Pokemon Umbral Mission 3: Faynoc's Folly

[Astral Harmony]

Primary Objective: Make Faynoc Run
Step Objectives
- Neutralize the Honmyr Prideguard's cordon
- Recruit the Miltank Pokebrid Muon
- Eliminate all HPG soldiers, HoA cultists, and enemy mercs as necessary
- Allow Faynoc to escape

The alarm went off, finally bringing the dullness of the peaceful days to an end. With new motivation, the Watchmen hurried to the briefing room. Rayleen was there, already suited up and armed.

"I see a lot of smiles today. That's good," Rayleen said. "I'm been dying for the next battle as well. And today, I'm certain we'll be very gainfully employed. Behold the holoprojector."

The holoprojector displayed Prime Square, one of the major areas of Fainas Metropolis where people gather to do inane things like fall in love or whatever. "This is Prime Square, one of the major areas of Fainas Metropolis where people gather to do inane things like fall in love or whatever."

...If there was an author avatar in this RP, a main character was sure to punch it.

"Our efforts against Faynoc's Harbingers of Ascension cult has apparently not been in vain. The egotistical fool has actually come out of hiding to deliver a public sermon right in the dead center of Prime Square. Obviously, what happens to Faynoc falls under the Watchmen's jurisdiction. I know a lot of you want Faynoc dead, myself as much as anyone. However, we're going to have to swallow our rage until some other time. We need Faynoc to retreat from Prime Square, alive and well. He's probably the only person in the world who can lead us to his hidden facility, Millenium House. There are others, of course, but they seem to die in horrible ways by your awesome efforts, for some reason."
"Why is he doing something stupid like a public sermon?" Cecilia asked. "Faynoc knows that the Watchmen are on the lookout for him. Why else would he try to have you killed off? But this just seems like a blunder of epic proportions."
"Must be recruiting," Whitney assumed. "Moera, The Light, and The Dark were a few of his top crusaders. And now they're history, along with several other lesser crusaders that showed great potential, my brother Wyatt and myself among them."
"But don'cha think 'e coulda been a li'l more discreet?" Milsha asked.
"He must be running out of patience," Rayleen guessed. "Who knows how long Faynoc has been at this, but I'm willing to bet that this whole time, he hasn't hit any considerable snags in his efforts to build an army of Pokebrids. Not until several months ago when the Watchmen started getting involved, anyways. I don't know about him personally, but when someone just comes along and starts kicking over the card fortress you've spent so long building, you tend to kind of lose it. If Faynoc can't control his temper at losing some of his best fighters, he's going to do something stupid. Now might be our best, if not our only chance to capitalize on his fatal mistake."

Rayleen gestures towards Aster, who nods, leaves his seat, and goes to the front of the room. "This briefing was called a bit later than it should have been so that Lloyd could have an extrasensory peek at the scene. Go ahead, Lloyd."
Aster nodded. "Reynold Faynoc is indeed in Prime Square. Judging from his appearance, the man is a Lugia Pokebrid. There was a little girl next to him with her head, arms and legs encased in strange armor. There is currently a lot of chaos. Faynoc's sermon has drawn Pokebrids and desperate civilians to his request of aid. It seems like the police tried to interfere, but they were driven back. I'm...not certain as to why, but there appear to be a large number of Honmyr Prideguard soldiers in the chaos. They have cordoned off the entire square and a small portion of the military force is fighting Faynoc's personal guard and any unalligned people who have been swayed by Faynoc's promises. There appears to be a stalemate, but it's difficult to tell. There's so much smoke. And for some reason, I also saw blue fire."
"Oh, yeah, there's some kind of military parade in the city," Calisto chimed in. "Maybe the police asked for assistance? I don't know about this blue fire, though."
"Maybe a combat vehicle of some kind." Rayleen guessed. "Anyways, a document is already being faxed back and forth and signed. With it, we should be able to pass through that HPG cordon without incident. Notice that I said 'should' and not 'will'. Burkmont doesn't like me and his deep-seated hatred for me may cause undue interference for us. Use the document to try and get through, but if they refuse to break it up, we have permission to engage them. They've been getting a little too proud and comfortable with their high authority. We'll send that disgusting fatass a crystal clear message that he really should learn not to interfere with me and my comrades. Anyways, by Lloyd's psychic probing, it seems like the clash between the Harbingers of Ascension and the Honmyr Prideguard has only recently started, suggesting that no serious offensive or defensive measures are set. You shouldn't need to concern yourselves with enemy Shook Troopers, Snipers, or Destroyers. At least not at the start. Piercing through the cordon, if that becomes our only option of advancing, should give you ample experience in facing HPG soldiers."

Rayleen then gestured to Whitney, who stood up as well. "My friend Muon told me about Faynoc's public sermon. Thanks to her information, we stand a much better chance of succeeding. I know you probably have questions about her trustworthiness, but I'm begging you. Please save Muon. She and I are the best of friends and I know she wouldn't betray my trust."
"Huh," Harliette said. "I thought you and I were the best of friends."
"I can have as many best friends as I like, thank you very much. Hmph!"
"Isn't there something else you can say that might make us want to help her?" Bretton asked Whitney.
Whitney looked thoughtful. "Umm...her sex appeal is over nine-thousand?"
"That'll work for me," Bretton conceded.

Pokemon Umbral, where Internet memes go to die.

"This is going to end up being a wild crossfire. There's going to be us, the HPG, the HoA, and various innocent Pokebrids and civilians who are caught up in the middle of it all. Because I'd rather we didn't cause any undue civilian casualties, I'm restricting us by not allowing a Destroyer. The widespread destruction Destroyers like Lexhur could inflict would definitely cause highly undesired trouble for our operations in the future if innocents end up dead from our artillery strikes."
"Anyways, to summarize, you'll need to breach the HPG cordon. Find and rescue Muon if you can. I'm certain she'll be a huge help in the coming fights. After the cordon, you'll need to get to Faynoc and destroy enough to his cultists to force him to flee the scene. We'll need to cover his retreat as well, but try not to make it too obvious that we plan to tail him all the way back to Millenium House."
"Who's going to be tailing him?" Lola asked.
"I'm planning on having all three of our kunoichi allies keep track of him," Rayleen said, indicating Kirie, Chizuru and Mika. "Faynoc might get wise about what we intend to do, so there may be a great deal of time separating the moment he flees to when he returns home. He's likely to take a lot of detours and even stay at various locations for days at a time until he's certain that he has avoided both capture and pursuit. Thus, I think it's best to employ all three to what should be an easy task for them."
"Not to mention boring," Kirie groaned lightly.
"Aw, it'll be fun!" Chizuru said cheerfully. "To be honest, I haven't tracked anyone in a long time. I should use this opportunity to refresh myself."
"Relax, Chizuru." Mika said. "You're one of the best in the business of stalking your prey. This guy may avoid the police, the military, and even the agency, but he won't escape the Kimonos."
"That should be it," Rayleen said with finality. "We don't know what the blue flames were that Lloyd saw in his vision, so be prepared to fight something highly dangerous. We also don't know what the little girl standing by Faynoc can do, either, so watch out for her as well. I know it's going to be rough going without a Destroyer's assistance, but I'm afraid you'll have to make due. The HPG soldiers' weapons and armor and their Engineer's devices tend to be made of metal, making Rachel's Magnet Crush a valuable tactic in crippling soldiers. As for the HoA cultists, you'll have to match them type for type. Now, are there any questions before we get ready to depart?"

...Wait, what about-?

"Oh, yes, a leader!" Rayleen suddenly remembered. "I'm nominating Impact as the leader, with Pierce and Renny as tacticians. Impact will have the authority of ignoring your advice, but I suggest that Impact gives both ears to you two. After all, there may come a day when he is leading on his own, and your advice could benefit him in the future when he moves on to command forces of great power."

Wow, Rayleen. It's like you totally know.

[Dracorion]

At the party

Pierce suddenly remembered the dishes he was carrying, and hurried off towad the kitchen. So, Impact had accepted the Latios. Pierce suspected since the mansion that Impact wasn't quite over his grudge on Pokemon. After all, his pure-Slayer choice was a dead giveaway. Impact was still scared of pokemon, but that fear probably translated into hate. Impact's reaction upon taking the Latios had been controlled. Skillfully, but controlled nonetheless. He had taken the Latios to prove to Pierce and Charlotte that he didn't hate pokemon, but instead it proved the opposite.

Still, maybe having a pokemon, and a Legendary at that, would help him. Pierce hoped so.

----------------------------
The next day

Pierce had been told there was a package waiting for him in the lobby, which was weird. There was no one that should be sending him anything. When he got there, he saw that there was a relatively big box. He signed for it, and opened it. Inside was a large hammer. Larger than any human could carry, anyway. Apparently it was a special order from PATCA to Ricewood Masterworks, especially made for Pierce's Tyranitar. It was just like Rayleen to neglect to tell him about it. It came with intructions, written by Professor Jeanette Ricewood herself, about it's effects. Apparently it was called the Terra Hammer, and it boosted the potency of Tyranitar's attacks and made it so his Sandstorm would only affect enemies, and double it's power. Extremely useful.

Pierce grabbed a pokeball from his belt and tossed it. "This is for you." He said to Tyranitar as he materialized, smiling. Tyranitar came over and grabbed the hammer, lifting it easily. He swung it around a couple of times, looking happy.

Later that day, Pierce was carrying Phantomere's staff and the Dragon Slave that Impact had given him back at the party as he knocked on Mika's door. "Hi..." He said when she opened. He wasn't quite sure what to say now. Small talk wasn't really his forte. "I'll get straight to the point. I had an idea about how to use the scythe. Phantomere's scythe. I was wondering if there was a way we could, I dunno, put it together with this," he waved the Dragon Slave "turn it into a hilt or something. I don't presume to know what would happen, but I'm hoping it would turn out to be something that deals Dragon and Ghost type damage, which would be extremely effective on Ruin-types."

"What do you think?" He asked.

----------------------------
One week later

Pierce stood outside the Tresserhorn residence. He raised a finger to ring the doorbell, but stopped just short. This was going to suck. He gulped, ringing the doorbell. Dominic answered the door. "Hi, um... Hello, Mr. Tresserhorn. We were never properly introduced. I'm Pierce Granger."

"I'm sure Renny told you that it was me behind the... um... the incident a week ago at the party. I wanted to apologize. If you'd let me in, I'd like to apologize to you and your wife at the same time, please?"

Dominic led Pierce into the sitting room, and went off to find Maria. Soon, they both came in and took a seat, but Pierce remained standing, looking nervous. "Mr. and Mrs. Tresserhorn, I'm really sorry about what happened. Renny told me that the wine was really special to you. I can reimburse you for the wine, and help you gather berries to make more. And anything else it takes to make it up to you. I'm really very sorry, it was a monumentally stupid thing to do. I understand if you can't forgive me, but please let me try to make it up to you."

----------------------------
At the briefing

So they were going up against both the Prideguard and the Harbingers of Ascension? Fun. Extremely fun. And Impact had been nominated leader. Well, maybe his time with Latios had taught him a thing or two. That is, if he had used it at all. Still, something was off. "Does Faynoc make a lot of public appearances?" Pierce asked Whitney. "He may be getting desperate, but this seems a little too much. Is there any way to know if someone particularly important or influential in the crowd?"

[Menarker]

*The very evening of the welcoming party.*

Renny had took his scouter and had explored its various options in the privacy of his own room, his mind caught on the day and the night of the party at his home, and looking at Lola's number. So many things happened which left him flustered and unable to comprehend it entirely. He had took the time to ask Evangaleen about the particulars of Moon and Shannon. The result had left him unable to think of much else than the night of the party. He had admired Moon's confession before he saw the visual that Lola didn't let him see. But the porn left him with personal questions and dreams that haunted him. How he talked with the people around him. How he behaved around them. It made him wonder if the ladies who shared his room really just thought of him as a kid and little more. He thought of Lola, and his vivid imagination tortured him with images of her lewd and attractive body being manhandled by someone... anyone. It angered him when he thought of her in pain... and it twisted his stomach and emotions when he thought she might even like it. He couldn't bring his mental voice out in protest. His imagination also shifted to the other ladies whom he saw as a result of repeated Sexy Parties during their last battle. He wondered if the way he behaved thus far had already alienated himself from everyone else, or even if his age meant that even if he behaved perfectly, that he would always fall short... He spent his entire night rather sleepless, as if coming face to face with some deep aspect of him that no one had ever attempted to bring up to his face.

------------------

*A few days after Renny's big party*

It was magical. Renny's Togekiss was sporting a new scarf, lovingly handcrafted and smooth to the touch, a caressing sort of feel against one's skin, as it gracefully glided along the air currents, letting the fabric drape into the wind. Mollesk played with a new badge, juggling it back and forth between its tentacles, even dropping it once or twice inside its body, before stickying it on the outside of his sparkling stone armor. Renny himself was touched by the show of support that his parents gave. Instead of trying to stop him from continuing the dangerous job he signed up for, they had reassured him and promised their support, even though they would have to hope for his success on the sidelines, as they prayed for his safety.

------------------
*A week after the party*

Maria's face was rather stern and unhappy as Pierce explained about his drinking spree and Dominic likewise. Renny HADN'T told them about Pierce, although they had lighten up as the young man had promised to compensate them for their lost wine bottles and that he confessed without reservation about his wrong-doing. Apparently, their son had gambled that if they weren't warned, they wouldn't have time to discuss their anger or the wine's price between them.

Maria explained, as she was held to her husband's side,
"Well, it was special. We made them when we got married, when Renny was born, when he became a trainer among other special milestones in our lives. When... or if he gets married, has his child and that sort of thing, we would pass it down to him, he'd share it with the one closest to him and he make a new wine together to pass down to his next generation."

"The type of berries don't specifically matter, since we mix and match based on their flavors. Some are spicy, some are sweet, some are sour and bitter. Others are hard and soft and a few are mixed in between. Give whatever you can find to Renny. He's planning to make a business out of it, you see. Wine, medicine, rare candies to feed to pokemon. I'm sure that if you help support him with giving him the berries, he'll slowly be able to create something worthwhile and he might even help you in some way..."

"The only thing we really demand... we would like you to keep an eye on his well-being. Not to any significant degree... but just make sure that no one is trying to make his life harder than it needs to be. We'd never expect that he'd try to do something as significant as the sort of anti-terrorism that PATCA seems to do. We're relieved that he's doing well now, but we always worry nowadays about what could happen. And he seems so out of place when compared to everyone with military training or even just age. So if you could at least give him your support, I'm sure he'll try his hardest. You can trust him... that's all we really need."

-------------------
*A few days after that*

Renny went over to the PATCA organization, hoping that he might find Impact. The recent events had convinced him that with the increasingly bold and dangerous actions of the HoA and the Prideguard, someone might be bold enough to attack him directly, or that one day, his pokemons will need his support. As he spotted him in the hallway, Renny rushed over, calling to his attention.

"Impact... I got a favor to ask you. I can understand if you're terribly busy, but I feel I need your expertise. Lately, I have been getting the feeling that I need to build on my own weaknesses, and that my biggest one is my own self-defence. As much as my pokemons are capable of fighting and defending themselves, it would be foolish to think that I won't be a target. And that if I'm in the battlefield, I should be prepared to fend for myself. You are a specialist in that field, so I felt you are the best person I could ask. Please, do you think you could possibly help me?"

-------------------
*Currently*

"Whitney, I'd love to help rescue your friend. I'm pretty certain we'd all would help, but can't you give us a little more info on Muon? I know you said she's incredibly attractive, but..."

Renny left it hanging as he looked at all the ladies in the room before continuing, as he tried not to bring attention to PATCA's standard, "But that's hardly any way to securely identify someone, especially in a panicked situation that's going on! Aren't there any particular identifying traits? Is she a pokebrid of a particular type? Any pokemons she uses or travels with? Does she have anything that makes her stands out from everyone else?"

Renny stopped to think who he would consider advising for the team.

"Impact, I can't help but think that while what Faynoc is doing is reckless, that he is expecting us and has something planned. He lost too many times to us for him to not consider us a threat, and it is quite likely he made accomadations to try to stop our interference. Also, I think the Kimonos might be better off trailing Faynoc away from our group. The Prideguards are in direct conflict with them for a while now, and I'd imagine that their reception of us would definately turn sour if they saw us collaborating with their supposed enemy. If they try to stop us while they aren't present though, then we could be fairly sure that Burkmont is deliberately trying to interfere with us..."

Renny's eyes sparked for a moment as the topic brought up a recent memory.

"Rayleen, back at my party, you were telling us about the various forces of the Prideguard, especially the ones that might attack the Kimonos. One of them being the Gabriel Force. Wasn't one of the codenames you listed Cerulean Wildfire!? If so, you think the blue fire came from that one?"

[DanteFalcon]

During the week between missions.

Matthias spend most of his time locked up in his home, doing very general searches on the little information he had. He only left twice and returned each evening, having given his family an extremely rare visit and gone to a cemetary for most of the rest of the first day. The second time was him going in for his third Pokebrid form and getting used to maneuvering in it. Most certainly an awkward form.

At the briefing.

"Quick clarification. Are we going to just ride up and shoot out the place? Or are we going to be sneaking in in an attempt to find Muon and minimalize casualties? I'd just like to know so I can decide which form to take ahead of time."

As always Matthias was leaning against the wall in his Venomoth state. However he looked considerably more than awake than usual. Or at least his eyes were entirely open and he was clearly paying attention, a bit of a rarity for the man except whenever he had been critically wounded.

[Astral Harmony]

Mika Cannot Help Pierce...Yet

"We'll need to go to the netherworld," Mika said dismissively. "As it is, I couldn't possible work on it for you. I'll need some pretty serious magic. Magic I can't wield here. In the meantime, why don't you just dual-wield? You can do that, right?"

True. The fragmented scythe was actually much lighter than the sword could be. Even lighter than a dirk.

-----

Cerulean Wildfire, Eh?

"Faynoc used to do public appearances in the beginning," Whitney said. "After he started to get in trouble for it, he went for a pamplet distribution by member plan, which has worked well in securing many allies for him without him actually getting caught. If he's going for a public appearance, he just wants to reach into the disgruntled populace and pick out two handfuls of powerful allies, or downtrodden people who could make powerful allies."

"As for my friend Muon, she's a Miltank Pokebrid."

Kinda gonna need more information than that, Whitney.

"She's also black."

Hey, PATCA is now officially an equal opportunity employer.

"Her other two forms are Breloom and Dragonair."
"That should be enough to go on," Calisto said confidently. "A Sniper should be able to pick and execute someone quickly, even in a stuffy crowd or on a raging battlefield. I mean, I know we won't actually executing Muon, but it should be the job of us Snipers to find her for you long before you have visual yourselves."
"Thank you, I really appreciate this."
"What about Renny's idea? That the blue flames could be indicative of Cerulean Wildfire's presense?"
"Pretty damn high, actually." Calisto said. "Cerulean Wildfire is an assault unit. Specializes in disabling people with flashbangs and then slicing them to piece with lasers. But her signature weapons are her dual plasmathrowers, which do actually bathe her targets of superhot blue fire."
"I didn't know Burkmont hated me enough to actually send a Gabriel Unit to keep us from interfering," Rayleen admitted. "It's a rare opportunity and a good chance to actually fight just one by itself."
"Fight her by herself," Calisto corrected.
"Huh?"
"Burkmont's even more twisted than you think," Calisto said. "Ever actually seen those mechs? They look like naked women with armor and weapons. It's really a sight to behold...y'know, when you're not the one they're trying to kill, that is."
Rayleen whistled. "I'd be hesitant about approving this mission, but that was until you destroyed Phantomere and put the hurt on Lexhur. A Gabriel Unit will be a unique experience just like those other two."

"Man, fighting a Gabriel Unit, Cerulean Wildfire no less," Calisto smiled. "Call me a barbaric psycho bitch, but I'm pretty damn excited."
"If we can avoid fighting with the HPG soldiers, we can probably avoid Cerulean Wildfire, but since that's almost a given failure, you should be ready for some serious combat against at least one highly lethal foe. It's going to get messy."

"I guess that answers the question of whether we shoot up the place or try to peacefully negotiate our way in," Lola said, looking at Matthias. "We'll try the latter, of course, but if that fails which it most likely will, we'd better be ready for some epic fisticuffs."

[Geminex]

((Just a quick placeholder, I'll make the proper post tomorrow:

After the party:
Impact contemplates his paradigm shift from "destruction" to "control"
Trains Renny

During briefing:
Recalls training Renny, observing his behavior while doing so, deciding he needed to become more sociable as well
Decides that modesty would serve better than pride here, makes rather deferential speech to the tune of "I thank you for the promotion, the vote of confidence. I'll attempt to use what skills I may have to the best of my ability, but I don't think I am an optimal leader, yet, I have much to learn, still. I will remain open to input from other team members, and, certainly, will seek to learn from you, Rayleen. I hope to grow, in the course of this, and hope to prove that your choice was the right one"
I'll rephrase that, but it's the general gist

Anyway, after that he'd return to the tactical issues.
Due to the nature of the mission, he'd decide to go in hard and fast (shock and awe). His plan is as follows:
Allocation:
Battle Master: Harliette
Medic: Rachel
Sniper and Engie unspecified
Enforcers as yet uncertain

Basic strategy is:
One or two trainers attempt flyovers on pokemon to gather intel
If PG fire at the flyovers (they'd be notified of them in advance), the rest of the team will immediately engage PG. What'd be important in this battle is to quickly drop the enemy's morale, persuade them to disengage. Signature techniques early in battle, destruction of Cerulean Wildfire. That sort of thing.

Against Faynoc's forces, same technique. Shock and awe, go in hard and fast. Hit his most vulnerable troops first, use a lot of sig techs, reduce the morale of his troops. Try to make him flee quickly, since that'd definitely discourage his supporters. Additionally, morale effects would discourage potential supporters in the crowd from coming to his aid. Impact'd prefer efficiency, but sometimes intimidation is just more valuable.))

[Menarker]

Renny nodded as Impact gave his accessment.

"I got no problem with that. I can do that with Togekiss and Shaymin, especially due to Shaymin's telepathy. It would be good to find out if the Prideguard are hostile to us before we charge in and they flank us from behind. Anyhow, I took the time to take a look at the data of our new recruits, and I request that Cecilia will be my enforcer. I developed some new tactics recently, and her unique abilities will be most helpful in ensuring they work to their full potency."

Renny cleared his throat as he continued.

"Anyhow, intimidation is sadly what we need at this point. If we flounder or make a big battle out of this, Faynoc may end up looking sympathetic or even glorious to some of citizens who feel indiginant or looking for a fight. I'd hate for anyone to mistake him as some sort of repressed martyr figure, having saw what he does with his supporters. We need to make our attack potent enough that anyone who would consider joining will think it futile even if Faynoc had their support."

Renny then looked to the other gathered in the room, considering his own pokemon team and the abilities of everyone gathered. He'd wait a little longer before voicing whom he thought was the best choice for their group, in case someone had some personal insight not yet spoken.

[Dracorion]

"Yeah, I can." Pierce replied to Mika. "Thanks a lot. Sorry to bother you." He said gratefully, leaving her to whatever she was doing.

-----------------------
At the Tresserhorn Residence

"I see..." Pierce said. "Yeah, I can find berries for Renny, no problem. And... well, I don't think he's out of place at all. He gets along really well with everyone, and he's a valuable member of the team. He's probably the friendliest guy in the agency. He may seem small, but he's tougher than you give him credit for. He's one guy I wouldn't mind watching my back. I'll keep an eye on him, Mrs. Tresserhorn. Both eyes. Thank you."

-----------------------
At the briefing

"Sounds good. I can do a flyover on Skarmory. We should be able to pull it off. The Harbingers and the Prideguard are no slouches, but we're PATCA. They don't stand a chance. And personally I'm looking forward to Cerulean Wildfire."

[Astral Harmony]

To Battle!

"Well, if we're decided, then we should get going. The longer we wait, the more time we give the enemy to prepare for us."

Everyone assembled at "the Rig", a massive armored vehicle, and things got underway. Renny and Pierce were allowed to fly there on their Pokemon. The Rig had to stick to the roads, regardless of it having the right of way all the time (usually do to its size, weight, and power), but Renny and Pierce could just fly straight.

"What's the best way to send the Prideguard packing?" Lola asked.
"Take out Cerulean Wildfire," Rayleen answered simply. "If we can remove that metal cunt from the equation, we'll obliterate the morale of the soldiers. The Prideguard will just be a fleeting memory by then. That should save us the chance of possibly having to open a route for Faynoc to escape since the cordon is all other areas will break down."
"So, fight the HPG until we defeat Cerulean Wildfire, then fight the Harbingers until we make Faynoc run away?"
"Hopefully, it's as simple as you say."

Renny and Pierce didn't like the looks of things when they neared Prime Square. The place was a mix of warzone and out-of-control riot. Much of the area was obscured by dust and airborne debris kicked up by explosions and chaos. The two trainers could see that cordon was very split up, basically forming walls of men in all the entryways. It didn't exactly work as there were most likely routes through the cordon by passing through the buildings. However, with the greatest chunk of the fighting not very far from all the cordoned areas, that would be much too risky.

The body of the entire military was seemingly split up between the various cordons and a more fearsome force fighting in the center of the square. Blue lights pulsed through the smoke, indicating that Cerulean Wildfire was trying to break through to fight and possibly kill Faynoc. Renny and Pierce instinctively told their scouters to patch the visuals through, which shown on the large screen inside the Rig.
"Holy cow, it's a madhouse in there!" Rachel gasped.
"Any sighting of Muon?" Whitney asked hopefully.
"Not with all that smoke," Calisto said. "We're going to need to get intimate with that place if we're going to find your friend."
"We've gotta draw Cerulean Wildfire away from the square," Rayleen said. "I don't want her killing Faynoc, if she can even get to him to begin with. Using this document might help us call the bitch off, but if it fails like I'm certain it will, we'll cause a ruckus."
"Just a ruckus, my Lady?" Dormond asked his mistress.
"There are all kinds of ruckuses, Dormond." Rayleen said with a lethal edge to her voice.

"Relax, Rayleen." Harliette said. "Man, you must really hate Burkmont. You're practically cumming at the thought of inflicting grievous harm on his soldiers."
"I wasn't chosen for the main party, I don't think," Rayleen said, then pointed at the various buildings on the screen. "Anyways, the main formation will break through the cordon, dealing with HPG reinforcements as necessary. Get that fucking bitch off of Faynoc and onto you, suicidal though that may be. Crush her like a cockroach under your collective might, and you'll have won your first battle against the Honmyr Prideguard, a victory we can all enjoy to the point of orgasm."
"So while the main formation is bringing shame to the Prideguard, what's the job for the rest of us?"
"We'll go through the buildings. There may be HPG soldiers in those places as well. If we neutralize them, we'll cut off reinforcements and ambush parties that could trouble the main formation. However, that's just icing on the cake. The secondary formation will be responsible for getting the innocent clear of this conflict. If we can do that, I might just risk having Lexhur pop right in to assist in the beatdown. Additionally, clearing the buildings of hostiles will allow the main formation's Sniper to progress with the main formation."

Rayleen pointed at the primary area of chaos. "Lots of Fog of War, here. As you progress, clear it out or you won't get easy visual on additional targets. Fog of War is the result of various happenings. Explosions, buildings collapsing, even Ground-type moves all create Fog of War. If Fog of War is on our side, then the enemies will have difficulty hitting us. If it's on their side, they get the advantage of extra evasion. Fog of War can constantly build up, so make sure to blow it away again when it starts to cripple your strategy. Things tend to get difficult if the enemy's Fog of War percentage is around 60% or higher. Up around 90%, even moves that would always hit could miss. Bear that in mind as combat drags along."

The Rig stopped near the closest cordon, close enough to be easily seen and identified, but not close enough to appear threatening. "Lemme do the talkin'," Rayleen said confidently, and told everyone else to generally stay with the Rig.
"That's close enough, agent." One of the HPG soldiers told Rayleen. Rayleen stopped and tried to look as defenseless as she could. Yeah, didn't work, exactly.
"I have authorization from the Honmyran President to take jurisdiction over this area. Please vacate the sight, immediately."

The soldier and one of his buddies walked up to check out the document Rayleen held out for them. They barely looked at it. "Do you know it's a federal crime to forge the President's signature, ma'am?"
"Yeah," Rayleen answered. "Do you know it's a federal crime to not follow his direct orders when you work for the Prideguard?"
"Ah, lookit what we've got her. A wiseass."
"I aim to please. Now leave, preferably ten minutes ago."
The soldier laughed, and his friends chimed in. Idiots. "Yeah, about that...it kinda ain't happenin'. We're under direct orders from General Burkmont not to let the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency anywhere near Prime Square during the progression of the battle. Maybe if you took this useless piece of paper and go present it to him, he'll call me up on this headset and tell me that he wants us to let you in."
"Hmm. Well, sure, I'll do that."
"We appreciate your understanding," the soldier said with thick sarcasm.

Rayleen left the laughing cordon of soldiers and strolled back to the Rig. "Are we really going to go see the General?" Lola asked. The scouters told them the story that they couldn't hear with the unaided ear. "The battle could be over by the time he gives us authorization."
"Don't worry about it. Time for Plan B, folks."
Rayleen entered the Rig and looked at Heidi, who was driving the monster. "Heidi. I don't like it when people laugh at me."

Heidi's smile was simply vile as she started the Rig up. The Rig turned back towards the cordon, and then the engine got louder. "We're going to ram the cordon?!" Lola gasped.
Rayleen simply smiled as they heard the tink tink tink of bullets pelting the Rig. But it was foolish to try and shoot the Rig with small arms. Suddenly, the Rig did a sharp turn and started to drift, broadsiding the suddenly paniced soldiers. When the Rig stopped, Rayleen opened the door and stepped outside, then rushed forward and cut down a soldier. "Main formation, you're up! Go, go, go! We're not paying you by the hour!"

The Rig was splattered with human blood, particularly the undercarriage and the huge tires. Heidi smiled as she opened the door and hopped out, then slammed her fist into a soldier's face as he tried to struggle to his feet. His face bled profusely from the shattered nose that pierced his brain as he fell, dead. "Sorry, I have a 'no stopping for fucktards' rule when I'm driving. You'll forgive me, eh?"
"Park the Rig, Heidi. Snipers, to the roofs. Use the outside stairwells. Main formation, destroy the enemy reinforcements and then press forward when we give the signal. We'll be neutralizing any HPG forces inside the buildings so that you don't get flanked or caught in a pincer. There shouldn't be that many soldiers, I'm hoping."

The secondary formation split up, circling around the nearby buildings and beginning their battles within. Heidi pulled the Rig away, giving the main formation room to prepare for battle. She left only on the other side of the intersection which was more or less devoid of vehicles.
A considerable force of enemy soldiers sprinted towards the main formation. The force included an Engineer and a Medic. A couple more of the soldiers were Pokemon Trainers, while the rest were clearly Slayer types. The scouters picked up a great deal of information on the enemy force.

[HPG Footsoldier A] [HPG Engineer A] [HPG Trainer A-1] [HPG Trainer A-2][HPG Footsoldier B] [HPG Footsoldier C] [HPG Medic A] [HPG Trainer B-1] [HPG Trainer B-2] [HPG Footsoldier D]

- HPG Footsoldier (Slayer): Common footsoldiers of the Honmyr Prideguard. They fight hard for their promotions, but against serious opposition, casualties among their numbers are expected.
Slayer Attacks: Thrust Kick (Fighting) / Machinegun (Normal, 6-8 Hits) / Carbon-Blade Sword (Steel, 30% Bleed) / Frag Grenade (Normal, 2 Targets) / Beatstick (Dark, 30% Flinch)
Slayer Defenses: Normal, Dark, Steel, Fighting -50%
SignTech: OC Spray - 50/100 RPs, 100% Flinch, 3 Turns. Feels like your face is on fire. This stuff can drop a Mamoswine like that.

- HPG Engineer (Slayer/Engineer): This common footsoldier has started expanding his skills into the field of engineering. He can construct some basic machines to assist his allies and help defeat the enemy.
Slayer Attacks: Sidearm (Normal, 2-3 Hits) / Wrench Swing (Steel, 30% Confuse) / Skullbreaker (Fighting, 50% Def -1) / Flashbang (2 Targets, Accuracy -50%)
Slayer Defenses: Normal, Steel, Fighting, Electric -50% / Paralyze Immunity
SignTech: Wrench Cannon - 50/100 RPs, Steel, 100% Confusion. How does someone throw such a heavy wrench with such force?
Engine Skill 1: Construct Thunder Evolith - 25/100 RPs. Constructs a Thunder Evolith which resembles a unicorn. Thunder Evoliths know the moves Charge, Discharge, Shock Wave, Thunder Wave, Thunderbolt, and Volt Tackle.
Engine Skill 2: Construct Health Fount - 25/100 RPs. Constructs a device that grants health regeneration to all allies. Immune to all attacks except Ground.

- HPG Medic (Slayer/Medic): A common footsoldier who has been learning to be a medic so that he wouldn't have to fight anymore. Coward deserves a beatdown. Our medics don't run and hide.
Slayer Attacks: Sidearm (Normal, 2-3 Hits) / Poison Bomb (Poison, 2 Targets, 50% Poison) / Health Serum (25% Heal, Regen) / War Boost (All Stats +1)
Slayer Defenses: Poison, Ghost, Dark, Psychic -50% / Poison Immunity
SignTech: Dangerous Syringe - 30/100 RPs, Deathclock, 3 Turns, 50% Death. The Medic manages to inject something in you. Hopefully, it's a dud.
Medic Skill: Amped Meds - Items grant 10 RPs in addition to standard effects.

- HPG Trainer A's Pokemon
1. Charizard (Fire/Flying) [Male]
Moves: Flare Blitz / Heat Wave / Blast Burn / Sunny Day
Ability: Blaze
2. Blaziken (Fire/Fighting) [Male]
Moves: Flare Blitz / Sky Uppercut / Brave Bird / Sunny Day
Ability: Blaze

- HPG Trainer B's Pokemon
3. Typhlosion (Fire) [Male]
Moves: Eruption / Flamethrower / Solar Beam / Sunny Day
Ability: Blaze
4. Infernape (Fire/Fighting) [Male]
Moves: Flare Blitz / Close Combat / Solar Beam / Sunny Day
Ability: Blaze

"Here's a little something I learned on the mean urban streets and backalleys," Harliette mentioned. "Humans, enemy humans in particular, can't really seem to stand up to Fire and Poison type attacks. Just puttin' that out there."

Coulda used that advice a little sooner, Harlie.

[Geminex]

*In the van*

Impact sat in silence, observing the signal feed. This was a valuable opportunity to see their eventual enemy in combat, observe their tactics and strategies. He couldn't say he was impressed, however. He knew it could be trouble, to manage large-scale infantry operations, but this was pathetic. They really had grown fat on arrogance, hadn't they? But very well, he'd try to observe what he could.

*On the battlefield*
The Rig screeched to a halt, the rear doors opened, and Rayleen started screaming at them. Impact decided to follow suit. "Moon, you're with the main team, engineer for us. Wilhelmina, you're sniper support, look for a nice building to sit on and use that rifle of your. Kurika, enforce for me. Main team, let's go!" He stopped to grab a flamethrower from a weapons rack (he now bore Fighting, Fire and Ice armor, along with the LH launcher, the Flamethrower, the Ricewood and HV rifles, Claws of Darkness and a pack of Strange Parasites), and leapt from the APC into...

Well, it was battle, really. Blood, explosions, poor visiblity, carnage. Enemy troops were already lying underfoot, wounded or dead, and a small contigent of enemies seemed shaken, but prepared to fight to the death. Impact grinned. Just like the old days.
He didn't like killing humans (hell, he barely enjoyed killing pokemon... anymore), but he had become very pragmatic, recently. And after all, he had recommended that they go in fast and hard. His recommendation had been followed.

"Allright, shock and awe, people. That means we hit them hard, but we do it in style. Act professional, efficient, merciless. Emotionless. For Charlotte that means, pretend you're not enjoying this, for Pierce and Renny it means pretend you are, and for myself and Matt, it means act exactly the way we usually do. Let's show them who not to fuck with...

I think our primary targets should be the non-trainers. Support classes first, so we kill their engies and medics, then their foot soldiers. See if we can't disrupt their trainers' pokemon, or at least deploy stuff that's resistant to them. They really like their fire, don't they? I'm having moon deploy a power amplifier, so get out your special attackers.

Pierce, take out their medic. You have a Blaziken, use it. No leaders, I don't want sandstorm or drizzle out just yet.

Renny... can you try to disrupt their pokemon? Put them to sleep, confuse them? I'm sure there's something you could do, you have Confuse Ray in your arsenal, yes? If you can't disrupt the pokemon, attack Foot soldier A, or, if Charlotte's killing him, hit foot Soldier B.

Matt, I'd recommend Castform, and sunny day. It's a risk, since it'll help them as well, but I think that, for us, Fire is the way to go. You can start dealing damage next turn.

Charlotte, you have fire, don't you? Of course you do. Go ahead and use it, hit foot soldier A, make him regret he ever got up. If Renny looks like he's got him covered, hit Foot soldier B.

I'm taking the enginner on. Wilhelmina, if I don't kill him, will you follow up on that?

Finally, Moon, get us a Power Amplifier on the battlefield. For combat, you're a water trainer. They have fire pokemon. Wipe them out. What I'd do is deploy Lanturn, have it use signal beam to buff itself. From then on, it should be able to 1-hit any enemy fire pokemon, that'll be real useful.

Rachel, I don't think we'll need any healing, yet, though I don't think using steel pokemon would be a wise choice, what with all the fire around. Maybe enter battle yourself, try to paralyze some of the enemy's pokemon...

Harliette, you're in reserve... Deploy Blissey, definitely, it can survive a few hits, and it can sing. Use that on one of the enemy pokemon. But as for your other slot and yourself, deploy Nidoqueen, have it use Sludge bomb on any of our surviving targets, finish any wounded enemies off. You yourself do the same, shoot-em-up. If Medic, Engie, and foot soldiers A and B are dead by the time you act, hit foot soldier C, try to weaken him, at least. Oh, and try to draw some fire, get RP quickly.

I can't follow your rage points, use your signature techniques when you need them, or when you think they'd help. Recommend their use ahead if you're unsure, but you're competent enough to decide for yourself when they'd be best used!

Now, that's out of the way. Let's do this!"

He had already used an adrenaline boost in the van, and now brought the flamethrower to bear on the Engineer, after waiting for Moon's power amplifier and Matt's Sunny Day. A lethal cloud of flame blossomed from the weapon's tip and engulfed his enemy, and Impact couldn't help but grin. Not at the enemy's agony, but at the sight they must look, as, around him, trainers shouted commands and pokemon sprang into action. A rank of 7 individuals, with 5 securing their rear, deploying pokemon, firing weapons, engaging with brutal force. Identical scouters in front of their faces bathing their faces in eerie light, frowns on concentration interrupted only by precise, shouted commands. Merciless. Brutal. Highly efficient.
Yes, this was Shock. This was Awe.
"And I looove the smell of Napalm in the morning!"

[Menarker]

Renny swooped in on Togekiss with Shaymin following close by from scouting the air in her sky form. He didn't go far though. Once he saw The Rig get stopped coldly by the HPG, unable to proceed, he knew that negotiations had failed and he could expect the same if not worse treatment if he probed their airspace. He joined up with the rest of the main formation, staying close to his enforcer Cecilia. His face was grim and Togekiss was utterly taken back by the riot, but they pressed on as some random HPG rushed toward them and blocked their path.

Renny listened to Impact's orders, mostly agreeing with what he said, but then he was dismayed as Impact continued on.

