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Post by Manic on Nov 6, 2019 7:59:59 GMT
Update #6: Mini-Ghetsis
Yet again, I understood not a word of that except the route number, but that should be enough.
You! You're on Route 505, and you do something interesting. Here, is this letter for you? Watashi wa sagashite ita! < I was looking for that! > That sounds like a 'yes' to me. Well, here you go? Digletts wa futatabi mondai o okoshite iru? < The Digletts are causing problems again? > Digletts...oh! You mean the ones outside town! Yes. Er, hai.
Wow, impressive! Bingo! Kare wa hijo ni sumatodenakereba narimasen. < He must be very smart. > What did you do? Nani o shita nda? Watashi wa, karera no seiki no saizu o azaketta. He mocked the size of their genitals! ...you know, I don't even care if that's accurate or not, it's funny.
Ooooh. Female Nidoran! Anata dare?! Whoah, settle down. Easy, we're not here for a fight. Kare no namae wa Manikku-senseimasu! Terrydesu, Ts...*droop* It's okay, Terry. I've got this. Yuki, Chie, Akio, Rex. Reikodesu. Watashi wa ima no anata to iku yo. She says she'll come with us, Master! Okay! Good to hear. Rolling six deep again, hopefully for longer this time.
Oh, Arceus. Not another cave. Sore wa soko ni hijo ni kuraidesu! < It's very dark in there! > Anata wa osorete iru no? < Are you afraid? > Watashi wa kurayami o osorete inai yo! Ikou! < I'm not afraid of the dark! Let's go! > Augh...dammit, Terry! Quit wandering off! Let's hurry after him!
...this is new. This isn't a cave, it's a tunnel! Watashi wa koko ga suki! < I like it here! > Hmmm. Either way, I can't see a damn thing. Let's hurry up and get through here.
(After some wandering around and bumping into things...)
I hope we get to use Fly before we have to come back this way. Wareware wa sukoshi nagaku taizai dekimasu ka? < Can we stay a little longer? > At least Ch...right, right. Diglett. Tunnel. Sorry, Chie. Maybe we can come back later.
Hell yeah! Nanisore? < What is it? > Ooooh...sore wa, senrensareta miemasu. < Ooooh...it looks sophisticated. > It's an Itemfinder! I can find hidden stuff with this. Janku. < Junk. > Well, if that's how you feel about it, you don't have to use any of the items it finds. Nan da? Meh, threats don't work very well when you don't share a language. Nevermind.
Oh, look. A Cherrim. Ehhh...medetashi...? < Ehhh...hooray...? > I'd normally say 'boxed for life', but around here, you never know. Cherrim wa hijo ni yowai monodesu. < Cherrim are very weak. > Master wa Bidoof ga tsuyoku shita, kare wa Cherrim o tasukeru koto ga dekiru! < Master made a Bidoof strong, he can help the Cherrim! > All I got of that was 'Bidoof'. Rex, Roxanne was pretty special. Cherrim are...well. Anyway. We'll see.
(In due time...)
Haruka ni yoi. < Much better. > Anata ga okiku shite iru! < You're bigger! > To tsuyoi! < And stronger! > To kibishi! < And tougher! > To osoroshi... < And scarier... > Soshite futo tte. < And fatter. > *hsss* Nanite itta no?! < What did you say?! > Whoah, whoah. Everyone seems to be okay with this except Akio. Mu shibo no josei ga imasen. < No fat chicks. > Hmph! Shitsureina! < Rude! > ...rrrrrright. I have no iddea what's going on, but things are getting heated, so let's blow off that steam with some travel.
Old man standing outside a fairly isolated building...calling it here, this is the daycare. Ah...Manikku-san. Reiko? Watashi wa futotta nda? < Am I fat? > Rex? Master, Akio said she was fat, and she wants to know if she is! Awww. C'mere. *picks Reiko up* Rex, tell her that I think she's pretty, and Akio is a butt. Master wa anata ga kireida to omotte iru! To Akio wa, o shiridesu. Majide? < Really? > Master wa uso o tsukimasen! < Master doesn't lie! > Come on, I'll carry you for a while.
Oh, hey, it's one of the superhero goats. Hmmm... A pure steel type could come in handy. I'll keep him in reserve.
...figures.
Hey, nice! Another town! Shoppingu! Misebirakashi! < Showing off! > Mira. < A mirror. > Master, can we go heal now? Of course! First thing we'll do. Rrrrgh...
(So, after a stop by the pokemon center...)
All of this is well and good, but I'm a little curious about that place up north. Let's have a look.
Oh, great. Team DurrHurr has taken the place over. Warui hito? < Bad men? > Saiaku! < The worst! > Okay, team. Play it cool. We're going to take a quick look around before we do anything rash. Master wa chikaku ni taizai o iimasu! < Master says stay close! >
Ohhhh good. Um. Let's see here. I'll pick the first one and hope nothing explodes.
Score! A Lileep! Box fodder for now, but later on, who can say? Although... Nan da? It's nothing. Just a bad memory associated with Cradily. Nevermind. I'll shake it. Manikku-sensei... Heh. Don't worry, Yuki. I'm okay! Okay! Good! Now let's take a quick pit stop and see what we've picked up along the way.
Not bad, really. The loss of attack won't hurt a Cherrim, steel types are mostly worried about physical attacks, and bonus attack on something that's going to be moving last anyway. Kare wa nani o yatte iru? < What is he doing? > Master wa pokemon o mite, karera wa yoi shite iru ka do ka o kakunin suru koto ga dekimasu! < Master can look at pokemon and see if they're any good! > Tokiniha, kare ga warui pokemon ga shiyo sa remasu. < Sometimes, he will use bad pokemon. > Teishi shimasu. < Stop. > Nani? Watashi wa anata ga hanashite iru no ka wakaranai, to watashi wa kinishinaide kudasai. Teishi shimasu. < I don't know who you're talking about, and I don't care. Stop. > *sigh* Rex, are they fighting again? *whimper* Yes, Master. ...fine, whatever. Let's just get back to dealing with these D.H goons.
Reminiscent of the power plant in Kanto, or the shipyard in Hoenn.
Chie! Watashi wa ima, hijo ni oku no kakudo kara miru koto ga dekimasu! < I can see from so many angles now! > Well, you certainly seem pleased. And I'm happy for you. Good job!
Okay, looks like these are among the only things I can interact with. I sure hope pressing them is the right thing to do. Also, Akio, hold this. If it's what I think it is, you should get a boost off of it.
...ohhhh poopie. Master! Rrrrrr... Calm down for a moment, Rex. They have me surrounded, but I have all six of you. All I need is-
-a bit of breathing room! Boy, am I happy to see you. Hmmm. I can't say for sure, but I think s/he might be the equivalent of a Ranger around here. Nani? Oh, uh...police. Keisatsu!
