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Post by Manic on Feb 19, 2019 6:44:06 GMT
Not gonna lie, this is one of my favorite moments of the run. Of course, there's still a lot more to come! "If you can read this, you're swimming too close."
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Post by phantomflame03 on Feb 21, 2019 0:24:12 GMT
Long time reader. When I saw you were moving sites I had to follow. It is fun rereading Manic's old story.It has been a long time.
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Post by Manic on Feb 21, 2019 9:28:16 GMT
Here's a hint, Sir Derpsalot: He's probably going to go meet Groudon WHO IS NOW ALSO AWAKE. Hah! He'll wipe the floor with that dirty mongrel.Yes, most likely. Now, follow that to its logical conclusion. Kyogre beats up Groudon... Right, and starts reducing the land mass!Right, go on. I'm not following you.Don't you think that someone like Kyogre might like there to be NO land? But...what about us?Do you think an ANCIENT POKÉGOD will care if we live or die? Look, I've just about...huh? Hold on, I've gotta take this.
How much more? ...WHAT?!Your hideout. It's underwater now, isn't it? ...yes...Oh sweet Arceus, it's just going from bad to worse. Tweedledum and Tweedledumber.
BOTH OF YOU SHUT THE BALLS UP. Remember us? The ones who tried to STOP you from screwing up Hoenn? If your memory's hazy, I'll be happy to jump-start it!
Hubbawha?! Did Maxie just talk sense? Clearly, we have died and this is the afterlife.Did somebody slip me a mickey?
You'd better work!Yep! It sure does. Better get moving and do it right now, there now, off you go, fix your screw-up! We are simply allowing them to leave?Can't get much worse.Perry's pretty much right on this one, Calima. The apocalypse is here. What're they gonna do, sneeze on it?
Yay! The most useful person I still somehow didn't want to see. I couldn't care less what you want. Look at what these morons are doing to my region!YOUR region? Well, if you had lent a hand earlier, and better, we might have been able to put a stop to this! Dudes?You and your kind are always thinking short-term, which is why you'll always be small-time.Okay, that does it! That atomic wedgie I mentioned earlier? Here it comes! DUDES.So help me, if you lay a finger on me, your father will lose his gym leader position!Can't make the phone call if you're somewhere on the bottom of a water route! SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY!... ...
WHAT? SOOTOPOLIS. TALK THERE.METROPOLIS OF ROCK HAIR? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?! *sigh* I'll take you, dude.WHAT?
Meanwhile, at the Hall of Justice Sootopolis...
YO MOMMA SO FAT, SHE FELL IN LOVE AND BROKE IT!YO MOMMA SO UGLY, A MUK WOULDN'T KISS HER!YO MOMMA SO NASTY, THERE WAS NO OIL SPILL, YO MOMMA WENT SWIMMING!YO MOMMA SO STUPID, SHE THOUGHT POKEBALLS WERE WHAT POKEBOYS HAD!
YO MOMMA SO UGLY, SHE HAD TO TIE POKEBLOCKS AROUND HER NECK TO GET POOCHYENA TO PLAY WITH HER!YO MOMMA SO NASTY, HER ABILITY IS ALWAYS STICKY HOLD!YO MOMMA SO HAIRY, SHE GOES TO THE BARBER TO LOOK LIKE A TANGELA!YO MOMMA SO FAT, SHE EATS SNORLAX THREE AT A TIME!
Wha...what the hell?! Yo momma snaps.So this is all they do? You don't understand. Eventually, one of them will run out of snaps!And when they do? CATACLYSM.Shiiiiit...look, there's Archie and Maxie! And Steven! Quick, let's get over there! Yeah, yeah. Hang on a minute, kid. These guys have good material!
You know, right about now, higher ground DOES seem like a good idea. You should follow us, kid. No way! These are some epic snaps!Your funeral.
...in more ways than you might imagine.
So this is the Cave of Origin. I wonder...anyway, apparently we're supposed to help this Wallace guy? And he can maybe do something about that mess outside? Amigo, let us proceed cautiously. Something about this place is muy extraño.I'm with you. This place sets my fur on edge.The secrets of the winds are not so much whispered here, as shouted aloud!
And I am the league champion of Hoenn.YOU! Your incompetence is what caused all of this mess! False. Those maniacs brought this down on all of our heads.Oh yeah? Where are the authorities? Who fostered an environment that allowed those nutcases to exist? Face it, you MADE them! Right now, I think we both have better things to do than assign blame. We need to find Rayquaza, the one who governs Groudon and Kyogre and can calm them.
Uhm. Rayquaza. Big green snake-dragon looking thing? Clouds move aside as it passes by? That's the one!Well, I saw it tooling around Route 131 earlier.
No, wait. Let me guess this one, I've become a bit prescient. You want me - not you, but me - to go to the Sky Pillar, find the probably-angry pokégod, and politely ask him to come down to Hoenn to stop the other two that humans awoke without exacting horrible judgment upon us all. How did you know?I hate you. Come, amigo. There is much to do.Yeah. *sigh* You're right. Don't worry, Manic. We've got this one. This clown would just slow us down anyway!Truly, think of all we may learn without his interference.Yeah, okay. C'mon, team. Let's go! Don't fear the reaper...NOT helping, Amplitude!
Huh. This actually isn't so bad. I don't see a single pokemon guarding this place. It's just the foyer, dude.Damn.
... What?Hey, Maxine. If we ever see this guy and Steven on a bridge, and I say I don't roll that way? Bite my leg. Consider it as good as done!
Okay. Remind me again why you're not the one doing this? I have to go back to Sootopolis and deal with the other two!And how exactly will you do that? By giving them material, of course!Trade you. Hell no.
Uhm...hello...or hail, or something. ...So, uh...right. Groudon and Kyogre are awake. (You can probably already tell.) ...We would be very grateful if you could stop them....Anybody home?...Well, this is a bust. We'll have to find some way to keep them eternally supplied with yo momma snaps, then. WITH WHAT NOW?GAH! With yo momma snaps! See, it's when you make fun of I KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. I'LL TAKE CARE OF THIS. AND YOU'RE COMING WITH ME.
Rhymes that keep their secrets will unfold behind the clouds!EITHER HE STOPS SINGING OR I START DOING BARREL ROLLS.Ah-ha-ha! Amplitude. Be a buddy and stop, huh?
THERE YOU ARE. BOTH OF YOU QUIET DOWN NOW!We are about to see history in the making. Pay close attention!
ALL RIGHT, WHAT'S THE PROBLEM NOW?HE KEEPS LEANING OVER TO MY SIDE!THAT'S STUPID, WE'VE BEEN ASLEEP FOR AGES, WE WEREN'T EVEN CLOSE TO EACH OTHER! AND YOUR STUPID MOUNTAIN KEEPS BUMPING UP AGAINST MY WATER ON THE SOUTH!ON A GLOBAL SCALE WE ARE! STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE REGION! AND HE HUMS THIS INCREDIBLY IRRITATING TUNE!I CAN'T HELP IT IF I HUM IN MY SLEEP, I'M ASLEEP! AT LEAST I DON'T SNORE LIKE YOU DO!
