Leaderboard

The Attack Time passed as the ship made its way for the island that Mioter once floated above. Those aboard had a short amount of time to prepare themselves. Some took this time to meet up with friends, or family, they had missed. Some decided to prepare their bodies. Others still simple rested. Thinking of the hours that were to come. It was a moment unlike any other in years. Gijinka from all across the region, some even from other regions entirely, banding together to face a threat to their very existence. They all felt it before even catching sight of the island. An intense pressure that washed over them. The natural instincts of a Gijinka, going back to primitive times, flared up. "Danger" it screamed at them. "Danger like never before." But it was too late to back out now. The ship wasn't stopping for anything. Once the first view of the island came to them all they could see was a huge cloud. Dust, dirt, ashes, all mingling together over what was undoubtedly a battlefield. Above these clouds the weather seemed at odds. Both harsh sunlight and rain fought to dominate each other. Yet still they couldn't see anything of the battle itself. Until figures began to emerge from the clouds. Purple figures which looked as though a swarm of locusts were descending on them. And then beams of energy shot from the figures and struck the ship. Rocking it violently and causing several to clutch the side lest they fall off. 10. 20. More. Dozens of figures were now approaching the ship and they hadn't reached the island yet. "Alright crew, get to your stations, its time to bust out our secret weapon." Captain called out to his Rotom crew. They all scrambled towards what had seemed to simply be a small arena for combat practice. But as they approached it split open and a large rod emerged from underneath it. Each of the Rotom took place around it and started channeling electricity into the device. With a thunderous boom a massive bolt of lightning shot from the top of the rod and struck the formation of attackers. Knocking several of them out of the sky and scattering others. "Keep it up!" Captain ordered. "We must reach the island or we're all doomed!" The rod fired again, and again, each bolt steadily decreasing in power. But the swarm was, for the most part, unable to get to the ship as it continued on its way. And then one landed near the edge of the ship, several feet from Easter. It was tall, six feet in height, and covered in purple, chitinous, armor. Their face was feminine yet emotionless and their eyes were glowing red. Over one shoulder was a tube-shaped weapon of some sort. Several onboard would recognize it as the creature who had attacked Mioter days ago. Others may notice it bore a resemblance to a mythical warrior of ancient times called Genesect. Though its body seemed less like that of a living creature. The weapon on its shoulder began to glow a grayish color. Aimed at Easter. Together Again And then it was struck suddenly by a flurry of attacks. Razor Leaf, Flamethrower, Psybeam, a rainbow of attacks that struck the strange warrior all at once. Standing in a line were an assortment of Eeveelutions where the attack had originated from. The Genesect creature stumbled back, smoke coming from its body. Then it glowed white and Self-Destructed, forcing those nearby to take cover and blasting a small hole in the deck. The Landing One of the Eeveelutions, a Jolteon, called back to the captain. "Hey Cappin, much as I love being on this boat again I don't think it can take much more." "You're probably right there." Captain said, as more of those things got nearer and began to fire off their lasers at the hull of the ship. "Alright everyone!" He called out. "This is it. Brace yourself, gonna be a crash landing! As soon as we hit the dirt we'll be in the thick of it! Don't stop until you reach the goal and make sure to cover each other!" The ship pitched forward and began making a direct path down towards ground level again. Picking up speed as the lightning rod fired off a few last bursts of energy. It was a blur of motion and a cacophony of shouts as the ship crashed into the shore, burying its bow into the dirt. Once it stopped the Gijinka on board began to leap off. Now that they were under the clouds they could see the battlefield for what it was. BGM An army of the Genesect were scattered throughout. And in the midst of the battlefield were dozens of Legends. More than any of them had seen in one place by far. From Azelf and his brothers, creating barriers and tossing the warriors into each other, to Ho-Oh, creating a torrent of flames to destroy several at once. Emerging from the sea was even Regigigas, the massive man picking up Genesect and throwing them clear