"Impact, I'm sorry but there are some issues with those orders. Signal Beam is a offensive bug type move that doesn't buff! It's pretty useless against fire types. And the orders don't seem to be in a very effective sequence! If Matthias uses Sunny Day first, part of our offensive will be hampered since it weakens water moves by half!"

Renny looked briefly to see who had gathered before he continued.

"I'd really think we should get Moon to start on his Booster device right away so we can all benefit, and get him to use a water type like Lanturn on Thysolision after when the boost starts. Rachel's Empoleon is a water type as well, so she can attack it with Hydro Pump and not worry about Sunny Day after. She herself can use Thunder on one of the soldiers. Togekiss and Shaymin can lock down Blaziken and Infernape easy with Air Slash. Those ones are fighting types after all. Harriette got a rock bullet which can REALLY put the hurt on Charizard's quad weakness. Her pokemon can do what you suggested to the soldiers. You said that Pierce shouldn't send out his Tyranitar or his Nagarai, and he got two steel types. So that leaves his Kingdra and his Blaziken! Kingdra can use a water type on Charizard to knock it out after that! Once that's done, Matthias can use Sunny day, and the rest of us, five I think, to use fire attacks, special type if you can, that are boosted by both Sunny Day AND Moon's device."

Renny REALLY tried to ignore Impact's rather odd comment of suggesting to Harriette that she should draw weapon fire to herself. He was silent, but it definately sounded very off to directly request that from someone whose plan wasn't to deflect damage like his Mollesk would.

-------------------------------------

AB: If everyone else post and I'm not ready to post my attack due to me being at work, assume that Togekiss and Shaymin attack Blaziken and Infernape respectively with Air Slash. Both get STAB, double damage from Moon's Special Attack device (Togekiss and Shaymin's Special Attack is sky high to start with), Super effective on both of them due to the fighting type weakness to Flying. Also, both Blaziken and Infernape suffer from the 100% flinch due to Togekiss having 60% chance of flinching and Shaymin (Wearing a flinch adding item) having 70% chance of flinching due to Air Slash 30% flinch doubled by Serene Grace which is doubled according to your house rule by the super effectiveness of their attack.


Proposed plan.

Moon: Special Attack Device booster! +2 stage boost to Special Attack
One of Moon's Pokemons: Hydro Pump Thpholsion. Boosted Special Attack. STAB Super Effective.

Rachel: Thunder a HPG target. Boosted Special Attack. STAB (IGNORE THIS STEP IF IT TURNS OUT THAT RACHEL CAN'T ATTACK ON THE SAME TURN AS ONE OF HER POKEMONS)
Empoleon: Hydro Pump Typholision. Boosted Special Attack. STAB Super Effective.

Renny
Togekiss: Air Slash Blaziken. 100% Flinch. Boosted Special Attack STAB Super Effective.
Shaymin: Air Slash Infernape. 100% Flinch. Boosted Special Attack STAB Super Effective.

Harriette: Quad effective Damage Charizard with Rock bullet.
Nidoqueen: Sludge Bomb a HPG for Boosted Special Attack damage that also decreases enemy human morale like fire does. STAB (Attacking Soldier C?)
Blissey: Put an HPG that isn't going to be attacked yet to sleep. (Soldier D?)

Pierce:
Kingdra: Hyrdo Pump Charizard if you think it'll survive. Boost. (You can do something else if you think Charizard won't survive a 130 base Quad damage attack) STAB Super Effective.

Matthias: Sunny Day. Boost Fire types.

Pierce:
Blaziken. Fire attack a HPG target. Boosted by Sunny Day AND Special Attack. STAB (Attacking Medic?)

Impact: Fire Attack. Boosted by Sunny Day AND Special Attack. STAB. (Attacking Soldier C?)

Charlotte:
Buck: FIRE. Boosted by Sunny Day AND Special Attack. STAB (Attacking Soldier A?)
Sol-lek: FIRE. Boosted by Sunny Day AND Special Attack. STAB (Attacking Soldier A?)

Wilhelmina: Fire bullet. Boosted by Sunny Day. (Attacking Medic?)


What you think? We'd dealt with the fire pokemons we see, and still have Sunny Day and having dealt some pretty damn severe damage. If the soldiers go down in two hits like Impact's plan seem to have been, then the way I set it, we only have to deal with one sleeping soldier and the engineer if things go well.





Drac's proposed Formation

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Sol-Leks] [Buck] [Empoleon] [Nidoqueen] [Harliette] [Blissey] [Togekiss] [Shaymin] [Kingdra] [Blaziken] [Lanturn] [Impact] [Evolith/Device Space 2]

[Dracorion]

At the briefing

Pierce approached Chizuru. "Good luck." He said simply. After she joined, he had started praising her after every meal. That was okay, right? The food was great, after all.

-----------------------
Above Prime Square

Pierce did his flyover riding on Skarmory, with Nagarai flying nearby. It was a real mess down there, and he wanted nothing more than to drop down smack dab in the middle of the action and kick some ass. Except he had to go back to the team. With a groan, he turned back to join the main formation, which was about to break through the cordon. Still, no reason he couldn't get some action, right?

Below, a Prideguard soldier suddenly noticed the sun was blocked out. That's odd, Prideguard's Almanac didn't say anything about an eclipse. The unluckiest soldier in the world looked up and instantly let out a "HOLY SHIT" and dove out of the way of a hammer-wielding Tyranitar that was falling from the sky.

As it turns out, falling from a great height made Tyranitar's Earthquake much more devastating, and the hammer probably had something to do with it too. Tyranitar roared triumphantly at the sight Prideguard soldiers of strewn over the surface of the crater his Earthquake had left. "Jesus, overkill much?" Pierce said, as Skarmory touched down. Tyranitar then easily (and literally) steamrolled through the Prideguard soldiers that stood between Pierce and the main formation.

"Good job." Pierce said, as Tyranitar gave a proud roar and returned to his pokeball. He joined up with the team as they broke through the cordon. "Right, formation. Matthias, take the leftmost position. Charlotte, next to Matthias. Then Rachel, Harliette, Renny, Moon and Impact. Milsha, nice to have you watching my back."

Then Pierce contacted Wilhelmina over the scouter. "Wilhelmina, try and spot any enemy snipers. I'd bet an arm that the Prideguard has some around here. If you can't see any, follow Impact's orders."

Pierce deployed Kingdra and Blaziken. "Kingdra, Hydro Pump on that Charizard. Blaziken, Flare Blitz on the Medic!"

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte was just about to give those pride guard guys outside the van a piece of her mind, which is to say buckshot. Seriously, they managed to get trough the briefing in record time! Sher wasn't going to sit around anymore! It fortunately became needless, as Rayleen took the initiative and went Grand Theft Auto on their asses.

"Glad to see we mean business Rayleen," Charlotte said as she hopped out of the van, "it looks like Burkmont's soldiers have his personality. All the easier to do away with them, doubt their families care if they're lost."

Charlotte listened as Pierce and Impact threw out orders. "Seriously, all that on one guy? Poor son of a bitch will arguable not exist when I'm done with him Love it that way."

She proceeded to release Buck and Sol-leks and took position next to Mattias. She really had no opinion about Mattias, he seemed to be devoid of all emotion. But he had to have some real initiative to be here. The dude was a fucking venomoth Pokebrid half the time, and this place was Hell in a basket. "Keep an eye open Matt," she said as she walked over, "I don't think I'll care for the scent of burning human and pokemon flesh at the same time."

"Now boys," she said to her two hounds, "open fire and let the light show begin. Collective fire blast stat."

Buck let out an affirmative bark and let loos on soldier A. Sol-leks let out an intimidating howl, trying to show off his new accessory, and also blasted off a frenzy at Soldier A. "I apologize for the excess of emotion Impact," Charlotte said, "but I just haven't had the kill score go up in a while, so I'm enthusiastic to say the least."

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias nodded at his commands and seemed to ignore Charlotte, taking up the position recommended to him by Pierce and agreeing with the assesment. Venmoth wasn't a form for flashy battles. Castform would be much more effective.

Pokeshift Castform.

His body shifted to it's Castform state as he built up a blast of energy, sending it skyward and clearing it of any obstruction, letting the sun beat down harshly on the combatants.

Sunny Day everyone. Let's see who's hotter.

[Geminex]

Impact sighed. He wanted to be democratic and fair (at first, anyway) but he'd have to come up with some way to control his "tacticians". Mind you, some of their suggestions were quite good, he had made a mistake or three, but he didn't want himself countermanded when it mattered.

"Right... let's reevaluate. I don't want anyone dealing damage to enemy pokemon. If you knock out a pokemon, they'll just deploy a replacement, and attack. I don't care if we can deal double or quadruple damage, we have Sunny Day out, now, so preventing the opponents' fire pokemon from attacking is more important than knocking them out. Mind you, Pierce already attacked Charizard, so...

Rachel, no thunder. Thunder Wave on the wounded Charizard, paralysis should be possible, after the damge that Pierce did. As your second, deploy Bastiodon, use fire blast against the Medic, as well. Blaziken might not be enough.

Wilhelmina, my previous command stands. Enemy snipers are less important than the enemy's combat troops, your top priority is finishing off the engineer and the medic, if either are still alive by the time we're done with them. If they're both dead, scan for enemy snipers, and if you can't locate any, hit soldier B.

And Harliette, same for you. I want Blissey to use sing Typhlosion to sleep. Nidoqueen attack Soldier B, you yourself finish off any wounded enemies (medic, engineer, soldier A or soldier B). Finally, Moon, thanks for the power amplifier. Very helpful, that. I'd like you to deploy Starmie and Kingdra, use psychic and dragon pulse respectively on soldier C.

If any attacks would hit a target that's dead already, redirect those attacks to hit foot soldiers C, and, if he's down, D. Now please, let's just do this, and nobody countermand me, anymore?"

-------
How I'm hoping things will work out (in order in which they happen:)
Moon: Construct power amlifier
Pierce: Kingdra with Hydro Pump on Charizard, Blaziken with Flare Blitz on Medic
Matt: Sunny Day
Rachel: To use thunder wave against the damaged Charizard, Bastiodon with Fire Blast on Medic
Impact: To use Flamethrower on enemy engineer
Charlotte: Buck and Sol-leks with fire blast against soldier A
Renny: Shaymin and Togekiss to use Air Slashes against Infernape and enemy Blaziken, for 100% flinch
Wilhelmina: Make sure both enemy Medic and Engineer are dead. If they are, scan for enemy snipers. If none present, hit Soldier B.
Harliette: To have Blissey use sing on enemy Typhlosion, to have nidoqueen hit soldier B with sludge bomb. Personally, finish off whoever's still alive out of Medic, Engie, Soldier A and Soldier B. If they're all dead, hit soldier C. Use any ammo. Also, try to draw fire.
Moon: Deploy Starmie and Kingdra, Psychic and Dragon Pulse against soldier C. If soldier C is dead when one of them attacks, redirect that attack to Soldier D.
Any trainer attacks that anyone wants to throw in: Soldier D.

NOW NOBODY CHANGE THAT.

[Menarker]

Renny was a slight annoyed at Impact, who seem to expect that he shouldn't be *countered*. Rayleen gave Impact assured veto for a reason. Whether or not he liked anyone's advice, he'd get his way. Thus those responsible for giving advice should be free to continue doing so without aggravation, since it's more like running it by him than trying to contest him.

"I'm just doing my designated job, Impact... Sounds great now anyhow. TOGEKISS, SHAYMIN!"

The two pokemons flew in a graceful interweaving fashion, their wings glowing with immense power as they gathered energy in the air. Suddenly Shaymin and Togekiss dove toward Blaziken and Infernape and slung the air blade toward them with such potency, they were knocked on their sorry asses in addition to the powerful slicing damage it did to their bodies.

[Dracorion]

"Not gonna happen." Pierce told Impact. "Renny and I are supposed to be contributing our ideas. Admittedly, I may have jumped the gun in ordering my pokemon to attack so quickly, but you really can't expect us to simply walk up to you and start a nice friendly discussion about strategy in the middle of the battle, are we? So countermanding is implied with our new positions."

[Astral Harmony]

Main Formation Battle (Ally Phase)
- Moon: Used "Construct Power Amplifier". All Allies SpAttack Up +2. Soldier C has taken severe damage. 0 Rage.
- Matthias: Sunny Day is now in effect. 50/100 Rage.
- Pierce: Charizard has taken severe damage. Medic has taken severe damage. Ally Blaziken has taken 1/3 damage from Flare Blitz. 60 Rage.
- Rachel: Charizard is now paralyzed. Medic has been defeated. 55 Rage.
- Impact: Engineer has taken great damage. 55 Rage.
- Charlotte: Soldier A has taken severe damage. 60 Rage.
- Renny: Infernape has taken great damage. Infernape is flinching. Enemy Blaziken has taken great damage. Enemy Blaziken is flinching. 65 Rage.
- Wilhelmina: Engineer has taken critical damage.
- Harliette: Typhlosion is now asleep. Soldier B has taken great damage. Soldier B is now poisoned. Engineer has been defeated. 60 Rage.
- Trainer Attacks: Soldier D has taken good damage. All participating Trainers Rage increased by 5.

"Order recieved. Sapphire, deploying one Power Amplifier!" Moon said, and got to work. Seems like the NPCs were going to behave like military units, now.
The attacks went down more or less as Impact directed. But difficulty presented itself. The Prideguard and their Pokemon were considerably tougher than foes taken down before. Suddenly, the Medic dropped from a powerful long range fire attack. Despite the fact that Wilhelmina's fire attack came from a shotgun, she could apparently make the attack strike a target from very far away.
"Eternal here. Medic scratched," Wilhelmina reported. "No enemy Snipers as far as I can see. No reinforcements, either. Fortunately, the Fog of War hasn't spread this high so I can get a good view of all the roofs."

-----
Main Formation Battle (Enemy Phase)
- HPG Footsoldier A: Used "OC Spray". Togekiss is flinching for turn 1 of 3. Full Restore used. 10 Rage.
- HPG Trainer A: Charizard overpowers Paralysis. Shaymin has taken severe damage. Blaziken is flinching
- HPG Trainer B: Infernape is flinching. Typhlosion is asleep.
- HPG Footsoldier B: Used "OC Spray". Moon is now flinching for turn 1 of 3. Full Restore used. Poison damage. 10 Rage.
- HPG Footsoldier C: Used "OC Spray". Harliette is now flinching for turn 1 of 3. Full Restore used. 10 Rage.
- HPG Footsoldier D: Used "OC Spray". Rachel is now flinching for turn 1 of 3. Full Restore used. 15 Rage.

Looked like the enemy formation was trying to stall. Hell, they barely attacked. And no one even came to help reinforce. This battle was going to be too easy.

-----

End of Turn Sitrep
- MIV: Main Formation has fallen to 92%. Enemy Formation has fallen to 74%.
- Weather: Sunny Day
- Fog of War: 0% on both sides.
- Ally Formation Setup: [Power Amplifier] [Matthias] [Sol-Leks] [Empoleon] [Nidoqueen] [Harliette] [Blissey] [Togekiss] [Shaymin] [Kingdra] [Blaziken] [Lanturn] [Impact] [Evolith/Device Space 2]
- [B]Enemy Formation Setup: [HPG Footsoldier A] [HPG Trainer A-1~Charizard] [HPG Trainer A-2~Blaziken] [HPG Footsoldier B] [HPG Footsoldier C] [HPG Medic A] [HPG Trainer B-1~Typhlosion] [HPG Trainer B-2~Infernape] [HPG Footsoldier D]

"Eternal reporting," Wilhelmina began. "I see nobody coming to the aid of our enemies at all. Oh, hey, there's Muon."
"Lonesister here," Whitney said. "Really? You see Muon?"
"Affirmative. Very curvaceous black Miltank Pokemon. Some two-hundred meters down the road from the main formation. Looks like she's helping civilians escape through the buildings."
"Demon, here." Rayleen reported. "We're making good progress on our end."
"Demon, you're fuckin' brutal." Harliette said. "Like that stiff over there. Did you have to kick him twice in the testicles before you twisted his neck a hundred-eighty degrees?"
"Well...I may have been a little angry."
"You keep saying that you hate Burkmont, but I didn't think it was this extreme. I want a story when we get back."
"Sure, we'll have a big slumber party or something."

"But for right now, let's talk about something useful," Wilhelmina said. "If someone makes your Engineer flinch, don't expect any new devices. A flinched Medic can't use healing items. And flinched trainers of any kind can't switch out Pokemon. Fortunately, there's barely any way for them to flinch my far away ass."

[Bard The 5th LW]

They were ignoring her? That was odd, she had just attempted to set the man on fire, and did a decent job at it in her opinion. Oh well, suppose blessings should be embraced. She proceeded to listen to the conversations that were going on, and how Rayleen was challenging her for brutality.

"Hey Rayleen," Charlotte dropped in mockingly, "I bet $20 that I hate Burkmont more than you." Was she hoping to make a contest of this? It didn't seem she was taking it seriously, but then, it probably wouldn't be difficult for her to win a hate contest.

"Well I'm not waiting for orders," she announced into the scouter, "soldier A dies. Now. Even his mother will wish she didn't recognize him. But she will, and I hope she remembers what she sees."

"Sol-leks, nasty plot while they're looking the other way," she ordered. The single-eyed Houndoom stepped back for a moment as it began to charge its power, raising its Special Attack. "Buck, fire fang," the large Arcanine let out an approving bark before leaping forwards and jumping towards Soldier A, ready to rip him apart with its teeth.

[Menarker]

"Togekiss, Shaymin! Hang in there!"

Togekiss had taken the brunt of a flash bang and was floundering on the ground trying to wipe its eyes with his wings while Shaymin rolled around on the dirt, trying to put the fire out of her grassy fur.

"Alright, both of you return! You can rest up after the battle!" Renny recalled both pokemons to their pokeballs, knowing that after the fight, he can have both of them use a round of Synthesis and Roost to heal themselves up to fighting shape without using an item.

"Mollesk, Swampert! Hang tight!"

Both pokemons landed with a dull heavy thud. Mollesk shone brilliantly as the sunlight made his shiny rock armor sparkle! Mollesk stuck its head out with curiousity, looking side to side, wondering where he was... Swampert, on the other hand, didn't need to know much! He pounded his powerful limbs on the ground, roaring with enthuasism, although he was annoyed slightly by the sun.

"Impact, these soldiers seem to require a bit more focus. I'd think that if we can focus primarily on them, we can drastically reduce the opposition we'd have to deal with, if not scare them off. First, we can get Blissey to put that Infernape to sleep so it won't attack us. Otherwise, we should focus on the soldiers since they can't be as easily replaced in battle.... "

Renny continued to relay the suggestions for combat, making clear designation for whom would attack what, but lacking a sort of finality, in case Impact did not approve.

"Mollesk, Rock Slide that Charizard and the leftmost soldier! Swampert, Ice Beam that third soldier!"


Mollesk's tentacles spurted powerfully out of the holes of its body, digging powerfully into the pavement, breaking ground and lifting them up in the air, before flinging the crumbling pieces like rain against the two targets. Swampert gathered a chilling stream of energy which was amplified by Moon's device as it shot toward the soldier with a powerfully chilling impact, although the soldier would not freeze in the sunny day weather...

------------------------------

Soldier A: Charlotte Fire Fang, Mollesk Rock Slide, Moon's Kingdra's Dragon Pulse, Wilhelmina's snipe, trainer attacks
Soldier B: Impact's fire attack, Lanturn's discharge, Pierce's Kingdra
Soldier C: Impact's second attack (yeah, he'll use sweep), Lanturn's Discharge, Swampert's Ice Beam,
Solider D: Empoleon's Ice Beam, Matthias Fire Blast, Nidoqueen's Sludge Bomb Pierce's Blaziken,
Charizard: Mollesk Rock Slide
Blaziken: Ignore
Typhsosion: Sleeping. Can ignore.
Infernape: Blissey sing

Buck's Fire Fang: STAB Sunny Day. Human Soldier Weakness to fire.
Lanturn Discharge: STAB, Special Attack Booster
Moon's Kingdra Dragon Pulse: STAB, Special Attack Booster
Swampert's Ice Beam: Special Attack Booster.
Impact's FlameThrower: STAB, Sunny Day, Special Attack Booster, Human Soldier Weak to fire.
Wilhelmina's Fire Bullet: Sunny Day, Human Soldier Weak to fire.
Empoleon's Ice Beam: Special Attack Booster
Matthias's Fire Blast: STAB if he's in Castform mode due to Sunny Day making Castform a fire type, Sunny Day, Human Soldier Weak to fire, Special Attack Booster
Nidoqueen's Sludge Bomb: STAB, Human Soldier Weak to Poison. Special Attack Booster
Pierce's Kingdra: If he uses Dragon Pulse, STAB, Special Attack Booster
Pierce's Blaziken: If he uses a fire attack, STAB, Sunny Day, Soldier Weak to Fire. If Fire attack is special type, take in account special attack booster.
Mollesk's Rock Slide: STAB, Quad effective on Charizard.
Blissey: Put Infernape to sleep. No modifiers required.

[Astral Harmony]

The main formation of the Watchmen unleashed all kinds of destruction on the unprepared and outgunned HPG cordon, which fled back towards Prime Square. What was left of them, anyways.

"Enemy formation is confirmed retreating," Wilhelmina said. "I'm moving forward to engage the next group of hostiles."

That was too damn easy. Was this the best that Burkmont could dish out?

"How many enemies do you think there are?" Moon asked everyone.
"Probably about a quarter battalion," Rayleen answered. "Though Burkmont apparently didn't count on us being enough to deal with a laughable two-hundred fifty troops."
"Sounds like an awful lot, actually." Lola said.
"Not when you factor in Faynoc's force. Between Faynoc and maintaining those cordons and fortifying the internal structures of the buildings, the HPG is spread out so badly that any good effort will break right through."

They proceeded some hundred meters down the road, defeating the badly spread HPG forces until they saw Muon up ahead. She seemed to have just finished escorting some civilians out of the conflict, and was focusing on the battle raging in the center of the square. There was no further trouble in reaching her. "You the guys from that agency Whit is workin' at?" Muon asked Impact as soon as the main formation reached her.
"Sounds like you guys reached Muie," Whitney said gratefully. "Give her a scouter, please."
They did so, and now Muon was connected to the others. "Muon Harper here. Whit, you there?"
"Yes! I'm helping in this battle, too!" Whitney sounded really happy.
"Harper? My name is Rayleen Crosswald, callsign Demon, and I'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Wanna know what's goin' on, right? The whole demonstration was going pretty well. Faynoc drew in a lot of new blood. The police then came and we drove 'em away. Well, the military gets involved somehow. I guess the fuzz snitched on a nigga. Anyways, the military fucktards here are led by this one dude, Major...Grant, I think? Well, he fights Faynoc with his boys and this one crazy bitch with guns 'n' shit, his regular boys are all beaten down like Rodney King, and he hires all the nearby mercs he can get. This one crackah with a big fuckin' ax and shotgun, this other chick with two snakeswords, and this group of messed up Pokemon along with a good number of Pokemercs. Thank God for my instincts, man. I knew it was a good idea to call up Whit. I knew shit was gonna hit the fan. Momma didn't raise no dummies."
"Things just get more and more difficult."
"I'll try to do what I can, little though that may be."
"We need to shut down this Major Grant and all of his allies, both HPG and hired swords."
"Yeah, good luck with that. That major was really free with his money, and I'd say he got his money worth. He and those two warriors he hired all had Legendary Pokemon. And those messed up Pokemon? Fuckin' brutal, man."
"We've got to find a way to split them up into smaller groups."
"I think I can help you there, Demon."

Moon began to work with his scouter. "I modified my own scouter to intercept radio waves. Kind of good as a radio player, but I can also pick up enemy transmissions if I redirect the antenna."
"Sapphire, I don't approve of illegal modifications of the scouters."
"Ah...I'm sorry, Chief."
"But I will say that you've earned a kiss from me after this mission is over."
"Rayleen?"
"Like hell you're kissing him!" Shannon, Cecilia, and Mirror broke in at the same time.
"Hang on, let me patch it through to the other scouters."

It was mostly mindless combat chatter. Scratch that Pokemon. Fall back to secondary positions. Open fire, open fire, open goddamn fire. Nothing really interesting.

Then came a transmission that had them all listening.
"Devilnest to Spearhead, you must stop those goddamned agents! They're advancing on the square as we speak. Over."
"Who the fuck's that?!" Muon demanded.
"That's Burkmont. Now please clear the line."
"Spearhead to Devilnest. Understood. Hey, Pokegeddon! I need you to stop the group of PATCA agents charging the square."
"That second one's gotta be Major Grant," Rayleen said. "Sounds like something's coming your way. Get ready."

The Watchmen were still fresh from their previous fight. Wilhelmina positioned herself and used the sniper scope to get a view of anyone moving to intercept them. "Eternal here. Watch out, some weird ones are coming!"

Weird ones? What in the-?

There were seven of them. Six appeared to be Pokemon, and were identifiable as a Gardevoir, a Lopunny, a Seaking, a Rapidash, an Altaria, and a Froslass, but with remarkable differences from the standard Pokemon.

The Gardevoir's most distinguishing feature was the greatscythe she wielded that was black and red and spoke of bloody malevolence. Her green 'hair' was now as black as twilight, and hung down to her waistline. She had large breasts that spoke of the human DNA splicing process. She wore a black leather bustier and the 'ballroom gown' was a black leather miniskirt. The spikes of her ears were longer and sharper. And her bellybutton that didn't exist in normal Gardevoir was pierced.
The Lopunny was likewise curvaceous, and wore steel armor that was clearly meant for only her. The armor had that kind of futuristic special ops soldier flare to it, complete with goggles that emitted pale blue light. Her legs and body sported a good collection of weapons.
The Seaking was the least transformed of them all, but an opening of its maw revealed far more teeth of a far sharper lethality than normal Seaking. His scales were polished to a beautiful sheen, and his fins flowed side by side elegantly through the air.
The Rapidash had wings. Big, flaming wings. Like a pegasus. Other than that, the Rapidash was just a powerful and healthy-looking Rapidash.
The Altaria flew gently in the air, but there was something strange about her puffy cloud-like wings. It was difficult to tell, but a scan of the scouter revealed that there were colonies of bugs in them. Large colonies of bugs in them.
The Froslass looked like an evolved form of Froslass. The white cloak obscured all but a pair of glowing blue eyes. And there were far more ice crystals protruding from the cloak, and the large bow of the obi that encircled the waistline of the cloak was large with long ribbons that hung some three feet below the cloak.
The seventh member of the group was a human. A girl around Renny's age, and wielding dual knives. She had six Pokeballs on her belt and looked ready for a real scrap.

"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all Pokemon within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of mankind."
"To crush those who would enslave our minds."
"Team Pokegeddon shall fight until death!"
"So say your prayers, 'cause hope's all you've got left!"
"Fuck yeah, Pokegeddon!"

...kthxbai?

"My name is Gardenoir," the gothic Gardevoir introduced herself. "I'm sorry. Really, it's nothing personal, but we could use the money."
"Call me Lopunnish," the lady knight Lopunny chimed in. "Boy, you've gone and done the stupidest thing imaginable, making yourselves the target of us."
"Pegidash, bitches." the winged Rapidash had his two cents. "Can't say I don't envy you muthafuckahs. Jus' what did you guys do to get us sicked on ya?"
"Altarisect," the Altaria with bug-infested wings said while landing. "I wish we could let you go, but our honor decrees that we do the job we are paid to do."
"Frosqueen," the regal Froslass hovered lower. "I hate to end the lives of ones so young, but my time is limited and my designs for this world are far too grand."
"Call me Regina, the only human of the group!" the girl whirled her knives. "I really, really don't like fighting law enforcement types. Our beef isn't with you, but it would be soon enough, anyways. So, we've gotta kill you."
"Fuck yeah, Seacalibur!" the Seaking yelled.

"Who the hell are those people?" Wilhelmina asked. But no one had an answer for her.
"Watch out for 'em," Muon said. "They're very dangerous."
The scouters were having difficulty analyzing them. "The data is weird," Moon reported. "They appear to be Pokesapiens, but they've clearly been modified with other DNA splices. They're like some kind of Hybrid Pokesapien or something."

-----

Battle SITREP

- All Rage is carried over from previous battle. No Rage is added if below 50/100. All enemies seem to have 100/100 Rage.
- No Fog of War.
- Both Morale Integrity Values are at 100%.
- The Watchmen have been fully healed.
- The Watchmen have initiative.
- Battle BGM is "Resonance" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l5nxTWDc5Y) by TM Resolution for the Soul Eater anime.

Enemy Formation & Data:

[Seacalibur] [Lopunnish] [Gardenoir] [Regina] [Frosqueen] [Altarisect] [Pegidash]

- Gardenoir ~ Believed to be the de facto leader of Pokegeddon. Might be a Psychic/Dark type. Uses a greatscythe and moves in battle. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Lopunnish ~ A Lopunny Pokesapien geared in futuristic soldier equipment. Might be a Normal/Fighting type. Uses a variety of weapons and probably martial arts on top of moves in battle. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Seacalibur ~ A Seaking Pokesapien with a rather unique body composition. Might be a Water/Steel type. Uses razor-sharp teeth combined with powerful jaws and Pokemon moves in battle. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Pegidash ~ A Rapidash Pokesapien with fiery wings. Might be a Fire/Flying type. Uses its diamond-shattering hoof strikes and moves in battle. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Altarisect ~ An Altaria Pokesapien with wings inhabited by swarms of bugs. Might be a Dragon/Bug type. Uses dangerous bug swarms and a powerful beak on top of moves. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Frosqueen ~ A Froslass Pokesapien that has existed for a long time. Should still be an Ice/Ghost type. Attacks with Pokemon moves. Ability is not known. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

- Regina ~ The only human in Pokegeddon. Uses two daggers. Has six Pokeballs, but doesn't seem inclined to deploy Pokemon at this time. Her items are unidentifiable. Data will be picked up by the scouter as the battle progresses.

"Not a lot of data on them," Moon frowned. "This battle is going to be pretty touch and go."
Indeed. They were clearly a strange group of characters, but their stances and appearances suggested that they clearly weren't the pushovers that the HPG soldiers were.
"If you want me to fight with you guys, I can." Muon offered. "I don't have any special skills, so just have me replace an Enforcer if you want me."

New Ally: Muon Harper (Pokebrid/Enforcer)
Callsign: Milkshake ('cause she brings all the boys to the yard)
Pokebrid Forms & Synchronization Techniques
- Miltank (Milk of Plenty): Restores health of all Pokemon and only all Pokemon by half.
- Breloom (Shroom Smackdown): Severe Grass and Fighting type damage to 2 targets. Inflicts Poison, Sleep, and Leech Seed.
- Dragonair (Weather Beam): Causes Enchanted Rain and Hail to fall. Enchanted Rain and Hail provide benefits only to allies and problems only to the enemy. Allied Snipers can even fire in the hailstorm.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte was dissapointed that they couldn't pursue the fleeing troops, but she supposed they had made their marks. As long those soldiers had nightmares about the battle for the rest of their lives, and lasting scars.

So Charlotte just tuned in and listened to the conversation hacked by Moon. Pokegeddon? That sounded dumb. Charlotte's suspicions were confirmed once the group of Pokesapiens arrive on the scene.

"Ahahahahahah," Charlotte let out. It wasn't a psychotic laugh, it was one of genuine amusement. These things were enemies? They wouldn't last 10 minutes. Someone besides Charlotte might regret killing them.

"This is just too good," she said, still laughing at their foes. "Really? This is what Burkmont sent? Here I thought the guy would have some respect. Oh well then. Hope you don't mind any maiming." Charlotte then proceeded to return Buck and replace him with Hammond. She also withdrew Sol-leks and sent out Spitz. They'd both get blood ewventually.

"Hammond, Stone Edge on the pimped out Rapidash. SPitz, use super-fang on it before hammonds attack."

Spitz made an ecstatic howl and pushed off the ground at Pegidash, ready to sink its teeth into him. Hammond let out a deafing Shriek and flew into the sky, where it circled around until dropping a stone edge at the Pegidash.

Charlotte herself decided she may as well throw in a shot for support. She proceeded to take her shotgun from her coat and loaded to shells into it. She then raised it forwards and emptied both barrels towards Pegidash. That horse was in for a beating!

---

Hammond: Uses Stone Edge on Pegidash. Definitely 2x, possibly 4x. STAB damage.
Spitz: uses super-fang on Pegidash
Charlotte: Unloads both barrels of her shotgun on Pegidash. Abuses Pokegeddon verbally.

[Dracorion]

Pierce recalled Blaziken and Kingdra after scaring off the HPG soldiers.

Then as they moved on they met Muon and were confronted by... the strangest group ever. And considering everything they'd been through, that was saying something.

"So you're mercenaries? And Hybrid Pokesapiens? What the hell is a Hybrid Pokesapien?" Pierce asked the enemy group.

Still, they were in the middle of a battle. He tossed two pokeballs and Blaziken and Tyranitar materialized with their cries, and a raging Sandstorm kicked in, but seemingly only affected the enemies. Tyranitar was seriously considering leaving Blaziken for his Terra Hammer, because goddamn. Pierce decided to follow Charlotte's lead. "Blaziken, Overheat on that Frosslass! Tyranitar, Stone Edge at Rapidash!"

Pierce rushed forward after his Pokemon and smashed Frossqueen solidly with Phantomere's staff.

"Impact, you might want to have yourself, Matthias, and any other Bug-type attackers target... Gardenoir, was it?"

---------
Blaziken: Overheat on Frossqueen for 2x damage.
Tyranitar: Stone Edge on Pegidash for 4x damage. +5% damage from Tyranitar's Terra Hammer.
Pierce: Ghost staff on Frossqueen for 2x damage.

All enemies take double Sandstorm damage, allies take none. Gotta love that Terra Hammer.

[Menarker]

Renny was all smile as the group encountered Muon who appeared to be in good condition. Whitney was sure to be relieved. He silently listened to the group's conversation, his face shifting from disappointment from her bad news regarding Major Grant and his hired mercenaries, to admiration with Moon's tinkering the scouters, and flinching as Cecilia, his current enforcer, shouted in protest about Rayleen promising a kiss to Moon. And the intercepted communication of the Pokegeddon didn't exactly promise cake and cookies...

"Eternal here. Watch out, some weird ones are coming!"

Renny had Mollesk and Swampert summoned before the troupe could arrive... The sight was quite... unique. They were accompanied by a girl about his own age and the Pokegeddon looked like they seen heavy bodily modification.

"Call me Regina, the only human of the group!" the girl whirled her knives. "I really, really don't like fighting law enforcement types. Our beef isn't with you, but it would be soon enough, anyways. So, we've gotta kill you."

"We'd rather not fight you either, but in that plaza is a complete monster who turns his decieved medical experiments into weapons, and you're aiding him by blocking us! If you won't stand aside, then we have to force our way through. Mollesk, Cosmic Power!" Swampert, Waterfall that winged Rapidash"

Mollesk shone brilliantly as its defensive power rose to incredible heights, double what it was before, enhanced by its own Simple ability. "MOLL!"

Swampert roared as it charged the battlefield, leapt high in the air with its muscular body, summoned a flood of water that purged downwards against the flying Rapidash like a waterfall before Swampert plunged down impacting her with gravity as his aid.

--------------------
Mollesk gains +2 stage of Defence and Special Def due to Simple Nature. Mollesk now has double its base DEF and SDEF, far exceeding 500 DEF and SDEF. Turn 1 charge of its item.

Swampert does Waterfall for STAB SuperEffective damage on Pegidash.

[Geminex]

What the...? They were attacking? WHY WERE THEY ATTACKING? WHAT WERE THEY DOING? The strange mercenaries, what the hell were they anyway, were bad enough, but now his team was being all... uncoordinated! Inefficient! God, they were going to die if this continued. Time to take drastic action. Thank god he still had that revolver.

Said weapon now fired three shots into the air. It shouldn't have been loud, this was practically a war zone, after all, but it had a biting quality, one that tore a gap into the cacophany of battle noise. Hopefully it was enough to stop his allies in their tracks.

"Belay all orders, stop what you're doing, or I swear, I'll shoot you or your trainers for insubordination. We do not attack without coordinating! We do not split damage! I don't want to act like a drill sergeant, but I fucking will if it wins us the battle! So stand to attention, listen. Coordinate."

He spoke rapidly, evaluating information. This could work out. They could survive... maybe. He didn't know enough, yet. They'd find out more, doubtlessly. Unfortunately, he had the feeling that the first thing they'd find out was what signature techiques their opponents had. But he managed to formulate something approaching a plan, and, after ten seconds, everyone had their orders. The fact that scouters were really good for designating targets helped as well.

And then orders were done, and Impact sprang into action. He hoped that the team would actually listen, instead of just going back to their own plans. But he'd given his orders, if they didn't like them, they could always go back to doing there own thing. He wouldn't like it, but he'd done his duty.

And then, as he evaluated the enemy's formation, he realized. This... might not be too hard. It wasn't just a matter of force and destruction... maneuver and manipulation, that was important as well. And manipulation? Maneuver? Initiative?
...
Control?
That he could provide. His eyes glassed over for a second as he modelled, analyzed, realized. Yes... He started chuckling darkly. Yes... that is how it'd work. Resource allocation indeed.
Their foes would burn.

And Frosqueen... Frosqueen would burn in particular. He liked this flamethrower. "Pokegeddon. You're interfering with an official PATCA operation. We are armed, we will eliminate resistance. Cease resisting and you will be taken into custody. Continue resisting and you will be struck with excessive force."
Having said his piece, part brag, part offical warning, he turned up pressure and blasted Frosqueen with a tounge of deadly fire.


------
Moon: Lanturn's Signal Beam at Gardenoir, Fathom to use Helping Hand on Impact.

Rachel: Leave combat to use two rage rockets on Impact. Leaves combat, so hopefully immune to damage.

Impact: Dark ambition, leaving him with 0 Rage. Use second adrenaline boost. Attack Frossqueen with Flamethrower. STAB super-effective. Request Swarm Bow in exchange for Flamethrower. Request bug-immune armor.

Charlotte: Spitz' Super Fang on Pegidash, Hammond to use Stone Edge on Pegidash.

Renny: Use Serene blessing (Charlotte's enforcer, Shannon, and Milsha to spend 35 rage to extend protection to Matt and Impact) Mollesk to use Rock Slide on Frossqueen and Altarisect, Swampert to Mimic Stone Edge on Frossqueen. We can test flinching another time.

Pierce: Blaziken with Overheat on Frosqueen, Tyranitar divide Stone edge on Pegidash and Altarisect (for 25 RPs)

Harliette: Mineral shot on Pegidash, instead of deploying second pokemon, use SigTech, "Desparado". Then have Blissey sing, also on Regina,

Matt: Venomoth form, use sleep powder on Regina

Wilhelmina: Nether Shot on Frossqueen.

Trainer attacks: Hit Pegidash, or, if that's dead, hit Frosqueen.

If Pegidash dies, redirect any attacks that would have hit it to hit Frosqueen. If, miraculously, Frosqueen dies as well, hit Altarisect.

