Malantau Eremus Fault

[Ambyssin]

The cracks in the center of the storm repaired themselves again. But something was off about the eye of this shadowy vortex. Maybe the team's efforts really were working. Which meant Nova had to keep doing his part, no matter how small.

He dove into the storm again, flailing a bit before reaching another spiral. He paused to look into the center.

"What's the matter, Three Way? You seem distressed." He grabbed the rock he'd put in his bag with his beak... and spat it out at Alexander. "Things not going according to plan? Maybe if you had people who actually liked you, this wouldn't be happening."

Nova dashed away from the center when the rock plinked off Alexander. "But who am I kidding? You're the dictionary definition of unlikeable!"

Another shield materialized around Nova as he looked in the direction he'd come from. Hopefully Silver and Grace followed him. Diving into the shadows had to be hard for them, but they needed to keep the Void Swarms under control.

He really hoped things were holding up on the surface.

Spoiler: Nova Turn 4

Nova (59 STM, 12 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 7 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Walk to Inner Spiral 1 [+15 SHD]
- **Act:** Item (Gravelerock) @ Alexander
- **Act:** Dash to Middle Spiral 1 (-2 TMP)
- Wide Guard (-24.75 STM, +2 TMP)
- Rebellious Soul (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [+1 def (already capped IIRC), apply Heal Block]
Net change: -52 STM, +2 TMP, +15 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 7 STM (44 after regen), 14 TMP, 22 SHD, 20 RAD

Spoiler: Turn 4 Order

Nova
Silver
Grace

 

[Cresselia92]

Once more, Silver lunged at the one responsible for that madness, burning with spite at being ignored. And yet, his attack didn’t seem to have any effect on Alexander other than cracking his skin further and spilling more ichor.

He quirked a brow, unimpressed, then ventured deeper into the storm. “Tch! For having three heads, that loser is terrible at multi-tasking!” A loud snort whistled through his nostrils, and he whispered grumpily to himself, “Such a spoilsports, too. Making the opponent wince in pain is half the fun.”

But one thing at a time — more shadow-cleansing awaited Silver. He groaned exasperatedly, tired of all that nonsense, and unsheathed his claws again.

“Uuugh! Seriously, aren’t y’all tired of getting your asses handed to you?!” he hissed as he slashed at the various entities, claws alit with Radiance, wondering whether they could even understand his words or not.

But it’s not like he could do anything other than keep fighting. After all, that was a war against a power-hungry warlord and violence was in his blood. At least he was using his violent impulses for a good reason — to protect his teammates from those aggressive creatures.

That was what he had to do… right?

I hate weaklings. All of them. I’m going to be strong and wipe out the weak. And those Rocket Grunts… They might act big and tough in a group, but they’re all pathetic fools. Really, who’s idiotic enough to sacrifice their selves to follow blindly the commands of someone else?

“Aren’t you sick of getting your lights punched out, over and over? Why listen to that bastard,” he glared briefly at Alexander, “and follow his commands? It’s not like he even cares about your lives or paying attention to anyone, so why?”

After the wave of creatures was sent packing and regrouping (again), Silver paused to catch his breath, muscles shuddering and chest heaving after another frenzied attack.

Just why couldn’t those Rocket Grunts shadows understand that they’re being used like pawns…?

Spoiler: Turn 4

Silver (142 STM, 24 TMP, +0 SPD, +4 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD) [(?)]
- Walk to Inner Spiral 1 [+20 SHD from Aether]
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Crush Claw @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-16 STM, -22 TMP, +9 TMP)
- Dash to Middle Spiral 1 (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Drain Punch @ Void Swarm Terminus (-25.5 STM, +8 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Drain Punch @ Void Swarm Terminus (-17 STM, -20 TMP, +8 TMP, +17 RAD)
Net change: -77 STM, -9 TMP, +0 SHD, +17 RAD
Net totals: 65 STM (116 after regen), 15 TMP, 0 SHD, 17 RAD[/QUOTE]

 

[Magyk]

Focus.

They had to push deeper into the storm. Farther into the Shadows that were eating away at their bodies. Grace felt like she'd done well to keep Nova and Silver healthy, but she could feel the wear and tear on her own body. It felt like she was burning inside and out as her body shone with Radiance while Shadows threatened to corrupt her mind and meld with the Radiance itself.

She needed to heal herself. She had to keep going, because if she fell, nobody could help Nova or Silver. They'd be all alone. Helpless.

"Ngh... Come on guys, I can tell the others aren't too far behind!" Grace cried as she channeled Radiant healing energy... but to herself, at last. She could feel it lessening the burning pain, making her sigh in slight relief.

