Lethe

[Namohysip]

"Hey, Mhynt?"

"What?" Mhynt nimbly dodged the worst of it, only getting a brief graze against her side before glancing at Owen, making sure he was still in one piece. Yes, so far, so good.

"We aren't doing a whole lot of corruption. Shouldn't we be doing that?"

Mhynt grunted. "I haven't found the opportunity."

"Forget opportunity! Why not a Radiant strike?"

"This thing... doesn't seem to be Shadowed enough," Mhynt said. "It's a different entity. It's more... physical, I don't know--"

"If we're gonna take on Powehi later, maybe we should prepare? Get... Radianted up?"

"...Whatever." It was less efficient, but Mhynt was decently confident at the damage they could deal once they had Ting-Lu on the backstep. "Dave! Isidora! I'm ready to finish this!"

She ran forward, a blade of light ready to cleave through the embodiment.

"Don't get reckless," Zena hissed, sending a wave of healing mist Mhynt's way.

Spoiler: Mhynt Turn 3

Mhynt (246 STM, 18 TMP, +0 SPD, +2 ACC, 8 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Screech @ Ting-Lu (-15 STM, +2 TMP) [Owen echoes!]
- Toxic @ Ting-Lu (-20 STM, +3 TMP) [Owen echoes!]
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- STRONG CRITICAL RADIANT Leaf Blade @ Ting-Lu (-31.5 STM, -10 TMP, +6 TMP, +14 RAD) [Owen echoes!]
Net change: -67 STM, +6 TMP, +0 SHD, +14 RAD
Net totals: 179 STM (247 after regen), 24 TMP, 8 SHD, 14 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Zena Aux 3

Zena (Aux)
- Healer @ Mhynt

 

[Chibi Pika]

Jade winced as the explosion of flames consumed Virga and Gladion, but when the flames cleared, the latter was still standing. She gave a sigh of relief, and then rapidly surveyed the battlefield. The darkness surrounding Chi-Yu had reached a fever pitch--not much longer now. Wo-Chien was still going strong, though; had to do something about that before it could cause problems for them.

It wasn't hard to work out the quickest way down to the moor from way up on the cliffs.

'I'm making a jump for it,' Jade told Virga.

'How kind of you to warn me this time,' the Corviknight replied snidely.

Spoiler: Jade Turn 3

Jade (231 STM, 18 TMP, +1 SPD, +6 ACC, 0 SHD, 17 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -40 SHD, -30 RAD)
- Dash to Shaded Moor (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Soul's Adversity (-45 STM, +3 TMP) [+50 BP]
- CRITICAL Shining Freefall @ Wo-Chien (-40 STM, -15 TMP, +9 TMP, +32 RAD)
- Activate ability (Magician) @ Wo-Chien Def
- Soul's Adversity (-30 STM, +3 TMP)
- CRITICAL Thunderbolt @ Wo-Chien (-21 STM, -13 TMP, +9 TMP) [+50 BP, Flying-type]
- Walk to Lightless Plain
Net change: -128 STM, -1 TMP, +0 SHD, +15 RAD
Net totals: 103 STM (166 after regen), 17 TMP, 0 SHD, 32 RAD

Spoiler: Virga Turn 3

Virga (Aux)
- Defender @ Jade [Half-protect]

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Chi-Yu's heat was overwhelming. For a moment, Gladion was worried he'd misjudged the situation, that he wasn't going to make it. And then the firestorm broke, and he was still standing. His confidence surged back to him. He grinned, pretending that it had never left at all. An act for no one, he didn't get the impression the treasures were listening, and it wasn't like he had to put on a show for his allies, if they even would've believed it in the first place.

"Well, you tried your best. But you were never meant to win. Just to slow us down."

He raised his protect, waiting a moment.

Lillie emerged to strike Wo-Chien again, her blade doused in fairylight, seeking to sap its defence. She had to lead her strike into the blows of her allies, friends of Gladion's that might've been hers too if she'd had more time. The shared communication of the Betel's network felt as natural as breathing. Maybe it was, for her current speices. Gardevoir were built for distributed conciousness.

Once Jade and Laura had finished their assault on Wo-Chien, Gladion let his shadow surge into Chi-Yu, removing the indiscriminately-weakening aura of their beads from the battle before there was time for a counterattack.

"We're done with you now. So get out of the way."

