Sethera

Link "Oh, you're too much! Jes' cuz summat's from Isauria, don't mean nuthin'." The mayor shook his head, ready to reply with exactly what he thought about Isaurians and outsiders, when he found himself lifted by his collar. The tips of his toes barely brushed the ground as he found himself eye to eye with the blond man from Galtea. Cora had warned him that this Link was strange. He could imitate a Histian accent as well as any native. But it wasn't just that. He was a soldier, the perfected version of their little village militiamen. Still, compared to his companions, he hadn't stood out. Dresogon had been much more concerned with that Isaurian, Abdul. Now, it occurred to him he had been mistaken. This man was the one to watch. "You suspect that man of something, don't you? What is it? Espionage? Dark magic? Worse?" The other's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "You suspect one of your own villagers of being a danger to the crown and you don't even warn us. If that man has hurt so much as a hair on her head–if anyone in our group is harmed by one of your villagers," Link dropped his free hand down to the hilt of his blade. "I'll make sure you answer for it." When he was suddenly released, Dresogon landed with an oof, almost falling flat on his behind. He barely kept his dignity as he righted himself, huffing and puffing in outrage. "I say, even though you have played a significant part in rescuing our village, it does not give you the right to manhandle me." Yes, the threat was intimidating. Were he a lesser man, he might have soiled his smallclothes. But he was a mayor. "Pylauses is shady, but I doubt he would try anything on—" However, the other wasn't listening, turning to face Mene. With her, his voice was less of a ghostly whisper, and more the unpolished farmer's boy, all soft thanks and marms. The woman muttered a shocked, "'Twas no problem at all." She hurried over to the mayor in concern as the blond man stormed off. "Are ye all righ'?" she asked. "My, my, first a princess an' naow this. I dunno…'e seemed so nice too afore, 'elpin' patch the others up an' all." She shook her head. "What sorta company is my Alois keepin'?" "Better company than himself," the mayor grumbled. "Even that man Link is probably only acting that way out of concern. Still, I do not appreciate such rough treatment." He sighed, straightening his robes. "I suppose we should end our talk here, though. Who knows if anybody else was listening in?" "Aye," Mene nodded. "I'll 'ead in then. I need t'make sure Alois ain't botherin' that poor Edrick boy none. Really, 'e's lost his horse an' all, 'e could stand t'be a mite kinder." She shook her head. That "poor boy" is a worshipper of Inera. He opened his mouth…and then the second part of what she said registered in his mind. He snorted. "Kind? Alois? You must be talking about the wrong person." "Oh, jest quit it! If'n I ain't knowin' better, I'd 'ave thought the both o' ye were five years old, the way ye talk t'each other." "Fine, fine. I need to hurry back home to make preparations, anyway. I shall see you later." The man waved at her and walked down the road. Mene was a sweet woman, but her sweetness hadn't passed on to her son. He had inherited her stubbornness instead. She should've been harder on him. A soft touch only makes for disobedient, willful children. Much like Erimax. He shook his head and walked faster, annoyed with himself. Now wasn't the time for reminiscence. Something was bothering him since he had laid eyes on the group. It had taken a backseat to all the madness of this morning. But now, the curse undone, he had the leisure to think it over further. If only he could remember what it was… He could've sworn it was something important. But what? — It would take some time, but Link would find Pylauses's house easily enough. Unlike most of the other buildings, it was a gaudy half-timbered structure with blindingly white stone walls and a roof of robin's egg blue. Unlike Mene's single glass window, it had several, many of them with bright green mustaches from the profusion of garish flowers set on the sills. He had even put up a sign, painted in purple and gold, that read "Lord Gaston's Manor." A couple of horses stood outside eating from a trough of hay. One of them, a silver bay with a reddish coat and a white mane and tail, looked up at him curiously. The other, a lighter cream, ignored him. Were Link to try the bright purple doors at the front, he would find them locked. OOC

I should probably post here that yes, the RP is resuming. Everybody who was a part of it originally besides Saiku and otaku-sama have rejoined, as well as Arkars who will be entering with his character Raki. I have posted in the IC as well.

BGM: Fire Emblem: Three Houses - A Dark Sign Catriona stared down at her goblet moodily. It had been a long day. Too long of one. It was only yesterday that the group had fought off a horde of Awakened and the spirit of Abbot Jack of Alltrades appeared before them, granting them the ability to rewrite their destinies. He also had shown the others a vision of his past while she took a walk with Link. She had needed a break from that place and its strange atmosphere. After they all left that place behind, they traveled westward toward a town Licorice had mentioned. The challenge was getting there. They gave up on crossing the rain-swollen river for the night. The next day, today, they had crossed it, but were set upon by a group of beavers. After some struggle, they made it across, but Licorice had an issue causing her to separate, with some others following. Catriona and the rest reached the village, and headed further inward, guided by a beaver and the sound of roaring. At the village square, they found a wyvern rider passed out and her wyvern stuck under a stall. After getting them out, they found that the wyvern rider was named Citron and the wyvern Peaches, and they had stumbled upon the village just earlier that day. As for the village itself… Catriona took a cautious sip of the wine. She knew it was foolish, but wine had always been a weakness of hers. She took more sips, and then more. And then the goblet was almost drained. The village had been full of animals. Soon, a member of the militia, Cora, appeared, and after getting over her initial suspicion, guided them to her house. The animals’ strange behavior, and the naked people, led the group to conclude that the villagers had been ensorcelled into animals, and their livestock into people. Cora had escaped the curse as she had been out scouting. Eventually, Licorice and the others reunited with the main group, and it was decided that they needed to go to the mayor’s house and investigate. After some searching, and the mayor arriving himself, they found a secret passage underneath the house, which led them to the town hall. The group fought a stone statue there that looked like a wyvern, but was more majestic. After defeating the statue with the help of burning the flowers, the village’s curse was lifted. Afterward, most of the group followed Alois’s mother, Mene, to her house, though many of them had also split off to do their own thing. On Catriona's way to Pylauses’s house, she had heard villagers mention how a militia girl named Phaidra had taken Tsetseg fishing, that Sienna had helped Amas and then borrowed his dog Icleias, and that Gunther had followed them. The lord did not know their present situation. She herself had recently been accompanied by Link, Citron, and the unconscious Ciela, though she had sent them ahead after Link’s wolf Rohns had bitten Pylauses’s leg. Catriona had apologized and chosen to stay at his house in recompense. Which led to her current situation. “My benediction once again for your treatment of my leg. How do you exclaim the wine? It is most splendiferous, no?” Pylauses gestured grandly, dark hair gleaming like oil in the candlelight. Catriona tilted her head to the side, hair brushing over her dark eyes. “It’s…good.” Almost…too good. Good Galtean wine, something she would not expect to find out in this backwater Histian village. Her eyes narrowed on the person across from her in suspicion. “It should be. I remain, in hindmost, an aristocrat. Not at all alike to the hoi polloi.” “Interesting…pardon me…but I had thought Histia…to have done away with their nobility.” She spoke slowly. It was as if there were a dam between her thoughts and her mouth. Every word spoken took several times the effort it usually took to say. “You speak authentically…” the man’s muddy eyes never moved from hers. “You are, legitimately, a most sagacious ruler.” The room was spinning. Catriona shook her head. But that just made it worse. “Apologies. Can you repeat…” she cut off. The headache that had been plaguing her all day pounded at her temples with renewed vigor. “Oh, how barbarous of me! I had not cogitated your estate of lassitude! Permit me to navigate you upstairs to your suite!” The man hurried over to catch her as she slumped over in her chair. The woman stared up at him weakly, coughing as she inhaled his heavy perfume. “Yes…I seem to be…more…than I thought…apologies…” Though she had the will, she lacked the energy to keep her words from breaking up and slurring. Even now, she found exhaustion eroding away her will, and also her consciousness. “No lamentations are mandatory, my respected sovereign.” His shadowed face broke into a grin. “I am, postliminary, thy modest serf.” Catriona nodded and closed her eyes, letting sleep overtake her. — Alois, Penelope, Edrick, Link, Citron, and Abdul sat inside Alois’s mother Mene’s house. Ciela still lay unconscious outside atop Remy. Though most of them were comfortable with light conversation, Abdul found himself increasingly uneasy, especially since the mayor and Mene still hadn’t returned from their clandestine conversation outside. He knew he had to be setting out for Pylauses's house with Link soon, but a thought itched away at his brain. Some would call it paranoia, but he knew it as a justified concern. “Excuse me,” he spoke to the others politely, leaving the house to better listen to their talk. Unless accompanied, only he would be privy to the following conversation. “I still don’t think it wise, Mayor,” Mene shook her head. “They’re just kids, most o’ ‘em. What they don’t know won’t hurt ‘em, an’ gettin’ ‘em involved, well…” The mayor sighed. “Don’t you realize, Mene? They’re already involved. They’ve seen the statue, the town hall, and they’ve got their own suspicions. That younger princess, she has said little, but it’s quite obvious she suspects—” “‘An yer saying she’s a princess, an’ all? That sweet thing? Why, I still can’t believe it! My Alois, consortin’ with princesses?” The woman clicked her tongue. “Ye knows I want the best for ‘im, Mayor. We’re naught but humble village folk at heart, despite what we do. We’re not meant ta get involved with them nobles.” “Shh…” the mayor looked around furtively. “Don’t say that too loud. We don’t want anybody to hear.” “Ye worried about Pylauses?” “Him, and that man from Isauria. I don’t trust him. He’s got the stamp of magic on him. Just like that witch.” “Oh, you’re too much! Jes’ cuz summat’s from Isauria, don’t mean nuthin’.” While hearing Mene’s defense warmed Abdul’s shriveled heart, he could not help but concern himself with what the mayor had said. He knew it! He knew he was not welcome here. It would begin with whispers, then torches and pitchforks. And finally, he would be driven out. It had happened before, and it would happen again. When would he find people that would accept him and his withered appearance? Perhaps never. Regardless, he needed to leave before the situation reached a boiling point. Returning inside, he bowed to the others, especially Penelope. “My most humble apologies, but I must be going,” he rubbed his hands together nervously. “I have, ahem, noticed that my presence is unwelcome in this place, and would rather not risk getting thrown out. I would like to leave on my own terms.” Smiling at Penelope, he nodded. “May we meet again someday, Your Highness.” With that, he departed, taking his camel in hand. While he regretted parting from such a person of high standing so soon, especially since he hadn't turned around her negative view of him, it was that very thing that had him leaving. He could not rely on her, or the others, to defend him. Perhaps they would meet again, but for now, it was goodbye. — Gunther and Tsetseg had followed a dog named Lassie. It belonged to a boy named Timmy that had gotten stuck in the quarry pit. Sienna, Phaidra, and Icleias, after following Licorice’s trail and seeing she had crossed into Great Marsh, backtracked to the forest surrounding the village, and followed Icleias to the quarry pit as well. Now they stood, wondering how to get the boy out. “‘Ey there, Lassie, good girl!” Timmy shouted. “‘Ello, are the rest o’ ye ‘ere ta rescue me?” He looked around and whistled. “Whooee sure is one big pit I fell inter. But I bet mah good friend Raki can ‘ave me out in two shakes of a wyvern’s tail. ‘E shouldn't be far. I was talkin’ to ‘im shortly afore everythin’ ‘appened an’ all.” OOC

