ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

Manor Side

...And there he is in the flesh. THE very asswipe who broke my Galladeite. But, if listening on his little speech is any indication, he's about ready to give up on his mistress and this whole thing. His words also ring true to me if only for the general theme that he too seems to be fighting the idea of being a hero. For as much as I want to lay his ass out for the shit he gave me back then, I cannot bring myself to do so. Okay, we need to get past him.

Okay, we're gonna shuffle along and get as much distance between ourselves and him as we can, as fast as we can, before he finishes eating. Can only hope he's eating berries...

Before I plot the first moves I look over toward Gene. I say nothing, but also look over towards him and give him a look of eating to know why he's interested in Zelgius as well.

I then look ahead and use my finger to roughly draw out a path for us to move along, attempting to go straight through and find any side hall to dive in, or preferably an exit to this area on the whole. Assuming everyone is ready, I crack the door open enough and shuffle to the first wall I see and stand up against it, shuffling inch by inch, creating more room for the others to hug this wall as I move, trying to stealthily lead us past him which will probably not work anyway.

Manor Back

Kevin steps into the garden himself, also concurrently finding it bizarre that not only such a thing would be here, but no Combee would be here. Only a marker for something else to happen, he reasoned.

We'd probably also need honey, if you're trying to lure them out.

Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 8th 2019 at 7:21:22 AM

L'Arachel's Manor, Rescue Group — Against the Wall

Once Woodruff makes it across the yard, he at first eyes the windows before noticing the grating below the window. He looks to Mila and Koss. "Either of ya can cut through this?"

L'Arachel's Manor, Side Group — Moving Into the Hallway

...I look down at Nero's bow, getting somewhat worried. "Hey, maybe don't use that on the Combee, alright?" With that little parcel of information out there, I move along with Marlon, gripping my newfound staff tightly. I look to the left and right of me to make note of our possible paths.

"Oh..Why th-...Why, though?"

Caught off-guard by the sudden proposal, I accidentally raise my voice.

"I wouldn't attempt to attack them for no reason, if you're worried about me calling attention."

L'arachel's Manor, side

Autumn follows the others without a word, watching the manor's inhabitants closely as they try to sneak past. What would happen if they were spotted? Would it even be possible to bargain for passage without combat? Autumn sincerely doubts it, especially given how things had been going for her lately. In fear and preparation, she brings up her paws ready to create a Protect barrier if necessary. In the process, she feels them brush up against someone next to her, but she tries not to comment on it as they sidle along.

L'arachel's Manor, front

"Ah ain't got anythin' special fer dealin' wit' somethin' like that, but... ah ain't keen on dealin' wit' broken glass, either."

"I can agree with that statement... I don't think charging right at the grate would do any good either. What about you two?"

Mila doesn't comment more about their new addition just yet, her focus being completely on their options for entry. The battle continuing behind them doesn't put her mind at ease either, instead worrying her about how quickly they'd been stopped. Were they really this bad at things?

[Arthur's Last Stand]

Arthur wearily takes the blow from Marsha's Scald and Whitney's Flamethrower. He seems more susceptible to damage than before.

The Golurk proceeds to slam his sword against the ground in random spots. His body seems to take more damage as he forces himself to still give the group all he has left.

As Claude came up an Night Slashed him, the automaton Pokemon stumbled back.

"It seems I am to just... Sputter out like this", the former guardian coughed, "That look in your eye... Your words... Why. Why, if you truly understand my view, do you continue your chivalry and service of the people, and fight with bravery and gusto...?"

His eyes flicker, holding emotions of defeat but also curiosity.

Noriaki readies a Leaf Blade to be thrown, but Notte puts a hand in front of him.

"...?"

"... I see something with those two. 'Tis something I believe every warrior deserves to find in their lifetime. Let them finish their clash."

[Infiltration: Front Gate]

The grates and the windows do not seem enforced by anything, and any attempts to break or cut them with good enough force would work.

[Halls]

The Aerodactyl's head raises as he hears Nero's sudden rise in volume. He swerves around, berries still hanging from his maw.

Seeing the group, he quickly scarfs down what he has in his mouth and says, "... So you've come. Where's the rest of you? Split up, I'm guessing."