Spoiler: Grace Turn Four

Grace (164 STM, 15 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 20 SHD, 24 RAD)
- Walk to Inner Spiral 1 [Shadow gain]
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- RADIANT Metronome (Recover) (-40 STM, -15 TMP, +2 TMP, +32 RAD)
- **Act:** Call @ Nova
- Celebrate (-9 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -43 STM, -6 TMP, +0 SHD, +32 RAD
Net totals: 121 STM (164 after regen), 9 TMP, 20 SHD, 56 RAD

 

[Namohysip]

Turn 4
Player Phase​

Nova's Gravelerock dealt a resisted 22 damage to Alexander!
Nova used Wide Guard!
Nova used Rebellious Soul!
Silver received a Pure Call!
Silver used Hone Claws!
Silver's Crush Claw dealt a CRITICAL 62 damage to Alexander!
Silver's AGILE Drain Punch dealt 54 damage to Void Swarm A! Healed for 10!
Silver's RADIANT Drain Punch dealt a CRITICAL 210 damage to Void Swarm A! It's ultra effective! KO! Healed for 42!
Grace used RADIANT Recover!
Grace called out to Nova!
Grace used Celebrate!

And Grace was correct. Even as they struggled through the ever-strengthening storm, even as Alexander healed every single bit of damage they dealt to him, he was losing battles in the outer reaches of his great Dungeon network.

Just a little longer... Soon, everyone would be here. At the edges of the spirals, rifts formed as perhaps Powehi, or perhaps natural instability, or perhaps even the sheer wills of the Wayfarers, carved a path from the Dungeons into the center of Alexander's efforts.

Just a bit longer...

Turn 4
Enemy Phase​

Alexander took a total of 236 damage! He heals for 3000 HP, and permanently loses 23 defenses!

Void Swarm Terminus lost all its HP! It skips its turn to restore to full...

Void Swarm Bolt expands and Focuses... It's occupying all three spirals! It's getting antsy...

Void Swarm C expands into Inner Spiral 3 and Focuses...

Shadow Storm goes out! Wide Guard reduces the damage for Nova! Nova and Grave partly shield Silver further along the arm!
Nova: 21, 10 Cruelty (to Guardian)!
Grace: 81, 40 Cruelty!
Silver: 31, 15 Cruelty!

By now, Nova, Grace, and Silver knew the drill. And while the blasts were just as unrelenting, wearing away at their stamina, with Cruel strikes eating away even further at their aura's very vitality, they still stood strong. They had to endure.

But it just kept getting harder.

Fiery wisps bolster Void Swarm C! It gains an Innate +2 Attack, Magic, Defense, and Resistance and becomes Void Swarm Flame!

Alexander has returned! He will attack at full force!

Alexander takes 50 damage from Burn...

"Sorry for the rude departure," Alexander snarled, returning from the Nexus, his red pinprick eyes returning to that dark, cracked core.

It was Alexander's last stand. No more tricks. No more Dungeons to hop into. Alexander seemed ready to kill with full focus. It was only a question of who could endure longer--the Usurper King, or the Wayfarer Souls.

Rifts slowly opened and Alexander was unable to close them. That snarl only became wider and more desperate.

Mhynt tilted her blade and aimed it wordlessly at Alexander. The Hydreigon's eyes bulged, ichor leaking from the new cracks along his face. All three heads roared--madness was creeping into his psyche. How much of him was eroding away right before their eyes?

He looked more like a cornered feral than a proper tyrant. But a cornered feral was when they were most dangerous.

Abyssal Usurper
Void Alexander​

Powehi's keeping the Void Swarms at bay, but at the expense of his own energy! Powehi's currently at 60 Fatigue...

If Void Swarms ever occupy all three segments of an arm, Powehi will gain some Fatigue. If they then lash out without being suppressed, he'll gain even more!

All of the Void Swarms are empowered by Alexander's full focus! They all gain another +2 innate to their stats, for a total of +4!

Alexander is preparing a Shadow Storm Boss Action!

[ ] Final Objective: Defeat Alexander!
[ ] Special Objective: Keep Powehi's Fatigue from hitting 100!
[ ] Stretch Objective: Keep Powehi's Fatigue from hitting 80!

All the Wayfarers have arrived as backup and appeared at the edges of their respective arms!

 

[Ambyssin]

The darkness rippled through his Guardian, but again it stood firm. Its wispy form seemed less corporeal. Nova wasn't sure if it'd stand up to a full onslaught of Alexander's attacks.

But then he caught flecks of light in different parts of the Voidlands. Voices that he recognized. "Well, well, well."

He'd been very cautious to this point, but with backup, Nova's priorities had to shift. He couldn't be everywhere at once. So, he had to try and draw as much of Alexander's attention as he could despite not striking him directly.

Nova charged along the spiral. The Void Swarm had retreated, so he could easily approach the part of the spiral drenched in Shadow Sky. He thought of Mhynt, Grace, and Silver, who had all fought valiantly along with him to keep things under control as much as possible. Of Astrid and Archie who he was sure had joined the fray, even if he couldn't see them. Sage and Gladion -- who were either cleaning up Terminal One or also charged ahead -- to whom he'd made promises.

As he dove into the shadows again, he thought he saw a glimpse of a grizzled lucario. But when Nova looked right, he instead saw a mewtwo's hazy outline.

Even if you aren't here... I can try and make you proud.

Once he found his footing, Nova conjured another shield, hoping it would be a beacon to guide other Wayfarers through the vortex to strike.

"Looks like you failed to stop us on the surface," Nova jeered, skidding to a halt by the center of the vortex. "Just like you failed to kill us down here. And failed to get to us through Owen. Repeatedly." What passed for a smirk spread along his gold beak. "Honestly, can you even do anything right?"

