Tyrrier Reven Hollow

[Jackie Cat]

No time to think. No time for witty repartee, or getting used to her new, Persian body. She just had to act. And at least she could be fairly sure of what action to take – the usual 'get everyone stronger, fast', and slowing the hell out of the least fortified targets. The sooner they got the action economy tipping back towards them, the fucking better. It was all so clear, the combat net threading neatly through her brain...

She cried out as her friend went for Ralsen, heedless of the terrain and enemy units.

"Jade, watch out—!"

Howls, she wished they'd brought more muscle. But they'd pull through. They had to.

Betel, can you call for reinforcements? Malachai, we need intel on those last two.

The reply from Mal came swift and clear. On it.

Malachai's Spotter Skill: Mal got an eye on Kaida’s tactics!

Spoiler: Laura Turn 1

Laura (290 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Activate ability (Moody) @ +2 Mag, -1 Atk
- Coaching @ Koa & Leaf (-36 STM, +2 TMP)
- Tailwind (-40 STM, +2 TMP)
- Soul's Conviction @ Jade (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [Acc & Eva, Acc & Eva]
- Dash to Marshy Flats (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Icy Wind @ Marshy Flats (-34.5 STM, +2 TMP)
- Icy Wind @ Marshy Flats (-23 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -164 STM, +8 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 126 STM (126 after regen), 13 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Tetra]

Energy thrummed through Koa as he fell into the rhythm of the battle. Wind at his back, team at his side and a target ahead. Nothing to do but focus on the battle, on taking out the most dangerous opponents as one. He mentally ran through Ralsen's team the way he would have as a trainer. Aggron, a wall like Flurry. The Sceptile, a fast striker like Echo. Tyranitar, probably a heavy hitter like Rascal.

'Flamethrower on Aggron!' Koa called, the command more instinct as a trainer than necessity.

Anubis moved in sync with his words, hiding within the shadows and unleashing a pinpoint stream of flame upon the Armored-One.

He struck first the Tyranitar, the target weakest to his blows, then turned upon the Sceptile, fists alight with radiance.

Spoiler: Turn 1

Koa (236 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Marshy Flats
- **Act:** Call @ Laura
- Bulk Up (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- STRONG Mach Punch @ Typhon (-9 STM, +5 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Typhon (-9 STM, +3 TMP)
- Shining Blindside @ Silvan (ACTIVATE: Flinch) (-40 STM, -5 TMP, +5 TMP, +36 RAD)
Net change: -72 STM, +10 TMP, +0 SHD, +36 RAD
Net totals: 164 STM (234 after regen), 15 TMP, 0 SHD, 36 RAD

Anubis (Aux)
- Mage Strike (Fire) @ Aggron

 

[Phoenixsong]

"You won't be the only one dying if you go out like this. Guess Forlas is just lucky they get to get screwed over by your destiny, right."

You know he won't listen. The thought felt weary, resigned. He's even more stubborn than you are.

Leaf shook the half-hearted jab out of her head. Lock in, bring them down, save drilling 'you are a colossally selfish asshole' into his head for later. She let the network guide her attention: what did they need to know, where were the threats, how did they kneecap them.

The tyranitar. He'd tried to hem them in before, back at the Ranger headquarters, but not this time. Help me slow him down, she sent Blue. Then she lunged, driving her horn into the chinks of the rock-type's armor to bash the wind out of him.

Blue stared. The tyranitar she wanted help with. Not the sceptile. The giant dinosaur made of rocks. If actual Arcanine had been here then Blue would've had tons of ideas for playing around this, but the hell was he, personally, the guy who'd had fire for like five minutes, supposed to do about it?

But the hive mind thing was buzzing again, not annoying and distracting but smooth, clarifying. Unlocking little corners of arcanine-brain he hadn't noticed before, hadn't tried before. God this was stupid, but maybe he might be able to— no, he could. He swore under his breath (nope, still stupid, still extremely stupid) and rounded on the tyranitar the second Leaf kicked away from him, a burning, withering snarl on his face.

Spoiler: Leaf, Turn 1

Leaf (236 STM, 5 TMP, +2 SPD, +3 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Marshy Flats
- Umbral Vigilance @ Typhon (-40 STM, +2 TMP, +36 SHD) [Intel: Combat AI]
- Quick Attack @ Typhon (-6 STM, +6 TMP)
- Quick Attack @ Typhon (-9 STM, +6 TMP)
- Zen Headbutt @ Typhon (ACTIVATE: effect) (-17 STM, -8 TMP, +7 TMP)
- CRITICAL Dire Claw @ Silvan (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-30 STM, -17 TMP, +5 TMP) [Inflict: Drowsy]
Net change: -90 STM, +1 TMP, +36 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 146 STM (146 after regen), 6 TMP, 36 SHD, 0 RAD

Spoiler: Blue, Turn 1 (Aux)

Blue (Aux)
- Saboteur Skill (Lower all stats at 0+ by 1 for [2]) @ Typhon

Spoiler: Turn 1 Order

- Blue
- Laura
- Koa
- Leaf
- Jade
- Other auxes

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade's eyes followed Ralsen and Vesta as they took position looking down on the rest of the fighters. She briefly glanced at the rest of his team, imagining how she'd avoid their strikes, but her gaze kept flickering back to him.