Spoiler: Gladion Turn 3

Gladion (211 STM, 7 TMP, +2 SPD, +4 ACC, 30 SHD, 30 RAD)
- Protect (-20 STM, +2 TMP)
- Umbral Resentment @ Chi-Yu (+0 STM, +6 TMP)
- STRONG Soul's Volition (-45 STM, +4 TMP) [Grass]
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ AI
- Tri Attack @ Wo-Chien (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit, effect, Hex Adept) (-29 STM, -6 TMP, +6 TMP)
- Walk to Amber Cliffs
Net change: -83 STM, +12 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 128 STM (128 after regen), 19 TMP, 30 SHD, 30 RAD

Lillie (Aux)
- Paladin @ Wo-Chien [Res]

 

[JFought]

[working on flavor]

Spoiler: Isidora Turn 3

Isidora (247 STM, 29 TMP, +0 SPD, +4 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Dash to Arid Saltbed (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Power-Up Punch @ Ting-Lu (-21 STM, +6 TMP)
- CRITICAL Power-Up Punch @ Ting-Lu (-14 STM, -16 TMP, +6 TMP)
- CRITICAL Triple Axel @ Ting-Lu (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-34 STM, -16 TMP, +6 TMP)
- Swift Soul @ Ting-Lu (ACTIVATE: effect) (-30 STM, -5 TMP, +6 TMP) [+Acc, +Spd]
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -30 RAD)
- Walk to Lightless Plains
Net change: -99 STM, -13 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 148 STM (223 after regen), 16 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

*If Swift Soul never lands, her totals should look like this instead.
Net change: -69 STM, -14 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 178 STM (252 after regen), 15 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

Spoiler: Phantom Turn 3

Phantom (Aux)
- Defender @ Isidora [Shield]

Spoiler: Turn Order

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

 

[Jackie Cat]

flavour comin'

Spoiler: Laura Turn 3

Laura (214 STM, 28 TMP, +6 SPD, +2 ACC, 27 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Helping Hand @ Jade (-8 STM, +2 TMP)
- Helping Hand @ Jade (-12 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Whiskey) (+50 STM)
- Shining Clarity (-40 STM, +36 RAD) [heal drunk]
- STRONG CRITICAL Umbral Aspiration @ Wo-Chien (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit, effect, Hex Maniac) (-60 STM, -2 TMP, +2 TMP, +36 SHD)
Net change: -40 STM, +2 TMP, +26 SHD, +36 RAD
Net totals: 174 STM (252 after regen), 30 TMP, 53 SHD, 36 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Malachai (Aux)
- Caster @ Wo-Chien [Flying]

 

[Tetra]

'Leaf-!'

Burning pain flared across Koa's body as Lucario's fiery kick connected. He rolled, tried to rise. Too slow. Darkness knocked him back, carrying him off his feet. He rose again, slower, as phantom flames flared across his body and through his mind. He stifled a cry and swallowed a Lum bery whole, almost choking. Sweet relief swept through him and his thoughts began to clear. Everyone was still standing, at least. But Powehi could take plenty more.

He wants to see your true self, so be it.

One hit. Make it count.

Time for payback.

Anubis' Howl rang in Koa's ears, invigorating him as he crouched, bunching his muscles. He gave a mighty leap. Light wrapped around his fist, flared in his eyes. He drew his arm back, the light growing brighter and brighter and brighter.

"How about I show you the light!"

Spoiler: Turn 3: Koa

Koa (184 STM, 26 TMP, +0 SPD, +1 ACC, 63 SHD, 11 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Lum Berry) @ Koa
- STRONG CRITICAL Shining Blindside @ Powehi (ACTIVATE: Flinch, Hex Adept) (-60 STM, -14 TMP, +8 TMP, +36 RAD) [Effect: Lower Acc]
Net change: -60 STM, -6 TMP, -10 SHD, +36 RAD
Net totals: 124 STM (200 after regen), 20 TMP, 53 SHD, 47 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

Spoiler: Turn 3: Anubis

Anubis (Aux)
- Support @ Koa [+1 Atk]

 

[Chibi Pika]

Turn 3
Ember-Fen Squad​

Virga's Defender skill is protecting Jade!
Lillie's Paladin skillweakened and then dealt 43 damage to Wo-Chien!
Malachai's Caster skill dealt 37 damage to Wo-Chien!

Laura's 2x Helping Hand boosted Jade!
Laura's Shining Clarity boosted her next move!
Laura's STRONG Umbral Aspiration dealt a CRITICAL 163 damage to Wo-Chien! It's super effective! Took 40 dmg in recoil.

Jade's AGILE Soul's Adversity boosted her next move!
Jade's Shining Freefall, boosted by Laura, dealt a CRITICAL 186 damage to Wo-Chien! It's super effective!
Magician stole 1 Def!
Jade used Soul's Adversity boosted her next move!
Jade's Flying Thunderbolt, boosted by Laura, dealt a CRITICAL 248 damage to Wo-Chien! It's super effective!