You look like a young Ghetsis. Nani? Uh, nevermind. I'm guessing you're the boss? Joshi? Watashi wa chimu D.H no ridadesu! < I am the leader of Team D.H! > Master, he is the pack leader! Well then, I believe we have a bit of a problem. Terry, I need your help!
Aaagh! Baka! Damn thing has Super Fang! Terry, okay? Aheh...muziku... Okay, easy, now. Stay back. This bastard is something like eight levels above all of his cronies. Akio! Seigi ga okonawa remasu! < Justice will be done! > Hai, Skarmory! Chomp! What the hell is a 'Chomp'?
AKIO! Aaagh...itami... < The pain... > Arceus...what do I do? Akio is out for the count, Terry won't survive a hit like that...Reiko is underleveled, Chie has the lowest defense on the team...Rex is weak to half of this thing's moves, and Yuki is paralyzed - and I'm out of Paralyze Heals! Watashitachiha kiki ni chokumen shite iru! < We're in danger! > Dosureba i ndarou? < What should we do? > There are no right answers... ... ... Sentaku shite kudasai! < Choose! > Not again. I refuse to lose another friend. There must be a way! Damn it, Manic, think! Hei!
Tandoku de watashi no yujin o nokosu! < Leave my friends alone! > Chie, wait! You can't survive this thing's attacks! Terry o iyasu! Arceus...I hope you know what you're doing, Chie!
Chie! You're...you're alive! You survived it! Way to go! ... Wait, let me get this straight. This is a strong physical dark-type move that can confuse AND sleep? What the FUCK is wrong with this world?! Manikku-sensei! You're right. C'mere, Terry! We don't have a moment to lose! Catch!
Good job! Now, c'mon, Chie...you can survive one more hit...come on, you can do it! *CHOMP* Phew! She's injured, but alive! Terry, get in there and Confuse it! Confusion Ray, hai!
(Attack, defend, confuse, heal, back and forth...)
Okay, I admit it. This is worse! Master, you sound scared! Rex, I have no more healing items of any kind. Terry can't withstand even one more hit, and he can't kill with his next one. This guy has his Death-Skarmory, his badly-injured Staryu, and a pokemon I haven't even seen yet. We're...
...we're facing a potential wipe, here.
Rex will fight!
Rex, this thing has a Ground move and a Rock move.
Rex will fight!
Rex, you're the bridge between me and the rest of the team! I can't lose you!
Master promised to protect everyone. Master said he would make it okay.
Rex...
Rex loves you, Master. Rex waited for you. Rex believes in you. Now...believe in Rex.
Arceus, please...I know I take your name in vain a lot, and I'm sorry for that. Please. I am literally begging you. If there's any kind of mercy left within you, please, help me here. I'll do anything you want, give you anything you ask for. Just don't take Rex from me again. Rrrrrr...RRRRRRR... ...Rex?
Bad men took Rex away from Master, made Rex wait Outside! *gasp!* Rex, yatta ne! < Rex, you did it! >
Bad men took Tso away from Master too and made everyone sad! Toki, kare wa totemo tsuyoi yo ni natta nodesu ka? < When did he become so strong? > Zzzz...
Now bad men want to hurt everyone! NO! BAD MEN ARE BAD! NO MORE BAD MEN! REX WILL STOP YOU ALL! Sugoi... < Incredible... > Rex, you did it! That was fantastic! I can hardly believe it, but everyone's alive! Rex wa subarashidesu! < Rex is amazing! > *whimper* Rex is tired... Shhhh, it's okay. You're a good boy, Rex. A very, very good boy.
You get the hell away from me and my pokemon. Congratulations, asshole, you just made my list. Fakku! Yeah! On the count of three! (Somebody wake Chie up.) One...two...three!
FAKKU!
Now get the hell out!
I need a nap. And probably a therapist.
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Post by ghostwriter85 on Nov 10, 2019 16:49:37 GMT
A nap and probably a therapist. The greatest understatement of any Nuzlocke story. Perhaps any Pokemon fanfic.
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Post by Manic on Nov 11, 2019 6:13:22 GMT
Update #7: Blink of an Eye - vs. Wednesday
Dono yo ni kawai. < How cute.> Anata wa watashi o nanto yobundeshita?! < What did you call me?! Kawai. Airashi. Yawarakai. < Cute. Adorable. Soft. > Panku wa, watashi wa anata o tatakau yo! < Punk, I'll take you on! > Kare o mushi shite kudasai. Terrydesu, Yukidesu, Akiodesu, Rexdesu, Reikodesu. < Ignore him. I'm Terry, that's Yuki, Akio, Rex, and Reiko. > Anta tsuyo-soda. Watashitachi to tatakaitai? < You seem strong. Want to fight with us? > *ptui* Tanoshimi no yona oto. Tamotsu yo ni shite kudasai. < Sounds like fun. Try to keep up. > Okay, that looks like a 'yes'. I'm Manic, welcome to the team!
Hmmm. Looks like this is as far as we go for now. Keisatsu. Hmph. < Police. > Huh. You're a bit of a bruiser, aren't you? Master, Rex is worried about the new one... It's okay, Rex. Let's give him a chance to prove himself. If you say so, Master... Besides, we need to do some serious training. I want everyone at a minimum of level 35, including Tadao!
(So we trained.)
(And trained, and trained, and trained.) Naze watashi wa kinzoku no tsume o manande inai nodesu ka?! < Why am I not learning Metal Claw?! > Hoo boy. Rex, I'm going to need your help with this one. Watashi o kyoka shimasu. < Allow me. > Hmmmm... Suchiru wa nani ni taishite tsuyoi ka? < What is steel strong against? > Iwa to kori! < Rock and Ice! > Karate Chop wa mata sorera ni taishite tsuyoidesu. < Karate Chop is also strong against those. > Rrrrrgh...fain. < Fine. > Hmmm. Not bad, Akio! Good!
(Did I mention that we trained a lot? That never stopped being a thing.)
All right, team. You're all level 35. I have no idea what to expect here, but we can pull through if we stick together. Hai! San ga kata sete! < Yeah! Let's win this one! > Seishin wa soredesu! Wareware wa, osoraku ushinau koto ga dekinai! < That's the spirit! There's no way we can possibly lose! > Sore wa yugana shori ni narimasu. < It will be an elegant victory. >
Well, this isn't hard to figure out. *whine* Not fair... I know, Rex. These gyms haven't been very kind to you, have they? You and Yuki can sit this one out. Terry, Reiko - man, I'm glad I didn't evolve you yet - Tadao, and Akio can handle this.
