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Post by Manic on Aug 15, 2019 6:54:25 GMT
So, the good news is that Manic is neither dead nor broken. Same goes for the rest of his team.
The bad news is that something is after him, and just decided to attack.
There will be more narrative sections in the future, but this marks the end of this one.
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Post by crimsondoom on Aug 15, 2019 13:06:54 GMT
I'm refraining from commenting because I know too much about what's going on, but I will note that I rather enjoy these brief narrative interludes. The fact that you normally work in screenshots makes those interludes all the more powerful.
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Post by Manic on Aug 16, 2019 7:57:53 GMT
Update #21: Whisper
Hey, listen...Kenya. You okay with this? Of-course! I-knew-the-time-would-come-when-you-wouldn't-need-my-help-anymore. Maybe, but you've been a huge asset to the team. Not letting that fat freakshow eat you was definitely the right call. I-have-to-agree-with-that! Just-take-care-of-him, Abras-are-really-fragile. Don't worry about that. I've already got plans to deal with it. That's-great! Now,-get-going! I-want-a-little-alone-time-with-Will. Right! I'm out!
Here you go. Learn to like this thing, 'cause- Yeah, yeah, 'cause I ain't much without it. I get it. Listen, you an' I, we've gotta talk. I see. Is it a private matter? Nah. If anything, the others're affected by it a lot too. Then can we talk while we walk? Grant's not getting any closer while we're here, I'd bet. Suits me. C'mon, let's get the lead out.
So, what's on your mind? This is gonna get kinda dicey. What do you know about religion? Oh, great. Not that much. Why? Arright. You know all those stories that Varas puke has been tellin' you? Mmm-hmmm? Yeah, that stuff's all real. It's all stuff that either happened, or will happen. Curtis, you must understand how little sense that makes. How would he even know? To explain that, I've gotta start from the beginning. C'mon, let's get inside and quit lollygagging.
I think I'll listen from inside my pokeball, thanks. *pchoo*
Great. Ice puzzles. Anybody mind if I just melt all this? I wish you wouldn't, I don't care to get flooded out of the cave. Take it easy, Link. We'll get through with our brains, not our brawn. Anyway, Curtis, continue. Yeah, I gotcha. Anyhow, back in 2012, a fella named Manic made a journey through Hoenn. Put the hurt on the then-champion Wallace, became champ, yadda-yadda. Your name certainly has a lot of history, Muh-manic! Ain't that the truth. Anyway, things shoulda gone pretty smooth from there, 'cept the new champ vanished not long after taking his title. Nobody really knew why - guy came back from a PR trip, and poof! Gone without a trace. Okay, with you so far. Hang on just a sec before we continue.
Figures. Seriously. Anyway, go on. Yeah. Anyhow, what mostly nobody knows is that he didn't just vanish, he was taken. Wallace struck a deal with something foul to separate Manic into five distinct aspects, the stuff he thought helped Manic win in the first place. And you're saying that our Ma-a-a-anic is one of those aspects? You called me Manic, the Dedicated. Is that what you meant? Bingo. He figured self-awareness, courage, dedication, innocence, and experience were what got that Manic past him and his cronies, so he split 'em up. He didn't just do that, though; he shuffled 'em around and sent 'em to different times and different regions. So far, I follow you. Kinda. Wait a second, another quick delay:
You don't need it back? Nah! I need new shoes if I'm going to climb waterfalls! New...shoes? P-plus maybe a water puh-pokemon? Yeah! Can't get this pair wet, they were a gift! You know, I'm not even going to try to argue with that. Rock on, shoe guy. You ready for round two? I...guess?
Good, 'cause now, so am I. Not bad, not bad. You can finally handle yourself in a fight! Not at that low level. There's still work to be done before I'm ready to have him fight. Yup! I'm on this gravy train for a while. Now, where was I? A bunch of different Ma-a-a-anics. Right, yeah. Anyhow, since the future doesn't exist until we make it, he hadda create a bunch of worlds to dump each Manic into. And since he could do that, he really started to fuck around, skew the odds in his favor. Define 'fuck around'. Well, lessee. He shoved Self-Aware into a metagamey world where new rules were being foisted onto him all the time. Innocence didn't even get to remember how pokemon battling worked, he hadda learn it all over again. Sheesh. Unfair advantage, anyone?
You think that's bad? Courageous got a wasting disease that damn near killed him before he passed, and Experienced...brr. Civil war, gender-shifted, framed for war crimes...bad times, man. Passed. What do you mean, passed? Well, see, each world is also a trial. The goal is to bury each Manic under enough disadvantages that he fails. Yeah, well, whoever's doing this sucks at it. Don't celebrate too fast, Bic. See, each Manic - after the original - gets an Oracle to help guide him through, like yours truly. As each Manic passes their trial, their Oracle can tell more an' more about what's happening. So, um...how many of them have passed? All but one. We're on a winning streak! All but one... Yep. That's you, kiddo. The other four have finished their trials.
Nice and suh-simple! Nicely done, Rebecca. Now let's get the others. Look, this's a real nice story and all, but why shouldn't we just think you're crazy? Which I kinda do. Two reasons. One, I know stuff I shouldn't know. Like how you called Will comic relief when you met him. O...kay, that's kinda creepy, but you are a psychic type. Two, if anybody needs to believe, you do. You're a lynchpin, pal. If Manic loses you? He fails. What? Me? You or your other-world counterpart. Every Manic's had the rule so far that if he lost his starter, he fails...well, this time, he got two. Lucky him, right? Hey, I wouldn't trade anyone on my team for the world! I know! That's one of the hooks in you, man. Most trainers have a hard enough time keeping up with a team of six. You've got twelve to wrap your brain around, and two different worlds, and Grant to look after, and Grace's dad to rescue, and the war to maneuver around...shit's pretty real.
Oh, for the love of Mew. Does this place ever end? At least you resist the cold. I'm freezing! Tell me about it. Let's keep talking, it'll take our minds off the cold. So, why are you front-loading all of this exposition, Curtis? Three reasons. Number one, remember in Cianwood how you sorta conked out? Hey, yeah! That was somebody dropping in a fake Oracle. You gotta make sure you don't listen to 'em! A fake Oracle...wait. How is any of this even possible? How did Wallace get the power to create worlds? Same way he got the power to possess folks and try to off your Innocence aspect. That deal with the devil, so to speak. Anyhow, second reason: we're pretty close to Blackthorn, and you know what that means. Time for another shift, huh? Afraid so. So, you're in a bit of a rush to share while you can. What's the third reason?
See, there's rules for this kinda stuff. Striking a deal with Wallace, that's fine, whatever. But last night...damn thing came after you directly. Is tha-a-a-at where that mark on his throat came from? Yeah, sorta. It came after him in his sleep. Thankfully, the other aspects and the surviving Oracles were there to help snap him out of it, but...uh. Let's just say, I feel sick that I couldn't help out. That bad, huh? The first thing you did after you beat that thing away, was will yourself to forget everything you'd seen. Sheesh. That's pretty bad, all right. Anyhow. We're just about to the kimono girl, so...lessee...yeah, I think that's it for now. A kimono girl? In this frosted hell? You're joking.
Nope. Hello there. I see my presence here was announced. Uh, yeah, something like that. What are you doing here? Waiting. Waiting for me, I take it. Quite astute. I see you've found an ally. Well done. How do you know about all of this? The force that touched Varas' mind and taught him the truth of this world left an opening for that force's opposite number to touch our minds and do the same for us. I'm sorry, I just have to step in here for a moment. Manic, do you realize how utterly Zubat-shit crazy this sounds? I dunno... Oh, Link. Not you too! It does tie up a lot of loose ends. If Manic believes it...we probably should too. I guess?
