective. If I'm guessing correctly, it has Recover. You need to reduce its speed!
HOW CAN A MORTAL STAND AGAINST ME? You're right, Darkrai. You have put me through hell. Disease, war, mind control, lies...I'm not going to lie, you've even made me afraid. YOU ARE RIGHT TO FEAR ME, BOY! No, Darkrai. I'm not. Hit him again, Hisao.
You see, you may have made me afraid of people, of dying, of my own family...
...but I've never been afraid of the dark. One down. Well done, Hisao. Yuki, I want you to come in on the next one. Are you certain? I am. I believe in you, Yuki. I know you can handle this. THAT ONE WAS WEAK AND FOOLISH, AND DESERVES A FOOL'S END. THE OTHERS WILL NOT BE SO SIMPLE, ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN BOLSTERED BY HER FEAR!
Garchomp. Cynthia's, I presume, but stronger than it was in Sinnoh. It's m-massive... It's Dragon/Ground, Yuki. Double weakness to ice. Deep breath...focus...follow through. TELL ME, BOY. WHAT DO YOU THINK A CANDLE-BEARER IS, HMM? DON'T YOU KNOW THAT A STANDARD-BEARER IS OFTEN THE FIRST TO FALL? I'm not a standard-bearer, Darkrai! I know what Cresselia was trying to tell me now. AND WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE THAT IS?
I...I did it! Of course you did. I never had any doubt. And you gained a power boost besides! Way to go! ANSWER ME, BOY! Before I even met you, I walked Hoenn's expanse, defeating wayward teams and taking down rogue champions. WHAT OF IT? I made sure that people didn't have to be afraid any more. The teams, the champion, they loomed above people like invincible demons, but I brought them down and showed that even these problems had answers...and that the answer could be a simple as a single boy and his team.
Lance's Dragonite, I'd wager! What the hell is this?! Desperation. He's bringing in all the most powerful pokemon from all the regions I've defeated. It's not working, Darkrai! Sensei? Hit it again, Yuki! Dragon/Flying! Second verse, same as the first!
And another power boost! You're doing great! She might just sweep the entire team! DAMN YOU TO HELL! I am Manic the Candle-Bearer, Darkrai! I shine light into the darkest places and chase away the terror you bring! Before I even met you, I was fighting so that people could sleep safely in their homes without fear! You lost the moment you took Wallace's bargain! Huh. I WILL NOT FALL! I AM A GOD! YOU ARE JUST A BOY!
Ryota... No. This is a Cradily, but this is a different one. I don't like the expression you're wearing. This is the only one so far that has tasted blood. Y-You mean... Yes. This is Steven's Cradily. The one that killed Rarity. YOU CANNOT STAND AGAINST ME! I WILL WEAR YOU DOWN AND LISTEN TO YOU BEG FOR MERCY! Yuki. Sensei? Kill it.
Most impressive. Ryota would have been proud. Thank you, Hideo. That's four down! He only has two pokemon left! THAT IS HOW YOUR STORIES GO, ISN'T IT? Come again? YOU HUMANS TELL STORIES OF HEROES, OF FIGHTERS WHO STAND AGAINST EVIL AND COME AWAY VICTORIOUS, EVEN UNSCATHED. Yes, we do. We tell these stories to remind ourselves that good can win, even against great odds. Send out your next pokemon, Wallace/Darkrai.
Alder's Volcarona. Be careful, Yuki. It's a Fire-type. Sensei, maybe you should- She also has almost ten levels on it, and two boosts. She should be fine. Hit it with a Shadow Ball and let's get the main event out here. THIS IS NOT ONE OF YOUR STORIES, MORTAL. KNOW THE PRICE OF YOUR DEFIANCE!
"I know full well what an Overheat feels like. The pokemon begins to draw upon its own innate energies, and the air around you starts to sizzle. The pain is unimaginable; it feels like you're running the worst fever of your entire life, except that it surrounds you instead of emerging from within. No water will soothe it, no medicine will cure it. It seemed like forever ago when Flannery, desperate to avoid being defeated and facing the wrath of her clandestine employer, instructed her Torkoal to bypass its proper opponent and attack me directly. I was unconscious for days afterward, and weakened for days after that. Mind, that was a Torkoal; a brutish wall of bulk, but no fantastically powerful being. I do not know what an Overheat from a Volcarona feels like, and I hope never to find out, but I know this:
...a critical Overheat feels like my heart breaking."
