Totodile vs Littlestream

Totodile said:

My first challenge! Hopefully I haven't gotten anything disastrously wrong.

3vs3 single
DQ time: 4 Days
Damage cap: 35%
Banned moves: OHKOs, direct recovery moves, suicide moves, weather moves
Arena: Asphodel Fields

Just a quiet grassy meadow … though perhaps too quiet. Maybe it’s the way the breeze rustles the grass, or the thick blanket of stone-gray clouds overhead that stubbornly refuses to change. Whatever it is, it’s got the Pokemon on edge, and for good reason: at the end of every round, each Pokemon is assaulted with an arcane, eerie whispering that deal 2% untyped damage, which is somehow completely unavoidable. There’s a river flowing nearby, providing water for moves such as Surf.

Other: No fully evolved or single stage Pokemon (e.g. Absol)

Click to expand...

Totodile's active squad:
Sobek the male Totodile <Torrent>
Sekhmet the female Shinx <Intimidate>
Camazotz the female Zubat <Inner Focus>
Myrmele the female Trapinch <Hyper Cutter>
Ganymede the male Ralts <Trace>

Littlestream's active squad:
Flame the male Cyndaquil <Blaze>
Daisy the female Skitty <Cute Charm>
Nelly the female Vulpix <Flash Fire>
Veronica Pax the female Litwick <Flash Fire>
Jupiter the male Shinx <Rivalry>


Littlestream sends out first, then Totodile sends out and issues commands, then Littlestream posts commands.

Also, if either of you have any preferences as to how I characterize your Pokémon, speak up.

I'll go with Veronica. Defeat them with your... creepy candle-ghostness?

And I have no preference whatsoever. I never actually thought about it until now, actually...

I don't really have a preference either. Any characterization should be fine.

I'll start off with my namesake. Gogogo Sobek~!

Start off with a Substitute, medium-sized if you will. Follow that up with two Swords Dances. If your substitute is down by the third action, switch to Aqua Tail.

Substitute (15%) ~ Swords Dance ~ Swords Dance/Aqua Tail

Let's take that sub down fast. Just spam Shadow Ball. After you get rid of the substitute (if you do), switch to Energy Ball.

Shadow Ball~Shadow Ball/Energy Ball~Shadow Ball/Energy Ball

Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Commands: Substitute (15%) ~ Swords Dance ~ Swords Dance/Aqua Tail
Status: Gazing idly toward the river.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Commands: Shadow Ball ~ Shadow Ball/Energy Ball ~ Shadow Ball/Energy Ball
Status: Cheerfully listening to a pep talk from her trainer.


The dim gray light and ghostly atmosphere of the Asphodel Fields are just perfect for Veronica. She's been waiting for her first battle for weeks, and she has a good feeling about this place, even if it's a little cold for a Litwick like her. Yes, she can tell there's something special, something spectral hidden behind this simple meadow, and she just knows it'll give her the edge in this battle. She decides to squeeze some last-minute practice in—practice making her best, worst spooky faces. She knows she probably doesn't need any more, but it never hurts to be prepared! She twists her little face into a grinning glare that completely fails to be anything but adorable, but she's proud of it. So, so proud. As far as she's concerned, this is a face that could beat a Gengar at its own game. And with a few affirming words from her trainer, Littlestream, she feels like she could even scare the living daylights out of another ghost. Yes, she's confident now. First battle, here comes Veronica Pax!

Sobek the Totodile, on the other hand, has his head in the clouds, and the clouds here are nigh-impenetrable. His thoughts aren't on the battle in the slightest. Or, well, they are, but only tangentially: he's trying to come up with a possible excuse to duck out and take a dip in the river at some point. Nothing about his surroundings makes him think that might just be a bad idea. This is his first battle as well, but he isn't so excited; he isn't convinced that something so uncouth is really his style. Of course, that doesn't mean he's going to give it any less than his all. Imagine what a fool he'd look if he let himself get trounced just because he was too puffed up to get his scales a little dirty! Yes, he plans to win this duel with finesse and flair. He pulls his attention away from the river with some reluctance, and listens attentively to his commands, making sure he understands the opening strategy.