Buh? My shoes have frozen to the ice. Just let me step out of them. So you can slide barefoot? Not for any longer than necessary, I hope!
Much better. Be well, Manic. Wait. Before you run off, a quick question. Then you shall receive a quick answer. Where can I find Grant? In another world, very close indeed. I was afraid of that. Team, watch over the other me, I'm going after Grant. Which other you, now? Man, I thought it was bad enough with just two Manics! Ha ha. You're a riot. Now, I'm off!
Priscilla! Manic! What a relief to have you here again. Is something wrong? It's the very definition of wrong! Grant is here, in this world! Yeah, I know about that. C'mon, let's get to the box and get him out of there so we can keep an eye on him! I'm afraid you're a little late on that count. A little late? If he were any later, we'd be holding a funeral for the late Manic! What the...Lilly, is that you?!
Hah! You'd best believe it! Large and in charge! And the hits just keep coming! Molly, c'mere! Reporting for duty. Wow. I mean, seriously, wow! QUERY: Does the exclamation 'wow' refer to this unit's current status, or another matter? Both of you are...man, I miss all sorts of stuff when I shift! Hey, pally. If you're done drooling over the ladies, ain't we got somethin' to handle? Grant! Right. Let's get to that PC box and-
I...you...what? Voices in my head are shouting, man! Swallow the transistor radio, they say! But I'm not fooled, ohhhhh no! I know it's made of chicken, not ham! Where there are no pigs, you shall have no cigs, and I need a smoke, man! ... What the hell are we listening to? THEORY: This individual is under the influence of an unknown psychotropic substance. The result of an excessively expanded consciousness. Okay, back away nice and slow, no sudden movements...
How would she even know we were here? That's what I've been trying to tell you! Clair has Grant! Clair?! The headcase of the upper echelons, the walking attitude problem?! I'm standing right here, you know. Cram a Pecha in it, buddy. Priscilla, how could she possibly have him? She had some sort of box override code! We were safe because the other Manic had us, but she just waltzed right in, took him, and left! ... Manic? ... ... Uh oh.
CLAIR!! Oh, this isn't going to end well. I believe you have something of mine, Clair! I want him back! You really think she's just gonna hand him over? Molly. I need a level readout on the trainers who stand in our way! Sensors indicate that gym trainer pokemon are in the upper 30s in level. Manic. Listen to me. Priscilla, I can't just leave him here! And you can't just break through because you feel like it! We have to go. We have to train and get stronger so that we can bulldoze through this place! If it's any consolation, she's had him for days, and there's no sign that anything has happened to him. One more day could make the difference between saving him and not saving him; let's take the time and do it right!
I knew you'd do the right thing. DON'T...talk to me right now. Look, I'm sorry, I just- Stop. It's okay, Priscilla. He's not mad at you. He's just...well, to be frank, he's royally pissed off. Heh. Doesn't handle frustration too well, huh? Yeah, thankfully we dunno anybody else like that...
So this is where Dark Cave lets out. Are we going in? Waste of time. Let's get to training. How long we lookin' to train this time, big guy? However. Long. It takes. Molly, give me a level analysis and recommendation. Working...minimum safe level to challenge Clair: 40. You heard her, team. Let's get to work!
Didn't we just...? So now there are three entrances to Dark Cave? In truth, there are infinite entrances to all places and times. Man, I didn't even know this was here, and I used to live on this route! Lowlands, sure, but still! Nobody even mentioned this entrance. OBSERVATION: There is no tall grass on the northern portion of this route, and there is no way here from the southern portion. I get it. Nobody told you because nobody knew! Yeah, yeah. A likely excuse! C'mon, let's head back up. Please hold. Enemy enacting self-destruct sequence. Wha - Molly, what are you doing?! Get back!
ALERT: Minor damage dealt to chassis. Recommend healing item. Dammit, Molly! Don't do that! Was this unit's action in error? No! I mean, sort of. You could've been seriously hurt; what if it had scored a critical hit? If the enemy had scored a critical hit, this unit's chassis would have been severely damaged. Just...just be more careful. I'm worried about you. The last thing I want is to lose you now. This unit is unclear on the meaning of such words... Don't worry too much. It's just Manic being Manic. He doesn't want any of us to get knocked out. Understood. Strategic advantage is maintained by having an optimum number of combat-ready pokemon. Dummy, he cares about us! Does not compute.
Some days, you can't win for losing. Manic. Hmmm? What's up, Molly?
Priscilla theorized that you care about us. Is this theory accurate? Well...yeah. I mean, you're my teammates, sure...but you're also my friends, right? Does not compute. Well, let's see. I like having you around, and I'd feel really bad if something were to happen to you. Even the irritating little quirks just come across as a way to give character to the greater whole that is you. And you...feel that way...about this unit? Of course! That's why I snapped at you back there. (Sorry about that, by the way.) Does not...does not c-com... Molly? Are you okay? Hey, where are you going?!
Where's Molly running off to? If I didn't know better, I'd say she looked kinda upset. Infinite diversity in infinite combinations. She almost looked like she was...but she can't... C'mon, spit it out! Oh, fuck me... Everybody get out there and start searching! Teams of two! We need to find her before she gets hurt! So what if something goes kaboom on her? We can just bang her chassis back into place, or whatever. Damn it, Lilly! You and Lucky get out there! Go! Priscilla, Jack, you make another team! Go! Lana, you're with me! I haven't seen you looking so freaked out in a while! What's going on? Molly is not a machine! I repeat, Molly is not a machine, she's a living creature! What?! Then wh...oh, damn it! Let's move!
(Hours of searching later...)
I'm the worst pokemon ever... Molly! Come here! Where have you been, we've been worried sick! I just...I couldn't...I couldn't face you. Not after lying to you like I did. Shhh, c'mon, it's okay. You found her! Awesome, can we get g-OOMPH! Shove a jackhammer in it! They're busy! It's not okay. You trusted me, and I just...Arceus, I'm sorry... Molly. Why? Why the ruse?
It...it wasn't entirely a ruse. I was hatched in captivity...sold to the National Park when I was very young... Sheesh. Sucks to be you. Lilly. If you do not shut up right now, I am going to push you into the river and they can finish this while you swim back. I am not even joking with you. I'll help, too. I learned to make friends. Sometimes I'd meet someone nice. Then they'd go away. One by one, everyone just went away. Molly, I'm sorry...that sounds awful. Over time, I learned to just...stop...feeling things. If I didn't feel anything, it wouldn't hurt... Hey...Molly. You noticed somethin'? *snf* Huh? We're still here, ain't we? It's true. We're not going anywhere, I promise. Can't catch an owned pokemon. So long as I'm around, that's what all of you are, and I'm not looking to take a dirt nap anytime soon. But what...what if you do? What if you all go away and I'm left alone again? One cannot become a Butterfree by remaining a Caterpie. Well, I'll be damned. Is it me, or was that profound? Come on. We're making a quick detour before we go anywhere else.
Everybody feel better? Do I ever! I needed a little TLC. Eh, not bad. Hey, can we go fight Whitney? Maybe in a rematch? She was fun. What about you, Molly? Do you like your new look? I...I do, yes. The green bow really sets off my armor...don't you think? Girl, you look like a million poke'! Among endless worlds, minutae is of paramount and infinitessimal importance. Good, I'm glad to hear it. Now, I believe we have unfinished business.