After Mac finished speaking, a small Litleo scurried forward. "You always beat me to the punch," he complained, but his jovial tone took the bite away from his words. Turning to look up at Arceus, the smile slid from his face as he remembered her earlier statement. His chest had tightened upon seeing the blue-haired girl get her mother to live, but that was just saving an existing life. Once they were dead... "I understand," Ari said solemnly in a continuation of what the legendary had said earlier. "To bring back the dead would be going against the Circle of Life. I was taught that much at home." His father, especially, as the God of Life's Disciple, had made sure that stuck, but it didn't make the fact any less painful. The mere memory was enough to bring on a wave of emotion that he could only hold back with some difficulty. Regaining his composure--because he was a prince, and that was what princes did--the Litleo blinked, straightening his shoulders. "What I wish for is..." before, he would've wished to be strong enough to make everybody proud of him, and he still wanted that, but he didn't think it right to get that through a wish. In the end, he was only as strong as he made himself. "That everybody in Pride Rock may live in peace," his words grew uncharacteristically formal as he drew himself up with rare dignity. "That the divide that stands between lion and non-lion goes away. But I don't think that's something you can wish for either." He smiled sadly. "That kind of result can only be brought about by gijinka working together to achieve it. At least, that's what I believe." His smile brightened, and he was the normal Ari again. "So in the end, I guess I wish for nothing. I guess I just came here and wasted your time, huh?" But as he walked back, he paused, turning around. "Oh wait! I did think of something! If you could repair the damage done to Pride Rock, that'd be great. Mom said they're still trying to repair it." His smile widened. "So I guess I do have a wish, after all." -- No bringing back the dead, then? I expected as much, but still... If Easter had a choice, that would have been his wish. To bring back the Eevee child...but perhaps it was for the best this way. They had been dead for years, after all. He was glad that Dora got her wish granted, though. He had been worried about how she would react once her mother died. At least Brooke is here and would've been there for her. And me too. Denku as well, perhaps. The Sylveon hung back till most of the others had been granted their wishes. Because he didn't know what he wanted. That was the problem. To be granted a wish...it felt so cheap. He had always done things through his own power, if one left aside the fact that most of his moves relied on the power of the cosmos, so technically... And I'm stalling. I honestly...don't know. Eventually, he knew he had to do something, so he stepped forward. "My wish...I don't know," he said plainly. "I still don't know where I'm going, or what I'm going to do." This was the most honest he had been in a long time. "But I don't think I want to just waste a wish either." He tilted his head, thinking. That Litleo had a nice idea. Repairing his home. For a second, he thought about asking that for Deku, but, remembering the proud tilt to the heads of the town survivors, he changed his mind. No, rebuilding is the work of ordinary gijinka. We take pride in producing results with our own power. Which meant that was out. So then something that would aid his goals? But he didn't even know what those were anymore. For the longest time, he had wanted to grow stronger, no, to be the strongest. But now that didn't seem to matter anymore. Protection, that's what mattered. But he still wasn't good enough for that yet either. If he wanted to be able to protect others, he had to train further. These last battles had shown him that much. So perhaps, going off of that, he didn't need to amend his initial goals that much. He had to become stronger so he could protect others. In which case, he could continue on the path he had set himself on all those years ago. "I think I know what I want now. I thought that I had been wrong before, in wanting to gain strength, but I wasn't. I just wanted it for the wrong reasons." He smiled gratefully at Dora, Brooke, and Denku, who had helped him to reconcile himself with that notion. And that last conversation with Nine had been enlightening as well. "So I will be stronger, but that's not my wish. Instead," his blue eyes lit up with mischief. "My wish is that you set aside some time in the future for a match. One of the best ways to grow stronger is to fight strong opponents, and I can think of no one stronger than you." He winked. Afterward, the Sylveon swaggered back to his place, grinning like the Delcatty that got the cream. Until he realized what he could've wished for, and his face turned as long as a Rapidash. Damn, I could've wished for a year's supply of sweets, or even better...limitless sweets! It was too late now though. Oh well. Getting to fight Arceus was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. He could get sweets anytime, so he had to just stay strong. No matter how tempting they sounded. -- Keanu knew right away what he wanted to wish for, and he didn't waste any time when he came up for his turn. "I want help," he said flatly. "Help to bring us," he nodded at Randy, Marie, and Nani, "back to our home, and help to fight off the Beasts that took it from us." He looked back up at Arceus. "Maybe it's too big a wish for one gijinka to make, but that's what I want. Other than that...well, I can't think of any other kind of wish." Maybe a girlfriend? But no, that wasn't really a priority. Though, speaking of wahine... "Actually, I thought of something. I'd like it if you could repair the damage done to Kalia's mind, though I don't know if you can..." But if the god could repair physical damage, then couldn't she repair emotional or mental damage as well? "I know it's probably hard to forgive her for joining in with the Godslayers, but I don't think she was in her right mind." Keanu turned to the other Alolans. "Kalia...you've heard of her, right? She was quite famous back on Alola. Well, she managed to arrive in Adarid as well, but unlike us, she was alone... And so she decided to follow that evil Houndoom, believing it was the only way to go back to Alola. I wasn't able to convince her otherwise, but I can't just leave her alone either. She's an Alolan, like us. It feels wrong to leave her like this." Had it been him who had washed up on Adarid alone, he was sure he would've turned out similarly. And so, he couldn't really blame the Sandslash for what she had done, even though she had almost killed him. Yes. They were going to go home to Alola. All of them. Nobody would be left behind. Epilogues ==== Ariel: The Wise ==== "Hey, um...Jabari?" Ari approached the Zebstrika nervously, hands clasped together. "I, uh, need your help with something. I know it's probably not right for me to ask you of this, after everything we've done to your people, but..." he took a deep breath, and then looked the former Godslayer in the eye. "I don't think I can do this without you." -- "Your Highness! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Zago panted. "I had thought the worst, but I'm glad that isn't the case." "Yeah, I'm glad to be back too, Zago," the Litleo smiled before his expression turned serious. He turned to the Zebstrika behind him with a nod. "Because there's a lot to be done." -- "They won't approve, you know," his mother said, eyes sad as she watched her son go through paperwork. He was far too young to be tackling such a serious issue. "I know they won't. But I don't care. They won't approve because it takes away their privilege," Ariel, formerly known as Ari, snorted. "Well, we all saw where that lead us. If you tell somebody he's not as good as somebody else because he wasn't born a lion, well, you're just lying to them. And I know this much: lying is bad. Because of that lie, my uncle got my father killed, and himself as well. The God of Life almost died too." He shook his head. "Jabari's working hard on his end. I have to uphold my end as well." "I understand," the queen smiled. "I'm proud of you, Ariel." "I know. Thanks, Mom." -- "We did it," Ariel turned to Jabari with tears in his eyes. "We did it." He held up the stone slate, admiring the writing on it as he turned it this way and that. "It's set in stone now. This is the new law of the jungle." "They're waiting for you," Jabari nodded. The scarred warrior's countenance had changed; the ice had thawed from his blue eyes and his stance had relaxed. To the side, his younger sister Dalia stood, staring proudly at the two who had just made history. "No..." Ariel shook his head. "They're waiting for us. All of us. I couldn't have done this without you, Jabari." He smiled sadly. "I know this cannot make up for years of oppression, but I'd like to think it's a step in the right direction." "You did what I couldn't do before...for Dalia," the Zebstrika said. "You're a true hero." "I don't know about that. I think if anybody here is the hero, it's you," Ariel said honestly as he turned to the former Godslayer. "Your suffering pushed you into the abyss, but you crawled your way back out of that, protecting me and the other children from that Lucario. Not just anybody could do that." "Yeah, accept it, big brother. You're a hero, and not just to me anymore, but to everybody." "Me, a hero?" Jabari looked disbelieving for a second, face turning serious as he mulled it over. Eventually, he nodded, mouth quirking into a small, genuine smile. "I think...I can start believing that now." -- The Pyroar stood at the tip of the rock that gave Pride Rock its name. Next to him stood Jabari, and to the side, Zago, Dalia, and his mother the former Queen Leah. On the ground below stood a multitude of gijinka. Lions rubbed shoulders with zebras, and giraffes stood at attention next to hyenas. While there were still some who kept to their own kind, they were the minority and not the majority. The lion's chest swelled up in pride at the sight. "Thank you, everybody, for being here," he smiled. "This day is an auspicious one. Not just for me as king but for you all as well. Today marks the first year anniversary since we implemented the Gijinka Rights Act. As you all know, this act marked a change in our history. A change for the better. Before, we were divided, but now, we are one. Lions do not stand above zebras, and hyenas are no longer considered outcast." He paused as the crowd cheered below him. "When this Act was first made, many of you were skeptical. Many of you thought that it couldn't be done, that centuries of hatred and prejudice could not be wiped out overnight. And you were right," his expression turned sober. "This is not the work of a single year, but a lifetime...no, many lifetimes. When this day has passed, the fanfare has died, and you return to your homes, you must keep what you have heard here in mind. Because equality is not made in glamorous speeches, but in the actions that we make each and every day." "When I was younger, I never dreamed that I would set my mind to this issue. For me, it wasn't an issue because it was normal. Well, that 'normal' is no longer normal. I say this: the new normal is equality!" another cheer. "And though I never dreamed that I would do this as king, now that it has been done, I couldn't be prouder. I say here and now, I cannot think of anything nobler, or more important, than what we all worked together to achieve one year past. What has been achieved is bigger than what a mere king could do. Because it is through all of your efforts that this has been made possible." As the crowd cheered once more, he smiled. "And though this day is equally small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I believe it should be celebrated. Because this day was when things started to move in a new direction for this land. Henceforth, this day shall be known as the Day of Equality." The people cheered, and the Pyroar's smile widened when he noticed a couple of familiar faces in particular among the crowd. They came. I'm so glad that they're here to see this. I wonder if Dad is watching from above as well? I can't help but think that he'd be proud of me, and what I've done here. And to think it had all started when he ran away from home. Though that choice had brought its share of sorrows, he couldn't bring himself to regret it, or the friends and family he made along the way. ==== Easter: The Guardian ==== "It's good to see you again, Dora. Sorry, Brooke couldn't be here. She's busy getting her shop set up right now. I'm here on her behalf though!" "Easter! Did you bring any candy? No, wait, I should get YOU candy!" "I brought some, you little scamp," Easter pinched her cheek--ignoring the nearby guard's look of shock--before bringing out a wrapped candy and presenting it to the Quagsire to take. "This is a Rare Candy. It's supposed to be super tasty and help you grow big and strong." "Yay! But we already saved the world do I need to get even stronger?" "Well, there's nothing wrong with being strong. And I heard it tastes pretty good too!" "Then I'll take it! Hey, hey, do you want to meet my mama?" "I think I've already met her, but sure," the fairy type replied with some amusement. When he saw the queen, he almost didn't recognize her, so different was she than the bedridden woman from before. Now, the woman appeared the very picture of health, with a regal bearing befitting her status as she smiled down at the Sylveon. "Easter! It's been a while. Thank you for coming to visit Dora. She's been a little lonely." Easter smiled back, the smile widening when he heard the Quagsire's confused sounds in the background. "I'm always happy to see Dora. And I'm pleased to see you're doing well, too." "Yes, I have much to be thankful to Arceus for. And to Dora, for thinking of me. I couldn't ask for a better daughter." "And she couldn't ask for a better mother," the Sylveon replied, tone slightly wistful. -- "Do you think...this is a good idea?" Morgan asked the gijinka next to her. Her big brother, who had, for her sake, decided to visit their parents in Northshore. "No, I think it's a terrible one," Easter replied flatly. "But I said I'd visit, and I'm not one to break my promises." He stared at the front door of the house he had grown up in as he shifted from foot to foot. "Oh, look, Lewis dear, the prodigal son has returned," a Flareon sniffed. Though she had aged much since the last time he had seen her, Easter knew her right away. There was no mistaking that disdainful expression. "Son? I have no son, Catherine," the Espeon