Yes, yes. Several phrases I can't understand, followed by a battle. C'mon, let's get this over with.
Uhm. Is this legal? Aren't you, like, seven years old? Karuku watashi o fukuyo shinaide kudasai! < Don't take me lightly! > Well, you look bound and determined for a fight, so let's start this out with Akio. Akio, Flash!
Ohhh-ho-ho-ho-ho! Wow. If that wasn't an anime villainess laugh, I don't know what is! Miyo, watashi no Starmie no shin no chikara! < Behold, the true power of my Starmie! >
AAAGH! Ahhh, I see! Borrtubimmu! < Bolt Beam! > Heh heh. I'm familiar with the strategy. I guess you could say it's LUCKY I know the moves a BoltBeam Starmie will pack! Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Surf, and Recover! Reiko, Bite! Hai! Rrrrrrr...
What the fuck kind of BoltBeam Starmie packs Psychic?! Manikku-sama...gomen... No, Reiko. I'm the one who's sorry. Rex! Kill this thing! Warukunai! Ima watashi Floatzel ni chokumen! < Not bad! Now face my Floatzel! > I don't have to speak the local language to get 'Floatzel' from that. Yuki, Charm it!
I have no idea what the hell that was, but judging by the damage, I'm guessing it was physical. Rrrrrgh...baka! < Idiot! > Hey! I've been around long enough to know what that means. Take it easy! Akio, will you put this thing out of its misery? Sutairu o motsu. < With style. >
Mmmm. Warukunai. < Not bad. > Well done, Akio! Now, then- Tsugi wa watashi no monodesu! < The next one is mine! > Tadao? Are you sure? Kozan! < Mine! > Well, if you say so...
GAH! Arceus, Tadao, be careful! Anata wa sore o motte iru subete nodesu ka?! < Is that all you've got?! > Okay. Let's stop and think. Whether or not this thing is a Fighting type, it has Aura Sphere. However, Tadao has an active Swords Dance, and he goes first. *sigh* One good Drain Punch should be enough to knock it out, or at least regain enough health to survive. Rrrrrgh... Tadao! Drain Punch! Saigo ni! < FINALLY! >
Wh...what the hell...?! Sore wa...haya sugita... < It was...too fast... > Okay, wait a damn minute! Time out! Nani? Tadao was clearly faster. How could that have possibly happened?! Heh heh... Damn you, stop laughing and explain yourself! Kappa-kun. Kare o miru. < Show him. > Sore wa hidoidesu! < That's awful! > Watashi wa byoki ni naru nda to omoimasu! < I think I'm going to be sick! > M-master...Rex is frightened... Hanpatsu. < Repulsive. > Arceus preserve me...you grafted a Quick Claw to its hand?! Are you completely insane?! Anatagasuki subete ni monkuwoiu ga, anata no tonari ni pokemon o okuridasu! < Complain all you like, but send out your next pokemon! > Terry! Put this thing out of its misery!
Good, Terry... Manikku-sensei? No, I'm fine, I just...Arceus help me, what manner of person... Master wa pokemon o kizutsukeru koto ga mite iyagaru! < Master hates seeing pokemon get hurt! > That's just...that's atrocious. Terry, stay with me, all right? Watashi wa seigi ni kanojo o motte ikimasu, Manikku-sensei! < I'll bring her to justice! >
Hmph. Sagi! < Fraud! > I came prepared, this time. I can outlast anything you can bring to the table. My Terry is better than your pokemon, and I'm going to prove it!
Okay, how the hell did your guy learn Hypnosis? Hah! Hanshoku! < Breeding! > I don't care if you put Terry to sleep a hundred times, I don't care if you have enough Hyper Potions to last you all day, you're going down, you creepy lolita freakshow!
Yatta! < I did it! > Good job, Terry! Soko ni wa ima made nan no utagaimashita ka? < Was there ever any doubt? >
I'll just take that, aaaaand your pokeballs! Dorobo! < Thief! > Oh, go for a swim. *shove* [Master? She'll be fine. She runs a water gym. I bet her outfit is ruined, though, and she's going to have a hard time beating challengers without her pokemon. Karera wa subete no kenri ni narimasu ka? < Will they be all right? > Easy, Yuki. We'll take them to the center and see what can be done for them.
Three badges, three deaths... Master, it's not your fault! Partially true. I had no way to expect that Quick Claw - brrrr - but Reiko? She died because I assumed that her BoltBeam Starmie was the same as mine. What will you do? The only thing I know how to do. Survive, progress, get stronger.
...something tells me that a level 6 Buizel won't be terribly complementary to our team. M-manikku...senpai? Terry? You okay? Manikku-senpai! Watashi o mi nasai! < Watch me! >
...and that's everybody fully evolved. Come on, team; let's go find some replacements.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 11, 2019 6:18:25 GMT
EDIT: Trust the timing for this post to be just as the next part was coming out. Ah well, it happens. Right, only two six Pokemon this time. We're gonna keep them simple, so let's start with the Cherrim-esque Jamberree. Shiny Sprite (The pink is paler): Pokedex: The berry attached to this Pokémon's head is sweet and nutritious. It is a favourite snack among forest Pokémon.First off, that name. I'm surprised it hasn't been used for an official Pokemon yet. What makes this one stand out is that it's kind of a Magikarp scenario when it comes to stats. It goes from a Base Stat Total of 270 to a decent 450 upon evolving at Level 25. It's evolution, Strawna, rocks a very respectable 120 Sp. Attack and 105 Speed too. The catch is that the line is also somewhat of a glass cannon. The line's defensive stats clock in at 42 Sp. Def. for Jamberree and 75 HP for Strawna.
Our other highlight for the Vega Pokedex today is the superhero goat, Cupricorn! Shiny Sprite (Slightly darker main body, red fur turns purple): Pokedex: Its body may be small, but the elegant horn on its head is as hard as steel and can land powerful strikes.Part of a three stage line that adds in the Dark Type at the end, Cupricorn has the Rock Head ability, allowing it to use moves like Double Edge and Raze Earth (which I remember becomes a pain in the ass down the line) with impunity. It's not a strategy that lasts though. The final evolution for the line swaps it out for Sturdy. On the whole though, the line is designed to be a slow physical tank, with high physical Attack and Defense, but low speed. But yeah, Steel that becomes Steel/Dark upon fully evolving.
Now we're on to party members. Starting off this section with the major evolutions today, here we go with Terry becoming Correncid! Shiny Sprite: Pokedex: A mysterious Pokémon that connects this world and the next. Anyone who follows it to the next world will not return.How... appropriate for this run. Anyway, this form adds in the Poison Typing, and has a respectable amount of bulk. It can also learn both Acid Armor and Amnesia, so this Pokemon can be turned into a very effective wall. It's name comes from Corrosive, Rancid and Acid.