across the battlefield. Keldeo and the Swords of Justice were darting across the field, blocking lethal attacks aimed for their comrades, and delivering powerful blows in retaliation. Even several Legends from other regions had come to aid their brothers and sisters. Solgaleo's roar echoed throughout the field as Lunala rained fire from above. Yet it was clear that the enemy outnumbered the Legends greatly. Several Legends seemed to have already taken serious wounds. But none of them were backing down. And neither could the rest of them. As soon as each Gijinka left the boat they'd be waylaid by at least one, often more, of the strange artificial Gijinka. Each of them had the same goal in mind. Get to the center of the island, and enter the Godslayer's base. The Smallest Among Us Captain, one of the last off the ship, held back and looked towards several of the Gijinka that had come with. All of them the youngest among them. He had a pained expression as he looked them over. "Stay near the boat. No need to get yourselves killed. Us adults can handle this." And then he took off into the air, body shimmering and transforming as he did. Of the youngest Gijinkas the one that was closest to the edge was none other than Mac. She glanced back at the other younger members. Which included Ari, and a couple Water types she had never seen before, and she shook her head. "Can't believe it. Even at the end of the world they still don't think we have what it takes. Well you know what I say? Screw that! I don't know about you but I've fought more than hard enough to earn some respect. And sure, maybe we're not as big as em, or as experienced, but what does that matter?" She stepped onto the edge of the ship and looked onto the battlefield. "Look at this. If we lose here that's it. Nothing more. World ends." She looked back at the others. "So what's the point staying behind? Even if we can only do a little we have to try, right?" She frowned and reached into her bag. "Didn't want to have to use this so soon but now or never." And took out a sun shaped stone. BGM Her body started to glow and transform. She grew several inches taller, her frills receded back into nubs at the top of her head, and her tail elongated. She had evolved into a Heliolisk. "Alright, who's with me? We're gonna go show these thugs why they can't mess with our world! Time to kick some butt!" With that she jumped over the edge of the boat. Followed closely behind by Dora, who had a serious look on her young face, and both started to run as soon as they landed. Mac took off straight forward. Several of the Genesect moved towards her and she skidded to a halt. Then, glancing around to make sure none of her allies were near, let loose an electrical blast that enveloped the area and shocked the Genesects. None of them went down but she had enough time to dart over towards one, aiming to take it out at the leg. Dora, stumbling her way across the ground but somehow staying standing despite moving at full speed, opened her mouth up and shot out a blast of mud that struck the Genesect Mac was heading for. Hitting its face and distracting it as Mac let loose a Low Sweep along its ankle, knocking it down. "They ain't so tough! Come on, let's keep going!" She called out as she continued on her path towards the center of the island. There was still plenty in between her and them but she was sure she'd be able to get through. The Wooper had let out an excited squeal as their attack landed and didn't notice as one of the Genesects struck her with several metallic objects. She winced from the pain but then her body glowed and she let a burst of energy out of it and toppled the Genesect that had struck her. Not enough to destroy it, or cause it to Self-Destruct, but enough that the small girl was able to slip past. "I bet papa and mama would think I'm really cool right now!" Dora said, diving headfirst, literally, into the fray. Azriel, Disciple of Arceus The old Medicham looked over the field and fought back tears. It had really come to this. All these years, all the triumphs and failures he had seen, it was all leading up to this. A battle against a twisted enemy. One who, while perhaps once they had an honorable goal, had fallen to darkness far too deep to penetrate. And he had simply watched. The "gift" of immortality he was granted to serve as Arceus's disciple had come with it many conditions. The most important one was that he was to remain neutral. He had been given great strength but he was to use that to guide, not fight, and it caused him to stand back as others had to fight to protect the land many times. But not today. Even if it broke the conditions of the "gift" he would do battle with these foes to ensure these brave, young, warriors would not die for their cause. He would use every last ounce of his power to protect them. And bring his own judgement down on these villains. His body changed, becoming stronger, more limber, and scarf-like appendages appeared along his back. He dove into the battle, knee crashing into one of the Genesect and shattering its armor in one blow. If this were to be his last battle he would be sure to make it one that would be remembered for ages. Important OOC Must Read