[Astral Harmony]

Ally Phase
- Moon: Gardenoir has defeated Signal Beam. Impact is affected with Helping Hand. Moon's Rage is now 20.
- Rachel: Now out of combat. Impact's Rage is now 85.
- Impact: Used Signature Technique "Dark Ambition". All statistics boltstered by 2. Frosqueen has taken great damage. Requests for Swarm Bow and Pesticide Layer to be completed at start of next Ally Phase. Impact's Rage is now 10.
- Charlotte: Pegidash's health is reduced by half. Pegidash has defeated Stone Edge. Charlotte's Rage is now 80.
- Renny: Renny's Pokemon, Pierce's Pokemon, Impact, and Matthias are invincible. Frosqueen has taken severe damage. Altarisect has taken small damage. Renny's Rage falls to 30. Shannon's Rage falls to 15. Milsha's Rage falls to 15. Harliette's Rage falls to 0.
- Pierce: Froslass has taken critical damage. Pegidash has defeated Stone Edge. Altarisect has taken great damage. Pierce's Rage is now 70.
- Harliette: Pegidash has taken critical damage. Gardenoir has defeated Bug Buzz. Regina is now asleep. Harliette's Rage is now 30.
-

"Laugh all you'd like, bitch." Gardenoir mocked Charlotte. "Just because we look out of place on a battlefield, doesn't mean that I don't belong here. Watch."
It all began with Lanturn's Signal Beam. Gardenoir was no longer where she stood just a moment ago. Pokemon didn't know how to apply Teleport to actually dodging attacks, so how did-?
Fathom granting Impact some extra oomph to his attacks went down successfully.

Rachel bounced out of combat and pumped Impact up with two Rage Rockets.

Impact bolstered his statistics with Dark Ambition, then took up his Flamethrower and let Frosqueen have it. Frosqueen hugged herself tightly and let her other covering absorb the damage.
"Presendo, here." reported Daphne, the support girl. "I'll have Slayer Impact's requests fulfilled in a jiffy! Just hang on!"
Frosqueen unshielded herself as the flamethrower attack ended. She was definitely hit, and should've been a crispy critter now. She was going to be one top old woman.

Spitz sighted Pegidash and rocketed towards the winged stallion. Pegidash saw the Super Fang coming. "Aw, no you don't, son!" Pegidash spat, and they began a brief struggle. Spitz was kicked solidly in the face by Pegidash's hooves, but Spitz knew better than to fail his mistress, and succeeded in scoring the hit. "Damn dogs! Don't you know that we're trying to save you all from human oppression! Well, maybe you'll learn when I oppress your ass a whole lot more!"
Hammond dove towards Pegidash with a well-aimed Stone Edge. "Aw, hell naw!" Pegidash shouted and then did what could only be described as reckless and impossible. Pegidash reered up and destroyed the Stone Edge with two powerful hoof strikes. Hammond wanted to try again, but Pegidash was already blowing fire his way. "How do ya like me now, bitches?"
"For his sake, he'd better not be mocking me," Muon said.

Suddenly, there was heaven. Naked silhouettes of a dancing Shannon, Milsha, and Harliette trio moved underneath a circuling Togekiss as it dispensed beautiful white feathers like a gentle shower of love. The other five Pokemon stood around the dancing girls in a ring and stared up reverently at Togekiss.

Armored Bishoujo: "Ugh...I can barely type that without getting sick. Y'ever played Legend of Dragoon? Remember Shana's Dragoon transformation? Where you saw a naked white silhouette of her surrounded by feathers? Yeah, this is pretty much that. 'Cept with Pokemon."

Mollesk smacked both Frosqueen and Altarisect with Rock Slide.
"You should treat old ladies with better respect, young boy." Frosqueen threatened.
"Aw, my beautiful wings are covered in dirt," Altarisect moaned.
Frosqueen was further damaged by Swampert's Stone Edge, but this time Frosqueen retaliated. Or tried to. With Swampert protected by the counterattack by Serene Blessing, the Pokemon may have avoided absolute destruction. It was hard to tell what the counterattack could do because Swampert's protection prevented him from displaying the attacks' effects.

It was Pierce's Pokemon's turn. Blaziken nearly destroyed Frosqueen with Overheat. Tyranitar was up. Pegidash destroyed the Stone Edge coming at him, then tried to light Tyranitar on fire. Altarisect was wounded by Stone Edge, but a large swarm of bugs flew out of Altarisects wings to try and engulf Tyranitar. They did not, however, considering that Tyranitar was still under the protection of Serene Blessing.

Regina tried to stay awake, but that much effort put into knocking her out was really doing the trick. "Pokemon...de-deploy..." Regina said, barely tossing two Pokeballs before collapsing into a deep sleep.
"Huh," Moon observed. "Watchmen, this is Sapphire. Reporting the sighting of Legendary Pokemon Manaphy and Phione. Who would've known that the little girl was packing a couple of her own? I wonder if she has any more?"
"Just be careful. If she has Legendaries, she can spend Rage to activate Testament Drives. I wish we had a Snagger. That girl doesn't deserve them."
"Eternal here. I suppose we could kill the girl to make them go rogue, but I don't think the senseless murder of little girls would fit well with PATCA's reputation."
"You should also remember that Phione is bred from Manaphy. There's a possibility that the other four Pokemon are Phione as well."

- Manaphy (Water Legendary) [Regina 1 of 6]
Moves: Heart Swap / Rain Dance / Surf / Dive
Ability: Hydration
- Phione (Water Legendary)
Moves: Rain Dance / Dive / Bounce / Surf [Regina 2 of 6]
Ability: Hydration

Harliette ripped into Pegidash with Mineral Shot, which was successful simply because of how fast the projectiles travelled. Illumise brought the Bug Buzz down on Gardevoir, who teleported defensively and hacked at Illumise with her scythe.

"Eternal is commensing Nether Shot," Wilhelmina reported, then quickly took aim and fired. Frosqueen seemed to vanish in her hooded cloak and fell to the ground. "Nether Shot successful. Scratch Frosqueen. Wait, what's that?"
There was a large, rotating number 1 above Frosqueen's body. "If I may offer a suggestion, Frosqueen may have been defeated, but probably does not stay that way. Beware a possible revival on the next turn."

The Trainer attacks were sufficient in removing Pegidash from the battle. "I...fucked yo' mommas," Pegidash gave out his final words.
"What the fuck?! Seriously?!"
Don't worry, Shannon, we can all see it. A spinning number 1 appeared over Pegidash's slain form. Great, would that one revive by itself in the next turn as well?

-----
Enemy Phase
- Gardenoir: Mollesk has defeated Gardenoir's attack. Gardenoir is preparing to do something...
- Lopunnish: Wilhelmina is disabled. Lopunnish is preparing to do something...
- Seacalibur: Spitz has taken severe damage. Spitz is now out of combat and cannot return until after the next Enemy Phase. Seacalibur is preparing to do something...
- Regina: Rainy Day is in effect. Hammond has taken great damage. Regina's Rage is now 80.
- Altarisect: Altarisect is preparing Sky Attack. Altarisect is preparing to do something...

Gardenoir frowned. "Well, I am most certainly impressed. Not only have you managed to strike us, but you've even gone far enough to take down two of us. I should expect no less from the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency."
Gardenoir then telekinetically hurled her greatscythe, which was nearly planted into Mollesk. The only thing that prevented Mollesk from very likely dying was Serene Blessing. The greatscythe lay useless on the nearby sidewalk before it was suddenly absorbed into an alternate dimension. Gardenoir opened her hands and summoned two submachineguns from additional holes in space. "Some kind of divine intervention? It won't save you forever."
Then Gardevoir assumed a strange stance. Something was up.

Lopunnish whipped out a sniper rifle, took careful aim, and pulled the trigger. Oh, no...
"Eternal here. I've just been hit. I think I'm good...no, not good. Gimme a turn, I need to do something about the bleeding."
Lopunnish then started looking at the sky. It was difficult to tell what she was doing because her face was hidden by the hi-tech goggles and ski mask. Just what the hell was she looking for when she could see Wilhelmina easily enough?

"Fuck yeah, my turn!" Seacalibur said, then Spitz was torn into by a Megahorn. Then, to add insult to injury, Seacalibur launched Spitz into the distance. With Spitz needing the next turn to return to Charlotte's side, Seacalibur began to swim erratically. Et tu, Seacalibur? There was a small rumbling. That probably wasn't good.

Regina's Manaphy brought on the rain.
Regina's Phione Focused a Surf on Hammond.

That left Altarisect. Altarisect was obviously preparing a Sky Attack, but something else was going on. She was also singing. Nobody was falling asleep, so this could only mean one thing. Altarisect had a little somethin'-somethin' to show the Watchmen as well.

Something told the Watchmen that a lot of pain was coming their way if they didn't act fast.

[Dracorion]

"Oh, bullshit." Pierce remarked to Pokegeddon in general. "Free pokemon from human oppression? Really? I'll admit, there are people who do that. But do you really think General Burkmont, you know, the guy who hired you, is innocent? Hell, he's taken oppression to the next step. So get your facts straight. Yes, we're PATCA: fucking your shit up. Look, we really have no interest in fighting you, but we will if we have to. If you don't back out of this business with the Prideguard and the Harbingers, you're going to get dead or worse, and it won't be us that does it. There are much bigger things going on here than you could possibly imagine. Or hell, I got a better idea. Why don’t you join us? That seems to be our thing, taking in criminals. The pay could be better, but you get a hell of a lot of fun. One turn and I can already tell you guys are good. Joining PATCA means you can go after people who abuse pokemon. Isn't that what you want?"

"By the way? Stop cheating." He added.

Pierce rolled his eyes at Impact. "We were coordinating. But I guess you didn't realize that because you were all up in your high horse. Formulate a plan for next turn, and I got this one. You're a good leader, Impact. You just gotta stop freaking out because someone does something out of your control. Do that, and you’re aces."

Pierce turned back toward the enemies. "Now then. Charlotte, use Future Shock, center it on Lopunnish, then have your Aerodactyl use Stone Edge on Altarisect and hit Gardenoir with your shotgun. Rachel use two Rage Rockets on Renny and one on Shannon, and Renny, use your Prosperous Gifts tech to spread a Rage Booster around. then have Swampert use Stone Edge on Altarisect. Moon, have Lanturn use Discharge on Gardenoir and Phione, then use your Moonbeam Disco tech with Shannon, centered on Lopunnish. Matthias, use Sunny Day. Harliette, have Vespiquen use Attack Order and Wormadam use Bug Bite, both on Gardenoir, then use your Mineral Shot on Altarisect. Finally, Impact, take out any survivors. For myself, I got something special planned."

"Tyranitar, use Stone Edge!" Tyranitar launched the rock straight at Altarisect, while Pierce closed in on Gardenoir and striked twice with the sword in one hand and staff in the other.

"Now, I'm going to show you something really nice. Tyranitar, Blaziken, Hellfire!" At once, Tyranitar and Blaziken jumped high into the air. Blaziken climbed further, of course, but Tyranitar went far higher than anyone would think his size would allow before he came crashing down, instantly letting loose a powerful tremor that sent Lopunnish, Seacalibur and Gardenoir flying. Pokegeddon? Try Team Rocket. While they were still gaining height, Blaziken met them as he came down, letting loose a powerful flurry of fiery kicks and punches on the Hybrid Pokesapiens. The moment Blaziken was clear, Tyranitar launched several large rocks at them with Stone Edge. Finally, Blaziken finished off the Pokesapiens with an Overheat that engulfed them and melted the rocks as they all fell, and they crashed down to the ground in a blazing meteor.

Talk about overkill.
-------------------------
Charlotte: use Future Shock centered on Gardenoir. Have Hammond use Stone Edge on Altarisect.

Rachel: Use two Rage Rockets on Renny, spend 25 RPs to use a Rage Rocket on Shannon.

Renny: Use Prosperous Gifts, use Rage Rocket to give RPs to himself, Pierce, Impact, Wilhelmina, Rachel, Matthias, Harliette and Moon. Have Swampert use Stone Edge on Altarisect.

Moon: Have Lanturn use Discharge on Phione and Gardenoir (ally target is Tyranitar). Use Moonbeam Disco, centered on Lopunnish (100% flinch).

Matthias: Use Sunny Day.

Pierce: Have Tyranitar use Stone Edge on Altarisect. Trainer Attack on Gardenoir. Use Blaziken's action to unleash Hellfire centered on Lopunnish (50% burn, 50% internal bleeding).

Harliette: Have Vespiquen to use Attack Order on Gardenoir, Wormadam to use Bug Bite on Gardenoir. Mineral Shot on Altarisect.

Impact: Target any survivors (LH Launcher on Altarisect, HV Rifle on Lopunnish).

Trainer attacks: On Gardenoir. If Gardenoir defeated, hit Altarisect.

Tyranistorm damages all enemies.

Tyranitar's Stone Edge does 5% more damage. So does Hellfire too, technically I guess.

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Hammond] [Spitz (drop-kicked far far away)] [Empoleon] [Vespiquen] [Harliette] [Wormadam] [Mollesk] [Swampert] [Blaziken] [Tyranitar] [Lanturn] [Fathom] [Impact] [Evolith/Device Space 2]

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte observed with minor annoyance as Pegidash fought off the Stone Edge and knocked Spitz out of the picture. "Congratulations, you have proved to me that you are worth adding to the kill list. Only wish I brought my camera, then I could add it to the album," Charlotte said with mock clapping.

Charlotte briefly listened to the conversation Rayleen and Eternal had about the girl, and how they didn't want to kill her. "I could," Charlotte dropped in, "I know you won't let me, but it wouldn't be hard. She's a foe. If you give the order, I won't bat an eye, can even try and make it look like an accident."

"Anyways," she said, dropping the subject, "time for the battle. Hammond, Pike, you heard Pierce. First Stone Edge, and then Future Shock, just as practiced."

Hammond followed the order and sent another Stone Edge flying at Altarisect. That's what it gets for having such a weird type combination! Charlotte also contributed with a concentrated shotgun blast at Gardenoir.

Hammond let out another frenzied scream and flew off into the sky. Soon enough, several rocks from stone edge began falling, forming a sort of cage around the enemies, centered around Gardenoir. Pike, who appeared sort of out of nowhere, took this cue and sent out a discharge, witch coursed through the stone cage and lashed out at the foes. Combined with Hell Fire, there was no way they could get away unscathed.

"A quick tip," Charlotte said, towards the Pokegeddon as a whole, "listen to the jackass we know as Pierce. We don't actually intend on losing. And even if you chase us away this battle, we'll be back. You're in this business now, and there's no way to leave. And there is no worse boss to have in this business than Valdier Burkmont."

---

Hammond: Using Stone Edge on Altarisect.

Future Shock: Centered around Gardenoir. Would like it to hit all enemies, but up to you.

Charlotte: Unloads both shotgun barrels into Gardenoir. Talks a bit. Also speaks with Sandy Brown text for some reason.

Spitz: Out of play for a turn. Probably being existential.

[Menarker]

*Prefer if the following took place just before Pierce's post, since none of the group should have known about Prosperous Gift before this.*
--------------------

Renny had been shocked and scared nearly out of his mind with Impact's ruthless ultimatum that accompanied his gunshot... and scantily a few seconds later, was shocked and blushed visably by the trio of naked visions that came as a result of Togekiss and his preciously inspired technique, that he had to snap out of the distraction. He didn't predict that particular outcome. Then again, he only practiced with his own pokemon. The Pokegeddon kept on demostrating their powers and all the tricks up their sleeves, which started to grate on the lad's confidence. Swampert had roared viciously in a challenging protest at Pegidash's insinuation that they were being oppressed. They had pretty much ignored Renny's plea to desist with the warning they were assisting a total monster like Faynoc. Things were getting heated up quickly... He then redirected his voice to his scouter.


"Guys, I got one more thing I could try doing. I've been keeping in touch with Lo... I mean, the Queen of Hearts for some time before this mission and she taught me quite a bit about using the various medical equipment and medicine. We came up with a way to multiply an item's potential so that it can apply to multiple individuals with one dose without losing potency! Well... everything except revival items. Those ones I haven't mastered maintaining full potency. Anyhow If I had more energy, I could apply any one item to practically the entire group... Items such as a Full Restore. Or this Rocket Booster. I'm sure something like that would come in handy..."

He waited for further orders, not wanting to risk Impact actually being true to his word and shooting him or any of his pokemons... His hand laid near the pokeballs on his belt in case he had to switch pokemons according to the orders to come.

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias examined the group before him. They certainly were experienced at fighting though one was now sleeping on the ground. Not to mention they had extremely odd forms which he wanted to ask them about. Somehow, he doubted they would answer. That would make everything too easy and nothing was easy nowadays. Regardless, they would be extremely formidable rules if they fought on the terms that everyone was used to. However,

"So it seems they know how to break the rules. Impact. What do you say we switch them up. It seems my newest form knows Trick Room. Perhaps that would throw off their countermeasures by changing the battlefield. Its clear our regular tactics are just going to get us beaten so something outside the box maybe necessary."

Matthias still remained in his Venomoth state, wings generating powder and throwing it to any wind that passed by. There was an odd tone to his voice. He sounded interested in what was happening. Perhaps the Pokebrid enjoyed the challenge of a fight or new tactics being introduced? Regardless, Matthias was fully paying attention to the battle at hand and smiling slightly.

[Geminex]

Impact paused at Matt's question, relieved to have something to distract him from raging fury. "Let's see how this turns out first. We can do quite a bit of damage this turn, with any luck. Go..." He paused. Control... where were its limits? Effective utilisation of the resources at hand, to most efficiently achieve a given purpose. Surrendering control... threatened that, didn't it? But what if control was surrendered in order to increase efficiency? God, this was strategy. It wasn't something to consider in battle. Intuition, that was necessary here, now... And what did intuition say? He sighed again. If this went wrong... "go with Pierce's plan. That goes for all of you. Pierce's orders are confirmed. I'll stay in reserve and kill anything that survives. Oh, and Demon? Any chance of our big steel friend showing up with his flamethrower? We could use the help. Let's do this, Impact out."

He happily received the swarm bow and applied the pesticide layer (though he was afraid that said layer made his fire armor useless), and then considered. Gardenoir would probably die easily, but if she survived, he'd have to be ready to finish her off. The bow would serve him there. The other two likely targets were Altarisect and Lopunnish... He'd get Altarisect with the LH launcher, and Lopunnish with the Rincewood rifle, if necessary. Altarisect seemed like the priority here... if it died as well, he'd focus on Lopunnish. And if that died, there was always Seacalibur as well.

-----

Impact to act very last, attack one enemy with following priority:
- If Gardenoir survives, hit it with Bug Bow
- If Gardevoir's dead, hit Altarisect with LH launcher
- If Altarisect's dead, hit Lopunnish with Ricewood Rifle
- If Lopunnish is dead, hit Seacalibur with HV rifle
- If Seacalibur is dead, strip seductively

[Astral Harmony]

Ally Phase
- Charlotte: Charlotte uses Pokemon Co-Op "Future Shock". Altarisect has taken good damage. Hammond is now covered with bugs. Charlotte's Rage is now 20.
- Rachel: Renny's Rage is now 80. Shannon's Rage is now 40. Rachel's Rage is now 25.
- Renny: Renny's uses Love Pair Co-Op "Properous Gifts". Renny's Rage is now 30. Pierce's Rage is now 95. Impact's Rage is now 35. Wilhelmina's Rage is now 90. Rachel's Rage is now 50. Matthias's Rage is now 75. Harliette's Rage is now 55. Moon's Rage is now 45. Altarisect has taken great damage. Swampert is now covered in bugs.
- Moon: Lanturn's attack has been defeated. Moon uses Love Pair Co-Op "Moonbeam Disco". Gardenoir has taken no damage and will not flinch. Lopunnish has taken great damage and will not flinch. Seacalibur has taken great damage and will not flinch. Moon's Rage is now 0. Shannon's Rage is now 0.
- Matthias: Sunny Day is in effect. Rainstorm is no longer in effect.
- Pierce: Altarisect has taken severe damage. Tyranitar is now covered in bugs. Gardenoir has taken minor damage. Lopunnish has taken great damage and avoids burn and flinch. Seacalibur has taken great damage and avoids burn and flinch. Pierce's Rage is now 0.
- Harliette: Gardenoir has defeated Attack Order. Gardenoir has small damage. Altarisect has taken critical damage. Harliette's Rage is now 85.
- Impact: Gardenoir has defeated Swarm Bow. Impact's Rage is now 45.
- Trainer Attacks: Charlotte's Rage is now 25.
- Tyranistorm: Seacalibur has taken small damage. Lopunnish has taken severe damage. Gardenoir has taken small damage. Manaphy has taken minor damage. Regina has taken minor damage. Phione has taken minor damage. Altarisect has taken critical damage.

Hammond flew high above and began to drop Stone Edge after Stone Edge to the ground, forming a ring of stones around Gardenoir, Lopunnish, and Manaphy. "Not likin' this," Gardenoir murmurred.
"Give me a moment," Lopunnish assured her.
Hammond's Stone Edge hit Altarisect just fine, but then a large swarm of bugs from Altarisect's wings flew out and surrounded Hammond. Apparently Pegidash was only skilled at destroying those kinds of attacks.

Rachel stayed out of combat and pumped Renny up, then expended her own Rage to use one more on Shannon.

Then Properous Gifts happened. Really, Lola? You really have to wear something revealing again? A large gift-wrapped box fell down with a boom. Renny curiously opened it and then out comes Lola, wearing only a large red ribbon, and raises a Rage Rocket towards the sky like a holy artifact. The Rage Rocket disappeared into a number of sparkles that flowed around the formation. Lola then grabbed the lid and closed herself inside the box. Renny opened it in obvious desperation, but Lola wasn't there anymore. Under other circumstances, Renny's might've shed a tear of loneliness, but the battle must go on.
Another Stone Edge smashed into Altarisect. And this time Swampert was covered in bugs. What were the bugs about?

Lanturn charge electricity to use Discharge, but then Lopunnish suddenly set something up. "Zeus Rod is deployed. I'll bet they're going to hate me, now."
All of Discharge's fury, even the amount reserved for Tyranitar, was drawn and absorbed by the Zeus Rod. Further observation revealed that the Zeus Rod didn't simply get rid of electricity, but also seemed to be storing it. For whatever reason, it certainly couldn't be good.
And then it got dark. Too dark to see. What the fuck? But then there were strobe lights and multi-colored lights and night club music. Ah. Moon's Moonbeam Disco.
Him and Shannon were grooving together in the lightshow, and everyone suddenly felt an urgy to join in. It was kind of nice, being able to put deadly combat aside and shake your money maker. Then, as the music wound down, Moon, Shannon, and everyone else pointed their fingers at Lopunnish. The lights shifted over to aim at Lopunnish, Gardenoir, and Seacalibur. The lights then blasted them with the kind of light that no one wanted to be in. The three targets were rocked by dark energies. The party ended and visibility returned.

And returned with a vengeance. The rainshower ended abruptly with Matthias's use of Sunny Day.

Tyranitar hit Altarisect with the third Stone Edge, and also came away covered in bugs too small and persistent to get rid of. This was likely to end up badly.
Pierce came at Gardenoir with his staff. Gardenoir shrugged and let Pierce strike her. Don't pity me, you bitch. Because-
Tyranitar then lifted one mighty leg and slammed it into the ground, creating a huge earthquake that launched Lopunnish and Seacalibur into the air. Wait, not Gardenoir? Damn bitch teleported away again. That cunt was gonna get it.
Then again, Hellfire wasn't really achieving its full effects on the two that were sent skyward. Lopunnish was able to move through the air just as easily as she was able to move on the ground. She actually used the Stone Edges to bounce around, avoiding the Overheats. And Seacalibur just hammered away at the Overheats with powerful bursts of water and destroyed the Stone Edges with its lance-like horn. Still, there were too many attacks for them to avoid or defeat them all, and Lopunnish and Seacalibur took some good damage for the effort.

Gardenoir grinned and used a combination of teleport and quick scythe strikes to defeat the Attack Order, but was hit by Wormadam's Bug Bite. Altarisect was hurt even worse by Mineral Shot.

Gardenoir used her greatscythe to block Charlotte's shotgun blast, then Impact's Swarm Bow. "You're making me angry, and you won't like me when I'm angry."

-----
Enemy Phase
- Seacalibur: Seacalibur has used Signature Technique "Flood Chamber". Matthias has taken great damage. Hammond has taken severe damage. Empoleon has taken good damage. Vespiquen has taken great damage. Harliette has taken small damage. Wormadam has taken great damage. Mollesk has taken great damage. Swampert has taken good damage. Blaziken has taken severe damage. Tyranitar has taken severe damage. Lanturn has taken good damage. Impact has taken good damage. Seacalibur has recovered full health and all statistics are raised by one level.
- Lopunnish: Lopunnish has used Signature Technique "Big Game Hunting". Matthias has taken severe damage. Hammond has been defeated. Empoleon has taken severe damage. Vespiquen has taken critical damage. Harliette has taken great damage. Wormadam has taken critical damage. Mollesk has taken severe damage. Swampert has taken severe damage. Blaziken has been defeated. Tyranitar has been defeated. Lanturn has taken critical damage. Impact has taken severe damage. Lopunnish has recovered full health and all statistics are raised by one level.
- Gardenoir: Gardenoir has used Signature Technique "Umbral Awakening". Matthias has taken critical damage. Empoleon has been defeated. Vespiquen has been defeated. Harliette has taken critical damage. Wormadam has been defeated. Mollesk has taken critical damage. Swampert has been defeated. Lanturn has been defeated. Impact has taken critical damage. Gardenoir has recovered full health and all stastistics are raised by one level.
- Final Rage Tally: Matthias's Rage is now 100. Charlotte's Rage is now 35. Rachel's Rage is now 65. Harliette's Rage is now 100. Impact's Rage is now 75. Renny's Rage is now 60. Moon's Rage is now 15. Pierce's Rage is now 20.
- Fog of War: Ally Side Fog of War is raised by 40%.
- Situation Report: Main Formation has one turn to prepare for an enemy ambush by none other than Cerulean Wildfire. You cannot engage her ahead of time. Prepare well.

Gardenoir sighed. "You guys are surprisingly good. But I'm afraid we'd danced enough."
Aw, fuckberries. What were they going to do?

"Fuck yeah, Flood Chamber!"

Flood Chamber? Where would the water come from-oh holy mother!
The tidal wave that was engulfing the city had to be some fifty meters tall. Cars and debris were pulled up from the ground and tossed around like little toys as the great wall of water rushed forward and swallowed them all up.
As the wave passed and miraculously left the chaos in the square intact, the main formation was left gasping for air as they struggled to maintain their formation.
During the small break, Seacalibur took out a Supreme Restore and used with human-like efficiency.

Lopunnish scanned the skies again. Then she took aim with her sniper rifle. What was she aiming at-oh, hell no. Completely impossible!
Then she pulled the trigger...
And an airship suddenly started to fall out of the sky. This is messed up.
The airship suddenly lurched sharply to the right and began a crash landing right on the street where they were battling.
"Big Game Hunting," Lopunnish said as the airship crashed right into the main formation.
Lopunnish removed her mask and used a Supreme Restore, then lit a cigarette. "Think we're overdoing it a bit?"

No, not at all, Lopunnish. It's perfectly normal to destroy your enemies with giant walls of water and crashlanding airships.

"It's my turn," Gardenoir said, stepping forward and readying her greatscythe. Her eyes started to glow and the main formation was slowly lifted from the ground to hover defenseless in the air. Damn it! How were they so damn strong?
"Signature Technique," Gardenoir said, then vanished.
Her voice rang out from over a dozen sources. "Umbral Awakening!"
It was nothing short of ridiculous. Gardenoir seemed to be everywhere at once, slicing into people and Pokemon alike with her large scythe.

Renny's Mollesk was the only Pokemon left standing, but then Spitz, critically wounded, returned to the fray. Gardenoir raised her scythe to cut Impact down for good, but-
"Gardenoir, that is enough."
Gardenoir turned away from Impact. Frosqueen and Pegidash had revived.
"We are not murderers, Gardenoir," Frosqueen said sternly.
"They're the Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency," Gardenoir said plainly. "We are terrorists. Whether we're involved in this mess any more or not, they will be sent to bring us to justice eventually."
Frosqueen shook her head. "We are strong for a reason, Gardenoir. We are strong so that we can do what it is we must do without resorting to cold-blooded murder."
"Yeah, well our orders were-"
"Consider yourselves to have done your job in full," came Major Grant's voice on the scouters, both Pokegeddon's and the Watchmen's. "General Burkmont has requested that his precious Cerulean Wildfire have the honor of killing off the Watchmen. Please leave the area and enjoy the money."

Gardenoir looked back at Impact. "Well, it was fun while it lasted. I don't envy you. Cerulean Wildfire will cook you in your own juices. Kinda like Pegidash before you killed him."
Suddenly, a large mechanical abomination crashed through the wrecked airship behind the Watchmen. Lexhur was...a little late. But what an entrance!
"You will not harm them any further!" Lexhur demanded.
"Don't want to," Gardenoir shrugged.
"I beg your pardon?"
But there were no more words from Pokegeddon. Except a little more from Gardenoir. "Too bad we couldn't finish this dance but then again, I don't really like killing people, either. Well then. Practice up! I hope you get tougher! Byeeeeeeeeee!"

Gardenoir and the other Pokegeddon members drew closer and woke Regina off of the road. Regina shook her head quickly, recalled her Pokemon and vanished with the others in what could only be a mass teleport.
Lexhur lowered his massive guns.
"Sapphire to Demon. We're in bad shape. Orders?"
"Demon to Sapphire. I wish we could do something for you, but the HPG is hellbent on keeping you from getting assistance from other PATCA members. Cerulean Wildfire is going to be on top of you in one turn. You must heal as fast as you can in that one turn and prepare for another difficult battle. Cerulean Wildfire is likely to come down on you with HPG troops. It seems like Burkmont is crazy about getting you dead for sure. Revive and heal up, and get ready to send that metal cunt to the scrap heap. I don't really like it that Lexhur is out and free, but we don't really have a choice. I authorize you using Lexhur in battle."

The situation could go from really bad to very good in short order. Lexhur turned to where he could engage the approaching enemy force with all of his guns. "I am Lexhur, callsign Olde School. I'm a Destroyer unit, the first one you've had under your command, so let me teach you about how I, and consequently all Destroyers, operate."

- Lexhur (Destroyer / Ruin General) has joined the Main Formation!
Callsign: Olde School
Rage Attacks
Recoilless Cannons: 50 RPs. Great Fighting type damage. 50% Bleed.
Devil Drift: 100 RPs. Severe Steel type damage. Knocks foe out of battle, causing them to return next turn has concluded. Great for removing foes for two turns.
Grill Gore: 100 RPs. Severe Dark type damage. 100% Flinch, 100% Bleed.
Treadmill: 100 RPs. Raises Ally Side Fog of War by 25%. Use multiple times to offer protection from enemy Snipers and lower enemy accuracy.
Missile Racks: 200 RPs. Great Fire type damage on four random targets. 50% Burn.
Deploy Type Absorber: 200 RPs. Three can be deployed at any one time. Good for covering for type disadvantages.
Artillery Strike: 300 RPs. Severe Normal type damage on three targets, splash. Raises Enemy Side Fog of War by 20%. Powerful, but beware of the Fog of War advantage given to your enemy and clear the battlefield occasionally.
Lexhur Laser: 400 RPs. 100% Death on target, Severe Almighty type splash damage on four adjacent targets. For when you need something absolutely obliterate.

"Probably the biggest distinction of us Destroyers is that our whole battle setup is based on Rage. All of our attacks cost Rage Points, and we have a whopping 500 Rage Point maximum. We start out with a hundred of them, and generate a hundred more each turn. You can make us attack and attack so long as we have the Rage Points to spare. Consider my arsenal of abilities and weigh the Rage Points carefully. Otherwise, just point the target and leave it to me to shuffle them clear of their mortal coil."

"Oh, but I should let you know some things. My Type Absorbers are suseptible to Sniper attacks. And I don't gain Rage from my attacks. Because I'm not in the main formation, I can't take enemy damage, either. Not like sniper rounds could penetrate my metal shell, anyways."

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte scowled as she watched the show unfold. These things were basically cheating at this point. Charlotte wanted nothing more than to break ll of their legs individually and then break their neck with her foot. She would rip off the fish's fins. And then, they said something that drove her absolutely crazy.

Frosqueen shook her head. "We are strong for a reason, Gardenoir. We are strong so that we can do what it is we must do without resorting to cold-blooded murder."

"What! Do you not realize how many may have died in that flood! You... you saw the cars right, and the airship! Or let me guess, no one was in the cars because it was Sunday, and there was just a Robot piloting the airship. You people, or pokemon you really have lost a visible species, have probably killed more people in 2 minutes than I have in most of my career, and have the audacity to pretend you have standards! At least I have no illusions about enjoying to kill!" Charlotte was furious at them. They were trying to claim high-ground? Were they incapable of logic, or just lying to themselves? Surely the others must agree that they made no sense. And that they all should suffer if they ever cross paths again.

"Anyways," Charlotte said, still clearly annoyed, "what do you guys suggest. I'll probably need a Full Restore for Spitz, looks like he is bleeding. Maybe a revive for Hammond. I suppose I can send out Pike for now. Machines don't like an overload of electricity, right? Maybe have Sol-leks use Nasty Plot, but it seems fire is going to be in abundance soon.."

[Dracorion]

"We are strong for a reason, Gardenoir. We are strong so that we can do what it is we must do without resorting to cold-blooded murder."

Pierce, like Charlotte, was baffled and outraged. "Are you- are you freaking kidding me?!"

Pierce was having trouble stringing words together. "I don't- didn't you see what you just did?! You murdered those people! On that airship and in those cars! Not just humans, pokemon too! And you have the sheer ballsness to talk about how you don't kill in cold blood? You absolutely fucking retarded filthy hypocrites! The degree of your idiocy is just mind-boggling. How fucking dare you lecture us, you stupid, inconsiderate little pricks? For all your power, you haven't the slightest fucking idea how to use it! You could do so much good, but instead you use your strength like seven-year-olds on crack, bringing down airships and causing floods! You had fucking better hope we don't meet again, or I swear to God-"

Pierce took a deep breath to calm himself. He could not believe these idiots were that irresponsible. "Just... just stop every once in a while to consider the consequences of your actions, and stop deluding yourselves. You say you don't murder people but look at what you just did."

And then they were gone. Pierce moved to inspect the wreckage from the airship for survivors. If there were any, which he doubted. Lexhur had made sure of that when he smashed through the damn thing.

[DanteFalcon]

Matthias hurt. Matthias hurt a lot. He was struggling to breathe from the near drowning, crushed and nearly on fire from the airship crash, and had a large number of gashes from Gardenoir. There was still some surprise that he was still standing after the beating. Albeit that was barely, he was swaying and looked like a stiff breeze would knock him over and break him apart like so many toothpicks, but standing none-the-less.

To make matters even worse, his allies were attempting to take a morale high ground with their delusioned foes. He did notice however that the two who had already spoken were trainers who weren't hit with the assault. Easy for them to talk. He was not up to being hit with another attack right now. He also had serious doubts that these opponents would listen to their side. Oh and the delicious irony that Charlotte was one of the two talking.

Still there was one matter to attend to before this Cerulean Wildfire showed up.

MEDIC!

[Menarker]

Renny was flabbergasted by the calamity that the Pokegeddon embodied. True to the portmanteau of the words Pokemon and Armageddon, the Pokesapiens had caused mass destruction and mayhem on what appeared to them to be a casual exertion of their power. The sheer loss of life weighed heavily as the lad couldn't even speak, but he glared condemnly. Pierce and Charlotte had practically summed up the words that he himself couldn't bring to his own lips. Then Lexhur barged through, crashing through the plane. While his intentions and firepower toward PATCA was reassuring, it was a blow to his gut to see him efffectively finishing off what the pokegeddons had started.

I'll probably need a Full Restore for Spitz, looks like he is bleeding.
MEDIC!

Renny snapped into attention, pulling out a Full Restore. He looked at the remaining fighters, noting that Mollesk was the only one who endured the onslaught and that Swampert managed to hold on until the last attack. He sighed with a bit of relief and pride at their strong spirit, but this was no time for praise, although Renny did affectionately pat Mollesk on the head, as it responded slowly but positively. Renny spoked into the scouter, attempting to pull order together from the disaster zone to the impeding attack that was approaching their way.

"Everyone, gather around quickly! We know that Wildfire is approaching shortly, so lets not waste any time! Matthias, hold on, I'll see you get healed up quickly. Wilhelmina, how are you feeling? Can you still go on? Impact, I'll see to their wounds, so go ahead and quickly come up with a plan for the others! Mollesk, use Cosmic Power. We're expecting heavy firepower."

Renny expended more energy, attempting to summon Lola again with his Full Restore on hand ready for her to use. He had been shocked by her sudden sexy appearance, but the thought of it lifted the weight of the situation off of him, especially since it reassured him that wherever she was when he summoned her, she was doing fine.

"MOLLESK!" Its stony armor shined doubly bright as its emblem item activated, with the pokemon using Cosmic Power twice, his shell looking like some indestructible legendary armor gifted from the stars.

Renny then thought of whom he should summon alongside Mollesk. It didn't take long before he tossed out a pokeball, sending Umbreon into the fray.

------------------
Renny uses Prosperous Gifts with Full Restore. Impact, Mollesk, Spitz, Matthias, Harliette are fully healed. Renny is down to 10 rage and only has a Max Revive in his inventory.

Mollesk uses Cosmic Power twice, tripling its DEF and SPEC DEF, raising it presumably to the normal max of 999.

[Geminex]

Impact groaned. That was the second super-powerful, scythe-armed being he'd encountered this month, and Gardenoir definitely seemed better at using her weapon than Phantomere. Add to that blimp-wreckage raining down, plus the virtual tsunami that had struck them, and he was in pain. Renny's support eased said pain, but he was still annoyed. They were supposed to be elite troops, and yet they had been overrun by this band of, seemingly quite callous mercenaries. He didn't think that PATCA had perfomed badly, but they might've lost this one. And he didn't like that at all. For one, beings that powerful were a threat to the public. For another, beings that powerful surely had a few skills that could be learned and efficiently employed. And finally, beings that powerful had seriously wounded his pride. They would... regret sparing him. Particularly Gardenoir. They'd meet again, he was sure. And this time he'd have the initiative... and Gardenoir wouldn't dodge his next arrow. He'd make sure of that. But back to battle.

"Pierce! Enough with the righteous anger! Charlotte! Enough with the hypocrisy! We have a battle to fight. We can go after pokegeddon once faynoc is in chains. For now we have one round until Wildfire arrives, let's use that productively. Renny, good job on the healing. Everyone else, follow Renny's lead. If you have a pokemon with a buff move, deploy it, and power up. If not, see if one of your main fighters went down, and revive them. If you don't have the items, or we haven't taken any casualties worth reviving, then wait, and prepare to open fire. Let's leave the weather as it is, we can welcome wildfire's human escort with another firestorm. Focus, people. I don't know exactly what's coming, but it probably won't be enjoyable. But we can win this. We survive pokegeddon, we killed the Light, the Dark, we've befriended Lexhur, we eliminated Phantomere, we've racked up more Ruin kills than any other squad in PATCA or the military. We have state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained troops and enough tactical knowlege to fill a book. We'll eliminate wildfire, and then we'll take out faynoc, and then we'll court-martial Burkemont and shoot him for obstruction of justice. Let's do this."


----------

Charlotte: Sol-leks with Nasty Plot; Max Revive on Hammond
Pierce: Deploy Tyranitar and something with a buff move.
Renny: Prosperous full restore, mollesk's buff-mania.
Impact: Give pep talk (hopefully raised morale)
Request gear until he has:
Light weapons:
Capacitor Rod
Toxin Bombs

Medium Weapons:
HV rifle
Ricewood rifle

Heavy weapons:
Flamethrower
Hydro cannon

Armor:
Impact gear (fighting)
Thermal underwear (Fire)
Weather Cloak (Water)

Harliette: Sit idle? Not sure what else she could do. Can she use this round productively, somehow?
Matt: Use a buff move. Nasty Plot.
Moon: Poliwrath with bulk up, Crawdaunt with Swords dance
Rachel: Revive her own pokemon, revive Tyranitar and Swampert

[Astral Harmony]

Ally Phase
- Weather Update: Tyranistorm is in effect.
- Fog of War: Ally Side Fog of War is at 40%.