BOTH OF YOU, STOP IT! KYOGRE, DON'T YOU THINK YOU COULD TRY TO GIVE GROUDON A LITTLE MORE ROOM?WELL...I GUESS. I MEAN, ROUTE 127 IS KIND OF NICE...WHAT ABOUT THE HUMMING? IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS!YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO HEAR IT WITH HIM FARTHER AWAY, AND HE WON'T HEAR YOUR SNORING.BUT I DON'T SNORE!YOU REALLY DO. IT'S OKAY, WE'LL GET YOU SOME OF THOSE NASAL STRIPS. NOW, CAN YOU MOVE THAT MOUNTAIN A LITTLE NORTH?WELL...SURE. OKAY. I GUESS. ORRE ISN'T GOING TO LIKE IT, THOUGH.FUCK ORRE. SO, ARE WE AGREED? EVERYTHING SETTLED? WE CAN GO BACK TO SLEEP FOR A MILLENIUM OR SO?YEAH, OKAY. SORRY, MAN. I'M SORRY TOO. LET'S GET SOME SHUT-EYE.
THERE. PROBLEM SOLVED. A LITTLE GODLY DIPLOMACY DOES WONDERS. SAY, WHO WOKE THEM UP?
Oh, these two idiots over here. Ah, yes. Hello there...Rayquaza, yes? Look, I just wanted to say, we're both really sorry.IT'S ALL RIGHT. YOU'RE COMPLETELY FORGIVEN AND FREE TO GO.Really?! Oh, thank you! ...TO HELL. *squish* *splat* THERE. ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED HELP WITH?
Nope. OKAY THEN, BYE! DON'T EVER CALL ME AGAIN, AND I'LL TALK TO MEW ABOUT DOING YOU A FAVOR!
Okay, that was fun. What the...I don't even...Hello? Oh, right, you weren't there to see any of those three wake up. Manic, I think we should give them a moment.Maybe a few years of therapy?Awesome.
Oh, right! Hah, that's one of my goals accomplished. Hah. Just...not looking at the blood stains over there. Nope, everything's perfectly fine. Just take this. We will never speak of this again.
Screw that. I'm going on talk shows, writing a book, doing tours...I'm turning this into major bank, once I accomplish my other goal. And what goal is that?Oh, I didn't say? I'm going to stomp your ass flat and become Champion, and fix all the stupid mistakes you've made. Hmph. You wouldn't have a chance.Excuse you? He just dealt with three pokégods,stopped two criminal organizations,saved your sorry butts,learned more about the pokégods in five minutes than you'll learn in the next fifty years,and he's got no chance?Nowhere to run to, baby! Nowhere to hide!Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go get my team healed, get that eighth badge, and head to Evergrande. Be a pal and meet me there. Shit.
Pokewhat? Pokerus. It's perfectly harmless, though it's incredibly rare!Harmless, right. What are ALL of the symptoms? Your pokemon will grow faster.And? That's it.They won't wind up fifty feet tall or anything? No, they'll grow more powerful.You know...I think I'm okay with this.
Quick team check before we go in...yep, I think we're good to go. Since we cleared out the trainers earlier, we just need to face Juan. Be careful, Manic. He is the most powerful gym leader in Hoenn.So what? Speak up if you have a move that's super-effective against water.Giga Drain. Giga Drain... Shock Wave. Thunderbolt.See? It's in the bag, easy as picking berries.Don't get cocky, Maxine. This guy is the real deal. Now come on, let's get in there.
Unfortunately, his skill in battle is equaled only by his worthlessness as a leader.You noticed, huh? Yes, but I could do nothing. I challenged him once, and lost...badly.How badly? I used to have six pokemon.That is very badly.At any rate, Manic...be warned. I know of your condition, but I can show no mercy. If nothing else, you must show me that you could challenge Wallace's dominion and win.Wouldn't have it any other way.
(Crawdaunt fainting not pictured due to player being derpy and missing the shot)A Luvdisc?! Boooo-ring!So that's why you had me learn Giga Drain.Water dissolving, and water removing!And now, I put my new fighting attack to good use. Adios.
But you aren't going to use it, are you?Huh? Well, to be honest, probably not. It's all right. Based on your fighting style, I'm guessing you already know what attacks your pokemon will know in the end.Well...yeah. A while back, actually.
Is that what I think it is? It is! Norman's old Bulbapedia! Hah, no wonder you've done so well.This was my father's? Of course! It was his prized possession. I don't think he could've gotten his gym leader position without it.I see. The more we know, the more we know we know nothing.Pal, you aren't making any sense.On the contrary. He is unveiling the truth.I'm digging in the dirt, to find the places I got hurt...Heh. I've been a total idiot. True wisdom lies in knowing that you know nothing.Huh? That's us, dude!Right. Anyway, before we challenge the league, we have one stop-off to make.
Anybody remember this? Vaguely. Why are we here?To meet our final new friend. Hey, that's right, I forgot all about it!
Also, to pick this up. Calima, catch! Oh, very nice. This suits me wonderfully.That it does. Now we brush off the last of that Super Repel and cross our fingers...
Awesome! We've found a Bagon! M...Hmmm? It's okay, speak up. Manic?
Sheesh! Kid, I knew you were famous, but this is taking it a little far!Manic, it's me. I know I look and sound different, but it's me!Okay, I'm kinda creeped out here. What's going on? I don't really know either. I just remember darkness, then a bright light, and Mew told me that somebody important owed you a favor. My old body is gone, but Mew put me into an egg, and I've been training up for you.Old body... It cannot be! Madre de Arceus!No way...Hee hee! When you skipped this place, I bet you never thought you'd meet me here! Mew said my name is different too, though. It said I would be what you needed most: I'm Hope.Got something in my eye...stupid dusty cave....It's...I don't...how... I know I'm different, but...I can come with you, right?If you can hear this...thank you. Of course you can come. Can you call me by my old name just once? Just so I know?Anything you want...Dana.
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Post by Manic on Feb 21, 2019 23:25:15 GMT
Hell of an update, that.
There are only a few of them left.
Also, a bit of background: this run was my first writing experience in about ten years. If you think encouraging someone to write has a very constructive effect, you're right. If you think DIScouraging someone from writing has a very DEstructive effect, you're also right.
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Post by Manic on Feb 22, 2019 8:00:25 GMT
Okay, so, here's the real question. If Hope is going to join us, who's going to step out? It cannot be me, amigo.Nope.No way I'm backing down!Hah! You're kidding, right?As the most recent addition, I am the obvious choice. Pity, I had hoped to see this through to its end.Yeah, I...hmm?
I want you to know...that you don't need me anymore...Amplitude?! You don't have to do this, you know. I want you to know...you don't need anyone, or anything at all...Are you sure about this, buddy? Who's to say where the wind will take you, Who's to say what it is will break you, I don't know which way the wind will blow. Who's to know when the time has come around? Don't want to see you cry. I know that this is not goodbye...You've...always got a spot on my team, Amplitude. Yours for the asking. Ma...nic.!!! You...taught...me to...sing. Thank you...I promise. When I'm champion, we won't need a box anymore.
Hope, hang on to this Exp Share. You remember how it works, right? Sure! Like this, right?Well, mostly. Let me fix that so it won't fall off. Aaaand there you go. Amigo, what lies ahead is Victory Road, si?I can hardly wait!That's true. I want everyone to be super-careful. The toughest wild pokemon in all of Hoenn live there, we're going to need to be at our best.