Passing the Torch Quick-Play Spell You can activate this card from your hand on your opponent's turn. When a monster you control with visible or implied hair in its card art is destroyed by battle or your opponent's card effect: Target 1 Level/Rank 4 or lower or Link-2 or lower monster you control; That monster gains the ATK and DEF of the destroyed monster, and you may make it gain its card effects. =============================== IDK how you would use this but here you go

Yue was relieved to see that the boat was actually in plain sight! Or at least there was a boat with the same name as it in plain sight, anyway, which probably meant that it was the boat they were looking for...right? That was good, but what wasn't so good was that Alexis was there with her. She had even taken her by the hand when they left the bar, which the archer had been briefly flustered by before calming down. What kind of person just grabbed another person like that?! Said girl was currently looking around at all the ships, looking impressed. Yue was also impressed, but there was also something scary about boats. She couldn't understand why anybody would willingly ride one. What if it sank or something when you were on it? Didn't they worry about that?! "Wait. No way." Alexis muttered as she saw what Yue had. "I think...the good captain may have been drunk off his rocker." Alexis said. "I don't think the bull mentioned a crew. Methinks they might be up to something. Why don't I go check it out?" She winked at Yue. "Be sure to cover me." "W-Wait. Maybe we should just get the others first--" but the other had already left. Wanting to scream in fear and frustration, Yue paused for a few minutes to just stare at the ground as she had a miniature panic attack. What should I do what should I do this isn't good this is very bad but what should I do?! Eventually, though, she had managed to calm down, though a few passersby had shot her concerned looks. "Ah, no, I think this one he'll really want to see. He's not far so I'll be sure to grab him quick." Yes, that was a good idea. A very good idea! But it was also a good idea to grab the others too. Why Alexis had just charged in like this, Yue really couldn't understand. Except it looked like somebody wanted to give her a tour of the boat now. Which wasn't a good idea at all. Not when she had to go back and get her friends as well as that scary man with red hair. "Well, aren't you a gentleman. I might have to take you up on that offer. After all I'm sure someone can grab that bull of a captain without me." What did that mean?! Why was she agreeing?! She needed to come back to the bar with Yue, right now! Did that mean Yue had to do it, and alone?! Oh no no no no no, that just wasn't possible. That man was way too scary for that. The only issue is, she didn't know where any of the others were, but she did know where Susanoo was. And the sooner Alexis got some backup, the better. So, with a heavy heart, the archer fled the docks, making sure to be quiet at first, and then just running at full-speed once she had gotten out of eyesight of the scary men around the boat. She ran through the crowd, doing her best to not actually run into any of them, with mixed success. Thankfully, most of them were gracious about it, though one of them had stopped her and started babbling about how wonderful it was to see a Yonan here, and how he had never seen so many before coming to Enta, and on and on and on. Yue had stopped listening partway through, interrupting his speech with a "Sorry, I gotta go!" before hightailing it out of there. Eventually, she made it back to the bar, where she hesitated in front of the door before walking in to see Susanoo still there. At that, she realized that there had been a large possibility that he might not have still been there, but he was...and looking even drunker than he had before if that was possible. "Uh...umm..." Yue approached him and started mumbling. "Umm...Sir Susanoo..." she knew that she needed to get his attention somehow, or he'd probably just ignore her. So, gritting her teeth and closing her eyes, she decided to shout--though what was a shout for her was just normal volume for anybody else. "I saw your boat at the harbor! There are some bad men there too!"

