Lethe

[Butterfree]

With a boost from Zena and Shadow sprouting from his feet, Dave sprinted across the salt-crusted ground towards the frozen spires beyond. Jean bounded by his side, easily keeping up, eyes shining with excitement. The combat network gave him the awareness of what she would do, where she was going: burn the moose with the big bowl on its head.

The Shadows clawed at his heart as she separated from him with an encouraging smile. They'd gone thinking they could do a thing against people with guns, and now here they were, up against a bunch of legendaries.

He rammed into the sleek sabertooth, Shadow energy eating away at his aura. He took a deep breath. No. No, it was all just a goddamn test. She'd be fine.

Cold steel willpower spread through his body instead and formed into a blade.

Spoiler: Dave turn 1

Dave (262 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Arid Saltbeds
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Dash to Aurora Ridge (-2 TMP)
- Umbral Recklessness @ Chien-Pao (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-40 STM, -3 TMP, +2 TMP, +32 SHD)
- Activate ability (Pickpocket) @ Chien-Pao's Def
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -30 RAD)
- STRONG CRITICAL Relentless Soul @ Chien-Pao (-45 STM, -6 TMP, +4 TMP)
Net change: -97 STM, +2 TMP, +2 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 165 STM (243 after regen), 7 TMP, 2 SHD, 0 RAD

Spoiler: Jean turn 1

Jean (Aux)
- Rogue (Burn) @ Ting-Lu

 

[Cresselia92]

When Lyra reached that otherworldly place — was it another planet??? — she felt a wave of deep sadness settle into her core. So much unrest flowing in that equally gloomy, equally fascinating environment, underneath the dark water and into the silver sand, and with no way to relieve any of it.

“The four cataclysms of Paldea…” she murmured when the creatures materialized, having instantly recognized them as some long-lost myth from that region. The fact Forlas had its own version of the ruinous avatars, a walking reminder of terrible catastrophes, only further squeezed her already tight heart.

The Lopunny winced and shuffled her feet. Uh oh, did her own sadness and sense of helplessness pour into Powehi? Was she adding more pressure to his being? And was her worry about that sadness actually adding even more pressure? Oh gosh aaaaaaaaaa—

‘There’s nothing I can do about this. It’s part of this world’s past,’ she told herself, steadying her fluttering emotions. ‘But there’s someone else I can help…’

She glanced expectantly at Silver, noticing his analytical frown as he stared intently at Powehi, then at the four cataclysms with a more puzzled gaze. That was the usual expression he wore whenever he locked in on a target and crafted some strategy in that smart mind of his that she admired so much. Seeing him so calm and collected made her feel much more at ease and relaxed.

Silver pumped his fist and nodded at her, flashing a confident (and vaguely protective?) smirk. “C’mon, Kotone! Let’s do this!”

Lyra adjusted her hat and nodded back at him, then winked sweetly and gave him a thumbs-up. “As a team~!”

And they (literally) jumped into action, with Silver wreathing himself with a golden light and setting his claws aflame (wait, did she just see Ho-Oh’s silhouette amidst those flames, or…?), then slashing at Powehi.

She grinned as she hopped after him and hollered words of encouragement, a soothing energy echoing in her voice to relieve the distortions in his soul. “You can do it, Silver! I believe in you!!”

Spoiler: Silver (Turn 1)

Silver (260 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Dash to Stygian Plateau (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Shining Resurgence (-60 STM, +2 TMP, +32 RAD) [Pugnacious]
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -30 SHD, -30 RAD)
- Shining Resurgence (-40 STM, +2 TMP, +32 RAD) [+1 Atk/Acc]
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Hotheaded Soul @ Powehi (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Maniac) (-30 STM, -7 TMP, +9 TMP) [Burn + defenses buff]
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
Net change: -148 STM, +14 TMP, +0 SHD, +14 RAD
Net totals: 112 STM (190 after regen), 19 TMP, 0 SHD, 14 RAD

Spoiler: Lyra (Turn 1)

Pure Call @ Silver [-20 corruption]

 

[JFought]

The jackal's muzzle twitched. Was that him suppressing a snort of laughter?