He's their trainer, right? They won't fight as well without him...

It was a dark thought. The kind of thing that Rockets would have done. But humans weren't weak here, and something told her he wouldn't even be opposed to it.

'Can you cover me? I need to get closer,' Jade thought to Virga before dashing toward the arch, ignoring the pointed stones that cut into her paws as she did.

One solid hit with that arrow of darkness, and he wouldn't be able to hide from her.

Spoiler: Jade Turn 1

Jade (257 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +3 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Dash to Arch Shadow (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Charge Beam @ Vesta (ACTIVATE: effect) (-18 STM, -3 TMP, +5 TMP)
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Kaida Spd
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- RADIANT Charge Beam @ Vesta (ACTIVATE: effect) (-12 STM, -3 TMP, +6 TMP, +9 RAD)
- Umbral Determinism @ Ralsen (ACTIVATE: effect) (-40 STM, -5 TMP, +7 TMP, +32 SHD)
- Walk to Sloped Lawn
Net change: -66 STM, +10 TMP, +32 SHD, +9 RAD
Net totals: 191 STM (255 after regen), 15 TMP, 32 SHD, 9 RAD

Spoiler: Virga Turn 1

Virga (Aux)
- Defender Skill @ Jade

 

[Chibi Pika]

Turn 1
Player Phase​

Blue's Saboteur Skill lowered Typhon's stats!
Virga's Defender Skill is protecting Jade!
Anubis's Mage skill dealt 11 damage to Tako! -1 Res
Malachai Spotter skill identified Kaida!

Combat Intel: Kaida - Class: Healer
From her harsh demeanor, it'd be easy to get the idea that Kaida was a devastating attacker, but she's taking a position to support the others instead. A healer...? Her support focus seems to be primarily on Vesta for now, but that's not to say that she wouldn't heal the others in a pinch. If she’s targeted directly, her tactics may change.

Laura's Coaching boosted Koa & Leaf!
Laura's Tailwind boosted the party's speed!
Laura's Soul's Conviction boosted Jade and her reflexes!
Laura's AGILE Icy Winds dealt 10 damage to Silvan! One was dodged! -1 Spd
Laura's AGILE Icy Winds dealt 3+4 damage to Tako! It's not very effective... -2 Spd

Koa called out to Laura! Friendship granted both of them a Helping Hand.
Koa's STRONG Mach Punch dealt 49 damage to Typhon! It's ultra effective!
Koa's Mach Punch dealt 39 damage to Typhon! It's ultra effective!
Koa's Shining Blindside dealt a grazing 33 damage to Silvan! Flinching!

Leafs Umbral Vigilance identified Typhon!
Leaf's Quick Attacks dealt 14+14 damage to Typhon!
Leaf's Zen Headbutt dealt 17 damage to Typhon! It's hardly effective... Flinching!
Leaf's Dire Claw dealt a CRITICAL 63 damage to Silvan! It's super effective! Drowsy!

Combat Intel: Typhon - Class: Paladin
While Typhon can hit hard, he's a subtler fighter than one focusing solely on all-out damage. He moves like one ready to adapt to his opponents with a versatile array of elements and hexes. But if he's crowded by too many opponents, he might change tactics.

Jade's AGILE Charge Beam dealt 30 damage to Vesta! It's super effective!
Jade's Magician stole 1 Acc.
Jade's RADIANT Charge Beam dealt 34 damage to Vesta! It's super effective!
Jade's Umbral Determinism was intercepted by Vesta 79 damage! It's super effective! +1 Eva
Fated granted both of them a Helping Hand.

Jade blinked in surprise as the Shadow-laced arrow that she'd fired failed to land on target. No, that wasn't right, she was supposed to be linked with him. She could already feel her awareness sharpening around Vesta's location, and feel the Charizard's awareness of her in turn. And then, as the flames approached, it struck her that she'd really, really screwed up.

Turn 1
Enemy Phase​

Vesta walked to Arch Shadow!
Vesta dashed to Sloped Lawn!
Vesta's AGILE Ominous Wind hit Jade's Protect!
Vesta's Ominous Wind broke Jade's Protect! +1 Omniboost!
Vesta's Fire Blast, boosted by Fated, dealt 179 damage to Jade!
Vesta dashed to Arch Shadow!

Ralsen's Initiative! Ralsen dashed to Arch Shadow
Ralsen's Blast Clusters damaged Koa and Leaf's Protects!
Ralsen called out to Vesta! Rallying Cry granted +1 Spd
Vesta's Devotion granted +1 Acc & Vesta is guarding Ralsen!
Ralsen used a Protect Orb on Vesta!
Ralsen focused...

Ralsen's Initiative - So long as Ralsen doesn't use any Moves, he may freely use items on any member of his team sharing a Zone with him. Once per turn, Ralsen may Dash before performing two Acts in one action, as if using Agile Style.