at her side replied. "Just a disgrace for a daughter." The Eevee shrunk beneath his gaze. "Stop that," Easter snapped, moving forward. "You should be ashamed of yourselves. I don't care what you think about me, but Morgan loves you both and works hard for your sake. Can't you two see that?" "All I see is a disgraceful girl who chooses to associate with riffraff and ruffians. Not to mention," the man stared at Easter's clothes in disgust, "homosexuals." "Just because somebody dresses like this, doesn't mean they're homosexual," the Sylveon snapped. "I happen to be so, yes, but that has nothing to do with my fashion choices." "Regardless, you're not welcome here in Northshore. Leave, before I call the militia on you!" Easter stared at the man in disbelief. "It's been years, and you won't change your mind? At all?" "Of course not! It's obvious you haven't changed one bit since you left!" his mother cut in fiercely. The Sylveon shook his head. "No, you're the ones who haven't changed." He sighed. "I did expect this, though." He turned around, looking back. "All right, I'll go. But you should listen to what I said before about Morgan." "Get out of here. Now." The Espeon glared at the fairy type. "Come now, Morgan, let's get you inside. I cannot believe you. I knew we should've stopped you from associating with those Alolan savages from before. Ever since you met them, you've become so willful." The Eevee stared up at her mother for a few long seconds before shaking her head. "No." "I beg your pardon?" "No, I'm not going inside. I've had enough." Her lip wobbled. "I love Northshore, and the people here, but I want to explore the world too! I know that there's so much more beyond this town, and I want to see it! I'll come back when I'm done, though. Promise!" "You don't know what you're saying!" "She knows exactly what she's saying," Easter corrected. "So it's your fault!" Lewis snapped, whipping around. "I should've known you'd have put her up to this!" "No, this decision was all Morgan's. And it's your own fault for not realizing what your own daughter wants." Easter turned away from the pair, unable to bear looking at them any longer. "Come on, Morgan. Let's go." -- "You're sure of this then?" Easter asked, gazing at his newly-evolved kid sister. "Yeah," Morgan nodded. "I'm sure. I've grown stronger traveling with you and helping you fight legendaries--even if I usually get knocked out right away--but I can't rely on you forever. I want to strike out on my own. Maybe see if I can find Marie! You'd like her, she's super cool and awesome and--!" "I'm sure I would," the Sylveon interrupted. "Do you want me to accompany you until you find her then?" The Flareon beamed up at him. "Nah, that's fine. I told ya, I've gotta grow stronger by myself. And you don't have time to be getting off track anyway. Don't you have that delivery to make for Brooke?" "Ah, you're right," Easter frowned. "And I don't think she'd be too happy if it were late either." "See? Don't worry about me. You've got enough to worry about on your end." The Flareon nudged his shoulder. "Go on then. I'll see you sometime, big bro!" "Fine, fine, take care of yourself, all right?" -- Easter stared at the children running down the streets of the newly rebuilt Deku. Barefoot, and in ragged clothes that barely covered their skeletal frames, they looked as if one good gust would blow them right over. "Kinda sad, huh?" Brooke said, walking up behind him. "You'd think it's Thundurus's fault, but Deku's always been this way. A lot of kids get thrown out 'cause nobody wants 'em." She sighed. "It's not the worst. They'll band together, join a good gang if they're lucky. That's really the only way they'll survive around here." The Sylveon didn't reply for a long time. He couldn't help but see the faces of the children he knew superimposed over theirs. Dora, Fawkes, Morgan...if they had been forced to live like that... "The only way, huh...?" he clenched his fists. "I don't want to believe that. These children deserve better than that." -- Easter stared out at the waves from the crow's nest. Being back on the S.S. Showdown again with the old crew, even if just for a reunion, felt bittersweet. "I heard you turned down becoming a Disciple." A familiar voice called out from behind. Easter twitched, turning to the gijinka he had once thought of as his one and only. "News gets around." "Of course. It's not every day a gijinka completes the Chaser challenge, and then turns around and denies an offer like that. Why'd you do it?" "Because, I don't want to be the strongest anymore, John," the Sylveon said softly. "I have a different goal now. I want to protect others. And I think I found out how I'm going to do that." -- There it was. Easter stared at the finished building with pride. It had taken a lot of effort and money, but it was finally complete. The first orphanage of Deku, and perhaps Adarid as a whole. With this, those kids wouldn't have to grow up on the streets. They could hopefully live normal lives with people who cared about them. "Thanks for helping with this, Brooke," Easter said, turning to the Emboar beside him. "I don't think I'd have gotten this thing built and funded without you." Brooke wouldn't hear of it. "If anything I should be thanking you. The least I can do for those kids is throw some poke at someone who actually wants to HELP them." She gave him a friendly nudge. "I wish I'd had someone like you around when I was growing up. Kids shouldn't have to raise themselves." The Sylveon chuckled bashfully. "Ahh, well, I'm glad to help. I know this won't solve all their problems, and I can't help all the kids of the world, but, I want to help those I can." It didn't matter that he wasn't related to them. The blood of the covenant was thicker than the water of the womb, after all. He had seen that firsthand with his own parents. Hopefully, he could do better with these kids than his parents had with him. -- "Hey, ya 'aven't paid yer taxes. There's a fee t'own a buildin' in this area, see?" a thuggish-looking Arbok sneered at a young Teddiursa gijinka standing outside the orphanage. The child backed up, his eyes tearing at the corners, but he found he couldn't go any further, since the rest of the kids that had snuck out to play were huddled behind him. "Yeah, yeah, what bro said," a Weezing gijinka agreed as he flexed his muscles. "An' if ya can't pay, well, ya can just work the debt off!" "Or they can go back to what they were doing, and you can go back to what you were doing before you so rudely threatened my young charges," a soft, feminine-sounding voice said. The thugs turned toward the sound. The Weezing sneered. "Oh yeah? An' yer gonna make us? Yer nuthin' more than a--wow!" his eyes almost bugged out of his head when he saw who had spoken. "Woman, whaddaya say to leavin' this dump an' comin' with me an' my bro here?" The speaker, a pretty Sylveon, smiled at him. "Sorry, but I'm not interested. Unless, of course," she cracked her knuckles, "that outing involves my fist meeting your gut. Then I'll gladly agree," her smile turned even more angelic. As the two paled, she continued speaking. "Think of it this way. You're lucky Brooke wasn't the one that caught you two, or you'd be even worse off. Then again, I'd like to think I'm pretty merciless as well," she giggled. "By the way, I'm a boy. Idiots," the last word dripped with contempt. He turned back toward the children, a gentler smile on his face. "Go inside and wash up for dinner now, kids. This won't take long at all." -- "When I grow up, I want to be a princess like Cousin Dora!" "When I grow up, I want to run a shop like Auntie Brooke!" "Well, when I grow up, I want to beat up bad guys while wearing a dress like Papa does!" "Copycat!" "No, you are!" "No, you!" "All right, settle down, everybody. You're all copycats," Easter snickered. "No, we aren't!" "Get him!" "Papa, I'll show you how strong I can be!" The Sylveon chuckled as the kids stopped their squabbling, working together to dogpile him. His path had taken many turns, some he had never expected, but he didn't regret a single bit of it. He had finally found it--a purpose in life. His reason to live. ==== Keanu: The Wave ==== Keanu stared out across the ocean from his position on the banks of Northshore, singing softly to himself. "Somewhere, beyond the sea, somewhere waitin' for me...Alola stands on golden sands, and watches the ships...that go sailin'." "Are you thinking of home?" a familiar voice caused him to turn, the song cut off. Standing there was Lunala, expression wistful. The Raichu was certain his expression matched hers. "Ae," he affirmed. "I can't help but miss it, after all. I know Arceus said she'd help, but..." "It's normal to doubt, and normal to hope," the legendary replied. "I too, worry that we might not be able to return." "Well, if we do return, then home will be a sight for sore eyes, that's for sure." He had grown fond of Adarid, even with its strange culture of fighting, but it wasn't home. Home was where the heart was, and his still lay in Alola. -- "There it is," Keanu whispered to himself from his position on the bow of the boat. "Home." His eyes began to water, but he blinked away the tears before they could form. It wouldn't do for the others to think he'd gone soft or something. Not when he'd already proven to be one of the weakest of them all. Passing out not just once, but twice in that battle against the Godslayers did not do good things for his rep. "I didn't think I'd get to see it again," he said, turning to the others on the boat. "Alola, in all its glory." It looked almost like a cloudbank resting atop the waves, but Keanu knew that was no cloud, but an island, and one of many. But just because he could see it, didn't mean he could return there. Not permanently, anyway. They had to first fight to reclaim the land from the Beasts that had taken over. His expression turned pained. I have to be ready to fight and face the Beasts that killed my family. Honestly, he wasn't sure he could do it, but it was too late for second thoughts now. -- The fighting was harsh. Keanu dove out of the way of a blast of energy, turning and firing back with a Thunderbolt. Panting for breath, he ducked behind a crumbled building. This is hard. Harder even than the Godslayer fights. At least then I only had to fight one enemy at a time. And I had others with me. He had gotten separated in the melee. A rookie mistake, but nobody ever said Keanu was skilled at fighting. He was no Randy, that was for sure. And there's another attack. Great. His position revealed, the Raichu jumped, using his psychic powers as extra leverage, and narrowly avoiding getting toasted in the process. He leaped onto a wave, toward the Beast that had just attacked him. Thankfully, he managed to hit, and he jumped down, kicking off of his opponent in the process. Just then, he froze, a prickle of fear running through him. What did I miss? A flash of light at the corner of his eyes caused him to turn, seeing a beam headed straight toward him. It was too close to avoid and too powerful to survive without major injuries. And then a storm of Swift stars arrived, redirecting the attack so it sailed past him instead. "This is not the first time I have had to save you," a blue-haired Sandslash hummed with some amusement as she landed at his side. "And it won't be the last time either," Keanu quipped. "Indeed," the woman nodded, holding her hand up as long claws grew out from it. "Shall we?" her face twisted into one of aggressive glee as she let out a manic laugh. "Those fools will rue the day they thought to challenge our might!" "Er...ae. Exactly," the Raichu agreed with less enthusiasm. "I'd really hoped Arceus would be able to cure you entirely, but I guess that was expecting too much," he muttered under his breath. "What was that?" the former Godslayer asked, distracted. "Nothing." "Good. Now let's tear these Beasts apart!" she giggled, the sound giving Keanu chicken skin. And not the pleasant kind either. How was it his luck that every single wahine he met since fleeing Alola was frigging terrifying? Even Marie had gotten scarier than when he last saw her. "Ae. Let's. Go, team." Once again, he couldn't help but thank Arceus, both literally and figuratively, that Kalia was on their side this time. -- "Guess my good looks are ruined," Keanu said as he glanced down at the bloody wound on his chest. "Won't be able to go around shirtless anymore. Minamina nō hoʻi. Too bad." He popped a Sitrus Berry in his mouth, ignoring the throbbing from his injury. He had grown used to that by now. At least his fighting skills had improved. Though there was no way they wouldn't, with the amount of fighting he had had to do. It was a nonstop battle for the most part once they reached Alola. And then, when they grew tired, they retreated back to Northshore. It was a pattern that the electric type had long adjusted to. Gone was the handsome youth with a lazy smile. In his place stood a man and warrior, body crisscrossed with scars and hair cropped close to his head. He'd had no choice but to cut it like that after it had caught on fire from one of the Beasts' attacks. His eyes were piercing and oftentimes glowing an unearthly blue through the usage of his psychic powers. But this was the choice he had made back then, that day when the four of them first fought the Lucario. To stand and fight, choosing to risk injury and death over safety and running away. For the longest time, he couldn't understand why his family had decided to give up their lives as they had, but now, he could. He had learned that some things, such as ohana, were worth more than one's own life. "Mom, Dad, Kai, I hope you're proud of me," he muttered. "One day, we'll win Alola back. And when that happens, I'll mark a gravestone for you all. I don't think I'll be able to find your bones, sadly, but I can at least hope you all made it to the other side safely." Keanu blinked, sending a Thunderbolt to the side where a Beast had been attempting to sneak up on him. Sighing, he backflipped to avoid an attack, touching down with one arm, balancing precariously for a second before flipping back to land adroitly on the ground. "Break time's over," he said as he summoned a large wave of water with practiced skill. "Time to fight again." And he would keep fighting. Again and again, as many times as it took to take back his homeland. The Raichu's expression softened as he turned to where the others were. The only reason he had made it this far was because of them. His ohana. Without them, he'd probably have given up. But because they were here, he could take heart and keep going. Ae. I chose to ride this wave, and I'll keep on riding it till the end.