Spoiler: Nova Turn 5

Nova (44 STM, 21 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 37 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Walk to Inner Spiral 2 (+15 SHD)
- **Act:** Item (Ether) (+60 STM)
- Wide Guard (-24.75 STM, +2 TMP)
- Follow Me (-16 STM, +2 TMP) [2 layers]
- Follow Me (-12 STM, +2 TMP) [3rd layer]
- **Act:** FRIENDSHIP Focus (-40 SHD, -20 RAD)
Net change: +10 STM, +6 TMP, -25 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 54 STM (98 after regen), 27 TMP, 12 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Tetra]

Koa stepped through the portal and into the void. Alexander hovered at the center, a cracked demonic husk of shadow and evil. yet Koa felt only confidence. Surety, not just from the Radiance.

"Whats the matter Alexander? Can't keep it together?"

Maybe he should have felt afraid, but he didn't. They weren't alone. They weren't weak. Through the murky miasma of shadows and Betel's network, he could sense that the others had made it safely. Odette, Archie, Dave... Silver still fighting... All the rest of the Wayfarers.

He heard Astrid cry out, saw her streak past like a blazing comet, and grinned. Good. With her on the offense, he could take a breath. Focus, protect himself, and prepare to finish the fight for good. As he scarfed down a berry, he honed his aura to strengthen himself for the fight ahead.

Spoiler: Turn 5

Koa (104 STM, 7 TMP, +1 SPD, -1 ACC, 0 SHD, 42 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -20 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -20 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Sitrus Berry)
- Take Heart (-38 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -36 STM, +12 TMP, +0 SHD, -40 RAD
Net totals: 68 STM (116 after regen), 19 TMP, 0 SHD, 2 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Butterfree]

They'd kicked Alexander out, just like that, and destroyed the shadowy Moltres, and then leapt in through the portal, into the rift. And here was the dragon himself, again.

Dave was exhausted. This had all gone on far too long, Shadows lapping at his edges. But here they were, joining the others in a vortex of darkness. Even Koa was there, looking like shit, taunting Alexander with Radiance blazing in his eyes, though thankfully with enough presence of mind to recover and recuperate.

Fuck it. One last bout of fighting to destroy this fucker, and then he could go home and rest.

He pulled the Ether he'd bought out of his bag, felt new energy surge through him, and braced himself to dive through the Shadows.

Spoiler: Turn 5

Dave (78 STM, 20 TMP, +0 SPD, +5 ACC, 34 SHD, 0 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Ether) (+60 STM)
- Dash to Inner Spiral 1 (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Rock Smash @ Alexander (-16.5 STM, +7 TMP)
- CRITICAL Rock Smash @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-11 STM, -19 TMP, +7 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Relentless Soul @ Alexander (-30 STM, -6 TMP, +7 TMP, +24 RAD)
- Walk to Middle Spiral 1
Net change: +2 STM, -1 TMP, +0 SHD, +24 RAD
Net totals: 80 STM (133 after regen), 19 TMP, 34 SHD, 24 RAD

 

[Inkedust]

The moment she arrived to the Nexus, Bellatrix raised her blade towards Alexander and without a word, charged towards the hydreigon, bitter ice covering her blade to worsen his constitution using his weaknesses. She ran through the shadowy mists, holding her breath trying to keep the Shadows from overpowering her, even if a fair amount had managed to worm its way in.

The light within that she cultivated to strengthen her attacks in Terminal One began to flicker before it sputtered out, leaving the deep darkness dominant through her aura once more. At least she wouldn't be so weak to it for the time being.

For now, she ignored it as Focus Blast, aimed at Alexander's main jaw, followed and Bellatrix vanished into the fog. She fled to the edges of the storm, bracing herself for the onslaught of attacks that were to follow.

Spoiler: Turn 5

Bellatrix (74 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 20 SHD, 28 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Ether) (+60 STM)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Dash to Inner Spiral 2 (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Obstinate Soul @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-45 STM, -2 TMP, +3 TMP) [Lower Res, +20 SHD]
- Obstinate Soul @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect) (-30 STM, -5 TMP, +3 TMP) [Lower Res]
- Focus Blast @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-28 STM, +3 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Alexander [Moves]
- Walk to Outer Spiral 2 [+20 SHD]
Net change: -37 STM, +5 TMP, +20 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 37 STM (88 after regen), 10 TMP, 40 SHD, 8 RAD

 

[Cresselia92]

So Alexander was truly back now, and he seemed even more pissed than before. Erring on the side of caution, Silver took the bottle of Ether from his bag and drank from it, gearing himself for a much longer fight.

Then something changed. Ripples materialized into the void and his teammates stepped out of them — battered, but alive.

“Heh. Y’all took your sweet time…” Silver muttered coolly, wiping the rest of the ether off his mouth. But despite his blatant show of aloofness, he was actually relieved that the others were okay. Things were looking up much brighter despite the gloomy atmosphere.

A roar caught his attention, and Silver stared at the Hydreigon in the middle of the storm. For all his claims about killing them all and his attempt at manipulating him with those nightmarish visions about war lands and power, Alexander was just like any other megalomaniac ruler.