Vesta's Devotion - On turns when she is Called by her trainer, Vesta gains +1 Acc and her Bodyguard can activate multiple times without consuming additional tempo. When walking, Vesta may bring her trainer with her.

Kaida used Heal Pulse on Vesta!
Kaida dashed to Marshy Flats!
Kaida's Extreme Speed missed Laura!
Kaida's Extreme Speed dealt 68 damage to Laura!
Kaida's Breaking Swipe broke Koa and Leaf's Protects!
Kaida called out to Vesta! Friendship granted both of them a Helping Hand.

Tako dashed to Marshy Flats!
Tako's AGILE Rock Tomb dealt a grazing 6 damage to Koa!
Tako's Rock Tomb dealt a grazing 8 damage to Leaf!
Tako used 2x Follow Me twice!
Tako Focused...

Silvan's Toxic badly poisoned Koa & Laura!
Silvan's STRONG U-Turn dealt a CRITICAL 88 damage to Laura! It's super effective!
Silvan retreated to Sheltered Hill.
Silvan was flinching and couldn't do more.

Typhon's STRONG Iron Head dealt 96 damage to Leaf! It's super effective! Flinch!
Typhon's Crunch dealt 61 damage to Koa! -1 Def.
Typhon was flinching and couldn't do more.

Everyone's Rhythm avtivated!

"Mm sleepy... You guys handle it," Silvan muttered as he retreated into the forest. Tako took up a defensive position alongside Kaida as she let a stream of healing energy flow from her clawtips, restoring Vesta.

Jade slowly picked herself up from the damp grass, pain and searing heat wracking every inch of her body. She'd messed up, she'd messed up. The only silver lining was that she could still feel a keen awareness of Vesta's movements, and hopefully she could deal it all back. But then...

Jade blinked. Vesta's scales looked good as new. The Dragonite had... healed her? And until Vesta went down, it would be hard to get at Ralsen. But with Kaida healing her, and Tako standing guard nearby, how were they ever going to break through?

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura's lips pulled back in a snarl, one that sounded deeper, rougher than she was used to hearing out of her own throat.

"The dragonite's their bloody MEDIC!" she howled over the network, "Target the fucking dragonite first!"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura banished a flicker of doubt and committed to the plan. It was a dead simple one – get rid of the healer. Everyone knew that was what you did in, like, MMORPGs and shit. It was a good plan.

Right?

Decision paralysis seized her for precious seconds. She wasn't cut out for this. She was tired. Unprepared. Howls, gods...

Desperate for something to give her a much-needed boost after her explosive first round of moves, she reached for her 'special' flask and downed enough to make her throat burn. For a second, she felt heady, uncertain. Then her Radiance burned away the fog, leaving only clarity of purpose...

That sense of certainty, the knowledge that she could trust her gut, that she was right about things— it had been growing inside her, and now her new body was suffused with it. The uncertainty fell away; all that mattered was the bright, clear path she had to take. Kaida seemed illuminated, the rest of the world shadowed, silver traceries highlighting every step she had to take...

This next attack would give the dragon something to think about.

---

Confounded body. He'd had so little time to recover his strength! How was he to fight like this?

Ah, but his opponents had yet to know of his relative weakness. They would see only his size, and assume significance... And that was something he was willing to take advantage of.

Malachai lit a pilot light of flame in his mouth, and rose to a great height, spreading his wings to block out the moonlight and cast a shadow across the opposing team. Witness him, and think on the power he would surely unleash!

Mal attempted to look threatening! Then he struck Kaida with his Dragon Mage Skill! -1 Res!

Spoiler: Laura Turn 2

Laura (126 STM, 16 TMP, +1 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Activate ability (Moody) @ -1 Acc, +2 Def
- Soul's Conviction @ Jade (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [+Mag/Res, +Acc/Eva to self]
- **Act:** Item (Whiskey) (+50 STM)
- Shining Clarity (-40 STM, +36 RAD) [Not Drunk!]
- STRONG Umbral Aspiration @ Kaida (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-60 STM, +2 TMP, +36 SHD) [299 Magic, Sure Crit/Hit, HH]
Net change: -72 STM, +4 TMP, +36 SHD, +36 RAD
Net totals: 54 STM (114 after regen), 20 TMP, 36 SHD, 36 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Tetra]

The dizzy burn of toxic sent a wave of lightheadedness swirling through him. Stupid Sceptile. He supposed this was how opponents felt when they faced Echo's poison fang. Wincing, he hurriedly downed a berry, finding it in his bag through rote memorization from countless fights. Hopefully it wouldn't happen again.

"Target the fucking dragonite first!"

Laura's instincts aligned with his own, and he had no issue following the tactic.

Strike the tank, bring down the healer. Anubis' eerie hunting howl sent a buzz of power through him as he charged the Aggron first, peppering in rapid strikes to build up momentum. With a steadied breath, he let some of the pull of shadow flow into his paws.

Let anger fuel your fists. This time the mantra served as dark encouragement. And it was easy enough to be furious; furious that Ralsen would do this, furious that he was just being another problem. Another threat. He held no ill will to them for their trainers choices, but they were opponents all the same. Opponents who needed to be brought down.