Before turning his attention to his opponent, Sobek begins spraying a light stream of water from his mouth. The water takes shape in front of him—his own shape, to be precise. Once it's fully formed, it gains colour in a bright blue flash and begins to move. The Totodile steps back to admire his handiwork, and his effigy does the same. The double is still slightly translucent, and its colours are generally a little less vibrant, but he definitely recognizes the devilish grin on its handsome face. He's so pleased with himself that he takes the time to strike a few poses, nearly forgetting that he created the thing in the first place for combat purposes.

... That is, until an inky black blob of ectoplasm slams it from behind, and the Totodile's image shatters with a splash. The water flutters about, struggling to stay together; it's still animated, but otherwise, it definitely just looks like water in this state. Sobek jumps to the left to see where the assault came from, craning his neck to peer around his wavering double as it tries to mimic his pose. His eyes rest upon Veronica, who is wearing a grin even more smug than his, if that's even possible. He can't say that those plain yellow eyes and little nick of a mouth pull it off nearly as well, but she's got the spirit of the thing nailed—Sobek finds himself wanting to wash that smirk right off her face. But then his double finishes reforming and blocks his view, and he regains his composure as well. Patience, Sobek, he reminds himself. That little wax brat will get what's coming to her soon enough.

He isn't ready to go on the offensive quite yet, though. His effigy is still standing, though noticeably more faded, and a little rounded at the edges where the water is regaining its surface tension. The blunt spikes down its back look a bit silly, he notes, dismayed. Regardless, he needs to have a bit more fun— Er, he needs to prepare a bit more while he's still under its protection so that he can strike decisively. Standing on his tiptoes, Sobek takes the double by the claws, and it reciprocates. Together, they begin to twirl around, quickly picking up enough speed that it becomes hard to tell which one's the original and which one is just following the other's lead. Power surges through Sobek's veins as he dances; he feels as if his mind and body both were becoming sharper by the second. And he loves it. Perhaps this is the sport for him after all!

Veronica has to admit, that is pretty cool. But she's so much more awesome. Yes, she doesn't even need a second Veronica to be a force to be reckoned with. This time, that dummy's going down! As the dance reaches its climax, she begins building up another dark ball of ectoplasm in her mouth, and it's ready to fire just as the Sobeks slow to a stop. Self-absorbed as ever, they don't even notice as the Litwick spits the blob in their direction. It flies towards them with great speed—even faster than they were spinning, she bets—and the substitute breaks its form to leap in front of its master and take the hit. It splatters into myriad little droplets, this time losing all its former life. Sobek just stands there, drenched, big 'dile mouth hanging open, and Veronica gives him another signature ghostly grin. She's top ghost, alright, and she's gonna make sure he knows it.

Sobek doesn't allow himself to keep gaping like a buffoon for long, however. He reminds himself to keep his cool, his finesse and flair, and promptly snaps his jaw shut. If he must get upset at the– the loss of his masterpiece— well, he certainly can't show it. Glaring as stoically as he can, he charges toward his opponent, sparkling as water begins to stream from his body. As he closes in, he begins to twirl once more, though less wildly: one turn to whip a ribbon of water in the Litwick's impish face with his tail, and just one more to lash her with the tail itself. The blow sends her bouncing backward several feet, and it knocks the simper off her face as well, much to Sobek's delight. When she rights herself and attempts to recover her grin, it's less convincing, and much less galling as a result. He returns his own toothy, lid-eyed grin, a grin only he can hope to manage.

Veronica just gives up then and there on outclassing that. She lets her face fall into a scowl, no less adorable than her grin. It's okay if this snoot's a bit hard to crack. She's still an awesome ghost, even if he's not scared, and she's still gonna win. She opens her mouth again to charge her next attack. Another blob of energy begins to build up, this time bright, glowing green and much less shaky. It settles into a perfect sphere as it reaches its full size, and stays that way when she fires it. With a wonderful splat noise, it hits Sobek right in his cocky smirk, which falls flat. As does the Totodile himself. As he sits up, rubbing his snout, Veronica's own grin reappears, this time without the glaring eyes. Yes! That was perfect. And next round will only be better! She doesn't even notice as an ominous breeze sweeps by, making her flame flicker.


Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 71%
Energy: 78%
Actions: Substitute (15%) ~ Swords Dance ~ Aqua Tail
Status: Thoroughly unimpressed with himself. He should definitely have seen that coming. +2 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 78%
Energy: 80%
Actions: Shadow Ball ~ Shadow Ball ~ Energy Ball
Status: A little less confident in her spooking abilities, but all the more determined to prove herself for it. And no less ecstatic about the battle, of course.