Armored Bishoujo: "Do I really need to do an explanation of what you guys did? It was all a bunch of healing and buffing! C'mon, let's get to the really good stuff!"

-----
Enemy Phase
- Enemy Update: Cerulean Wildfire has appeared!
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 1: All Watchmen are now doused in Cerulean Oil.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 2: Mollesk has taken great damage. Mollesk is affected with Fire and Plasmaburn.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 3: A wall of fire is separating the formations.
- Future Shock: Cerulean Wildfire has taken minor damage.
- Tyranistorm: Cerulean Wildfire is immune to sandstorm.
- Ally Morale: Decreases to 95%.
- BGM: "The Bright Young Things" by Marilyn Manson

The scouters picked "her" up before they actually saw her. Cerulean Wildfire advanced on them quickly and stopped at a respectable distance. You could tell just at a glance that the ones who built her really needed girlfriends. Cerulean Wildfire had the body of a goddess with an armored frame that covered certain areas, but left a lot of "skin" exposed. Her body was a faded blue with long, white hair and light blue eyes. Her arms were outspread and disappeared into the combined weapon and armor system. Her legs were encapsulated in equipment just below the hips. The armor and leg armor and weapons were connected by a piece of armor also resembled a spinal column, exiting her body at the base of the back of the neck and re-entering the body just above the buttocks.

"Targets identified," Cerulean Wildfire said. "Orders received. Warning shots will not be fired. Preparations to neutralize targets complete. Beginning lethal actions."

The first thing she did was to raise her right arm and soak everyone in chemicals. There was nothing poisonous about the substance, but the smell...

Cerulean then raised the right cannon and-
"Initiating Destruction Technique. Engage Plasma Ball."
-unleashed a fireball of concentrated superheated plasma. Mollesk was suddenly a Mollesk-shaped ball of blue fire. Needless to say, Mollesk couldn't keep still. Being on fire tends to do that to people and Pokemon alike.

Finally, she finished by splashing more of that strange liquid between herself and the Watchmen and then lighting it on fire, creating a wall of bright blue flame.

-----
Alice Explains It All
- Strategy Update (Cerulean Oil): Units soaked with Cerulean Oil can be afflicted with Fire, Burn, and Plasmaburn easily. Water moves can be used to wash Cerulean Oil off, but only at a 50% success rate.
- Strategy Update (Fire): Units afflicted with Fire are out of control, will not accept commands, and could even spread it to nearby units.
- Strategy Update (Plasmaburn): Units afflicted with Plasmaburn take double Burn damage and flinches 50% of the time.
- Strategy Update (Plasma): Plasma cannot be resisted by types, abilities, or moves. Plasma always inflicts a plasmaburn.
- End of Turn Update: Impact is now equipped with Hydro Cannon.

"Demon, are you there? It's Alice."
Rayleen's voice was surprised. "Alice? What the heck are you doing here? Did you come here in the military parade?"
"You're lucky, Demon. I was on leave and was just strolling around. Seems like you've got guys taking on Cerulean Wildfire. Do you think they could use my information?"
"Yes, absolutely. Tell them everything you can, so long as it doesn't compromise you, of course. Main Formation, are you there? Alice is a really good friend of mine. In fact, we're half-sisters. I'll tell you all about it later. Anyways, count on her information to help you defeat Cerulean Wildfire. Alice, I leave it to your capable intelligence."

"Main Formation, I am Alice, a mole in the military. I have a lot of information that could be useful should I be in a position to provide it to you. Watch out for Cerulean Wildfire's attacks. First off, her Cerulean Oil, the liquid she just doused you all with is a highly flammable liquid that doesn't come off the body easily. You can wash it off with water type moves, but it's only partially successful, and a rainstorm cannot help you at all. Units that are actually set ablaze like that strange tentacled Pokemon will not obey orders, and may even end up setting nearby allies on fire. You cannot extinguish the blaze without washing off the Cerulean Oil. It's that flammable. And the burns received from plasma are much fiercer than regular burns. Not only is the damage suffered greater, but the afflicted unit may even flinch from the sheer pain."
"That's insane," Moon breathed.
"Cerulean Wildfire is one of the three assault units in the Gabriel Force," Alice continued. "Assault units specialize in dealing damage to their foes. They can't take the kind of damage a complete enemy force can dish out for a long time, so they resort to various side tactics, like that wall of fire, to control damage incoming to them. Try to hit her with a melee attack and you can kiss your perfect skin goodbye."
"Could electric and water attacks affect her like they do with most mechanical units?"
"I'm not certain, but probably not. Gabriel Units are specially designed, so they may have been built to cover for those weaknesses."

"Impact? Daphne here. I heard the intel and think you could use this gear, first."

Impact picked up his Hydro Cannon.

[Dracorion]

"Pierce! Enough with the righteous anger!"

"Shut the fuck up." Pierce snapped at Impact. Impact's attempts at an inspirational speech didn't do anything to lighten Pierce's mood. He rejoined the formation and Rachel revived Tyranitar.

Then Cerulean Wildfire showed up, setting Mollesk on fire and putting up a wall of flames that made melee attacks impossible. And Tyranitar's Sandstorm seemed to have no effect on it either. "Okay then. We need to hit her hard. Everyone, use water and electric attacks if you can. Failing that, use ground. Harliette, deploy Nidoqueen and Illumise and have Illumise use Helping Hand on Nidoqueen. Then use a Focused Earthquake on Wildfire. Moon, Poliwrath and Crawdaunt are useless with that wall up, so switch to something else. Rachel, use a Rage Rocket on Wilhelmina and Wilhelmina, use your Signature Technique." Pierce returned Tyranitar to his pokeball and then threw two others. "Nagarai, use Thunder! Kingdra, Hydro Pump!"
"Masterrr..."
"Right, sorry. Aria."

Pierce still couldn't believe he was the one who came up with that.

-------------------------------
Impact
Influence Lost: Pierce

Charlotte: Pike to use Thunder, Hammond using Stone Edge
Pierce: Aria using Thunder, Kingdra using Hydro Pump
Rachel: Rage Rocket on Wilhelmina, Bastiodon to use Thunder
Renny: Deploy Magnezone and Swampert, use Thunder and Waterfall
Moon: Deploy Fathom and Starmie, both using Hydro Pump
Wilhelmina: Maid to Mistress, two Dark Shots
Matthias: Pokeshift to Porygon Z, use Thunder
Lexhur: Recoilless Cannon
Impact: HV Rifle

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Hammond] [Pike] [Bastiodon] [Illumise] [Harliette] [Nidoqueen] [Magnezone] [Swampert] [Kingdra] [Aria] [Starmie] [Fathom] [Impact] [Evolith/Device Space 2]

[Menarker]

"MOLLESK!!! Swampert, you're coming out!"

Umbreon was swapped out, still rather annoyed by the oil clinging to her, Swampert arriving on the scene, with a disgusted expression from the oil's smell and alarm as Mollesk was violently shaking internally within its shell. Renny was very much pissed at Wildfire and by asssociation, Major Grant and Burkmont.

"Swampert! Use Surf! Mollesk is on fire, with this oil! Try to wash off as you attack that thing that did it!" Renny pointed to Wildfire, with a heavy sense of indigination.

"BERT BERT!" The large water pokemon used the rain that followed Aria along to great effect as the clean water clustered together with Swampert own water gun to shortly create a tidal wave that rush powerfully against Mollesk as the full force of the wave rushed toward the wall of fire and the one who created it.

-------------------------------
AB, Ignore the former one. Revised so Pierce doesn't kill my team off... Ass.

Charlotte: Pike to use Thunder, Hammond using Stone Edge
Pierce: Aria using Thunder, Kingdra using Hydro Pump
Rachel: Rage Rocket on Wilhelmina, Bastiodon to use Thunder
Renny: Swampert use Surf targeted on Wildfire and her wall STAB boosted by Rain Dance. Surf backlash to hit Mollesk to attempt to wash off the oil. Super Effective against Mollesk sadly but Mollesk has maxed out DEF and SPEC DEF. If the oil and flames gets washed off, Mollesk uses Recover to get 50% of its health back.
Moon: Deploy Fathom and Starmie, both using Hydro Pump
Wilhelmina: Maid to Mistress, two Dark Shots
Matthias: Pokeshift to Porygon Z, use Thunder
Lexhur: Recoilless Cannon
Impact: HV Rifle

[Bard The 5th LW]

"My Coat," Charlotte shouted in anger as she attempted to get the oil off of her, flailing her arm around to shake it off. "Goddammit I liked this coat, blood is one thing, but oil? This is never going to come off. Its ruined!" She wasn't even paying attention to Impact's mention of hypocrisy, she was too caught up in Cerulean Wildfire's destruction of her wardrobe.

The forlorn and distraught appearance on her face soon turned to anger, "that's it, I've had enough, everyone dies! Pike, Hammond, murder now! Make it so its hard to tell that Bitch ever existed! And Burkmont, if you're watching this and can hear me, your next! Consider this one more mistake to add to the pile!"

Pike was cringing at his master's shouting, but took good refuge in the fact that she was not angry with him or any of the other pokemon in her possession. "Manet," It grunted as it blasted a thunder at Cerulean Wildfire. Seriously, more robots? Pike wanted to know what happened to all the other pokemon.

Hammond, who had been sent out over Sol-leks now, wasn't sure what was going on. He just knew that Charlotte was angry at the moving metal thing. He didn't know what it was or why she was angry at it. He didn't like being thrusted into siruations he didn't understand, it made him angry. Using this anger, he flew at Cerulean Wildfire and dropped a Stone Edge at the mechanical bitch.

---

Charlotte: Pissed off. Yells in fury. Brukmont is probably not listening

Pike: Thunder on Cerulean Wildfire

Hammond: Stone Edge on Cerulean Wildfire

[Geminex]

Impact had a silent place, somewhere in his mind. Sometimes, he liked to go there. Time passed slowly, there, and he could... think about thinks. Meditate on them. Focus. He was there now. Control. Over enemies. Over allies. Over the self. Control. Only well-planned actions. Strategy. Calm. Understanding. Control. Restraint. Taming emotions. Not shooting Pierce in the kneecaps. Control. Yessss... Impact breathed out heavily, both to fully emerge from the Quiet Spot and expel someof the oil that had inexplicably coated him while he was out. Pierce's exclamation, prompting the brief visit to Silent Place, population 1, had come just as wildfire attacked, and he looked around just in time to see Mollesk burst into a sqealing, desperate bonfire. He almost chuckled at that. Though he was really quite worried at the oil that seemed coating everyone, and the strength of that attack. Mollesk was tough, and it seemed to have taken quite a hit. Then he saw Wildfire ignite the line of oil, and Alice's info came through. Right. Riiiight... This could work. Wildfire was offensive, but so were they. If they hit it hard and brutally, it should go down in due time. Though it could hit them as well, quite painfully, it seemed... and that oil certainly was a problem. He didn't think he'd enjoy being set on fire. So how to balance offense and defense...?

He had a few ideas, but first things first. He opened a comm channel. "No, you shut up. You and Charlotte can rant all you want if you must, but your orders are suboptimal. Here's what's happening. All those of you with oiled-up pokemon, withdraw them, they're liabilities. If you have water pokemon, try washing off those of us that can't retreat. That's Matt, Harliette and me. This oil... it can really screw us over if we're not careful. Other than that, pick whatever's strongest. If you have water attacks, or thunder, those'll benefit from the rainy weather. If not, take your pick. Let's break one of Burkmont's toys."

------

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS:
Harliette: Aquashot on Wildfire, fuck yeah. STAB plus weather bonus Nidoqueen to use focused earthquake, Illumise to use helping hand on its master
Charlotte: Pike to use Thunder, Hammond with Stone edge
Pierce: Aria using Thunder, Kingdra using a water attack on Harliette
Rachel: Rage Rocket on Wilhelmina. Rage Rocket on Rachel.
Renny: Swampert use Surf on Impact and Fanthom for cleaning. Magnezone to use Mimic to mimic a water move on Matt for same reason.
Moon: Deploy Fathom and Starmie, one using a water moves on Impact and the other on Matt.
Wilhelmina: Maid to Mistress, two Dark Shots toward Wildfire.
Matthias: Paradigm shift to Porygon Z, use Hyper Beam (paradigm-shifted pokebrids don't need to recharge, do they? If they do, thunder instead.)
Lexhur: Save up his rage.
Impact: HV rifle. Hopefully gets water and fire armor next turn. Hint hint.
Trainer attacks to hit wildfire as well, if they can.
If a water move to wash off oil is used on an already-clean ally, have that water move redirect to Impact. If Impact's clean, wash off Matt, if Matt's clean, wash off Harliette.

[Astral Harmony]

Watchman Phase
- Harliette: Rage is 100.
- Charlotte: Rage is 50.
- Rachel: Leaves combat. Rage is 90.
- Renny: Impact is somewhat cleaned. Fathom is cleaned. Matthias is somewhat cleaned. Rage is 60.
- Moon: Impact is cleaned. Matthias is cleaned. Rage is 15.
- Wilhelmina: Used Signature Technique "Maid to Mistress". Rage is 25.
- Pierce: Rage is now 30.
- Matthias: Paradigm Shift (Porygon Z) Turn 1.
- Lexhur: Rage is now 400.
- Impact: Rage is now 85.
- MIV: Enemy Morale lowered to 78%.

Damage started to stack on Cerulean Wildfire. The bitch was fast to take down certain attacks, or guard against them. "Warning. Enemy strength is very high," Cerulean said as damage to her armor and her flawless body began to pile up.

There was something...strange...that happened during the combat. Wilhelmina's turn. With one swift, fluid motion, the platinum blonde maid flung away her maid uniform.
"Signature Technique!"
And holy shit, what was she wearing underneath?! A very questionable dominatrix outfit in shiny red leather with studs, complete with a whip. And one would normally say that the whip was simply there for the sake of completing the look, but the way Wilhelmina cracked it...
"Maid to Mistress! Bow down before your queen and beg for my mercy!"

Yeah, Wilhelmina? You're at a ten in enthusiasm. We need you at about a six.

After a display of...whipsmanship? Wilhelmina discarded the whip and picked up her sniper rifle, then expertly plugged Cerulean Wildfire twice.

"Li'l Sis to Absolute," Cecilia said.
"Absolute here," Mirror responded.
"What in the fuck is wrong with your maid?"
"You'll have to ask my dad. He's the one who had her created."
"Created? She's an android?"
"Yes. Maid to Mistress, or MTM is more than just a Signature Technique. It's a change in her operation mode. After a few more tests of this, I think she'll be upgraded to use the mode in a different way."
"So she gets to wear that getup more? Oh, joy. Can't wait to see that happen."
"Sarcasm, much?"

Lexhur had an important announcement. "Did you want me to use my most powerful attack? My rage actually generates at the very start of the phase, so if I generate the rage required this phase, I can use the attack you've been saving up for. Little late to say that now, but do remember it for the future."

-----
Prideguard Phase
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 1: Used Signature Technique Nanomachine Repair. 50% of health is healed. 10% regeneration effect applied.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 2: Used Signature Technique Guilty Flare. Impact has been defeated. Impact is afflicted with Plasmaburn.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 3: All oiled units are now afflicted with Fire and Plasmaburn.
- Daphne: Impact is now equipped with Fire Resistant armor.
- Enemy Update: Dragonmaw Tank and Poseidon Tank have joined.
- MIV: Watchmen Morale is lowered to 75%.
- Enemy Formation: [Dragonmaw L-Unit] [Cerulean Wildfire] [Poseidon L-Unit]

"Hull damage is in excess of eighty-five percent," Cerulean Wildfire reported. Wait, why was she reporting that out loud?

"Initiating Signature Technique. Begin Nanomachine Repair."
Like magic, damage to Cerulean Wildfire's body vanished in seconds. She wasn't fully restored, but close inspection revealed that the nanomachines weren't exactly finished. Regeneration. Lovely.

Then Cerulean Wildfire turned aimed her arms towards Impact. And the barrels were glowing rapidly. Oh, son of a-
"Initiating Signature Technique. Begin Guilty Flare."
Impact was launched by an explosive blast. The others hit their mark. Shot after shot, Impact was launched higher and higher and higher. At the end, Impact was struck with no less than fourteen plasma bolts, then was left alone to plummet to the ground. Junko moved quickly, cushioning Impact's fall. "Our leader is in bad shape," Junko said calmly before laying him down. I wasn't like she was mean, it was that Impact was...really hot to the touch.

Junko then shielded herself and Impact from a suddenly wave of blue fire. Cerulean Wildfire unleashed her oil again, but the wall of fire ignited it halfway over so it turned into a flamethrower. Anyone still soaked in oil were suddenly ablaze. Those not soaked were miraculously unscathed.

But that wasn't all. Two large vehicles were quickly approaching.
"Sapphire reporting. Two tanks inbound. I don't think they're the same model."
"Alice here. That one on your left is a Dragonmaw. It features a plasma cannon very similar to Cerulean Wildfire. The one on the right...I don't recognize it, for some reason."
"Demon here. Gimme visual."

A moment passed.

"That's a Poseidon Tank. Used to be popular with the police force. They used them to quell riots in a non-violent fashion. That cannon is modified to eject huge volumes of water in both great swaths and concentrated beams powerful enough to destroy building supports."
"Why a water tank?"
"When it gets to you, I think you'll find out. For right now, focus on recovery. You've got a lot of people on fire."

-----
Strategy Update (L-Units): Large units, or L-Units, are enemies that are so big that they take up two slots. An attack that would normally target two adjacent foes can actually be used to hit them twice.
Strategy Update (Fracture): In order to inflict Overload and Short on a tank, you must damage it somewhat. This causes them to be inflicted with the status effect "Fracture", which opens them up to these effects. Fracture also means that the pilot is exposed, and a Sniper can expend 50 Rage to destroy that unit for good.
- Strategy Update (Wall of Fire): Use water moves on the wall of fire to push it towards the enemy formation. The enemy can do the same with the Poseidon Tank. Using enough water moves will eventually destroy the wall.

"Demon here to help you learn more about those tanks. Those tanks are actually L-Units. L stands for large. Each of those tanks, and this also includes Omnisroths from now on, will take up two spots in the formation, so they're like two adjacent enemies that function as one unit. You can actually use a move that hits two adjacent foes to hit an L-Unit twice, so bear that in mind."

"Tanks take normal damage from lightning and water and are resistant to overload and short. They're protected. Deal enough damage to them, however, and you'll break them open like a walnut. This is called fracture. When fracture is inflicted, tanks will take more damage from electric and water attacks and are susceptible to overload and shock."
"Eternal here. Remember how Snipers can use 50 Rage to instantly kill a unit. Inflict a fracture on a tank, then have me snipe it. That'll put down tanks, hard."
"You could also have Matthias hack into the tank and use it as his own with Porygon Z's Synchronization Technique, ZOMGH4X!!1!. He shouldn't need the tank to have a fracture before he hacks in."

"Additionally, let me tell you something about that wall of fire. Cerulean Oil appears to be lighter than water, and spraying water on it actually causes the oil to ride the water. If you think about it, that's why the Poseidon Tank is here. You can use water to push the wall of fire onto your enemies."
"Who would've ever though about cooking with water?" Shannon commented.

-----

Enemy Data: Dragonmaw Tank - A frightening military unit that uses a prototype plasmathrower cannon to cook enemies in pretty blue fire.
- Move 1: Focus Fire - Huge fire type damage. Ignores fire resistance. 100% Fire, 100% Plasmaburn.
- Move 2: Fire Spray - Good fire type damage to three adjacent targets. Ignores fire resistance. 25% Fire, 25% Plasmaburn.
- Move 3: Burning Aura - creates a defensive aura on tank armor. Units that use melee attacks will take fire damage and 100% Burn.

Enemy Data: Poseidon Tank - A former police force vehicle for riot control bought and converted by the military for more sinister purposes. Blasts the enemy with high quality H2O.
- Move 1: Focus Water - Huge water type damage. 100% Confuse.
- Move 2: Water Spread - Good water type damage to three targets. 25% Confuse.
- Move 3: Dreadmire - Huge poison type damage. 100% Bad Poison.

[Menarker]

"NO!"

Renny pointed toward Hariette who was set ablaze from the oil that the group didn't manage to wash off in time. His reaction to the horrible scene was instantanous as he shouted to Magnezone and Swampert without waiting to recieve any orders.

"SWAMPERT! MAGNEZONE! PUT OUT THAT FIRE! HURRY!"

He could only hope that the flames did not have enough time or force to cause any lasting damage to her.

Swampert and Magnezone turned to their left since Harriette was conviently closest to them, and unleashed a flood of cleansing water, meant to aid not harm.

-------------------

Magnezone and Swampert both use water attacks (Magnezone using the previous mimic to do so) on Harriette to wash the oil off and remove the fire status from her.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte let out an angry shout. There were no words behind it, she was just angry. Who did this thing think it was!? It had the audacity to shoot them with oil, set them on fire, and it would not NOT DIE WHEN SHE ATTACKED IT!!

'No. Just calm down. You may be angry, but don't let them see that they are getting to you.'

Charlotte took a deep breath, and focused on the siituation. The thing was still alive. Impact was also down, and Harliette was on fire. Charlotte couldn't do anything about them, and she didnt care to. Wild Fire was her target. That thing belonged to Burkmont, it had ruined her coat and was making her look weak. Until she could order Buck to kill Burkmont personally, she would have to use his robot as a surrogate.

"Pike same routine as last turn. Don't stop until it is dead. In fact, keep attacking after that. Hammond, charge a Sky Attack," she ordered with an eerie calm. Her voice may have been relaxed, but her face showed just how furious she really was. Pike and Hammond, a bit creeped out, decided to not keep her waiting and went about their attacks. Charlotte, meanwhile, pulled out her shotgun and unloaded both barrels at WildFire, hoping she could shoot through the wall of fire.

---

Pike: Thunder on WildFire.

Hammond: Prepares to use Sky Attack on Cerulean Wildfire. Is glowing.

Charlotte: Trainer Attack on WildFire.

[Geminex]

Impact groaned, blinked, then winced at the pain that blossomed all over his body. His last memory had been the words... Guilty Flare? Yeah. And then several heavy impacts and then he had been very hot and then he'd been... falling? And then everything had gone dark for a while. How long a while he wasn't sure, but his armor was still warm, and the pain from his burns hadn't set in yet (thank god for adrenaline). The majority of his body had been protected from burns by the armor he was wearing, but his arms, right shoulder and, it felt like it, face were a mass of horribly mistreated skin. He was hurt badly, he realized. Probably worse damage than he'd ever taken in combat before. Of course, the question was, why was he still alive at all? He'd survived one of Wildfire's attacks, but he'd been on the front lines. What had stopped Wildfire from finishing him off?

Someone had left a first-aid kit next to him, and he started administering it (starting with a dose of painkillers), as he scanned the battlefield. He spotted the answer to his question in the form of Kurika, facing off against Wildfire. Thank god for human initiative. So now what? He was out of the battle, busy administering first aid to himself, but the rest of the team was busying fighting, thakfully. Except for Harliette, who was on fire. They should really get on that. What to do... He was groggy from the pain and the painkillers (you'd think that would cancel out, wouldn't you?), but now that he was out-of-combat he could focus fully on giving orders, so that made up for it. He tested his throat by coughing twice, ignored the pain, then started talking.

-----------------
Menarker: Magnemite and Swampert both use water moves on Harliette to extinguish her.
Matt: Keep on hyper beamin', use a full restore on Harliette
Impact: Switch with Kurika for a turn. Kurika to use Justice fist.
Rachel: Can Rachel use her Sync-Tech for free?
If so: Paradigm shift to Magnezone and attack with thunder, begin Magnet Crush, then use a full restore on Harliette.
If not, Paradigm shift, Magnet crush, and rage rocket on self
Moon: Both, Starmie and Fathom use surf on Wildfire and the Wall, and hit each other with their Friendly attack.
Harliette: Repeat what she did last turn. Focused Earthquake, helping hand, Aqua Shot
Wilhelmina: Put two dark rounds into wildfire
Pierce: Thunder from Aria, Hydro Pump from Kingdra
Lexhur: Two recoilless cannons
Charlotte: Thunder and Sky attack

[Dracorion]

Pierce watched Impact go down. Damn, that looked like it hurt. And Wildfire wasn't going to go easy on 'em, huh?

Good.

After a little while, Impact was administering first aid to himself and giving orders. Well, Pierce assumed he was giving orders. He couldn't imagine Impact doing anything else, but he couldn't really hear Impact's slow pained mumbling.

He ignored Impact's mumbling and turned to Wildfire. "Aria, Thunder! Kingdra, Hydro Pump!" Aria bounced up and down, her breasts jiggling gratuitously for the benefit of any onlookers, and called lightning down from the heavens down on Wildfire. Meanwhile, Kingdra fired a high-pressure water blast from her snout.

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase
- Renny: Harliette is cleared of Fire. Rage is 60.
- Matthias: Porygon Z Paradigm Shift turn 2 of 3. Harliette is fully healed. Rage is 40.
- Kurika: Kurika is inflicted with Fire and Plasmaburn. Rage is 60.
- Rachel: Magnezone Paradigm Shift turn 1 of 3. Used Synchronization Technique "Magnet Crush". Dragonmaw and Poseidon Tank are disabled for turn 1 of 3. Rage is 55.
- Moon: Plasmawall is 40% on enemy side. Rage is 25.
- Harliette: Rage is 85.
- Wilhelmina: Maid to Mistress turn 2 of 3. Rage is 25.
- Pierce: Rage is 40.
- Lexhur: Rage is 400.
- Charlotte: Rage is 60.
- Impact: Weather Cloak (water defense) switched in.
- Tyranistorm: Damage is taken by all enemies and Plasmawall. Need I say more?
- Future Shock: Damage is taken by all enemies. Future Shock turn 4 of 5.
- MIV: Enemy Morale lowered to 62%.

Highlights of the battle:

1. "Magical girl transformation sequence!" Rachel shouted jubilantly.

LOLWUT?

It wasn't really the kind of magical girl transform that people wanted to see. Rachel turning from a cute girl with magnet-style accessories into a larger-than-life Magnezone was definitely disturbing as hell.

2. True to Rayleen's educated guess, Cerulean Oil did indeed float on the surface of water, taking the fire with it. While water type attacks were reducing the power of the blaze, it also served to push the blaze closer to the enemy.

3. Kurika was fucking awesome. Despite being ordered to go right through the wall of blue flame and engage Cerulean Wildfire at close combat, Kurika didn't hesitate. With incredible speed and ignoring the fire engulfing her body, Kurika rushed right through the struck Cerulean Wildfire with a solid and honorable Justice Fist. Even when she returned to the Watchmen side of the conflict, she didn't seem to be all that concerned by the fact that she was on fire. That was one hardcore bitch.

-----
Prideguard Phase
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 1: Used Signature Technique Zero Mode. Deathclock turn 1 of 5.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 2: Used Signature Technique Pyrotechnics. All statistics boosted by 5 levels.
- Cerulean Wildfire Act 3: Used Signature Technique Cerulean Bombing. Magnemite has been defeated. Nidoqueen has taken severe damage. Harliette has taken great damage. Renny's Rage is 65. Harliette's Rage is 100.
- HPG Footsoldier A: Nidoqueen has taken critical damage.
- HPG Footsoldier B: Nidoqueen has been defeated.
- Snorlax: Swampert has been defeated. Snorlax is cooling down from Hyper Beam. Renny's Rage is 70.
- Flygon: Aria has taken severe damage from Focused Earthquake. Pierce's Rage is 45.
- HPG Sniper: Kingdra has been defeated by Killshot. Pierce's Rage is 50.
- Enemy Update: HPG Footsoldier A & B, HPG Trainer A, and HPG Sniper have been added to Enemy Formation.
- Enemy Formation: [Soldier A] [Dragonmaw L] [Soldier B] [Poseidon L] [Trainer A Poke1] [Trainer A Poke2]. Cerulean Wildfire has switched to the Rearguard.
- MIV: Watchmen MIV lowered to 68%.

Cerulean Wildfire deflected and dodged as best as she could, but if you pile enough attacks on a foe, they can't run and block forever. "Hull damage...100%. Initiating Zero Mode Protocol."

Zero Mode was...new. Cerulean Wildfire violently flung her weapons and armor aside like useless toys, then raised her right hand and snapped her fingers. The sky seemed to darken, and then there were suddenly dancing lights. Like they were in a goddamn night club or some shit. Then, ridiculous and surprisingly expected, Cerulean Wildfire started to shake her groove thang.

Charlotte was probably this close to spontaneous explosion right now.

Pokemon, this is the Watchmen. We want our serious battles back if you don't mind terribly.

"Zero Mode sequence complete," Cerulean Wildfire said. "Now, let us get this party started raaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiight, as they say. Signature Technique! Pyrotechnics!"

Huge geysers of sparks shot upward from the ground, bathing the sky and area in pulsing light and shivering shadows. Cerulean's dancing got a little crazier. "Get ready," Moon cautioned the others. "I think we're on her dance card, and that's not a good thing."

"Right you are, handsome." Cerulean said, then suddenly vanished.
"Where'd she go, Eternal!?" Moon asked Wildhelmina.
"I can't see her...wait, hold on. Oh, shit! Look out below!"

A whistling noise indicated that something big and heavy was rapidly descending from the sky. Before anyone could react, the oversized bomb impacted near Nidoqueen, bathing Nidoqueen, Harliette, and Renny's Magnezone in blue fire.

Cerulean returned to her position. "Lamp oil? Rope? Bombs? You want it? It's yours, my friend, as long as you have enough rupies!"
"Oh, joy. The bitch is making obscure cartoon references," Wilhelmina said, then looked through the scope at something else. "More enemy troops inbound! Looks like a couple of soldiers, a Pokemon trainer, and a Sniper!"

The scouters accessed data on the Pokemon deployed by the HPG Trainer A while Rayleen offered more strategy advice. "Be careful around enemy Snipers. They can instant kill you like your Sniper can instant kill them. Snipers are the only units who can deal with other enemy Snipers. Sometimes you'll get lucky and have access to an easy way to destroy the area they are perched on, but in the case you've gotta let Eternal handle it."

- Snorlax (Normal) [HPG Trainer A Pokemon 1 of 6]
Moves: Giga Impact / Crunch / Hyper Beam / Double-Edge
Ability: Immunity

- Flygon (Ground/Dragon) [HPG Trainer A Pokemon 2 of 6]
Moves: Hyper Beam / Dragon Claw / Earthquake / Sandstorm
Ability: Levitate

"They're hitting us pretty hard," Shannon commented as a few Pokemon died this phase.
"It may be in our best interest to kill Cerulean ourselves than to let her deathclock run down," Moon said. "She may have disconnected from her primary power supply by entering Zero Mode, but that secondary battery will allow her to do some very serious damage to us by the time she finally dies on her own."

[Menarker]

As Magnezone and Swampert went down in short order, Renny started to question his options. Three of his four remaining pokemons were not suitable for fighting against Wildfire. And seeing what had happened to Mollesk, he bit his lip anxiously, not wanting to put Togekiss in a similar state too.

"Kurika, are you ok? I don't have any more water pokemons. Hold on for a while longer, I'll do what I can to help you!"

The audacity of ordering one's own allies through traps like that wall if they weren't specially equipped to handle it... unbelievable and a complete disregard for their wellbeing. He couldn't fantom how they could justify something like that. But for now, he was not the best person to suit the immediate task.

"Cecilia! I'm going to need you to switch in for me! Go all out with whatever techniques and ranged attacks you got. I just need you to buy me a little time!"

[Geminex]

((Ok, time is short. I'll update this post later, for now just assume that Impact says something along the lines of "Use the weather to our advantage. We can switch it more than once, time your attacks right. Focus on the enemy infantry, let's show Wildfire exactly why she should be in battle. Lexhur, take care of the trainer. Rachel, healing and rage. The rest of you, fire attacks during Sunny day, if you have them. Water attacks if not."

-----
And here's the plan:
Rachel: Rage rocket on Moon, then Full Restore on Impact
Renny: Cecilia to use Great Escape, then Water bomb on Footsoldier A
Impact: Max Revive on Pierce's Kingdra, then C, C & C (Letting each affected enforcer using an extra round's worth of attacks. Kurika is on fire, which is why I don't think she's affected.)
(Cecilia: Water bomb on Foot Soldier A
Shannon: Florescence with Sunny Day, Shiftry with Solar Beam on Foot Soldier A
Milsha: Flamethrower on Soldier B
Aster: Focus Blast on the fire tank in Lucario Form)
Wilhelmina: Two fire shots on enemy sniper. He should die from that. Or else.
Charlotte: Hammond's sky attack on the fire tank, Fire Blast on Soldier B.
Trainer attacks to finish off any surviving foot Soldiers
Lexhur: Devil Drift on Flygon
Harliette: Desperado, then sing on enemy trainer by blissey, Rage Rocket on Matt.
Matt to Paradigm shift to PorygonZ again, Full Restore on Harliette, then Hyper Beam away on Fire tank.
Moon: Fathom with Rain dance, Starmie with Surf on Fire tank, backlash to hit fathom. Build Barrier Amplifier
Pierce: Kingdra with Hydro Pump on fire tank, Aria to use Thunder on Fire Tank
))

[Dracorion]

Pierce sighed as Wildfire transformed to Zero Mode. "I dare you to throw a stone without hitting a lecherous old man with far too much time and resources on his hands." He joked, referring to Wildfire and Wilhelmina.

"Aria!" Pierce caught her as she was thrown back by Flygon's Focused Earthquake. "You okay?"
"Uh... y-yes, Master."
Pierce smiled. "Hang in there, okay? We've got 'em, and it's all thanks to you."

Impact revived Kingdra. "Thanks." Pierce said. "Manipulating the weather is a good idea. Shannon, use Sunny Day. Then Moon, after everyone's attacked, use Rain Dance." Pierce's pokemon were better equipped to fight during the rain, so he waited until Moon changed the weather back to rainstorm. "Kingdra, Hidro Pump! Aria, Thunder!"

[Bard The 5th LW]

"Pike, enough," Charlotte said returning him immediately. WildFire wasn't there, so it was pointless to keep him out. "Sol-leks, go," she said releasing the Houndoom.

"OK, since the mecha bitch is unavailable right now, Hammond, go kill that tank for me with your Sky Attack. Sol-leks, be a good dog and set that horse's ass known as a soldier on fire, I need a good laugh today."

Hammond, who had finished charging, was encased in a bright blue aura. Letting out a shrill scream, It flew into the air and charged straight for the fire Tank, the blue lights making his shape almost impossible to recognize. Sol-leks was a bit shaken at first by the suddenness of the shift, but got over it and sent a fire blast straight for Soldier B.

Charlotte herself loaded her shotgun and unloaded both Barrels at Soldier B.

---

Hammond: Sky attack on the Fire Tank

Sol-leks: Fire blast on Soldier B. 40% chance of flinching, 30% chance of morale falling.

Charlotte: Trainer attack on Soldier B.

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase
- Rachel: Magnet Crush Turn 2 of 3. Moon's Rage is 50. Impact is fully healed. Status Immunity Turn 1 of 3.
- Renny: Switches out with Cecilia.
- Cecilia: Uses Signature Technique "The Great Escape". HPG Footsoldier A has taken good damage. Rage is 0.
- Impact: Kingdra has been revived. Uses Love Technique "Command, Control, & Communications." Rage is 40.
- Cecilia (2nd Act): HPG Footsoldier A has taken severe damage.
- Shannon: Sunny Day is in effect. HPG Footsoldier has been defeated. Rage is 50.
- Milsha: HPG Footsoldier B has taken great damage. HPG Footsoldier B is afflicted with Burn. Rage is 50.
- Aster: Dragonmaw Tank has taken minor damage. Rage is 50.
- Wilhelmina: HPG Sniper has been defeated. Maid to Mistress Turn 3. Rage is 25.
- Charlotte: Dragonmaw Tank has taken small damage. HPG Footsoldier B has taken critical damage. Rage is 70.
- Trainer Attacks: HPG Footsoldier B has been defeated.
- Lexhur: Uses one Devil Drift. Flygon has been knocked back. Rage is 400.
- Harliette: Uses Signature Technique "Desperado". Dragonmaw Tank has taken good damage. Poseidon Tank has taken small damage. Snorlax has taken good damage. HPG Trainer is now asleep. Matthias's Rage is 65. Rage is 40.
- Matthias: Porygon Z Paradigm Shift Turn 3 of 3. Harliette is fully healed. Dragonmaw Tank has taken great damage. Rage is 65.
- Moon: Rain Dance is in effect. Sunny Day is no longer in effect. Dragonmaw Tank has taken severe damage. Dragonmaw Tank is inflicted with Fracture. Moon builts a Barrier Amplifier. Special Defense for all Vanguard Units is increased by +2. Rage is 10.
- Pierce: Dragonmaw Tank has taken critical damage. Dragonmaw Tank is inflicted with Short. Rage is 60.
- Future Shock: Turn 5 of 5. Dragonmaw Tank has been defeated.
- Enemy Morale: Enemy MIV has dropped to 48%. Morale has fallen into Low Morale.

Cecilia whirled her magical quarterstaff or whatever with elegance and speed, then tossed her magician's hat into the air. "Signature Technique! The Great Escape!"
She reached up towards the mysteriously floating hat with her stick, then a beautiful shower of sparkles rained down around Cecilia, covered her outfit in the stuff. It made her look suspiciously like a night sky filled with stars. In fact, she looked like a night sky filled with stars! It was really strange to see a Cecilia-shaped sillouette filled with beautiful stars. Would this really help her avoid all attack?

Impact and Rayleen synchronized to each other from their scouters to their breathing. One might say they were connected in ways deeper than twins would be. Impact changed, temporarily. I daresay people saw the power of authority and leadership ooze out of his body in a fiery aura of passion.
"This is a direct order!" Impact and Rayleen shouted in perfect unison. "Annihilate the enemy! Reduce their paltry defenses to ash!"

The scouters on the Enforcers flashed into activity. It was like mind control. "Annihilate the enemy!" The gathered Enforcers came to attention and rendered professional salutes, shouting all at once. Their deafening cry echoed throughout the battered battlefield. "Reduce their paltry defenses to ash!"

And they tore into the enemy like brainless machines.

It was interesting to see Milsha fight. Her giant sword clearly wasn't just a giant sword. There was a considerable hollow space in the sword which concealed various technological advances...like the flamethrower she was using to cook her target in chemical fire.

As those attacks went down, a burning and screaming human body fell from a roof a few buildings ahead and impacted onto the road with a splash of blood. "Sniper is down," Wilhelmina reported. "Really down."

Just like Humpty Dumpty, nobody was putting his pulverized ass together again.

Lexhur suddenly spun his tank treads and then circled around the Watchmen from the right, went right through the wall of fire like it was nothing, then slung his heavy rear around and bitchslapped the Flygon with the broad side of him heavy metal body, sending it right into the Fog of War some seventy meters ahead. "Fare thee well, unworthy knave," Lexhur said absently as it circled back around and returned to his original position.

A large chunk of the Dragonmaw Tank opened up as more damage piled onto it. "A fracture!" Moon shouted. "You can affect it a lot better with Electric and Water attacks, now! You can also cause Short and Overload, and Matthias can hack into it with that Synchronization Technique."

And that's what Pierce's Pokemon did. The water damage won out as the Dragonmaw Tank shut down completely. It was still working, but the water was fucking up the circuits. "We shouldn't need to worry about the Dragonmaw Tank now," Moon said as he released his Barrier Amplifier to hover placidly in the sky above. "Shorting it is like putting it to sleep. We can ignore it for at least two turns."