"Sorry but your trainer is wrong." When he struck, he aimed for the weak spots. Wings. Jaw. It wasn't personal, but it was necessary. He wished it could be different.

Spoiler: Turn 2: Anubis

Anubis (Aux)
- Support Skill @ Koa +1Atk

Anubis used Howl!

Spoiler: Turn 2: Koa

Koa (234 STM, 15 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 36 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Lum Berry) @ Koa
- Mach Punch @ Tako (-6 STM, +3 TMP)
- AGILE Mach Punch @ Tako (-12 STM, +3 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Tako (-6 STM, +3 TMP)
- Ganbatte Soul @ Kaida (-30 STM, +3 TMP)
- CRITICAL Umbral Retribution @ Kaida (-40 STM, -20 TMP, +3 TMP, +36 SHD)
- Walk to Dense Wood
Net change: -89 STM, -5 TMP, +36 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 145 STM (215 after regen), 10 TMP, 36 SHD, 36 RAD

 

[Phoenixsong]

Go for the healer, she'd said. Yeah, sure, cool, great idea. If you really thought these guys were dumb enough to leave their healer unprotected. Apparently everyone did think that, the way they were all throwing themselves at the dragonite, even as the aggron shifted his mountain of armor right in the fucking way.

"Idiots," Blue started under his breath, but the hum of the network cut in. There was no blind rushing in, but a request that it be taken care of, an understanding that it'd all work out because—

—oh.

"...Fine," he hissed. He had to scramble to get ahead of them—couldn't give the new guy a god damn head start while he's still getting used to this, could you, awesome, thanks—but he just about managed to get a wave of fire rolling toward the aggron, turning the metal plates red-hot in hopes of cooking him in his own armor.

Spoiler: Leaf, Turn 2

Leaf (146 STM, 6 TMP, +2 SPD, +4 ACC, 36 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Tenacious Soul @ Kaida (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-30 STM, -2 TMP, +9 TMP) [Effect: -1 Eva]
- AGILE Play Rough @ Kaida (-24 STM, +7 TMP)
- CRITICAL Play Rough @ Kaida (-16 STM, -15 TMP, +7 TMP)
Net change: -62 STM, +6 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 84 STM (154 after regen), 12 TMP, 36 SHD, 0 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Blue, Turn 2 (Aux)

Blue (Aux)
- Caster Strike (Fire) @ Tako

Spoiler: Turn 2 Order

- Blue
- Anubis
- Koa
- Leaf
- Malachai
- Laura
- Virga
- Jade

 

[Chibi Pika]

Too many targets, too hard to focus down just one of them, not when there were attacks flying in every direction. Jade's eyes kept automatically drifting back to the Charizard's flight path, but no. Laura had called out for everyone to attack the Dragonite. She needed a better vantage point, and she needed to get out of the fray before another hit took her out of the fight.

It's right there, go go go

The answer had barely registered in her brain before her legs sprung into action, Radiance propelling her forward as she sprinted on all fours across the slick lawn. No hesitation—she reached the treeline and raced straight up the vertical incline, claws hooking into rough bark one after another until she'd reached the top. She sat there, perched amongst the canopy, a strange feeling of calm coming over her as she looked down on the battle raging below. A perfect line of sight on Kaida while Koa peppered the Aggron with rapid-fire blows.

Jade was aware of Vesta still targeting her, and Virga circling the Charizard in midair, trying to draw her fire. Couldn't worry about that, not when she could feel the electricity thrumming in her gem as she took aim.

She'd already let the lightning fly when she caught the glint of flame in her peripheral vision.

Her body moved without her telling it to, throwing itself out of the fire's path. She felt the wave of searing heat as it streamed past, and then she was falling. The ground rushed up at her in slow motion, her limbs reaching out for the nearest branch, too far away. Bracing herself for the impact—

In her blurred vision, she caught a glimpse of wings glowing white, impossibly huge wings, right before a pair of oversized talons wrapped around her midsection and caught her fall.

'Will you quit doing that!?' Virga yelled.

Spoiler: Jade Turn 2

Jade (255 STM, 15 TMP, +1 SPD, +5 ACC, 32 SHD, 9 RAD)
- Walk to Marshy Flats
- CRITICAL Shining Freefall @ Kaida (-40 STM, -15 TMP, +10 TMP, +32 RAD)
- SHADOW Soul's Adversity (ACTIVATE: Umbral Aura) (-30 STM, +2 TMP, +24 SHD)
- STRONG CRITICAL Thunderbolt @ Kaida (-31.5 STM, -11 TMP, +12 TMP) [+50 BP]
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Kaida Spd
- **Act:** Item (Root Beer)
Net change: -96 STM, -2 TMP, +24 SHD, +32 RAD
Net totals: 159 STM (223 after regen), 13 TMP, 56 SHD, 41 RAD

Spoiler: Virga Turn 2

Virga (Aux)
- Defender Skill @ Jade
- Interact @ Vesta (Use the light to momentarily blind her)

 

[Chibi Pika]

Turn 2
Player Phase​

Anubis's Howl boosted Koa! +1 Atk
Blue's Fiery Caster Wave dealt 9 damage to Tako!