Phantom nudged Isidora's side. "Look at that Isidora. I quite nearly got a laugh from the embodiment of negativity."

She shot him a look of disbelief. "Could you do that to the treasures next?" she growled sarcastically.

The floragato put a paw to his chin in genuine thought. "Are they sentient...?"

There were more important things for Isidora be focusing on. Such as the battle about to start.

Ting-Lu looked like it could take a lot of punishment, and Isidora didn't want to engage it carelessly when she didn't yet know what kinds of moves it was carrying. Considering that, the sword-beast was a far more attractive target, as it seemed frailer, and she could take advantage of its environment just as well as it could. So she chewed on her Reflex Seed and made a break for the ridge.

Running into the snowstorm, she soon spotted her target, and immediately she felt her hackles rise. She wasn't sure what it was. Powehi's influence? Her familiarity with the old legends? The way it moved without a care? Its true form, the broken sword, hanging from its constructed head like cursed fangs? Just being in its vicinity gave off the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. I talked a big game, but this thing is eerie...

Isidora drew strength from the cold. I can't let it get to me.

Spoiler: Isidora Turn 1

Isidora (252 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Arid Saltbed
- **Act:** Item (Reflex Seed)
- Dash to Aurora Ridge (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Power-Up Punch @ Chien-Pao (-21 STM, +3 TMP)
- Power-Up Punch @ Chien-Pao (-14 STM, +3 TMP)
- Swift Soul @ Chien-Pao (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit, effect) (-30 STM, -5 TMP, +5 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Chien-Pao's defenses
- Ice Shard @ Chien-Pao (-5 STM, +4 TMP)
- Ice Shard @ Chien-Pao (-7.5 STM, +4 TMP)
Net change: -78 STM, +12 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 174 STM (249 after regen), 17 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

~~~

The Phantom Star pondered Isidora's question for only a moment longer, before deciding that an answer, if there was one, would likely reveal itself in the course of battle. Assessing the situation now, he noticed that the sceptile's shadowy charizard friend was looking quite vulnerable. So he licked his paw and commanded his own shadows to assist.

"Here, from one shadow to another!"

Spoiler: Phantom Turn 1

- Defender Aux (Shield) @ Owen
- Interact: Use the shield to protect Owen!

Spoiler: Turn Order

- Zena
- Jean
- Dave
- Isidora
- Mhynt
- Phantom

 

[canisaries]

"Um... anyone know what type these guys are...?" Ben asked shyly as the Wayfarers split up to fight the strange mon with a degree of agility and technique that Ben hadn't encountered in his years as a battler yet.

"They're all half-dark," Andre filled in. "And their second types match how they look. Ice, ground, fire and grass."

Ben looked around at the mon. "So they'd all be weak to fairy except for the fire fish? I know Play Rough."

"Well, I mean... you're the battler. You probably know the type chart better than I do."

Ben cringed. "I guess. Just not used to fighting without orders..."

Andre had to wonder if that had been part of the reason Ben had fled instead of fought back when he'd stabbed him.

Regardless, the ursa decided to go for the snow-cat with his Play Rough. Andre, instead, chose to go deer-to-deer with Ting-Lu, a volley of Bullet Seed as his weapon.

 

[Namohysip]

"All right," Mhynt whispered, vanishing in an instant. Her shadow was left behind, rising from the earth, feeling right at home amid the strange landscape.