Give me back my boy...or I will tear this gym down around your head.
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Post by Manic on Aug 16, 2019 8:00:19 GMT
Whew. Curtis with the front-loading of exposition! If you weren't clear on the plot of the story - or what you currently have access to, anyway - hopefully that helped you as much as it helped Manic!
And Molly...poor Molly. Sometimes, to avoid being torn to pieces, we develop coping mechanisms that - while not entirely healthy - are entirely necessary to continue functioning in a cruel world. To spend so long unable to conceive of someone who won't exit your life without warning...you can see how it might warp a person. Or a pokemon.
And now, Manic is poised to regain access to Grant. That is one pissed-off daddy.
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Post by truezero2 on Aug 16, 2019 10:40:49 GMT
Oh yeah, the false oracle. I remembered that being a plot point, I just forgot that it caused Manic to lose consciousness for a while.
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Post by crimsondoom on Aug 16, 2019 16:02:56 GMT
And this is exactly why Molly's my favorite. I didn't go full robot, but our coping mechanisms were otherwise similar. I relate to her and want only the best for her.
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Post by Manic on Aug 18, 2019 21:19:00 GMT
Update #22: Purpose - vs. Clair
Hello there, Manic. Clair. The eighth gym leader. That would be me, yes. I assume you already know why I'm here. Of course! You want your eighth badge and the prestige and honor that- Do not toy with me, woman. I want Grant back. Return him now, and I'll be gentle. Mmmm, just one little problem with that: he's not here. Lying, Clair? Really? I know you have him. Yes, that's also true. I do have him, but he's not here. You'll never reach him without my help, but be warned: I can hold my own against the Elite Four. Lance is family. I make a hobby out of crushing weak trainers, and you? As far as I'm concerned, the moment you started demanding him back, you became a rogue agent. This will be my job and my pleasure.
I think I maybe didn't make myself clear. Try harder, then. Grant is not a weapon of war! He is a living thing. He is my boy. I will not stop until I get him back from you. If I have to defeat you, fine. If I have to defeat the Elite Four and Lance, fine! If I have to rip Johto, Kanto, the entire league, the very planet itself apart with my bare hands, that is exactly what I am going to do! Somebody got Intimidate as their ability.
For directly interfering with the operations of the Johto Defense Force, I find you guilty of the crime of treason! The penalty is death! You have no jurisdiction over me, you blowhard. You could've made this easy on yourself, but now? I'm going to beat you so bad, your pokemons' eggs will hatch with 0 HP! You talk a big game, Manic, but how will you handle a Gyarados?
You mean that Gyarados over there? I did it! Did you see? Totally did. Well done, Molly! Ugh. You're one of those weirdos who nicknames his pokemon, aren't you? And you're one of those icy slags who just views them as weapons. Guess we just see things differently, hmm? Oh, I've got just the thing for you. Here, have a Dragonair! ...I don't like the way she said that. Molly, c'mon back, let's get Lucky in on this one.
Objects in motion tend...nnnngh...to stay in motion. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest... Damned Starmies! There's a reason nobody likes that water leader! Well, if it makes you feel any better, that's not quite what I was hoping for either; a one-shot would've worked well there, but hurting and paralyzing Lucky takes it out of the fight for the moment. Hmph! Well, I'm betting you don't have another Starmie, but I have another Dragonair! Ugh, what do you do, mass-produce these things? What to do, let's see... Hang back fer a sec, I got this! What? Jack?!
Jack, what are you doing? You know you can't handle something that strong! I ain't here to 'handle' it! Man, you've totally lost me here. What's on your mind? A Raticate? You sent a Raticate against my Dragonair? This should be amusing. The team's hurtin', right? Well, do something about it! ...why is it just standing there?
Thanks a million, Jack! Nnnngh...yeah, don't mention it! Just...ow!...hurry it up, okay? Raticates aren't what I'd call very good walls. Allow me to demonstrate!
Allow me to cordially invite you to kiss the fattest part of my ass! Jack, are you okay? That one's gonna leave a bruise...sorry, don't think I'm gonna be much more use on this one! It's all right, Jack. You did a hell of a job. Take five! I don't think you're going to get too much more mileage out of me either, this thing hits like a ton of bricks! It's fine, you've done what I needed you to do. You've both been a great help! Lucky, get in here and show her it was worth it!
Ice Beam. Hmph, figures! Fortunately, I still have my ace up my sleeve! Go ahead, send out your Dragonite. One good frosty shot between the eyes, and we can finish this. So cocky! What makes you so sure that I have a Dragonite? Because Lance does, and you're a pale reflection of him. Wow, that's kind of mean, isn't it? Easy, doll. I think that's the idea, stir her up so she can't think straight! I am not a reflection of my cousin! I have my own idea of an ace, and here it is!
Dafuq is that? Looks like somebody shoved a Seadra through a pencil sharpener! I don't want none'a that! Never seen a Kingdra before, hmmm? I'm not surprised, they're a real beast to evolve and even harder to control! Plus, they only have one weakness...and I doubt you're packing any Dragon attacks with that sorry team! Hey! Sorry team? Lady, you screwed up real bad now. Lucky, here, use this and show her little water dragon what a bolt of electricity can do!
In a microcosm of the cosmos, energy flows from place to place! Aw, that's adorable! It thinks it has a Special Attack stat. Kingdra, let's start out slow. Just use a Dragon Pulse. It's fine, Lucky can tank that no problem. You've got this, right, Lucky?
*choke* FUCK. Now, let's see here. Unless I'm completely mistaken, that was just about exactly half of your pokemon's health. Yes? Pain has the power to draw the mind away from the vastness of the universe and force it to the present... Damn it! I wish I could be more help here, somehow! No dice, Lana. With that thing being half Water type, you and Lilly are both out of this. Jack too, I don't even want to think about what it would do to him. Probably tear him open with its tail, I would think. Bleagh. Ghastly woman. Priscilla...same issue, I'm afraid. I'm not offended! That thing looks strong in its own right, and it's higher level than we are! This is my job. Molly. Are you sure about this? Steel, remember? I'll resist Dragon Pulse! Let me help! ...okay, you're in. But be careful! Predictable. Possibly a fatal mistake!
Sweet Arceus! Mother of Mew, that took off more than half your health! It's...it's okay...I can still fight...! Let's play a little game, Manic. What? What the hell are you talking about? Hydro Pump is a great move, isn't it? Sadly, it only has five PP. That was one shot. I think we can both agree that if my Kingdra scores a critical hit, it will kill your 'Molly'. I think we can also agree that the same would hold true of any of your pokemon. What the hell kind of game is that? There is something seriously wrong with this woman. What's your point? I'm going to keep hitting your active pokemon with Hydro Pump until it runs out of ammo. They call me the "Blessed Dragon Pokemon Tamer". Let's see how blessed you are, shall we? Augh...she's right, nobody can stand up to a critical hit from that! Oh, I should mention...my Kingdra's ability? Sniper. Not familiar. Critical hits don't deal double damage. They deal triple. It's all right...I can't have come this far to lose now! Do your worst!
Two. Whew! Here, take this! *cough, wheeze* Th-thanks! Manic, she can't keep on like this! Eventually, Clair will get lucky! I'm open to other ideas! Again!
Three! M-Molly? I'm...I'm all right! Just need more healing... Here you go! Damn it, Clair, aren't you tired of this yet? Are you kidding? Isn't this exciting? Lady, you are sick in the head, you know that?! I couldn't have said it better myself! You are seriously messed up! You don't find it thrilling? Knowing that any one attack could decide the match? Ah well, I suppose it's just me, then. Again!