And here we are. Everybody, call out if you need to switch, no stupid risks. Hope, hang back until you're ready. Calima, you take point for now. I will aid you in finding the truth of this place.All right...here we go! Manic, can you hear me?Wha...Margaret?! Thank goodness! We finally got the system operational. It's a bit jury-rigged, but you should be able to pick up our transmissions so long as you aren't actually in Victory Road yet.Manic, are you being good? Staying healthy, being respectful?Hah! You know I am, Audrey. It's nice to hear from you, all of you, but we really need to head inside now. Understood. Be watchful for Makuhita, Hariyama, Aron, Lairon, Zubat, Golbat, Whismur, and Loudred.I will. I'll be back in range before you know it!
(Shortly...)
Ha, I remember this feeling! Feels tingly!Wow, already? I told you I had been training. I actually could've evolved last time, but I wanted to wait and let you see!
Boy, does that take me back!What do you mean?Hah! Wow, I can't say this about much, but it was before your time! My second form was a cocoon.Yeah, but I can still talk in here. And I can still walk, see?Okay, okay, I get it.Awww, don't feel bad, Ace. I bet you were a great cocoon.Ever play Dodgeball?Play what?Good. Don't.
Wally?! How the hell...?!Hey, kid, look. We gotta get this guy out of here, the locals will eat him for lunch! Maybe literally!Manic! I wanted to show you how much stronger I've become!Um, great! That's a fantastic idea, but what do you say we do it outside when we're not surrounded by extremely powerful wild pokemon? Oh, it's all right! I've been training on them.WHAT. Wait, is this the same Wally......from Mauville, yeah. Wally, I'm sure you're a lot tougher, but you can't really make it through here with just a Ralts. Or even a Kirlia! Oh, he hasn't been a Ralts or a Kirlia in ages! And you haven't met my other teammates, like...well, I'll just show you!
Manic, we are not truly going to battle the niño here!We have to, Gustav. He's a trainer, our eyes met. We can't get disqualified from the league now! Let's just try to make it quick.
Almost as strong as we are!Sweet moves.Surprisingly effective despite the disadvantage.Sheesh, even the cat plays rough!Okay, okay. So you're not half-bad! Don't get cocky!
Wow. At this rate, it won't take very long! When you're the champ, you'll have to watch out for me!Heh, you think so? Then I'll just have to stay on my toes! Are you still going to remove your dad from his gym position when you win?No, Wally. I don't think so. I've learned a lot, and I think Hoenn needs him more than I do. Manic, when we fight? If I'm about to knock out one of your pokemon? I'll let you switch it out if you promise not to use it again in that match.I'd...I'd really appreciate that, Wally. Thanks. I'd better get going, lots of training to do!He is very brave, for one so frail.He really is. Admirable. I hear he had a great teacher.Oh, shut up. C'mon, let's keep moving.
Oh, DAMN it. I had hoped we had seen the last of such places.Think we can finagle our way through again?On Victory Road? Not a chance. We need someone to learn Flash. Good luck finding someone to use that waste of space!
Figures.I promise, once we're past Victory Road, we'll replace it with something better. *sigh* Fine. Here you go.Whoah! Way brighter in here now. It's like Brawly's gym.Interesting. Perhaps we can pay him a visit after all of this is done.No way. Not a chance. Pass. You're goin' without me, then!I...see. Perhaps not, then.
Hey, Ampli...DAMN it. Right. What now?We go back. We need someone who can use Strength and Rock Smash.
GUSTAV! I...I am all right, Manic...but that was very close.Maxine, get in there! Wow, these trainers are something else!The strongest we'll face before the Elite Four. Remember, everybody here was tough enough to get eight badges too.
(Along the way...)
Here we go again!I don't think I've ever seen what a Shelgon becomes! Well, brace yourself, because I have, and I think...
...you just might like it.Sweet Arceus, look at you! You're a, um... Salamence. Look it up in your Bulbapedia, Manic!Let's see here. Stats are...what?! That can't possibly be right! Congratulations, sister.Manic, if this book is correct, then she is the strongest among us!You are an absolute HOUSE, Hope! I hear giggling...I think Mew is happy too! You have powerful allies, Manic!Yeah, especially now!
(in due time...)
Here we go. Hey, Margaret? Yes, Manic?How much more training do we need at this point? Let me cross-reference my scanner to the Bulbapedia online repository. Computer, reference levels of Manic's team, compare to levels of the Elite Four and Champion, return voice data.Elite Four: Sidney. Specialty: Dark. Average level: 47.4. Advantage, Manic (severe). Elite Four: Phoebe. Specialty: Ghost. Average level: 49.4. Advantage, Manic (notable). Elite Four: Glacia. Specialty: Ice. Average level: 51.4. Advantage, Manic (slight).Well, that's encouraging, at least. Elite Four: Drake. Specialty: Dragon. Average level: 53.4. Advantage, Drake (notable).That's, um, less encouraging. Champion: Wallace. Specialty: Water. Average level: 56.3. Advantage, Wallace (severe).There you have it, Manic. You'll need another several levels across the board just to break even, and remember: those are only averages.Understood. We've got a lot of training ahead of us. Thanks, Margaret. Call me anytime you need me.
But first...Perry, let's hit up Lilycove. You got it, bro.
See? I told you I'd get it removed as soon as possible. That's a relief. Who thought making this thing an HM was a good idea?Beats me. Maybe they'll make a TM version later? For now, here, use Return instead. It's your fourth and final move. I'm ready when you are!Now let's hit Mauville.
You bet. What will I be replacing with it?Nothing. Hope, this one's for you! You already have my moveset calculated? But I just evolved!You know I do. Here, while you're at it, try out this Steel Wing TM I got from Steven a while back. Wow, this really suits me! Check me out!Lookin' good.
And now, it's time to train. But first, let's have a look at everyone's stats and see where we stand.
Gustav. How're you feeling, buddy? Anxious. There is much to do, but I am confident that we can win!
Perry, you feeling okay? Sure thing. Everything's cool.
How're you holding up, Ace? I'm more nervous than a Skitty in a room full of rocking chairs, but I won't let ya down, kid. I'm in it to win it.
Maxine, are you I know you're smart enough not to need to ask if I'm ready!Heh, yeah. Dumb question.
What's on your mind, Calima? For once, the wind is silent, the future...unclear. I think I like it.
Are you sure you want this, Hope? All I want is to be by your side, Manic. I was brought back for a reason, and I'm not stopping now!
All right then. Let's go show these wild pokemon who's boss!
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Post by Manic on Feb 22, 2019 8:04:32 GMT
Three updates remain, followed by the epilogue.
I hope people have been enjoying so far!
In the story after this one, I really start to hit my stride.
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Post by Firebrand on Feb 22, 2019 15:36:32 GMT
This has gotten really good as the story has built to a climax. The humor that the run started off with never really went away, but despite it's goofy tone, Manic has managed to really grow up. His battle with Wally and his admission that his dad is probably doing good work in Petalburg are the kinds of character interactions we would never have seen in earlier chapters. It was a gradual development, and while there were a few instances where Manic very clearly grew up a bit, it was organic enough that I have a hard time pinpointing exactly where things turned around, at least after Flannery and Dana's death, because he's definitely come a ways since then.