Some of the Combee have already formed walls in further openings on other sides of the halls.

[Rooftop]

Rainmaker and the beetle guardians would see a Crobat with two Golbats behind himself, all of them with shadowy auras and glowing red eyes.

They all hissed and lunged forward.

[Garden]

"Yeah, it's real ptooie unnerving that here of all places there's no Combee", said Nephenee, spitting in to some nearby shrubbery.

From that very spot, a progressively panicked voice rung out, "...Ew. Ew. Ew. EWEWEW!!!]]"

With a shriek, a Lurantis clad in crest of feathers sprung back from her crouched hiding spot among the plants.

"Th-That's... Why on earth would you spit in to the Arcsdamn plants?!"

Nephenee grinned and responded, "... Because I had a feeling you were the one in here and it'd make you jump out."

The Lurantis shook with anger. A Maractus, Belossom, and Victreebel also rise from the plants, their eyes glowing red.

A swarm of Combee also appear, some of which go in to wall formations, blocking off any exits.

Manor Garden

Jyut leisurely turns around to see who just spoke, but as soon as her eyes fall on the Lurantis her expression becomes much more grave. Eyes narrow, her form becomes clad in darkness and she rushes at the Lurantis with surprising speed.

"Sorry Miss Whoever-You-Are, but I'm gonna need that crown back!"

Manor Front

Dana stands, but seeing Noriaki get held back she hesitates herself. She needs to recover as it is, so a break for now seems like a good idea...

Edited by Daydre on Jan 10th 2019 at 11:25:42 AM

Showdown (Front)

(Marsha starts forward again, but Cole stops her.) Hold up, Marsha...

Showdown (Side)

Indeed. (Gene says. The Combee around us are making me nervous, but at this point I can’t afford to be nervous, much less scared.)

(Gene’s next remark takes me by surprise.) It...it pains me to find you here, of all places, under the orders of someone like this, after all of these years, Zelgius.

(He knows him? It’s then that I notice that Gene’s expression is one of...I suppose grim disappointment is the best way to put it.)

Showdown (Back)

(At the same time, rather than get ready to rumble, Dodie goes slack-jawed at the sight of the Lurantis that has appeared in front of them.) WHAT?! YOU?!!

Edited by kablammin45 on Jan 8th 2019 at 1:18:52 PM

"We're... we're just gonna..." Whitney just gets angrier, and angrier, until...

"... Oh, we're done?" She says, her tension and anger dropping completely. "Good! Being mean is exhausting. Even if I was just pretending." She sits down, tending to her wounds. "Take your time, I don't mind!" She says with a cheeky smile.

Rooftop

I turned towards the source of the voice...to see a Crobat and two Golbats with dark auras and red eyes.

   Ah, FRICK!!   , I exclaimed, terrified, as the three lunged towards us.

   Achilles, Hector...I think you might need to your eyes   , I warned the vassals of Narcia before launching a Confuse Ray at the attackers.

Manor Side

Aw, crap, he noticed us. Crap, crap, crap. This is not where or how I anticipated the first fuck up to occur, yet all the same it'd occur here anyway, because of him. With walls closing in I start moving about him as carefully as I can, electing for word-based ammunition, not fists. I heard what he said after all. Gene did too, evidently.

Listen, man, I have about two very reasonable justifications for wanting to beat the fuck out of you right now but...not gonna bend that easily. I heard what you said. Matter of fact, we all did. Because see, isn't it evident that we're not so different, you and I? You've failed to be the hero your people needed. Meanwhile, I'm fighting my own thoughts of trying to not fail my friends, obviously you see some here, in leading them safely through the frequent messes we find ourselves in. Matter of fact, I've begun to wonder if being the hero constantly even works for me.

Manor Back

Kevin stands his ground and assumes a battle stance but evidently this Lurantis has him confused as to who she is.

What? Wait, who the hell are you?

Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 9th 2019 at 12:13:41 PM

L'Arachel's Manor, Side Group — In the Hallway

Oh, dammit, he's spotted us. I glare at Nero a little, but then I'm not quite sure we would've been able to sneak everyone past him anyway. ...wait a minute, why the hell didn't we get Grigori to—oh, never mind.