Next, we move onto Yuki and her new form, Aurostice! Shiny Sprite: Pokedex: It seeks out people lost in snowstorms and saves their lives by leading them back to civilization.So it appears that there's a catch with this line if you evolve Glachild into Aurostice at the first opportunity. Glachild is one of those Pokemon that learns a really useful move after the point where it would normally evolve, but holding off the evolution is the only way to get it. In this case, Glachild learns Ice Beam at Level 35, but evolves at 30. Aurostice cannot learn Ice Beam. At all. She does pick up a move called Frostbite though, it's effectively an Ice Type Charge Beam. Finally, we have a two for one, the blink and miss it team member, Tadao. His forms were Velvelt and Grissly.
Shiny Sprites: (I really like this line's shiny sprites) Velvelt Pokedex: Although it feels like a stuffed toy to the touch, it can't be ripped or damaged nearly as easily.Grissly Pokedex: Pulling on the ball on the tip of its tail angers it so much that it will go on an unstoppable rampage.Normal into Normal/Fighting. Outside of that, this line has incredible type coverage in its movepool. Just going off of types, its level up movepool has Ghost, Normal, Fighting and Ground (albeit Ghost and Ground are just Lick and Dig), its TM movepool has better Ghost and Ground moves (Shadow Claw, Raze Earth, Mud Bomb) alongside Rock, Poison, Dark, Grass and Psychic. It also gets access to Fire, Bug, Ice and Dragon through Breeding and Move Tutors. Appearance-wise though, I thought this line turned from a teddy bear into a boar. Apparently, Grissly is also a bear. I don't see it.
I'll save the Gym Leader for later. I forgot about one event that's coming up, so we can look at her then.
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Post by Manic on Nov 12, 2019 10:23:35 GMT
Update #8: Friendly Fire
Ha-ha! Now, this one I know like the back of my hand! Surf! Terry, here! Watashi wa hokori o motte sore o shiyo shimasu! < I will use it with pride! > Hijo ni benri! < Very convenient! > And yes, I know, Route 507. Thank you for the advice, but I've got this part. On the way, though...we're going to stop and pick up a friend.
(In a few moments...)
Okay, everyone. Say hello to Ryota! Konnichiwa! < Hello! > Chimu e yokoso. < Welcome to the team. > Kare wa bakagete mieru. < He looks ridiculous. > Shitsureina koto shinaide kudasai! Konnichiwa, Ryota-yujin! < Don't be rude! Hello, Ryota-friend! > Watashi wa tsukaeru tame ni kokodesu. < I am here to serve. > Well, that looked like it was mostly a warm greeting. We can work with it. In the meantime, let's get Ryota trained up with everyone else.
(Eventually...)
...I think the food around here is getting to me. Here, let's see where we're supposed to go from here.
Okay, so that's where we started, and we sort of did this Z thing...
...and we need to surf east. VERY east. Sheesh. I hope you're up for it, Terry.
WHAT. This region actually has a place called 'Doom Tower'? What's next, the Pit of Despair? Really breaking the mood here, D-man. Meh, skip it...let's get on with this.
See, this I don't mind so much. The water puzzles aren't too tough, we found a useful item or two, and...eugh...a sign that indicates three water routes in a row. Oh well. Watashi ga iru kagiri, watashi wa hitsuyoniojite imasu yo ni anata no soba de tatakau koto ni naru. < I will fight by your side as long as I am needed. > Master, Rex likes this new pokemon. He seems loyal! Yeah? That's good to hear! The team's recovering nicely, if you ask me.
Gggh... Watashi no atarashi fomu wa go meiwakudeshou ka? < Does my new form trouble you? > Manikku-sensei? Kare wa sarani tondemonaidesu ne! < He looks even more ridiculous! > It's fine! It's fine. Well done, Ryota. Uhm, guddo. Master, what's wrong? I need to sit you down and talk to you at length about that, Rex. I owe you some answers...but not right now.
It's one of those kappa things! Choro. < An elder. > Watashi wa sore o hakai shinakereba naranai? < Shall I destroy it? > It's okay, Ryota. Calm down. Look at it, it has a wooden cane. I don't think it's a major threat. Mada rojin o kaisai shite imasu. < Hold still, old man. > Terry, Confuse Ray. Moshiwakearimasenga, choro! < Sorry, elder! > Okay, let's get you caught. Once...twice...third time's a charm... *click* Done!
Hideo, hmm? And it says here you're Calm. Ch-choro? Kare wa doyo shite inai yodesu. < He doesn't seem upset. > ...hello? Osoraku, kare wa hanasu koto wa arimasen. < Perhaps he does not speak. > Maybe he's just not comfortable enough with us yet. It's all right, Hideo. You can tag along for now. Here, use this Exp Share, it'll help you catch up.
Please be a tunnel, please be a tunnel...
Okay, no tunnel. Instead, we get a dark cave. Miyo. < Behold. > *shine* Much better. Thanks, Akio.
No-look catch for the route, looks like a Rhydon and a Kangaskhan had a kid. Box fodder for now.
Ow...getting that weird dual-vision again, seeing from Kyle's perspective! What does this even mean? Manikku-sensei? Bakku sutando. < Stand back. > No, I'm fine...this one isn't so bad...it's over.
Kyle! Bro-heim! What're you doing here? Manikku-san, watashi no yujin! Sore wa anata o miru koto wa yoidesu! < Manic, my friend! It's good to see you! > Yeah, uh, totally! So, what brings you out here? (And how?)
Oh, hey, Carmen Sandiego is here too! K: Watashi o sanka shite itadaki arigatogozaimasu! < Thank you for joining me! > C: Watashi wa kore o nogasanaidearou. < I wouldn't miss this. > So, uh, now what?
...why are you looking at me like...no. Guys, no! Seriously! My team is wounded and this cave is enormous! ... I thought we were cool! Kyle, what the hell is this?! ... Okay, fine! If that's how you're gonna be, Akio! Terry! Let's teach them a lesson!
Monzetsu! < Agony! > Arceus! So help me, if either of you kills any of my pokemon, I'm coming after you with pliers and a blowtorch! Akio, get back! Ryota, get in there! Terry, Surf! Hai!
What. The fuck. Is that?! C: Abs- Don't you dare say Absol to me. I've seen Absol before. For the love of Mew, this isn't a Squaresoft game, you can't just stick extra horns and shit onto something to power it up! K: Nan da? See, your guy, I sorta understand. Kinda cute, actually. But that? Man, that's just wrong. Terry, Sludge Bomb his grassbunny so we can focus on the abomination. Nani? Sludge Bomb...Ritin? Ritin, huh? Yes. Hai. Sludge Bomb Ritin.