- excerpt from All At Once, the memoirs of Manic
YUKI!!!! Yuki...no...not now...not when we're so close... Damn it... No more. S-Sensei? Stand back. I've never seen the old man like this. We will have justice for what you have done. You shall drown in our tears!
It...it doesn't feel just... It is not. A gentle soul in trade for a shadow of a lie...but it is the best I can do. FIVE REMAIN. IT IS TIME THAT I HANDLE THIS PERSONALLY. Hideo. Shh. NO! This is my fight! I will kill him for what he has done! No, you won't. Don't try to stand in my way, Nobuo! Tell me. Which super-effective attack will you use? I...I... I grieve for her loss as well, but Sensei is best suited to this. Better suited than I. Let him fight.
STOP! No matter...no matter how many you kill. No matter what horrors you visit on me and my friends. The light will always eradicate the darkness, Darkrai. Never forget that. YOU HAVE PROVEN YOURSELF A WORTHY FIGHTER. FAR BETTER THAN THAT WRETCH WALLACE. Shut up. I PROPOSE A BARGAIN. A bargain.
I CAN GIVE YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT. MONEY, POWER, PEACE, KNOWLEDGE. IF YOU CAN STRIKE A DEAL WITH ME, I WILL BE ABLE TO INCLUDE THE DISSOLUTION OF WALLACE'S DEAL IN THE PROCESS! You don't say. Y-you...you can't...S-sensei... No. It's impossible! Nothing is impossible. Anyone can be bought, for the right price. ANYTHING YOU CAN ASK FOR, I CAN GRANT. I CAN CREATE ENTIRE WORLDS FOR YOU. LET ME GRANT YOUR WISH. All right. Come closer. You worm. I knew you were worthless! YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SENSIBLE ADVERSARY. TELL ME, MANIC THE CANDLE-BEARER. WHAT DO YOU WANT?
I want Yuki back, you son of a bitch.
The strings are cut. The puppet has no master. Return to hell, Wallace. There's nothing left for you here.
And just like that, he's gone. Sensei! A portal has opened! Then it's time. Yes. Hisao, as promised. 400,000 for your organization. Your total bill only comes to 362,000. Keep the change. Terry. I'm so sorry... I know. So am I. Now I understand my path, though. I have to keep fighting and get even stronger, to help keep the people of this world safe! It's what Yuki would have wanted...I will give her an honorable resting place in the Unknown Dungeon, where Cresselia's blessing is strongest. I know. I'm counting on you to get Iwao back to see his Hanami, too. Give them a Moon Stone with my blessing. You're leaving? He must. His path does not end in this world. I only urge you to do this for me, Manic: Anything, Hideo. Name it. Play. Smile. You are still young; your childhood may have been stolen from you, but you can still be young at heart. I'll...try. I promise. All right, all right. I guess you're not completely worthless. Heh. I'll miss you too, Iwao. Now go. She's waiting for you. As for me...I have people waiting for me, too.
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Post by crimsondoom on Dec 24, 2019 6:08:22 GMT
In all honesty, Yuki is the death I mourn the most in the entire Manic saga, including that which has yet to be seen. She was with Manic the longest, and she had a bright future ahead of her with Terry... only to be taken right before victory was claimed, brutally cut down in the moment of her power as she finally claimed the confidence she deserved. Rest in peace, Yuki.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Dec 24, 2019 17:03:53 GMT
First off, I always appreciate a 'Princess Bride' reference. Secondly, Manic still hadn't completely learned not to be overconfident, as it was the end of Yuki. But, such folly has happened to many Nuzlocke runners, even the experienced ones. And thirdly... his promise to Hideo is one that I don't remember being kept. Manic's soul is old and worn by now, with so much longer to go. It makes the conclusion to this story all the more necessary, and satisfying.