"Arright," I cut in before Marlon can go any further, "that's enough pillow talk." I then turn my attention to the elephant (or the Aerodactyl) in the room. "Frankly, I don't know who you are or why the hell you think this whole venture's a good idea...but I'm itchin' to beat some sense into you because I really don't like your boss."

I then point my staff at the Combee wall that's being erected to box us in. "And these guys are gonna stay out of it. I don't know if you have the authority to call them off, and frankly, I don't care, but I'm not letting you Hyper Beam someone's son into oblivion—"

[...where am I...it happened again, I blacked out. I...what am I holding, a staff? And...]

[Combee. There's Combee everywhere. Surrounding us on all sides. I let my arm fall down, the end of the staff clinking against the floor.]

[My breathing starts getting a little worse. I'm not alone. Who's here with me...Autumn, Grigs, Marlon...some people I don't really recognize. And there's one of L'Arachel's vassals...I was looking over in his direction when I came to...was I talking with him?]

[Reaching my hand back and haphazardly feeling around, I try and get Marlon's attention before pointing my thumb to my temple.]

L'Arachel's Manor, Rescue Group — Possible Point of Entry

Woodruff grumbles to himself, somewhat dumbfounded they didn't have any way to get inside. Well, he can't do anything, can he?

...wait a second. "I think I got somethin', guys." Getting close to the grating, he brings his arm back, then, his claws extending and glowing, swipes at the grating. He continues this, whipping up a furious pace as he does. ^* Fury Swipes

Manor Side

Eliot, the hell are you...

He cuts me off in the middle of trying to talk down Zelgius but yet in one fell swoop he seems to suddenly stop himself and not exactly know where he is or what he just said? He said he did this before, didn't he?

...With Eliot trying to grab hold of my attention (and something physical) I let him grab hold of my arm.

What's wrong? You basically just said something that probably has him wanting to kill us!

Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 9th 2019 at 9:23:05 AM

Manor Front

"I think that might be working..."

"Well now, remind me not ta get on yer bad side!"

Mila and Koss both stand back and watch the Furret do his part to try to get them into the manor. Mila's somewhat impressed admittedly, since she hadn't thought of Woodruff as much of a fighter, but she has to remind herself that all pokemon at least from the games were meant to be in combat. Not being a trained fighter didn't mean they were harmless. Maybe she should have learned that about herself sooner, too, but it was too late to worry about that.

Manor Side

Keeping Mila's request in mind, Autumn is quick to move in between Zelgius and Eliot, not even bothering with L'arachel's underling for the moment with her back turned to him. She hadn't understood the specifics, but she had heard enough back in Becchel to know that Mila was trying to figure out what was going on with Eliot. If only she'd been able to go over and ask explicitly, maybe she'd be able to do more now. Instead, all she can do is try to support Eliot when he seems to go slack. Maybe move her paw if she needs to Protect them.

"Eliot, I'm here. What do you need?"

It seems my carelessness has put the group in quite a pickle. Well, so much for being careful, I guess.

Honestly, I wasn't exactly the most aware individual, I'm surprised I've even made it this far.

On another topic, I should probably mention that the bloodlust coming from this guy was so great even I could feel it.

Needless to say, I was very scared.

"W-what do we do, now?"

Manor (side)

(I look at Eliot in confusion for a moment as he boats to Zelgius before suddenly stopping mid-sentence and grappling for Marlon's arm. He's breathing hard again...)

Eliot, are you all right? (I ask Eliot, walking over toward him in worry.)

Vs. Arthur

(The High Horsepower did hit Claude dead on, sending him backwards, yet he stabbed the ground to keep his eye on Arthur. Claude looked at the Golurk knight and his faltering state. He's at the end of his rope, but he still stands, almost as though he found his reason. Raiding his hilt, he spoke to Arthur with pride and honor.)    I don't just fight for the people that care for me. I fight for the future, even if one is not guaranteed! If I gave up now, then there won't be one not just for me, but for anyone else. And yes, I cannot protect everyone, and yes, one day, oblivion will come for us, but I still fight because this world is worth fighting for!    (He pointed himself towards the guardian charge straight forward to remove the sword from his grasp with one more Night Slash.)