Koa's TRIPLE Mach Punch, boosted by Laura, dealt 14+9+12 damage to Tako! It's ultra effective!
Koa's Ganbatte Soul dealt 17 damage to Kaida and boosted his next move!
Koa's Umbral Retribution dealt a CRITICAL 116 damage to Kaida! It's super effective! Recovered 46 HP.

Leaf's Tenacious Soul dealt 27 damage to Kaida! It's super effective! -1 Eva
Leaf's AGILE Play Roughs dealt 25 + a CRITICAL 82 damage to Kaida! It's super effective!

Malachai Draconic Caster Wave lowered Res and then dealt 32 damage to Kaida!

Laura's Soul's Conviction boosted herself and Jade!
Laura's Shining Clarity boosted her next move!
Laura's STRONG Umbral Aspiration, boosted by Koa, dealt a CRITICAL 230 damage to Kaida! It's super effective! Frostbite! Laura took 57 dmg in recoil.

Virga's Defender Skill is protecting Jade!
Virga's evolution blinded Vesta! -1 Acc

Jade's Shining Freefall dealt a CRITICAL 124 damage to Kaida! It's super effective!
Jade's SHADOW Soul's Adversity boosted her next move!
Jade's STRONG Thunderbolt dealt a CRITICAL 270 damage to Kaida! It's super effective! KO!!

Jade's breath caught in her chest as Kaida seized up from the barrage of strikes, her wings eventually giving out. They'd done it? They'd done it! She felt exhausted, her system drenched with both the buzzing sting of Radiance and the weighty grip of Shadow. She didn't have another attack like that in her, not without taking a moment to clear her head.

Vesta let out a growl as Kaida crashed to the ground and Ralsen recalled her into her Pokéball.

"Stay calm," Ralsen told her in a quiet voice before giving the battle a quick scan. He hurled a Gold Thorn at Malachai before dashing toward the trees, calling out, "Silvan, you're needed!"

"Get back in here!" Tako added with a chuckle after hurling more rocks into the fray.

"Not my fault!" the Sceptile crowed back, leaping out of the trees with a glob of poison in each claw.

Turn 2
Enemy Phase​

Vesta called out to Kaida as she fainted!
Vesta Agile-dashed to Marshy Flats!
Vesta's AGILE Air Slash broke Jade's Protect!
Vesta's Air Slash missed Jade!
Vesta's Ominous Wind dealt 9 damage to Jade! +1 Omniboost
Vesta's Fire Blast dealt 109 damage to Jade!
Vesta walked to Arch Shadow.

Ralsen called out to Vesta! Rallying Cry granted +1 Res
Vesta's Devotion granted +1 Acc & Vesta is guarding Ralsen!
Ralsen used a Healthy Orb on Vesta!
Ralsen's Gold Thorn was aimed at Malachai!
Ralsen Agile-dashed to Marshy Flats!
Ralsen called out for Silvan to Book It! Leadership let Silvan move to Marshy Flats.
Ralsen walked to Arch Shadow.

Tako's AGILE Rock Tombs missed Jade & Leaf!
Tako called out to Silvan!
Tako Focused...
Tako is holding an action...

Silvan Focused...
Silvan's Toxic badly poisoned Jade and Leaf! Ruiner extended the timers.
Silvan's Scale Shot dealt a grazing 5+9+9+8+ a CRITICAL 13 damage to Koa! Silvan's Def fell and Spd rose.
Silvan's STRONG Bullet Seed dealt 14+13+14+12+ a CRITICAL 20 damage to Koa! Loaded Dice made it hit 5 times!
Silvan walked to Dense Wood.

Typhon's Courageous granted an Omniboost and +1 Endure.
Typhon's Unnerve drained Jade & Laura's Tempo.
Typhon's Earthquake! Blast Control shielded Tako.
Jade: 63
Laura: a grazing 14
Leaf: 26
Typhon's STRONG Iron Head dealt 53 damage to Laura! Flinching!
Typhon's Crunch dealt 51 damage to Leaf! -1 Def, Hex Maniac

Everyone's Rhythm activated!

Jade scanned the battlefield in the brief moment of respite she'd gained from being carried by Virga. (Carried by Virga? That was new.)
Sceptile (not Ralsen) was open, and his defenses were down. Tyranitar was a real pain, and he seemed braced to endure what came next. Aggron... she wasn't sure how they'd ever break through Aggron.

 

[Chibi Pika]

Corviknight.

That was this form's name.

These were not her true wings, but for the time Virga would spend on this world, it would do.

 

[Tetra]

"Hah! Nice one!" Koa howled, catching a glimpse of shining wings through the dense trees. Good for her.

The moment of elation was short lived as Koa caught sight of the Sceptile moving through the trees. The saftey of the woods just got a lot less safe.

For the Sceptile.

Let us hunt. A primal thrill ran through Anubis as he plunged into the woods after his prey. He'd seen Alpha take refuge in the woods, seen the lizard enter shortly after. He would not allow the Lizard to bring harm to Alpha a second time. Darkness was his ally, shadow his packmate. He howled to signal Alpha, a bone-chilling cry he trusted the electrike to grasp.