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Post by Manic on Dec 25, 2019 7:25:15 GMT
Update #28: Epilogue
From the swirling darkness of a portal emerged a figure - harried, weary, but unbroken - to the cheers of dozens. Embraces were given, congratulations were extended, and a moment of silence was observed for those who had fallen in the course of combat; each pokemon present knew that, while it was true that the fallen were only creations of the world into which Manic had been thrust for his final trial, something similar could be said of each of them. In truth, the only ones present who did not owe any facet of their creation to Darkrai were Manic himself and the hovering, crescent-shaped form of Cresselia.
Noticing a conspicuous absence, the exhausted trainer approached Cresselia with a concerned expression. "Twilight and the other ponies?" he inquired, certain that the god was already quite aware of the nature of his question. "THEIR PRESENCE WAS NO LONGER REQUIRED. ONCE YOU DEFEATED THE CHAMPION, THEY RETURNED HOME." came the answer, greeted by a nod of approval from the trainer. "Agreed. I'm glad none of them had to see..." Manic paused, shaking his head for a moment with a slightly somber expression.
"At any rate, it's done! I've defeated Darkrai." he continued, his tone decidedly more upbeat. Turning to face what remained of the gathered crowd, he addressed his former charges. "I want to thank everyone for all of your help. I never would have gotten this far without all of you. After all you've done, you deserve long, happy lives." he declared, before glancing back over his shoulder at Cresselia. "Now, I think it's time you send them home."
The reply was one simple, single word. "NO."
For a long, poignant moment, all was stillness. Hands clenched into fists for a moment before relaxing, and Manic suppressed a slight facial tic as he slowly turned to face the benevolent deity. "I'm sorry, I must still have some Vega in my ear. I thought you said 'no'." The angular head of the deity bobbed once in confirmation, signifying that all present had heard correctly.
A murmur of discontent rose from those gathered, and the trainer paused to take a long, slow breath. "All right. Let's see if we can work this out. I've been your candle-bearer. I've defeated Darkrai, and I assume he's got a lot to answer for. I've wandered through literally every known region, and even one that nobody had heard of. I've done everything I can possibly imagine you would need me for. So, would you be so kind as to explain to me why you can't send me and my pokemon back to our appropriate homes?"
The quiet, melodious voice that followed was succinct: "I CAN, BUT I WILL NOT."
Teeth clenched, eyes narrowed, and the human seethed, "All right, then. Why?!"
Cresselia gradually descended toward the group, giving some pause; her expression was as inscrutable as ever, but she seemed to exude an aura of apology, even embarrassment. "IT IS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD." she explained, uttering a faint sigh that made more than a few listeners lean in to more clearly hear what was being said. Finally, the lone human spoke up, asking the question that was on the minds of all who were hanging upon her every word. "What do you mean? What's wrong with sending us home?"
If the positioning of a deity's head could be said to matter in regards to its vision, one might have noticed that her gaze was averted as she spoke. "DARKRAI HAS MORE TO ANSWER FOR THAN YOU IMAGINE." she began, and Manic could feel the tension returning to his muscles; something more was wrong? "But...Darkrai is out! Powerless!" he protested, before the voice of the pink-hued pokemon continued. "TO CREATE THE VARIOUS WORLDS FROM WHICH YOUR FRIENDS WERE BORN, HE USED A TEMPLATE OF THE ACTUAL REGIONS. HIS JOHTO WAS A...MOCK-UP...OF THE REAL JOHTO, AND SO ON."
As the general assembly gave murmurs of assent and acknowledgement, Cresselia continued her explanation. "UNFORTUNATELY, HIS INTERFERENCE IN THE TIMELINE HE GENERATED HAS CREATED...DISRUPTIONS." This seemed to summon forth no small amount of concern from the crowd, and a brown-furred figure stepped forth to address the being, quite possibly creating the single greatest disparity within a conversation ever to occur. "The hell you talkin' about?" inquired Roxanne, paws on her hips. "What kinda disturbance?"
"PUT QUITE SIMPLY, NONE OF YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE." began the Lady of Dreams. "YOU WERE INTENDED TO REMAIN IN YOUR RESPECTIVE REGIONS, LIVING OUT THE REMAINDER OF YOUR LIVES. YOUR PRESENCE HERE WAS NEEDED TO RESCUE MANIC, BUT YOUR ABSENCE HAS CREATED...PROBLEMS." The trainer found himself grimacing, realizing that his survival was the cause of the problems that were preventing his friends from returning to their homes. "What kinds of problems? How can we fix them?" he inquired.