"I hope I don't get used to this place," Owen murmured, hiding in the shadows of others so he wasn't hit too quickly while getting fully formed. Mhynt, meanwhile, pointed at Chien-Pao and sent a curious, enervating beam at it, rotting away its vitality. A plain Toxic would do for now while she watched them closely. She hopped back, phasing in and out of existence, to group with the others near the much slower-looking Ting-Lu in the saltbed.

"Dave, yes?" Zena said, nodding. "I'll help you along. We must group quickly." With a surf on the ground, it seemed like the water was working in Dave's favor to get forward faster.

Spoiler: Mhynt Turn 1

Mhynt (272 STM, 5 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Teleport (-20 STM, +2 TMP) [To Aurora Ridge!]
- Umbral Specter (-40 STM, +2 TMP, +28 SHD)
- STRONG Toxic @ Chien-Pao (-30 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Walk to Arid Saltbed [Owen also moves to Arid Saltbed]
Net change: -90 STM, +13 TMP, +8 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 182 STM (250 after regen), 18 TMP, 8 SHD, 0 RAD

Spoiler: Zena Aux 1

Zena

+1 Speed to Dave!

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 1
Powehi Squad​

Anubis's Howl boosted Koa!
Blue's Rogue skill weakened Powehi!
Lyra's Pure Words reached Silver!

Silver's AGILE Shining Resurgences overhealed HP and boosted his fighting spirit!
Silver's Hotheaded Soul dealt 76 damage to Powehi! It's super effective! Healed 14 HP.

Leaf's Quick Attack dealt 7+8 damage to Powehi! It's not very effective...
Leaf's AGILE Drill Runs dealt a CRITICAL 31+41 damage to Powehi! It's super effective!

Leaf's Umbral Vigilance Powehi AI

Powehi has a balanced approach to combat, and seemingly unlimited patience. He will prioritise the nearest opponent, rather than chase down fleeing foes. He has a considerably greater number of well-practiced moves than a typical enemy, and is equally comfortable at range or in meleé.

Besides his mundane repertoire, he also has several unique Shadow-type moves particular to him in his role as Dark Matter. It seems that with every passing minute, Powehi will grow in power, adapting to various means of battling him until he eventually reaches his true, full might. At least Radiance will always remain effective against him...

Koa's Ganbatte Soul dealt 25 damage to Powehi and boosted his next move!
Koa's STRONG Shining Blindside dealt 110 damage to Powehi! It's ultra effective! -2 Acc

Powehi put up his paws, turning Silver's attacks aside with his palms, hardly moving except to bend and lean in such a way as to lessen the force of incoming attacks. He seemed almost disinterested in counterattacking at first, simply observing his opponent closely with his one good eye.

"Bold, to come confront me immediately. You are a headstrong one, aren't you? You wade through ill-feeling like tar; you can never wash it all away."

Enemy Phase​

The Lucario's aura sensors quivered with Shadow energy, rising along with the hackles on his neck. His scarred eye glinted strangely, the pupil darkening and the iris swirling a ruddy gold. The dust beneath his paws trembled as his aura strengthened sharply.

Calamitous Retinue! Wo-Chien granted Powehi Res. Chi-Yu granted Mag. Chien-Pao granted Atk. Ting-Lu granted Def.

Legendary Action: Stats Boost! +1 Spd, +1 Acc
Powehi's Void Ascendancy raised his Acc by 2 and nullifies the first hex received each turn. Each consecutive use adds an additional effect...

Then he struck, one paw slipping out to loose an attack at range, then another. He hummed to himself, low and sonorous, and a splintered bone of ghostly energy manifested in each paw; Powehi spent a brief moment weighing the balance, then lunged at Silver.

Powehi's Shadow Ball broke Leaf's Protect shield!
Powehi's Flash Cannon dealt a grazing 71 damage to Leaf! It's super effective!