He closed in on the Poisonous Lizard, using fire to drive it out - right into the waiting fists of Alpha.

Months ago, Koa would have found the Sceptile's agility a problem. Even oreso back home. Now, between his experience on Forlas and his practice from back home, it was a challenge he could overcome. Flames from Anubis met paws cloaked in lighting, shadow and then a blinding flash of radiance that sent lit the forest like daytime for a moment.

Spoiler: Turn 3: Anubis

Anubis (Aux)
- Caster Skill @ Silvan
(Redirect to Tako)

Anubis used Flamethrower!

Spoiler: Turn 3: Koa

Koa (215 STM, 10 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 36 SHD, 36 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -30 RAD)
- AGILE Ganbatte Soul @ Silvan (-45 STM, +3 TMP)
- Umbral Retribution @ Silvan (-40 STM, +3 TMP, +36 SHD)
- Ganbatte Soul @ Silvan (-30 STM, +3 TMP)
- CRITICAL Shining Blindside @ Silvan (-40 STM, -20 TMP, +3 TMP, +36 RAD)
Net change: -155 STM, -3 TMP, +6 SHD, +6 RAD
Net totals: 60 STM (130 after regen), 7 TMP, 42 SHD, 42 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Phoenixsong]

One down, and no more of their hard work getting erased. Just had to put that work in, now.

Leaf lowered her head to lunge at the tyranitar again, but a streak of green flashed by in her peripheral vision; by the time she'd realized it had vanished into the trees there was a nasty, venom-laced slice across her side. She hissed, but forced the discomfort out of mind, and felt the toxic fading with it. That's what unicorns do, genius. Get rid of poison. Or—even better—get rid of the obnoxious sceptile trying to spread it.

Leaf charged into the woods after Silvan, horn glowing and ready to cut him down. Unfortunately for Blue, that was the opposite of making the tyranitar go away. The earthquake sent him rolling, kicking him in the chest each time he bounced off the ground, until the last shockwave threw him into a tree trunk and for a split second everything went black.

Blue just about managed to pick himself up, but his legs shook even though the earth had stopped. God damn it. The tyranitar's roaring filled his ears. Still confident even as his teammates folded. Still knocking him aside like he was nothing.

The fire rushed out almost on instinct this time. A whorl of flames crossed the distance between them and latched hungrily onto the tyranitar's scales, hunting for chinks in the armor to sear and dull and crack, because let's see you fucking try that again.

Spoiler: Leaf, Turn 3

Leaf (154 STM, 12 TMP, +2 SPD, +5 ACC, 36 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Dense Wood
- Quick Attack @ Silvan (-6 STM, +8 TMP)
- Quick Attack @ Silvan (-9 STM, +8 TMP)
- CRITICAL Dire Claw @ Silvan (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-30 STM, -17 TMP, +10 TMP) [Effect: Poisoned]
- AGILE CRITICAL Play Rough @ Silvan (-24 STM, -15 TMP, +7 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP) [Perfect Health: Reduce Bad Poison timer]
- CRITICAL RADIANT Play Rough @ Silvan (-16 STM, -15 TMP, +7 TMP, +14 RAD)
Net change: -75 STM, -2 TMP, +0 SHD, +14 RAD
Net totals: 79 STM (149 after regen), 10 TMP, 36 SHD, 14 RAD

Spoiler: Blue, Turn 3 (Aux)

Blue (Aux)
- SHADOW Rogue Action (Burn) @ Typhon

Spoiler: Turn 3 Order

- Blue
- Virga
- Jade
- Laura
- Anubis
- Leaf
- Koa
- Malachai

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade's head wouldn't stop buzzing. She had to take a deep breath, had to clear her thoughts. She was pretty sure she couldn't endure another Fire Blast, and no matter where she tried to hide in this forest, Vesta would always be able to find her.

One last Thunderbolt, then. Had to make it count.

---

Virga beat her wings powerfully, circling the battlefield high above. Proper wings, finally. Enough to rival the bat-dragon, even. For the first time since arriving on Forlas, the sea felt powerful. Time to see if this new form could catch the enemy's attention, then.

Spoiler: Jade Turn 3

Jade (223 STM, 8 TMP, +2 SPD, +6 ACC, 56 SHD, 41 RAD)
- AGILE Chilling Water @ Typhon (-27 STM, +9 TMP) [-1 Atk]
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Typhon Res
- Chilling Water @ Typhon (-18 STM, +9 TMP) [-1 Atk]
- **Act:** Call @ Laura [+HH next turn]
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP) [Cure Psn]
- CRITICAL RADIANT Thunderbolt @ Vesta (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-21 STM, -24 TMP, +9 TMP, +16 RAD) [HH]
Net change: -58 STM, +7 TMP, +0 SHD, +16 RAD
Net totals: 165 STM (229 after regen), 15 TMP, 56 SHD, 57 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Virga Turn 3

Virga (Aux)
- RADIANT Defender Skill @ Jade
- Interact: try to draw enemy fire as an alpha corviknight

 

[Jackie Cat]

Her head was ringing, she'd just done something intense with Radiance and Shadow, there was pain beneath the flood of adrenaline in her bood – she needed to stop, needed— She needed—

Her brain made her muscles and tendons move to pull healing berries to her mouth, as she fell behind a tree trunk to crouch, recover, catch her breath. They had to stabilise. They had to turn the tide before it swallowed them.