Gladion's Umbral Resentment dealt a catastrophic 380 damage to Chi-Yu! KO!!
Gladion's STRONG Soul's Volition turned him Grass-type! +1 Acc/Eva
Gladion's Tri Attack dealt 8 damage to Wo-Chien! Paralyzed!
Gladion's Spotter Feat Wo-Chien AI!

Wo-Chien's intended strategy was to fetter enemies with poison and leeching and outlast them by healing itself. It prefers to open with Snarl to weaken foes and waste their evasion before ending with Ruination, putting foes in a position to be picked off by Chi-Yu... but Gladion has thrown a wrench into things.​

Enemy Phase​

Chi-Yu dove to the ground, flapping and flailing like a beached fish, as it sought desperately to continue the fight. The earth beneath it cracked and blackened, scorched by the creature's heat. Yet, its body of liquid fire was now failing too. Its beads of jade clattered to the ground with a gentle tapping and clinking that belied its earlier fury. The drumming echoed in Gladion's skull long after the beads had fallen still, tugging at his mind, urging him to pick them up.

A vision. Paws grasping, seeking, pushing at another's face. Hot, angry tears. Shouted accusations. Torn fabrics, pounding steps, and a body falling from a great height. Green gemstones are torn from around the neck, from the ears, from the wrists and ankles and tails. Not one murder, but many. Do not look at them! They aren't yours to hold and touch, jealous sinner that you are. 'Mine', whisper a dozen voices in concert. Clutching, covetous ghosts whose envy never burns away. An avarice immortal and infectious...

Chi-Yu's Last Word: Memento of Ruin - Gladion's remaining HP was halved! -2 Atk, -2 Mag.

At first it appeared that Wo-Chien might not even be capable of hauling its way atop the amber cliffs to pursue its enemies. But the creature was nothing if not persistent, and in this realm of dreams and darkness, even time withered at its presence. Its bulk melted into the mud and detritus of the fen, and flowed upward, its wooden tablets first rolling like a watermill, then launching themselves into the terrain like climbing pegs for the leafy bulk to clamber along.

Wo-Chien walked to Amber Cliffs!
Wo-Chien focused...
Wo-Chien's AGILE Leech Seed hit Gladion's Protect!
Wo-Chien's Leech Seed missed Laura!
Boss Action: Sure Hit!
Wo-Chien's Giga Drain dealt 20 damage to Gladion! It's not very effective... Not enough Tmp to crit.
Wo-Chien's Ruination dealt a grazing 80 damage to Laura!

Gladion & Laura's Defensive Rhythm!

 

[Phoenixsong]

It'd been a minute since the last time shadow had hurt like this. The Wolf smashing fear-laced stones into her chest. Alexander trying to tear her leg off. As the wave crashed into her and everything went dark and cold and acid she could hear the old refrain rising again, get away, get away, please, please, get away, crushing arms wrapping around her heart to block out the pain and drag her somewhere safe. It hurt and it was bad and she didn't want this anymore and why did it have to be her, why did she ever want to be the one fighting through all this, maybe it would all be better if she just went home.

But by the time the wave receded the grip had relaxed, the panic settled into wary but patient reason. ...No. I... I can help. You... you can do it. Then, softer than the usual sense of tension and strain, quiet and clear as her own thoughts, after all, ought to be: She's not here. But you are. You're afraid, but that's okay. Let it mean that you're awake. Let it mean that you care. Let it mean that this matters.

Watch, focus, find the way through.

I can do it.

...in theory. Hard to do much when she was still this winded. But she had enough in her to at least keep him busy while the others attacked, buy time for the rest of the Wayfarers to get here. Koa building up blinding light, black smoke-fire curling around Blue's muzzle, Silver preparing to lunge. Hold his attention, just for a second. Don't let him wind up without all of them making sure he paid for it.

"We cannot achieve our goals with any less than your full and true selves!"

Leaf gritted her teeth as spun around and smashed her back hooves into Powehi's face. "Like there was any chance we'd give anything else."

Spoiler: Leaf Turn 3

Leaf (174 STM, 23 TMP, +1 SPD, +6 ACC, 0 SHD, 6 RAD)
- Walk to Jackal's Precipice
- Umbral Vigilance @ Powehi (-40 STM, +2 TMP, +36 SHD) [Intel: Defenses]
- AGILE CRITICAL Blaze Kick @ Powehi (-28.5 STM, -10 TMP, +8 TMP)
- CRITICAL Blaze Kick @ Powehi (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-19 STM, -17 TMP, +10 TMP) [trigger Void Ascendancy]
Net change: -83 STM, -7 TMP, +36 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 91 STM (166 after regen), 16 TMP, 36 SHD, 6 RAD

Spoiler: Blue Turn 3 (Aux)

Blue (Aux)
- SHADOW Rogue @ Powehi [-1 Mag [3]]

Spoiler: Turn 3 Order, Powehi Squad

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