Powehi Focused...
Powehi's STRONG Bone Rush!
Koa: Protect! 30+29+25! It's super effective!
Silver: a grazing 16+32+34+33! It's super effective!
Legendary Action: Firm Protect!
Powehi walked to Jackal's Precipice

Boss Attack: Powehi is preparing Aura Sphere.
Target: Stygian Plateau

 

[Chibi Pika]

Turn 1
Frost-Crag Squad​

Zena's Support Skill is boosting Dave!
Phantom Defender Skill is shielding Owen!
Jean's Rogue Skill burned Ting-Lu!

Dave's Umbral Recklessness dealt 50 damage to Chien-Pao! It's super effective! Took 12 dmg in recoil
Pickpocketed 1 Acc! Flinching!
Dave's STRONG Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 155 damage to Chien-Pao! It's super effective!

Isidora's AGILE Power-Up Punch dealt 25+39 damage to Chien-Pao! It's ultra effective! +2 Atk
Isidora's Swift Soul dealt 37 damage to Chien-Pao!
Isidora's Spotter Feat @ Chien-Pao's defenses: 286, 214
Isidora's Ice Shard dealt 30+27 damage to Chien-Pao!

Mhynt's Umbral Specter let Owen join the fight!
Mhynt's STRONG Toxic badly poisoned Chien-Pao!

Enemy Phase​

The great mass of earth with an iron crucible on its head eyed Jean impassively as her flames scorched its craggy hide. It heaved its forelegs into the air and slammed the desiccated earth, sending a hail of boulders raining down across the saltbeds.

Up on the frost slopes above, the snow cat dove in and out of the drifts, firing shards of ice at anyone who came near before lashing out with its sword-fangs.

Chien-Pao's Ice Shard hit Mhynt's Protect shield!
Chien-Pao's Ice Shard hit Isidora's Protect shield!
Chien-Pao's AGILE Sacred Sword was dodged by Isidora!
Chien-Pao's Sacred Sword dealt 182 damage to Isidora! It's ultra effective!
Chien-Pao took cover!
Chien Pao was flinching and couldn't do more.

Ting-Lu deployed Stealth Rock in Arid Saltbed!
Ting-Lu's AGILE Rock Slide!
Mhynt: Dodged!
Owen: Dodged!
Ting-Lu's Rock Slide!
Mhynt: Dodged!
Owen: Dodged!
Ting-Lu Focused...
Ting-Lu's Body Press dealt a CRITICAL 104 damage to Mhynt!
Ting-Lu took cover!

 

[Namohysip]

Mhynt flinched. "I'm beginning to get surprised at how strong we've become," she murmured, noticing that one of these embodiments of negativity were already halfway down. She shook her head, refocusing on the great bowl embodiment in front of her. "Owen, with me!" she shouted, smashing a Protect Orb near him to grant him some extra protection. "Go!"

"Right!"

Zena, meanwhile, followed up with a veil of water, granting Mhynt some obscured shielding. Just a faint bit extra as they faced Ting-Lu directly...

Spoiler: Mhynt Turn 2

Mhynt (250 STM, 18 TMP, +2 SPD, +2 ACC, 8 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Interact @ Owen (-3 TMP) [Use the Protect Orb on Owen!]
- **Act:** Item (Protect Orb)
- Toxic @ Ting-Lu (-20 STM, +3 TMP) [Owen echoes!]
- STRONG CRITICAL Leaf Blade @ Ting-Lu (-31.5 STM, -10 TMP, +6 TMP) [Owen echoes!]
- Soul Enervation @ Ting-Lu (-30 STM, +4 TMP) [Leaf Critical! Magnitude becomes 2! Owen echoes!]
Net change: -72 STM, +0 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 178 STM (246 after regen), 18 TMP, 8 SHD, 0 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Zena Aux 2

Zena (Aux)
- Support @ Mhynt! (and Owen by extension) +1 Evade!

 

[Phoenixsong]

flavor pending

Spoiler: Leaf Turn 2

Leaf (240 STM, 8 TMP, +1 SPD, +4 ACC, 16 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Swords Dance (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Interact @ Dash to Stygian Plateau with Blue (-3 TMP)
- Dash to Stygian Plateau (-2 TMP)
- Quick Attack @ -- (-6 STM, +7 TMP)
- Dash to Jackal's Precipice (-2 TMP)
- Quick Attack @ Powehi (-9 STM, +7 TMP)
- STRONG CRITICAL Shining Stormlance @ Powehi (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-60 STM, -10 TMP, +11 TMP, +36 RAD) [Effect: Paralyze]