The rest of his pokemon moved to gather around him in a show of support, demonstrating with their sheer presence their willingness to assist in whatever way was necessary. "I'M AFRAID IT'S NOT QUITE THAT EASY. MUCH OF THE PROGRESS YOU HAVE MADE HAS BEEN UNDONE. TEAM ROCKET IS STILL ACTIVE, N HAS NOT COME TO HIS SENSES, CYNTHIA LIVES, AND SO ON. ONLY THE PONIES COULD RETURN HOME, AS THE CREATED WORLD WAS NOT THEIRS." Clusters of confused and panicked conversation began amidst the crowd, momentarily drowning out all other sound, until a raised hand from their trainer brought them back to the present. "So we go back and stomp them. What's the problem?"
"THE PROBLEM IS THAT IF I WERE TO SEND YOUR POKEMON HOME, THEY WOULD SIMPLY CEASE TO EXIST, AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS ARE ALREADY PRESENT." sighed the deity in a tone that suggested that she was getting a headache - not pleasant for anyone, but especially so for a Psychic type. "YOUR POKEMON CANNOT COME WITH YOU UNTIL YOU REPAIR THE BROKEN TIMELINES AND RESTORE THEIR REGIONS. BE WARNED, SOME HAVE BEEN MARGINALLY AFFECTED, WHILE OTHERS HAVE BEEN DRASTICALLY ALTERED."
Shoulder slumped, Manic gawked openly at the floating figure before him. Go back through all the regions, without his teams, to fix them? Hadn't he already been through enough trials? A deep sigh passed his lips...and then he glanced over his shoulder. Great and small, powerful and weak, his friends were gazing silently at him. Their expressions pleaded with him; some were visibly frightened, others putting on a brave face as best as they were able, but it was plain to see that all were worried about their homes and their ability to return.
"All right. What do I need to do?"
"I WILL SEND YOU ON YOUR WAY." replied the deity. "YOU MAY BE FORCED TO ENDURE THESE NEW TRIALS, BUT AT LEAST YOU CAN FACE THEM AT YOUR FULL STRENGTH." With that, Manic turned to face his pokemon with a hopeful expression. "Don't worry." he stated in a quiet tone. "It's going to be rough, but I know I can do it. After all, you know me; if anybody can take five bucks and turn it into a Potion, it's me!" He grinned, but the smiles were not returned; most knew him well enough to know how concerned he was, how much danger he was putting himself in.
His smile softening, he quietly added, "It'll be all right. Really. Just sit tight, watch me do my thing, and it'll be over before you know it." Swinging about to hover between Manic and the rest of his teams, Cresselia gazed intently at him. "I KNEW THAT YOU WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING." she crooned, sounding genuinely proud. "MY CANDLE-BEARER WILL ALWAYS LIGHT THE WAY. I WILL WARN YOU, YOU WILL REMEMBER NOTHING OF YOUR PRIOR TRAVELS; SENDING YOU IN BURDENED WITH OLD MEMORIES WOULD BE CONTRADICTORY AT BEST, HARMFUL AT WORST." The human brought a hand up to rub the back of his head, and murmured quiet understanding. "Well then, what now?"
"NOW, YOU MUST CHOOSE WHICH REGION TO RESCUE FIRST." answered Manic's benefactress.
"All right, then." replied the trainer, who had already begun to glow brightly. "I choose..."
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Post by Manic on Dec 25, 2019 7:59:05 GMT
I'm taking a break. The second Manic Saga will begin on New Year's Eve!
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Post by truezero2 on Dec 25, 2019 8:29:51 GMT
I'm taking a break. The second Manic Saga will begin on New Year's Eve! Understandable. You really put in the effort to get this all uploaded as fast as you did. Happy holidays everyone. See you in the New Year.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Dec 26, 2019 4:18:04 GMT
Enjoy your break, good sir! And Merry Christmas to all!
And forgive me for getting into my English minor, but it would make things easier to read if you started a new paragraph every time you changed which character is speaking.
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