Okay! Good job! One down, one to go. Now then, for you. C: Manikku-san... No, don't "Manikku-san" me. You ambush me in the depths of a difficult cave with powerful pokemon, and then show me an Absol-thing with too many horns and tails? I thought you were cool - hell, I thought both of you were cool - but you were just setting me up the whole time. *nervous look* Okay, let's start lighting this thing up.
We don't have any Fighting or Bug attacks, so let's make this a war of attrition. Ryota! Confuse Ray. Terry! Toxic. Hai. Hai!
(And so, with some healing and a bit of patience...)
Not now, Kyle. I'm dealing with Carmen first. Listen here, buddy. You want to go interfere with D.H, you be my guest. Near as I can tell, they're the Galactirockeplasmaquawhatever of this region anyway. But you come after my team, especially two on one? We're going to have problems. Now get to stepping!
okay yes that's a very nice vs. seeker but my point is still valid! Now go away!
Go away, Kyle. Manikku-san... I trusted you, man. I saved your butt from those goons, and when we sparred, it was fair. Gomen... This? This was messed up. This was not cool. Not cool at all. Leave me alone if this is how you're gonna be.
We made it through successfully! So...why doesn't this feel like a victory? *whimper* Master? It's okay, Rex. I'm fine. I just...I don't know. I do know that we need to get everyone to a center and soon, so let's press on.
Arceus, please let this place have a Center! Manikku-senpai...watashi wa totemo tsukarete iru... < I am so tired... > I know, buddy. I can tell you're tired. We all are. We're almost there, just a little more!
Gimmegimmegimmegimmegimmegimmegimmegimmegimmegimme
(After a brief break...)
Thank goodness. Everyone seems basically okay, so let's explore!
Ooooooh.
Ooooooh!
Wait. If this is a department store, then that must mean-
You seriously have, like, five seconds before I push you off of this building. Watashi wa tada shazai shitai to omoimashita- < I just wanted to apologize- > Five. Four. Three. Sayonara! < Goodbye! >
Good plan. Now, we'll just stock up on Lemonades, and see what's north of-
-oh. Well. Manikku-sensei... It's okay, I know you can't climb this yet. We'll keep it in mind for later. Watashi wa sensei ga shinpaidesu... < I am worried about sensei... > Kare wa kare no megumi o ushinatte shimatta. < He has lost his grace. > Masterdesu... Komakai! Anata wa, amari shinpai suru hitsuyo wa ari. < Master is...fine! You worry too much. >
Well, it looks like this is our next stop. Ie. < No. > You can speak! But why are you barring the door with your cane! Nyuryoku shinaide kudasai. < Do not enter. > Rex. Why doesn't he want us to go in? Choro? < Elder? >
Anata wa me o motte iruga, anata wa hyoji sa remasen. Anata wa mimi o motte iruga, anata wa kiite inai. Anata ga shitte iru, shikashi, anata wa rikai shite inai. Watashitachi ga nyuryoku shita baai, wareware wa kakujitsu ni shinudeshou. ...okay, I don't know what you said, but the rest of the team seems freaked out. Rex, what did he say? M-master... Shhh, it's okay, Rex. Just tell me. I won't be angry. He said...you have eyes, but you do not see. You have ears, but you do not listen. You know, but you do not understand. If you enter, we...we will all surely die.
So you all need training. Anata wa, kunren ga hitsuyodesu. Watashi wa anata o ikusei shimasu. Rex? He said you need training, and he'll train you... ... ... Okay, this sounds important. I'm game.
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Post by Manic on Nov 12, 2019 10:24:20 GMT
truezero2 continues to be a true MVP.
In the meantime, for those who are reading, you're about to see something...different.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 12, 2019 15:28:37 GMT
Given what's coming up, I'll save Hideo for next time. For this round, we'll look at the Grass Starter and Carmen's Absol 'evolution'. So Kyle's taken the Grass Starter, Nimbleaf. The middle stage for the line is called Leafrond. Shiny Sprites: It's just a slightly lighter green... and Nimbleaf putting on some makeup as far as I can tell. They can't all be good I guess. Nimbleaf Pokedex: If it is starving, it will eat its own leaf as sustenance. Apparently, the leaf doesn't taste very good.Leafrond Pokedex: Be careful not to approach this Pokémon when it is angry. Its leaf is sharp enough to cut through bone.I've not really got much else on this one. It does learn a move called Guardian Leaf though. Physical Grass move that has a 20% chance of a defense buff.
As for the Absol evolution... yeesh. Say hello to Dizasol. Shiny Sprite: As much of a mess as this Pokemon is, at least the shiny sprite works in this context. Pokedex: Despite their blade-like appearance, its two tails are actually used as a counterweight to keep its balance.God, even the Pokedex thinks this thing's a mess. Stat wise though, 135 Attack, 115 Sp. Attack, and 85 Speed. That's a scary 'mon. It's also got ridiculous coverage through TMs, so if they get factored in, fighting one is guesswork until you know what moves it has. With those two out of the way, I'm looking forward to what comes next.
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Post by Manic on Nov 14, 2019 6:07:42 GMT
The following morning, Hideo led me out onto the pier on the southern part of town.
His instructions were clear: the others were to go and continue their grinding - one could scarcely call it 'training' when the local wildlife is some twenty levels lower than your team - but they were to have no contact with me for the time being.
I was to train alone with Hideo.
When we neared the end of the pier, I heard the hard tap of the newest recruit's cane against a wooden plank.
I paused, gazing down at him. He tapped the wood once more, expectant.
Eyes narrowed, I gazed at him to discern his meaning and then sat upon the indicated spot.
This seemed to please him.
I was then instructed to turn, facing northward toward the town. Willing for the moment to go along with this, I did so.
In truth, the panoramic view was a bit of a surprise. From my vantage point, I could see numerous houses, the game corner, the pokemon center, the department store...essentially, the entirety of the island could be seen from my vantage point.
A fine view, and I turned to tell Hideo so, but I soon felt the aged surface of the cane pressed to my lips. The message was clear: this was not a time to speak.
He gestured to his eyes, then to the scene before me.
I was to watch.
Seconds stretched on into minutes.
Minutes into hours.
The sun hung heavy in the sky.
The cries of the birds overhead became a steady drone in my ears.
"What am I suppo-" My words were cut short once more.
A stubby, taloned hand gestured northward.
A woman carrying packages stumbled, nearly dropping her cargo.
Careless, her child chased his Buizel about the main thoroughfare, the two casually ignoring the mother.
Wind coaxed a trio of leaves to finally fall from a nearby tree.
I was to watch.
People came and went.