Also, speaking of Dana! Nice to see she's back, after a fashion, and a real powerhouse, too. Manic's playstyle throughout the run has been generally pretty cautious, so it's interesting that Dana has so far been the only casualty, despite a few close calls. The team has always managed to stay a few levels ahead of the competition, and always goes into battle well-equipped. In-world, Manic's status as a rookie trainer does shine through at the start, but his bulbapedia is a creative way to synthesize his rookie status with your outside-world knowledge. And while it would be nice to see a Nuzlocke run where everybody lives by the end, Manic does have a few tough battles ahead of him, so I don't want to assume that the whole squad is going to come through this intact. I'm not really seeing any major death flags or foreshadowing that you've built in, but that will probably just blindside me all the more when/if it does happen.
From a mechanical standpoint, I'm surprised that Ace and Perry are still on the main team. I guess it makes sense to keep them over Amp since their movepools are deeper (I think?). Still, I always thought Beautifly especially would get hit with the Butterfree problem of being a solid early-game mon that would steadily be outclassed as the game wore on and be replaced, but it looks like Ace's stats are more or less on par with the rest of the team. Perry also seems to have a lot of redundancy in his moveset, and this is all pre-phys/special split. But I guess it doesn't hurt to have a backup.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing how this ends, and where Manic goes from here in future runs, especially considering he's reaching the peak of his character growth for this one.
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Post by Manic on Feb 24, 2019 15:28:12 GMT
Firebrand: Thanks for the input! I'm really glad you're enjoying. I think you'll find that the series takes a sharp left turn after this run, but in reading from the start, I think you'll get references that you otherwise would have missed. Just wait, there are more surprises to come! (Time passes, and our heroes train tirelessly...)Hey, Margaret. Ah, Manic! It's good to hear from you. I was starting to worry that you had gone in without consulting me.Oh, c'mon. You know me better than that. Anyway, I wanted you to have a look at the results of all the work we've been doing: Impressive! Computer, reference comparative power levels of Manic's team and the Elite Four and Champion. Return voice data.Elite Four Sidney vs. Manic. Advantage: Manic (overwhelming) Elite Four Phoebe vs. Manic. Advantage: Manic (overwhelming) Elite Four Glacia vs. Manic. Advantage: Manic (overwhelming) Elite Four Drake vs. Manic. Advantage: Manic (severe)Very nice. Let's see what it says about the champion. Champion Wallace vs. Manic. Advantage: Manic (notable)Looks like we're about ready to head inside. Manic, whatever happens, I want you to know that I have been proud to aid you, whether in combat or on the sidelines. I'll stay with you as long as I can, but I don't know how dense the shielding is in there.Thanks, Margaret. I've been honored by your help. Now it's time to show you that I'm worthy of it. It's on. Hello, Sidney. Are you ready for me? Norman's kid, huh? Look, you ain't gotta prove yourself here. Everybody knows if we take down one of your buddies, he's not gettin' back up. Just step off and we're cool.Can't do that, Sidney. I came here for a reason, and I'm gonna see it through. I said step off, kid. You don't have a chance against me!See, I thought at least one of you might say that. Your levels are in the upper 40's, right? Yeah, so back off!I'd like you to meet Gustav. He's level 61. Hola....balls.It is about time!Be careful, Gustav. Dark types will use your anger against you.Augh...the sand, it blinds me!Hah! Doesn't matter how tough you are if you can't hit!Gustav, tag out! Perry, you're up! Hey, bro.A Pelipper?! I'll just blind that one too!Nope.Nice! One down, four to go. Gustav, are you okay? Si, amigo. The sand is out of my eyes.Glad to hear it. You're up! My apologies, señor. I will attempt to make this brief.It doesn't come much briefer than that. FFFFFF...fine! Go on, leave your star player in there, I have someone I want him to meet!How about no? It's time you meet Ace. BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!! You brought a BEAUTIFLY into your challenge against the Elite Four?!Glad you find me funny, Chuckles! Now let's see if you can keep laughin' in the face of this!Ace, calm yourself! I am seeing a consistent strategy; Sidney tries to lure his opponents into making errors with psychological warfare!Don't sweat it, lady.This material never misses the mark.You... are actually trying to beat me, right? I dunno, kid. I'm starting to have doubts about this guy.Wha...of course I am! I'm going to make my Shiftry untouchable, and then he'll take your team apart!...you don't know what Aerial Ace does, do you? Sure! Flying damage, no additional effect. Easy.Close. Bingo! Bullseye, right in the kisser. And ooogh, what a face!Aerial Ace NEVER MISSES, Sidney. Ever. Maybe you should go study under Winona for a while. All right! That's it! I've had it up to here with your smug attitude, you little weasel! Crawdaunt, stomp 'em flat!Another trainer who doesn't know the names of his pokemon. What is it with you people? Lemme in, lemme in, lemme in!Sure, let's wrap this up. Hah! I love fried Crawdaunt. Delicious!And that's the sweep. No hard feelings, Sidney? You...what?Well, stood to reason that somebody who was used to playing on his opponents' emotions might not have a tight handle on his own. You...you played me!Like a fiddle. Don't let up, kid. With pokemon like that, you might actually be able to unseat the fruit basket up there!The doors are locked, Sidney. I couldn't go back if I wanted to. Yeah, I guess you're right. All the visible doors, anyway...Come again? Oh, nothing, nothing. Go on and meet Phoebe, she's a blast!Right. Okay, everybody basically healed? Perry, take this Sitrus berry, I know you tanked that hit from the Mightyena. Wait, you've been growing Sitrus berries?Yeah, for just such an occasion. Now, let's introduce ourselves to Phoebe! Hey, what a coincidence, me too! What?Oh, we spent a lot of time grinding, fighting Shuppets and the occasional Duskull. Oh, Duskull! They're so pretty!Uh, if you say so. So smooth and wispy and handsome...Okay, getting really creeped out here. And I do mean 'commune'.OKAY THAT IS MORE THAN I EVER WANTED TO KNOW FIGHT ME PLEASE Yeah, about that. I have someone I'd like you to meet. I equipped her specifically for this gathering. Hmph! Braggart. You aren't suave enough to have a ghost type, and I don't see any stupid dark types!That's true! Well, the type part, not the suave part. That's just rude. Calima, why not show her? A chance to interact with real live...er...with real ghost types? I'd love to!Manic, can you hear me?Margaret! Yeah, I hear you. What's up? Be very careful, Manic! Phoebe is a deceptively powerful leader. Her strategies are ingenious! (I wonder if she'd be interested in a game of chess afterward.)What kinds of strategies? For example, Pressure plus Protect equals......equals a PP siphon. I get it. Calima, lay into that thing! Use Crunch! That took more effort than I had hoped, Manic. Their strategy is quite effective.Poor kid. You don't understand how much better your pokemon would be if they were dead!Um, speaking as someone who's been there? You couldn't be more wrong, crazy lady.What?! You've been to the great beyond?! You must tell me more after the match!I'm not telling you anything. You creep me out!Hmph! Then I'll beat it out of you!What, this again? Manic, STOP. Before you do anything, listen to me.Er, okay. What's on your mind? This Dusclops is her ace. It knows Shadow Ball, Earthquake...I'm out!Ice Beam...Then we must withdraw as well. I'm not ready to die again just yet!..and Rock Slide!That's curtain call for me. I'll chill over here.