The ring of Stone Edges suddenly shocked everything inside the ring again. The Dragonmaw Tank shuddered and then suddenly exploded. "Eh, whatever." Moon said with lack of interest in the subject anymore.

The enemy Snorlax started to shudder in fear. "Huh? What's wrong with that one?" Shannon asked.
"We're kicking their asses, that's what," Harliette answered. "Hold your noses, guys."
"Why?"
"This is usually the time around that the big losers start voiding their bowels."
Shannon made a sick choking sound.

-----
Prideguard Phase
- Enemy Update: Grant, Lucian, Discord, and Crownlegs join the battle.
- Cerulean Wildfire: Zero Mode Turn 2 of 5. Pyrotechnics Turn 2 of 3. Uses one Buster Flare. Cecilia escapes the attack!
- Snorlax: Action forfeited out of Fear.
- Plasmawall: Plasmawall has been put out.
- Grant: Deploys Arceus and Sandslash. Uses Signature Technique "Morale Boost". Enemy MIV is increase to 73%.
- Lucian: Deploys Palkia and Torkoal. Uses Signature Technique "Rolling Reaver". Aria has been defeated.
- Discord: Deploys Dialga and Sunflora. Uses Signature Technique "Snake Eyes". Hammond has taken severe damage. Hammond is Bleeding. Hammond is Blinded.
- Arceus: Kingdra has taken severe damage. Arceus will spend the next turn recovering from Roar of Time.
- Sandslash: Houndoom has taken great damage.
- Palkia: Hammond has been defeated.
- Torkoal: Cecilia has escaped the attack!
- Dialga: Kingdra has been defeated.
- Sunflora: Sol-leks has taken great damage.
- Crownlegs: Uses Signature Technique "Arachnophobia". Impact has taken severe damage. Impact is bound to the ground.
- Enemy Formation: [Sunflora] [Discord] [Dialga] [Crownlegs L-Unit] [Arceus] [Grant] [Sandslash] [Poseidon Tank L-Unit] [Snorlax] [Flygon (out of battle)] [Palkia] [Lucian] [Torkoal]
- MIV: Watchmen Morale has fallen to 54%.

Cerulean Wildfire raised her hands and blasted Aria with a blue fireball that took her down, hard. "This is getting really difficult. Goshujin-sama Burkmont has underestimated you."
"He underestimated the ever-loving fuck out of us," Shannon said with a grin. "Now that PATCA has no less than seven members of the Thirteen Eevee Threat on its payroll, the Prideguard can eat all of our ass!"
A lot of eyes turned towards Shannon. "Too much?"

Yeah, maybe a little too much, Shannon. The enthusiasm is appreciated.

"Don't get too cocky, li'l lady."
Three humans were sprinting into the battle, accompanied by a hulking monstrosity about as big as the airship that Lopunnish brought down.
"Major Grant," Alice identified the speaker. "That monster behind them is a Pokeweapon. I forget the model."
"Receiving visuals," Rayleen's voice came in. "That's a Crownlegs, the Xth Stage evolution of Ariados. Dual Bug and Dark type if I remember correctly. One of the first Xth Stage Pokemon created by science gone horribly awry. Be careful fighting that thing. Pokeweapons are extremely powerful."

"Signature Technique!" Grant shouted, then raised his fist into the air. "Morale Boost!"
His motivating charge picked up the spirits of the greatly reduced Prideguard. Damn it, all that effort to cripple them was wasted! Well, somewhat wasted, anyways.

Grant then deployed his two Pokemon, the Legendary Arceus and the Ground type Sandslash while the next guy up used his massive axe to slice open a fire hydrant, then redirected the water onto the already weakened wall of fire, finally putting it out.
"Signature Technique!" he shouted, then charged Aria with that intimidating axe ready to cut. "Rolling Reaver!"
It was a series of three strikes in three broad circles. The axeman released his weapon into the air after each cut, then whirled around, caught it, and use a great deal of force for the next cuts. It was brutal, and certainly no way to treat a lady.

The axeman then bounced back and deployed the Legendary Palkia and the Fire type Torkoal, allowing room for the woman to attack. She wielded an advanced set of swords that combined the snakesword aspect with the long range punch of gunblades. Obviously, one couldn't use the whip aspect with the gun aspect of those swords. "Signature Technique!" she shouted, then shot out the snakeswords to impale Hammond in mid-flight. With a superhuman tug, the woman brought Hammond to the ground and then cut into him deeply with those swords. Finally, the finish up-
"Snake Eyes!"
The woman backed away quickly, took aim, then shot Hammond in both eyes.

She then backed away to join Grant and the axeman, deploying the Legendary Dialga and the Grass type Sunflora.
"Those two people with Major Grant are Vorpal Frenzy mercenaries," Rayleen said. "I recognize the emblem of those guys on Lucian's right pauldron and on that woman's breastplate. Lucian told me about his partner before. Her name is Discord and she's the daughter of the guildmaster. They're both really high-ranking mercenaries."
"Demon, how do you know those two?" Shannon asked curiously.
"I know them through Lucifer."
"How did Lucifer know them?"
"Lucian is Lucifer's younger brother."
"Ah. That would explain why he's so handsome. Wait, Lucifer had a younger brother?! I didn't know that!"
"Huh. Guess it just never came to his mind to mention that. Anyways, I'd prefer it if you didn't kill the mercenaries. Try not to kill Lucian for obvious reasons. And if you kill Discord, well...let's just say you'll be on Raine's shit list, and she didn't get to be guildmaster just because she was good at paperwork. I can't remember all the stories she had of the insane successes she accomplished."

Lucifer? Oh, Rayleen's dead fiancee who took a free-falling Bastiodon to the face.

"Charlotte, a note about your friend, Hammond." Moon said. "A blinded Pokemon's accuracy falls greatly. Looks like Discord didn't destroy his eyes, but it's difficult to cure being blinded. You'd be better off switching him out."

- Arceus (Legendary Poison) [Grant's Pokemon 1 of 6]
Moves: Judgment / Roar of Time / Spacial Rend / Shadow Force
Ability: Multitype
Hold Item: Toxic Plate
- Sandslash (Ground) [Grant's Pokemon 2 of 6]
Moves: Sandstorm / Earthquake / Dig / Earth Power
Ability: Sand Veil
Hold Item: Earth Plate
- Palkia (Legendary Dragon/Water) [Lucian's Pokemon 1 of 6]
Moves: Spacial Rend / Hydro Pump / Aqua Tail / Draco Meteor
Ability: Pressure
Hold Item: Lustrous Orb
- Torkoal (Fire) [Lucian's Pokemon 2 of 6]
Moves: Heat Wave / Flamethrower / Lava Plume / Flail
Ability: White Smoke
Hold Item: Flame Plate
- Dialga (Legendary Dragon/Steel) [Discord's Pokemon 1 of 6]
Moves: Roar of Time / Flash Cannon / Dragon Claw / Metal Burst
Ability: Pressure
Hold Item: Adamant Orb
- Sunflora (Grass) [Discord's Pokemon 2 of 6]
Moves: Leaf Storm / Solar Beam / Petal Dance / Sunny Day
Ability: Solar Power
Hold Item: Meadow Plate

"Daphne, bring the Rig over to the Watchmen's position. Watch that airship wreck."
"Ma'am?"
"We're putting that new Snag Machine on the Rig to good use. I don't want those mercs killed, but I don't see why we can't get a few good rewards from this. This battle is just to get the Prideguard out of the way, but we're getting some souveniers, and their names rhyme with Arceus, Palkia and Dialga."
"God, she's so cool!" Daphne marveled.
"God, check out the scouter information on Arceus. Major Grant sure took great care of that motherfucker. Anyways, you've gotta take those Legendaries out. The Snag Machine will automatically capture them for us."

The battle unfolded badly for the Trainer's Pokemon. And Impact got the unlucky honor of first sampling a Pokeweapon's power. Power leg strikes from the Crownlegs' lower five legs hurt him badly, but then the mutant spinnerets covered him in sticky white webbing. Impact was glued to his position.
"Be careful when you're Bound," Alice warned the Watchmen. "Impact cannot switch out, even when defeated in battle. He also cannot use melee attacks, only long range hits. He can spend a turn cutting himself free, or someone can forfeit their turn to do it for him."

The Rig suddenly busted through the airship and then came to an abrupt halt next to Lexhur. "Daphne here. I'm ready to Snag for you. Also, since the Rig is closer, we can switch out Impact's entire equipment loadout at once. Ugh...as soon as he gets all that icky stuff off of him, that is."

-----

New Enemies!

- Major Grant: a mid-ranking officer of the Honmyr Prideguard. Known for pulling some pretty unexpected victories out of his ass. He's a fatalist, believing in loyalty until death, which will make this honorable man's death all the more tragic.
- Class: Battle Master
- Slayer Attacks: Pole Strike (Normal) / Piercing Stream (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Stinger (Flying, High Crit) / Propelled Bomb (Fire, 50% Burn) / Gigan Spike (Rock, 50% ATT Debuff) / Falcon Kick (Fighting, 50% DEF Debuff), Criminal Spike (Dark, 50% Flinch)
- Slayer Defenses: Normal, Poison, Steel, Rock, Fighting, Dark - 50% / Immune to Poison, Bleed, Burn, ATT Debuff, DEF Debuff, Criticals, Flinch
- Signature Techniques: Morale Boost - Raises Prideguard MIV by 25%. Costs 50/100 Rage.

- Lucian: a high-ranking member of the Vorpal Frenzy mercenary guild. Handsome, kind, and patient. He's in genuine love with far too many women and may never settle for just one. Some of his known interests are Raine the guildmaster, Rayleen, Rayleen's mother Irene, and Alphonsine.
- Class: Battle Master
- Slayer Attacks: Gun Butt (Normal) / Cerberus Strike (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Burning Buckshot (Fire, 50% Burn) / Blister Buckshot (Poison, 50% Poison) / Shoulder Charge (Fighting, 50% DEF Debuff) / Dust Reaver (Ground, 50% ACC Debuff)
- Slayer Defenses: Normal, Steel, Rock, Fighting, Ground -50% / Immune to Bleed, ATT Debuff, DEF Debuff, ACC Debuff
- Signature Technique: Rolling Reaver - Severe Steel Damage, 100% Bleed. Three brutal chops with the Cerberus axe. Costs 60/100 Rage.

- Discord: a high-ranking member of the Vorpal Frenzy mercenary guild and the daughter of the guildmaster. A coldhearted bitch who hates men and won't tolerate a woman for long, either. Will do just about anything for the right amount of money.
- Class: Battle Master
- Slayer Attacks: Roundhouse (Normal) / Snake Venom (Poison, 50% Poison) / Chaos Web (Dark, 50% Flinch) / Grave Wrath (Ghost, 25% Death) / Cutting Frenzy (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Dominatrix Dance (Psychic, 50% Confuse)
- Slayer Defenses: Normal, Poison, Dark, Ghost, Steel, Psychic -50% / Immune to Poison, Flinch, Death, Bleed, and Confuse.
- Signature Technique: Snake Eyes - Severe Almighty Damage, 100% Blind. Discord cuts the enemy up and finishes by shooting them in the eyes. Costs 70/100 Rage.

- Crownlegs (L-Unit): the first successful Pokeweapon ever produced. The Xth Stage evolution of Ariados. A massive Bug/Dark type Pokeweapon that is notable for having five big spider legs on the ground and having five more sticking up uselessly in the air. Even though it's the first one ever successfully produced, you should never underestimate Pokeweapons. Their power and defenses are far superior to a full roster of Pokemon.
- Class: Pokeweapon
- Pokeweapon Attacks: Orifice Attack (Bug, 50% Bound) / Mandible Crush (Bug, 50% EVA Debuff) / Gargantuan Leap (Ground, 50% ACC Debuff) / Leg Lancer (Dark, 50% Flinch) / Saliva Slurry (Poison, 50% Poison)
- Pokeweapon Defenses: Dark, Bug 100% / Immune to Poison, Flinch, Death
- Signature Technique: Arachnophobia - Severe Bug/Dark Damage, 100% Bound. Crownlegs softens the target with powerful leg strikes before chewing into him with its disfigured maw.

[Dracorion]

"Aria!" Pierce called worriedly as Aria went down and returned to her pokeball. She would be fine, he thought.

He should be feeling bad that they were losing. But he didn't. Pierce smiled. This was what it was all about. Victory and defeat. Survival. Survival against overwhelming forces and impossible odds. This was what he was born for. And goddamnit, he was going to win. Silently, he called out Tyranitar and Blaziken, the latter whom had just been revived by Rachel.

"Let me guess," He said calmly. "you're trying to overwhelm us by calling out your precious Legendaries from the beginning, aren't you? But you're forgetting one thing."

Pierce strode over to Lexhur and patted the massive engine. "We have Lexhur here." He said, climbing onto Lexhur's tank thread and then up over the main body. He pointed his Dragon Slave defiantly at the enemy formation. Tyranitar and Blaziken took positions on Lexhur's sides. Tyranitar took this moment now that anyone wasn't looking to rub his chest, trying to ease the pain that had suddenly sprung there.

"Now, Lexhur, show them why the Legendaries needed Gaea to take on the Ruin Generals! Now, teach them what it means to fuck with PATCA! Now, show them why their Precious General will never achieve his goals! Now! Now for wrath, now for Ruin, and a RED NIGHTFALL!!!" He bellowed. He thrust his sword into the air, and then brought it down and shouted the command "FIRE EVERYTHING!"

At the same time that Lexhur used his Lexhur Laser, Tyranitar and Blaziken attacked Crownlegs with Stone Edge and Overheat respectively, putting all their strength into the attacks. The awesome three-pronged combination of the laser, the massive blast of fire and the barrage of large razor-sharp stones was a sight to behold.

Pierce, still smiling, opened up a private comm line on his scouter with Chizuru. "Chizuru? Could you help me with something? Remember what you did back at the mansion?"

--------------------------
Rachel: Full Restore on Impact, Max Revive on Pierce's Blaziken.
Moon: Fathom and Starmie to use Hydro Pump on Sandslash.
Pierce: Call out Tyranitar and Blaziken. Tyranistorm takes effect.
Aster: Lucario form, switch in for Matthias, Sunny Day. Tyranistorm is dispelled.
Charlotte: Spitz to use Super Fang on Crownlegs, Sol-Leks to use Overheat on Poseidon Tank. Trainer Attack on Crownlegs.
Impact: Flamethrower on Crownlegs.
Lexhur: FIRE HIS LASER. Centered on Arceus.
Pierce: Tyranitar with Stone Edge, Blaziken with Overheat on Crownlegs. Signature Sequence "Solidarity Counter" with Chizuru. On Sunflora, Discord, Dialga, Crownlegs and Grant (Arceus was knocked out by Lexhur Laser).
Cecilia: Bo Strike on Poseidon Tank.
Harliette: Mineral Shot on Crownlegs (if it's dead, Charge Shot on Poseidon Tank), Illumise to use Helping Hand on Harliette, Blissey to use Sing on Lucian.
Wilhelmina: Buckshot Blast on Crownlegs (if it's dead, Buckshot Blast on Poseidon Tank).

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Aster] [Spitz] [Sol-Leks] [Bastiodon] [Illumise] [Harliette] [Blissey] [Cecilia] [Blaziken] [Tyranitar] [Starmie] [Fathom] [Impact] [Barrier Amplifier]

[Bard The 5th LW]

"Fine, Hammond, your done, Spitz, you're in," Charlotte said as Hammond was blinded. She was getting sick of this. They had freaking legendaries now! That was Arceus! Why did they have that power! What would they do with it?! They didn't deserve it.

"Huh. Guess it just never came to his mind to mention that. Anyways, I'd prefer it if you didn't kill the mercenaries. Try not to kill Lucian for obvious reasons. And if you kill Discord, well...let's just say you'll be on Raine's shit list, and she didn't get to be guildmaster just because she was good at paperwork. I can't remember all the stories she had of the insane successes she accomplished."

That was the final straw. Not kill them? That was unacceptable! Did Rayleen have a backbone! They were the enemies! Charlotte didn't give a flying fuck about logic or reasoning behind it. She sort of snapped. She decided to take it upon herself to push a few buttons, no matter how much she may regret it later.

"How about this Rayleen," Charlotte said, with an eerily cheerful tone, "we both know that these jerks will be on our side sooner or later. Its inevitable. But I don't like the idea of letting them just do whatever until then. Loverboy's brother or not, he's sort of trying to kill us just a little bit. So how about I give you a moment to rethink your ideals or give me some real justification before I give him the standard Beaufort initiation that Moon and Shannon should be oh so familiar with."

"Just think about it," Charlotte chimed before returning attention to battle.

"Anyways, Spitz, I want a piece of Anansi over there, Super Fang on the behemoth spider," Spitz hated this role he was allotted, but got over it and went for the Crownlegs. "Sol-leks, before you go down, how about you burn out the tank for me?" Sol-leks was a bit unnerved by Charlotte's shift in tone, but nevertheless used Overheat on the Poseidon Tank as ordered.

---

Charlotte: Openly apposes Rayleen.

Sol-leks: Overheat on the Poseidon Tank.

Spitz: Super-fang on Crownlegs

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase
- Moon: Sandslash has been defeated. Rage is 20.
- Aster: Sunny Day is in effect. Tyranistorm is disabled.
- Charlotte: Crownlegs has taken great damage. Poseidon Tank has taken good damage. Rage is 100.
- Impact: Crownlegs has taken great damage. Rage is 60.
- Lexhur: Uses Lexhur Laser. Arceus has been defeated. Crownlegs has taken severe damage. Grant has taken great damage. Rage is 100.
- Pierce: Used Love Technique "Solidarity Counter". Crownlegs has taken severe damage. Sunflora's turn is nullified. Sunflora has taken good damage. Discord resists Null Turn. Discord avoids damage. Dialga has taken small damage. Dialga's turn is nullified. Crownlegs resists Null Turn. Grant resists Null Turn. Grant avoids damage. Rage is 25.
- Cecilia: Great Escape turn 2 of 3. Poseidon Tank has taken good damage. Rage is 0.
- Harliette: Crownlegs has taken critical damage. Lucian resists sleep. Rage is 50.
- Wilhelmina: Crownlegs has been defeated. Rage is 35.
- Enemy MIV: Enemy Morale has fallen to 59%.

"Ummm...Lexhur?" Shannon asked.
"Yes, young lady?"
"Don't you think you're...you know, overcompensating for something?"
"I'm a robot. We tend to not concern ourselves with penises simply because we...don't really have them."
"I still think that laser cannon's a bit-"
"Hush, you."

It really was a huge cannon. The cannons of the two enemy tanks combined didn't equal the size of Lexhur's cannon. "Terribly sorry, young chaps, but would you mind terribly getting out of the way? Having your arm hair singed off would be the least of your concerns should this beam pass within a few feet of you."

The Watchmen pretty much bounced over to the sides as Lexhur finished the last several seconds of charging up. Then Lexhur just had to make a reference.
"Ya wanna play rough, eh?! Okay! Say 'ello to my little frien'!"

Armored Bishoujo: "At least he didn't go 'I'm a firin' muh lazah!' this time."

It was definitely evident that there was a danger involved with being anywhere near Lexhur's laser beam. The Watchmen could feel an immense wave of heat slap against their skin. With that being the heat from standing so far from the beam, how in the hell did Lexhur keep his own body from melting?

As insane as the effects were from just watching them from the sidelines, the lightshow on the enemy end was nothing short of superb. Arceus took the beam full-on. Ring shaped shockwaves splashed outward from Arceus and sliced into the enemies on both sides of it.

A lot and I mean a LOT of smoke rose out of Lexhur's body. "Ohhhh, that always lights my fire!" Lexhur said with near orgasmic satisfaction.

This was getting so wrong, so fast.

Action got very tense when Pierce and Chizuru decided to work together. "Sure, let's give it a shot, Mr Granger," Chizuru responded after hearing Pierce's plan. It was relatively easy to taunt the enemy. But where in the hell did Chizuru learn language like that?!

Armored Bishoujo: "Chizuru probably learned it from someone whose name rhymes with Rio Ikage. I'd bet 50000 Midans that Chizuru didn't know what half the stuff she said actually was."

However, results weren't as satisfactory as both of them had hoped. Discord, Grant, and Crownlegs were all very capable opponents in their own right. Despite being taunted, it was impossible to dominate any of them. It took all of Pierce's awareness just to keep Discord from killing Chizuru in the ensuing chaos. If only Discord wasn't so skilled at dual-wielding...and so fast! Lucian and Grant were probably just as fast, but because of the sheer weight of the weapons they were using...eh, nevermind.

Charlotte had a mouthful for Rayleen as the battle progressed. "It's not like it's a direct order. All I'm asking is...try...okay? That's all I'm asking."
"That girl is damn scary as shit," Muon said.
"Must be that time of the month," Rayleen commented.
"What the fuck?! I think she's going to kill you for that, Demon."
"She's certainly welcome to try."

Armored Bishoujo: "Mmm...nekkid mud wrestling...wait, what?! I! I wasn't thinking anything weird! Honest!"

"Punisher here," Heidi said. "Madama Ursarang, please accept this Pokeball in the hopes of better flexing your rage."

Arceus? Woo hoo, biznatch! Totally rockin' the Legendaries up in this motherfucker!

-----
Prideguard Phase
- Enemy Update: Cerulean Wildfire has moved to the Vanguard.
- Twiloch and Marionatta: Cerulean Wildfire has been defeated.
- Grant, HPG Trainer, and Poseidon Tank: Fled like bitches.
- Lucian & Discord: Surrendered like bitches.
- Mission: Complete like a bitch.

"This is getting bad. They've destroyed our Crownlegs, they've captured my Arceus...but we won't be defeated! Cerulean Wildfire, reduce them to ash!"

"Will do," Cerulean Wildfire said, then she began to charge a very large fireball. This wasn't looking good. Suddenly she shot her hands forward and the large fireball exploded into roughly a dozen smaller, blue firebolts that arced towards the allied formation. "Cluster Nova!"

"Yeah, ain't happenin'."

The large amount of firebolts suddenly halted in midair, then shot directly into and through Cerulean Wildfire.
"Cerulean Wildfire!"
Before Cerulean Wildfire could react when her own attack turned on her, numerous long, shiny black thorns rocketed out of the shadows and turned Cerulean Wildfire into a pincushion. Then, Cerulean's motionless body was hurled uselessly to the side like a toy. Just who in the hell-?

"Twiloch! Marionata!"

They were positioned near Lexhur. Twiloch was a shiny, black, featureless being that resembled a salamander, its four legs melded into an amorphous blob of shadows. Two very thin, glowing red eyes were on its curved triangular face. Marionata's various body parts were disconnected, from the head and torso to the arms and legs to the individual parts of her fingers and toes. One could see what appeared to be threads holding the individual pieces aloft. And finally, Marionata's face was strange. A portion of the face seemed to have been carved out, and a fist-sized spherical gem, pulsing with blood-red light, hovering half way in the crater and halfway out. She had two long braided ponytails that hung lower than the rest of her body.

Other than flexing their might to crush Cerulean Wildfire, they made no move against the Watchmen or the Prideguard. They seemed content to simply watch the rest of the performance.

"Twiloch! Marionata! What are you doing?!" Grant shouted. "General Burkmont has a deal with Lord Idolus!"
"Had a deal with Lord Idolus," Twiloch hissed. "Past tense, Major Grant. Lord Idolus doesn't appreciate General Burkmont's betrayal."
"Betrayal?"
"He's gone and started recruiting all the Ruin Generals that have gone rogue," Marionata explained with impatience. "Lord Idolus doesn't like that kind of thing."

Grant simply stumbled back, unsure of how to respond. "I-...I'm going to confirm this!"
And then the Major, forgetting about his stolen Arceus, recalled his Sandslash and fled faster than when he showed up to begin with. The HPG Trainer snapped into awake mode and, seeing his officer run off, recalled his Snorlax and was gone like Shaun.

Armored Bishoujo: "Gone like Shaun? Man, I need to start thinking before I type this stuff."

Even the Poseidon Tank peeled out, leaving nobody but Lucian and Discord remaining.
"Well," Lucian said.
"Yeah," Discord agreed.
Lucian and Discord slowly turned back around to see pretty much what they expected. A group of pissed off Watchmen.
"Well," Lucian said.
"Yeah," Discord agreed.

Suddenly, the doors opened at various buildings as Rayleen and more than a dozen of the other Watchmen members burst onto the scene. Now the two mercenaries were caught in a pincer. "I...don't suppose you could spare our lives, could you?" Lucian asked politely of Rayleen. "Wait...Rayleen?!"
Rayleen advanced with folded arms. "We'll let you live if you turn over Dialga and Palkia. Now."
"That-...That's not a terrible deal. Wouldn't you say so, Discord?"
"That raven-haired cocksucker can have my Dialga over my dead body."
Rayleen stepped forward. Discord, smiling like a beast, walked closer to Rayleen. "You can't do it, can you? You know who my mom is. And I know who you are. And I know you know who my mom is."
Rayleen sighed. Then she smiled. "But do you know why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch?"

...No. Don't. Anything but that.

"Because you're the District Chief of Fainas Metropolis and you ordered them to?"
"No, silly! It's because there're swirls of cinnamon and sugar all over every bite!"
"You don't say," Discord said. "I suppose that makes sense."

Please, make it stop.

Rayleen and Discord contined this bizarre dialogue, and Rayleen won out. But this was far from over for the two badass babes. Rayleen took Palkia and Dialga from Lucian and Discord and strolled over to Pierce, offering them both to him. "Don't get too attached. They're gonna want these back, eventually."

Rayleen then turned towards Prime Square. "We're splitting up again. Main formation, recover, switch out allies if you need to, reconfigure your Pokemon arsenals, and get ready to finally hit the real objective, Faynoc in Prime Square. As for the rest of us, we'll split up even further. Me and some of us will stay and keep the mercenaries and the Ruin Generals from causing any trouble."

"Lord Idolus wanted us to talk to you, anyways." Twiloch hissed calmly. "Marionata and I can wait here for you."
"By the way, a couple of 'thank yous' couldn't hurt," Marionata said snidely. "We were the ones who freed Lexhur from your little holding cell and told him that you needed him. Plus, we did kind of peel that robot bitch off of you."
"Marionata, it's terribly impolite to demand thanks if they didn't request the help. A few of them look kind of angry. I think we stole the limelight from them, as they say. Anyways, we shall wait here for you all to do...whatever it is you're here to do."

Rayleen nodded. "The rest of the secondary formation will spread out throughout the nearby blocks and mop up the cordon, though with Cerulean Wildfire down and the highest ranking officer running away, the Prideguard's position is all but gone. Remember, Faynoc needs a way to flee this area. When he does, we should be quick to leave, ourselves. I think we've all had enough, whether we were the ones who fought Pokegeddon or not. Aster, see anything? It's difficult to see the enemy force in all that fog of war."
Aster focused. "There's not much in the way of enemy forces. Faynoc is still there, but...there's this very small girl next to him."
"Fuckin' pedo," Muon said.
"No, I don't think she's there for ornamental purposes or anything. I feel...a lot of violence from her. She's very dangerous, I am certain. I can also feel masterless Pokemon and impure humans."
"Impure?"
"Pokebrids, most likely," Aster said. "It's not a normal human body, is all I can tell. That little girl is the same. Let us be careful on the way in."

[Dracorion]

Pierce almost fell off of Lexhur's body after he fired his laser. Damn, that thing packed a punch. Still, he managed to hold on and them jumped off once Chizuru arrived.

"Sure, let's give it a shot, Mr Granger,"
Pierce smiled and replied, "Just call me Pierce, please."

Pierce's idea didn't work out so well. He had managed to stop and counterattack Crownlegs and the rest of the pokemon, but not Discord or Grant. Pierce was still smiling like a maniac as he parried Discord's strikes, even though it was taking all of his skill. He was having the time of his life.

Then it all went to hell. Ruin Generals Twiloch and Marionata showed up and spoiled everything. They destroyed Cerulean Wildfire and convinced Grant and the enemy trainer to give up and run away. Discord and Lucian simply surrendered. Tyranitar was standing off to the side, panting with effort as he put all of his willpower into stopping the change that wanted to take him over.

"ARRRGGGGHHH!!! Goddamnit! C'mon, we had them! We totally had them! We beat their Pokeweapon in one turn! We knocked out Arceus! We could've beat Dialga and Palkia and the rest of them too if you hadn't showed up! ARGH! Killstealers!"

Pierce turned around and walked away for a bit, fuming. Rayleen approached him and handed him Dialga's and Palkia's pokeballs. "Don't get too attached. They're gonna want these back, eventually."

"Feh. Give me one good reason why I should give them back." He said loudly, making sure Discord and Lucian could hear him. After Twiloch and Marionata stole his win, he was itching for a fight. He still had his Dragon Slave drawn, and was prepared in case Discord tried anything.

[Menarker]

Renny immediately rushed to the Medic's stash, pulling out several Max Revives. Being in the rear-guard, he had no problem doing so speedily. The fact that the battle seemed to be interrupted was a blessing, and he didn't feel like waiving this gift by asking some of the many particular intrusive and potentially offensive questions that ran through his head. That his team-mates could be so stupidly reckless about antagonizing two ruin generals after they just came out of a battle with a Gabriel Force member left him shocked with disbelief.

"Swampert, Magnezone! Come out!" He then called over his shoulder. "Kurika! Get over here now while you still can!"

The procedure went fairly smoothly as Swampert and Magnezone seemed to recover as expected from the quick application of the Max Revive treatment. They then both used Surf (Courtesy of Mimic) on Kurika, washing off the oil intensely, as Renny gathered several Full Restores in the process, trying to respectfully avoid glaring at what would have been a perfectly valid excuse for a wet T-shirt exhibition. Next came Mollesk out of the pokeball who also was flaming for a long time, even though the pokeball hopefully suppressed it. Once again, another powerful stream of water cleaned off the blasted muck, taking the flames off it in the process.

"I'm sorry about you getting caught in all that, buddy."

Umbreon was sent out in the process, with oil still caught on her fur, although no harm done. The ground around them was definately getting soaked as she got her bath.

"Alright, hold still. This might sting. Swampert, help me out, will you?"

BERT!

Renny attended to Kurika, having to use a double dosage of the seemingly miracle Full Restore. It was fortunate enough that she ran through the walls of flames as opposed to having been bathed in the full force of the wildfire like Mollesk was. He attended to her arms so that she could attend to the rest of herself when she felt able.

"I'm really really sorry, Kurika. I had no idea that anyone would seriously consider ordering you to do something so reckless."
Renny suppressed the other part of his apology, that his team-mates had practically left her to burn as they fought... On one hand, it was practically unforgivable. But she had consented to jump into the flames, and once that had happened, the pace of the battle made attending to her difficult.

"Hey, do you feel that you would do that again if you were ordered to? The fact that you were told to attack through that wall was absurd. But you actually went and did it. Was there any reason why you feel so strongly about this mission or joining us?"

Swampert vigorously rubbed the medicine along Mollesk's tentacles which took some harsh damage being a bug type, even though his rock hard shell took most of the firery impact.

---------------------
Healing up pokemon party. All pokemons revived and healed to full.

Items restocked: 2 Full Restores and 1 Max Revive

[Astral Harmony]

"See?" Twiloch said to Marionata. "I told you they looked like they were having fun and that we'd be stepping on their toes."
"And I'm sure you'd keep telling me for as long as I draw negative emotions," Marionata said with a facepalm. "Lord Idolus said that we make a deal with them. So we came to make a deal with them. Like I should care how they feel about us intruding on their fun?"

Discord grinned wolfishly and folded her arms. "I'm a Battle Master, a trained mercenary of the best mercenary guild in the entire world, and a champion of Sparta Arena. You're an annoying showoff with an overinflated and entirely undeserved ego and, to top it all off, you're a man. If it wasn't for having a dick, men would be completely worthless. And even with a dick, most men still have no value whatsoever."
Oh, that horrible bitch. And she still wasn't done. "And why're you even holding that weapon? That's a Dragon Slave, not a 2x4. Don't get so cocky just because you have those monsters with you," Discord paused, indicating the trio of Ruin Generals. "When you've fought a monster like the one safeguarding Faynoc in the square, then you can act like a badass. When you've been stuck in the Miasma Mountain for three days with no sleep, surrounded on all sides by the P3's and the resident Pokemon, then you can act like a badass. When-"
"Discord?"
"For the love of God, Caprico, what?!"
"This really isn't the time and place for this, is it?"
Discord's mood didn't lighten. She simply turned around with a "hmph" and walked away to go and look at the slain Crownlegs. Her sexist grumbling continued on in the background.

Lucian sighed. "Sorry about her, friends. You know, there's a popular mercenary in-joke that her breasts are so large because she pads her bustier with pride and stubborness."
"Continue that conversation and I'll use my swords to give you a colonic irrigation, Caprico."
Lucian sighed again and walked closer to Rayleen. "It was all Discord's idea for us to work with the Prideguard. Discord hates PATCA with a passion. Mostly because if PATCA wasn't resolving issues like that bank robbery last year and other stuff, Vorpal Frenzy, the guild we both work for, would be the ones reaping the huge rewards for those jobs. She has a point, but I think we have plenty of jobs as is. In my opinion, there's plenty of chaos right now to keep both the guild and the agency equally overworked, would you say?"
"You're telling me," Rayleen said with a warm smile. "But my, you've gotten even more handsome since the last time I saw you. I bet you get hit up by girls all the time."
"Discord fixed that problem for me," Lucian said, blushing. "I carry Cerberus around with me wherever I go. It does a good job of keeping girls from hitting me up."
Lucian held up Cerberus for Rayleen to examine. It was an awesome waraxe. There were no less than three heads on the monster, with the middle blade being a bit larger than the other two. Stylized dog heads sat above the blades, which is obviously where the name came from.
"My big brother Lucifer had it forged for me as a present. Listen, I'm sorry about not talking with you after the funeral. I was just...kinda lost, y'know? Not sure what emotions I was feeling or which ones I was supposed to. Were you alright?"
Rayleen nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. PATCA keeps me mentally occupied so it doesn't hurt as much, knowing that he's gone now."

-----

"Please be at ease. I am fine," Kurika said haltingly. She was obviously suffering, but the girl was making a strong effort to keep the pain inside. Renny started to ask her questions about why she felt so strongly for joining PATCA. "Maybe I am stupid, yes? I am winning lots of battles in my hometown, in the arenas where I fight, and even in the Honmyr-famous Sparta Arena. But all the battles, they make me think, you know? For me, it was no longer as simple as thinking 'I am the strongest'. I did not really like it. It felt...lonely. Besides, my mom and dad are strong, too. Dad was a soldier. Mom is a police officer. Fighting and protecting justice...it just feels like it is part of my bloodline. Part of my pride, you know what I am saying?"

The way Kurika spoke was strange, but her words were passionate and true. "I realized something. Strength is not something I gain alone. Otherwise, what is the point of having so much of it? To protect myself? I do not think I need this much power to do that. So it hit me, and I come here to do the good work of justice, yes? 'I am the strongest' does not mean anything to me. 'We are the strongest' is something I feel is worth fighting for. I can jump through fire for this belief. I can punch a metal tank with my fists for this belief."

Kurika raised one wrapped fist and then slammed in directly into the road, shattering a good deal of it into useless gravel. "I feel so strong now. Much stronger than I ever felt fighting by myself or for myself. This is why my mom and dad so what they do. And this is why I will do what I do."

Kurika then stood up, making Renny feel kinda short and insignificant. Then Kurika placed one powerful and warm hand on Renny's shoulder. "Let us fight together. Strength shared is so much stronger than strength selfishly kept to oneself. Now, it is time for round 2. Let God ring the bell."

-----

"Ummm, Chief?" Shannon asked. "I think we're going to get moving now."
"Right. Good luck up there. The fog of war is especially thick."

She wasn't kidding. As they neared Prime Square, Pokemon with Defog were used to blow away the fog of war ahead of them, revealing the surprised enemies before them...and the destruction that marked the battles before this battle. Destroyed outdoor kiosks. Bulletholes in buildings. Shell casings scattered across the area. And bodies, both human and Pokemon in various stages of mutilation, littering the ground.

They were still too far away to see Faynoc or his bodyguard. The scouters picked up plenty of targets.
Aster Lloyd: "Principality here. That's not all of them. I detect other foes. We cannot see the objective with the unaided eye, but he's very close. I can feel the little girl's violence much stronger than before."
Rayleen Crosswald: "Be careful with Fog of War. If they're smart, they'll have goons inside the fog taking potshots from safety, and they'll most likely use Defog on their end to blow the Fog of War right back over the enemy, obscuring them and lowering your accuracy. What's worse is that Snipers and Destroyers won't be able to get an accurate sighting of the enemy, and will be rendered useless. It's always a good idea to have a Pokemon or Pokebrid available who can use Defog."
Background Music: "Stand Up" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aVGdZqLzBc) by Superchick

Enemy Data
Enemy Formation: [Golduck Pokebrid] [Noctowl Pokemerc] [HoA Acolyte] [Steelix Pokemerc] [Kindra Pokebrid] [Pelipper Pokemerc] [HoA Acolyte] [HoA Tinkerer] [Honchkrow Pokemerc] [HoA Healer] [Toxicroak Pokemerc]

[B]Noctowl (Normal/Flying) [Female]
- Moves: Sky Attack / Extrasensory / Zen Headbutt / Hyper Beam / Hypnosis / Dream Eater
- Ability: Insomnia / Keen Eye / Intimidate
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / STAB for Psychic / Ice & Rock -50% / Physical Evade 100%
- Merc Technique: Bird of Prey - Severe Flying, 100% Bleed, 50% Death. One use only. Noctowl shows why it rules the night.

HoA Acolyte: Basic Slayer units of the Harbingers of Ascension. Devotion to the cause lends them strength, but little else.
- Slayer Attacks: Kris Slash (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Assassin Dart (Ghost, 25% Instant Death) / Powder Bomb (100% Flinch, ACC -1) / Flash Stab (Dark, 50% Flinch) / Firebomb (Fire, 50% Burn)
- Slayer Defenses: Steel, Ghost, Dark, Fire -50% / Flinch, Bleed, Burn Immunity / Physical Counter 100%
- Signature Technique: Sacrifical Lamb ~ Self Targeted, 50% Transform. If failed, Death is afflicted. The cultist takes out a syringe and injects himself or herself. More successful during Low Morale and Overwhelming Tide. Costs 0/100 Rage.

Steelix (Steel/Ground) [Male]
- Moves: Iron Tail / Stone Edge / Double Edge / Earthquake / Gyro Ball / Dig
- Ability: Rock Head / Sturdy / Arena Trap
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Normal, Fire, Ground -100% / Special Reflect 100%
- Merc Technique: Impenetrable - Self invincible, 3 Turns. One use only. You're not getting through this guy.

Pelipper (Water/Flying) [Male]
- Moves: Hydro Pump / Sky Attack / Blizzard / Ice Beam / Haze / Shock Wave
- Ability: Keen Eye / Cloud Nine / Volt Absorb
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Physical Evade 100% / Double Attack
- Merc Technique: Motherload - One target. Uses Stockpile 3 times, Spit Up one time, Stockpile 3 times, Swallow one time, and Stockpile 3 times yet again. One use only. Doesn't that throat pouch hurt now?

HoA Tinkerer: Basic Slayers with some knowledge of basic devices and Evoliths.
- Slayer Attacks: Beatstick (Fighting, ATT Down 50%) / Taser Rod (Electric, Paralyze 50%) / Cryo Bomb (Ice, 50% Freeze) / Acid Bomb (Almighty, DEF Down 50%)
- Slayer Defenses: Fight, Elec, Ice -50% / Para, Freeze Immunity / Special Counter 100%
- Signature Technique: Construct Killdoll - Constructs a Killdoll automaton. Almighty-type damage. High criticals. Attacks twice per turn. All attacks against them have half accuracy. Costs 25/100 Rage.