Pathetic. Cowardly. Weak.

A swift punch struck Alexander by his side, followed by a quiet chuckle. Silver stood not too far from the dragon, his back slightly arched and his tail twitching with energy. He was fast, liquid, and a touch overtuned.

“Ooh? What’s the matter, you dingbat? World conquest isn’t panning out as you’d hoped?” sneered Silver with a purposely annoying singsong tone, smirking from ear to feather. He hopped back, back, back, dook-dooked forward, and CRUSH! Hard claws tore into the dragon’s fragile skin, weakening it for further attacks and causing more of that sickening ichor to spill from the new holes. Silver didn’t stop smirking and kept sprinting around with whippy bursts.

“Control isn’t all that easy to maintain, is it? That’s, hell, already a headache for folks with one head. Must’ve been an aspirin-worthy migraine with three of ‘em!”

Golden light trailed Silver’s claws as he smashed his fist into a newly crafted hole. More ichor poured out and purified life force flowed into his body, countering some of that life-blocking dark aura. And in a flash, his smirk was gone, replaced by a steely glare and gnashing fangs. The poster kit of fury.

“And now, you imbecilic freak, we’re gonna teach you a lesson about true power the hardest way!”

Spoiler: Turn 5

Silver (116 STM, 22 TMP, +0 SPD, +5 ACC, 20 SHD, 17 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Ether) (+60 STM)
- Dash to Inner Spiral 1 (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Drain Punch @ Alexander (-25.5 STM, +8 TMP)
- CRITICAL Crush Claw @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-16 STM, -22 TMP, +9 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Drain Punch @ Alexander (-17 STM, -20 TMP, +8 TMP, +17 RAD)
- Walk to Middle Spiral 1
Net change: +1 STM, -14 TMP, +0 SHD, +17 RAD
Net totals: 117 STM (168 after regen), 8 TMP, 20 SHD, 34 RAD

 

[Goat]

"Motherfucker!"

Astrid tore through the rift in a blur. The battlefield was nothing like the open sky from before--dynamic and deeply fascinating, for sure, with its spirals and sheer verticality. She didn't even notice.

"You can't run!"

Time to cause problems on purpose.

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Silver
2. Dave
3. Bellatrix
4. Astrid
5. Odette
6. Archie
7. Koa
8. Grace
9. Nova

Spoiler: Astrid turn 5

Astrid (130 STM, 24 TMP, +1 SPD, +3 ACC, 0 SHD, 68 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Draining Kiss @ Swarm 2 (-9 STM, -18 TMP, +5 TMP, +8 RAD)
- Dash to Inner Spiral 3 (-2 TMP, +20 SHD)
- AGILE CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Swarm 3 (-15 STM, +4 TMP, +9 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +5 TMP, +9 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -30 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Vacuum Wave @ Alexander (-5 STM, -18 TMP, +5 TMP, +4 RAD)
- RADIANT Vacuum Wave @ Alexander (-7.5 STM, +5 TMP, +4 RAD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ current Aggro standings
- Use +1 Watch @ Alexander [-50% to all effects]
- Walk to Inner Spiral 2 (+20 SHD)
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
Net change: -44 STM, -6 TMP, +0 SHD, -16 RAD
Net totals: 86 STM (136 after regen), 18 TMP, 0 SHD, 52 RAD

 

[Weazel]

Archie stepped through the portal, and into the maelstrom. Swirling shadow, teeming with monsters, and at the center of it all, the monster king. Alexander didn’t seem so scary as he did when he’d confronted the Hydreigon’s shadow with Mhynt and Koa. Not even as scary as he’d seemed when he’d drawn Archie and Koa into his trap in Silver Ravine. A near mindless monster, alone and afraid, and increasingly losing control.

All he had to do was clear a path.

The Dewott drew one of his Scalchops, and charged forward. Slashing and clawing away at the shadows, tossing them to and fro. Radiance hummed through his veins as shadow boiled in his stomach; a conflicting mix of signals that eventually settled into a righteous fury. Bellatrix charged past him, her eyes already on the prize, but Archie was happy to be methodical. There were plenty of targets to go around, and the Hydreigon would need a lot more softening up before they could finish him for go. He’d have his chance to pay Alexander back for what the monster had done.

Spoiler: Archie Turn 5

Archie (111 STM, 0 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 20 SHD, 0 RAD)
- AGILE Sacred Sword @ Terminus Swarm (-37.5 STM, +5 TMP)
- Sacred Sword @ Terminus Swarm (-25 STM, +5 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Slash @ Terminus Swarm (-13 STM, -11 TMP, +5 TMP, +13 RAD)
Net change: -76 STM, +9 TMP, +0 SHD, +13 RAD
Net totals: 35 STM (79 after regen), 9 TMP, 20 SHD, 13 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Magyk]

Hearing her weary allies enter the fray reminded her that there were now more people to keep healthy. More people she wanted to stay alive. More people she--

Grace sucked in a breath as she continued to follow Nova's lead. The brief respite from feeling like her body was burning was now more intense than before. It was awful, and it felt like her very aura was on fire.