*cracks knuckles* Then it is up to me. A la guerra!You may all relax. But if they knew to do this much......then they've been watching us. I'm guessing they knew about all six of you well before we got here. Of course! When you told poor Wallace that you planned to unseat him, he enlisted our help! Nasty little boy...I'm not letting you ruin the good thing I have here!Lady, there's nothing good about this. If I wanted to see the Dead, I'd dig Jerry Garcia up!Ace is right. You're twisted, lady. Hmph! It's rude to speak ill of the fallen. Anyway, time for Banette!Manic, be careful! It's another trick. She has two Banettes. One knows Will O' Wisp and Faint Attack, the other knows Thunderbolt and Psychic! Hmmm...your little box there is awfully annoying. Let's make a game of it, shall we? You can ask me one question that I swear to answer truthfully, to determine which Banette I'm sending.Any one question, and you swear to answer truthfully? May I never see another spirit if I lie.After I beat you, where will you go? That's...that's not a question about my Banettes!No, it's not, but you swore to answer truthfully. Fine, you little upstart. If you beat me - and you won't - I'll go report to Wallace.Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought. Here we go! I don't get it. You don't know which Banette you're getting! Hah! I get it! Pretty sneaky, Manic!You're right, I don't...so I'm rendering the question moot. Maxine isn't weak to any of those moves, and she'll resist the Thunderbolt. OW, that hurts! You jerk, cut it out!It's all right, Maxine. Do your thing. My Banettes aren't afraid of a shock from your mutt!Mutt?! *grrrrr* Come a little closer and say that!Hah! You'd better watch it. Her Bite is WAY worse than her bark. Show her, Maxine! My Banette!It gets better. You played your hand too soon, Phoebe. For a brilliant strategist, that was a major blunder. What are you talking about?!Maxine is a special attacker. Losing physical attack strength won't bother her in the least. More importantly, now I know which Banette that was, and which one you have left. I suppose you're right. You're not all that bad, for a living guy...but what'll you do about my beloved Sableye?Same thing I did back in the caves near Dewford. With no elemental weakness, we just adopt a very simple strategy. Gustav, care to share? This brings back good memories, amigo. I remember just how to deal with these little niños.All right, fine! What strategy do you use against something with no weaknesses, hmmm?Hit it.Very hard. Repeat as needed.I hate Earthquake so much...well, here's that other Banette you wanted to meet!All right, I'm curious. At this point, you've pretty much got me beaten, so...why the Flygon?This is the Banette with Thunderbolt and Psychic, right? ...and your Flygon is part Ground type, taking out one of my best weapons. Go ahead.Don't mind if I do. Calima, would you do the honors? It would be my pleasure. Come closer, little one. I'll try to make this quick.Well, thanks for at least trying to show it some mercy.There was no cause to prolong its suffering.Calima is a very practical Flygon. It's one of her many endearing attributes. Manic, please, you embarrass me...You noticed, huh? Your teamwork is impeccable. It's rare that I can find someone who can out-strategize me.Phoebe, listen. I'm going to take Wallace down, and I'm going to fix all the screw-ups he's made. When that happens, you can still stay on the Elite Four, but...I want you to get some therapy. Okay? How rude! I'm not going to do that!Listen, you goth chick wannabe! Eventually, you're going to run into a ghost who's going to see your body as a convenient vehicle, and kick you out. He's doing this for your own good!I...I understood that. You really were dead...all right. I'll give it some thought. Now I have to go, he'll get suspicious if I don't report in.It's fine. Go on. Tell him I'm coming for him. Tell him how my team demolished yours. And tell him to be afraid.
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Post by Manic on Feb 24, 2019 15:35:47 GMT
Elite Four fights can easily be humdrum, but you can spice them up with a bit of personality.
Sidney is good at provoking his opponents into making mistakes, but doesn't have the greatest control. This is part of why he doesn't just climb the ladder and take over Phoebe's spot.
Phoebe is a little too enamored of dead things, but doesn't really understand the repercussions until Hope smacks her in the face with them.
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Post by Manic on Feb 25, 2019 1:40:53 GMT
Manic, how has it been going so far?Not bad, really. We've really been beating these guys down; hardly anyone took any damage at all in the last two fights, and now that Maxine is back up to fighting trim, we're heading on to Glacia. Unfortunately, each of them seem to be reporting to Wallace after we beat them. It's safe to say he knows our full measure by this point. That's a shame...but we're lucky on one front. I didn't expect to be able to transmit to you this far in. It's a good thing you found all those Rare Candies while training, they really seem to have helped!... Manic? What's wrong?... Manic? Hello? Can you hear me?
I think I just found a way to turn their strategy against them.
Something is wrong...Huh? What gives, Gustav? You know her somehow? I have met her before. But where?Your Swampert is behaving strangely, challenger.
That voice! YOU!Whoah, whoah! Calm down! Glacia, right? Gustav here seem to recognize you. What gives? I am not sure. The only time I have interacted with any of that species' line was during a scientific expedition.Interesting! Ask her what kind, Manic.What was your expedition about? Oh, I wanted to determine the viability of some species when displaced from their native environment.Come again? We burned down some forested lands, drove some Mightyena and Poochyena into a group of Mudkips to see if the Mudkips could defend their homes. (Turns out they couldn't.)Wait, you burned down their homes out of curiousity?! Manic. She is mine. Mine alone. I want no interference in this fight.Offhand, I'd say you're entitled. Everyone, there'll be no switching during this fight. How convenient. I assume that one of the Mudkips escaped, and is your 'Gustav' there?That's right. And once I'm champion, you're going to spend the rest of your life in jail! Then I suppose I had better ensure you don't get that far, hadn't I?
You'd better, lady. You'd better pull out ALL the stops, because I'm betting Gustav won't be holding back. Bruja, que pagará por sus crímenes!Just remember, Gustav. We knock out her pokemon, but the law takes care of her personally. I'm not Flannery. Go get 'em!Calima and I may not be able to join in, but we're rooting for you!Tear her head off!
You will pay for your crimes!Gustav. Hang back. If you're going to get your payback, let's do this right. I will beat them down with my bare hands!Damn right you will, but let's just make sure, shall we? Que?
Just a few of these, and you'll tear through them like a Makuhita through a paper towel. What of its attacks?Pffft. What attacks? It just seems to be using a pitiful Body Slam and keeping Hail up and running. If it ever gets serious, pound it. In the meantime... That's fine. Sealeo is there to be a sacrificial lamb in any case.Glacia is a perfect name for this ice queen!How could someone care so little about their pokemon?Remember what the old man said in Lilycove. Some people just see pokemon as tools. That is all they are. Useful, powerful tools. Anyone who says differently is only trying to justify their actions.Maybe for you, but my actions justify themselves. Gustav, I think four is enough, lay it out!
(and then I missed the screenshot of one Brick Break taking the Sealeo down. yay me)
Bring out your next fighter, puta!This is very disconcerting. I have never seen him like this.Everybody has their demons to work past, Calima. This is Gustav's. He needs our support now more than ever. Those Mightyena offed his folks.And as a result, Birch was able to capture him. That is appalling!Exactly. Bring out your next pokemon, Glacia!