Bibarel (Normal/Water) [Female]
- Moves: Superpower / Super Fang / Hydro Pump / Giga Impact / Haze / Stealth Rock
- Ability: Simple / Unaware / Wonder Guard
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Super Fang Counter 100%
- Merc Technique: Fang Flash - 5 Target Splash. One use only. Whoosh, and half your health is gone!

Honchkrow (Dark/Flying) [Male]
- Moves: Sky Attack / Dark Void / Embargo / Knock Off / Night Slash / Punishment
- Ability: Insomnia / Super Luck / Sniper
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Double Attack / Physical Evade & Counter 100%
- Merc Technique: Darkness Curtain - Environmental. One use only. Covers the Watchmen formation in a black, noxious miasma which drains health and causes random flinching. Defeat with 3 uses of Defog.

HoA Healer: A cultist with a medical degree. Quick and efficient with efforts and supply use.
- Slayer Attacks: Violet Syringe (Poison, 100% BadPois) / Red Syringe (Psychic, 100% Confuse) / Depressant (100% Apathy) / Relaxant (100% Exhaustion)
- Slayer Defenses: Fire, Poison -100% / Flinch, Critical, Death Immunity
- Signature Technique: Clinical Relief - Fully heals, adds regeneration, and renders unit immune from status effects and debuffs until death. Costs 50/100 Rage.

Toxicroak (Poison/Fighting) [Male]
- Moves: Gunk Shot / Toxic / Dynamic Punch / Drain Punch / Poison Jab / Brick Break
- Ability: Battle Armor / Dry Skin / Guts
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Psyhic -100% / Attack Counter 100%
- Merc Technique: Poison Pugilist - Severe Fighting, 100% Bad Poison, ATT Down 2. One use only. A crippling beatdown that not many can survive.

Rayleen Crosswald: "Be very careful! It looks like Faynoc splurged to hire the very best Pokemon mercenaries money could buy. Six move pools with moves they normally don't have access to, three abilities, special training and even techniques. Pay careful attention to what your foes can do and any special defenses they may have against your plans. I noticed that the Healer can inflict Apathy and Exhaustion. If you're afflicted with Apathy, you can't use any Rage-fueled techniques or skills whatsoever and you can't switch out with your Enforcer, even if you're defeated. The only item that can cure it is called Pick Me Up, and Daphne will share some with you. If you're inflicted with Exhaustion, you can't generate Rage and you'll even forfeit turns because you're so tired. Daphne has the Energizer item to help you out, or you could switch out with your Enforcer to recover. Now I know why they kept Grant and the Vorpal Frenzy busy for so long. You've surprised them, so the initiative is yours. Think hard about your first most before you commit to it. But I guess I don't need to tell you that."

[Dracorion]

Pierce walked up to Discord and got all up in her face when she began her rant, his arms folded. Then when she finished, he laughed.

"Oh, wow. A woman with a bad attitude that hates men? That's really original. Listen up, you can throw around as many titles as you want, little miss Battle Master Spartan Champion mercenary daughter of the guildmaster, but they don't mean anything. And you accuse me of having an ego."

Pierce kept laughing. "So maybe I did show off a little. I was having the time of my life, and more importantly, standing on top of a giant phallic train with a giant phallic cannon made my worthless dick feel oh-so good." He said mockingly. "As for this," he waved the Dragon Slave around a bit. "It's not about size, it's how you use it!" Pierce cracked up.

"Miasma Mountain? Yeah, I spent a couple of days there a few years ago. I heard everything people say about it and, hell, I couldn't resist. And frankly? It wasn't all that bad. As for taking on that monster guarding Faynoc, I'm about to do that just now, princess. I'll even do you one up and beat the damn thing."

Pierce walked away from Discord and went about his business. He recalled Tyranitar and Blaziken, revived his pokemon and restocked his items. Then he went over to Daphne and handed her Dialga and Kingdra for safekeeping. "Take care of them, okay?"

Pierce saw Kurika talking to Renny. A pang of guilt hit him straight in the chest when he realized he had forgotten about her. There wasn't anything they could do for her during the battle, but he still felt like crap for letting her set herself on fire. "Kurika, are you okay?" He said nervously once he reached her. "I'm... ah, really sorry for what happened to you. That... you shouldn't have ever had to do that in the first place."



The team moved forward toward the square. Pierce had called out Skarmory to clear away the fog. Then they found the enemies. "Right. Impact, I think we should concentrate on Bibarel, Honchcrow and their Tinkerer. They seem to have abilities that can really fuck us up. Then we should deal with the Healer."

-----------------------
Pierce heals his pokemon. Replaces Kingdra for Palkia.

Stocks up on: one Max Revive, one Full Restore, one Rage Rocket.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlott could only stare at the pokeball given to her. It was fucking Arcus. Oh my fucking God this was the greatest thing that could ever happen. She had fucking God in her arsenal.

By the time she had recovered from her shock, the foes had ran away. She was enraged for a moment due to the fact that the bloodshed was ended prematurely, but then the realization struck. With Grant gone, Arceus was hers. The look on Charlotte appeared genuinely happy, not in the creepy way, but in a completely sincere child at Christmas sort of way.

"Umm... Heidi right? ....... thank you."

Charlotte took notice of Rayleen sparing the two mercenaries. She still thought they should just finish them off right here. And she was tempted to just have Buck Set them on fire, have Pike Zap 'em, and cap them while they weren't looking. But... she was in a good mood. It didn't happen often, so Lucien and Discordia should probably be thankful. "You know what," she proclaimed, "I can only associate the two bitches over there with this moment. So far now I say they should live! In fact, when will they join the team of ex-cons?"

"Anyways, just tell me who to kill for now and I believe this will be an excellent day. When its all over, can someone recommend a good eye-surgeon for Hammond? And also, if I cap grant, I can keep the Arceus. Right?"

---

Charlotte: Estatic and open to commands

[Dracorion]

Pierce eyed the fog carefully, looking for any signs of hidden enemies.

None.

He sighed and turned his attention to the problem he could deal with now. "Okay... Impact, can you see any enemies hidden in the fog? I couldn't. I'm thinking maybe we should concentrate on these enemies, what do you think?"

"Either way, I'm asking Chizuru for help. Ah..." Pierce hesitated for a moment, more than a little embarassed about pulling Chizuru away from her position again. "Chizuru?" He called on his scouter. "Could you come help us again?"

------------------------------------------------
Moon: Construct Power Amplifier.
Rachel: Rage Rocket on Impact, Rage Rocket on Renny.
Impact: HV Rifle on Tinkerer, STAB due to armor. Use Signature Sequence Command, Control and Communications, pays for Milsha, Kurika, Cecilia, Aster and Shannon.
Pierce: Aria to use Thunder on Honchcrow. STAB and Amplified.
Signature Sequence Solidarity Counter on Golduck Pokebrid, Noctowl, HoA Acolyte A, Steelix, Kingdra Pokebrid and Pelipper.
Kurika: Devil's Dance on Bibarel. Fighting Type tech bypass Wonderguard by hitting Normal type weakness to Fighting. OHKO Bibarel.
Matthias: Sleep Powder on HoA Acolyte B.
Milsha: Fatal Five Strike on Tinkerer. Flinched on top of a bunch of status afflictions (Although Tinkerer is immune to paralyze). 50% chance of Instant Death (If Tinkerer does die, redirect other attackers to another target.)
Shannon: Florescence to use Worry Seed on Steelix to remove Sturdy.
Renny: Swampert Mimic Worry Seed on Pelipper to remove Volt Absorb.
Magnezone Thunders Pelipper. STAB and Amplified.
Wilhelmina: OHKO Steelix with Sniper Instant Kill.
Charlotte: Super Fang HoA Healer with Spitz.
Thunder on Pelipper with Pike. STAB and Amplified.
Moon (2nd): Fathom to use Blizzard on Honchcrow and HoA Healer. Amplified.
Shannon (2nd): Abomasnow to use Blizzard on Honchcrow and HoA Healer. STAB and Amplified.
Harliette: Illumise to use Helping hand on Harliette.
Vespiquen use STAB Attack Order on Tinkerer (High crit chance). If Tinkerer is dead, target HoA Acolyte A.
Charge Shot on Noctowl. Amplified.
Cecilia: Bo Strike on HoA Tinkerer. If it's dead, target Noctowl with Amplified Splash Bomb.
Aster: Switch to Gastrodon, Brine on HoA Healer. STAB and Amplified. Has 130 Power before STAB and amplification due to Healer being half dead before attack.
Trainer Attacks: Target HoA Acolyte A.

End Result:

Noctowl: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter. One Helping Handed Amplified super-effective attack.
HoA Acolyte A: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter.
HoA Acolyte B: Asleep.
Steelix: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter. OHKOed.
Pelipper: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter. 2 quad effective STAB Amplified attacks. Deemed KOed.
HoA Tinkerer: Milsha's Final Five Strike, one STAB neutral damage Slayer attack, one neutral damage attack. Deemed KOed. Flinched if not dead.
Bibarel: OHKOed.
Honchkrow: One super effective move, two STABed super-effective moves, all Amplified. Deemed Koed.
HoA Healer: Super Fanged, two STAB amplified neutral damage attacks, one STAB neutral damage 130-power Amplified attack. Deemed KOed.
Toxicroak: Untouched
Golduck Pokebrid: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter.
Kingdra Pokebrid: Turn nullified by Solidarity Counter.

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Spitz] [Pike] [Bastiodon] [Illumise] [Harliette] [Vespiquen] [Swampert] [Magnezone] [Palkia] [Aria] [Kingdra] [Fathom] [Impact] [Power Amplifier]

[Menarker]

Renny listened attentively as she shared her personal details and her emotions although his eyes were constantly alert on her body, as he vigilantly attended to her wounds. That stopped the moment she pounded the pavement into dust and gravel in a demostration of her revived strength, as the lad stared shocked from the sudden use of power. However her words shook him even deeper even as the martial artist stood above him, resting that same powerful hand on his shoulder with a warm reassuring air.

"Let us fight together. Strength shared is so much stronger than strength selfishly kept to oneself. Now, it is time for round 2. Let God ring the bell."

It took Renny a second or two to fully register that, rather caught and inspired by the moment.

"...Yeah, yeah!"

Renny looked to his pokemons, whom both looked healthy and ready. Swampert seemed equally inspired as he pumped his fist although less so because of idealism or a sense of conviction like Renny and more inspired by Kurika's radiating show of vitality and combat readiness. Mollesk stared with an dreamy smile and a rather absentminded stare, rather oblivious to much of what happened.

"You're both alright. That's really good to know. Alright, let's get going!" Renny recalled the two of them to their glossy black and gold Luxury Pokeballs. "Alright, let's rejoin the rest of the group, Kurika!



As the group encountered the adversaries that laid within the fog that Pierce's Skarmory dispelled, he looked over them critically, looking for a common trend and any particular course of action that could be used by Impact to build a course of action.

"Right. Impact, I think we should concentrate on Bibarel, Honchcrow and their Tinkerer. They seem to have abilities that can really fuck us up. Then we should deal with the Healer."

"I agree with Pierce, although the Steelix and Pelipper are also particularly considerable threats. Impact, most of them seem specially trained to evade or resist standard firearms and attacks, so I'd recommend using special moves since Moon can amplify them, though the others foes might require some more unconventional tactics to get past those extra abilities they seem to have.

[Astral Harmony]

Armored Bishoujo: "I have nothing in response to the posts before, so I'm gonna go ahead with the battle itself."

------
Watchmen Phase (Turn 1)
- Moon: Construct Power Amplifier. Watchmen Special stat increases by 2 levels. Moon's Rage is 25.
- Rachel: Renny's Rage is 75. Impact's Rage is 75.
- Impact: Tinkerer has taken good damage (DEF falls 1 level). Uses Love Technique "CC&C". All Enforcers gain a free turn. Impact's Rage is 0.
- Pierce: Honchkrow has taken good damage (Paralysis Get!). Uses Love Technique "Solidarity Counter". Golduck Pokebrid, Noctowl, HoA Acolyte A, Steelix, Kingdra Pokebrid and Pelipper are unable to act. All have taken minor damage. Pierce's Rage is 5.
- Kurika: Uses Signature Technique "Devil's Dance". Bibarel has been defeated. Kurika's Rage is 0.
- Matthias: HoA Acolyte B is now asleep. Matthias's Rage is 50.
- Milsha: Uses Signature Technique "Fatal Five Strike". HoA Tinkerer has been defeated. Milsha's Rage is 0.
- Shannon: Steelix's Ability "Sturdy" has been removed. Shannon's Rage is 50.
- Renny: Pelipper's Ability "Volt Absorb" has been removed. Pelipper has taken severe damage (avoids Paralysis). Renny's Rage is 80.
- Wilhelmina: Steelix has been defeated. Wilhelmina's Rage is 0.
- Charlotte: HoA Healer's health has been reduced to half. Pelipper has been defeated. Charlotte's Rage is 60.
- Moon (2nd): Honchkrow has taken severe damage. HoA Healer has taken severe damage. Moon's Rage is 30.
- Shannon (2nd): Honchkrow has been defeated. HoA Healer has taken critical damage. Shannon's Rage is 55.
- Harliette: Harliette is receiving help from Illumise. HoA Acolyte A has taken good damage. Harliette's Rage is 60.
- Harliette (2nd): Noctowl has taken great damage (Paralysis). Harliette's Rage is 70.
- Cecilia: Noctowl has taken severe damage (Sleep). Cecilia's Rage is 60.
- Aster: HoA Healer has been defeated. Aster's Rage is 60.
- Trainer Attacks: HoA Acolyte A has taken great damage.
- Enemy Morale: Fallen to 82%.

"A wire here, a wire there and done!" Moon said as the device he quickly put together took off, hovering placidly above the Watchmen formation. Somehow, this amazing device rocketed their power levels.

Impact and Rayleen's minds synchronized to perfection and the voices boomed over the scouters. "This is a direct order!" both said in harmony, even matching their tones together. "Neutralize all who would stand in the path of justice! To arms, Watchmen!"
It was like a second wind as the Enforcers who ran backup for the main formation gained vigor.

Chizuru and Pierce were even more amazing than last time. Pierce nods to Chizuru, then jumps. Chizuru slides underneath and raises her legs. Their feet connect and then Chizuru kick-launches Pierce into the sky. Propellor kicking back onto her feet, Chizuru looks at the enemies. "Okay, who wants a little Chizuru?" Chizuru taunts them, flashing her panties at them.

...The enemies were likely to take more damage from the nosebleeds than from the counterattack.

The six enemies rushed Chizuru, apparently not prepared for Pierce and Chizuru's teamwork. In one fluid motion, Pierce held his Dragon Slave above his head. Chizuru caught him by the ankles and spun in place, turning Pierce into a club with a sword sticking out of the tip. After two full spins, Chizuru gently released Pierce to recover from the slight vertigo while she pummeled the remaining foes with her tonfas. By the time Pierce recovered to help, Chizuru has already ninja vanished, leaving only her lovely fragrance behind.

Let's see that in slow motion!

...No, you can't really. Back to fightin', pervs.

Kurika's eyes glowed with violent ki, then she rushed Bibarel like a demon. "Killing Art!" Kurika's powerful voice echoed as she slammed her elbow into the Bibarel's stomach. She bounced back to avoid the vomit of blood and other juices (but mostly blood), then-
"Devil's Dance!"
Kurika unleashed over a decade of bloodsport-honed skills on her poor opponent. An uppercut shattered Bibarel's jaw. Several quick and brutal hooks pulverized Bibarel's ribs and ruptured vital organs. Bibarel was paralyzed with a berserker-esque choke slam. Then Kurika pancaked Bibarel's neck and head with three crunchy-licious stomps. Kurika left Bibarel's mutilated carcass as rejoined the Watchmen quickly. "Justice!" she shouted with an awesome pose, her voice still echoing with power.

Was she really human? How many people did she kill that way?

"Remind me to not cook anything she wouldn't like," Chizuru said.
"You cannot ever go wrong with me if you cook plenty of vegetables," Kurika said.
"Vegetables, it is."

Misha's blade opens up, revealing several hidden weapons. "Signature Technique! Fatal Five Strike!" Milsha shouts, then engages the Tinkerer. The Tinkerer was slaughtered, his skinned cooked, his intestines mercifully contained in his robes, and his robes dyed even more red by his flowing blood.
"How'd you like that, Kurika? I can be brutal, too!"
Kurika smiled. "I love competition."

Theirs was becoming a strange friendship, indeed.

Shortly after, Steelix fell dead from a penetrating headshot. "Boom! Headshot!" Wilhelmina referenced. "What? C'mon, that's funny!"

The battle progressed well.

-----
Harbingers of Ascension Phase (Turn 1)
- Hidden Enemy: There's a light shining through the Fog of War...
- Toxicroak: Magnezone has taken great damage (Confuse). Renny's Rage is 85.
- Defog Effect: Watchmen Fog of War has increased by 25%. Harbingers of Ascension Fog of War has increased by 50%. Watchmen accuracy has fallen by 50%.
- Environmental Effect: It sounds like the huge fountain in the center of Prime Square just exploded. There's this surging rush of water heard in the distance.
- Reinforcements: Four unidentifiable units have joined the Harbingers of Ascension formation.
- Formation Change: It seems like the enemies are moving in the Fog of War. The formation has changed, but you cannot tell which enemy is where. There are ten enemy units standing side by side.
- Target Loss: Sniper Wilhelmina and Destroyer Lexhur cannot act.
- Tactical Update: Using Defog once removes the accuracy issue, but it's impossible to identify targets before attacks are commited. Multiple uses of Defog during the Watchmen Phase (three per turn) will prevent Fog of War from obscuring target identification during the Harbingers of Ascension Phase on that turn.
- Watchmen Morale: Fallen to 96%.

"Brilliant, Impact," marveled Rayleen. "I knew it was an excellent idea to choose you. You show great potential all on your own, but see that your effectiveness increases when you carefully weigh your own ideas with those of the others and come up with such a superb solution. Even these elite warriors don't seem to stand too much of a chance."

Rayleen jinxed it.

A big randomly pulsing light grew in size, seen through the Fog of War.
"It's coming from the little girl," Aster said. "Her violence is almost overwhelming."

Toxicroak smashed Renny's Magnezone with a vicious Dynamic Punch, leaving Magnezone staggered and uncoordinated. But thanks to everyone's efforts, that was the only real attack that was launched by the enemy formation.

Suddenly, there was a powerful beating sound, like large wings flapping rapidly. The Fog of War moved slowly at first, but then surged forward to engulf the enemy formation and even the Watchmen in obscuring airborne dust and rubble. After a little coughing fit and eye clearing, the Watchmen found that they could just barely make out the enemy.
"Goddamn it, I can't get a shot." Wilhelmina reported sourly.
"I am likewise hindered," Lexhur added politely.

And that's when another large noise was heard. "Sounds like rushing water," Moon observed. "There's an immense fountain in the dead center of Prime Square. If it's broken, prepare to get your feet wet."

As pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars rained down from the sky on the formations, Rayleen had another tutorial for them. "Even slightly immersed in water, lightning attacks tend to deal splash damage, and not all of it goes to nearby enemies. Watch out for electrical backlash. Flying type Pokemon, those with the Levitate Ability, or Pokebrids with wings like Matthias can avoid electrical hazards by keeping their toes dry. You can also avoid electrical shock from lightning splash by using moves like Bounce, Dig, Protect, and Detect. A unit that is frozen in ice is also protected. There are a lot of bizarre rules behind it. Just think with your head."

The water hadn't rushed their ankles yet, but it was bound to happen really soon.

It seemed like reinforcements had joined the enemy formation, and probably all of the units had moved around to switch places. Damn it, which one was which?

"Unfortunately, we're screwed for the next phase," Harliette explained. "We can use Defog once to recover from the accuracy decrease the Fog of War brought us, but we won't know what we hit until after we've done our business."
"If you use Defog three times, you can push the Fog of War back so far that they can't hide their main formation," Rayleen advised. "It sucks, but you'll have to maintain that three-Defog maneuver each and every Watchmen Phase to maintain clear and accurate target identification even after they try to Defog on their phase."

[Menarker]

"Ooooh, that smarts... Nice going holding on Magnezone! But you're done for the moment!" Renny then called out to Impact on the scanner. "My pokemons can attack while serving the same purpose as Defog. Togekiss also can now help protect the group from whomever is in there with that shielding ability. That should buy us a bit of insurance, especially if we try to attack them blindly."

Renny swiftly recalled Magnezone, leaving Swampert on the field for a moment so there wouldn't be a moment he was left open to attack. He then summoned Shaymin who touched down on the pavement with a playful air, wallowing and splashing in the fountain made deluge, enjoying the watery sensation much like most grass pokemons. Renny smirked at the sight as Swampert was recalled and Togekiss was sent in his place. The pillowy companion flew toward Renny openly, as Renny patted him affectionately, but gestured to the line-up of shadows with a grim expression. Togekiss cried out in exasperation.

"Togekiss, let's bring out that charm of yours."

The jubliee pokemon crooned and sang with all the grace of a psalm as it flew gracefully above Renny. The very air around him seeming to glitter and shine dimly with a comforting soothing aura that slowly expanded its radius to engulf the group, voicelessly offering peace and protection to anyone who had the energy to sustain it.


"Togekiss, Shaymin! Air Slash the two left most shadows! Dispel the mist!"

Shaymin stopped rolling in the puddle and smirked like a bratty child, as it flew backwards above the team's right most flank, sharpening the very air itself. Togekiss joined together with the divine patience of an angel and the indigination of a very annoyed god. Moon's amplifier did wonders to amplify their latent powers as the two both unleashed a fearsome zephyr blade that sliced across diagonally from the entire right side of the team's position, impacting to the left side of the enemy formation, doing a fine job of displacing the fog back toward their rear.

-------------

Due to Togekiss's item, Staunch Supporter's Bandanna, Renny will gain rage if Harriette or Pierce gain rage from being hit. (Themselves or their pokemons)


Renny, Togekiss and Shaymin are under the influence of Protect. Others can pay 35 rage to add the same brand of protection to a target for the turn.

Togekiss attack Target A with STAB amplified Air Slash. 60% flinch chance if foe is neutral to flying type damage. Flying type attack helps dispel fog.

Shaymin attack Target B with STAB amplified Air Slash. Due to Shaymin holding Razor Fang item, Shaymin has 70% base flinch chance if foe is neutral to damage. Flying type attack helps dispel fog.

[Dracorion]

"Whoa!" Pierce exclaimed when Chizuru launched him into the air. He'd been expecting that, but it was still quite surprising. Then there was being used as a club and spun around. When Pierce's feet found the ground, the world was spinning and for a second there he couldn't have told friend from foe. Well, at least he'd managed to keep his sword straight for the duration.

"Thanks a lot Chizuru." He said over his scouter after she ninja vanished. He surveyed the situation quickly. The enemies had been reinforced and they'd moved around inside the fog so he couldn't tell which was which. Well, gotta do the best with what you've got. "Good thinking." Pierce said, nodding to Renny. "Wilhelmina, can you help Renny clear away the fog? And I think the rest of us should attack on two targets that aren't the ones Renny's targetting." He said to Impact.

"Aria, use Thunder! Palkia, Spacial Rend!" Pierce couldn't help but smile with glee. Palkia's arm glowed as it collected energy, then it discharged with a slashing motion at one of the enemies. He'd get around to talking to them after the mission, but at least for now, he had fucking Palkia! And Dialga too! And Discord and Lucian, especially Discord, were only getting them back over his dead body. And that wasn't going to happen.

-----------------------------
Rachel: Rage Rockets on Pierce and Impact.
Renny: Togekiss and Shaymin use Amplified Air Slash on target A and B. Defog effect. 60% and 70% chance of flinching respectively (Shaymin has flinch boosting item). Renny uses Serene Blessing. Renny pays 70 RPs to protect Togekiss and Shaymin. Harliette pays 70 RPs to protect herself and Matthias, Cecilia pays 35 RPs to protect Impact.
Wilhelmina: Piercing Shot on target C. Also pierces the fog in the process that's shielding the foes from our sight.
Moon: Lanturn to use Amplified STAB Discharge on C & D (backlash to hit Aria), Kingdra to use Amplified STAB Hydro Pump on D.
Charlotte: Buck to use Amplified STAB Fire Blast on D, Pike to use Amplified Thunder on D.
Harliette: Nidoqueen to use STAB Earthquake on slots C & D (backlash to hit Shaymin), Kangaskhan to use STAB Dizzy Punch on C. Harliette to use HV Shot on C.
Matthias: Amplified Psychic on C.
Pierce: Palkia to use Amplified STAB Spacial Rend on D, Aria to use Amplified STAB Thunder on C.
Impact: STAB HV Rifle on D.
Trainer Attacks: Pierce target C, Charlotte target C.

Formation:

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Buck] [Pike] [Bastiodon] [Kangaskhan] [Harliette] [Nidoqueen] [Shaymin] [Togekiss] [Palkia] [Aria] [Lanturn] [Kingdra] [Impact] [Power Amplifier]

(Note that Renny gains equal rage when Pierce or Harliette get rage from injuries due to Togekiss being on the field with the appropriate item.)

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase (Turn 2)
- Rachel: Pierce's Rage is 30. Impact's Rage is 25.
- Renny: Seviper has taken good damage (avoids flinch). HoA Acolyte A has taken severe damage (flinch). Togekiss and Shaymin are protected. Renny's Rage is 25. Harliette and Matthias are protected. Harliette's Rage is 0. Impact is protected. Cecilia's Rage is 25.
- Wilhelmina: Kingdra Pokebrid has taken good damage (Critical). Wilhelmina's Rage is 10.
- Moon: Kingdra Pokebrid has taken great damage. Dominated Civilian has taken critical damage. Moon's Rage is 40.
- Charlotte: Dominated Civilian has been defeated. Charlotte's Rage is 70.
- Harliette: Kingdra Pokebrid has been defeated. Harliette's Rage is 30.
- Matthias: Matthias's Rage is 60.
- Pierce: Pierce's Rage is 40.
- Impact: Impact's Rage is 35.
- Enemy Morale: Fallen to 76%.

The use of the Flying type attacks to both blow back the Fog and War and attack the enemy-

Armored Bishoujo: "Is something I normally wouldn't allow since you technically didn't attack the Fog of War. However, because these posts take long enough to do as is, I'm just going to ignore it this time. Sigh."

-was a brilliant strategy and should be attempted in the future!

Armored Bishoujo: "Great. My own narration is my worst nemesis, yet."

It was easy enough to imagine Cecilia consenting to strip naked and dance around a large, floating gift box that spewed sparkles into the air, but Harliette? Well, she did it, and the two girls danced around the box while Togekiss circled high above.

The Fog of War being blasted back revealed something terrible. A slaughtered human. So many attacks had fallen down on him and left him unrecognizeable. Even the shotgun he held was rendered unusuable.

"Was that a civilian?" Shannon asked everyone. "What the hell was he doing there?"
"Dominated Civilian," Rayleen said. "Untrained, unskilled humans have weak wills, ones easily dominated by Psychic assaults."
"We killed a human," Moon said sadly. "An innocent human."
"Not your fault," Rayleen assured Moon. "In order to actually dominate a human, you have to more or less destroy his mind. There are dozens of Dominated Civilians in hospitals and mental institutions. Sadly, there's been no discovered way to save them. It's terrible, but putting them down is all you can do at this point to help them."
"That's terrible. Damn that Faynoc."

-----
Harbingers of Ascension Phase (Turn 2)
- Enemy Formation: [Seviper Pokemerc] [HoA Acolyte A (Flinch)] [Kingdra Pokebrid] [Dominated Civilian] [Golduck Pokebrid] [Mio Kazetsubaki <Boss>] [Millenium Battlebot] [Noctowl Pokemerc (Sleep/Paralysis)] [Cradily Pokemerc] [Toxicroak Pokemerc] [HoA Acolyte B (Sleep)]
- Hidden Enemy: Used Signature Technique "Epic Wail". Nidoqueen has taken severe damage (Confuse/Bleed). Shaymin is protected from damage. Togekiss is protected from damage. Palkia takes good damage (Confuse/Bleed). Aria has taken severe damage (Confuse/Bleed). Harliette's Rage is 35. Renny's Rage is 35. Pierce's Rage is 50.
- Seviper Pokemerc: Uses Signature Technique "Fatal Fang." Impact is protected.
- Golduck Pokebrid: Paradigm Shift! Buck has taken severe damage. Charlotte's Rage is 75.
- Millenium Battlebot: Buck has taken critical damage. Charlotte's Rage is 85.
- Cradily Pokemerc: Buck has been defeated. Pike has taken great damage. Charlotte's Rage is 90.
- Toxicroak Pokemerc: Aria has taken critical damage (Confuse). Pierce's Rage is 55.
- Watchmen Defog Effects: Fog of War does not change this turn.
- Water Effects: Enemy is standing in water. Lightning attacks will gain splash in exchange for power.
- MIV: Watchmen MIV falls to 84%.
- Watchmen Formation Update: [Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Buck] [Pike] [Bastiodon] [Kangaskhan] [Harliette] [Nidoqueen (Confuse/Bleed)] [Shaymin] [Togekiss] [Palkia(Confuse/Bleed)] [Aria (Confuse/Bleed)] [Lanturn] [Kingdra] [Impact] [Power Amplifier]

Seviper Pokemerc (Poison) [Female]
- Moves: Poison Tail / Poison Fang / Gunk Shot / X-Scissor / Aqua Tail / Earthquake
- Ability: Shed Skin / Clear Body / Marvel Scale
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Avoid and Counter Physical 100% / Lethal Frenzy (Poison type attacks always deal Bad Poison)
- Merc Technique: Fatal Fangs ~ Instant Death on target. Incurable Bad Poison inflicted on target that remains for the whole battle.

Dominated Civilian (Human)
- Description: innocent humans with weak wills dominated by powerful psionics, driven insane from ghostly assaults, or otherwise reduced to raving hysterics. Also commonly referred to as Madsoldiers. If they're armed, they usually know how to use the weapon, but use it in reckless ways. If they're unarmed, they will simply flail at the target. There is currently no cure for their condition, and putting them down is the only mercy you can show them.

Millenium Battlebot (Mechanical)
- Description: a security robot built on designs stolen from Ricewood Masterworks. Even these low-level robots have protection from electricity and water, so you'll have to fracture them. Their defenses against hacking is very low, allowing Matthias to use them.
- Attacks: Minigun Burst (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Rocket Salvo (Fire, 50% Burn) / Focused Beam (Almighty) / Fist Launcher (Fighting, 50% DEF -1) / Hurl Object (Rock, 50% ATT -1)
- Defenses: Normal -100% / Rock, Steel, Dark, Fighting -50% / Mech Status Immunity
- Signature Technique: Crushing Coaster ~ Single Target / Severe Damage / 100% Confuse. You get abducted and taken for a joy ride that is definitely not enjoyable.

Cradily Pokemerc (Rock/Grass) [Male]
- Moves: Energy Ball / Wring Out / Solar Beam / Earthquake / Seed Bomb / Stone Edge
- Ability: Suction Cups EX (Steals and discards the item held by any Pokemon that attacks it) / Shield Dust / Solid Rock
- Merc Training: Alpha Training / Reflect Special 100% / Critical Kill
- Merc Technique: Digestor ~ Single Target. Unit is consumed and unable to act for the two turns after consumption. On the second turn, unit is spat out after suffering good Almighty damage and has all statistics lowered by two levels.

Mio Kazetsubaki (Perfect Asura <Boss>) [Female]
- Description: A being almost as rare as a Legendary Pokemon. Even unethical science can produce something right sometimes. A Perfect Asura, Mio possesses the powers of a Ruin Pokemon and has a genetically augmented body. She is only ten years old, but she looks around seventeen, and is capable of some fearsome power.
- Attacks: Chroma Edge (Ruin, 200 Power, 100 Acc) / Flash Strike (Almighty, 250 Power, Always Hit) / Ion Cluster (Ruin, 2 Targets, 150 Power, 80 Acc) / Phantasmal Swipe (Ghost, 200 Power, Always Hit, 50% Death) / Bloody Dance (Steel, 250 Power, 100 Acc, 100% Bleed) / Shadow Blade (Dark, 200 Power, 100 Acc, 75% Flinch)
- Defenses: Similar to Ruin Pokemon
- Signature Technique: Epic Wail ~ 5 Target Splash, Almighty Type, Heavy Damage, 100% Confuse & Bleed. A surge of sonic power rips outward from what must be Mio's entire body, doing major damage to the mind and body. Costs 50/100 Rage.

A mighty soundwave rippled outward, obliterating the rest of the fog. They saw two people on the other side. A man in expensive robes with pale white skin and a face similar to a Lugia. Definitely Reynold Faynoc. And the woman next to him.

"That's the ten year old girl," Aster said calmly. "Don't argue with me. I know what she really looks like, but I see people in a different way than you do. I'm telling you that the girl with Faynoc is clearly ten years old."
The woman shot forward like a bat out of hell, revealing more of her appearance. She was tall and slender, and one would say her arms and legs were a little too long. She was dressed in black, wearing a small vest, hot pants, boots, and what looked like those kinds of leather blindfolds used for S&M. The vest and pants featured zippers that were about as long as Renny's forearm. Weird fashion.
"You are very good," the young woman said. "I am Mio Kazetsubaki. Tell me something before I destroy you. Are any of you familiar with the woman known as Eldys Asherah?"

Eldys...Asherah? Didn't ring a bell.

As Mio assumed a battle stance, her hands morphed with horribly-malformed claws. "Well, it makes no difference. I shall continue my search. As for you, please die and remain forever silent."

The battle raged as water flowed down from the broken fountain.

"Kazetsubaki," Rayleen said more to herself than anyone else. "Where have I heard that name before? I know I've heard it somewhere."

[Dracorion]

"Fuck."

Pierce stared intently at the corpse of the dominated civilian. Rayleen said there was no helping them, but... just because there was no cure now didn't mean there wouldn't be one eventually. But this man would never live to see it. "FUCK!" He bellowed.

He turned to stare at the enemy formation. He didn't even care what the girl looked like. He was pissed, and goddamnit the man responsible was standing there looking smug behing his bodyguard. Pierce didn't often contemplate murder, but this was definitely one of those times.

Taking a deep breath, he gathered his thoughts, absorbing the situation. "Okay... Everyone, concentrate on the other enemies. Matt, Paradigm Shift. Wilhelmina, see if you can't get a killshot. I'll take the girl."

Pierce took a Full Restore and applied it to Palkia, and replaced Aria for Tyranitar. "Now, Palkia, Testament Drive!" Palkia glowed with purple energy. Then, instead of one Palkia there were three, all of them surrounding Mio. The water rippled around her as Palkia created a water bubble and encased Mio in it, drowning her. Then, all three Palkias roared and unleashed their blasts of energy on Mio.

----------------------
Tyranistorm deals double Sandstorm damage to enemies with no negative effects for allies. Also makes the water muddy. Bet you with the water was high enough to soak the girls' clothes now, eh?

Testament Drives take the pokemon's element, right? I dunno if they get STAB, but it probably should be boosted by Palkia's Adamant Orb. Doubly so if it takes both of Palkia's elements.

Rachel:Two rage rockets to Wilhelmina. Wilhelmina is at 60 rage.
Wilhelmina: Sniper OHKO Cradily.
Renny: *Pays 25 rage for Togekiss to use Divide*
Shaymin uses Divided Air Slash on Toxicroak. 100% flinch and STAB Amplified Super Effective Damage (Sky Shaymin has absurb Special attack too).
Togekiss uses Air Slash twice (Divide) to prevent fog from emerging.
Harliette:
Wormadam use Psychic on Seviper for Amplified Super Effective Damage.
Illumise's Helping Hand on Pierce's Palkia.
Charge Bolt on Noctowl for Super Effective Amplified damage on Noctowl which get reduced due to splash. Splash hit Toxicroak for neutral damage.
Pierce:
Pierce uses a Full Restore on Palkia (I assume you have one?)
Palkia use Testament Drive on Mio for Quad Effective damage with Helping Hand Boost. (Don't know if Testament Drive is amplified)
Impact: Use a rage rocket item on himself to prepare for CC&C next turn.
Charlotte:
Pike uses Thunder for STAB Amplifed Super Effective damage on Noctowl which get reduced due to splash. Splash hit Toxicroak for neutral damage.
Arceus (Poison type with Toxic Plate) uses Judgement on Acolyte A for Super Effective STAB Amplified damage.
Matthias: Porygon Z Paradigm Shift! Hyper Beam on Acolyte B. Improved STAB (2x damage instead of 1.5) making the attack 300 Power, Amplified HUGE Special Attack stat.
Moon:
Starmie (Shannelle) use Psychic for STAB Amplified Super Effective Attack on Seviper.
Lanturn uses Discharge on Seviper and the target beside it (Presumably Golduck if the Acolyte dies). Don't know if it'll spread even further due to the water and it already being AOE. STAB, Amplified.
Lexhur: Has 300 rage. Do nothing this turn.

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Pike] [Arceus] [Bastiodon] [Wormadam] [Harliette] [Illumise] [Shaymin] [Togekiss] [Palkia] [Tyranitar] [Lanturn] [Starmie] [Impact] [Power Amplifier]

[Menarker]

Renny glared harshly at Faynoc in particular, but also toward Mio who sadly resembled the same mentality that Moera possessed, more or less. At Pierce's command, Renny gave the order to attack Toxicroak and hold him off.

Shaymin flew into action as she repeated her Air Slash technique, this time on Toxicroak. The sheer power of the wind's bladed edge against the fighting type would be a terrible punishment that shaves harshly on its mind!
Togekiss, on the other hand, chirped repeatably to Renny, as if trying to explain something, its light frame bobbing back and forth within the air.

"... Go ahead. I don't know what you're saying, but I trust you."

Togekiss flapped its wings violently, shoving the pressure of gales in the face of the foes, the water on the ground rippling and vibrating as Togekiss preemptively prevented any attempts of fogs from encroaching to hide the foes from their sights.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte stared at the mangled corpse of the citizen as the fog cleared away. Really? They... they could just go ahead and kill these guys. No problems? That was wonderful!

Pierce didn't seem to thinks so though, and he cried his cries of righteous fury. "Calm down Pierce," Charlotte said once he finished his screams of obsenities, "he was dead before we even had a chance to finish him. Save your anger for Faynoc. Besides, it was just one person."

Charlotte listened and read out the data reports for the new arrival of foes. Another young girl? Was Moera not enough? Faynoc had problems, and Charlotte could only imagine how painful everything must have been for this girl. Well, she could imagine, but she didn't care all that much. She would let Pierce handle it, this girl wasn't that spectacular, and Charlotte preferred to kill rare things.

"Pike, take down the owl with a thunder," Charlotte ordered. The Manetric followed his order with no problems. He was relieved that he was now fighting another pokemon.

Charlotte returned the fainted Arcanine and pulled out the newer pokeball she received. For a brief second, a thrilled smile came across her face before she released its occupant. MOTHERFUCKING ARCEUS.

"Its been so long since I've used a legendary," she said, "but I have few doubts that he will live up to the last one."

"You," she shouted, pointing to an Acolyte, "you get to be the first target! Congratulations, just hold still for a moment. Arceus, Judgment!" She figured that all that was necessary now was to sit back and watch.

[DanteFalcon]

Matthis nodded slightly at Pierce's command.

"Seems this form of mine is getting quite the workout today. Paradigm Shift!"

Again Matthias changed into the somewhat comical Porygon Z, looking like an innocent and happy little pokemon. And it continued to remain innocent and happy as his body stored an enormous amount of energy and shaped it into a single cohesive death ray. In the world of pokemon, the cute ones were in many cases the most dangerous and not to be underestimated.