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -30 RAD)
- Walk to Stygian Plateau
Net change: -88 STM, +15 TMP, -16 SHD, +6 RAD
Net totals: 152 STM (227 after regen), 23 TMP, 0 SHD, 6 RAD

Spoiler: Blue Turn 2 (Aux)

Blue (Aux)
- Interact @ Dash to Stygian Plateau with Leaf
- Rogue @ Powehi [Burn]

Spoiler: Turn 2 Order, Powehi Squad

- Lyra
- Koa
- Anubis
- Blue
- Silver
- Leaf

 

[Tetra]

oraoraora!

Spoiler: Turn 2: Koa

Koa (224 STM, 23 TMP, +0 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 6 RAD)
- Walk to Precipice
- AGILE Mach Punch @ Powehi (-9 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Mach Punch @ Powehi (-6 STM, -20 TMP, +4 TMP, +5 RAD)
- Mach Punch @ Powehi (-9 STM, +4 TMP)
- Umbral Retribution @ Powehi (-40 STM, +4 TMP, +36 SHD)
- SHADOW Ganbatte Soul @ Powehi (ACTIVATE: Umbral Aura) (-30 STM, +4 TMP, +27 SHD)
Net change: -94 STM, +3 TMP, +53 SHD, +5 RAD
Net totals: 130 STM (206 after regen), 26 TMP, 53 SHD, 11 RAD

Spoiler: Turn 2: Anubis

Anubis (Aux)
- Caster @ Powehi [Fire]

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade pressed herself flat against Virga's back as the piercing darkness swept over her. She held her breath, an endless moment frozen in time before her muscles switched back on. She pulled herself forward, looking down over Virga's side to see Laura deftly leaping up the cliffs, followed soon after by Gladion.

She'd gotten the memo from the others--the longer these ruinous legends stayed in the fight, the stronger Powehi would become.

"Gimme a boost and I'll try to handle the fish!" she called out, already reaching for a Chilling Water as she leaped down from Virga's back. Then, to Virga: "Cover Gladion, he's gonna need it."

Spoiler: Jade Turn 2

Jade (239 STM, 16 TMP, +1 SPD, +5 ACC, 0 SHD, 17 RAD)
- AGILE Chilling Water @ Chi-Yu (-27 STM, +8 TMP) [+50 BP, HH]
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Chi-Yu Eva
- Soul's Adversity (-30 STM, +3 TMP)
- CRITICAL Chilling Water @ Chi-Yu (-18 STM, -18 TMP, +8 TMP) [+50 BP, HH]
Net change: -71 STM, +1 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 168 STM (231 after regen), 17 TMP, 0 SHD, 17 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Virga Turn 2

Virga (Aux)
- Defender @ Gladion [Half-Protect]

 

[Jackie Cat]

She was so much faster in this form. Goodbye gangly and awkward body, hello lithe, powerful, leaping predator body. She didn't mind this at all – and already she was in a wonderful flow, every move proceeding from the last.

Deliberately, Laura darkened her mind, allowing some of that cold and gnawing anxiety to rise up inside her, enough to give a little more edge to that Umbral attack she'd used against Ralsen, should she need it...

Overhead, Malachai wheeled around their flank, providing covering fire.

"Gladion, your wits about you! See the opening!" he bellowed.

Spoiler: Laura Turn 2

Laura (221 STM, 13 TMP, +5 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Amber Cliffs
- Activate ability (Moody) @ +2 Def, -1 Res
- **Act:** SHADOW Focus (+5 TMP)
- AGILE SHADOW Soul's Conviction @ Jade gets Mag/Res, Laura gets Mag/Res (-45 STM, +2 TMP, +27 SHD) [Jade should end up with 4 [3] Mag, 2 [3] Res, 3 [2] Eva, 4 [2] Acc]
- Soul's Conviction @ Jade gets Acc/Eva, Laura gets Acc/Eva (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [Laura should end up with 2 [2] Mag, 2 [2] Res, 3 [1] Eva, 3 [1] Acc, 4 [2] Spd, 3 [2] Def]
- Agility (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- Helping Hand @ Jade (-8 STM, +2 TMP)
- Helping Hand @ Jade (-12 STM, +2 TMP)
Net change: -85 STM, +15 TMP, +27 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 136 STM (214 after regen), 28 TMP, 27 SHD, 0 RAD

Malachai (Aux)
- **Act:** Call @ Gladion