Some returned home from work. Some went out for dinner.
Children played after their schoolwork was done.
The sun began its descent, shadows stretching long before its lowering profile.
The air began to grow chill.
Finally, I turned to Hideo. "I don't understand."
With a great sigh, he shook his head and gestured for me to rise, then began the walk back toward the pokemon center. I followed.
"Ashita," he said, and little else.
In the fullness of time, I would come to know the meaning of that simple word.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 14, 2019 17:56:33 GMT
Alright then, since we've got a few updates where we can slow down a little, I figure I may as well look at some parts of the hack that may not be as prominent in this run. This time around, we're looking at the final starter from the Tohoak Region, Peyero and its evolutions! Peyero's Pokedex: While awake, its body is always burning hot. However, it cools down to room temperature while sleeping.According to the Vega wiki, this is the defensive line out of the three starters. I believe it too. Every stat outside of the defense stats range from 40 to 51. The defense stats? 70 each. It also picks up some unusual attacks, such as Magma Ring; a Fire-Type Special Vital Throw which also triggers Mean Look.
Infiris' Pokedex: The shell covering the surface of its body can be opened slightly. Inside the shell, its body is soft. First off, is it me or does the middle evolution look like one hell of an odd one out? While the stats go up about 10-20 points each, each defense goes up to about 85. The real kicker though is in the typing. Infiris is a Fire/Steel Type. One of its moves is Raging Flame, a powerful physical Fire Type attack that has a 10% chance of self-confusing. Astignite's Pokedex: This Pokémon was once the key to ending an ancient war. It relaxes by taking a bath in molten lava.I'm not gonna lie, I love this evolution's design. Still Fire/Steel, this Pokemon's defensive stats settle at 112 and 108 respectively. The final move it learns via level up? Geo Impact, a special Steel-Type attack with 100 accuracy, 120 Power and a 60% chance to sharply boost Special Attack. As for the shiny sprites across the line, I do like seeing red Pokemon getting blue shiny forms. Another point is that the three starter lines take a page from Johto's book. The starters' evolution levels all match those of their Johto equivalents.
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Post by Manic on Nov 15, 2019 11:53:15 GMT
Neat!
For those who don't know, pretty much everything truezero2 is posting is news to me, too!
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Post by Manic on Nov 20, 2019 10:38:42 GMT
Update #9b: Vision
The following day was much like the first.
I was led out onto the pier, and instructed to sit.
At one point, I considered asking why I couldn't stand, but then I recalled the hours of waiting.
I was bored.
Really, truly bored.
I considered foregoing the training altogether.
Then I remembered the expression on Rex's face and what he had said.
"If you enter, we will all surely die."
Rex was afraid. The whole team was. Hideo's words were spoken with confidence.
I returned to counting the individual planks of wood on the nearby fence.
Hideo either did not notice, or did not mind.
The morning fell away.
The rest of the day passed in much the same way.
We paused for food that Hideo had brought with him, rice balls and sushi.
I watched the same woman carrying packages, the same child and his pokemon.
Other, newer people came and went.
The pier seemed disused; no boats arrived. This seemed odd to me, and I contemplated the reason.
To the west, the island blocking travel. To the north, the waterfall.
All became clear. No boats reached this place because no boats COULD reach this place.
Then why was there a pier?
The question filled my mind for the remainder of the day.
The third day passed in much the same way.
The sun shone down on me from amidst the morning sky.
Lunch was simple fare, sustenance with a bit of flavor added in.
In this way, two more days would pass. Four days of sitting, watching, studying. Counting.
Finally, the afternoon of the fifth day came, and I could restrain myself no more.
"What are we doing here?" I asked Hideo. "Their headquarters is literally right in front of us."
Hideo turned to me, fixing me with a hard look.
I began to wonder if I had spoken out of turn.
He lifted his cane and pointed to the game center with it, gazing expectantly at me.
"Fairly popular. Stable. Some of the locals gamble too much."
He nodded, and directed the aim of his cane toward the department store.
"The main economic center of the town. Also a secondary social gathering point. They need to fix the door on the right."
The pokemon center, next. "Not widely used. Battling isn't very popular here."
Some of the nearby houses. "Those two work in the daytime, that one works evenings. The family on the left goes out for dinner quite a bit. The house on the right needs some repair work done. That one over there is a little larger than the others."
Then, he pointed to the D.H headquarters.
"The people who work there..."
I paused.
Several moments of silence passed between us.
I'd never seen anyone enter or leave.
"...are either invisible, or have another entrance and exit they use!" I announced, eyes wide.
Hideo continued to watch, patiently.
I stared down at my hands as I thought aloud. "Meaning that they're either craftier than I thought, or they don't actually do anything."
My mentor waited patiently.
"But we know they do things, we saw them take over that research lab. Which means..."
I paused in mid-thought, lifting my head to stare at Hideo.
"Which means they're more dangerous than I had initially realized."
Hideo smiled and bid me to rise.
When I did so, he motioned toward the pokemon center and began to walk.
"Ashita." he noted.
For the first time, it did not sound like failure.
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Post by crimsondoom on Nov 20, 2019 15:41:25 GMT
Can I just say that the medium of using mostly writing for this section works very well? We're used to pictures, so seeing long periods of text instead gives a subtle impression of isolation, which is exactly what's happening in-story. It's a good use of the medium to reinforce the story you're telling.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 20, 2019 20:17:03 GMT
I've got to admit, this is one of my favourite parts of the run. No big journey going on, no action, just some much needed introspection and character development. Anyway, for this part's highlight corner, I was going to look at the human characters, but I just struck a goddamn goldmine of info. Starting off, I was going to look at the playable characters, Gordon and April. Interestingly, there's more information listed on April's page, so because of that, we have some actual info about the story! So the game's professor, Professor Holly (Doesn't have his own page), is the player character's father. You've been going around the region gathering research data for him. While doing so you run into Team DH (Also no page for the group as a whole, but I was able to find something which'll come later) who are trying to get the Secure Styler so they can control the Pokemon Nemea to take over the region. Nemea is this guy, and its his page where the goldmine springs up. We're not looking at the human characters, we're looking at the actual plot! So Nemea is part of a trio, alongside the Fakemon Lylapse (Pure Ground) and Ganimede (Pure Flying). Together, they form the Meteoric Trio. So get this; according to Nemea's page, the Meteoric Trio are responsible for the Hoenn Catastrophe, a disaster that changed Hoenn by causing widespread destruction and death of people and Pokemon in massive numbers. As a result of the alterations to Hoenn's ecosystem following the catastrophe, the Fakemon started to appear and the trio transported some of them to Tohoak, the setting for Vega, in order to get them to propagate there. Following this, Stephen Stone and Wallace attempt to defeat the trio, but Nemea has Mind Control Powers, bit of a trick considering its a pure Steel type, using them to take control of the Champions and form the villain teams Team Black Hole (BH) and Team White Hole (WH). These teams are then set against each other to recreate the battle between Groudon and Kyogre, thus fulfilling the trio's desire for chaos and, ultimately, the Armageddon of the Pokemon world. As far as I can tell, this is the plotline for Pokemon Altair and Sirius, which take place in this altered Hoenn. According to April's page, Carmen is an Elite Four member (named Mosmero, replacing Sidney) and the new Champion of the region is none other than Wally. Oh yeah, you play as Gordon or April in Altair and Sirius too. Professor Birch is your uncle, but there's no mention which parent he's related to. Anyway, come Vega, Team Dark Hole (DH) appear in the Tohoak Region, led by their leader, Turner. He's defeated and swears revenge, creating a clone of Nemea to surpass the original. He gets a Grass/Poison copy that has a whopping 703 for the stat total. Regular Nemea settles for 580. I don't think I can top this find. Good lord this was a trip. It does explain why your rival, Nathan from what I can gather (Again, no page), is a Pokemon Ranger though. Next time, we'll look at some Postgame-exclusive Fakemon. Because of course there's some postgame exclusive stuff. See you then!