Notes:

• Word count: 1265 (for my own records)
• Woo! Only half an hour late! I think that's a personal best.
• Actually, I left it until the last minute, and got the whole thing done in a few straight hours. That's definitely a personal best.
• Littlestream posts first this round.

Energy and Damage:

• Sobek's health: 100% - 15% (Substitute) - 12% (Energy Ball) - 2% (field damage) = 71%
• Substitute's health: 15% - 10% (Shadow Ball 1) - 10% (Shadow Ball 2) = -5%
• Sobek's energy: 100% - 8% (Substitute) - 5% (Swords Dance) - 9% (Aqua Tail) = 79%
• Veronica Pax's health: 100% - 20% (Aqua Tail) - 2% (field damage) = 78%
• Veronica Pax's energy: 100% - 6% (Shadow Ball 1) - 6% (Shadow Ball 2) - 8% (Energy Ball) = 80%

Start off by using Calm Mind twice, and then use Energy Ball again, since that worked pretty well last time.

Calm Mind~Calm Mind~Energy Ball

For some reason I kept picturing Sobek as having a British accent throughout that reffing. XD

Spite that Calm Mind, if you would. Go for another Swords Dance, then jump into the river for a Dive. Wait for Veronica to fire off her Energy Ball before coming back up to barrel into her.

Spite ~ Swords Dance ~ Dive (wait, then attack)

Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 71%
Energy: 78%
Commands: Spite ~ Swords Dance ~ Dive
Status: Fully recovered from his brief bout of mild humility. +2 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 78%
Energy: 80%
Commands: Calm Mind ~ Calm Mind ~ Energy Ball
Status: Facing round two with renewed spooking confidence!


Right, thinks Veronica. The evil grin wasn't such a success. But that's okay! That just means that's not the kind of ghost she's supposed to be. Time to try another approach. She closes her eyes and tries really, really hard to ignore everything else around her. She's gonna be a stoic ghost, the kind who just floats around big old mansions and stuff like she owns the place. She doesn't need to act like like some silly cartoon ghost! The trick is to spook people just by being imposing. Like a Dusknoir! Oh man, they're too cool. They're like those bigshot human guards in big funny hats, except for the spirit world. Yes, a Gengar could never hope to be as spooky as one of those... Her train of thought continues along this track for a while. Though her mind is anything but 'calm', her focus is total and impenetrable, which serves just as well to sharpen her state of mind.

Meanwhile, Sobek is staring unblinkingly at Veronica with exactly the sort of empty expression she hopes to achieve. What's more, he's muttering some kind of arcane spell under his breath, casting a decidedly ghostly curse on Veronica. His spite permeates her abstract mind, and though she doesn't feel it yet, it settles into every cranny of uncertainty and sticks fast. She may be grinning like a buffoon now, but those bubbly thoughts won't come so easily next time. It serves her right, too, ruining his masterpiece and upstaging him like that. She's not even all that good at being a ghost! He's being more ghostly than her at this very moment, and that's not even what he's aiming for. Hardly a surprise to him, though; he's always had a knack for picking up talents on a whim.

On that note, the Totodile stands on tiptoe and begins spinning into another round of his warrior's dance. He felt he was particularly good at that, and he's thrilled to get another go at it. It feels a little lonely without a partner, but he forgets about that soon enough, letting the sheer exhilaration of the dance overflow his body and mind. He notices this time that it isn't just his awareness sharpening, either: he thought it was just his imagination before, but the dance is honing his body as well. His claws are noticeably, undeniably sharper, and the spikes jutting out along his back, normally slightly rounded, feel distinctly pointed now when he reaches back to poke one. He runs over to the river to get a look at his reflection—he'll need to head that way anyway, after all—and he just loves what he sees in the water's mysteriously (but usefully) still surface. His teeth have also benefitted from the dance, making his already-stunning grin all the more impressive. Absolutely magnificent.