Hyper Beam!

The beam shot forward at the acolyte with the intent of leaving nothing left. Or at least, nothing with a will to fight. He had faith that unless something blocked the ray the Acolyte would be in a great deal of pain and rethinking his path in life. No one really wanted to take two of this beam to the face.

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase (Turn 3)
- Rachel: Wilhelmina's Rage is 60.
- Wilhelmina: Cradily has been defeated. Wilhelmina's Rage is 10.
- Renny: Toxicroak Pokemerc has taken great damage (flinch). Fog of War is pushed back further. Renny's Rage is 15.
- Harliette: Seviper Pokemerc has taken great damage. Palkia is recieving help from Illumise. Noctowl Pokemerc has taken critical damage. Millenium Battlebot has taken small damage. Harliette's Rage is 55.
- Pierce: Palkia has been fully restored. Palkia has used Testament Drive "Dimensional Sundering". Mio has taken great damage. Pierce's Rage is 5.
- Impact: Impact's rage is 45.
- Charlotte: Noctowl Pokemerc has been defeated. Millenium Battlebot has taken good damage. Toxicroak Pokemerc has taken severe damage. HoA Acolyte A has been defeated. Charlotte's rage is 100.
- Matthias: Porygon Z Paradigm Shift. HoA Acolyte B has been defeated. Matthias's rage is 0.
- Moon: Seviper Pokemerc has been defeated. Golduck Pokebrid has taken good damage. Moon's Rage is 50.
- Lexhur: Charging Rage. Rage at the end of this turn is 400.
- Tyranistorm: All Harbinger units take damage.
- Enemy Morale: Fallen to 68%.

The only awesome event that occured during the Watchmen Phase was Palkia's overpowering Testament Drive, Dimensional Sundering. Palkia rushed Mio like a rocket, and then both Palkia and Mio vanished. It was strange. They could see little parts of the battle that was phased out of sight, like claw strikes that ripped into the solid pavement. When the dimensional distortion fixed itself, Mio was knocked out of absolutely nothing while Palkia landed next to Pierce. Mio's hands were now holding two very large chakram. But Palkia didn't look damaged, so Mio must've only been able to save her own life.

The enemy forces dwindled. Turn by turn, it seemed that PATCA was invincible.

Mio stood back up. "Father Faynoc, shall I begin with the experiments?"
Faynoc, fully visible in all of his fanatical glory, simply gave a dismissive wave. But anyone could tell that he was really focusing on the battle. Something tells you he was eager to diagnose his own experiments for any kinks that would need to be ironed out later.
"Roger. Beginning the experiments. Moera, your friends are here."

...This is probably not good. Mio started to sing. And suddenly, a series of large, nondescript vans that seemed like just part of the scenery began to shudder...and were suddenly sliced open...from the inside.

What?! Just what the hell were those things?! And the one that was clearly Moera just barely resembled her enough that Renny and Charlotte could identify her. Moera paused just briefly enough to picked up an abandoned sedan and started to lurch forward into the formation.

Just then, the music changed. And it didn't sound good.

-----
Harbingers of Ascension Phase (Turn 3)
- BGM Change: "Confrontation Against Enemies" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iKlhrGaJfY&feature=related) from the Vandal Hearts 2 OST.
- Enemy Update: Moera Zwei <Boss> and six Asura Betas have joined the battle.
- Enemy Formation: [Asura Beta A] [Asura Beta B] [Asura Beta C] [Golduck Pokebrid] [Mio Kazetsubaki <Boss>] [Millenium Battlebot] [Dominated Togekiss] [Moera Zwei <Boss>] [Asura Beta D] [Toxicroak Pokemerc (flinch)] [Asura Beta E] [Asura Beta F]
- Mio Kazetsubaki <Boss> (Act 1): Uses a Supreme Restore. Health is fully restored (ALL +1).
- Mio Kazetsubaki <Boss> (Act 2): Uses Ruin Harmonic. All Asura Betas deal increased damage when striking the same target.
- Moera Zwei <Boss> (Act 1): Uses Signature Technique "Mind Corruption". Togekiss has been dominated.
- Moera Zwei <Boss> (Act 2): Power Amplifier has been defeated.
- Asura Beta A: Uses Abnormal Claw. Shaymin has taken good damage. Renny's rage is 20.
- Asura Beta B: Uses Abnormal Claw. 10% damage increase. Shaymin has taken severe damage. Renny's Rage is 25.
- Asura Beta C: Uses Abnormal Claw. 20% damage increase. Shaymin has been defeated. Renny's Rage is 30.
- Golduck Pokebrid: Uses Water Pump. Tyranitar has taken good damage. Pierce's Rage is 10.
- Millenium Battlebot: Uses Fist Launcher. Tyranitar has taken severe damage. Pierce's Rage is 15.
- Asura Beta D: Uses Anomalous Hammer. Tyranitar has been defeated. Pierce's Rage is 20.
- Asura Beta E: Uses Abnormal Claw. Starmie has taken great damage. Moon's Rage is 55.
- Asura Beta F: Uses Abnormal Claw. 10% damage increase. Starmie has taken critical damage. Moon's Rage is 60.
- Dominated Togekiss: Uses Air Slash. Starmie has been defeated. Moon's Rage is 65.
- Watchmen Morale: Fallen to 72%.
- Fog of War: Cleared for Turn 4.
- Water Level: Has reached the Watchmen.

"Why is Mio singing?" Shannon wondered aloud.
"The Ruin Harmonic," Lexhur said.
"Ruin...Harmonic?"
"It's how Malcolm Elliot controlled Ruin Generals and Ruin Pokemon alike," Lexhur explained. "We didn't really take the chance to experiment, but it had to do something with the way he developed as a person, and when I say that, I mean physically. Lord Idolus believes that Malcolm developed with this power through special evolutionary tuning. A gift from Primal Exist."

"Doesn't that mean you should be controlled as well?" Rayleen asked Lexhur.
"It's imperfect," Lexhur said. "Just like those creatures that she commands. I can resist it easily, and I don't think any self-respecting real Ruin Pokemon would come under its control, either."
"I think I get it," Moon realized. "Faynoc's been trying to create his own genetic commander. He's doing what Elliot did. He altered Kazetsubaki to become something like a genetic commander, then altered those humans to become something like Ruin Pokemon."
"If they're like Ruin Pokemon, then you can tear through them like Ruin Pokemon," Rayleen strategized. "Faynoc's unethical experiments have gone much too far already, but with this, he could become a threat to all life as we know it. We've got to halt his experiments here. Capture Kazetsubaki, and if you cannot do that, destroy her. I'd prefer a capture just like the previous battle, though. I know who she is now. Mio Kazetsubaki is the daughter of Sakuya Kazetsubaki, the Empress of the Hiroshiho Empire. I would like it if we could avoid antagonizing them for now."

The Hiroshiho Empire had once tried to conquer Honmyr. It was a bloody war that ended some four years ago. The most accurate story spoke the tale of people seeking independance from the Emperor who ruled the empire some sixty years ago. They formed a democracy with allied regions and lashed out at the empire. This resulted in the Succession Wars, the bloodiest of a handful of wars that Honmyr saw in its history. The new democracy won and a solid era of peace existed until roughly seven years ago when Sakuya Kazetsubaki, seeking to restore the Imperial Honor, gathered its mighty citizens and tried to reclaim Honmyr. They lost, of course, and peace was restored. Needless to say, Sakuya held a lot of grudges against the various services that defeated them, including the Honmyr Prideguard, the Vorpal Frenzy mercenaries, and even PATCA itself.

"How can you still be alive?" Shannon asked the monstrous new body of Moera. "You were beheaded! Tossed aside like a ragdoll."
Moera's breathing sounded labored and deep, like she was breathing through a gasmask. Then she laughed. It was a bellowing laugh composed mostly and short, loud hissing noises. "I...forbid death...to cla-...aim me."

The scouters picked up as much data as they could on Moera and the Asura Betas.

Moera Zwei <Boss>
- Description: An almost unidentifiable mutation of Moera. One would guess that an HoA cultist brought Faynoc Moera's decapitated head. And once again, science churns out yet another fearsome monstrosity. The "Zwei" part of her name is the German word for the number two. This suggests that Moera isn't going to die just because you kill her a few times.
- Attacks: Relentless Hate (Almighty, 250 Pwr, 70 Acc) / Psyche Slaughter (Psychic, 180 Pwr, 100 Acc, 70% Confuse) / Rage Catapult (Random Type, Random Pwr, Random Acc, Random Effect) / Nightmare Shock (Ghost, 150 Pwr, 100 Acc, 40% Death)
- Defenses: Psychic Type defenses
- Signature Technique: Mind Corruption ~ 50/100 Rage. Charms the target to fight for her. The target can be convinced to return with 50% success, but loses its action during that turn.

Asura Beta
- Description: They look like normal humans induced with rapid, uncontrolled evolutionary growth and mutation. Their bodies look none too steady, and their anger seems to be insatiable. If Mio didn't have them under her control with the Ruin Harmonic, they would probably be destroying everything they could get their bulky claws into.
- Attacks: Abnormal Claw (Dark, 150 Pwr, 80 Acc, 50% Flinch) / Anomalous Hammer (Fighting, 180 Pwr, 70 Acc, 100% DEF -1) / Raging Insanity (Psychic, 120 Pwr, 100 Acc, 100% Confuse) / Soul Rend (Steel, 120 Pwr, 90 Acc, 100% Bleed)
- Defenses: 200% Fire, Poison.

The battle was starting to swing around towards the enemy. Moera locked eyes with Togekiss and dominated it with some kind of psionic madness. The Asura Betas were brutal in their attacks and, thanks to Mio, their efforts were even more lethal from their concerted strikes.

The water from the fountain had finally reached the feet of the Watchmen. The Tyranistorm was turning it into mud and soon would stop the lightning splash effect that the water had on the fight.

[Dracorion]

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Pierce said, exasperated. "I'm against killing people, but you know, I'm particularly of the opinion that when someone dies, they should stay dead." He told Moera. "Not to mention, that explanation doesn't make any sense! You were beheaded. Blood stopped flowing to your brain, on account of it NO LONGER BEING ATTACHED TO YOUR BODY. You can't just will yourself back to life after that!"

"Anyway," Pierce turned to Impact. "With a little boost from Rachel, I'm thinking we could have Lexhur fire his laser and knock Mio out of the field. Then we could concentrate on Moera, do you agree?" Then he addressed Charlotte. "Oh, and Charlotte. Moera's likely to be extremely durable, so I don't think we have to worry about killing her just yet. So instead, why don't you take out one of those Asuras before they're all taken?"

After reviving Tyranitar, Pierce hesistated. This was the part of the plan he didn't like. "... I'm sorry Renny, but I'm going to tell Lexhur to fire his laser. It's going to hit Togekiss, and it's really going to hurt. But we can't spare anyone to convince Togekiss back on our side, and I need you to keep the Fog away. Sorry." He said apologetically. "Palkia, Spacial Rend! Lexhur, fire!"

Palkia's arm glowed with energy and it slashed the air, releasing that purple arc of energy at Mio.

-------------------
Rachel: Spend 50 Rage and use four Rage Rockets on Lexhur.
Impact: Max Revive on Shaymin. Swarm Bow on Moera.
Renny: Deploy Swampert. Shaymin to use Air Slash on the Fog and Swampert to Mimic Air Slash.
Charlotte: Arceus to use STAB Judgment on Asura Beta A. Sol-Leks to use STAB Fire Blast on Asura Beta A.
Wilhelmina: Piercing Shot on Toxicroak Pokemerc.
Pierce: Max Revive on Tyranitar. Tyranitar to use Earthquake on Toxicroak and Asura Beta D (backlash on Shaymin). If Toxicroak is dead, STAB Crunch on Moera. Palkia to use STAB Spacial Rend on Mio.
Matthias: STAB Hyper Beam on Moera.
Moon: Lanturn to use Signal Beam on Moera. Split Rage with Shannon to use Moonbeam Disco on Moera and Asura Betas D, E and F.
Harliette: Wormadam to use Bug Bite on Moera. Illumise to use STAB Bug Buzz on Moera. STAB Aqua Shot on Moera.
Lexhur: Lexhur Laser centered on Millenium Battlebot. Devil's Drift on Mio.
Trainer Attack: On Asura Beta A, or if it's dead, on Moera.

[Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias] [Sol-Leks] [Arceus] [Bastiodon] [Wormadam] [Harliette] [Illumise] [Swampert] [Shaymin] [Tyranitar] [Palkia] [Lanturn] [Kingdra] [Impact] [Evolith/Device Space 2]

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase (Turn 4)
- Rachel: Lexhur's Rage is 500. Rachel's Rage is 0.
- Impact: Shaymin has been fully revived. Moera Zwei has taken laughable damage. Impact's Rage is 55.
Renny: Swampert has been deployed. Fog of War has been pushed back.
- Charlotte: Asura Beta A has taken great damage. Charlotte's Rage is 100.
- Wilhelmina: Toxicroak Pokemerc has been defeated. Wilhelmina's Rage is 20.
- Pierce: Tyranitar has been fully revived. Moera Zwei has taken minor damage. Mio Kazetsubaki has taken good damage. Pierce's Rage is 30.
- Matthias: Moera Zwei has taken good damage.
- Moon: Uses Love Technique "Moonbeam Disco". Moera Zwei has taken great damage (resists flinch). Asura Beta D has taken good damage (flinch). Asura Beta E have taken good damage (flinch). Moon's Rage is 25. Shannon's Rage is 10.
- Harliette: Moera Zwei has taken critical damage. Harliette's Rage is 75.
- Lexhur: Uses Ruination Technique "Lexhur Laser". Millenium Battlebot has been defeated. Golduck Pokebrid has been defeated. Mio Kazetsubaki has taken severe damage. Dominated Togekiss has taken great damage. Moera Zwei has been defeated. Togekiss has return to Renny's Pokeball. Uses Ruination Technique "Devil's Drift". Mio Kazetsubaki has taken critical damage (knockback). Lexhur's Rage is 0.
- Tyranistorm: Asura Beta A has taken severe damage. Asura Beta B has taken minor damage. Asura Beta C has taken minor damage. Asura Beta D has taken great damage. Asura Beta E has taken great damage. Asura Beta F has taken minor damage.
- Harbingers of Ascension Morale: Fallen to 53%.

The Watchmen's concerted efforts and their bravery to stand up to such horrifying mutants was well rewarded with all kinds of juicy damage delivered to the mutant enemy forces.

"Let's go, Shannon!"
"Of course, Moon! I'd never miss a chance to dance with you!"

Darkness enveloped the whole scene. Then one shining oversized disco ball appeared in midair and multicolored spotlights fell down around the well-dressed duo of lovers.
"Aw, I wish I could dance with Moon," Cecilia pouted.
"Lucky," Mirror groaned.

As their dance finished, the light from the spotlights turned to the disco ball. The reflected light turned out to be beams of radiant darkness that sliced into the enemy.

Lexhur's turn came up. "Opening chassis. Limiters released. Charging the Lexhur Laser. Stand aside, my friends. I may be old, but I still pack the same punch from my younger days."
The Watchmen fled to either side of the road as Lexhur's cannon finished charging. "I'm a firin' my laser! BWAAAAAAGH!!"

Right then and there, the Millenium Battlebot was consumed, molecule by molecule, in the incinerating light. The Golduck Pokebrid ate too much energy and died as well. Then, before the Watchmen could form it back up, Lexhur closed his chassis and surged forward, pulling a wicked drift and knocking Mio clear across the fountain and right into a display case for some kind of cake shop. Lexhur's whole body was smoking from all the heat release. "I suggest not coming near me. First degree burns are guaranteed."

-----
Harbingers of Ascension Phase (Turn 4)
- Harbingers of Ascension Formation Update: [Dominated Asura Beta A] [Psytellite A] [Psyshade Renny] [Dominated Asura Beta B] [Psytellite B] [Psyshade Charlotte] [Dominated Asura Beta C] [Psytellite C] [Psyshade Impact] [Psytellite D] [Moera Zwei Z <Boss> (Invincible)] [Dominated Asura Beta D] [Psyshade Pierce] [Psytellite E] [Dominated Asura Beta E] [Psytellite F] [Dominated Asura Beta F] [Psyshade Matthias] [Psytellite G]
- Weather Update: Psionic Storm has begun. Random damage to random targets is possible.
- Watchmen Formation Update: Irene and Melanie have created a formation on the other side of the Harbingers of Ascension formation. The formations cannot use items on each other.
- BGM Change: "Natural Selection" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmls_aBTHw0) from the Arc the Lad Twilight of the Spirits Soundtrack.

Moera looked to have been beat the fuck down by all the attacks aimed at her. "I...won't...accept this!" Moera yelled.

Whatever, bitch. Less chatter and more getting me a sandwich.

But despite her humiliating defeat, Moera refused to throw in the towel. With an ear-splitting roar into the sky, a broad pink beam of energy erupted from around Moera's body. The scouters identified it as psychic power.

"Wow. That's a pretty strong psychic power," Shannon observed.
"Not simply strong. Impossible," Aster said breathlessly. "Her psionics are simply immeasureable. It's exponentially stronger than even Marionata's psychic powers."
"I heard that," Marionata's sultry voice echoed in the minds of everyone. "But the cutie is right. I guess I'm a little too out-dated. That woman-thing's psionic force is beyond anything I can command. Be careful."

A sniper round from Wilhelmina halted just inside the psychic barrier, then shot right back at her. "Damn!" Wilhelmina said. "That was a close one. My shots won't be able to penetrate that psychic barrier. Have me target other enemy units."

Moera's raging psionics didn't end there. The Asura Betas, which started raging out of control from losing Mio, were instantly dominated and swayed gently under Moera's domination. Floating spheres of pink light materialized and there were even images of Impact, Matthias, Renny, Charlotte, and Pierce standing in the formation.

"Now...we play...thissss...my way!" Moera laughed. Her phase had been consumed, but she had brewed up a lot of trouble for the Watchmen.
The scouters quickly picked up data on Moera's personal army.

Psytellite (Psychic)
- Description: a floating sphere of radiant flourescent pink psionic force. A figment of the immense psychic power Moera possesses. They seem capable of forcibly altering one's mental condition, such as causing debilitating headaches, reanimating corpses, and even drinking Rage. Psytellites are immune to all status effects and stat-altering abilities and Normal-type moves.

Psyshade (Psychic)
- Description: a flourescent pink psionic image of something or someone that Moera uses to attack foes. They can resemble anything, even her enemies. More solid than Psytellites, Psyshades can actually fight and defend themselves like those they are modeled after. Psyshades are immune to all status effects, immune to stat alterations, and cannot be affected by items or Normal-type attacks.
- Attacks: same as the person whose image they assume. Psyshades tend to gain some additional powers if the person whose image they assume is generally not a powerful fighter to begin with.
- Defenses: Normal 100% / NegStat Immunity / Stat Immunity / Item Immunity

Dominated Asura Beta
- Description: they fight like Asura Betas, but they are naturally immune to various conditions such as flinch, sleep, confuse, and morale effects. Being devoured by madness does come with its perks. It should be noted that even though they don't succumb to those effects, they can still be afflicted with them and, should the domination fall, those effects will actually work.
- Attacks: Same as before they were dominated.
- Defenses: Same as before, though they now ignore certain status effects that affect their mental state until domination is removed.

If that didn't rank a 9.9 on your Holy Shit-o-Meter, even more rampant psionics were thrown into the mix. "Holy hell! What's going on out there?!" Daphne's voice came over the scouters.
"Daphne, are you alright?" Rayleen asked.
"I'm in the Rig with Miss Heidi," Daphne reported. "I don't know what kind of hornet's nest you guys molested, but something is trying to pull the Rig off the ground."
"Damn it," Rayleen swore. "Sorry, Impact, but you'll have to make due with the weapons and armor you have on right now. Daphne. Heidi. Get the Rig out of dodge. Things are getting a little chaotic and a lotta fucked up."
"Roger that, Rayleen. We're pulling out."

"That storm of psychic power is a mixed bag," Aster said. "It's picking up large objects off of the ground and whirling them around in the air, eventually to be released. They could hit us, but they could also hit the enemy. Be prepared for extra damage from a source you can't fight against."
"I imagine that Moera is more or less completely locked down feeding that much psychic force," Moon advised. "If even Wilhelmina's bullets cannot penetrate her protective barrier, we should focus our efforts on tearing up the other enemy units."

"With my help, of course."

Suddenly, on the other side of Moera's formation, two very attractive women arrived, weapons at the ready. One of them was wearing an assload of powered armor with a wing-shaped jetpack but no helmet, revealing her differently colored eyes and dark gray hair. The Watchmen could hear Rayleen's gasp over the scouters.
"It...it can't be! Mom?!"
The woman shrugged. "Demon, when we're on the job, you're supposed to call me Bloody Rose."
"When did you wake up?! You should have called me!"
"I'm sorry. Someone decided it was time for me to end my early retirement."
"Who?"
"We'll have to talk about it later. There's kind of a superpowerful bitch that needs a firm talking to. Ready, Sadist?"
The curvaceous redhead in a black leather nurse uniform and armed with some technologically-advanced katar flicked some fiery red curls from her eyes. "Oh, yeah. I've been looking forward to spanking a bad girl all day."
Her skin seemed to be dripping with molten rock, and a large rocky shell on her back suggested that she was a Magcargo Pokebrid in addition to being a Slayer.

"I can't believe my mom is awake," Rayleen said with a happy voice, then remembered the situation. "Right, then. That's a lot of enemies and I think you can use their help. Irene Crosswald AKA Bloody Rose is a War Goddess, the combination of an Overblade and a Pokemon Breeder. She's seen and done it all. The police, PATCA, the Prideguard, and even full blown war. You can count on her power and that of her Pokemon. The woman in the fetish wear is her bodyguard, Melanie Crosswald AKA Sadist. She's a Pokesoldier, the combination of a Pokebrid and a Slayer."

"Melanie Crosswald?" Shannon echoed. "Is that your sister?"
"Adopted war orphan," Melanie answered. "We're like sisters, but not really. Anyways, good to work with you."
"Let's see how my daughter has built up the agency while I was in retirement," Irene said. "You are Impact, the Watchmen Chief, correct? We're under your command. Transmitting tactical data now."

New Ally!: Irene Crosswald (War Goddess)
- Callsign: Bloody Rose
- Specialty: Shock Trooper
- Description: Former District Chief of the Fainas Metropolis branch of PATCA. An extremely powerful warrioress that has seen over a decade of brutal combat. The mother of Rayleen Crosswald, widow of Darrell Crosswald, adoptive mother of Melanie Crosswald. Both her real name and callsign inspire respect in her comrades and fear in her enemies.
- Weapons: Sulphyr and Brymstone ~ Irene's twin heavy blades with disturbingly violent imagery stylized onto the hilts, pommels, and blades. The attacks of these swords all have additional damage-dealing potential.
- Armor: Valhalla Guarde ~ Irene's powered armor suit. A prototype powered armor that was awarded to Irene in honor of her services during the war and maintaining the peace of Honmyr by the Honmyran President.
- Slayer Attacks: Bloody Cross (Steel, 100% Bleed, 25% AllStat -1) / Hellspark (Fire, 100% Burn, 25% OnFire) / Baneblade (Poison, 100% Poison, 25% BadPoison) / Freefall Fury (Flying, 100% Crit, 25% DoubCrit) Frostmourne (Ice, 100% Frozen, 25% DeepFreeze) / Grimslay (Ghost, 50% Instant Death)
- Slayer Defenses: Normal, Steel, Fire, Poison, Ice, Ghost -50% / Bleed, Burn, Poison, Frozen, Death Immunity
- Signature Technique: Warforge ~ Self Targeted, Three Turns, AllStat +5, NegStat and Debuff Immunity. Irene may just have what it takes to fight Chuck Norris. Costs 70/100 Rage.
- Shock Trooper Skill: Powerful Presense ~ AllStat +1 to all allied units in formation. Irene's raw talent just seems to bleed on everyone and make them want to tear motherfuckers up as well.
Pokemon Arsenal
1. Balor (Dragon/Poison Legendary)
- Description: A legendary armored dragon whose black scales seem to absorb all light and whose poisonous breath and miasma are believed to be what created the miasma in the Miasma Mountain Range.
- Moves: Exodus Breath (Poison, 170 Power, 100 Acc, 50% BadPois) / Gunk Shot / Draco Meteor / Sky Attack / Gastro Acid / Dragon Rush
- Ability: Miasma Fumes ~ 30% chance of BadPois on physical attacking unit.
2. Unownaut (Psychic Pseudo-Legendary)
- Description: A Pokemon that appears to only those who collect all twenty-eight versions of Unown and goes to an unknown place at an unknown time. Supposedly, the person's memory is wiped clean of the event after the battle, whether the person has captured Unownaut or not.
- Moves: Psycho Boost / Psycho Cut / Psycho Shift / Secret Power / Explosion / Future Sight
- Ability: Levitate
3. Cloyster (Water/Ice)
- Moves: Ice Beam / Blizzard / Hyper Beam / Explosion
- Ability: Shell Armor
4. Sceptile (Grass)
- Moves: Leaf Blade / Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / X-Scissor
- Ability: Overgrow
5. Salamence (Dragon/Flying Pseudo-Legendary)
- Moves: Draco Meteor / Hydro Pump / Fire Blast / Hyper Beam
- Ability: Intimidate
6. Rhyperior (Ground/Rock)
- Moves: Rock Wrecker / Megahorn / Earthquake / Hammer Arm
- Ability: Solid Rock

New Ally!: Melanie Crosswald (Pokesoldier)
- Callsign: Sadist
- Specialty: Medic
- Description: A fiery redhead with a body as good as Kirie's and a perverse nature that could rival Rio's. Adopted into the Crosswald family and has served as Irene's bodyguard (Irene needs one?) in eternal graditude. Enjoys combat and is believed, though not proven, to have a torture chamber where she introduces women to their own dark sides.
- Weapons: Loving Embrace ~ a set of katar that incorporate chainsaws and circular saws, making for some very bloody examples of anyone who dares attack Irene.
- Armor: Night Shift Nurse ~ A sexy, revealing black leather nurse's uniform that panders to the naughty side of your personality. It obviously violates the dress code in so many ways, but there's a surprising amount of durability in this scandalous outfit.
- Slayer Attacks: Un (Dark, 50% Flinch) / Deux (Ground, 50% Acc -1) / Trois (Steel, 50% Bleed) / Quatre (Flying, 50% Crit) / Cing (Fighting, 50% Def -1) / Six (Almighty)
- Slayer Defenses: Normal, Dark, Fighting, Steel -50% / Poison -100% / Flinch, Bleed, Poison Immunity
- Signature Technique: Dirty Needle ~ Single Target, good Poison damage, one random status effect. Ever heard of squAIDS? Want it? Costs 50/100 Rage.
- Medic Skill: Flash Triage ~ 20% chance of healing damage dealt to allied units. If the attack hits multiple targets, a successful Flash Triage heals all affected units. Does not work on status effects or stat debuffs.
Pokebrid Forms and Synchronization Techniques
1. Magcargo (Rolling Fire) ~ Good Fire/Rock damage combo, 100% Burn, 30% OnFire. Melanie pulls herself into her comes and becomes a runaway Magcargo shell.
2. Bellossom (Petaldance Ritual) ~ Heals 10% MaxHP of all allied units, raises morale by 25%. A much-needed bit of assistance at the worst of times.
3. Honchkrow (Murder of Krows) ~ Severe Dark damage, 2 Turn Lockdown, 30% Death each turn. Melanie brings on the night and envelopes her foe in malice-filled blackness. The enemy is locked in animated shadow, takes damage the first turn, is locked down for that turn and the next one, and risks instant death twice.

"I don't know, my lady." Melanie observed for Irene. "I don't think they want us butting in on their battle."
"Well, they can just say so," Irene said. "Far be it for us to jump in on someone else's glory. Hear that, Watchmen? If you don't want us making things easier for you, you can just tell us to get lost. We wouldn't mind, really."

[Dracorion]

Huh. Pierce thought. This is the woman that took a falling Bastiodon to the face? She seems sort of, I dunno, above the kind of thing.

Oh well. Got better things to worry about. Like a horde of psychic satellites, mind-controlled Asuras and a clone of himselffuckyeah! "Ma'am, Miss Melanie, your help is most appreciated! Far be it for me to turn down help from someone as experienced as you."

"Right kids, this one is fairly straight forward. Pick your favorite Ghost, Bug or Dark type attacks and let 'em have it!" Pierce said, and called back Palkia in exchange for Blaziken. "Blaziken, Overheat! Tyranitar, Crunch!"

Then Pierce laughed his defiance and mirth to the heavens. Taking on psychic clones of the team with an invincible enemy on a battlefield where rocks flew around and smashed you randomly? Awesome! Taking the Phantom Staff, he charged, still laughing, at his own clone.

PsyPierce was equipped with his own staff made up of psychic energy, and the two poles met as the clone blocked Pierce's downward swing. Pierce followed with a low swipe, which was also blocked. He thrusted, and the clone dodged.

The two continued to trade blows like this, and Pierce noticed that his clone was actually stronger than him. Which just made it more awesome. Smiling all the wider, he redoubled his effort. Because damned if he was about to let a cheap copy beat him. He swung at the clone's torso, pulling back at the last moment to make way for a thrust kick. The clone dodged, but Pierce had already pulled his kick back, catching it instead with a staff strike to the chin.

This gave Pierce the opening he needed. He struck with a flurry of staff strikes, sending the clone flying back a couple of feet. Deciding he was satisfied with actually beating an improved version of himself, he returned triumphant to the main formation.

Booyah.

--------------------
Renny: Shaymin and Swampert use Air Slash on the Fog.
Rachel: Two Rage Rockets on Pierce and Impact.
Wilhelmina: STAB Dark Shot on Psytellite A.
Melanie: Uses "Un" (Dark Type Slayer attack) for STAB Super Effective damage on PsyMatthias. Base 50% chance of flinching which might be 100% flinch due to Super Effectiveness? Uses X-Attack on Irene.
Irene: Attacks PsyImpact and Psytellite D with Grimslay for STAB Super Effective Ghost damage and 50% base chance of Instant Death. (Doubled to 100% due to Super Effectiveness?) Sceptile uses X-Scissor on PsyPierce. Rhyperior uses Megahorn on PsyMatthias.
Harliette: Vespiquen and Wormadam use Attack Order and Bug Bite (both bug moves) on Psytellites B and C.
Moon: Vaporeon uses Helping Hand on Harliette. Lanturn uses Signal Beam, a bug move on PsyPierce.
Lexhur: Uses Grill Gore for strong dark type damage on PsyRenny.
Charlotte: Spends her Trainer Action to use Future Shock, centered on Psytellite E, Asura Beta E and Psytellite F. Uses Arceus (Poison typed due to Toxic Plate) and his Poison typed Judgement on one of them Asura Beta A to knock it out with Super Effective Damage. Sol-Leks uses Dark Pulse on PsyImpact.
Matthias: Porygon Z, Dark Pulse on PsyMatthias.
Pierce: Tyranitar uses Crunch (Dark) on a PsyPierce and Blaziken uses Overheat on Asura Beta D.
Impact: uses Swarm Bow for super-effective damage on PsyImpact. Pays 75 RPs to use C,C&C.
Shannon: Florescense uses X-Scissor on Psytellite B. Roserade uses Poison Jab on Asura Beta D.
Kurika: Uses Below the Belt for STAB Super-effective damage on PsyImpact.
Milsha: Uses Throat Harpoon for STAB Super-effective damage on PsyMatthias.
Cecilia: Splash Bomb on PsyPierce.
Aster: Lucario form, Divide Dark Pulse between Psytellite C and PsyPierce.
Harliette (2nd): does Desperado to do four powerful randomly aimed typeless attacks (Hopefully there are fewer targets since she attacks last, so there is less chance of a bad random attack).
Pierce's Trainer Attack: Pierce uses Phantom Staff for super-effective damage on PsyPierce.

Menarker: BTW, I just damn realized that all this time, we have been sending out Charlotte's Arcanine and Mightyena and always forgetting their Intimidate ability to put an Attack Debuff on two targets!

[Bard The 5th LW]

"What!" Charlotte shouted, exasperated as Moera entered the stage. "All that just for you to come back like something out of a sci-fi flick! You know what! You're dead enough still. Just for the record everyone, this does not discount the earlier kill I got! In fact, anyone can go ahead and ice this bitch, it won't change a thing!"

Charlotte followed orders and watched as the battle continued to unfold. The Psyshades were certainly something new. Why had Moera chosen them in pqarticular though? Guess its best to not dwell on the relevance of Pierce, Impact, Renny, Matt and her. "Call dibs on the one that looks like Pierce," she called out. She honestly wanted to kill the one that seemed to be like her, but she couldn't pass up the chance to wreck an effigy of Pierce.

OH HAI! Another surprise! Rayleen's comatose mother!

"Seriously?" Charlotte said to no one in particular, "Miss Crosswald the vegetable is coming to save us now? How contrived can this mission get." She figured it wouldn't be too long until that last question was answered. So she decided to occupy herself by giving her pokemon orders.

---

Charlotte: Spends her Trainer Action to use Future Shock, centered on Psytellite E, Asura Beta E and Psytellite F.

Arceus: (Poison typed due to Toxic Plate) and his Poison typed Judgement on one of them Asura Beta A to knock it out with Super Effective Damage.

Sol-Leks: uses Dark Pulse on PsyImpact.

[Astral Harmony]

Watchmen Phase (Turn 5)
- Renny: Fog of War is disabled for the next turn.
- Rachel: Impact's Rage is 80. Pierce's Rage is 55.
- Wilhelmina: 72% damage dealt to Psytellite A (128%). Wilhelmina's Rage is 30.
- Melanie (Magcargo): Irene's ATT +1. 69% damage dealt to Psytellite A (59%). Melanie's Rage is 60.
- Irene: 116% damage dealt to Psytellite B (84%). 119% damage dealt to Psytellite C (81%). Psytellite A has been defeated. Rhyperior switches target to Psytellite B. Psytellite B has been defeated (Critical). Irene's Rage is 70.
- Harliette (Act 1): 145% damage dealt to Psytellite D (55%). Harliette's Rage is 85.
- Moon: Vaporeon is helping Harliette. Psytellite D has been defeated.
- Lexhur: 140% damage dealt to Psytellite G (60%). Lexhur's Rage is 0.
- Charlotte: Uses Poke Co-Op "Future Shock". 52% damage dealt to Psytellite E (148%). 36% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta E (324% & Paralysis). 54% damage dealt to Psytellite F (146%). 99% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta A (101%). Psytellite D has been defeated. Charlotte's Rage is 40.
- Matthias (Porygon Z): 107% damage dealt to Psytellite E (31%). Paradigm Shift Turn 3 of 3. Will revert at end of turn. Matthias's Rage is 0.
- Pierce: Psytellite E has been defeated. 85% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta D (265%). Pierce's Rage is 65.
- Impact: Impact switches targets to Psytellite G. Psytellite G has been defeated. Impact uses LoveTech "Command, Control, & Communications". Impact's Rage is 15.
- Shannon: 72% damage dealt to Psytellite F (72%). 73% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta D (192% & Poison). Shannon's Rage is 10.
- Kurika: Psytellite F has been defeated. Kurika's Rage is 50.
- Milsha: Milsha switches targets to Psytellite C. Psytellite C is defeated. Milsha's Rage is 50.
- Cecilia: Cecilia switches target to Psyshade Pierce. 74% damage dealt to Psyshade Pierce (526%). Cecilia's Rage is 50.
- Aster (Lucario): Aster focuses on Psyshade Pierce. 96% damage dealt to Psyshade Pierce (430%). Aster's Rage is 50.
- Pierce (Trainer Action): 32% damage dealt to Psyshade Pierce (398%).
- Harliette (Act 2): Uses SignTech "Desperado". 89% damage dealt to Psyshade Renny (511%). 73% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta C (547%). 76% damage dealt to Psyshade Impact (524%). 81% damage dealt to Psyshade Pierce (317%). Harliette's Rage is 15.

"Those monsters are pretty damn tough," Rayleen said about the Asura Betas. "They could probably destroy a heavily armored tank, each."
"That's probably what Faynoc created them for," Irene suggested. "Mel's done a lot of my anti-Burkmont research for me. Burkmont and Faynoc are more or less up in arms, with the former trying to force the latter to turn his army into something that could crush any resistance in any part of the world. Nowadays they're trying to one-up each other and secure the loyalty of those Ruin Generals all for themselves."
"By the way, you really should have called me," Rayleen said. "I could have had your RPDA brought along with us."
"Speaking of her, how is she?"
"Even a falling Bastiodon wouldn't break her, Bloody Rose. But she was a bitch to have repaired. I clean her every weekend and polish her every month. Kind of a 'thank you' since she saved your life."
"You didn't think of using her yourself?"
"I felt I wasn't worthy enough."

"All the Psytellites are down," Shannon observed.
As though Shannon reminded her, Moera spawned seven more of them.
"All the Psytellites are up," Shannon observed.
"Just fuckin' perfect," Harliette said after reloading her guns from using Desperado. "If she can just regenerate 'em, what's the point in killing 'em at all?"
"That."
Harliette followed Aster's finger. He was pointing at Moera.
"I'm not sure I follow."
"The Psytellites. The dominating. The Psystorm. They're all products of Moera's immense psionic power. Defeating them will help us in overcoming Moera. Keep it up and she'll be vulnerable to attack."

Faynoc tilted his head.
"Moera, my dear. I don't think those Psytellites are very effective. Try using your psionics for something with a little more oomph, why don't you?"
Moera muttered something under her breath. Probably a desire to wring Faynoc's body out like a wet cloth.

But then there was a sudden scream as a person was violently crushed by the metal they were hiding in.

Oh, my word.

Several large vehicles suddenly pulled themselves out of the Psystorm and merged with a truck and a metal dumpster to form some kind of golem. Even the wrecked body of Cerulean Wildfire and the Dragonmaw Tank were added to its bulk, which meant trouble.

"Come. We're leaving," Faynoc ordered his cultists. "Moera, once you've accomplish your mission, please return home. That Burkmont bastard has insulted me for the last time."

And that's when Pierce saw her. It was only for a brief moment, but he saw someone he knew very well in the crowd of retreating cultists. Before he could think of what to do, Rayleen's voice came over the comms.
"Angel. Sorceress X. Housewife. Pursue Faynoc but do not let him or his cultists see you."
Neither the Watchmen nor Moera could see Kirie, Mika, and Chizuru making their move to stalk Faynoc. Pierce could only feel the missing space where Chizuru once stood, observing the battle.
"Our mission is complete. Unfortunately, we cannot leave with Moera around to cause more trouble. Eliminate her."