Level 62? That can't be right.The better to ruin you with!And yet, there it is. My intelligence clearly states that your pokemon were level 60 when you entered your challenge, and that several of your other pokemon have fought. This 'Gustav' should not be strong enough to reach this level.Ignoring the facts, are we? And here you claim to be a scientist. You insolent little brat!Facts, Glacia! Facts are what a scientist deals in. Real, observable facts. Gustav is level 62 now. Fact! Obviously.Your intelligence reported him as being level 60, and that reaching level 62 shouldn't be possible from the previous fights. Fact! Well, yes!When the theory and the experiment contradict one another, which one wins, Glacia? The experiment, clearly!Which means that your intelligence is flawed, doesn't it?
Your Swampert is on a rampage!What's the matter, not happy about seeing the results of your research? This is hardly a controlled environment!This is what you've done, Glacia! This is actual, physical proof of your careless, callous methods...and it's time to pay the price! Bring out your last pokemon! Walrein, cover my exit!
Get out of my WAY!Gustav, take it easy! Remember, it's ultimately Glacia herself who's really to blame! Knock her down, not out. Don't let them turn you into one of them, Gustav. Please?You...I...si. You are right. Lo siento, I will do this properly. For now, however...
And that's five. You're history, Glacia. Hmph. So your team is strong. You aren't champion yet, and until you are, you can't touch me.
Drake is going to tear you to pieces. He's tougher than I am, and his dragons are intimidating even to me!Mother...father. I hope that I have made you proud.Gustav...I can't speak for them, but I know I'm proud of you. I bet the others are too. Yeah, way to go!You got real moxie, pal!You just took out an Elite Four member by yourself!And without losing yourself in the process, despite great temptation.Pretty cool.Gracias, all of you. I could not have done this without you. For now, let us continue. Justice is not served until she is behind bars.
That's weird. You look familiar. Ridiculous. I've never seen you before, young'un.No, I'm sure we've met. But where... KID! Take a good look at his face! I am, and it's on the tip of my tongue... Shoulda kept the beard.
You're...YOU'RE MR. BRINEY! What? That's preposterous. That old codger?It all makes sense now! The naval background, the ridiculously simple task of saving Peeko...you were spying on me the whole time! That is why he gave us free boat rides whenever we needed them!Hmph! Well, fine! You figured it out. What good will it do you?Wait. If you're here, where's Peeko? I finished.Wha...AUGH! You did WHAT?! Aw, no. No way he means what I think he does.That's...oh, sweet Mew...What did you do with her?! 'Her'?I think I'm going to be sick...HURGH...Hermano, this monster must be stopped!Oh, that absolutely tears it. You can share a cell with Glacia, you freak! And how will you prove anything?Funny thing about this Pokedex. It's been slightly modified. Margaret, did you get all of that? Every nauseating word. Make him pay for what he did to poor Peeko!Music to my ears. Bring it on, old man!
Always so judgmental of others' love. Well, if you want to get past me, you'll need to defeat my dragons!Come at me, bro! Gustav, you're on point!
It seems to me that your pokemon are better off unconscious.Worthless sack of...get up! *CRACK!*HEY! League battle or not, next time I see that whip, I'll strangle you with it! You raise pokemon your way, I'll raise them mine!
Gustav, step out! Calima, I need you in here! Urgh...oh, I feel faint...what? Why?You know the only Dragon-type move on the team, and that's all Kingdra is weak against. I suppose I can fight a little, but I need a rest afterward...I know. Believe me, I know. I wish you could rest now, but I need just one good hit from you. All right, here we go!
Nice! That was one of my big worries. Take a breather, Calima. Sit and rest. You see, you know what it's like to love pokemon too!There's a big difference between 'love' and 'molest', you freakshow. And I damn sure never use a whip on them. When I'm champion, you'll be banned from owning pokemon for the rest of your days! Now, bring on the next challenger! Hmph! Let's see how you handle this!
This man, he is some manner of sadist! I do not know if I can do this...Gustav, remember. That isn't me. That's a victim, and one who needs to be freed.But he is so...Handsome? Yes. But he's also fighting you against his will. Be merciful, but make it quick.Ah. I was going to say 'similar', but that is fine too. *cough* Prepare yourself!
So he knows Earthquake too? Mmm, we have some things in common, it seems. I would love to know more.So far, apart from that one hit, it hasn't been so bad. You're all talk, Drake, and Gustav is only getting stronger! All right, I was hoping not to have to do this, but...get 'em, sugar!Sugar?
Uh oh.Wait, what's 'uh oh'? You're a Salamence too, you know. I don't know, I just have this weird feeling.Manic *bzzztfzzzt* careful! Flameth*ZZZZZTCHHHH* Rock Sli*BZZZTNNNNNTPSSSSH*gon Claw!Hmph! Looks like your toy is giving out on you, sonny. So, who dies first?Shit! Okay. Let's see. Gustav is hurt, Calima and Hope are too risky if that thing knows Dragon Claw. Ace is right out. I could use Maxine... Suits me fine, I'm getting bored back here!Put me in, bro.Perry? Are you sure? This Salamence is likely to be obscenely strong. And it knows Rock Slide! He won't use it.Perry, don't be a hero!I'm tellin' you, bro. He won't use it. He wants to be free. I can feel it. Put me in....all right, Perry. I trust you.
If we win, you're free, man. You use Rock Slide, and I'm out. Your call.Hmph! Your Pelipper is wasting his breath! Salamence loves me, I know it!Not a chance, Drake. Perry's intuition is spot-on. If he says your Salamence doesn't love you, he doesn't. Ridiculous, and I'll prove it! Salamence, burying that irritating squawker under a mountain of rock!
Chill, bro. It's over.NO! I told him to use Rock Slide, not Dragon Claw! I will not tolerate disobedience!You chill too.Wha...hey! Come back with my whip, you waste of space!Gustav, Hope, would you grab him and pin him down for me? Got him. Hold still!Perry, the whip? You're not gonna...Of course not. But he's coming with us into the next room. Easier than some hidden passage, and we can keep an eye on him. Calima, could you gather his pokeballs? I don't ever want him to touch another one again. They will be a long time recovering, Manic.I know, but that process starts now. Now MOVE it, you worthless sack. Your boss is waiting.
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Post by Manic on Feb 25, 2019 11:58:12 GMT
One more update - the champion fight - and then the epilogue, and this run is done like dinner.
Hope two in one day wasn't too much. Admittedly, despite the climactic moments of this run, I'm eager to move on to the next.
I feel like my writing noticeably improved from one run to the next.
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Post by Manic on Feb 26, 2019 6:08:35 GMT
Ugh, will you look at this? Excessive and gaudy, like the man himself.This many spotlights, he oughtta be summoning Crobatman!All right. Before we go in there, hang on a second. You, Drake, face forward. When I get out of here, I'm going to tan your hide!Yeah, yeah. Tell it to your boss. In the meantime, everybody dig in. Amigo, these are...!Yes, they are. Just trust me. Split them as evenly as you can. Also, everybody take as many Leppas and healing items as you need. We need to be at our full strength. What are you doing back there?