Veronica pouts a little as Sobek runs off, completely ignoring her stoic ghost act... Oh, wait, of course! She didn't get the face. She was so busy working herself up to be all dignified that she forgot to get the expression down, too. Okay... eyes closed again, try to forget about acting all excited... But that doesn't mean she can't still be happy, of course, but she has to show a very distinguished sort of contentment and confidence if she does... Ooh, that sounds kinda like that prissy Totodile and that's not what she wants at all! He's nothing like a Dusknoir. Yes, he's not very stoic at all, now that she thinks about it. So she doesn't have to worry about turning into him! Good. Oh, wait, being calm, right. Wow, she's having way more trouble concentrating this time! Eventually the Litwick manages to flatten her stubborn smile into something more neutral, though, and when she opens her eyes, she remembers not to open them too wide, or she might look excited. Or maybe frightened, without the smile, but that's no good, either.

Sobek, as she sees, is still sitting by the river, wearing his lid-eyed grin again as if daring Veronica to come over. She nearly loses her composure at that; she manages to keep her face straight, with some effort, but her flame flares up a little and nearly gives her away. She makes her way towards Sobek as quickly as she can, hoping it looks like she's descending upon him threateningly and not angrily, charging up another gelatinous-looking glowing green Energy Ball as she moves. She realizes after a bit that she shouldn't've jumped the gun—this one's bigger than the last, and she can't see him over the top of it! She has to do a funny little dance to glimpse him around the side without letting go of it, which doesn't look very cool at all. It pays off, though, because she does figure out which way to aim, and she shoots it straight at him!

For a split second, she has to force back a grin. In that split second, however, Sobek does a flashy backflip into the river. The splash he leaves behind bursts Veronica's blob of energy. Forgetting herself, the Litwick shouts out in shock, then clasps her stubby arms over her mouth. Did he hear that? Yes, there he is. Shoot. It looks like he poked his eyes back up just to see her reaction, too; he dips back under the surface right afterward.

The water's cold in a strange way, a way Sobek doesn't quite understand. It doesn't really feel all that cold flowing past his scales, though it's still rather chilly; what confuses him is that it permeates his entire body. It's as if his bloodstream were full of pure adrenaline, even though he doesn't feel the least bit scared. He has to admit this is at least unnerving, though, so he forgets his plans to prolong his swim. He darts back to the surface and leaps out, managing to sail a good four feet into the air, spraying Veronica. At his apex, he flips over and curls up to come down as a wet ball of spikes, smacking right into her face. That face is less stoic than ever just before the impact; in fact, it's downright horrified. The sharpened spikes dig into the Litwick's waxy flesh, leaving a pair of long vertical gashes when the Totodile dislodges himself, each gash a good three inches. They only sting the ghost, and they seal over within seconds, but it's the principle of the thing that offends her. She was trying her best to look cool, and that cheeky brat upstaged her again.


Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 69%
Energy: 58%
Actions: Spite ~ Swords Dance ~ Dive
Status: Getting himself the hell away from his position between his opponent and that creepy river. +4 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 53%
Energy: 58%
Actions: Calm Mind ~ Calm Mind ~ Energy Ball
Status: Offended, but kind of relieved that the stoic ghost act was a flop, 'cause it turns out it's no fun at all. Calm Mind Spited; +2 special attack, +2 special defense.


Arena Notes:

• Both Pokémon are by the river. Veronica is about two feet away from it, and Sobek has placed himself on the other side of her, about two feet further.

Notes:

• Word count: 1093
• I don't think I've ever seen anyone else write Swords Dance involving an actual physical change, but I think I like it; it's how I've always imagined it, at least.
• Totodile posts first this round.

Energy and Damage:

• Sobek's health: 71% - 2% (field damage) = 69%
• Sobek's energy: 78% - 4% (Spite) - 5% (Swords Dance) - 11% (Dive) = 58%
• Veronica's health: 78% - 23% (Dive) - 2% (field damage) = 53%
• Veronica's energy: 80% - 4% (Calm Mind 1) - 8% (Calm Mind 2) - 10% (Energy Ball) = 58%

Oh Sobek, you and your spikes are so pretty :D

So that's a creepy river, huh? I'll bet Veronica'll hate it even more. See if you can knock her in there with an Aqua Jet. If she doesn't land right into it, she should still be close enough to it to feel uncomfortable. Then trap her there with a Whirlpool, wherever she is. Finally, smash into her with a elegant Waterfall.