(Zelda almost felt hesitant to interfere, not even sure if the rest of them should. After Claude surges forth, she hoped that whatever it is he's doing, it'll work. She couldn't stand the thought of losing him again.)

(Meanwhile, Eliza looked back on the group dealing with the Golurk and wondered if what she's doing right now is the right thing. Presumably, the ones infiltrating the mansion with her would search for the Quilava, and she felt she had little stake in this. In fact, she thought that she might get them spotted. She lowered herself down and let the little ones move on their own, hoping they wouldn't get found or executed. She still kept her distance from the group, but she still readied her whip for anything else.)

Vs. Zelgius

(So, the big bastard notices us after all. I look at the little Snivy disapprovingly. Maybe next time, he should be at the front. Assuming there is a next time, that is. Then that mutt decided to shout at him, looking for a fight. Sighing, I reply.) Please, pay no mind to him. He's... a bit eccentric, if you know what I mean. Anyways, we're not here for you. We're here for the prisoner and if you would kindly point us in the right direction, that'd be great. (Doubtful my sterling diplomacy skills would be enough to convince him, but hey, at least I tried.)

Vs. Yukari

(Without hesitation, Arsene launched the Sludge Bomb directly at the Lurantis' legs, hoping to cut off her mobility. He doubted this might be enough, but one can't hope to try.)

[Infiltration]

The grates do in fact wear greatly from the Fury Swipes. They are such a banged-up condition now that a simple kick would cause them to break in.

[Arthur's Last Stand]

Arthur's eyes lit up with wonder.

"For... The future?"

"Arthur, you are a strong warrior indeed. But you only see what is right in front of you and fail to notice what truly matters", the Golurk remembers Theodore had told him, "Both with your blade and your heart, you must learn to see the bigger picture that your actions paint for yourself and those around you, especially as a guardian."

... I was too arrogant and never realized the meaning of those words... Perhaps that is why he never told me...

The stone sword was slashed out of his hands by Claude's advancing Night Slash. Arthur's eyes met his.

Claude's words on why he continued to fight along with the wordless resolve he saw in that eye resonated with something in the old guardian.

"You... Truly, you are an opponent worth defea-"

"...!"

He said that to someone before.

It was the man he fell in battle to.

He recalls trading blows with him, in a moment not filled with enmity, but understanding and even a degree of respect and a strange sense of almost brotherhood. He encountered a true warrior that day that managed to make his heart truly pound in excitement, and yet also made it stop. Arthur never did think he would feel that again.

And yet, although he wasn't sure he still had a heart, he felt something he could only describe as that same intense, beating feeling.

Claude would see Arthur's eyes smolder with passion as he regained a firm stance, despite his body still cracking and crumbling.

"THIS IS FOR YOU!"

A loud war cry rang out, as the seal on Arthur's chest snapped open and an intense white energy began shining out, through his chest's opening and the cracks forming around his body.

"Fall back, take cover!", Notte instructed any near him as he added more distance than there already was. Noriaki feel back to the shadows while Montresor flew out of range and observed from above.

This energy clearly was tearing himself apart as it also had a wave of force pushing outward, but Arthur didn't seem to care as he charged at Claude full force, his eyes and voice full of passion.

[Halls]

Zelgius stares deeply as Marlon and Grigori speak... But he seems also intrigued by Eliot's collapse and everyone's reaction.

"Making a threat even though you can barely hold yourself together. Not really the most effective combination", the Aerodactyl sneered, "And you're all pretty invested in watching him even though your enemy's right in front of you. If I was that Beedrill or that Quilava you'd all be getting barraged mercilessly already."

"Tch. I guess you're not wrong. IF I fight you all right here it's not gonna change much. Maybe I'll mess some of you up a bit but in the end I doubt I'll be nothing more than another casualty from the lady's forces. As much as I owe her big time, I'm finding less and less reason to even keep going despite my obligations."

"... At the same time, I can't just up and start giving you pointers, that'd make me a traitor."

He then looks to the Infernape, addressing him in a familiar way...