Four! One more...augh...we're almost done! Molly, I can't stand to watch this! You're getting tortured out there! Hush. What? You can watch this, and you will. You'd better, or I'll never forgive you. What are you saying?! What are you, blind? She's doing this for you. For all of us. This is her way of atoning. Wow. When did you develop a heart? Go take a swim. But you, Manic? You give her a healing item, and you hope. You hope as hard as you can. ...you're right. Here, Molly. And thank you. Awww, that's sweet. You can drown together! AGAIN!
Damn it! Not one single critical hit?! Not even one?! Really, Kingdra?! Molly! You made it! I did...I did! Lana, help me warm her up a little bit. Come here. You did an amazing job! There you go. Nice and warm, heat on 'low'. Ugh, I can't stand to watch this drivel! Kingdra, block it out!
So you healed! Big deal. Your Scizor's accuracy is still hampered, and getting worse by the moment! So? At this point, she can stall you out. You've used up your big attack, you soulless harlot! Oh, you think so, huh? Well, yeah. I mean, let's review. Dragon Pulse is nice, but she resists it. Smokescreen, we've seen. Hydro Pump is out of ammo. Pretty safe bet you don't know any fire attacks, so that last one? Probably not an issue. You think so, huh? Kingdra, let's show them that a critical hit from you can still kill! Hyper Beam! Hyper what?!
Agh, my eyes! I can't see! It's okay, Molly! I've got you! Lucky, step in to pinch-hit for a moment! Manic, what are you doing?! If Lucky gets hit by one of those, that's it! Don't worry, she'll never get the chance. Damn it, Kingdra, recharge faster!
Ugh, fantastic. Way to miss your chance. You know, you really ought to treat your pokemon better. Please, not this old lecture again. 'Pokemon are our friends, bleh bleh bleh.' I didn't get where I am by buying into that garbage! They're obviously not your friends. And I thought I was stone-cold! Anyway, Molly's back, and she's at full accuracy. You know what that means! It means I start making her pay for keeping my family apart!
Aw, dammit. Meh, I guess it can't be helped. Minor setback. It's time to see if it can keep up with me! Molly...just a second. What did you mean, your family? Well, I mean...I sort of think of you all...as my new family. I guess. Sorry. Heh. You're damn right we are! One big happy family. Even old stone-butt over there! Hey! That means that she's holding a member of my family hostage. I'm not going to stand for that! Yeah! Best thing I've heard all day! Then go kick its ass! (Or whatever it has.)
This isn't a scripted battle, you lackluster, showboating fashion disaster! Hey! Ease off! Lance- Lance wears a cape and and gear that look like he belongs in them. You look like a go-go dancer wandered into a comic book convention! This outfit is majestic! That outfit should have a big handicapped sticker on the front! Now shut up and fight!
...bitch.
C'mon, Molly. I know it's been Smokescreening you again, but I need you to hit it just one more time! Come on, crit Dragon Pulse! Come on, crit Dragon Pulse! Do it for me! Fer everybody on the team! For your own basic dignity!
For family.
Good news! You don't have to. What? Nope! You just have to give me Grant back and fork over the badge and TM and for crying out loud go put some clothes on. Did you accidentally get hit in the head during the fight? The Togetic. Is Not. Here. Ahhh, right, right. Well then, you're going to come with me so I can retrieve him. Half-right. You're going to go into the cave past the water behind the gym, and you're going to talk to my grandfather. And he's going to set you straight! Now, why the hell would I go and do that? Because the Togetic is with him. Now, get out of here.
I know it's a trap, you know. Of course it is, but I also know that whoever's important to you? He really is back there. All the really important stuff is. Think we could make a quick stop-off first? Of course. We're going to get everyone healed, we're going into that cave, and we're not coming back out without Grant. Just one thing I want to take care of, first.
Hi, mom. It's me. Honey, it's good to hear from you! How are you? Things...well, things sure have been interesting. Are you all right? You don't sound very happy. Mom...I may be about to do something that isn't exactly going to make the military happy with me. How unhappy are we talking? Court martial unhappy. Oh... They're trying to turn Grant - my Togetic - into a weapon of war, but I can't let them do it. Grant is sweet and adorable. He's innocent, mom. Actually, honest-to-Arceus innocent. I have to do better for him than that. I have to protect him, even if it means...being a fugitive. I see... I'm sorry, mom. I know you're disappointed. Oh, honey, no. I'm proud of you. I feel the very same way about you. Just remember, whatever you do, your mother loves you very much. I'll always be here for you in any way I can. Th...thanks, mom. I think I really needed to hear that.
You better believe it, pal.
...wow... This place feels...strange. Kinda like we shouldn't be here. Yeah, mystical and shit. If I had shoes, I'd remove them. Okay, it's impressive. Need to focus. Grant's in here somewhere. Grant is everywhere he has been. Is it possible he's in the other world? I mean, you have been saying his name. Nope. Seven badges, no TM. We're not done yet.
I knew this would happen eventually. Priscilla? I've got it! Just pass the HM here. So, what did you get rid of? Oh, I think I had Amnesia, but I forgot it. But that would mean you remember...but you'd forget...AUGH. Let's just go.
She did. I'm here for Grant. The Togetic. It has a name? He does, yes. Why? Why what? Why did you name it? You're kidding, right? All of my pokemon have names! There's Lana, Lilly, Priscilla, Molly, Jack, and Lucky. (And between you and me, finding a name for a genderless pokemon isn't all that easy.) Yes, I see. Why? Because it's the right thing to do, that's why! Again. Why? ... Yes? A name is an important part of who we are. It's a unique identifier that tells the word that we have value, substance, meaning. It's a way to differentiate 'I' from 'we'. This is not 'a Typhlosion', this is Lana. I am not 'a trainer', I am Manic. And you are not holding 'a Togetic', you are holding my Grant, and I want him back. Very good. A very good answer.
That's a relief. We just went through a harrowing gym battle, and I'm not ready for another. In fact, I would appreciate it if you would call your pokemon back into their pokeballs for the duration of the test. ...why? They must not coach you. Don't worry, you will come to no harm here. You all okay with that? Somehow, I believe him. Meh, whatever. We'll be right here if you need us! I feel like you can trust him. Sure, no prob. All places are 'inside'. Okay. Lemme have it. I will keep Lucky out, though; trust me, I can't understand a damn thing he says anyway.
Pokemon are my friends, my family. They fight by my side, they talk to me and I talk to them. We share our good times and our bad, we laugh together, we're terrified together, we're astonished and appalled and ecstatic together. I know that some people trade pokemon, but I can't imagine doing that with anyone I've known for more than a few minutes.
Strategy. A sharp mind is stronger than the strongest elemental attack. Just pummeling your opponent with strong attacks isn't enough; Clair just saw that for herself. It's not just type advantages, either. It's about status effects, using the environment, messing with your opponent's head, and lots, lots more.
Anyone that needs battling. Strong opponents keep me thinking, and weak opponents help me to remember where I once was. If you start turning them away, you rob yourself of those experiences, and you will eventually pay the price.
How could there be any other answer? Lana and Lilly could tell you, there was a time when I was pretty rough on them both, kept calling them back into their pokeballs until they would behave. Even then, it was done out of love; if you don't care about your pokemon, if you don't form connections to them and understand them - and let them do the same for you - then you've completely missed the point of even being around them.