If she Protects, go for a chill instead because iirc chills aren't direct recovery moves. Then try the Aqua-Jet-followed-by-Whirlpool thing again, unless she manages to Protect again, in which case chill and then just go with Waterfall.

Aqua Jet/Chill ~ Whirlpool/Aqua Jet/Chill ~ Waterfall/Whirlpool/Chill

Totodile said:

If she Protects, go for a chill instead because iirc chills aren't direct recovery moves.

Click to expand...

Chill's listed as "Healing (energy)" rather than "Healing (direct)", so yeah, it's fine.

Let's start with Confuse Ray, and then Psychic. After that, use Flame Charge.

Confuse Ray~Psychic~Flame Charge

Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 69%
Energy: 58%
Commands: Aqua Jet/Chill ~ Whirlpool/Aqua Jet/Chill ~ Waterfall/Whirlpool/Chill
Status: Taking aim at Veronica's back. +4 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 53%
Energy: 58%
Commands: Confuse Ray ~ Psychic ~ Flame Charge
Status: Still going over her commands in her head. Calm Mind Spited; +2 special attack, +2 special defense.


Before Veronica even gets a chance to think about what kind of ghost to try being next, she finds herself flying into the river. She doesn't scream or anything; she's not really scared, just startled. In the second it takes to fully sink in that she's about to be drenched, the surface is already mere inches in front of her face. (In her defence, she's never seen a body of water before.) She lands with a sploosh much less impressive than Sobek's and bobs to the surface. Once she manages to squirm her way right-side-up, her flame reignites itself and she coughs up a bit of water. Blech. The water's cold and wet and she can't swim, but at least she floats, and it doesn't hurt; it just sorta stings. And the water's not taking her anywhere—water isn't her specialty, but she's pretty sure it's supposed to move when it's long like this! It must be the ghostly presence about this place favouring her like she just knew it would. Awesome. Anyway, she didn't get to see what hit her, but it's no mystery—it was wet and spiky and who else would it be anyway? She's not gonna let it get to her, though. Yes, no matter what kind of ghost she is, she's not going to be the kind of ghost who just gives up when things start looking rough.

Enough thinking; it's time for action! Veronica bobs around to face Sobek, relieved to see he hasn't come after her. He's staring apprehensively at the edge of the water, trying to figure out how to avoid getting back in. He's fairly sure he can manipulate it into a whirlpool without actually touching it... and then perhaps he can stretch Waterfall out so that he can run back to shore along the surface afterward? Lost in his deliberation, he doesn't notice as Veronica's eyes begin to flash a series of swampy earth tones. The colours snake forward and merge into a single wavering stream, making an eerie, hollow sound, like a musical glass resonating faintly. Just as it's about to hit, Sobek notices the sound and looks up, and he gets the full blast of the ray. It bursts into a cloud of lights around his head, and though it fades after a moment, he feels incredibly dizzy even when the lights have disappeared. He staggers forward, onto the very edge of the river, and flails his arms around, desperate to stay on his feet.

In the end, he keeps himself from falling into the river, but he can't remember his plan to stay dry for the life of him. Come to think of it, what was he even supposed to do...? Oh yeah...! He needs to get in the pool... and whirl it. Gotta enter in style, of course, can't be unstylish... The Totodile jumps high into the air for another smooth backflip, and reaches an impressive height; he's still in full possession of his heightened strength, if not his mental faculties. He successfully flips over in midair, albeit somewhat less gracefully than before... and comes crashing down on his head. He forgot to turn his back to the water first! For a moment, as he sees stars, he wonders why the lights have come back.

Sobek tries to push himself to his feet, but he can't find the ground to push against. Dammit, this is ridiculous, he's had enough of this already... But then he realizes it's not just him; the ground really is moving away. Or he's moving away from the ground. One or the other. His head hurts too much to think about it. Meanwhile, Veronica, glowing pink out in the river, is so excited that things are finally going right that she's even forgotten how cold the water is. Yes, let's see how high that jerk can get... Once he and the ground are about ten feet apart, she plunges him back downward and slams him into the ground with all her might. She hears a delightful thud upon impact, and squeals with joy.