Lachlan listened to Ellie explain things with some fascination. So this was the other side of the fairy tales, from the side of the Jaegers. The villains. It was really cool to hear, and she also had a really nice voice. Mellifluous or whatever the word was. Or maybe there was just something hypnotic about listening to talk of the witching hour from an actual witch. “I haven’t actually been up for one in a while ‘cause I’ve been trying to match the times I’m awake with everyone else in Jekyll’s tower, so that’ll be fun too.” Elsie stepped away from Lach and the wall he was pressed up against and scratched her cheek. “Anyway, I learned that we’re not the first ones to try and solve this particular town’s little problem; there was a whole group of mercenaries here last month who all mysteriously vanished. They didn’t even go out into the woods or anything, they were just defending the town. And you said there was fog too? Very spooky. I wonder what it could be…” She paused to think it over. Something about her words rang a chord in Lachlan, and his earlier suspicions rose to the fore once more. Ah ken ah didnae doo aught afore, boot ah think there's mooch tae doo the noo. That thought in mind, he started to move down the wall sideways in a crab walk. Unfortunately, Ellie caught him right as he was about to get out of range. “By the way,” she said, “the ‘witching hour’ thing, that’s just what it is. I don’t take offense at all, and I’m a little interested why you thought I might.” Her expression changed. “Wait… Do I scare you, Lach?” "Well that's good and all, I'm glad you're not offended, I was just, you know--" Lachlan cut himself off when the girl was once again, back in his face. He didn't have time to contemplate more than the soft, glossy sheen of her eyes when she shouted out a loud “Boo!” "Ach!" Lachlan would have fallen over if not for the wall behind him. His heart was beating like it was going to jump out of his chest, and his legs shook. Not because of the boo, but because of how close Ellie had gotten. This wasn't good. He had to get out of here before any accidents like what had happened with that cat lady happened again. Which, speaking of, wasn't that a cat? It was cute, but its appearance coinciding with "Mommy's" arrival meant nothing good. Maybe it was watching him? Oh, he really needed to get out of here. "Er, sorry, I just thought of something I needed to attend to. Nothing against you, though you are very scary," the man started to babble as he slid further down the wall. Eventually pulling away from Ellie, he gave a slight nod to her. "It was good talking with ye, I mean you. Yeah. Anyway, sorry, but yeah, I should go. Bye!" he turned and darted out of the tavern, slowing down once he left the building. Then, the nervousness fell away from his face, replaced with fear, but mostly determination. He had a Fahlyn to investigate.