As she followed Nova, she spotted Astrid and her instincts kicked in once more. She sucked in a deep breath, trying her best to clear her mind. She couldn't lose herself here. She had to keep herself together for them. Astrid was ready to help them beat up Alexander, and Grace needed to do her part to make sure they could all pull through.

So she had to pull through! For them. For everyone! If she couldn't keep herself together, then her teammates would be in more trouble without her.

"H-Hey, Astrid!" Grace called, waving a paw after watching her do her usual Astrid things. "You're doing great, thanks for making it! Let's team up and beat Alexander for good!"

Spoiler: Grace Turn Five

Grace (164 STM, 13 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 40 SHD, 56 RAD)
- Walk to Inner Spiral 2 [+20 Shadow]
- **Act:** FRIENDSHIP Focus (-40 SHD, -20 RAD)
- STRONG Life Dew @ Astrid (and self) (-45 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Call @ Astrid [Pure Words]
- Safeguard (-36 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -71 STM, +6 TMP, -40 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 93 STM (142 after regen), 19 TMP, 0 SHD, 36 RAD

 

[Sinderella]

[Odette is creepy on Radiance, TBA]

Spoiler: Odette Turn 5

Odette (133 STM, 17 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 20 SHD, 46 RAD)
- Walk to Middle Spiral 3
- Dash to Inner Spiral 3 (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Play Rough @ Void Swarm Flame (-24 STM, -2 TMP, +2 TMP)
- Play Rough @ Alex (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-16 STM, +2 TMP)
- Draining Kiss @ Alex (-9 STM, +2 TMP)
- Ice Fang @ Alex (ACTIVATE: effect) (-16 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP) [Freeze]
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Alex AI
- **Act:** Dash to Middle Spiral 3 (-2 TMP)
Net change: -61 STM, -8 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 72 STM (115 after regen), 9 TMP, 20 SHD, 46 RAD

 

[Namohysip]

Turn 5
Player Phase​

And so, the barrage began. With the Wayfarers' forces far more than doubling in a concentrated effort against Alexander, the once endless forces seemed much more feeble than before. Blasts, slashes, and the whims of the fae overpowered the atmosphere, blasting away Void Swarms and pummeling Alexander against the Nexus. Even the Hydreigon seemed surprised by this resurgence of offense...

Silver used an Ether!
Silver's AGILE Drain Punch dealt 69 damage to Alexander! It's super effective! Healed for 13!
Silver's Crush Claw dealt a CRITICAL 100 damage to Alexander!
Silver's RADIANT Drain Punch dealt a CRITICAL 81 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective! Healed for 20!
Dave used an Ether!
Dave's AGILE Rock Smash dealt 29 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Dave's Rock Smash dealt a CRITICAL 33 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Dave's RADIANT Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 93 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!
Bellatrix used an Ether!
Bellatrix's AGILE Obstinate Soul dealt 89 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Bellatrix's Obstinate Soul dealt 110 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Bellatrix's Focus Blast dealt 103 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Bellatrix's Spotter Feat @ Alexander! Gain +1 Watch next turn to spend!
Astrid's RADIANT Draining Kiss dealt a CRITICAL 157 damage to Void Swarm B! It's ultra effective! KO! Healed for 62!
Astrid's AGILE RADIANT Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 152 damage to Void Swarm C! KO! It's ultra effective!
Astrid's RADIANT Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 117 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!
Astrid's RADIANT Vacuum Wave dealt a CRITICAL 66 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!
Astrid's RADIANT Vacuum Wave dealt 88 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!

Alexander snarled at Nova but seemed more focused on the others' remarks for the time being, especially those that had struck him most of all. But even then, his tail lashed, his eyes stared piercingly at them all... Silver's taunts, Grace's cries. He eyed Koa for a few extra seconds, snarl intensifying. He reached toward Koa... and nothing happened. He glanced at Archie. Nothing happened.

"Who did this?" he demanded. "Who... undid it all? What right do you have?! All of you... have no power. This is not TRUE power! This is... the pointless flailing of the masses! All of you! I'll put you in your place!"

Somehow, the words held far less weight this time.

Astrid's Spotter Feat @ current Aggro standings!

Alexander is paying the most attention to Bellatrix and Astrid... then, he's minding Silver and Koa... He isn't paying too much attention to Grace and Archie. But this all may change after the barrage passes.

Fairy moves seem to raise Alexander's aggro disproportionately.

Astrid's Watching Alexander... 50% effect reduction from him!
Astrid received a Pure Call!
Odette's AGILE Play Rough redirected from Void Swarm C and dealt 107 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!
Odette's Play Rough dealt 131 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective!
Odette's Draining Kiss dealt 67 damage to Alexander! It's ultra effective! Healed for 26!
Odette's Ice Fang dealt 54 damage to Alexander! It's super effective!
Odette's Spotter Feat @ Alex AI! Gain +1 Watch next turn to spend!
Archie's AGILE Sacred Sword dealt 29 damage to Void Swarm A!
Archie's Sacred Sword dealt 38 damage to Void Swarm A!
Archie's RADIANT Slash dealt a CRITICAL 110 damage to Void Swarm A! It's ultra effective! KO!
Koa used a Sitrus Berry!
Koa used Take Heart!
Grace used STRONG Life Dew on Astrid (and self)!
Grace called out to Astrid!
Grace used Safeguard!
Nova used an Ether!
Nova used Wide Guard!
Nova used Follow Me!
Nova used Follow Me!