"... Gene?", he says, "No way, it is! You're here now? I just shored up here randomly a while back ago, I can't believe..."

The Aerodactyl is quick to remember the scenario that they're now meeting in, cutting off his brief moment of friendly recollection.

[Roof]

Achilles and Hector do cover their eyes as the Confuse Ray goes forward. The two Golbats become confused, but The Crobat seems unaffected and goes for a Crunch directly at the Bronzong.

Being more pragmatic and finishing his transformation, Hector rushes down one of the Golbat with a Stone Edge, dealing a devastating blow right off the bat.

[Garden]

The Victreebel places itself in the way of Arsene's attack. Resisting the blow but still being damaged, the flycatcher Pokemon unleashes a dual Vine Whip strike on its opponent.

As soon as the Foul Play makes contact, the Lurantis scoffs in disgust.

"I have no idea who you are, but if you think that I'm giving away Lady L'Arachel's precious gift to me, then I know you're an idiot!"

She quickly raised her sickles and swung them down in and X-Scissor towards Jyut.

Upon being asked, she "... I am Yukari, of Shinrin's royal family. Not as if that matters anymore... What does matter, is that I belong to Lady L'Arachel, and that's all I'll ever need. You all want to hurt her, so you're all gonna die right here."

The Maractus began starting up a Quiver Dance, moving more to the side.

The Bellossom did a small dance and raised her arms, calling forth an artificial sunlight that brightened the entire garden.

Edited by Konkfan7 on Jan 9th 2019 at 1:35:12 PM

Manor Side

Once I have complete hold of Eliot orrr maybe, Autumn or Dinah could helped in beginning to stabilize him first I make another ploy with words to Zelgius.

So, then, why don't you just forget her and save yourself anyway?! You've got a lot more to live for than simply just being a soldier for a woman with no morals. And killing yourself while defending her isn't a way to have something to live for. I know you probably can't find the reason to join us, but we can give you the heroic moments you've so desperately wanted while finding genuine friendship. Look at me! These guys, and the rest of our group, all know how often I would rather take charge of situations myself but I've still found friends with them! I've even found love while traveling with them! And I mean, come on, I'm willing to put the whole issue of the Mega Stones behind me so we can learn to fight side-by-side and become better acquainted. You sure you can manage that? Because we can help you see that it's not so bad fighting for the good side.

I motion for Nero to get back.

Just stay back, this might get ugly..

Manor Back

Oh, goody me, being the Water-Type. Unless..

Kevin seems to have a streak of frost briefly leave his mouth. Does he perhaps have a Counter to the four Grass mons after all?

Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 10th 2019 at 7:55:41 AM

L'Arachel's Manor, Side Group — In the Hallway

"I...I did?" [I feel more comfortable holding onto Marlon's arm, as awkward as it is, and the others' outpouring of support is...nice, very, very nice...but I'm still very confused and not any less anxious. And I would've preferred handling this more privately...confused, anxious, and embarrassed...I look down at the ground.] "I, I think I just need an expla...how did I draw that on my leg?" [Confused.]

[I'm caught off guard when I hear the Aerodactyl call out an unfamiliar name. My head shoots up, and I trace his eyesight back to the Infernape stationed near me—who, I think, is the Gene he mentioned.] "You," [I begin to say, my words leaving me as I'm taking all of this in. "...y, you know him...knew, I mean, or..." [So he's not one of the ones who came over, like I'd thought...]

"...what did she even do for you," [I ask the Aerodactyl.]

L'Arachel's Manor, Rescue Group — Breaking In

Without a moment's hesitation, and with the dopiest grin on his face, Woodruff rams into the grating with his head, breaking through it and landing inside. He sees spots for a little bit, but after shaking his head, he's come out pretty alright.

Edited by BlackMageAnolis on Jan 10th 2019 at 4:05:43 AM

Rooftop

Ah-ha! The Confuse Ray seems to have hit two of the attackers. But the Crobat is going straight for me.

I unleashed a Psychic wave at the Crobat to try to blast it away.

Manor (Front)

Don't hafta tell me twice! (Marsha shouts back at Notte as she scurries behind a nearby rock a safe distance from Arthur. Cole stumbles away and ducks behind a tree.)