Sobek, head pounding now, picks himself up and shakes his head to clear it a little. He looks out at Veronica, his vision swimming... swimming... right, swimming...! He's supposed to be out there, putting up a fight. He approaches the water and dunks his head in; the shock it gives him does a much better job of clearing his mind. Squinting at his opponent, making absolutely sure he knows which direction to go, he raises a torrent of water around himself, then charges. He charges with such force that, as he expected, he darts across the surface of the water. He manages to kick Veronica in the face, and tumbles ass over tea kettle into the water. But not before Veronica, thinking quickly, grabs onto his ankle.

As the Totodile rights himself, Veronica climbs up on his head. She cloaks herself in flames, the heat loosening her waxy body, which had become a little stiff in the water. Then, for lack of anywhere to really charge, she stomps on Sobek's snout as hard as she can. He flips out and dives underwater, trying to shake her off, but she holds on tight. Yes, she's not giving up, she's not. Her base is somewhat glued to his skin, which is a huge help. He gives up before long; between having the creepy water freeze through his head and letting this pest blister his beautiful face, he prefers the latter. Marginally. But ooooh, is she ever going to pay.


Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 43%
Energy: 41%
Actions: Aqua Jet ~ [confused] ~ Waterfall
Status: Not entirely in his right mind, but lucid enough to loathe Veronica with all his heart. Confused (moderate, two more actions at this stage); +4 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 16%
Energy: 40%
Actions: Confuse Ray ~ Psychic ~ Flame Charge
Status: High and dry, clinging to Sobek's head. Wearing down, but so giddy she doesn't really feel it. Calm Mind Spited; +2 special attack, +2 special defense.


Arena Notes:

• Both Pokémon are in the river, about ten feet out.

Notes:

• Word count: 926
• I use Kratos's scale for confusion, with the addition that confusion damage ranges from 2%-5% across the various severities and is affected by attack boosts/drops (though only 1% per two stages rather than the usual 2% per one stage).
• Falling in the river would have dealt Veronica some extra damage, probably just a small amount since I wouldn't take it into account at all if she weren't weak to water. But figuring out exactly how much would've required effort and she was going to hit the cap anyway.
• The cold water cancelled out the +1 speed from Flame Charge. It probably won't make a difference anyway; she's not likely to last long enough to outspeed Sobek.
• The arena damage bypassed the damage cap. (I VMed Totodile to confirm that that's how she intended it to work.)
• Littlestream posts first this round.

Energy and Damage:

• Sobek's health: 69% - 7% (confusion damage) - 13% (Psychic) - 4% (Flame Charge) - 2% (field damage) = 43%
• Sobek's energy: 58% - 7% (Aqua Jet) - 10% (Waterfall) = 41%
• Veronica's health: 53% - 15% (Aqua Jet) - 23% (Waterfall) = 15%; 18% (capped) - 2% (field damage) = 16%
• Veronica's energy: 58% - 5% (Confuse Ray) - 10% (Psychic) - 3% (Flame Charge) = 40%

OK, Veronica, since you're probably going to be knocked out soon (don't give me that look, you probably will) give it your all while you can! Start with Flamethrower (aim for his face if possible), then use Energy Ball, and then Flamethrower again.

Flamethrower~Energy Ball~Flamethrower

No worries Sobek my boy, we're almost there! Keep at it!

So she's on your face, eh? Smack her off with a Shadow Claw, making sure you're not smacking yourself instead. Aim for the white thing. Then Dive down into the river, deep as you can, and wait until she's fired off her Energy Ball before coming back up and crashing majestically into her. (I know it sucks, but getting fried by pure grass energy would suck more!) If she's somehow still alive on the third action, just shoot a Water Gun or something at her. Unless for some reason you couldn't attack before, in which case Aqua Jet.

If you feel like you're going to be too confused or hurt yourself, just chill to try and clear your head.

Shadow Claw/Chill ~ Dive/Chill ~ Water Gun/Aqua Jet

Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 43%
Energy: 41%
Commands: Shadow Claw/Chill ~ Dive/Chill ~ Water Gun/Aqua Jet
Status: Fed up and determined to rid himself of Veronica once and for all. Confused (moderate, two more actions at this stage); +4 attack.

Littlestream (3/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 16%
Energy: 40%
Commands: Flamethrower ~ Energy Ball ~ Flamethrower
Status: Reflecting on all her attempts at spooking Sobek. Calm Mind Spited; +2 special attack, +2 special defense.