Overhead, Malachai spewed clouds of burning Radiant moonlight from his jaws.

Malachai launched a Radiant Caster Strike at Silvan!
Redirect to Ralsen.

Spoiler: Laura Turn 3

Laura (114 STM, 15 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 36 SHD, 36 RAD)
- Focus (Breather) (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Sitrus Berry)
- Activate ability (Moody) @ -1 Mag +2 Res
Net change: +0 STM, +5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 114 STM (235 after regen), 20 TMP, 16 SHD, 16 RAD
(TAKE COVER)
(BREATHER)

 

[Chibi Pika]

Turn 3
Player Phase​

Blue's SHADOW Rogue Skill burned Typhon!
Virga's RADIANT Defender Skill is protecting Jade!
Anubis's Flamethrower missed Silvan!
Malachai RADIANT Caster Wave dealt 20 damage to Vesta!

Jade's AGILE Chilling Water dealt 30 damage to Typhon! It's super effective! -1 Atk
Jade's Magician stole 1 Res.
Jade's Chilling Water dealt 43 damage to Typhon! It's super effective! -1 Atk
Jade called out to Laura!
Jade's RADIANT Thunderbolt, boosted by Fated, dealt a CRITICAL 134 damage to Vesta! It's super effective!

Laura's Friendship granted her a Jade a helping hand next turn!
Laura took a breather...

Leaf's Quick Attacks dealt 27+24 damage to Silvan!
Leaf's Dire Claw dealt a CRITICAL 92 damage to Silvan! It's super effective! Poisoned!
Leaf's AGILE Play Rough dealt a CRITICAL 60 damage to Silvan!
Leaf's RADIANT Play Rough dealt a CRITICAL 107 damage to Silvan! It's super effective!

Koa's AGILE Ganbatte Soul dealt 30 damage to Silvan!
Koa's Umbral Retribution dealt 153 damage to Silvan! It's super effective! Drained 61 HP.
Koa's Ganbatte Soul dealt 42 damage to Silvan!
Koa's Shining Blindside dealt a CRITICAL 216 damage to Silvan! It's super effective! KO!!

Silvan staggered backwards in the aftershocks of the Radiant impact before slumping limply against a pine tree. Ralsen recalled the other Sceptile wordlessly before leaping over to Typhon and handing the dinosaur an Elixir.

"Go on the offensive," he said, before hurling a pair of debilitating seeds at Leaf and Koa.

Turn 3
Enemy Phase​

Tako's held Metal Burst failed!

Vesta flew to Marshy Flats. Ralsen moved with her.
Vesta's AGILE Air Slash broke Jade's Protect!
Vesta's Air Slash missed Jade!
Vesta's Ominous Wind! +1 Omniboost!

Jade: 3​

Laura: 7​

Vesta's Heat Wave!

Virga: 86​

Jade: 36 KO!!​

Ralsen called out to Vesta! Vesta's Devotion granted +1 Acc. Vesta was paralyzed and couldn't dash.
Ralsen called out to Typhon! Rallying Cry granted +1 Atk
Ralsen used an Elixir on Typhon.
Ralsen Agile-dashed to Dense Wood.
Ralsen's Vile Seeds weakened Koa and Leaf!
Ralsen walked to Marshy Flats.

Tako walked to Dense Wood.
Tako's AGILE Rock Tombs missed Leaf and dealt a grazing 5 damage to Koa!
Tako used 2x Follow Me! Not enough Stm for another one...
Tako Focused... (3 total)
Tako held an action...

Typhon's Courageous granted an Omniboost!
Typhon's Unnerve drained Laura's Tempo.
Typhon walked to Dense Wood.
Typhon used Dragon Dance! +1 Atk, +1 Spd
Typhon's STRONG Earthquake! Blast Control shielded Tako.

Leaf: a CRITICAL 83!​

Koa: a CRITICAL 75! It's super effective!​

Typhon Focused...
Typhon's Fire Punch dealt a CRITICAL 56 damage to Koa! Burned!

Everyone's Rhythm activated!
Jade was revived!

Jade coughed as the light of a Reviver Seed washed over her. As her senses returned, the first thing she noticed was that she no longer had that awareness of Vesta's movements in the back of her head, and she couldn't help feeling glad for it. The Charizard just kept getting stronger with each move. They needed to get rid of her, and then they could get to him.

"Hey Koa!" Jade called out, sparks crackling across her paws. "Do you still have that Terrain orb?"

 

[Tetra]

A furious yelp escaped Koa's jaws as Ralsen's seed struck. He spun to attack, only to suddenly find the Tyranitar upon him, shattering the arth and lashing out with a flaming claw. The burn hurt worse that strike, his fur tingling and entire body alight. Anubis wasted no time retaliating with a furious dark pulse, though it hardly seemed to hurt the lumbering beast.