"You don't get it, do you?! Even with all of this, I'll just... heal it all!" He swung his arm out, readying a blast with his left head.

Mhynt saw her chance after everyone else had softened him up. There was a clear line across that arm...

She vanished, reappearing just below Alexander, and went for a decisive uppercut slash. She cleaved through the arm like it was paper, splashing black ichor into the spiraling winds. Alexander's roar combined anger with surprise as he punched the air where Mhynt had been an instant prior, yet missed. The severed head dissolved into more black, fizzling tar.

"MHYNT!" he roared.

"Oh, don't shout yet," Mhynt said as she swung her blade, ridding it of residual blackness. "This is hardly the space to hear you cry that one out."

Aggro standings:
Alexander has his eyes on Astrid the most.
Alexander is paying the least attention to Archie.

 

[Namohysip]

Turn 5
Enemy Phase​

"This isn't how it is meant to go," Alexander snarled. "What... trickery is this? How did you gain the aid of those humans, of this world's darkness... of these accursed, fallen Saints, of all these pointless, wayward souls?! WHY?"

"You never got it, did you?" Mhynt said, blipping just within Alexander's peripheral vision to keep him distracted. "In your rush to usurp this world as an opportunity, you overlooked everyone for being weak and feeble. You saw yourself as more directed than all of them despite never once... bothering to study them. They were beneath you."

Alexander blasted at Mhynt, completely missing. His aim was getting worse. His body was more ichor than dragon at this point...

Alexander heals for 3000 HP! But his permanent defenses drop to 96!

All of the Void Swarms were KOed and reduce in size! They restore to full HP!

Alexander lost an arm! He's getting even more reckless and desperate! Alexander gains an Innate +2 Attack and Magic, but suffers an Innate -1 Defense and Resistance!
Alexander lost his fixed damage resistance!

Alexander's losing grip of the Void... He becomes a Boss unit! Alexander lost his Dragon type!
The Void Swarms gain more power! Their max HP doubles!

Shadow Storm radiates outward! Nova's Wide Guard shields himself, Astrid, and Grace!
Astrid: 59 (Watched), 29 Cruelty!
Archie: 27, 13 Cruelty!
Bellatrix: 23, 11 Cruelty!
Dave: 102, 51 Cruelty!
Grace: 59, 29 Cruelty!
Koa: 40, 20 Cruelty!
Nova: 22, 11 Cruelty! (Guardian)
Odette: 76, 38 Cruelty!
Silver: 83, 41 Cruelty!

"I don't need to hear you jabber on," Alexander snarled, using the Nexus' shell as a shield. "I have some revenge first... You! You die first!" He aimed at Astrid, but--

Legendary Action! Alexander creates a Firm Protect shield!

Alexander uses his right arm to use Shadow Break on Astrid, but it redirects to Nova, dealing 33 damage, shattering the Guardian!

Alexander flinched, staring at Nova. "Why are you still here?!"

Alexander uses a Strong Abyssal Omens ~ War on Astrid, but it redirects to Nova! Nova resists losing Defense! Alexander gains +2 Attack!

"GO AWAY!"

Alexander uses Crunch on Astrid, but redirects to Nova, dealing 25 damage!

Jaws clamped onto Nova's flank, tossing him back. "WHY DO YOU NOT JUST DIE?!"

Alexander is irate! Alexander uses Heat Wave! Wide guard blocks it!

"Nova's our resident protector," Mhynt shouted, standing atop Nova's back. "If you took even a day to study us properly, you'd know that."

"I DID. I had Owen scout EACH ONE of you!" Alexander snarled. "Nova is the ace attacker!"

Mhynt fumbled at that just in time for Alexander to blast her. This time, it connected, sending her tumbling over the dust and coming to a stop by Silver's feet.

"RRAGH!"

Alexander uses a Strong Earthquake! He finally gets a hit on Astrid!
Nova: 15, 7 Cruelty!
Astrid: 28, 14 Cruelty!
Grace: 7, 3 Cruelty!

Mhynt laughed, staggering up. "The ace attacker," she whispered. "Owen told you that... did he?"

Alexander stayed behind the Nexus shell, completely guarded as his body's tar-like darkness seeped into the vortex, empowering the Swarms. They were getting stronger and thicker as Alexander himself weakened...

Another Boss Shadow Storm brews...

 

[Namohysip]

The ground rumbled again. The rifts were becoming active once more -- several allies, not necessarily Wayfarers, were starting to blast through the rifts to help.

"Oh, wonderful," Alexander snarled. "...Wait."

Even Mhynt paused when she noticed something was odd about the spiraling rifts. One, two, three...

"...Four?"

"It's time to be defeated, Shadow Psychic Ringleader!" Dayle declared.

Alexander flinched as a great fist punched through that fourth rift, shattering it open completely. Behind the silhouette of a Machoke was a hulking Tyranitar -- another group who had been attacking the connected Dungeons without the Wayfarers, all to keep Alexander's powers at bay and minimize his efforts.