Of course, all the spunk in the world can't change the fact that Veronica just doesn't have much left in her at this point. Sobek swats her off his face with a claw wreathed in mist, taking her out with no effort at all. (He wonders why it never occurred to him to use his claws when he was trying to shake her off.) But as she fades, rather than being upset or disappointed, she realizes she's learned something important today! Her bout of success has made her reassess her entire idea of ghostliness. She doesn't need to put on an act to spook anyone. That never worked out well at all, but when she forgot all about that, she managed to be a real devil to that prissy Totodile. Yes, she concludes: she's best at being her own ghost!


Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂

Ability: Torrent
Health: 41%
Energy: 31%
Actions: Shadow Claw
Status: Swimming back to shore. Not feeling excited, nor particularly proud—simply relieved. Confused (moderate, one more action at this stage); +4 attack.

Littlestream (2/3)
Veronica Pax ♀

Ability: Flash Fire
Health: 0%
Energy: 40%
Status: Proudly resting in her Poké Ball, after some difficulty recalling her on Littlestream's part. (Aiming that little beam can be a challenge!) Knocked out!


Arena Notes:

• Sobek is back on the river's edge (or at least he will be in time to receive his commands).

Notes:

• Shortest reffing ever. This should not have been almost two weeks late. x_x I was sick for most of a week and kind of forgot about it, but I've just been lazy since I got better.
• Littlestream chooses her next Pokémon, then Totodile posts commands, then Littlestream posts commands.

Energy and Damage:

• Sobek's health: 43% - 2% (field damage) = 41%
• Sobek's energy: 41% - 10% (Shadow Claw) = 31%
• Veronica's health: 16% - 18% (Shadow Claw) = -2%

I'll go with Jupiter.

You're doing great Sobek :D

Mud Sport, then Waterfall twice. If you feel like you're going to be confused, Chill to try and clear your head.

Mud Sport/Chill ~ Waterfall/Chill ~ Waterfall/Chill

Start off with Flash, and then use Thunderbolt twice. However, if he actually ends up Chilling at some point, you should use Flash then as well.

Flash~Thunderbolt/Flash~Thunderbolt/Flash

(I was going to do this yesterdaaayy...)

Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂ [Torrent]

Health: 41%
Energy: 31%
Status: Starting to get tired. Not sure how much patience he has left. Confused (30% fail chance); +4 attack.

Littlestream (2/3)
Jupiter ♂ [Rivalry]

Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Excited! So so excited!


Jupiter the Shinx materializes from his Poké Ball already teeming with excitement. He sneezes when the faint unearthly chill of the Asphodel Fields washes over him, then shakes it off and starts racing around as if he never felt anything. He bounds up to his trainer's heels and starts scrabbling at her leg like he's trying to run up to her arms for a hug. A tousle of the head fluff is enough affection to satisfy him, though, and he zips off to see what else is around. Littlestream chases after him, shouting commands, and he barely pays attention.

As soon as she seems to be done, he veers off toward Sobek to greet this fascinating new friend! But Sobek just meets the cub's odd yipping noises with his signature half-lidded, disinterested stare.

"Listen, Kitty, I'm getting pretty tired, so let's make this quick, alright?"

Jupiter's endless fountain of friendliness dries up in an instant. "NO WAY," he barks.

Sobek briefly wishes he had eyebrows so he could raise one. "No? You don't want to make this quick?"

"NO WAY I'M NO CAT EW GROSS NEVER WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK..."

Up goes Sobek's other imaginary eyebrow as he ignores the rest of Kitty's tirade. Mammals aren't his forte, but he's pretty sure he knows a feline when he sees one. Well, no matter, he supposes. Fuzzy little mammals are all the same to him anyway, when all is said and done. This kid can be whatever he wants.

Except intimidating. As if his little growl wasn't ridiculous enough on its own, he keeps trying to force it lower, and his voice keeps cracking. Sobek can't help but laugh—not that he would help it if he could. This buffoon is just what he needed after that candle brat. Maybe his laughter can drown out his throbbing blister.

This reaction does not impress Jupiter. He doesn't quite understand the meaning behind his new rival's noises, but they don't sound like noises someone would make if they recognized Jupiter as top dog. They sound like... quacking. Quacking... long, funny mouth thing... hanging out by the water... This must be a duck. And he can't let a duck make a fool of him. He needs to assert his dominance!