There are people who would say that Molly is important because of how powerful a Scizor is. There are people who would tell me to box Priscilla because Quagsires aren't 'optimal'. Those people can screw off; if it wasn't for Priscilla, I literally wouldn't be standing in front of you, and Molly has shown me how real strength comes from facing down your own demons.
Never. Not even for a moment. So, does that mean...
Ugh, it's you. May I...? Certainly. Thanks. *pchoo x5* I knew you would fail, of course. So, you just sit here like a good boy, and I'll call the MP to come pick you up. Actually, granddaughter, he passed with flying colors.
That's impossible! Ha ha...oh, grandfather, always joking around! I passed? That's good to hear and all, but...Grant? Listen to you whine like a baby. Grant, Grant, I want Grant. Grandfather, let me go ahead and make the call. I'm sure you're as tired of- CEASE YOUR INANE PRATTLING THIS INSTANT! eep!
I'm led to understand that he handed you your backside, in your own gym, without letting a single one of his pokemon faint! Yes, but- I've also discovered that he treats his pokemon with dignity and respect, like the sentient beings that they are, rather than using them as property and letting them languish in their pokeballs whenever he doesn't need them at the moment! Fine, but- You are old enough to remember a time when we idealized trainers who treated their pokemon with love and kindness, not just as tools for combat. But he's- Look, if I could just get Grant and that badge... ...DO I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS BOY HAS DEFEATED YOUR GYM IN HONORABLE COMBAT, AND YOU REFUSE TO GIVE HIM HIS BADGE?!
Wow, look at her go! I'm very sorry you had to see that. Now, I believe this belongs to you. Please don't forget to get your TM from my granddaughter on the way out. ...Daddy? Grant? DADDY!! Grant! Come here! Oh sweet Mew, Daddy missed you, Grant! I'm sorry, I'll never let anyone trick me into losing you again. Daddy, I was s-so scared, there were these mean men and *hic* they took me away but the mean lady took me here and the nice old man took me away from her and- Shhhh, shhh. It's okay. I've got you. You're safe now, I promise. Ahhh, it does an old man's heart good to see such things. Bless you, sir. Bless you a thousand times over. I'll never forget this. See that you don't, my boy. I suspect the worst is yet to come.
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Post by Manic on Aug 18, 2019 21:27:01 GMT
Whew! The Clair fight is over with, and it was a nail-biter! Turns out Molly is making up for lost time, and then some!
Side-benefit: if you ever wanted some insight into the way Manic thinks, the questionnaire helps a little with that.
Do NOT impugn the honor of dragon trainers, even if you're a gym leader. Old man MAD!
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Post by crimsondoom on Aug 19, 2019 1:19:27 GMT
Molly tanking five Hydro Pumps from a Kingdra to save her adopted brother is certifiably badass and heartwarming simultaneously.
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Post by Manic on Aug 19, 2019 5:09:44 GMT
Molly is an absolute boss, especially once she gets past her own shell.
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Post by Manic on Aug 21, 2019 6:18:00 GMT
Update #23: Goodwill
Heaven help me, woman, if you're trying to get Grant back... No! No. I can accept defeat honorably. Yeah, by honorably running off with the badge! Keep your eye on her! You'll excuse me if I stay on my guard regardless. Yeah, I guess I deserve that. Anyway, I forgot to give you this!
Ah, right, the TM. It's Dragon Pulse. If you hadn't had your Scizor there, it would've given you no end of trouble! Thanks. I know someone who will get a lot of use out of this. Who do you have in mind? ...really, Lana? Erk! Right! Sorry! Anyway, I thought you might like to see this. See what? Okay, big guy. You be good for the other me, all right? Daddy will be along soon. Okay, Daddy! Give us a hug. Mmmmmmh! Now then. 'Grant'. He's...he's gone! He's in the other world. You'll never see him again.
More than you can possibly know. Well, with a team like yours, my cousin had better watch out. Hmmm. Clair, do me a favor, tell me about him. He's nice enough, a bit too casual, but very effective at what he does. Why? Would you describe him as 'ruthless'? What? No! He's strong, but he's got scruples. I see... Why do you ask? It's better that you not know. Suffice to say, the other Lance...not so much with the scruples. He's tarnishing the name of the dragon masters?! Like you wouldn't believe. Then you'd better not lose to him!
Don't worry about it, Clair. Although...I'm not entirely sure if I'll be facing your Lance, or the other one. Well, you're going to have to kick some ass either way. Obviously. I'm not sure you're aware of the gravity of the situation, Manic. I don't think I like the sound of that. Explain? When I ran out of the room after my grandfather made me give you the badge, I...sort of made a call. Explained what happened. I wasn't exactly, uh, kind. Clair. What did you do?
Beating my cousin is probably the only way you'll avoid a court martial and summary execution at this point. DAMN it, Clair! I'm sorry! I lost control. Anybody even kinda surprised? What a jerk! Just means we'll have to win, that's all! Sounds like I'd better get moving. Get a hold of yourself, Clair. This is no way for a high-ranking gym leader to act. I know, I know. Anyway, go on. I must have missed you leaving the cave. Gotcha.
Elm. I'm pretty sure you'll like it! I know about the court martial order, Elm. Yes, uh, about that. I'm sorta under orders not to turn you in. You don't say. There's an interesting surprise. Whose orders? Lyra has...sort of promised to, uh. To have her pokemon stomp me into the ground. If I turn you in. Hah! That sounds like Lyra. Anyway, I'll be by soon, but I have a few errands to take care of. See you around! Aren't we sorta in a hurry? On the cosmic scale, one second and one year are virtually identical. Lucky is basically right. Elm can hang on to his whatever for a little while longer. We've got work to do.
(Later, in Cianwood...)
Remind me again why I'm doing this? We need Heart Scales. That move tutor could be a big help, but he needs payment! Well, all I'm finding is ten million hiding Krabby. (And this Max Ether.) Come on, Manic. We've been at this for an hour and we haven't found a single Heart Scale. I'm not even convinced they're here. I'm with her. Give it a rest, big guy. We can try later. Ugh. I hate to give up- We know, trust us! -but you're right, this is going nowhere fast. Let's go see what Elm wants. Just one quick stop...
Told you we'd be back. An' ya sure 'nuff are! How many ya want? Two dozen, please. There's a boy who likes his milk! Consider how fast we plowed through Lemonade with Clair, and how much stronger you're all getting. Yeah, I guess the others need the help.
... Manic? Hey, you okay, buddy? It's not fair. What's not? My mother deserves better than to be pulled into this. You want to see her, don't you? More than anything, but I can't, not now. I can't drag her down with me. Maybe when this is over. I'm so sorry, Manic. You and me both, Lana. Come on. Let's go see Elm.
(The team departs for Elm's lab. The door to Manic's home opens.)
Manic? Manic, is that you?...oh, I suppose not...
Lyra! I sure did. Thanks for covering for me. It's no problem! I'm so glad you're home. I just wish the circumstances were different. Me too, Lyra. If they were, if we just had some time...there's so much I want to do. Shhh. It's okay. Come on, let's talk to Elm.
Not that it matters much at this point. Are you giving up or something? I got the report from Clair. You sent our secret weapon back to the other world. That 'secret weapon' is a life, Elm. You're damn right I sent it back. And it's going to stay there. We're losing. ...come again? Slowly but surely, we are losing this war. Upper brass has kept it tightly under wraps, but unless something changes, there isn't going to be a Johto in a few months. I see. Yes. Now you see. Now, at the end, when it's too late.