"Hey Koa!" Jade called out, sparks crackling across her paws. "Do you still have that Terrain orb?"

Koa caught her meaning immediately. Hardly had she finished than he caught the Lum berry in his jaws and grabbed the terrain orb from his bag. he choked down the berry and gagged, then flashed a grin. "Got it!" The orb shattered against the ground with a flash.

Shadow and light thrummed through Koa in equal measure. Balance. Clarity. No room for doubt or pettiness, only action. Sceptile was down. Dragonite was down. Bring down the trainer. The Charizard is in the way.

'Anubis, distract the Charizard!'

Anubis turned away from from the Tyranitar, setting his sights upon the winged flame. He knew the stance of a protective starter all too well. Which meant he knew exactly what to do. Plunging into a nearby shadow, he emerged from behind the pair, just yards away. Barked dramatically for effect as he lit a flame in his throat, letting it build...

and unleashed a telegraphed torrent of flame at Ralsen. She would move to intercept, and that would be all the opening Alpha would need.

There. Koa pulled electricity fro the sparking ground and launched himself at Vesta just as her attention was split. Lightning arced from the earth and charged his paws as he unleased a flurry of strikes.

Spoiler: Turn 4: Anubis

Anubis (Aux)
- Support Skill @ Koa
+1 Accuracy

Anubis is distracting Charizard so Koa's strikes hit!

Spoiler: Turn 4: Koa

Koa (130 STM, 7 TMP, +0 SPD, +1 ACC, 42 SHD, 42 RAD)
- Walk to Marsh
- Interact @ Receive Lum (-3 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Vesta (-6 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Terrain Orb)
- AGILE Ganbatte Soul @ Vesta (-45 STM, +4 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Vesta (-9 STM, +4 TMP)
- Ganbatte Soul @ Vesta (-30 STM, +4 TMP)
- CRITICAL Thunder Punch @ Vesta (-14 STM, -20 TMP, +4 TMP)
Net change: -104 STM, -3 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 26 STM (96 after regen), 4 TMP, 42 SHD, 42 RAD

 

[Chibi Pika]

Sparks crackled and danced over the grass as the terrain orb shattered. Jade flashed a grin as Koa caught the Lum Berry before returning her attention to the Charizard. She could feel the sparks traveling from her paw pads up her limbs, settling in her gem.

“See if you can drop her defenses before we strike,” Jade told Virga, watching as Anubis readied a Flamethrower.

“You’ve grown rather proficient with that lightning,” Virga remarked, wings beating the air heavily.

Jade thought back to those evenings training with Koa on the riverbank, of all the time spent struggling to feel like it was her power, not something borrowed, but something that belonged to her, something that couldn’t hurt her here.

“Yeah, I have,” she said, and meant it.

Spoiler: Jade Turn 4

Jade (257 STM, 15 TMP, +0 SPD, +4 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Interact @ Give berry (-3 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Lum Berry) @ Koa
- AGILE Charge Beam @ Vesta (ACTIVATE: effect) (-18 STM, -1 TMP, +6 TMP) [HH]
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Vesta Mag
- Charge Beam @ Vesta (ACTIVATE: effect) (-12 STM, -1 TMP, +6 TMP)
- Soul's Adversity (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [no stats :( ]
- CRITICAL Thunderbolt @ Vesta (-21 STM, -18 TMP, +7 TMP) [+50 BP]
Net change: -81 STM, -2 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 176 STM (240 after regen), 13 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Virga Turn 4

Virga (Aux)
- RADIANT Paladin Skill @ Vesta [-1 Def]

 

[Jackie Cat]

Okay, okay, they were getting somewhere. If they could sustain this pace, there was a possibility space in which they won. They just had to keep pushing. And if she kept up this pace, and didn't getting knocked out, Laura could keep putting out strikes like that last one every minute...

What was that thing she'd done? She'd kinda seen where to strike, and felt so much more power than usual, flowing through her from... from her friends. From Jade specifically, even. Some kind of feedback loop, Laura helping Jade helping Laura helping Jade, like a turbine generating power. Up, up, and up...!

Time to do it again.

"Keep it up," she sent to the others, "we've got the edge, now!"

Malachai launched a Shadow Caster Strike at Silvan!
Redirect to Ralsen.

Spoiler: Laura Turn 4

Laura (235 STM, 18 TMP, +0 SPD, +1 ACC, 6 SHD, 6 RAD)
- Soul's Conviction @ Jade, Acc/Eva, Acc/Eva (-30 STM, +2 TMP)
- Activate ability (Moody) @ -Mag, +2 Spd
- **Act:** Item (Reflex Seed)
- Shining Clarity (-40 STM, +4 TMP, +36 RAD)
- STRONG CRITICAL Umbral Aspiration @ Ralsen (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-60 STM, -18 TMP, +7 TMP, +36 SHD) [HELPING HAND, 299 Mag]
Net change: -130 STM, -5 TMP, +36 SHD, +36 RAD
Net totals: 105 STM (165 after regen), 13 TMP, 42 SHD, 42 RAD
(TAKE COVER)