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Post by crimsondoom on Nov 20, 2019 21:46:51 GMT
...I think I like Manic's plotline better than canon's in this case.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 20, 2019 22:02:17 GMT
...I think I like Manic's plotline better than canon's in this case. Agreed. Canon seems like just another grimdark fanfiction to me.
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Post by Manic on Nov 21, 2019 6:35:09 GMT
Update #10a: Touch
The following day began much like the last.
I was awoken by my mentor and led out onto the pier.
He gestured for me to sit in the place to which I had grown accustomed. I did.
This time was different.
When I sat, he began to fish around in my bag.
It was difficult to suppress the urge to protest, but I took comfort in the fact that Hideo seemed to have hidden depth that I did not fully fathom; he had yet to do anything without a reason.
This continued for several minutes.
Finally, Hideo produced a small square item from my bag and placed it in my hands.
My badge case.
Gesturing with his cane, he directed my attention to it.
My questioning gaze wandered from him to the case in question.
I could not see him nodding, but I knew that he did.
Wordless, he returned to his usual spot and sat.
I had come to know over the last several days that he spent much of his time in meditation.
A glance spared at Hideo produced an expression of disapproval and a gesture to the case.
Where I might once have protested, I merely nodded.
I returned my attention to the case.
What was special about it?
I spent much of the morning and some of the afternoon closely examining the case.
The clasp was fairly standard.
Easy to open if intended, difficult to open if not.
The surface, a smooth, polished onyx hue.
The text on the front, illegible to me for the time being.
Nothing about it seemed unusual in any way.
Why, then, did it bear such close inspection?
Finally, I heard a sigh.
Over the course of my ruminations, Hideo had risen to his feet and now stood next to me.
He extended his hand.
I presented the case.
He opened it, and returned it to me.
Though I could not see for sure, I was certain he was rolling his eyes.
I felt like an idiot.
And yet...surely, the lesson wasn't so trite as "it's what's inside that counts".
I turned my attention to the badges.
He nodded and returned to his seat.
At least I had avoided adding 'hopeless' to the title of 'idiot'.
The sun began its descent into the western sky.
I had spent some time examining each badge in turn.
I knew that it was not enough.
The sounds of the day's end began to fill the air.
Hideo rose to his feet, balancing on his cane for a moment.
"Ashita?" I asked, quietly.
Silently, he smiled and nodded.
We returned to the center.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 21, 2019 12:11:47 GMT
Right then, Postgame Pokemon. Because those are a thing in this hack. First off, there are two fossil Pokemon lines that're only available in the Postgame, a two stage line for Ptervus and Pteriarch and the standalone Tyranos. Ptervus Pokedex: A prehistoric Pokémon that was revived by scientists. It flies so fast that it might collide with an airplane.Pteriarch Pokedex : It is said to be Aerodactyl's rival. Both Pokémon are referred to as "The King of the Sky".OK, so the sizes on these Pokemon are pretty jaw dropping, clocking in at 8'10'' and 10'06'' respectively. Aside from that, these Rock/Flying Pokemon also have another big trick when you factor in one of their Egg Moves: Dragon Dance. These Pokemon are also Glass Cannons, boasting great physical offense and speed, but lacklustre defenses. They also get the Intimidate and Sturdy abilities.
Then we hit Tyranos. Tyranos Pokedex: A prehistoric Pokémon that was revived by scientists. Despite how heavy it looks, it is actually quite fast.Rock/Dark, so it has six weaknesses. Couple that with low defenses and a speed stat of 85, and you've got a bit of a poor Pokemon. It even has a useless ability in Vega; Rock Head. It also does not learn any recoil attacks. 21'04'' of disappointment. Tyrantrum would go on to do better.
I'll finish with a couple of bug types that form a pair: Combant and Arincess. Combant Pokedex: A hard worker that is always busy. Arincess have a preference for the Combant that can work the hardest. Arincess Pokedex: Usually as hard of a worker as Combant. However, some have rotten attitudes and force Combant to do all the work. Combant is Bug/Fighting and a male-only line, while Arincess is a Bug/Psychic, female-only line. We'll start with Combant. On the whole, the line is a physical attacker with decent special defense and very good speed. It also learns a wide variety of fighting moves. It's most unusual move is Psycho Punch, a physical Psychic move which has a chance of inflicting confusion. As for Arincess, it's nowhere near as fast, but it leans into special attacking, with decent physical defense and good HP. Notably, it also picks up Vespiquen's Order attacks. So there you have it! See you next time!
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Post by Manic on Nov 25, 2019 6:26:32 GMT
Update #10b: Training - Pain
Two more days passed.
The badges, all three of them, sat carefully nestled in my badge case.
I examined them intently.
I polished them.
I turned them over to look at the back.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
What was I looking for?
Clearly, the physical substance of the badge was not the answer.
On the second afternoon, I looked to Hideo. "I don't-"
I did not finish my sentence.
He was already gesturing with his cane toward the box.
I sighed, and tried to regain my focus.
What did it mean? Three badges. Three victories.
Hard-fought, every last one.
The gyms of this world were nothing like anything I had ever experienced.
Smart. Brutal. Insanely powerful.
The sort of gyms I might make if I were...
No.
A gym is intended to be a learning experience, a stepping stone.
Even the grinder in the midst of Hoenn was nothing like this.
These gyms were not meant to improve a challenger. They were meant to ruin.
Hoenn...
My thoughts turned to my father, and home.