You don't say. Kimono girls? Yes, they were babbling some sort of mystic mumbo-jumbo about you. Disrespectful! Are you kidding? I'm praying they're right. I may be a man of science, but it hasn't done so well for us lately. The long shot may be all we have. Well then, you're in luck. I'm a walking long shot. Well, they'd been talking about how you'd helped them. Maybe you can help us, too.
Lyra... Hmmm? Maybe once this is all over, we can spend a little more quality time together. I'd like that a lot, I think. For now, go take care of your Kimono girl issue. I will. I'll see you soon, Lyra. Niiiiice. Oh, hush. Let's hit Ecruteak.
Yeah, I was. Then you saw. It was kind of hard to miss, yeah. Those kimono girls...I'm not sure how, but they know the same things I know. Which is everything, correct?
That depends. Why did you come here? Information. I know where I learned what I know, but my partner wouldn't have helped them, and no one on this world has my information. I came because they called. Hmph. That's so like you. Anyway...make it quick. Varas on his knees. I kinda like this view! What the hell are you doing?
You watched them beat my pokemon. Poor Chompers, he really did try his best. Well, his best wasn't good enough! And now I'm defenseless. Just do it. End me. I'd say 'take my life', but since I never really had one to begin with... Oh, for the love of Mew...get up, you twat! Manic, what are you doing?! You sure this is a good idea? Maybe we oughtta get him while the gettin's good. You've dogged my every step, Varas. You've accused me of crimes I couldn't have committed, blamed me for things that other versions of me did, and tried your damnedest to murder my pokemon. The one thing you haven't done is changed who I am. I'm not going to strike down a defenseless man, even if he is my mortal enemy. Get up and get your pokemon healed. I'm confident that we'll meet again...and when we do, we'll engage in combat as Arceus intended.
*sigh* There he goes. That may have been our best chance, you know. Meh, I'm not worried. We've kicked his ass before, and we'll do it again! Well, for what it's worth, I'm proud of you. I'm not sure if I'm impressed or not. On the one hand, letting him go may have been pretty stupid. On the other...it says a lot about who you are. I didn't do it for him, Lana. I did it for me. On the grand scale, defeating the boy now, defeating the boy later...the threads of causality that define our path through time will remain largely unaltered. ...uh, yeah. What Lucky said. C'mon, let's go inside.
We are the Kimono girls. I knew there had to be more than one! Manic, the Dedicated. We called you here to inform you of a few key facts that we can still share, and to answer what questions we can. All right, lay it on me.
First, in order to succeed in your trial, you will be required to defeat all legendary pokemon native to Johto and Kanto. Wait. Johto and Kanto? Yes. Your journey will take you into Kanto as well. Sheesh. That should be a fun little trip. In ways you can not yet imagine. Secondly, are you aware of Nuzlocke? That disease they recently discovered in Hoenn? Yeah, why? Then you understand what it does. Yeah. If your pokemon faint, they die. Why are you telling me this? Sell your Revives.
WHAT. ...mother fucker. If it is any comfort, we had not mentioned it before because every Manic before you had learned this lesson the hard way well before this point. Thus far, you had not. Ooookay. Suddenly a lot less comfortable! If it is any solace, remember this: Nuzlocke is only an affliction if your pokemon faint. So long as that does not happen, Nuzlocke is a footnote and nothing more. I...I understand. Now, is there anything you'd like to ask us?
A few things. First of all, how do you all know about all the other Manics? Varas has some sort of partner, but I'm guessing you aren't affiliated. Correct. We also have a partner. When the veil over this world was lifted to share knowledge with Varas, the same knowledge was shared with us. But who shared it? Have you not wondered who has supplied the Oracles to your trials? ...it's not just a package deal? No indeed. The world remains in balance, Manic. You have a detractor...and you have a benefactor. That benefactor created the Oracles. That benefactor shared knowledge with us. Okay. Just one more line of questioning, on the same general topic. Have I met the false Oracle yet? No. Is there a false oracle? No. Then Curtis was lying? No. That doesn't make any sense. How can all of those answers be true? All will be revealed in due course. Stay true to yourself, and the answers will come. For now, we must go; it does not suit us to remain in one place for too long. Come, sisters.
What do you think? I think that very little has changed. Do we hit Whirl Islands, or do we go for Lance? Lance, I think. If we do need to eliminate legendary pokemon, we'd better stop this court martial business from looming over our heads. Yeah, I guess you've got a point. The legendaries can wait, we've got more immediate problems.
Manic? Lyra! Thank you for all you've done for me. You really are something special. Then...there's something you can do to repay me. Yeah? What do you have in mind? Do you know what day it is? T...uuuuuuesday? It's Christmas Day, Manic. It's Christmas? Really? It really is. I want you to spend it with your mother. But I can't just-
You can and you will! She's your mother, Manic. She loves you. Whatever you're going through, she deserves to know. She wants to know. She misses you, and...so do I. Make it your gift to her. Don't worry, I'll keep hostiles away for the day. ...you're right, of course. I'm sorry. There's something I want, too. Before you go. Of course. What do you have in mind?
I...I found a sprig of mistletoe. It's not much, but it's survived the cold pretty well. I was wondering if...just once, before you left... Lyra... Please? Just once. It would mean- Shhhh...don't say a word. Just come here. It's about damn time.
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Post by Manic on Aug 21, 2019 6:25:29 GMT
So, for those of you who are wondering WTF, this update was originally posted on December 25, 2012.
Seems like we're getting a bit of a respite. Despite finding out about his affliction, Manic gets to send Grant back to the other world, and gets a little time with his mother and Lyra. Nothing beats spending the holidays with family.
Stick around, though. Something something other shoe dropping.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Aug 22, 2019 4:23:53 GMT
It's nice to Manic get some love (and support) every now and again. Though it's bittersweet since each Manic vanishes after his/her task is done. But there's always the possibility for it to happen for good some day.
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Post by Manic on Aug 22, 2019 4:58:04 GMT
It's nice to Manic get some love (and support) every now and again. Though it's bittersweet since each Manic vanishes after his/her task is done. But there's always the possibility for it to happen for good some day. It's funny you should mention that, it does get addressed in the future.
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Post by Manic on Aug 22, 2019 8:50:23 GMT
Update #24: Hubris
To...the Pokemon League? Didn't you say that those Kimono Girls would be waiting for you at the Whirl Islands? Yeah, but I figure- Didn't you also say that you have a lot of grinding to do before you're ready for the Elite Four? Well, sure, but- Are you going to keep not one, but five ladies waiting in a deep, dark cave? *sigh* I guess not. I knew you wouldn't. Come back soon! I didn't know she was a grass type. Huh? 'Cause Manic is Vine Whipped! I don't get it. Ehhh. She's tryin' to be funny. Tryin'. Ah, you all suck.
So, here we are, Whirl Islands. Each one like tiny galaxies unto themselves. So, I can't help but wonder... Hmmm? There are four of these things. Right? How do we know we're going into the right one? Don't worry about it. I'm sure if we had to go into a specific island, they would've told us which one.
Oooookay. It looks like we're stuck! It's darker than an Umbreon's butthole in there! Well, there goes my appetite... Ahem. Anyway. We need someone to learn Flash. Not it! I don't think you even can. Actually, it looks like it's either Lucky or Priscilla. Convenient! ...it is? Sure! Lucky and I don't both need to know Surf all the time. You can just teach it to me again when we're done!
(One trip to the Move Deleter later...)
Thanks for taking one for the team, Priscilla. No problem! Besides, now we have a night light for when we get caught outdoors at night. If you could start fires, I'd suggest we take shifts. Wouldn't be the same! You're just saying that because I'm a warm place to sleep. I'm a heat sponge, I won't deny it! Okay, okay. Easy, you two. Let's get in there and find those Kimono girls!