Not a huge meme fan so I can't really say, but...maybe the "all the things" meme? It's perfect to use when I'm trying to be motivated, and then failing at it. Edit: Aww, crap, I just realized I missed radio's question. I'll edit this with an answer at some point.

Gunther and Tsetseg "You seem, ah, quite calm about that incident sir." Gunther noted. "Well, 'course I yam, sonny," the man nodded cheerily at him. "Ain't like I kin be much else. As they alwa's say, ain't no time fer rushin' aboot, er..." he scratched his head. "Or was tha', ye 'ave all the time in the world? Dagnabbit, wha' was tha' again?" he glared at the ground as if it would give him the answer. "Oh man, Lassie could be trying to tell us something reaaaallly important! She's apparently like, super smart and found someone in a well, so who knows what they could be trying to tell us!" "Well, I don't doubt it." Gunther said to Tsetseg. "I've met many dogs smarter than some humans I...well, I suppose I shouldn't be saying such things." Gunther said with a light blush. "I have a feeling you'd chase after her even if I didn't say it but we should follow Lassie to see what the problem may be." "Ye kin bet yer britches she's smart. Smarter 'an a fox, or was tha', smarter 'an an owl?" the man squinted at the ground again. "Anyway, she's smart. Heck, e'en smarter 'an me, or so people've said. 'Och, tha' there lassie, ain't she a beaut? Aye, much smarter 'an Ol' Paulos.' Why, I've 'alf a mind t'agree wiv 'em! I 'greed so much, I e'en named her Lassie an' all." The collie whined and tugged on his shirt again. "Ye know, I think she wants summat from me, doncha think?" the man turned to the two. "But ye know, I'm not gettin' any younger. I'm in no shape t'go follerin' her 'round like young Timmy does. Oi, Lassie," he turned to the dog, "why doncha let these nice young fellers help ya out, eh? I'm gonna stay 'ere an' rest me weary bones fer a spell or two." He yawned, stretching his arms as he settled down back to where he was previously sleeping. "Jes'...a minute." And then he began to snore again. The dog shook its head, letting out what sounded very much like a disgruntled bark, before turning to Gunther and Tsetseg. Barking again, this time louder, it turned in a circle before facing them and beginning to run. Not here and there, stopping intermittently to sniff at things. No, much like Icleias had before, it ran in a straight line without stopping, heading right for the forest. If Gunther and Sienna followed, they would soon find their way to a stone quarry filled with the smooth, white rock that the statue they had fought earlier was made of. Not much had been taken from the quarry, but enough had that there was a hole large enough for a person to fall into. It was here that Lassie stopped, giving a couple of loud barks for good measure. The two would then hear a small, high-pitched voice, like that of a young boy, coming from the hole. "Lassie, is tha' you?" Lassie perked up, turning toward something behind the two. Shortly afterward, they would hear the sound of leaves crunching and twigs snapping, and then a familiar voice. "Oh hi! You're over here?" It was Phai, Sienna and Icleias at her side. She was smiling, though as she looked between the two a frown settled on her face. "Huh, wait, that's strange...why are you here? A-And why's Lassie with you?" -- Sienna Sienna stood up, a gloomy expression on her face as she looked at the swamp one more time before turning away. "Let's... Let's just go... Everyone is probably worried..." She said in a very quiet tone before starting to walk away, her tail low and dragging in the mud. This then alerted Phai to a very important thing. Something she had, in fact, neglected to notice. That Sienna had fox ears and a fox tail. Letting out a slight squeak, she didn't say anything more, seeming to realize that now was not the time to talk about it. "I'm uhh...uhh...sorry," she muttered as she followed. Eventually, Icleias did as well, his posture mirroring Sienna's for a time, though soon enough he perked up and took the lead. The two would easily make it back over the cliff via the rope swing. Since both Phai and Sienna were rather light, there were no issues. Phai was even able to swing one-handed, the other tucking Icleias under her arm. The dog scrabbled in her grip for a second before relaxing, tracking muddy pawprints over Phai's clothes. The girl didn't even seem to notice, however. Once reaching the other side, Icleias stopped, stiffening before suddenly beginning to run. "Huh, Icleias, what's the matter?" Phai asked as she followed, turning her head back to make sure Sienna was still with them a few times. If the fox followed, she would notice that they were heading in a slightly different direction than the one they took earlier. It didn't take long before Sienna would hear what had caught Icleias's attention. The sound of barking. The two would then break into a clearing filled with pale white rock. A hole was in the center, and grouped around it were two familiar faces--Gunther and Sienna. At their side was another dog, this one a rough collie. Phai broke out into a smile at seeing them. "Oh hi! You're over here?" she waved brightly. Something seemed to occur to her then and she frowned. "Huh, wait, that's strange...why are you here? A-And why's Lassie with you?" OOC

Ari lifted himself off the ground where he had fallen after performing that last Fusion Flare, whimpering slightly as all the sores, ouches, and booboos made themselves known. Very loudly and painfully. Fighting back tears from the pain, the Litleo wrapped his arms around his knees as he sat upright. Everything hurt, but he would survive. He just needed to take a small break first. Mac, on the other hand, seemed more than eager to keep moving. "Get up everyone, don't think we're done yet." She pointed toward the door. "You feel it right? Something...wrong is back there. I dunno what it is but I have a strong urge to kick its butt." She winced and rubbed her side gingerly. "Ah...hey does anyone happen to have some berries or something?" "Ugh, calm down already," Ari grumbled. "We just finished fighting a really strong bad guy. I think we all deserve some rest first." He trembled slightly as the pain began to feel overwhelming, before finding a handful of Oran Berries in his face. "Huh?" he looked up, locking eyes with a strange shirtless gijinka with a giant lightning bolt-shaped tail. "Here," the man said. "Eat it. It might not break da mouth, but it's just what the doc ordered after a good scrap." "Wha? What? Breaking mouth?" What were these words that were coming out of this gijinka's mouth, and what did they mean? The other groaned. "Just eat it. You'll feel better." Ari nodded, then looked over at the two blue gijinka who had fought alongside him and Mac earlier, as well as Jabari, all three of whom were unconscious still. "What about them? I think they need these more than me." "'A'ole pilikia, cousin," the gijinka replied airily. "I'll have them up and about in no time at all." As the strange gijinka tended to the others, Ari ate his berries as he stared at the ground. I wasn't any help at all, was I? I wasn't able to do anything against that Godslayer. Mac too. We both had to be rescued, but I know we tried our best still. He felt a little glum, but he couldn't let himself get too down. He would just do better next time, that was all. That was all he could do. He clenched his fists. I...I wonder if I should use that move then. It might help me last a little longer. I haven't practiced it, but...I think I need to try anyway. -- The fight was over. This one, at least. Easter agreed with the Helioptile. There was something back there, something strong. But for now, he would rest. Taking out a Poffin, he began eating it as he approached where Dora lay. He didn't want to use Wish too many times. There were only so many times he could use it before he couldn't. But healing Dora? That was something he could use it for. Except it looked like somebody else had beaten him to the punch, dripping Sitrus Berry juice into Dora's mouth before massaging her throat to force her to swallow, and then moving on to the other unconscious gijinka. Easter watched the Quagsire with a certain amount of nervousness before grabbing her by the shoulders and giving her a gentle shake. "Dora? Dora? Are you awake?" he murmured, eyes misting slightly. The girl twitched, then wriggled as she opened her eyes, almost as if she had woken from a nap instead of unconsciousness. She turned toward Easter with her usual smile. "Good morning!" Of course, I should have known, Easter thought. She probably just fell asleep. What a silly girl. So silly, so... he let out a small sob that he quickly disguised as a cough. "Good morning, Dora. I'm glad to see you're awake." Seeming totally oblivious to the gravity of recent events, the girl looked at him questioningly. "Is it lunchtime yet?" "You know...I'm not sure. Maybe. It's hard to tell down here." Easter smiled. "But here, if you're hungry, a snack," he held out a Poffin. "Don't tell Brooke I let you eat a snack before your meal, okay?" "Kaaay" Dora began to lean forward to bite it and paused. Eyes lighting up she gave Easter a smug look before reaching and grabbing it with both her hands. The Sylveon laughed so hard tears started to leak from his eyes. Reaching up with a hand to wipe them away, he smiled. A soft, gentle smile. An expression he had been showing more and more recently. As he watched Dora eat the Poffin, the anger that had been keeping him going throughout most of the fight finally began to fade away, dissipating like mist. Dora was alive. She didn't die. He wasn't too late this time. This time, he worked together with others. This time, he focused on support instead of his usual style. This time, he managed to save her, and perhaps some of the others. This time, he had kept those important to him safe and alive. Perhaps this was the path he should have been following all along. -- Keanu smiled slightly as he heard the happy chatter coming from the cute pink wahine and the kid. I guess that little keiki is gonna be okay. That's good. Now he just needed to worry about Marie and the strange-looking striped man. Feeding the both of them some Sitrus Berry juice, he waited for them to wake up. But even if that brah wakes up, I don't think he'll be able to pick beef with anybody," Keanu thought. His wounds were even worse than the children's. It was obvious that the Lucario had considered him the greatest threat, and for good reason, if he used to be one of them. No, this braddah wasn't in any shape to scrap. A slight stirring drew his attention to Marie, who was starting to pull herself up, taking a few deep breaths. She muttered to herself, eyes slightly unfocused. "I...I can't give up..." "Sure ya can," Keanu replied breezily. "He did, after all," he pointed over to where the Lucario lay collapsed on the floor. Despite his easygoing tone, the trembling of his hand gave away his true feelings. We don't have to worry about that moke anymore, and Marie's just fine, or fine enough to wake up anyway. Marie seemed startled by the response, looking to the body of the Lucario on alert, then confused, then cautiously. Then, realizing who said it, she looked confused yet relieved towards the Raichu. "K-Keanu! You -You're..." The girl looked around, seeing Nani and Randy as well saying, "e-everyone's here..." The girl's eyes started to water as she started to sniffle. "H-he said you guys would be fighting other godslayers...that you'd...but I knew! I knew you'd win and get here!" "Well, you had more faith than me," the Raichu replied, shaking his head. "Cuz we were fighting them, and I thought for sure we were all gonna join Marshadow's night marches for da kine there. Especially when we faced off against that moke there," he pointed at the Lucario again. "I dunno how you managed to last so long against him by yourselves, but you did, as lolo as it was." He smiled. "Guess we can't call you a little keiki, kid, anymore." Well, Marie had never been short on courage, but it was only now that Keanu felt like he was truly seeing her. A Brionne and a strong gijinka in her own right. Not somebody to worry about or try to protect. Keanu doubted he would have managed to survive against the Lucario. Hell, he barely survived the first time. But Marie had lasted not just once, but twice against him. Yeah, she had the striped braddah's help, but that didn't mean much against a foe like that. Yeah, Keanu would probably have just rolled over and begged for mercy. Honestly, he was surprised he hadn't done it when he first saw that moke change form. But I guess I knew I couldn't afford to do that, he thought. I needed to fight as well, at least to keep him from hurting Marie any more. He shook his head with a smile. Guess Randy and Marie have been rubbing off on me. Soon, Nani will be the only one with any sort of sense left in our team. But maybe da kine wasn't such a bad thing after all.