Another bark gets the duck's attention well enough. At least, he looks over at Jupiter, but he won't quit his obnoxious laughing. Jupiter pulses electricity through his fur, creating a blinding flash to look as impressive as he can. The duck lets out the worst squawk yet, but then, success! He finally shuts up! Better yet, he's staring starry-eyed in Jupiter's direction. The plan obviously worked; he's obviously in complete awe.

Sobek tries to shake the stars out of his eyes, to no avail. Oh, how he'd love to show this cat what's what, he thinks, but he can't. He tries shutting his eyes as tight as he can, but the sparks just keep swimming, only slightly less painful against the black. Anyway, where was he... Right, he can't show this cat—or whatever—up because he's scheduled to play in the mud. Rolling his eyes—ow—he digs his claws into the mud on the edge of the river—that's going to be hell to clean out—and flings it in the air. Because the huge blister on his snout clearly wasn't enough of an affront. He whimpers when the first glob splatters on his scales. The stuff is full of water from that awful river! That hadn't occurred to him; he was already too preoccupied mourning what dignity he had left. Oh, this had better be worth it.

Jupiter doesn't get it. "I DON'T GET IT." Nearly half a second passes with no response. "DUCK WHAT ARE YOU DOING IS THIS A DUCK THING WOW DUCKS SURE ARE WEIRD."

Sobek says nothing, but flings his next clawful of mud extra-high. Flecks of it splatter Jupiter, who yelps and instinctively shoots off a haphazard bolt. The specks of mud sizzle as the electricity fries them, along with Sobek and his mud, and the ground around both of them.

Jupiter jumps backward in shock as smoke billows up around the two. He didn't even know he could do that! He really is top dog. After catching his breath (and practically coughing up a lung), he squints over at the other pillar of smoke, hoping he gets to see just how well-done the duck is.

Before he can make anything out, a dark blur flies out of the smoke, streaming water like the tail of a comet. He jumps again, but it's too late. Sobek rams into him dead-on, overcoming vision clouded by water and lingering stars. The mud, caked on by the Thunderbolt, sticks to his scales better than glue, better even than gum in hair. No peanut butter's going to get it off, let alone water, but he'll have time to curse that later. Right now, all he can think is that it was worth it, so worth it. The bolt barely tickled him compared to what he was braced for. He can feel himself wearing down, but he doesn't care; he feels alive, so alive. Battling is definitely his sport.

Jupiter scrambles to his feet and fires off another bolt in a panic. But by that point, Sobek's already gaining speed for a second impact. He feels like his skull's splitting when the bolt sears him, but he doesn't let it slow him down. He forces himself forward and charges into Jupiter with as much force as before. A feeling of success floods his mind and stifles his headache when his opponent careens backward, yowling. Oh yes, he's going down in history as a god of beauty and war, surely an unprecedented and perfect combination.


Totodile (3/3)
Sobek ♂ [Torrent]

Health: 11%
Energy: 9%
Status: Caked in mud and thrilled with it. Maybe he should investigate mud baths after this is done! Covered by Mud Sport; confused (15% fail chance); +4 attack, -1 accuracy.

Littlestream (2/3)
Jupiter ♂ [Rivalry]

Health: 63%
Energy: 88%
Status: Quickly developping a hatred for all ducks. Every single duck is his rival from this point forward.


Arena Notes:

• On the edge of the river, there's a rough circle of scorched mud with claw marks on it, and a patch of blackened grass a few feet away from it.

Notes:

• TOTOTOTOTOTOTOTO why can't I find any videos of Totodile's laugh that weren't taken by pointing a camera at a screen? :(
• I've written up an actual reffing scale now, which I'm switching to. It's not a huge change; the main thing is that I finally sat down and figured out status conditions, since I wasn't very good at following Kratos's scale. Sobek already had a 30% chance of confusion failure before the switch, which will fade at pretty much the same rate, so this isn't shifting anything significantly in anyone's favour.
• Anyway, now that that's there to follow, I'm going to stop listing calculations at the end of every post. Trying to unclutter all the stuff surrounding the actual reffing. Let's also see if I can't finally get this battle back on track...
• Littlestream goes first this round.

That's great, Jupiter! Just use Thunder Fang three times. The duck probably won't be able to take that many hits, anyway.

Thunder Fang~Thunder Fang~Thunder Fang

(Oops. Didn't see this.)