Ari felt his chest, which had been super wound up and tense, start to relax at hearing that...Kazo accepted him as a brother? In fact, he was glad about it? And his brothers accepted him too?! This was the best day. Ever. While he was thinking that, his mom was talking to the Pupitar she had called Denku. "You did far more than you needed to. You went above and beyond and saved our god. For that, no thanks I give will ever be enough," she did a short bow, which shocked Ari a bit. His mom never bowed. The Litleo's brief burst of happiness deflated at seeing Kazo looking overwhelmed. Shuffling his feet, the boy continued to blab, "Sorry, sorry, I know I should've said that sooner, I just..." he paused, and then finished in a much smaller voice, "...didn't want you to think differently of me or anything." After a bit, he turned to Mac with a glare, sticking out his tongue. "I wasn't worried about you though. And don't call me that! I know you're making fun of me somehow...and it sounds weird coming from you anyway!" He turned to Kazo. "Same to you...big brother Kazo!" he grinned. "Just call me Ari, or uhh...little bro!" he'd heard the others use that word, and it sounded...just like the kind of thing he wanted to be called too! As part of this "brotherhood" now. Hearing that Kah was dead though was...well, just like Kazo, Ari needed a minute too. He had already suspected that for a long time now but having it confirmed felt like somebody was punching his tummy. Or his chest. Either one. "So...she's gone," he drooped. "She really went bad. I know...she tried to kill Latias, but I guess I hoped she'd still come back to us." Thinking about her led him to think about Suiten as well, or Keldeo as he had turned out to be. That whole day had just been really, really bad. Keldeo would never have left if Kah hadn't acted the way she had, and she had also ended up leaving the group as well. But part of him realized that, along the way, he had also gotten used to those two being gone. "Well, even if she's gone, and Keldeo too, it's not so bad because I've got you two! Kazo and Mac! And now you two!" he turned to the brothers, before jerking upright. "Oh, and of course, you too, Mom!" His mom smiled. "Yes, I'll always be with you, my little Ariel," she scooped him up for a hug, which he let happen for a bit before he wriggled out of her grasp with an "okay, okay Mom. I already told you that I'm all growed up now." "Of course you are," she smiled indulgently down at him, ruffling his hair one last time before stepping back quickly so he couldn't retaliate, chuckling slightly. "You know, you guys sure did meet a lot of the same people," Sai commented. "Or at least people connected to the same people." "Oh yeah! It's as Zago always says!" Ari beamed. "It's a small world after all!" "I'm gonna call him Ariel," the Excadrill, Sai, commented. "But in exchange, he gets to call Denku Denden like back in the day," "Please no." "Too late! He has the right as the youngest of the brotherhood!" Kazo and Sai stated at the same time before laughing in sync. Denku sighed and rubbed his head, seemingly accepting his fate. "Yeah! I'm the youngest of the brotherhood!" the Litleo clenched his hands into fists happily, waving them from side to side like maracas. "In that case, uhh...it's nice to meet you, Sai...Denden!" he beamed as he shouted the last word. After a few seconds though, he turned to the Helioptile who was still there. "Oh, almost forgot about you Mac." He stuck out his tongue again. "You can be uhh...a bratty sister or something maybe," he snickered. "Are you sure it's just that and not something else?" his mother asked with a straight face. "What about a possible betrothed?" "Huh?" "One day, you'd marry her." She looked dead serious, though the corners of her mouth started to twitch. "What?! Yuck! I can't marry her, she's my...friend," Ari paused before finally admitting how he actually felt about Mac with reluctance. Now she'll never let me live that down! He wanted to groan. "Besides, marriage is yucky anyway. No, I'm gonna be a strong and silent single man just like Kazo!" he shouted, pumping his fist. "He never lets women get to him! Like with that pretty lady Melody, he remained so cool through that!" Sure, there was some stuttering, but Ari knew the truth now. The Gabite had been just trying to make the Miloticthink he had fallen for her beauty. She was really pretty, so it only makes sense that he'd have to pretend like that. At that, his mother finally began to laugh, though it still came out sounding rather dignified. But that was just how she was. "Hmm, fine, but don't forget what you said when you get older." "I'll never forget!" the Litleo nodded vigorously. "I'll be too busy being awesome and the best lion and the...youngest of the brotherhood!" he jumped in the air happily. He'd found out some not so good things today, but he also found out some really good things today. So they balanced each other out. More than did, because he was now officially Kazo's little brother! And he had two new brothers too! This really was the best day. -- As Easter walked, he felt his tendrils drooping, shoulders slumping. The last time he had felt this terrible was the day that Fawkes had left the group. And, just like then, it was his own actions that had caused it. His inability to see how Fawkes felt had led to the Zorua's departure, and his inability to handle being around the other members of the