The Rising Star looked frustrated for a moment before giving a big sigh and then grinning at Belle. "Wow, your Poamoo sure is strong! Dunno about the other Pokemon but I can see you and Poamoo have a good bond!" He walked over to her and stuck his hand out. "I didn't think I'd lose. Especially cause you didn't seem to be all too used to giving commands. But I guess that works for some Pokemon!" Belle shrugged. "It's simpler. And less work." She scowled slightly, thinking of the Rattata. "Only if they listen when you do have commands, though." The boy then seemed to get a better look at her, "Hey, you're cute! What do you say to traveling with me? I bet I can help you with that Rattata of yours!" "Huh?" the girl blinked. "You think I'm cute?" She looked a little dumbfounded before her expression changed to one of realization, and then disgust. "Oh, wait. You're just saying that because you want somebody to travel with you, right?" She shook her head. "Sorry, but that won't work on me. You barely know me, so why would you--" she paused, remembering her encounter with Jacklyn and Ivan, who had also offered her to travel with them, after barely knowing her. "Well, okay, maybe you're telling the truth there," the girl admitted. "But even if you are," she paused, "I'm already traveling with these two here," she nodded at the two who had been accompanying her so far. It was simple math, really. The more people she traveled with, the less likely she would have to pull her own weight, or at least the less work she'd have to do. If she just traveled with this boy, then as soon as he got tired of battling, it'd be her turn. But with Jacklyn and Ivan, as soon as one of them tired, the other could take over, meaning she, Belle, wouldn't have to do anything. It was perfect. The only way it could get better was if even more people joined. She didn't think too much about the boy saying he liked her. It was very unlikely he actually did. Nobody liked her. She was the weird, creepy, fat girl. Related to the even weirder and creepier Sabrina. Boys had always treated her like she was some sort of strange species of Pokémon rather than a potential girlfriend, and she was fine with that. It's not like she needed boys when she had computer games to keep her busy. Interact with people who would probably make fun of her, or actually get some work done making an underground base in Galaria? That wasn't even a real choice. So Belle focused on the one actually interesting thing he had said. "Your offer about helping me with the rat is pretty tempting, but I think I'm good." It's not like she didn't have time to whip it into shape, and if it still didn't listen to her after a while, she'd just let it go. Though she felt an aversion to the idea as soon as she considered it. I won't give up. I can't let a stupid rat beat me. No matter what, I will get him to listen to me. She clenched her fists. Jacklyn seemed to have noticed Belle's victory, smiling at her as she walked away from a middle-aged redhead, "way to go Belle! Like I said, only a roadblock at best!" Patting the girl in congratulations, she then looked between her and Ivan saying, "now, gang." Pointing in the direction of the city she shouted, "let's go get rich!" "Sounds like a plan to me," Belle smirked.

Super Mystery Dungeon really made me like Carracosta more than I did before, so yeah, voting for Carracosta. Sorry, Nine.

Frosmoth is the superior bug by virtue of it being the evolution of god itself.

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul The conversation would continue uninterrupted for some time before the group would catch sight of Link and Citron, followed by Remy, with Ciela still lying on his back, and Peaches. They would also hear the mayor and Mene shouting from somewhere to the side, urging the newcomers to join them. -- Catriona, Link and Citron Catriona breathed an internal sigh of relief at seeing Lord Gaston calm down. She wasn't sure what she would have done if he had continued on so. As she was not in Galtea, Galtean rules for offending the nobility did not apply here. Still, her tutors had warned her against offending foreign dignitaries as well, as the consequences could be far worse than if she had slighted one of the Galtean nobility. She still was not sure whether Lord Gaston was an actual lord or not--more likely he was akin to that of a country squire--but she could not be too careful. It would not do to draw unnecessary attention in Histia, even with the blessings of two of the Council of Three. Thus, it was fortunate that Lord Gaston had accepted her apology, as well as her excuses on behalf of the others. She wasn't sure what had made him change his mind, as he had looked to be working himself up into quite the fit. Perhaps bowing her head had been enough to mollify him. Otherwise, there was a very likely chance that he would have insisted that Rohns be put down, an act that Catriona was sure Link would not accept. No, he would accept it, or at least he would obey. The lord could picture the man bowing as he handed the struggling wolf cub over to her, her raising her sword, and-- She closed her eyes briefly. It seems Link is not the only one that would be unhappy with that prospect. It was ridiculous. She knew he was not the same Rohns she had once known, was not even the same species, and yet the name itself caused her to hesitate where otherwise she would have carried out her duty without further thought. Thankfully, Lord Gaston had not pressed the issue beyond insisting they stay at his house and treat his wounds. While this was not an issue with Catriona, she thought it best to separate Rohns and Lord Gaston as soon as possible. Citron posed a slight risk as well, having not been able to control her laughter. Though she recovered quickly enough. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just... Not every day you get to see a man of such high stature mingling with the commoners, and even allowing small animals that could never hope to wound him play around with him.” "Humph," the man sniffed, before thinking it over. "In that case, I might be so magnanimous as to exculpate you. It must seem quite gelastic for a man of my statue to minglesque with the proletariat. Alas, it is my own altruistic heart," he put a hand over his heart, "that enables such. I am a," he winced as he put weight on the bitten leg, "most lenient lord, after all." Still, it wouldn't do to risk another incident, especially since, unlike Citron, Rohns did not even pretend to look contrite. So Catriona ordered the two to meet up with Penelope and the others at Mene's house. The consequences for the wolf cub biting Alois's mother were far less dire than if he were to sink his teeth into Lord Gaston again. “Are you sure, Lady Catr- Er…” Citron cut herself off, struggling with herself. “Yes ma’am. Mister Lincoln, do you know the way?” She asked, moving a hand to tug on Peaches harness. Link, who, in contrast to Citron, looked unbothered by the entire situation, replied with an affirmative, though he stopped as he passed by Gaston to whisper something in his ear. What it was, Catriona couldn't hear, but by the way, the noble whitened in fear, she assumed it was a threat. Though soon enough his face reddened in anger, and the princess held back a sigh. "Shall we head to your manor then, Lord Gaston?" she asked, taking over the conversation before it could be steered in an unpleasant direction. The man nodded, "Yes, indeed," he coughed. "Let's." Perhaps still cowed by what Link had said earlier, he did not offer an arm to escort her, merely marching in front of her, each step drawing attention to his well-shined shoes. Catriona paused to nudge Remy to follow after the other two before walking after Lord Gaston. Link, Citron, and Remy with Ciela on his back would reach Mene's house soon enough. There was a small space in front, though it was barely large enough to be counted as a yard, but large enough for both Remy and Peaches to stand. As they approached, they would see the mayor and Mene talking to the side in front of another house, as well as hear part of their conversation. "Do ye...wise?" "Alois would've...eventually, and...no reason--" the mayor cut himself off as he noticed the group's approach. "Oh, hello there," he called out in a much louder voice, "Here to join your friends? They're all just inside that house over there," he pointed at the house. "I'll be there in just a wee bit meself," Mene said. "Sorry I don't have nothin' fer ya. I'll be sure t'bake a fresh batch o'goods in the morn. Tha' nice young man, Abdul, has some tea though." While Citron would certainly have heard of tea, and probably drank some as well, Link would only have heard of it had he made contact with people from Locris or Isauria. Most people in other countries had never even heard of the drink before, much less drank it themselves, save for certain merchants and nobles with a taste for "exotic flavors." Were the two to enter Mene's house, they would see Penelope, Alois, and Abdul, with Edrick lying on one of the beds. -- Gunther and Tsetseg Upon being shaken by the shoulders and shouted at, the older man woke up with a snort. "Eh...whuzzat?! What?" He looked around in a daze before his eyes focused on the two in front of him. "Oh, huh, hullo there. Yer them outsiders I've heard tell of, right?" he picked at his ear. "Ye sure kin shout fer a little girl. Whaddaya need?" The dog, as if waiting for that opportunity, started to bark loudly at both the man and Gunther, and then ran off a few yards before stopping and turning back to face them, still barking, tail held high like an exclamation mark. "Huh, ol' Lassie's in a right pickle, she is," the man scratched his head in confusion. "Wonder if'n she's hungry. Usually, young Timmy'll feed 'er, but," he turned his head from side to side, "huh, I don't see Timmy anywhere. An' he should be watchin' the sheep too." He yawned, before turning toward the two. "Say, could I ask ye two to fetch young Timmy back? I'd do it, but, see, I'm plumb tuckered out an' all from earlier today. Wouldn't ye know, I turned into a sheep meself earlier. Was the strangest thing, an' all these 'ere sheep turned t'human too. Almost couldn't believe me own eyes. Why I still can't believe 'em," he chuckled. OOC