"Right. Them." Mhynt squinted. They'd coordinated for a few extra to investigate an offshoot Dungeon near the Quarry, but Mhynt hadn't expected that one to also be tainted.

Over Gerome's shoulder, six Wayfarers were on his back: Mhynt, Jade, Koa, Dave, Grace, and Andre.

...Wait.

"Eh? Now why in the world're you there, when you're on my back?" Gerome commented, looking at Mhynt in the battle, then Mhynt on his back.

"Cripes!" the Mhynt on Gerome shouted. "Brothers! We've been found out!" 'She' hopped away from Gerome, as did the other five 'Wayfarers.' "We have been sabotaging your efforts from the very start!" declared 'Mhynt' as she pointed at them. "We have infiltrated your rankd and have gained wondrous information from all of you, but fed you false information in turn! Our plan was flawless! But for now, we are temporary allies! The Hexagon Brothers are at your--"

A sudden blast from Alexander seemingly vaporized all six impostors in one blow. But instead, where they'd stood in formation, six differently colored Mimikyu remained in a crumpled heap within the crater.

"Sound... offfff..."

Gerome stepped in the way to block them from further damage. "Sorry to be late. Was rescurin' what I thought was some lost Wayfarers," Gerome remarked. He crossed his arms, staring Alexander down. "Guess I'm here in time fer the finale, at least."

"Let's get 'em, Gerome! I feel it! He's one of the top Psychics in the land!" Dayle pointed at Alexander.

The Hydreigon blasted Dayle with the same strike. Rocks emerged from the ground, blocking it with ease, and Gerome lashed his tail in the soil.

"And now it's self-defense," he muttered.

A hail of stones pelted Alexander from above--and so many others affiliated with the Wayfarers chimed in for their opinions, too.

Turn 5
Ally Phase​

Countless allies across all factions zero in on Alexander, dealing a total of 331 damage to Alexander! This shatters his Firm Protect, and bleeds over to deal 31 damage to him directly!

 

[Tetra]

Deep rooted satisfaction brought a taunting smirk to Koa's face as Alexander sought first him, then Archie out. Nothing. Not a shred of his taint remained. There was nothing to be afraid of anymore, nothing at all.

Watching Alexander literally crack and crumble under the onslaught of the team was downright cathartic. The tables were turning. "Maybe if you weren't a pathetic overgrown lizard who couldn't see past his own ego you'd actually be able to succeed," he snarled, already clenching his paws into fists. "You couldn't pour soup out of a bowl if the instructions were on the bottom!"

Koa reached for the sparking orb in his pocket, feeling the tingle of electricity. He hadn't needed it in the storm but here... A sudden thought occured to him. Here he wasn't the only one with a powerful electric attack.

Whirling around, he sought out Zapdos and held up the orb, locking eyes with him. It was time for some long overdue revenge. "Zapdos! Let's show him our power. I'll soften him up, you kick his face in!" He slammed a paw into the earth for emphasis.

Then he took out the lodestone Steven had given him, charging it with as much of his own electricity as he could before tossing it to the Saint, he added, "I expect that back when I'm done." With a smirk, he tore away, cleaving through the fog of shadows as he leaped across the gap. He landed and smashed the orb, the electricity coating the ground and surging into his limbs. Fists sparking, he rushed Alexander.

Draw his attention, taunt him... "Wow was that it? Guess you're really not all you're cracked up to be! Couldn't even control me for very long!" The shield was broken. Now all he had to do was bash the stupid dragon. He struck with a flurry of blows, each precise and well timed, before ending with a uppercut and a bright flash of lightning to blind Alexander and throw him off guard.

"Now!" What was it Leaf had said? And Odette was always saying...? "Fuck him up, Zapdos!"

Koa learned: Swear word!

Spoiler: Turn 6

Koa (116 STM, 19 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 20 SHD, 2 RAD)
- Dash to Inner 3 (-2 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Alexander (-6 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Terrain Orb)
- AGILE Ganbatte Soul @ Alexander (-45 STM, +4 TMP)
- Mach Punch @ Alexander (-9 STM, +4 TMP)
- Ganbatte Soul @ Alexander (-30 STM, +4 TMP)
- CRITICAL Thunder Punch @ Loser soup dragon (-14 STM, -20 TMP, +4 TMP)
- Interact @ Zapdos (-3 TMP) [kick his face in! (lodestone + e terrain + Thunderous Soul = Bzzzt!) ]
Net change: -98 STM, -8 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 18 STM (66 after regen), 11 TMP, 20 SHD, 2 RAD

 

[Goat]

Suspension of disbelief was long abandoned before she'd flown to the clouds. This place did nothing to bring it back, that was for sure. Astrid's practice had paid off—she could hold herself steady, hold the streams of fire from her paws at those delicate angles to gain another dimension of movement, truly—but this was the first time there was space for it. She took it in like a wonderstruck child, imagining cool wings that she didn't need even as reality itself shook.