Oh, nothing much. You just keep your eyes up front. I'm ready to roll!I think we're all at our best.Let's show Mew that giving me a second chance was a good idea!Excellent. Everybody pick up after yourselves, let's not litter.
Drake: Wallace! His pokemon are level 62, except for his Swampert which just hit level 63!Sidney: What? No they're not. I fought them all at level 60. You're losing it, you old geezer.Glacia: But...I watched his Swampert hit level 62!Wallace: What the hell is going on here?!Hey, Wallace. Catch. Wallace: Agh! What the...a wrapper?Heh heh. Hah! Nice one.Wallace: You IDIOTS! He brought Rare Candies in here! I have no idea what level his pokemon are! Glacia, that Swampert, what does it use!Glacia: Well, Brick Break...Wallace: And?Glacia: ...that's all I saw! Wallace, you have to win, I don't want to go to jail!Your intelligence is questionable, Wallace! As is your entire operation. We're going to take you down so hard, we'll take recoil damage!Nice one!Manic. Amigo. This is what we have worked so hard to achieve. This is our greatest battle. Are you ready?As ready as I'll ever be.
Well, I didn't exactly have much of a choice, did I? You were completely useless! Glacia: You can't speak to Wallace like that! Glalie, use...Phoebe: I don't think so, Glacia. If you're going to interfere, you have to get through me first.Glacia: Phoebe, you traitor!You see, Wallace? Your former allies are turning on you. You have no leadership skills. 'Pretty' is not a qualification! Sydney: She's not the only one, buddy. I've got Drake, this perv isn't going anywhere. You focus on Wallace.Drake: You punk! If I had just ONE of my lovelies...Sydney: Well, you don't, so stuff it!Huh, maybe those two aren't so bad.They need work, and some help, but they're not unsalvageable. Wallace: Fine, then. If I have to face you alone, then I will! You really think you can win?
About time, dude.
All right. Maxine, you're up. He's going to lead off with his Wailord. What?! How did you know that?!You aren't the only one with powerful friends! Some of our friends gave me a power booster so I can reach you, in exchange for being patched in, Manic!Lanette: All of your research grants went to that witch Glacia! Think of all we could have done with that money!Weather Control Team: Making it rain to boost your team's power is insane! You have to be stopped.Wattson: I never liked you, Wallace. You're about to face what I faced, you creepy sailor wannabe!Cozmo: Where were you when Team Magma robbed and kidnapped me? We need a new leader!Funny, all of the smart people seem to be on my side, Wallace. Well, knowing what's coming doesn't necessarily mean you can handle it! Wailord, flatten that mutt!
Don't...call...me...MUTT!!ONE Thunderbolt?!Maxine is a total boss, Wallace. And she got to practice on Team Aqua while you diddled yourself in your ivory tower. Who's next?
Gyarados, stall for time!Wha...this is some kind of trick, right? Roxanne: It's no trick, Manic. Once he's chosen a pokemon, he's locked in, those are the rules.Roxanne?! Wow. How many of you are there watching this? Norman: Well, offhand, I'd say...all of us. You know what to do, son.
How could I possibly not? Juan: Hah! A rookie mistake, Wallace. I trained you better than that.Winona: You know all too well how hard that Manectric hits, Juan. Just like me.Juan: Even so, that was a poor choice.Tate / Liza: Both of you hush! / He's going to send out his next one!
All right, Maxine. Take a breather. It's time to send out our secret weapon! That's a laugh. I know you don't have any grass types, and never have!
Who needs a grass type when you have Ace? A Beautifly?! I'll stomp it flat!Sidney: Heh. That's what I said, too. Didn't work out like that.You're gonna beat me with that? Now, that's funny!
Aw, c'mon!I knew your little bug wasn't up to the task! Now it's my turn!Incoming!
... Norman: Did he just do what I think he did?Señor, that was Hyper Beam, yes?Yes. That was Hyper Beam. Which means...Yes. Why is everybody staring at me?!Glacia: Sweet Arceus, please tell me that didn't just happen...I can't believe...I just...wow, Wallace. WOW. Ace... Kid, I ain't a Slowpoke. You'd have to be pretty thick not to know what comes next.
And the show's over. You don't have to go home, you fruity chump, but you can't stay here!You think I'm beaten because you've defeated half of my pokemon?Devon President: No, I think you're beaten because this boy is a better battler than you.Steven: Though I hate to admit it, Manic would give me a run for my money at this point. You stand no chance.
Maxine, you feel up for Stand back, I'm gonna light this thing up!...okay, I'll take that as a yes. Come on, let's see what you've got!
Oooooh. Pretty!Remember that Feebas that I caught? As much as I wish I could forget, yes.Yup.When she evolves? She'll look like that. For real?For real. It'll take some work, but we'll get there. Awesome.For now, Maxine, would you kindly dispose of this one? Yeah, I guess. It's hardly a challenge, though!Bet you can't hit a tail fluke. Bet I can hit the second from the left!You're on!
Wha...it didn't fall in one shot?!Evidently not! That was a wicked Surf, Maxine. You need healing? Ewwww. Wet dog smell.Can it, both of you! I don't need healing, I just need to hit it AGAIN!
Hmph! That's better.My Milotic!Capt. Stern: Stormy seas, Wallace?Stern, my old friend! Do something!Capt. Stern: I am, Wallace. I'm watching a ten-year-old boy do what someone should have done a long time ago.Send out your next pokemon, Wallace. Four down, two to go!
Hola.Water type vs. water type, hmm? Fine, I can play the stalling game.
Urgh...so foul...C'mon, Gustav. You're only going to take damage once from that. You already know what I want you to do. By the time your 'Gustav' can get past my Tentacruel's defenses, it'll be poisoned to death, and Brick Break is worthless here!You're forgetting something, Wallace. Swampert has a secondary type. Now, Gustav! As hard as you possibly can!
In one clean hit...and all I have left is...Send it out, Wallace. You know you have no choice. Wally: You're almost there, Manic! One more hit and he's down!Then pay close attention, Wally. I'm sending out a pokemon that nobody has met before! Hey, that's right. You have six pokeballs, and I only know the contents of five. What's in that sixth one?I'd like all of you to meet Hope.
Hi there.Drake: You have a Salamence too?!Secrets within secrets within secrets. You still don't know our full measure. Rare candies, secret pokemon, technical moves...who ARE you?!Norman: Don't you know, Wallace? That's my son. Best damn trainer I've ever seen.Mom: Finish him off, Manic. We have a lot to talk about.Well, you heard the lady, Wallace. Momma said knock you out!
Take that, you ridiculous stereotype!And that's the end. What?! No, I have more pokemon...I have to have more pokemon somewhere!Give it up, Wallace. I kept count. That's six, you're toast. But your condition...Only means anything if I lose. I had to be reminded of that a while back.
Wallace? Yes?You can stop kissing my ass now. ...right...
What will you do with your newfound power?Lots of things. First, I'm reassembling a proper police force. Tate, Liza, challengers will face one of you at random. Money will be funneled back to REAL scientists, not amoral monsters like Glacia. The list just goes on and on, and I'll start as soon as I'm registered as champion.