Seeing Brooke's impassioned rage was enough to douse Easter's own, or at least lessen it. He wasn't alone, and he wasn't the only one upset over seeing the children in such a state. This wasn't a solo battle, but a melee that included him, Brooke, Denku, Nine, and everybody else who was there. Even Dora had fought earlier. As the Sylveon ran alongside Brooke, getting ready to attack, he was kicked back by the Godslayer, blown almost straight back into another gijinka. Apologizing to them, Easter turned to face forward again. He hurt, a lot, but that didn't matter right now. The Lucario was also hurt, and that's what mattered. If they could just finish him off... And then a couple of the children stood up, letting out two unbelievably potent attacks--actually, they looked a lot like what he had heard the special techniques of the twin dragons to be. The Sylveon smiled. Not bad. Those two have potential. He wondered, briefly, if Morgan, his little sister, would ever learn to fight like that as well. Not likely, he thought. Not if she's living under those gijinka. He shook his head in disgust. But the Lucario managed to counteract the move with a Force Palm of his own. "You...should not be standing. How are you standing?" He let out an angry shout, "How many times do I have to stomp you down before you stay on the ground!" "It's called determination," Easter replied, though he doubted the other was listening. In the process, he saw Brooke's attack fail--for such a powerful-looking attack, it never has managed to hit anything that I've seen. Perhaps it just has low accuracy--and then be swallowed up by Nine's Flash Fire. Now even more buffed up than before, the Houndoom turned toward the fairy type. "Easter, I got a plan, but it'll only work once. For both of us. So, you ready for it?" "Of course," the Sylveon replied, mouth quirking into a grin. "Lay it on me." The plan showed all the innate cleverness of the dark type Nine was. Easter couldn't help but be impressed, and then even more so when the plan succeeded. This is what I've been working toward, he thought. I don't always have to be the heavy hitter. Sometimes, support is just as, if not more important. And so, when Nine shouted for them to end it, instead of attacking, Easter instead looked over everybody who was there. Who needed healing? Who needed protection? He wasn't alone, after all. This was a team effort. The fairy type spotted a couple, but one, in particular, looked to be in pretty bad shape. A Sharpedo, who looked to have taken one Force Palm too many. Ignoring the fact she was one of those hated dark types, Easter closed his eyes and concentrated in a Wish for her to recover. And then closed his eyes again, focusing on Brooke, who would surely be exhausted after that Susanoo. And then again. Until he was satisfied that everybody was healthy enough to finish this fight safely. As if sensing the danger of what Easter was doing, the Lucario sent out a Flash Cannon toward the fairy type but found the attack blown back by the combination of a large Draco Meteor as well as a Stone Edge. Denku and the Gabite he had been talking to back on the ship stepped up then. Easter sent the Pupitar a nod of thanks, watching as the two ran forward in unison, seeming to move as one mind. They had to have fought alongside each other before, the Sylveon thought. They wouldn't be able to show that level of cooperation otherwise. They'd just be tripping over each other. As he thought that, one leaped into the air while the other dove underneath the ground. -- Watching the others fight took Keanu's breath away. More and more, he was starting to realize just why his brother had loved watching wrestling so much. As the Houndoom finished up his combo attack with the pretty pink-haired wahine, who looked to have calmed down from her earlier fury, Keanu rushed forward, riding a wave toward the Lucario that would hopefully trip him off his feet. However, the Godslayer was ready, turning toward him and sending him flying back with an Aura Sphere. But Keanu wouldn't, no couldn't give up just from that. Shooting out an Electro Ball, he followed up with a quick Thunder Wave, though he couldn't tell if it managed to hit or not. Whether it had or not, the Godslayer seemed sufficiently distracted for Randy to come in with a Close Combat. Taking the hit with a wince, the enemy whipped his head to the side and shot out a Flash Cannon toward the pink-haired wahine, who had her eyes closed, head bowed, almost as if she were praying. But why would she be praying in the middle of a battlefield? Thankfully, the attack had been blocked by a combination of a large purple meteor and stone. The familiarity of the latter move had him turning toward the source with shock. Allie? But no, it was a Pupitar, not a Tyranitar, and a male besides. He raced toward the Lucario alongside a Gabite who then dove underground while he shot forward as if propelled by a jet. As he reached the Godslayer, the dragon type popped out of the ground, arcing up like a twister in a pincer attack. Randy wasted no time in joining in, leaping into the air in a display of aerial Acrobatics before dropping down on the Lucario. The fighting type looked ready to retaliate but froze momentarily, his limbs stopped in place by Psychic, forcing him to take the full force of the blow. Keanu grinned exhaustedly as he saluted Randy. Guess this scrap's not as hopeless as I thought, after all. Sure, there were many that looked to be in pretty rough shape, including him. But right as he thought that some of the gijinka who had been the worst off, including Taiga, began to heal before his eyes. Not entirely, but they didn't look on the verge of joining Marshadow in its night march of death anymore, either. So that was something. Not that he knew how they were healed, but maybe the Tapu were smiling down on them or something. More likely, one of their allies had a healing move though. Whichever it was, it didn't matter. What mattered was that they were now, hopefully, able to finish this scrap. The Raichu turned toward the Lucario. "We're gonna buss ya up, no two ways about it!"

I look at Caster's Master angrily. "I don't really know anything about all of that. And anyway, why would I use a seal for that when I could use it for something else? Like defending against somebody else? Maybe somebody trying to drug me?" I shake my head. "Maybe you weren't, but Caster could've been. If I don't have control over Berserker, who's to say you have full control over Caster?" I pause. "All I know is I trust my Servant. You're saying she's out of control, but it's not like she'd get set off without a reason behind it." I turn to Berserker again. "Still, let's stop this Berserker. The drinks are gone now, and I don't think Caster is in any position to do any harm even if he wanted to."

"It's okay Belle, you got this! And Moo is like also pretty strong - not like as strong as Rus or anything - but he's still strong enough that no giant mouthed sand bug can stop him!" Jacklyn defiantly pointed towards the rising star saying, "ya hear that!?" "Yeah..." Belle squinted her eyes as she tried to make out her Pokémon in the middle of that Sand Tomb. It was like a sandstorm within a sandstorm, something she hadn't even thought was possible. "You want this to end fast don't you? Well too bad, I'm here to win, no matter how long I have to whittle you down for! That's my true strength, unrelenting patience!" Is he really that patient? Belle wondered. He doesn't seem the type. Still, it didn't really matter how patient he was. Patience wouldn't do you any good if your Pokémon was knocked out. "Grrr. The cad!" Jacklyn growled to the side, eyes closed. Honestly, it seemed she was more upset about all of this than Belle was. Which was kind of amusing, actually. Watching the Trapinch go for a Feint Attack, Belle said, "You're stronger than the sand, Moo. Keep going," she paused. "And use Rock Smash." It seemed dumb. Why go for Rock Smash when there was a super-effective move instead? But while move spamming had worked well the last match, that didn't mean it would work so well now. Especially with the Rising Star on guard against it. The bug, which had been expecting vines, was unprepared for the sudden smash it received from Moo's hooves, its own attack stopped before it could be completed. As it wobbled back upright, Belle noticed that part of its upper carapace had caved in slightly. Her eyes narrowed. There. "Now, Moo," the girl spoke. "Vine Whip the weak point on its shell." It had been a gamble, but Rock Smash was an attack meant to do exactly what it was called: smashing. And if it smashed well enough, it could open up weak spots in the enemy's defenses. At least according to the Pokédex's description. And Belle had looked over that thing as much as she could. It was, after all, her only link to technology, and the closest thing she had to a personal computer right now. So it made sense she had learned some things along the way. The cow lowed angrily and sent out his vines, lashing them against the weakened area. This made the Trapinch cry out in pain, its eyes starting to glaze over in exhaustion. However, Moo didn't look so energetic either, trapped as he was in the vortex of sand with poison still infecting his wound. Belle didn't know much--or anything, really--about taking care of a Pokémon, but even she knew that that didn't look good. She would probably have to find a way to get her Pokémon healed, or she wouldn't have any way of fighting off any wild Pokémon or anything. Thankfully, she had two others with her, but still. Now's not a good time to think about that, she thought. There was a battle going on, after all. Not that there was much she needed to do after that. Now that a weak point had been made, it wasn't worth trying for Rock Smash again, so Vine Whip it was. She could only hope that the Trapinch would go down first. The Rising Star wasn't holding back though, shouting for a Bulldoze. The Trapinch paused before stomping down into the sand, a shockwave circling from its foot in a puff of sand that hit Moo as well. The cow let out a moo of pain but persisted in using Vine Whip. And so on, back and forth it went. Feint Attack for Vine Whip, Bulldoze for Vine Whip, another Feint Attack, another Vine Whip... Until Moo started to wobble, and then he started to fall. Belle knew what that meant. It meant that her Pokémon was too weak to stand anymore. It meant that the battle was over. Sure, on the shows the trainer would shout something and the Pokémon would get back up, but that didn't apply to real life, and even if it did, she wasn't the kind to shout out such sappy nonsense like "believing in the heart of the balls," or "believe in me who believes in you." No, that wasn't like her at all. That was a Jacklyn thing or even an Ivan thing. Not a Belle thing. So instead she said nothing, staring at the cow as if willing him to stay upright. On the other side, the Trapinch seemed equally exhausted, but it was still standing on its four legs, a triumphant gleam in its eyes. Annoying, she thought. I hate losing. I'm going to have to give him money, now, won't I? If only that stupid rat had listened to me, we would've won this for sure. As her annoyance rose, she said, "Moo, Vine Whip." It wasn't a plea for him to keep trying. It wasn't telling him she believed him in. It wasn't even asking him if this was all he was made of. No, it was just a command. One she had said many times before during this same fight. But it was enough. The cow twitched, and then, slowly but surely, straightened his shoulders to stand squarely on all fours. Ignoring any reaction from the others, Belle narrowed her focus on Moo and the Trapinch. "Moo," she repeated. "Use Vine Whip." And, with a determined moo, the cow obeyed. When the battle ended, Moo was the one still standing.

omfg "The Great Torterra comes, plodding slowly through the interstellar gulf, hydrogen frost on his ponderous limbs, his huge and ancient shell overgrown with forests. Through sea-sized eyes that are crusted with rheum and asteroid dust He stares fixedly at the Destination. In a brain bigger than a city, with geological slowness, He thinks only of the Weight."