There we go. Super Repels? Here? C'mon, we can totally take whatever we find here! Yeah, but I want everyone fresh when we meet Lugia. No wilds. I guess that makes sense. No fighting at all? Awww. See? Molly wants to throw down too! Take it easy! There'll be plenty of fighting to come. For now, we search.
We're lost. We're not lost! We just went the wrong way. It happens. Are you sure? Sure I'm sure! We just missed the right exit. C'mon, let's go back.
Wait, what?! Well, it's definitely a different exit... HAH! Is this what you had in mind? How the hell...we're on a different island? We have traveled the veins of the earth and come out elsewhere. But there aren't any other exits! Calm down. If nothing else, that marks two of the four islands as incorrect. So much for the Kimono girls giving us needed directions. Ugh. Well, they did say something about a test. Maybe this is it. Okay, next island!
Some exploration later...
OKAY. FINE. Completely, thoroughly lost. Er...Manic...? Deep breath...okay. Fine. That marks this island off as well. There's only one island left, we just had a spot of bad luck. Whew. You looked like you were about to blow a fuse! Heh, that reminds me of a joke I know. C'mon, let's talk on the way there.
Okay, so there's this Piplup, right? And he's driving through the desert. Driving what? A car...oh, right. Just trust me on this. How's a Piplup gonna drive a car? He just is, okay? So the car breaks down, and he pulls over to a nearby mechanic's shop...
...and the Piplup says, "Just fix the damn thing and leave my love life out of it!" AHHHh-hahahaha! Nice! I had no idea you knew any raunchy jokes! I'm afraid I don't understand. Don't worry about it, buddy. You wouldn't! Anyway, looks like we're on the right track. Requisite old man ahead!
The Silver Wing glows brightly. Go forth...and beware. Why's it gotta be like that? Hmm? Why can't it be 'go forth and have fun', or 'go forth and walk carefully'? Why's it gotta be 'beware'? You truly don't understand what you're dealing with, do you? Probably not, no. Lugia is the weather god. Before it, Kyogre, Manaphy, Groudon...even Rayquaza are as nothing. I don't know any of the words you just said, but I'm assuming that means it's a big deal? One of the biggest deals. Tread cautiously, Manic. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks.
Okay, this is making me nervous. Lucky, eat a couple of these. With luck, adding power to this system will make it more robust. You feeling all right? Can you feel that, Lana? Can you feel it in the air? I feel it too. Something...intense. It's makin' my fur stand on end. There's somethin' big in here. In a cosmic sense. Ah, you're beginning to sound like Lucky. It'll be fine! We're a team of well-trained badasses! Lugia better run! Lilly...not now, okay? I feel it too. Let's just get this over with.
To what end? I beg your pardon? You're talking about greeting Lugia. What do we gain from it? Not we. You, Manic. Remember, for you to pass your trial, all available legendary pokemon must be defeated. You're summoning one of the higher-eschelon pokegods for me? Yes. Now, stand back and behold.
Whoah. Nice light show! It's...it's beautiful. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen! It is very pretty, there's no denying it. I wonder what it all means, really? The ebb and flow of power within this room has become a catalyst for some greater force. Uh, yeah. Once more, in English?
It comes. I don't like this game anymore and I'd like to go home.
Er, you sorta forgot to mention the ones who failed. Why haven't I seen them? Do you have a pokemon that knows Dive? Nnnnnno? That is why, then. Okay, Manic? Not gonna lie, I am sincerely terrified here. The, uh...the running thing was a joke. You know that, right? You're not thinking of sending me against that thing, are you?! That feeling from before, that sensation of power, it's become oppressive! I can hardly move! I've made up my mind. Hmmm? I know who's going up against Lugia. We will face it, and we will emerge the winners.
Go, and face your destiny. Lucky, I want you on point. That thing says 'flying type' to me. The secrets of evolution are time, and death. Let us see which awaits me today.
I can understand you, you know. SO YOU CAN, CHILD OF MAN. I don't want to hurt you, but there's no other way. I SHALL BRING YOU TO YOUR HOUSE OF PAIN. No, Lugia. I don't think so. You see, I have an idea. Something a little less...traditional than the Kimono Girls might be thinking. I DID NOT EMERGE FROM MY SLUMBER TO TRADE WORDS WITH YOU, BOY. LET US BEGIN. Come at me, bro. Lucky, serve it up a couple of Thunderbolts.
Think fast! Uh... Wh-what are you doing?! ...ah, damn it! It escaped. Manic! I know it's big, but keep your eyes on the prize! I am. Lugia is the prize. You can't capture it, remember? You have to defeat it! I AM NOT YOURS TO POSSESS, MORTAL. You're a pokemon. Pokemon can be captured! POKEMON CAN DO OTHER THINGS, AS WELL. ALLOW ME TO DEMONSTRATE.
...unbroken thread... Sweet Arceus, Lucky! Manic! Do something! Lucky can't survive another hit like that! I'm scared, I'm scared, I don't want to do this anymore! NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND? MY POWER IS AS VAST AS THE OPEN SKY, AS DEEP AS THE OCEAN DEPTHS. YOU CANNOT CONTAIN ME. Like hell I can't! Lucky, take this Hyper Potion. Priscilla, can you handle his Extrasensory attack and Yawn him to sleep to buy us the time we need? Yeah! You get Lucky out of there, I can handle this! I SEE THAT YOU CANNOT BE DISSUADED. KNOW THIS, THEN, MORTAL: THE POWERS OF THE GODS ARE NOT FREELY OBTAINED. FOR EVERY BOON...
...A SACRIFICE. PRISCILLA!! Dammit! Lana, get back! Shut up! Priscilla needs us! Oh, fuck you, man. Fuck you. Fuck you to the Distortion World! Manic...come here... Oh Arceus, Priscilla...I'm so, so sorry... Listen... We're listening, Priscilla. We're right here! I don't know...what you're doing...but don't give up. I believe in you, Manic. I...always...did... Nnnngh...AAAAAGH... Manic? Are you okay?
EEEEEEEEEEEYYYYAAAAAAAAAAUUUUGHHH!!! Some manner of disturbance! Arceus, listen to him! He sounds like someone's tearing him to pieces! What do we do, what do we do?! I don't know! I...wait. He's calming down!
L-Lana? Shhh, take it easy, I'm right here. Right, but where's here? Whirl Islands? Okay. Why are we what the hell is that?! Uh oh. I don't like this... Manic, buddy? What's the last thing you remember? I was in the middle of fighting Ho-Oh. Wait, what am I doing here? Grace needs my help! What...I don't... Dammit, don't you get it? We've got the wrong Manic here! Manic. Listen to me. Molly?
I don't know how much time any of us have left, but listen closely. The other Manic was trying to catch Lugia. We don't know why, but it just...it just... That bastard just murdered Priscilla! Her last wish was for us to continue the effort. Can you still fight? P-Priscilla...? She's gone. I'm so sorry... ENOUGH. WILL YOU END THIS BATTLE NOW, OR IS MORE SACRIFICE REQUIRED FOR YOU TO LEARN YOUR LESSON? You.
WHAT? NO! You may be considered a god, but to me, you're nothing but a demon. A demon with a debt so great that you could never hope to repay it. YOU CANNOT CONTAIN ME, MORTAL! I can and I am! I don't know why the other me didn't use this right away, but whatever he was planning, there's no way you're getting out of it now! RELEASE ME THIS INSTANT! Never. You belong to me, Lugia. You will serve me until you join Priscilla in the great beyond, and you can explain to her in person why you felt it necessary to take her life. Now, tell me your name.