Manor (Side)

Cole, Dodie, and I were acquainted with him growing up in Kriemhild...we usually met him at the restaurants in town... (Gene explains to Eliot.)

(Then he looks back at Zelgius.) Indeed. Cole and Dodie are here, too. We simply ended up part of the mission to stop L'Arachel after losing our jobs. What happened to you that you ended up here and working under this wicked Vespiquen? And why do you continue to work under her if you're clearly unhappy with doing so?

(Unsure of what to add at the moment, I simply listen on and keep an eye on Eliot.)

Manor (Back)

Hey, hold on!! (Dodie shouts, grabbing for Yukari with her vines. Regardless if Dodie grabs her or not, Dodie asks Yukari:) How does a frickin' member of the Shinrin Royal Family like you end up working for L'Arachel? Did ya run away or somethin' or what? Or are you just completely off your gourd?? What do you think yer folks think of what you've done??

Manor Front

Dana falls back and gets behind cover. Whatever was going on with Arthur, she figured she prooobably wouldn't like getting hit by it.

Manor Garden

"Lady L'Arachel's?" Jyut laughs. It's short and lacking in any humor. "Where do you think she got that "gift" of yours?"

Jyut makes a strategically targeted attack in an attempt to grab the veil off of Yukari. It's entirely possible for her to dodge, though, given the chaos of the surroundings.

Manor Side

With enough an opportunity opened with Gene trying to reason with an old friend-lest I forget what I just added to the fire-I carefully move Eliot against one of the walls and help him sit down and catch his bearings, looking over my shoulder hoping that Zelgius would consider my offer.

Yes, I dunno if you blacked out or what but you basically ripped on him about wanting to beat the shit out of him. The marking on your leg..I think that's from you trying to sketch something from the Neyad lady. Anyhow, we just need to talk him down..he seems very ready to give up on himself.

For the second time I offer Nero to come to my side and stay out of the way for the moment.

Really, he might do something off his chain..

Manor Back

She...really?? So, you're a princess, rebelling against your parents, your land, your people? That's in bad taste, lady!

Kevin winds up and unleashes an ice beam. Kevin does recognize that he should ask about the kid, but not now.

Edited by Team42Larson on Jan 12th 2019 at 3:43:20 PM

"...Got it...Be careful!" I quickly make way for him, going as far back as possible.

I didn't feel particularly good about doing so, however. It was my fault that we where in this situation, after all.

But my fear for my life, and my awareness of just how weak I was, greatly outweighted that guilt. I would just be in the way, after all.

Vs. Arthur

(Finally! His spirit has returned to him, even if it's for one last strike! Claude looked at the Golurk one more time, knowing his current state.)    May you be remembered a hero.    (One last charge was made, this time, with the energy of the blade being purple. No matter what happens, this battle ends here. The fight with two knights, battered, rusted, but reborn finishes now.)

(Nearby, Zelda looked on as she saw her knight surge forward. She could barely move, let alone run. Not a voice came from her. Even if she was pulled away due to a vine wrapped around her wing, all she could do is watch. Whatever happens, she prayed to Arceus above that she wouldn't be alone again.)

(Again, her heroism got the better of her. She couldn't help but try to help, even if she never came to blows with the Golurk. She at least was able to get that Togekiss out of the guardian's range. Guess I really am my mother's daughter, Eliza thought. As soon as she's within a safe distance, all she saw in that angelic Pokemon's eyes were helplessness, the same as she felt back then.)

Vs. Zelgius

(On the prospect of a fight despite his increasing reluctance, I kept my gaze at him.) All that'll do is waste both our time and energy, something we both should value. What's to say she won't turn you into another one of her puppets if you doubt her or fall short of her expectations? If you stay with her, that fear's gonna hang over your head forever, but if you leave while you still can, you'll still have your free will. (Doubtful what I'll say will get to him, but if it works, one less to worry about.)

Vs. Yukari

(Due to the difference in typing, the Vine Whips barely did much, even with the sunlight's assistance. He decided to ignore the dressed up Lurantis and aimed directly for the Maractus with another Sludge Bomb. Arceus knows what it might do if it gets enough breathing room.)