S.S. Showdown had led to...this. Realistically, he knew he couldn't expect John Silver to wait for him to sort out his issues. Still, there had been a sort of thought that, no matter what, the other would always be there for him. And he will. Just not in the same way. It hurt to think that those times that he shared with the other would forever be a thing of the past, that he couldn't make new, precious memories like that with him anymore. That instead, John would look at somebody else with that calm, confident smile and tell them that he loved-- The Sylveon shook his head. John couldn't be blamed for moving on. Rather, wasn't he the weird one, for still carrying a flame for him even after a year or so, after he had left in the first place? If he had really wanted the relationship to keep going, he should have stayed. He knew that, and yet... And yet, it still hurt. The fairy type marched through the crowd, uncaring if he was rude or not. He bumped into a Krookodile who let out a curse, "Watch where you're going--oh! Ahem," the gijinka looked taken aback, before coughing. "Ahh, sorry, miss, did you need my..." he trailed off at seeing that the pretty Sylveon had already left. That man was a dark type. Before, that meant something. It meant it was time to lay on the charm, bat the eyes a couple of times, maybe tilt his head to the side cutely, and then get the two of them alone for some "private time"...where he would then vent his hatred and frustrations by beating the other into the ground--or deck, in this case. But right now, he wasn't in the mood for that. Actually, he hadn't been in the mood for that for a while now. He had responsibilities now. He couldn't just play around and make a possible enemy who then might go after Dora. Almost as if his thoughts had summoned her, the Wooper appeared and bumped into his back. "Are you sad?" She asked. Then she pressed her face against Easter, still looking up, and continued, "did someone take away your candy?" Easter shook his head, letting out a weak chuckle. "No...no," he smiled wanly. "Nobody took it away...I gave it up on my own." For some reason, he found it hilarious to refer to his relationship this way. So hilarious he wanted to laugh. And then laugh some more. And more. Until there would be nothing left but laughter. But that would scare Dora. "I left it on the ground," his smile widened into a freakish grin, "and I expected it to still be there. But it wasn't. Isn't that...so funny?" his breath hitched. "Yeah...funny." The smile slipped off his face as he gazed sightlessly down at the deck. Dora stared up at Easter. "Is floor candy good? If you put it on the floor it probably has a buncha dirt and stuff. Even if you got it back I'm sure it'd taste all icky and not like you wanted." She nodded sagely. "Candy should be eaten right away or not at all." She then plopped her chin against Easter and continued to look up. "So now you just gotta find new candy. I can help!" The Sylveon blinked, staring down at her nonplussed before he realized that the edges of the Wooper were starting to look blurred. Is this...am I...crying? How long had it been since he had last shed tears--actual genuine tears? "I don't think..." his throat closed up, making it hard to breathe or talk. He took in a deep, ragged breath then, "I don't think I can find new candy. It won't taste the same." He squeezed his eyes shut and turned away as small droplets fell to the deck. "But you're right. No matter what...it would never have tasted the same." The Eeveelution took a deep breath. He couldn't afford to lose it around Dora. Chuckling, he crouched down slightly to pat her head. "Thanks, Dora," he smiled, though this one was far gentler than the almost-crazed one from before. "You're pretty smart, you know?" Dora gave a proud huff and nodded. "I AM smart! Also, also, also, you don't want to have the same old candy anyway. Like like like...What if you want something sour next?" "Sour, huh?" Easter thought about it for a second. "I usually prefer sweet things, but...you have a point. Maybe it's time for something different." As his emotions started to settle slightly, he felt himself come to a realization. I might have lost John...and my relationship with the others of the S.S. Showdown might never be the same as it once was...but I've made new ties. Met new people who I've come to care for. Like Dora. He leaned down and hugged the Wooper, taking care not to use too much strength. "What would I do without you?" he muttered. And Brooke and Denku as well. Though from what he had seen earlier, the Pupitar had found the brother he was looking for. The Sylveon was happy for him, but also a little sad at the thought of them parting ways after this. But, as today had reinforced for him, that was how life went. People would come and go, but their memories, at least, would remain. "All right, I feel better now." He wasn't being entirely truthful there. It would take time before he could entirely reconcile himself with his new position in John's heart...and the new person in his as well. Just the thought of that Manectric was upsetting, but at least he wasn't trying to pick a fight with him as he would have before. He had grown. His heart lightened at the thought. It wasn't just John who had grown. He had as well. And a large part of that was due to the little scamp currently bouncing on the deck next to him. "Do you want to go find the others now?" "Hm...no, let's go make new