They should not be winning this, she realized. But they were. Everyone was at their peak right here, and as they rounded back for one final nuclear burst, one after another after another, fire and lighting and ice, blood and sweat, Wayfarers and Saints, natives and whatever those Mimikyu were. No. They were supposed to be winning. They deserved this.

This was what the Tree should've been like.

Oh. Of course that little bit of spite had never left. And you know what? It was exactly what the doctor fuckin' ordered. Her Radiance dipped, dipped… but stopped right where she needed it. Perfect control, but not without help. Aim. Steady. Hold—

Astrid screamed out her fury to the hellish heavens and locked in on one staggering target, prepared on a platter by so many uniquely special efforts. Blazing fire.

"Goodbye Alexander."

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Grace
2. Silver
3. Dave
4. Bellatrix
5. Koa
6. Archie
7. Odette
8. Astrid
9. Nova

Spoiler: Astrid turn 6

Astrid (136 STM, 18 TMP, +1 SPD, +3 ACC, 0 SHD, 52 RAD)
- Receive (Helping Hand)
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Receive (Call) (+3 TMP, -10 SHD, -10 RAD)
- Interact @ calibrate Radiance (-3 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Soul Rocket @ Alexander (-30 STM, -18 TMP, +7 TMP, +27 RAD)
- AGILE CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Alexander (-15 STM, +6 TMP, +9 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Swarm 2 (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +5 TMP, +9 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Draining Kiss @ Alexander (-9 STM, -18 TMP, +7 TMP, +8 RAD)
- RADIANT Vacuum Wave @ Alexander (-5 STM, +7 TMP, +4 RAD)
- RADIANT Vacuum Wave @ Alexander (-7.5 STM, +7 TMP, +4 RAD)
- Receive (Call) (+3 TMP, -10 SHD, -10 RAD)
Net change: -72 STM, +9 TMP, +0 SHD, +21 RAD
Net totals: 64 STM (64 after regen), 27 TMP, 0 SHD, 73 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Inkedust]

This flailing idiot was the oh-so-terrible "Void King" that threatened to destroy Forlas? It was ridiculous, so utterly ridiculous that Bellatrix could only wonder how he had grown to become so much of a threat in the first place beyond blind luck. Even the beast from her nightmares, that only knew how to hunt and howl, was more dignified than this.

Bellatrix made her way to Alexander with a slow, but purposeful walk. More shadows seeped into her form, causing a dark mist to flow from the ends of her mane, but her eyes burned gold as she grabbed hold of and stubbornly held onto the Radiance within her.

A flurry of attacks – filled with the icy bitterness towards an utter nuisance who did nothing but stand in her way – that held nothing back followed. There was one goal here, a goal was just an armlength away, and nothing would stop Bellatrix from getting the satisfaction she deserved from this victory.

"Just shut it already."

Spoiler: Turn 6

Bellatrix (88 STM, 10 TMP, +2 SPD, +1 ACC, 40 SHD, 8 RAD)
- Walk to Inner Spiral 3 (+20 SHD)
- Obstinate Soul @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-30 STM, -2 TMP, +5 TMP) [-1 Res]
- Focus Blast @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-28 STM, +5 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- STRONG CRITICAL RADIANT Bitter Malice @ Alexander (ACTIVATE: effect) (-37.5 STM, -23 TMP, +7 TMP, +25 RAD)
Net change: -84 STM, -3 TMP, +20 SHD, +25 RAD
Net totals: 4 STM (55 after regen), 7 TMP, 60 SHD, 33 RAD

 

[Magyk]

It was weirdly flattering to have an impostor of herself, but it wasn’t something Grace could fully comprehend in this moment.

She stayed dutifully by Astrid and Nova's side, wishing Silver and everyone else good luck. Hopefully they were still holding out without her assistance for now. Grace knew that Astrid's Radiance would be dangerous if it was left unchecked, so she had to stick around in case.

"Just a little more, Astrid! You're doing amazing!"

Watching Alexander's heads bleeding and flailing brought a sickening kind of...  relief to her. After the suffering this creature had inflicted across two different worlds? Grace was happy to see his plans be foiled in at least one of them, and she hoped Owen and Mhynt could stop him back home as well.

Owen... Was he okay? Was he going to disappear after this? Maybe it was for the better that he didn’t have to suffer here anymore. Maybe it was better his soul was returned to a less corrupted body. Something that belonged to him, again.

The Togetic frowned, feeling disgust and pity as she reached for another technique in her Metronome. She might not be able to do much damage, but Grace knew it would make him hurt more.

"Hey, Asshole," growled Grace, as she conjured up globs of poison. This was one person she never wanted to use her healing on. He could rot in hell for all she cared.

"This is for everyone you've hurt in your conquest for violence, jerk! Witness the power of the Wayfarers!"

Spoiler: Grace Turn Six

- Celebrate (-9 STM, +2 TMP) [Power Spot for Nova and Astrid]
- **Act:** Call @ Astrid [Pure Words]
- **Act:** Call @ Astrid [Pure Words]
- Metronome (Acid Spray) @ Alexander (-37 STM, -20 TMP, +2 TMP)
Net change: -41 STM, -16 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 101 STM (150 after regen), 3 TMP, 20 SHD, 36 RAD