Manic, you won! I'm so proud of you!OOF! Hah, I'm glad to see you too, May! Yeah, it wasn't even all that hard. Modest as ever, I see. :3 My dad should be along shortly to congratulate you too!Ah, so that's why you weren't in on the call! After this, why don't you and I...oops, here he comes!
If I'm not mistaken, you told her to go catch and find and train pokemon while you sit around Littleroot. Manic!It's true. As grateful as I am for Gustav, well...let's just say you deserve this.
It's piecemeal at best! I can't use this!I had bigger things on my mind at the time. You know, saving the world, stuff like that? But...my research!Oh, stuff a sock in it, Dad.MAY!I don't think she wants to be your research slave anymore, Birch. I don't think I want to, either. There are pokemon all over the entire region for you to learn about and interact with; it's time for you to get out and do some REAL fieldwork, and I don't just mean route 101. But I can't just...You can't do what a ten-year-old boy just did? Rrrrgh...all right, fine. I will become a trainer and researcher, and someday, I'll challenge you!Come at me, bro.
I think we all know that, Wallace. I'll be waiting for you outside, Manic! <3 May, are you sweet on that boy?!Pull your head out of a book once in a while, Birch. Your girl's growing up. We all are.
Don't take it so hard, Wallace. Being a shitty leader isn't against the law. Drake and Glacia may be going to jail, but you? I hear there's a Swimmer position open on route 106. FFFFFFFFUUUUUU...
Thanks for keeping your promise, Manic, but don't you dare sit on your laurels! I wanna fight more!You've got nothing to worry about. Wallace has shown me what complacency can do.
Is it over?It's not even close, but I think we can take a break from battling after this. Cool, cool. I could use a nap.
You're a star, kid! A bonafide star!We all are, Ace. Remember? You're my secret weapon. And proof that a Beautifly can go all the way. I gotta get an agent!
Amigo, I...do not know what to say. My familia must be very happy.I think so too, Gustav. After all, you're surrounded by them now. Hah. Old and new family alike. I am content.
What now, Calima? There is so much left to learn, Manic. The winds whisper of a thousand secrets just waiting for us in Hoenn alone.Then we'll go and unearth them all. Can it wait for a few days, though? I believe so, yes. A break is deserved.
We did it, Manic. We made it, together.I couldn't have done it without you. When I lost you, it left a hole in my heart. Now, nothing can tear us apart.
There you go. After all the triumph and heartbreak, after the struggles through dangerous waters and darkened caves, after all the effort we've put into this...we've come to terms with our pasts and presents, we've rid ourselves of the worst among us, and we've cleared the path to make a better future, one step at a time. At last, I think this is finally...
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Post by Manic on Feb 26, 2019 6:13:48 GMT
And that's it for the screenshot portion of the run.
Don't tune out yet, though. There's still a bit of an epilogue remaining, and some of what is in there is important to future runs as well.
If you plan to follow the story arc, you might find yourself referring back to this run semi-frequently. You never know what might have appeared irrelevant at the time, but was actually critical to the plot.
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Post by Firebrand on Feb 26, 2019 14:52:06 GMT
The elite four battles were definitely a highlight of the run, as well they should be, since it shows how far Manic and the gang have come. By covering considerably less ground per update here, you definitely managed to get a lot more development for the E4 members in, and fleshed them out really well. It's kind of a shame that the run breezed through so many of the gym leaders, because the kinds of back-and-forth Manic and Co. had with the elites was so interesting. I definitely didn't anticipate Gustav being the one to take down Glacia, and Perry handling Drake was pretty cool too. If anything, it's kind of a shame that Hope didn't get to see any action in the first four battles, despite all the fanfare around her introduction. But the rest of the team handled themselves well enough, so I guess you didn't need her to come in and clean house. At least she got to strike the final blow, which is cool.
Also, I'm always a sucker for the tried-and-true jrpg trope of everyone you helped out along the way shouting encouragement to you in the final battle to give you the strength to carry on. I mean... not that Maxine or the others necessarily needed it in their clean sweep of Wallace, but still...
Normally Nuzlocke runs (or at least the handful I'm familiar with) tend to be slightly darker and more dramatic, usually as a result of the team members dying off. That was not really in play here, since the only team member Manic lost was Dana, who got better anyway. But despite everyone surviving, more or less, there was definitely emotional resonance, so great job! I can only wonder what's going to go wrong in the epilogue that forces Manic to off to wherever the next run takes place...
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Post by Manic on Feb 27, 2019 0:09:23 GMT
EPILOGUE:
Then what happened? Well now, let's go down the list... ----- Maxine stayed alongside Manic for many years after that, fighting at his side and working to get ever stronger until she finally reached the level 100 barrier. To the best of my knowledge, she's still working with Margaret to break that barrier and get even stronger. No success yet, but who knows? Ace really did get himself an agent, and he went on a tour throughout the regions. At first, he stuck with his original love, comedy...but in due time, he started branching out into acting, using his range of experiences to grace the silver screen. I'm not quite sure how many Oscars he has at this point, but I know he lives in luxury with a Butterfree he met in Kanto. Calima's thirst for knowledge never really did get quenched, and she's still one of the first great Pokemon archaeologists. Wherever there's a mystery to be solved, I'm told that you can find her digging around in the dirt and listening to the whispers of the wind even now. Last anyone heard from her, she vanished with Mirage Island, but that means she could be back any day now for all we know. Perry stayed with Manic for a while longer after his victory, but after a while, he told Manic that he had another calling in life and went off to points unknown. His eventual destination is a bit unclear, but I've heard that he lives among Pokemon, acting as a sort of mail carrier. I know, work doesn't sound like his thing, but apparently he really likes it. Hope became Maxine's best training partner, and one of the few Maxine didn't really have to worry about knocking out. That said, she also formed a friendship with Phoebe, who never really lost her interest in the afterlife despite becoming a lot less creepy about it. They went on to form the First Pokéchurch of Hoenn, teaching others and sharing the benefit of their experiences. As for Gustav...well, he remained with Manic, and the two of them grew up together. Manic served as champion of Hoenn for quite some time, fully evolving all of the pokemon he caught and making it a much better place to live than it used to be, and Gustav was always at his side to offer advice, friendship...and the occasional Earthquake when necessary. I'm told the first project he helped with was building a grass-free route from Littleroot to Petalburg, so that Manic could easily visit his father whenever he wanted to. ----- Of course, as you know, Manic had a lot of other adventures too...but that's for another night. Go to sleep, now. Awww! I wanna hear about the time he went to...Hah...and you will! But not right now. I agreed to read you this story on the condition you'd go right to sleep, now it's time to keep your end of the bargain. Aw! Okay.Dad, have you been filling his head with those stories again?As a matter of fact, yes I have. He loves hearing about all the things Manic did, and someday hopes to visit! I'm not sure how I feel about you telling him all of these things. Suppose he gets it in his head to follow in Manic's footsteps?Audrey, I think that would be one of the best things for the boy. The bigger you dream, the more you can achieve. If this book teaches us anything, it's that. *sigh* Well, I suppose so. And I suppose there's no discouraging you, hmm?Not a chance. Even if I wanted to, the boy would have none of it! Say goodnight to your grandpa and thank him for coming to read you a story, Cheren.It's my pleasure, Cheren. Same time next week? Uh huh! Thanks, grandpa Wally. *zzzzz...*
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