IN ANCIENT TIMES, I WAS KNOWN AS ANEMOI. HEAR ME, MORTAL: YOU MAY HAVE TEMPORARILY IMPRISONED ME, BUT I WILL BE OF NO USE TO YOU. You've been asleep for too long, Lugia. I think you'll find that you're compelled to fight on my behalf. I WILL DO NO SUCH THING! For the moment, you're right. You're strong enough that the others need to spend some time catching up to your level. But you will serve, if not in combat. Manic, are you okay? This is a side of you I've never seen. Let's get out of here.
... ... ...
Why? He did not say. Why wouldn't he say?! Again, he did not say. What the hell kind of leader doesn't share his battle plans with his team?! I only know this: the rules have not changed. All available legendaries must be eliminated. I think...if you wanna figure it out, you're gonna need to think like him. Like a stupid showoff who gets his pokemon killed? No thanks! We need to leave. Now!
I think we should say a few words. This life has ended, its thread cut short, but another shall rise in its place. Rest easy, Priscilla. Your role has been completed. Priscilla, you always seemed so happy, like you just enjoyed being alive and with us. You had so much to do with me choosing to feel again. It hurts, it hurts so much, but I'll never forget you...and I'll honor your memory. Pain is part of feeling joy, I guess. Look, can we just...just skip me? I can't...I don't... Shhh, yeah. It's okay. You don't have to. You were nice. I mean, actually, honestly nice. For real. Even when none of us had evolved, you kept us on the straight and narrow, you helped out, made me feel okay. It's wrong, what happened to you. It's just...dammit! Priscilla. Anyone who's been with us for even a few minutes knows that you were the heart and soul of the team. You kept us smiling even when everything seemed stacked against us, and you were always ready to lend a helping hand...once you had them, heh. Everything just seems darker somehow, now that you're gone. I wish...I wish I could've saved you, somehow, but I guess I'll have to honor your memory instead. Words fail me somehow. I guess that's part of going last, isn't it? Somebody else has already said the things you want to say, and everything just sounds...trite, dumb, like you should've said it while they were still around. I guess there's only one thing that's uniquely mine, then...
R.I.P. Priscilla the Quagsire Level 6 - 42 A smiling face, a strong fighter, a good friend.
Manic, we should go. I know. The world won't wait for us...neither of them. Rest well, Priscilla. You've more than earned it.
Gonna stop off and see the family? No. They aren't my family, not really. My family is in the other world. Yeah! Let's keep pushing on. I can't wait to fight the Elite Four! Some are more affected by loss than others. Hey, I care! I just wanna keep moving, that's all! Is that so wrong? Of all the insensitive...! Jack, hush. What? You heard her, she's- Suffering. Grieving, in her own way. Let her be.
About damn time! Such arbitrary divisions. Manic, listen closely. Hmmm? This is basically a neutral zone between the two regions, extending up to the League. You have no enemies here, but you have no friends, either. Be careful. ...I hate this world.
I see. We have to get through the falls to move forward. I...I wish... I know, Molly. Me too. She'd do it, too, with a smile on her face. Are we going to have Lucky learn it? No. I have a better idea.
YOU JEST! YOU'RE TEACHING AN HM TO A GOD?! I told you already, you will serve me, even if not in combat! You're lucky he doesn't smash your pokeball! MY ATTACKS ARE IMMENSELY POWERFUL! YOU ARE A FOOL! Immensely powerful and incredibly low on PP. I'm improving you, you ungrateful wretch. Now bring me up that waterfall and down the other!
THERE, YOU HAVE ANOTHER WATER TYPE. NOW RELEASE ME! Wow. You really don't get it, do you? TELL ME, MORTAL. WHAT IMMENSE WISDOM DO YOU HAVE THAT I LACK? You murdered a dear friend of mine, for no particular reason. You could have made it simple; for all I know, the other me wanted to catch you and then release you. Given other options, you chose to kill. You owe me, Lugia...you owe me in ways I doubt someone so detached from the world will ever understand. You have an impossible debt to repay. I don't care if I catch a hundred thousand water types, it's you that incurred the debt, and it's you that will pay it off. Now, take this Fly HM. WHEN I AM FREE OF THIS CAPTIVITY, I WILL VISIT SUFFERING UPON YOU THAT WILL MAKE YOUR TRIALS THUS FAR SEEM LIKE PARADISE! You will never be free of me, Lugia.
You will bear the burden of your actions, forever.
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Post by crimsondoom on Aug 22, 2019 15:47:00 GMT
Not gonna lie, I know I've asked before why Manic felt the need to catch Lugia, but I do not remember the answer. Hopefully the sixth read-through's the one where it'll finally stick in my head.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Aug 23, 2019 1:45:24 GMT
It's nice to Manic get some love (and support) every now and again. Though it's bittersweet since each Manic vanishes after his/her task is done. But there's always the possibility for it to happen for good some day. It's funny you should mention that, it does get addressed in the future. Does it now? Though I've read all of the saga of Manic, I can only make an educated as to where he speaks about it. I'll have to pay attention when we get to that tale again.
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Post by Manic on Aug 23, 2019 4:24:42 GMT
Not gonna lie, I know I've asked before why Manic felt the need to catch Lugia, but I do not remember the answer. Hopefully the sixth read-through's the one where it'll finally stick in my head. You were born and raised in a region at war. You never really got to have a childhood. Your region's best, brightest hope was just made permanently unavailable. By you. You have just received news that your region is at its breaking point, and that in a few months it will no longer exist. Due to circumstance, you are in the position to battle a pokemon which is also a god, more powerful than the hope you just made permanently unavailable to a degree you couldn't hope to actually fathom. You know that nothing in the enemy region has any real chance of defeating it, if you can bring it to bear...
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Post by crimsondoom on Aug 23, 2019 4:37:01 GMT
Not gonna lie, I know I've asked before why Manic felt the need to catch Lugia, but I do not remember the answer. Hopefully the sixth read-through's the one where it'll finally stick in my head. You were born and raised in a region at war. You never really got to have a childhood. Your region's best, brightest hope was just made permanently unavailable. By you. You have just received news that your region is at its breaking point, and that in a few months it will no longer exist. Due to circumstance, you are in the position to battle a pokemon which is also a god, more powerful than the hope you just made permanently unavailable to a degree you couldn't hope to actually fathom. You know that nothing in the enemy region has any real chance of defeating it, if you can bring it to bear...
... ohhhhhh. Somehow I had never connected "we're losing the war" to "i have an opportunity to catch a weather god that legend says outclasses even Rayquaza". I feel kinda dumb for not putting that together.
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Post by Manic on Aug 23, 2019 9:02:00 GMT
You were born and raised in a region at war. You never really got to have a childhood. Your region's best, brightest hope was just made permanently unavailable. By you. You have just received news that your region is at its breaking point, and that in a few months it will no longer exist. Due to circumstance, you are in the position to battle a pokemon which is also a god, more powerful than the hope you just made permanently unavailable to a degree you couldn't hope to actually fathom. You know that nothing in the enemy region has any real chance of defeating it, if you can bring it to bear...
... ohhhhhh. Somehow I had never connected "we're losing the war" to "i have an opportunity to catch a weather god that legend says outclasses even Rayquaza". I feel kinda dumb for not putting that together. If it's any consolation, I don't think anyone else did either.
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