friends!" Easter stared at her in shock before laughing outright. "All right then, let's." Picking up the Wooper and settling her on his shoulders, he began to walk around the deck, following her lead as she directed him to random people and places. He wasn't okay...but he would be. He would have to be… For Dora and the others. -- Keanu was glad to see that Nani was giving his words some real thought. It wasn't that he didn't want to go home. On the one hand, it was home! Alola! He couldn't just forget about it, or the memories he made there, so easily. But on the other hand, was there anything left there to build? They could just rebuild it from the ground up, but who's to say they wouldn't find their steps dogged by the very ones who had destroyed their home? It would certainly be a lot easier to rebuild here, especially considering Keanu didn't even know how to get back to Alola. Maybe Solgaleo or Lunala would know, but he didn't. He was a surfer, not a sailor, so he had never learned all those sailor-y things like navigation and tying ropes. But if there were still people left at Alola, if the beasts were gone, if they even managed to find their way back...if all of these lined up, then yeah. Going back to Alola wouldn't be so bad. But again, he was no sailor, and he'd rather not stay too far away from shore if he could help it. "I'm with you on that. One boat trip was already one more than I would have liked to take. But it's something we'll have to do unless we all find a way to fly back home." Oh, flying. Hey, that could work then. Maybe they could ask the captain of this ship for help? "Where would you even want to live if we settled down here? Sure we've been to some places, but it seems like there's still plenty left to see around here before making a decision on that scale." "Not sure...but probably somewhere near the sea," the Raichu replied. "And I just thought of something...what if this ship is the one to take us back? That way, we wouldn't have to worry about sailing, and if it's too dangerous, then..." he frowned. "Well, then we'll head back. And make a home for ourselves here. Though again, not too sure where I'd want to stay. I think you're right on that--we'd need to take a tour of the region before we can really decide." He stretched his arms out before relaxing them against the back of his head. "That sounds pretty fun. Like some sort of vacation. Maybe they even have luaus here!" He sobered up slightly but a smile still remained on his face. "Well, whatever happens, I'm not too worried." Because he knew that he had three trusty friends at his side, to watch his back, and he theirs. Not that he'd ever tell them, of course. That'd be way too uncool.

I didn't know that. Then again, they don't feel the same way. Maybe it's just the brain identifying the context of the feeling and treating it differently in different situations?

It was a hard fought battle and the decision was decided, for both, by a singular vote. But here we have it. The end of the tournament. Coming in 3rd was Mae, from Shadows of Valentia! In 2nd, Hilda, from Three Houses! And the 6th champion of the FE polls issss Sanaki Kirsch Altina!!! Congratulations!

I don't remember a lot of 2019. It went by really quickly. But I'll start with the things that led me to today: January: A project that was near and dear to me was going well. My last project. It was keeping me distracted and kept me (multiple times) from taking my own life. This was before I was diagnosed with depression. February: Celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my girlfriend on the 9th. We had to work. Played hookie that weekend and skipped work and took her on a date. I went broke. It was worth it. March: N/A April: Finals. They went well. Ready for the summer. May: Not as ready for summer as I'd hoped. Still depressed but not doing anything about it. Nightmares, breakdowns, self-isolation (little did I know). June-August: W O R K Kept me busy and occupied my mind enough to not be depressed because I was always exhausted. Finally decide to see someone about my depression. Get diagnosed. Get my medicine later in the year. October: This is where things went downhill. I'd lost players to my project and it felt like hope was lost. I abandoned it without a second thought and fucked off. Depression was worsening. Barely making it through school. November: Lose a friend. Another gets kidnapped and killed. My sister is dealing with a stalker. I'm getting desperate. Barely clinging on to life. Scared for my family and my girlfriend. Attempt to take my own life again. Saved by my better half. Finally get my meds. December: Barely pass my classes. Starting to get my head straight. Decent birthday. Decent Christmas. Had a great New Year. Got drunk, didn't do anything embarrassing. Finally have my driver's license. Feeling better. The year was hard for me. Depression turned little things into big things, caused me to lose friends, abandon projects, and give up on a lot of shit. I was desperately trying to get my shit together toward the end of the year. Decided to stay out of school this spring (2020) and thank goodness I did. But the timing was lucky. Despite this virus going around, things are better for me personally. I've got a dream job (on hold) once this virus shit settles, I'll be making great money with opportunity for advancement, and I'm finally writing for myself again. I'm looking forward to the rest of the year.