Suddenly, there was a sharp jolt of pain!
Careless. These badges, like the battles they represented, were sharp.
As I watched, dark red blood bubbled to the surface of my skin.
I had cut my left index finger.
As the initial shock faded and gave way to a more abiding pain, I hissed softly.
Not just from the pain, but from my casual disregard.
I had cut myself because I had lost my focus.
A quick glance to Hideo revealed that he was aware of the situation.
A small trickle of blood flowed down my injured finger.
I rose to my feet, and made for the pokemon center. Moments later, a cane barred my path.
I glanced down at Hideo in confusion. What was he thinking?
Another gesture. This time, to the water.
I paused. Hideo wanted me to-
He nodded firmly, once.
Slowly, I made my way to the water.
Biting my bottom lip, I braced myself and dipped my injured finger in.
I winced harshly, the pain suddenly ten times worse. The icy current flowed along my wound.
Determined, I held my finger below the water for ten good seconds before withdrawing it.
My finger was partially numb from the cold.
The water had helped to cleanse the wound, and it was already starting the path to recovery.
As I clutched one hand in the other, I returned to my chosen spot and gave Hideo a questioning gaze.
My mentor took one deep breath, and gazed expectantly at me. I did the same.
Another breath. And another.
I felt the chill of the water on my skin.
I felt the sting of the cut on my flesh.
I felt like a fool.
This was the lesson.
Darkrai created this world. It was false, a fabrication, a lie.
That was how I had thought of it. This was a trial to be passed, a hurdle to overcome.
None of it was real. None of it mattered.
The water was cold. The pain was harsh. The currents flowed.
This was the lesson.
This was real. For all intents and purposes, this was every bit as real as all of the other worlds.
Unable to help myself, I began to laugh.
Hideo smiled.
The lesson ended early that day.
Ashita.
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Post by truezero2 on Nov 25, 2019 22:31:55 GMT
Hmm, since there's quite a bit of postgame content, I'll be sticking with Pokemon from said postgame until the end of the training arc. So, let's start with a pair of moon rabbits, Lunabitt and Lunabain. Lunabitt Pokedex: Its ears start to sag downwards when it's exhausted. It recovers its energy when bathed in moonlight.Lunabain Pokedex: It makes rice cakes using the pestle it carries and the mortar attached to its tail. Rice cakes are its favorite food.It evolves with a Moon Stone. Appropriate. Long story short, the main thing this line has going for it is a strong Special Attack stat at 112, but everything else ranges from 70 to 80. The other pair I'm going to cover has beaten a pair of Galar Pokemon to the punch. Meet Shivermin and Nymphrost, Bug/Ice Types.
Shivermin Pokedex: It constantly travels in search of snow. A Shivermin sighting is a sign that snow will fall nearby sometime soon.Nymphrost Pokedex: It drinks melted snow. The sight of it elegantly fluttering through the sky hasearned it the nickname "The Snow Fairy".Evolves at Level 29. Boasting an impressive 100 Special Attack but a rather awkward 75 Speed and a paltry 55 to each Defense, this is a line that is devastated when hit by Rock Type attacks. It does learn Quiver Dance by level up though... at Level 59. With Compound Eyes for one of its abilities though, Nymphrost can take a lot of inaccurate moves and run wild with them. Also, Shivermin's English name was originally Grubzero. I find that funnier than I should.
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Post by Manic on Nov 26, 2019 8:04:50 GMT
Update #11: Training - Listening
The following day, I came to our usual spot and sat.
With me, I brought one of Hideo's simple bento boxes.
I sat and waited.
The morning drifted away without event.
Hideo's lesson was sure to begin in short order.
Perhaps it already had?
Perhaps today's lesson was about patience.
Time passed.
The afternoon drifted on.
There was no sign of Hideo.
I began to grow uncomfortable.
Without guidance, I had no path to follow.
Inwardly, I chided myself. Since when did I need to be led by the hand?
A glance down at my bandaged finger reminded me.
The afternoon fell away to the evening.
I returned to the pokemon center, ill-at-ease.
Hideo did not appear on the following day.
Nor the next, nor the one after.
Finally, I could wait no longer.
A pokemon center will only house a trainer for two weeks before requiring payment.
I did not have enough money to pay for lodging for very long.
Finally, I decided to undertake a very new adventure.
I had words with the manager of the department store.
I could tell that he was uncertain.
He could tell that I was desperate.
I got a job on the first floor, greeting customers.
The days stretched on into weeks.
My shifts were long and boring.
Slowly, I began to settle into the job.
I wondered what had happened to my team.
Had they left me behind?
Had even Rex abandoned me?
The notion was depressing in the extreme.
I discarded it.
Hideo had stayed with me to teach me.
I had to have faith that the others would return.
After two weeks, my first paycheck arrived.
I paid rent.
One more full week passed before a new pokemon entered the department store.
I bit back a cringe. This one looked very much like the one that had killed Tadao, minus the disfigurement.
He stood before me and smiled.
Instantly, I knew. "Hideo?"
He nodded.
My eyes widened.
The remainder of my team entered the store behind him.
Momentarily disregarding my duties, I emerged from behind the counter to greet them.
"I'm so happy to see you all! You really had me worried!"
The team stared at me as if I had grown a tree from my head.
Rex's jaw dropped.
Even the unshakable Ryota seemed surprised.
I paused. "...what's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me?"
Hideo retained his usual smile. "They are very pleased to see you." he explained.
It was my turn to stare at Hideo.
"You evolved...and learned my language?" I asked. Something about that seemed off.
"S...sensei?" asked Terry, as if unable to believe his eyes.
I quirked a brow. This was becoming a bit worrisome. "Of course it's me, Terry. I haven't changed that much, have I?"
Hideo grinned knowingly.
I returned my attention to him.
"I do not know your language. None of us do, save Rex." he explained, calmly. "How long has it been since you have heard it spoken?"
I gawked openly.
It had been at least a month since I had heard a word of English.
Instead, I had been exposed non-stop to-
Yuki drifted smoothly toward me. "You speak our language well, sensei." she commented in a quiet tone.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Rex pounced at me and began licking my face.
"Master is better now! Rex was so worried! Rex didn't want to stay away but Hideo said it was important that nobody see you!" he panted.
Humbled, I quietly addressed my tutor. "Hideo...sensei..."
He gestured to me with his cane. "Tomorrow, we continue our journey. Today, I wish to know your story, now that you can tell it."
I nodded. "I'll tell all of you. You need to know. You deserve to know."
A brief conversation with my manager later, I was out of a job once more.
I couldn't be happier.
We went home.
Ashita, watashitachi no boken o saikai shimasu.
Tomorrow, our adventure resumes.
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