Alois, Penelope, Edrick, and Abdul Through the open door, the group would be a party to several snippets of conversation as various villagers passed by Mene's house. Though most of them were discussions on repairing the damage done to the village, there were also snatches of gossip, much of it uninteresting since most were about people that nobody, barring Alois, knew about. "An' so, I told Melesus t'go and knock 'is head over the well. That'll learn him!" "Thile did?! I can't believe it! Don't she know why Achos follers 'er 'round like tha'? An' she told him--" "I heard Phaidra caught one so big she ended up trippin' o'er it and fallin' flat on her face! The poor girl." "He did what?! Wait'll Nausa finds out 'bout that! An' Dorosid already bein' in hot water as 'tis." They also would overhear some conversation about them and their companions. "I got t'see tha' mercenary helpin' Thile out, an' I almost fainted. Why, if'n I were thirty years younger..." "I gots ta wonder why Alois came back. Unless...d'ye think he came ta take Cora wiv him too? They always were mighty close, hmm?" "Didya see tha' giant winged lizard? Doncha think it looks a lot like the--" "Tha' man tha' came in later, I've heard he's an Isaurian. Tha' 'splains the clothes, but there's somethin' else 'bout him too..." However, one exchange, in particular, would stand out. A pair of older women were busy laughing as they approached the house, holding baskets filled with tools and materials. "Tha' was so funny I almost split my pants laughin'!" "I know, weren't it? I thought ter meself, 'Oh what a darn shame tha' cub can't stay 'ere forever.'" "I'm not a fan o'wolves, y'know, always takin' the sheep, but I reckon I can tolerate this one, 'specially wiv it bein' a baby an' all." "Didya see his 'xpression too? My oh mighty!" "Tha' poor woman, though. 'Avin' ta apologize cuz of tha'. An' ta a person like him!" "Doncha think she looks a sight more noble too? An' all exotic besides, with her white hair an' everything, an' her being still such a young doe an' all." "I reckon tha's the only reason the man didn't threaten ta 'ave her 'ead chopped off, or whatever new threat 'e comes up wiv." "But ya know...I ain't seen Hanikap there. Did ye?" "No, now tha' ya mention it, I didn't." "Speakin' of, didya 'ear about what 'e did the other day?" The conversation grew fainter as the two began to walk past the house. -- Link and Citron To Lord Pylauses Gaston, it must have seemed that the world stood against him, beset by an animal, and surrounded by laughter and smiles instead of concerned faces. The only exceptions were Catriona and Link, both of whom stood by with stone-cold gazes, though the former had at least made efforts to ameliorate the situation with words. The man sneered as he turned his face away from the villagers. A smarter man would have wondered what he had done to deserve such a reaction, while a wiser man would have already known, and perhaps accepted the consequences. However, Pylauses did neither. "The nerve of these pedestrians, to cachinnate as they do!" he shouted, pain kindling his vocabulary, and anger, to new heights. "You!" he pointed at Citron. "Why are you agglutinating with these village yokels?!" he gestured toward himself. "This is an outrageous infuriation! Why I--" he cut himself off with a howl as Link yanked Rohns away from his calf. "Bad dog," the man scolded, holding the cub in the air. "Don't bite people. No matter how temptin' they are." "And what are you adumbrating, by tempting?!" the man roared. "I am--" "Lord Gaston, I must offer you my sincere apologies," Catriona interrupted, lowering her head. "I ask that you not blame either of these two or the animal for what has just transpired, on account of their injuries and the cub's age." That single action, of lowering her head, was both deliberate and graceful, and rather than lowering her dignity, it seemed to raise it. She lifted her head then, dark blue eyes boring into his. "We are all exhausted after being on the road." Though her words were spoken as an apology, her cold expression and stiff back gave a different message. I insist that you overlook this matter or risk censure. The man broke out into a cold sweat. "Y-Yes, I supposit that makes sense," he stammered, taking out a handkerchief to dab at his brow. "Though I must interject, it is quite unconsciousable that I might offer succorination and receive naught but injuriousness." The woman frowned, "You are correct. In return for the disgrace we have done you, I can provide some measure of first aid for your wound." She looked over his calf with a clinical gaze. "The bite is shallow at least, and shouldn't need much beyond superficial care." In turn, Pylauses looked her over as well, the previous fear replaced with rapaciousness. His eyes lingered on her hair, which seemed almost translucent as it took in the blue of the late afternoon sky. "That would be admissible indeed, but what about the sufferance to my dignitary?" He sniffed. "Perforce, as recompensation, you might considerate my priory offering as to your residence for the night?" The white-haired woman blinked. "Ah, yes. Then if it pleases you, Lord Gaston, I shall accept your generous offer, though I cannot speak for my companions." She turned to the other two. "I will remain here to tend to Lord Pylauses's wound. I ask that you go on ahead and inform my sister of this matter, as well as our possible accommodations." -- Gunther and Tsetseg Were either of the two to approach the source of the barking, they would find themselves out of the forest and back in the clearing that surrounded the village, though from a different angle than when they entered. The barking was quite loud now, the source of which showed itself to be a rough collie at the front of a lean-to. An older man slumbered there, seemingly deaf to the dog's cries as he snored, the sound almost as loud as the dog in front of him. The canine pawed at the ground as it barked, ears flattened. Every so often it whined and tugged on the man's clothes, as if to get his attention. OOC

As the others had joined in the fight, Easter had picked himself off the ground and backed up a bit, throwing out a Psyshock when he saw a Pikachu gijinka--that was a Pikachu, right? A Pikachu gijinka kick at the Lucario, though their foot had gotten caught in the process. Much like mine had. He then couldn't help but feel...a little jealous at seeing two other gijinka transform just like the Lucario had. If only he, too, could harness that kind of power... He could destroy this man. Make him suffer for what he had done to Dora and the other children. Children...they didn't deserve the injustices that came their way. This is just like Deku all over again, except this time, it's a Godslayer and not a God. That was a thought. I wonder if this is the one who took down Thundurus. In which case...I owe him my thanks. But if he did, it's obvious he didn't do it because of what happened to Deku. This is the kind of man who doesn't care about collateral damage, so long as he can fight strong people. And he had once been just like that. It was almost too much to bear. And then things just seemed to get worse, as the Lucario seemed to take them all more seriously. But that was fine. It didn't matter how serious he took them all, he would go down. Easter would make sure of that. His surroundings blurred as he rushed forward bullishly, dodging to the side to avoid the Flash Cannon that came his way. He didn't entirely avoid it, but that was fine. It was all fine. The pain only made him stronger, because what mattered. What mattered was that this man in front of him. Needed to die. Throwing out a Moonblast, Easter threw himself at the Lucario, barely giving him time to react to not just one, but two attacks coming his way. But there was a glint in the opponent's eye as he seemed to predict one of the attacks, and he easily blocked the other. But Easter wouldn't give up. No, he couldn't give up. He just couldn't-- "Are you sad? Did someone take away your candy?" Easter couldn't get it out of his head. Dora there, lying on the ground. Motionless. Overlapped with Fawkes, and...him. The one he failed to save. The Eevee who had been the favorite of the S.S. Showdown. He was the glue that tied all of them together, but he was gone now. Fawkes was too, but she was still alive. Maybe. Or maybe she had died in the invasion. And Dora, she was now... Another Flash Cannon, a blinding white force that lit up the tears on his face. Tears he almost didn't realize were there, though he should've realized it when his surroundings began to blur. On reflex, Easter blocked it with his shield, the tears continuing to flow as he threw out punches, kicks, mixing it up with attacks. Anything to get through. But each and every one was blocked or redirected almost effortlessly. As the fight continued, he grew angrier and more desperate, his attacks less focused. A flash of orange caught his attention, and he recognized it as Brooke. She was here too. She was probably just as angry, if not angrier. That's right. He wasn't fighting alone. This wasn't a solo battle. She Blitzed forward, a Flare of bright orange surrounding her like a meteor. Getting an idea, Easter added his own twist--a ring of pink Swift stars that circled the Emboar and added even more strength to her attack as she charged at the Lucario. Perhaps it was the combined force that did it, or the fact that the fairy type had been a decent distraction on his own, but this attack managed to hit. It was disheartening to see how little effect it seemed to have on the Godslayer, but Easter wouldn't give up. He would keep fighting until he took this child murderer--no, he didn't murder Dora, not yet at least, and not ever if he could help it--down. -- "That's quitter talk, Keanu..." a familiar spoke, causing Keanu to turn slightly. It was Randy, his usual grin absent as he approached with fire in his eyes. "Way I see it...the moment opens up, someone needs to get Marie and the others out of range. Otherwise they'll be in the crossfire. Besides...we have the advantage here...he's Fighting and Steel..." The Incineroar rolled his shoulders and began to approach the Lucario, opening up with an array of combos that would leave any ordinary opponent, or even some of the stronger ones they had faced, breathless, and yet the Godslayer countered them as easily as breathing. It was impressive, but also worrying. But of course, it was that Lucario, after all. The one they had met originally. And Marie had been battling him all by herself...well, she always had been braver than Keanu. He probably would have just surrendered then and there. Thankfully, the Brionne was off to the side already, but the Raichu decided to move her, and the others, further. Just in case. During that time, more had joined in, including Nani and some other gijinka. Two of whom just...transformed. Just like that. One of whom he recognized. Taiga. Of course it was her. Didn't matter that she was already terrifying. No, she had to go and get even more terrifying. Of course that's how it worked. Keanu wasn't really sure what had happened to make her transform like that. Or the one she called Chrome Dome--whose name was most likely something entirely different. Is it something in the water? he wondered. Give me some of that, olu'olu. There was one fighter in particular who impressed him. A Houndoom who not only had raw power, but brains to back it up. That was the kind of fighter Keanu wanted to be, though he knew he'd probably never get there. Still, da kine to strive for, I guess? In contrast, the pink cutie charged forward with an almost feral look to her. Raw power, but no finesse, and even less so as the fight went on. Still, it worked well enough as a distraction. Rather than run forward like others had though, he stayed back. There were quite enough people in the melee right now, mahalo. It seemed like Nani had a similar idea as she threw a strange Spectre-ish Bone from further back. Almost automatically, perhaps because of how many times he had done combo attacks with Marie--ugh, Marie, be safe--Keanu threw out an Electro Ball that crackled around the bone. The Lucario had turned toward the bone as if to block it, but Keanu, taking advantage of his Psychic powers, moved the bone up, and then left, and then down, in an unexpected trajectory that forced the Godslayer to take the hit. We can do this. Well, we have to, anyway.

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?

What got you into RPing? What do you enjoy most about RPing? What question do you want to be asked most here? And what's the answer to it?