--------------------------------
Harbingers of Ascension Phase (Turn 5)
- Formation Update: Psionic Golem has joined the enemy.
- Moera Zwei Z <Boss> (Act 1): Resurrects and fully heals all Psytellites.
- Moera Zwei Z <Boss> (Act 2): Generates one Psionic Golem.
- Dominated Asura Beta A: 26% damage dealt to Melanie (74%/DEF-1). Melanie's Rage is 70.
- Psytellite A: Drains 25 Rage from Pierce. Pierce's Rage is 30.
- Psyshade Renny: Uses SignTech "Seed Flare Flurry". Swampert has been defeated. Swampert's SDEF -2.
- Dominated Asura Beta B: 28% damage dealt to Melanie (46%/DEF -2). Melanie's Rage is 80.
- Psytellite B: Matthias is afflicted with Exhaustion. Psytellite B is possessing Matthias!
- Psyshade Charlotte: Uses SignTech "Groove Full of Boomstick". 86% damage dealt to Sceptile (14% & BadPois). Irene's Rage is 75.
- Dominated Asura Beta C: 63% damage dealt to Tyranitar (37%/DEF-1). Pierce's Rage is 10.
- Psytellite C: Drains 25 Rage from Pierce. Pierce's Rage is 5.
- Psytellite D: Impact is afflicted with Exhaustion. Psytellite D is possessing Impact!
- Psyshade Impact: Uses SignTech "Asskicking Arsenal". 82% damage dealt to Impact (12%). Impact's Rage is 15.
- Psionic Golem: 67% damage dealt to Sol-leks (33%/Launch). Charlotte's Rage is 45.
- Dominated Asura Beta D: Tyranitar has been defeated. Pierce's Rage is 15.
- Psyshade Pierce: Uses SignTech "Heaven & Earth & Hell". Rhyperior has been defeated. Irene's Rage is 80.
- Psytellite E: Drains 25 Rage from Irene. Irene's Rage is 55.
- Dominated Asura Beta E: Paralyzed. Cannot move this turn.
- Psytellite F: Drains 25 Rage from Irene. Irene's Rage is 30.
- Dominated Asura Beta F: 42% damage dealt to Matthias (58%/DEF-2). Matthias's Rage is 0.
- Psyshade Matthias: Uses SyncTech "Powder Punishment". Irene is afflicted with Disable (Grimslay), Confuse, Sleep, and Paralysis.
- Psytellite G: Drains 25 Rage from Irene. Irene's Rage is 5.

The Psyshades fought a lot differently than the people they actually looked like. But, one might admit that their attacks were just as dangerous.

Psyshade Renny attacked by using some superpowerful version of Seed Flare. He literally threw hundreds of glowing seeds at Swampert, rocking the poor Pokemon with more Grass type damage than a critical Leaf Storm.
Psyshade Charlotte was all about the poison Shotgun that Harliette turned over to Charlotte. Irene's Sceptile ate the Psyshade's dancing flurry of kicks complimented by impressive Poison type damage.
Psyshade Impact attacked Impact head on with a combination of the same weapons Impact had equipped. Impact was knocked down, but not out.
Psyshade Pierce's attack was like the Hellfire Pokemon Co-Op than Pierce's Tyranitar and Blaziken shared, except the Psyshade did his attack without Pokemon. A powerful footstomp launched Irene's Rhyperior. Then the Psyshade peppered it with Stone Edges from below, jumped up to tear into it with powerful kicks, and finally crushed it with a fist of searing flame.
And last but not least, Psyshade Matthias used Matthias's Venomoth Synchronization Technique to put Irene on lockdown.

The regenerated Psytellites proved to be a very dangerous foe indeed. Impact and Matthias were inflicted with Exhaustion, which tended to make people forfeit their actions and prevented them from gaining Rage by any means.
"Those Psytellites are still inside the minds of Impact and Matthias," Aster observed. "If we can hit them with psychic attacks, we may be able to disrupt the Psytellites and destroy them on the inside. That should bring Impact and Matthias around."

Psionic Golem
- Description: A mash-up of vehicles held together by Moera's overwhelming psionics. A corpse, mauled by the shifting metal, hangs limply out of the golem's left leg.
- Attacks: Wicked Hook (Steel, 150 PWR, 80 ACC, Launch for two turns) / Plasmathrower (Fire, 200 PWR, 100 ACC, 100% Burn) / Crushing Stomp (Ground, 80 PWR, 100 ACC, 3 Targets)
- Defenses: None, but it has ridiculous amounts of health.

"Damn it," Melanie said, gasping. "They're really tough. There's gotta be a way to defeat them. We just need to hang on."

How did Moera get so powerful? She was so easily defeated by Renny, Charlotte, Lola and Shannon in Mystery Manor, but now they were facing a real bitch. Moera was desperate to slaughter them, and was probably pushing herself beyond her normal limits to overcome so many foes at once.

--------------------------------
End of Turn Phase (Turn 5)
- Poison: 25% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta D (168%).
- BadPois: 7% damage dealt to Sceptile (7%).
- Tyranistorm: 50% damage dealt to all vulnerable enemies.
- Psystorm: 102% damage dealt to Dominated Asura Beta B (468%). 28% damage dealt to Irene (72%). 104% damage is dealt to Psyshade Matthias (441%). Irene's Rage wakes up. Irene's Rage is 15.
- Watchmen Update (Main Formation): [Evolith/Device Space 1] [Matthias (58%/DEF-1)] [Sol-Leks (33%/Launch)] [Arceus (100%)] [Wormadam (100%)] [Harliette (100%)] [Illumise (100%)] [Swampert (Defeat)] [Shaymin (100%)] [Tyranitar (Defeat)] [Blaziken (SATT-2)] [Lanturn (100%)] [Vaporeon (100%)] [Impact (12%)] [Evolith/Device Space 2]
- [B]Watchmen Update (Assist Formation): [Sceptile (7%/BadPois)] [Irene (72%/Conf/Para/DisGrimslay)] [Rhyperior (defeat)] [Melanie (46%/DEF-2)]
- Enemy Update: [Dominated Asura Beta A (51%)] [Psytellite A (150%)] [Psyshade Renny (461%)] [Dominated Asura Beta B (468%)] [Psytellite B (150%)] [Psyshade Charlotte (550%)] [Dominated Asura Beta C (497%)] [Psytellite C (150%)] [Psyshade Impact (476%)] [Psytellite D (150%)] [Psionic Golem (950%)] [Moera Zwei Z <Boss> (Invincible)] [Dominated Asura Beta D (92%/Pois)] [Psyshade Pierce (217%)] [Psytellite E (150%)] [Dominated Asura Beta E (284%/Para)] [Psytellite F (150%)] [Dominated Asura Beta F (540%)] [Psyshade Matthias (441%)] [Psytellite G (150%)]

[Dracorion]

Everything went well. They'd taken out all of the Psytellites, and sure, Moera generated more but she was on her last legs. Faynoc gave the order to retreat, and all his followers began to follow him away from the battlefield.

Then Pierce saw something that shook him to his core.

He saw her.

There was no mistaking it. It was her. It was impossible, but she was here. Dressed in Harbinger robes, waist-length black hair flowing behind her and eyes like shining emeralds, shuffling away with the rest of Faynoc's followers. She seemed well, except for what was obviously wrong. "Sam?"

Pierce took a few hurried steps foward as the Harbingers left, but immediately stopped. "Sam! SAM!!" He called. No response. Dammit. He couldn't get through the enemy formation. If he tried to fly above it he'd get mauled by all the large objects floating by the power of Moera's will.

"Chizuru, Mika, Kirie," He said softly over comms, forgoing codenames. "I w-... If you can, there's a woman leaving with Faynoc, dressed in Harbinger of Light robes. She has black hair and green eyes... please rescue her. It's... my sister."

All gentleness left Pierce as a cold fury washed over him. Fists clenched, his eyes sharpened to twin emerald, staring coldly at the enemies. Tyranitar went down, but he didn't care. His team was hurt, some suffering from Exhaustion, but he didn't care. He himself was struck by the Psytellites, but he didn't flinch. Only one thing mattered now.

They were all going to pay.

[Geminex]

"Boom." Impact muttered to himself as his arrow sped across the battlefield to impale one of the ephemeral psytellites. Strangely, though, it didn't just pierce the... spirit? creation? whatever it was, it actually stuck there, hanging in midair as the wraith went from writing violently, to twitching, to just shivering and then dissipating altogether. A grin played around his lips as the arrow fell to the ground. "Headshot". It wasn't entirely accurate, as he had neither used a firearm, nor had he hit anything remotely resembling a head, but it felt good to say it, to express... confidence.

Despite his confidence, though, he was very acutely aware of the enemy's strength. And aware that one arrow, however well-aimed, wouldn't do nearly enough damage. But that's what they had enforcers for... Impact's grin widened as he devoted himself to planning. He was good at this. And Rayleen was helpful, certainly. And, above all, it was highly enjoyable to see your support forces launch a highly-coordinated assault, destroying a majority of the enemy's forces in the process, and knowing that you were responsible. He could get used to this, though devoting his attention to combat and enforcers left him unable to give orders to the core team. It didn't seem necessary, Renny and Pierce were competent, at least, but still... perhaps he should get back to actually leading.

His train of thought was interrupted when the smoke of their recent assault cleared, and he saw Moera, and her allies. And she seemed to have company, again. Psychic, ephemeral, numerous company. "Goddammit" he swore. "How often are we going to have to kill her minions? Not to mention that golem..."

And that was all he got out before their opponents started striking. They didn't have quite as much attack power as the watchmen, thank god, and Moera seemed to have exhausted herself (for now) resummoning her allies, but they still took quite a bit of damage. And all around him he saw allies suddenly weaken and lose spirit as the Psytellites acted. But that was the way combat went, and as he saw his team prepare to attack again, he decided. He'd be giving orders this time. He didn't want to see what else Moera could cook up for them.

"Counter attack! If she regenerates her little puppets, we'll just have to kill them faster than she can revive them. We did it with Phantomere. Rachel, rage rocket on Moon! Moon, give us a special amp. We're gonna need it. Renny..."

But he got no further before his voice trailed off. Because he suddenly realized that in that smashing, swirling mass of enemy attacks, there had been only two Psytellites. And he realized that suddenly, quite suddenly, there seemed to be... something in his head with him. And this was not good. THIS WAS NOT GOOD AT ALL. He felt himself twitching, shaking. Thinking... strangely, sluggishly. Limbs weren't under control, face was spasming. He could fight, maybe. But that wasn't important. He had something in his head, his mind. This WAS NOT GOOD. A surge of desperation let him get his lips under control long enough to yell into his scouter.

"Oh god something in my head Help Me Get It Out GETITOUT!"

He liked his mind. He had never been affected like this before. And he vowed in that very, very undignified moment that nothing like that would ever happen to him again, if he survived this. And the bitch who had done this to him... well, she would burn. He'd watch her.

((Orders given:
Rachel1: Rage rocket Moon
Moon construct: special amp
Irene1: Unownaut, Psycho boost on lite possessing Impact (lite D) (STAB, Amped)
Renny1: Shaymin Psychic on lite possessing Impact (lite D) (Amped)
Harliette1: Wormadam Psychic on lite possessing Impact (lite D). If that one's gone, then psychic on lite possessing Matt (Lite B) (Amped)))

[Menarker]

Renny was uncharacteristically silent for the longest time. Everything that happened since Moera appeared was a series of soul-crushing events. Togekiss being dominated was completely distressing, however, he was sure that he could possibly recall his friend back to his side. But then his own team-mates issued what could be compared to miniature nuke in the battlefield where Togekiss was, practically betraying any notion Renny thought the group had about comradery before he could even object. That Togekiss survived was a miracle that took a tremendous load off his small frame. However, his contributions and words of encouragement became less enthuastic and more simple compliance with keeping the field clear of debris. His inside twitched as Swampert was knocked out by its own master, the clone clearly more potent than the original was. The enemies respawning as easily as they were summoned didn't make him feel any at ease with the sinking situation.

Then their designated leader started convulsing and fighting with his body and head. Pierce seemed mentally distracted from his sister's circumstances. Renny then interjected, not waiting for further orders from either one.

"Shaymin, use Psychic on Impact! Focus on purging the mental assaults!"

[Astral Harmony]

The battle raged for what seemed like an eternity, despite the fact that only twenty or so minutes had passed. The Watchmen, through their superior skills and merciless efficiency, were crushing Moera's psychic manifestations with all the zeal of a vengeful devil.

As Moera's dominated Asura Beta and even Psyshade Pierce fell to the brilliant assault, Moera's protective layer of psionics finally died out.

"I'm going to finish this, now."

A lot of eyes shot to Irene, who was suddenly aglow with pure white energy in the form of flames. Gravity lost its grip on Irene's hair, and what the hell was she wearing? It certainly looked formidible. Crimson armor with black spikes and gold trim. It had a dragon motif, right down to actual wings and a tail.

Moera turned around just in time to eat Irene's Infinity Crush, forged over years of horrifying, traumatizing combat.

"INFINITY CRUSH!! ...SOARING DAMSEL!!"
"Mom, no!" shouted Rayleen.

Moera had to weigh at least a ton in all of her deformed and oversized glory. Irene launched that bitch like a ragdoll. And promptly went to town on her. Irene's twin broadswords, Sulphyr and Brymstone, cut Moera fast, hard, and repeatedly. Meora banished all of her psychic powers and then focused all of her remaining psychic fury on defending against Irene's attacks.

It was difficult for the Watchmen to watch the battle in the air. Without Moera's psionics, the Psystorm ended and some very large objects fell in random arcs, forcing some of the Watchmen to do some creative dodging. Kurika actually ran up a wall to avoid being broadsided by a sedan.

The Asura Betas that were left alive, no longer dominated nor under the control of Mio's Ruinous Harmonic, were raging out of control. One of them was suddenly knocked on its back...by Irene's falling body. Rayleen blasted right around the freed Impact in a full on sprint, leapt right at the Asura, sliced its face, or lack thereof, in a broad stroke, then emptied all six rounds of her Gunblade into it. A second later, Rayleen was at Irene's side, holding her blade at the ready to defend her mother from further attack.

Where was Moera? Moera stood right in a small pool of water that remained in the fountain, mostly healed but still bleeding. Her left, horribly disfigured hand was clutching her face and forehead, trying in vain to stave off the migraine from overusing her powers. "This is very cliched, but I'll say it anyways," Moera said through stubs of rotting, yellowed teeth. "You haven't seen the last of me."

And with that, Moera teleported away. Ugh. That miserable cunt was really going to get it the next time.

The Watchmen tag-teamed the rampaging Asura Betas until they were all neutralized. Rayleen then stood up. "Daphne, please bring the Rig here. Lexhur, could you help plow a route for her."
"Is the good lady Bloody Rose alright?" Lexhur asked worriedly.
"Yeah," Rayleen sighed. "She overworked herself, as usual. Mom always has to steal the show."

She should join the club. A lot of jerkoffs have been stealing the show as of late.

The Rig, with the help of Lexhur, muscled its way into Prime Square. Heidi worked with Kurika to load Irene, who was now in her original armor, into the Rig. A body fell from the roof and landed solidly onto the road, frightening several people.
"Demon. Law enforcement and emergency service vehicles are approaching fast," Wilhelmina said, walking out of the smoke plume she made when she impacted the road.
Rayleen nodded and faced the rooftops. "Sorceress X. Update."
"Disappeared into the sewers as a team," Mika responded. "Angel sent Housewife down there all alone. Would that be okay?"
Rayleen poked at her right cheek. "Yeah, that should be fine. With a remaining force that small, I doubt Faynoc would do something stupid like go into Metal Hell."
"Metal Hell?"
"The subways and sewers connect to it in various areas. It's usually inaccessible, but enough force or the right hacking skills would get you inside. But nobody wants to go in there. Lots of bad shit. And oh hey, what do we have here?"

Mio Kazetsubaki, who had just healed herself up, climbed out of the cake shop, her armor caked in...cake. Rayleen strolled up to her like two friends who just happened to see each other. "I know who Eldys Asherah is," she said.
"Then we have much to talk about, Rayleen Crosswald." Mio said calmly, removing her helmet. Just like Rayleen, Mio had long, shiny black hair. Mio's eyes were black like obsidian. She had the features common among people from Hiroshiho, which made sense is she was Empress Sakuya's daughter.
"You're abandoning Faynoc?"
"I never really was his vassal in the first place," Mio shrugged. "Everything I've done, everything I've become...it was all for my honored mother."
"I'd like to speak to Empress Kazetsubaki, myself. As soon as I deal with the feds."

Dormond was almost instantly by Rayleen's side. "I'll take care of that, my lady." he said. "You all must be terribly exhausted. Please return to the agency and relax. The media will be in hot pursuit and you're far too soaked in blood to be in camera."
Rayleen chuckled tiredly, then turned to the rest. "Well, you guys heard the butler. Mission complete. Let's get out of this shitstorm before the fecal matter puts a dent in the Rig."

The ride back to the agency was uneventful, accept for having to wait for the various emergency vehicles to pass by. Then Heidi smoothly steered the vehicle back home. Lexhur followed closely behind, and a few of the Watchmen, like Kurika and Marionata, rode of the Ruin General of Steel. Twiloch rode inside the Rig's shadow.

Shevenston was eagerly awaiting the crew when they returned. A blonde girl with the top of her head hidden behind a visor and skullcap stood motionlessly next to him. She had two large Mantyne fins coming out of her back, which suggested that she was another Pokesoldier. Shevenston wasn't surprised to see Irene. "I suppose she talked to you first, Regional Chief?" Rayleen asked.
"I tried to convince her to not get involved since she had only just regained consciousness," Antonio apologized. "But you know how your mother can be."
"Indeed, I do." Rayleen said, then looked at the blonde. "Laurith, how are you doing?"
The blonde nodded quietly. Rayleen turned to Mio, who obediently exited the Rig under careful watch from Wilhelmina and Whitney. "Mio, please wait for me in the lobby. I won't be long."
"Of course," Mio said, then walked right on inside.
"Chief Shevenston, would you mind coming with me? We've picked up some interesting individuals that want to strike a deal with us."
Shevenston eyed Marionata and Twiloch as the former hopped off of Lexhur and the latter materialized out of the Rig's shadow. "More Ruin Generals? Tell me that these are at least housebroken."

While Mio was a dangerous enemy during the battle in Prime Square earlier that day, she proved to be very kind and polite now that the fighting was over. She was becoming fast friends with Whitney, Cecilia, Shannon, and Lola. Bretton even bothered to help Mio feel at home by flirting with her. At least, it was assumed that was Bretton's intentions.

The Watchmen were dismissed with very little of an explanation about this Eldys Asherah chick. Rayleen and Mio were keeping it very hush-hush. There was currently no word from the Kimonos about Millenium House, either. Despite all that happened, the day had wound down in a very anticlimatic way. It did do wonders to help ease away all the adrenaline. Nobody saw Marionata, Twiloch, Rayleen, or Shevenston for the rest of the day, but they did see Laurith.

Laurith was a senior member of PATCA. Unfortunately, she was mute. According to Lola, who actually knew the girl, Laurith lost her vocal chords fighting in Metal Hell, and had a greater amount of information to spill about it than Rayleen volunteered. Early in Honmyr's rapid development, even before the empire turned into a republic, a lot of heavy shit needed to reach a lot of places. The Trans-Honmyr Redevelopment Network, or THoRN, was a sprawling underground series of tunnels and elevators. Now it's fallen into disuse, and is flooded with some of the region's most dangerous Pokemon, particularly Water, Rock, Electric, and Ground types. The elevators were sealed and many of the accessways from modern subway and sewer systems were welded shut. There were still ways in there, but it was strongly encourages that nobody enter what was at this point called Metal Hell. However, Pokemon Trainers tend to be a recklessly brave sort, and neutralizing all creatures within Metal Hell was turned over to the Prideguard.

"Metal Hell's network of tunnels and dropoffs is not very good for the heavy military weapons the Prideguard relies on so much," Harliette offered. "Besides, it's good training for those who wanna get really strong. Although these days, I hear there're things far more horrific down there than high level violent Pokemon. Given what we've learned from the Prideguard...y'know, their dealings with freaks like Faynoc, they may actually have a hand in it. I think it would make sense. Only fools venture forth where angels fear to tread. Come to think of it, when I used to be in a gang, we pretty much made our territory right at one of those elevators. It's sealed off, but there's a small maintenance shaft you could just blast the lock off of and boom, you're in Metal Hell."
"Did you go in there, sis?" Lola asked.
"Fuck, no. What'm I, retarded? But y'know, if I tried, I might've caught a lucky break. They say places like Metal Hell and the Miasma Mountain Range are places where it's highly possible to encounter Pokemon nobody else has ever seen. That chick Ricewood pays out some hefty bounties for undiscovered Pokemon."

Renny knew that far too well. There was an article about his Mollesk in the Honmyr Informant, Honmyr's most successful newspaper. He was also one hundred thousand Pokemon Dollars richer for the discovery.
But not just about his Mollesk. This mission, like the bank mission, was going to be another fat article on the front page.

[Menarker]

The mission's success had put an end to the intensity of the situation. Faynoc was being tracked down, presumably without notice. The opposing forces of Faynoc's cultists and the Prideguard were quelled. Mio and two new ruin generals defected to PATCA. Muon was successfully rescued.

However, Renny practically missed the entire conversations between everyone in the Rig as he waited impatiently for their arrival back to the headquarters so he could bring his pokemon directly to medical care. As effective as standard medicine was, nothing was a substitute for proper attention and rest. The enormity of everything that went over his head this mission shook his leg into a slightly jittery state. Thinking back on the mission shook his nerves, but he couldn't help himself. Tossed into a maelstrom, he felt responsible for everything that happened to his pokemons and even his gut clenched at what could have happened. The sniper that wounded Pierce's Kingdra could have very well have be targeted toward himself or one of his pokemons. The Pokegeddon so casually created a catastrophe with their sheer and neglectful use of their powers, that their removal from the battlefield was a blessing in disguise. If the battle continued as it did, their success would not have been certain. Adding to all his worries were the new sort of attacks that his pokemons were taking in his defense. Domination and weapons. Until now, he felt confident in his abilities as a trainer. The battles he had done for PATCA up to this point had all been pokemon battles, and he felt he performed admirably. But pitted against killing weapons and military forces, Renny felt pitably small in comparision and he felt the fear of death inside him like a scar.


As the group returned to PATCA, Renny immediately headed to the medical facilities, where upon he summoned his pokemons, looking them over briefly while waiting for someone qualified to attend to them.

SWAMPERRTTT EEEERT! *Damn it! I can't believe I got knocked out at such an heated moment! I wasn't strong enough!* He pounded the floor once in a show of frustration.

Shaymin hay! *Scary! I wasn't allowed to fight back while I had to blow all that dust away while everyone was still fighting! So scary! I would have preferred actually fighting!*

MOLLLLLL!!! * IT BURRRRNNNNEDD!!!* His tentacles were partly outstretched and it flailed limply but erratically in a sort of absentminded panic, potentially even unaware that the threat was over.

UMMM BRE BREEE...oonn... *I kinda wish Renny used me more often. I may not be terribly strong, but I can still fight! I hope he doesn't think I'm holding him back...* She looked a bit glum as she laid herself to nap on the floor.

Magnezone zone! *Opposition's strength beyond expected levels...* It hovered, looking somewhat dented but otherwise being the sturdiest out of all the pokemons aside from Umbreon.

TOGeeeGEeeEE! *RENNY! I'M SO SORRY! AAUUWAAHHH!* The fluffy pokemon practically buried his face against Renny, as if begging forgiveness for his weakness that caused him to turn against his beloved friend.

Renny sat on the chair holding Togekiss by his side reassuringly, watching his pokemon's expressions as he questioned what could he possibly do... if there was a next time.

[Astral Harmony]

It Ain't Funny Bein' A Lopunny

Harliette entered the small lounge for the medical ward, clutching her stomach and apparently in very good cheer. She seemed so preoccupied with laughing that Renny waited a while before addressing her.

"Hey, Renny. Get this shit," Harliette said. "Pokemon Mating Season is already starting to rock this region, and just like the Pokemon, those with Pokemon DNA in their bodies are also affected by it."

Harliette took a seat next to Renny, even though she had already had her Pokemon healed up. "Rachel's in there, too, and they're starting to give off pheromones like crazy. You can literally smell the bitch in the two of 'em. I guess that's why I haven't seen any of the other Pokebrids around lately. Well, except for Dormond. You can tell he's hot and bothered as well, but he composes himself nicely."

Before Renny could give off any kind of retort, Harliette stood back up and took Renny by the hand, pulling him out of the chair. "C'mon, y'gotta hear this," she said with a mischievous grin, then yanked him over to the door. It was left slightly ajar, so Renny and Harliette could hear the whole naughty exchange.

"You know, Lola, this is a good opportunity to hook up with Mr. Tresserhorn."
Lola gasped. "Wuh-what? What are you talking about?"
"You're not very good at hiding your emotions or guarding your expressions," Rachel chuckled. "I saw the way you looked at him during that last mission. You should totally go for it. You two would look so cute together!"
"Do you...uhhh...do you really think so? Wait, this isn't right!"
"It's perfectly alright, Lola. I mean, if not Renny, then what're you gonna do while it's mating season? Just curl up in your bed and masturbate until you fall unconscious?"
"That's really perverted, Rachel."
"You're still going to do it though, right?"

Lola was silent, which prompted more laughter and teasing from Rachel. Harliette motioned for Renny to stand back, then Harliette knocked on the door.
"Hey, Lola, it's Harliette again. Renny's here to get his Pokemon checked out."
"Oh, is he now?" Rachel asked, then opened the door. She and Harliette smiled at each other, then both walked into the lounge where Renny was waiting with his Pokemon. "It's all you, boy." Rachel said with a wink.
"Play your cards right and you can land my sister tonight," Harliette said with a thumbs up.
"Ms. Phelps!" Rachel called in. "I'm going to take my supper now."
"But you were eating the whole time since you got back," Lola stood at the door, but Rachel simply gave her a small wave and exited with Harliette, leaving a confused Lola and a bewildered Renny alone in the medical ward.

Renny noticed a remarkable change in Rachel. Rachel's eyes were slightly wet and dreamy, and it seemed like she was giving Renny a rather perverse stare. She was, if Renny could describe it, a lot friendlier.

"Oh, Renny. Would you like to come inside?"

Lola suddenly blushed at what she said and quickly turned around to go back inside the office. Renny was quite surprised to see how much this mating season had changed Lola. Lola looked at Renny like he was a bacon double cheeseburger with mayonnaise and she hadn't eaten in three days. Her breathing was a little more rapid and pronounced, and as Renny followed Lola inside, he could detect the scent of Lola. It wasn't any perfume Renny had smelled. And the smell made Renny's body warm.

Lola had Renny recall his Pokemon and then place them in the healing machine that was pretty much the same thing as those in Pokemon Centers and certain other high traffic locales. She began diagnostics of the Pokemon. Unlike the Pokemon Center version of this machine, Renny could see what was being done to his Pokemon. The Pokemon were subjected to various sprays or beams of light, depending on their condition. Slowly but effectively, the Pokemon were healed of their more serious wounds first.

-----

Charlotte's Trophie Mysteriously Vanishes...Or Not

The glass jar that held the blood of Phantomere was broken. There wasn't a drop of blood left in it.

But it didn't take Charlotte long to discover what had happened to it. There Chibi-Phantomere stood, looking like some kind of cute plush toy, apparently too frightened by how high the shelf was to attempt to get down. Phantomere locked eyes with Charlotte, then shrinked back from her.

"No! Please don't kill me! I! I can help you! Really, I can! Please don't flush me down the toilet or make me a chewtoy for your Pokemon! I don't taste very good!"

Charlotte hadn't even said or done anything yet and already Chibi-Phantomere was begging for his life. This was going to be a rather strange night. One day they might get to fight a Ruin General who dies in a more permanent way.

-----

Eldys Asherah Introduces Herself

"I'm surprised you remember this place, Rayleen. You were such a little girl the last time I brought you here." Irene told her daughter.
Rayleen nodded. "This is where Darrell proposed to you. It's kind of an important place for me as well."
Irene slowly froze, then started slowly walking again. "You used to call him your father. So, you know, don't you?"
"I've known for a very long time, actually." Rayleen looked at the sky. "I just never said anything. I kinda always wanted to believe that Darrell was my real father until you would tell me, but that day never came."
"I'm sorry I never told you."
"Relax, Mom. I'm all right with it. I don't fret over shit I just can't change. I am Vladier Burkmont's daughter. Just like Alice. Just like Mio. Just like Discord."

The two women walked closer to the center of the park clearing. "But that's not why you brought me here, is it?"
"You've been in a coma for a while, but I think you can still remember what you were telling me about before that incident."
Irene nodded slowly. "Right. Eldys Asherah."
"It can't just be a coincidence that I met Mio. And if Mio knows, it's because Sakuya knows. I thought this woman spoke only to you."
"She probably would have just told me and only me. However, I refused to help."
"But it's extremely important, isn't it?"
"Think about the kind of woman I am, Rayleen. I can do just about anything I want with my life, but I am bound. There are too many oaths. Too many promises. I can't just do what Eldys needs me to do, even if my pathetic inaction would condemn this world to destruction."

Rayleen's gaze sharpened. "And that's why you told me. You wanted me to do what you cannot bring yourself to."

Irene didn't say anything.

"I'm bound to a lot of the same oaths and promises that you yourself are. People believe in the both of us, despite the fact that they believe in me more because I'm your daughter than because of what I can do."
"I believe in you because of what you can do," Irene said. "Is that not enough?"
Rayleen shrugged with a smile. "We're avatars of justice, Mom. I couldn't give a shit less if no one believes in me. I do what I can do because it's what I gotta do."

"And if you must do what would turn the whole world against you in order to save it, you would have an entirely different opinion of what is important to you."

Rayleen ran around Irene to see the young woman as Irene simply turned around. She had long and wild fiery red hair, long elven ears, revealing white leather with red fur, a mysterious long staff, eyes as clear as the ocean blue, and white tribal style tattoos all over her body.
"My daughter, I would like to introduce you to Eldys Asherah."
"She's not human," Rayleen observed bluntly.
"In her opinion, we might be the ones who aren't human."

Eldys approached slowly and steadily. "So, you would not help me, but you would have your daughter help me?"
"That's the plan," Irene said. "But she's not ready to assume a role so unbearably difficult, yet. Nobody really is."
"I...I just don't know what to do."
Irene turned to Rayleen. "Honestly, don't worry about it right now. We know what Burkmont's going to try and do in response to that battle in Prime Square."
Rayleen nodded, unsure of what her mother was asking for.
"I've spoken with Antonio. We have a plan. Antonio will tell you all about it later. Over the course of the plan's execution, I want you to find a certain something in the Miasma Mountain Range..."

-----

And Three Days Later...

"You."
Pierce looked around himself.
"Yes, you! You're coming with me."
Harliette approached him as the sun finally set. "I need a drinking partner and you look like you could knock a few back. Feel like going out for a little nightcap?"

Pierce found that he didn't really have any plans for that night, anyways. Aside from maybe trying to seduce Chizuru, but since Chizuru was still tracking Faynoc, he was left with nothing.

The place was called Tarot, which was bizarre because it had absolutely nothing to do with tarot cards or readings. It was a three-story structure.
"Bar on the first floor, dance club on the second, fuck rooms on the third," Harliette said. The night started off as usual. After a few drinks, Pierce was already warming up to the night. With not so much as an excuse, Pierce left the bar and was already dancing with a Beautifly Pokebrid. He wasn't hammered enough to not notice that Pokebrids were probably eighty percent of all dancers on the floor this night. He had heard about mating season, and he knew exactly what that meant.

He could get a whole lot of play for the next three months without really trying. This Beautifly Pokebrid was clearly hosed. The only thing holding her back from jumping Pierce was all the other dancers. Then Pierce remembered the third floor. Maybe after a few more dances...

"I see you're having what I'm drinking. Good choice."
Harliette turns around in her seat to see a man that she hasn't seen before. He didn't seem too obnoxious, and if it wasn't him, then some other jerks would ruin her mood, so Harliette decided not to tell him to fuck off. "I like it. I'm not quite used to the kick, though."
The man took the seat, or rather, seats next to her. "I do find it incredibly relaxing to enjoy a good drink after an entire day of shipping manifests and disgrunted workers and deliveries that were interrupted or never happened." He frowned.
A club like Tarot saw a lot of different types of people, but usually not the wildly successful ones. "Strange seeing a wealthy businessman here. You do your own shipping and whatnot?"
"Oh yes, I run my own company. We have a presence in a few cities, nothing too big. Business is good, though."
"Not many wealthy businessmen I know would actually be a Pokebrid. Especially a Snorlax Pokebrid." Harliette observed. Despite the fact that mating season kicked off strongly, this guy was very in control of himself, just like Dormond.
"Hoho hohoho! Well, like I said, business is good. I thought I'd give myself a treat, and Snorlax does make for tending to my garden better. What about you, young lady? What do you work in?"
Harliette's face was a little red from the alcohol starting to kick in. She lit a fresh cigarette. "Well, I used to be a good-for-nothing criminal. Now I'm just a good-for-nothing agent for PATCA. I do wind up in enough fun situations to keep me interested, though. We were just recently involved in a large battle. Prime Square got its ass handed to it. So me and my buddy Pierce are here. I imagine he's shacking up with a drunk Pokebrid by this point. It is mating season, after all."
"PATCA, eh? What's that like?"

Pierce and the Beautifly Pokebrid were doing some serious grinding until the both of them couldn't stand it anymore. Pierce quickly paid the fee to use one of the rooms on the third floor. Pierce's good deed for the evening done, he was getting tired and so just moved straight down to the first floor, where he found an inviting couch...and a sexy young Gorebyss Pokebrid. Well, why end the evening with just one conquest?

"So, young lady, we've been conversing for a while and I haven't seen your friend. I'm starting to think that maybe that's just a story you tell to pick up handsome old farts like me."
"You're a confident son of a bitch, aren't you?" Harliette laughed, then looked around. "He might've already passed out upstairs with some bimbo or-oh, there he is."
"My word, is that Pierce Granger?" The man laughs. "Small world indeed!"
"You know him? And here all this time I though he was raised by Arcanines or some shit."
"Why yes, in fact he used to work for me, oh, about a year ago. He never said he was quitting to join PATCA, though. I must say he has traded up."
"Pierce, working as a minimum wage office bitch? Even with this much alcohol in me, I'd never believe it."
"Yes, well, there's a lot of things you wouldn't believe about Pierce Granger."
The man then pulled a watch out of his jacket and quickly scanned it. "Oh dear, is that the time already? Well, dear, I'm afraid I must be going. Listen, can you do me a favor? Could you give my card to Pierce?"
He handed Harliette a card. Harliette didn't actually think to look at it. "I would very much like to catch up with an old friend."
"Yeah, no biggie."
"Thank you very much, young lady. I enjoyed our conversation very much. Oh, I don't believe I introduced myself. My name is Horace Mugworth." He introduced himself, shaking Harliette's hand. "I hope to meet you again, good night. Please do give Pierce my card."

The next morning started off with an interesting surprise. Pierce woke up with a hangover, probably a common occurance. He recognized his room in the PATCA building, but for the life of him couldn't recall how he got back here from Tarot.

Then he turned over.

And she opened her eyes.

"Oh, shi-!" Harliette screamed before pushing herself away from Pierce so far that she fell out of his bed. Clutching her head from the migraine, Harliette stood up and came to realize that both she and Pierce were dressed in what they were wearing last night, and the only things they had bothered to remove were their shoes. "Huh. I must've passed out in your bed by mistake. Sorry."

Then Harliette started to dig through her pockets. "I put it somewhere. I know I-oh, there it is."
There was some kind of card, face up, on the small table on the other side of the bed. "I uhhh...I'll go get some coffee and water and whatnot," Harliette said, then froze just as her hand touched the doorknob. "Hey, come with me real quick, would you?"

Pierce, fighting his throbbing head, walked over the door. Harliette had him look outside, then she exited. "If anyone saw me exiting your room in the morning, it could start some rumors that I think neither of us want. Anyways, I'll be back, shortly."
The card was still on the small table. What importance could a stupid card possibly have?

[Bard The 5th LW]

Charlotte went back to the others to the agency without a word. She was willing to act calm about it upon the initial revelation, but Moera escaping was bothering her. She wanted to kill her again. It wasn't even her desire to kill something new, she just wanted to see the bitch stop breathing, and then feed her Sol-leks.

And then feed the waste to Hammond.

Their was the pokeggedon to. The Prideguard, Faynoc, all of them. There were so many more she could've torn apart. They may have ended the riot, but it didn't feel like a victory to her. The first mission? A victory. She helped be the first to kill the Ruin pokemon, and she instilled fear into Moon and Shannon, even if it didn't last long.

2nd mission? Pretty cool. She killed some undead guys, and that was fun. She also played a role in getting rid of Phantomere, who's remains were on top of her fireplace. She thought she killed Moera, but that was taken away from her. A sullied memory. The memory of finally finishing her in the future would be twice as great though.

She silently walked and dropped her pokemon off at the medical ward. She saw Renny moping. She considered going over there and picking at him, but that would be too easy. She had to go make someone else feel really bad about this day.

That was when she saw Bretton, making conversation with Mio. Mio joining them pissed her off to. He didn't know? Perfect.

"Hey Bretton," she said walking up to him and pointing to a chair, "why don't you take a seat?"

---

Later that day, Charlotte went home and walked back into her house. She took off her coat and hung it up on the hanger. The house was a pretty reasonable size, two floors, one bathroom. It was very quiet though.

Charlotte was tired. The mission felt like it had dragged on forever. She got some things to be thankful for though. Fucking Arceus for one, and she also managed to score a leg and a Pincer off the Crownlegs. Just one more thing to add to the trophy room. She made her way upstairs first, she stored the Arceus away in a small safe before going back down into the trophy room.

The trophy room also doubled as her living room. All across the dark brown expanse were several stuffed corpses and an occassional head. There was a Ryhorn skull on the bookshelf, a stantler on the wall, and a Linooned on the Fireplace... hey wait a moment.

The Urn. It was knocked over. Everything was gone. Nothing else seemed to be missing though. 'Did Nicholas come over?' She pondered for a moment before hearing a tiny footstep. She turned around and lifted an eyebrow at possibly the most hilarious and strange thing she had ever seen.

"No! Please don't kill me! I! I can help you! Really, I can! Please don't flush me down the toilet or make me a chewtoy for your Pokemon! I don't taste very good!"

"You know what? Fine. You have absolutely as much time as you need to explain this to me on the circumstance I get to record it," she ansered as she pulled her camera off the table nearby and started filming. At first, she took up the photography thing mostly offhandedly, but she was getting more interested in it, to a point that she actually went out and bought a better camera. Seeing as how she could get this on record, it was well worth it.

[Dracorion]

Pierce was just about ready to follow Faynoc down the sewers now that Moera was done.

And what? It was a maze down there, there was no way he'd be able to pick up their trail. The best option was to wait for Chizuru to report back with Millenium House's location.

So it was reluctantly that Pierce walked, or sulked, back to the Rig. He sulked all the way on the ride back to base, too.

He dropped his pokemon off at the medical center without paying any mind to anyone. Most of them had taken a beating, Tyranitar in particular looked like he was in pain.

-------------------------
Three days later

And then Pierce sulked for three more days, until Harliette caught him in one of the hallways.

"You."
Pierce looked around himself. "Me?"
Yes, you! You're coming with me."
Harliette approached him as the sun finally set. "I need a drinking partner and you look like you could knock a few back. Feel like going out for a little nightcap?"
Drinks? Hell yeah, he needed a few right now. "Sure."

The place was called Tarot, which was bizarre because it had absolutely nothing to do with tarot cards or readings. It was a three-story structure.
"Bar on the first floor, dance club on the second, fuck rooms on the third," Harliette said.

The night started off as usual. Pierce had a few, or a lot, of drinks.

"Hi there." Pierce looked to his left to see a Beautifly Pokebrid. A damn good looking one at that. It didn't take long for them to leave and go up to the second floor, where he did not fail to notice most of the dancers were Pokebrids. It was Pokemon Mating Season, after all.

Before long they went from grinding on the dance floor to grinding on one of the upstairs bedrooms. The deed done, Pierce paid the fee for the room and went back downstairs to keep drinking. The night was still young, and he still hadn't drowned his depression in alcohol.

So he sat down on a couch, before being promptly approached by a Gorebyss Pokebrid. It seemed he wasn't going to get nearly enough drinking done tonight.

--------------------

The next morning started off with an interesting surprise. Pierce woke up with a nail going through his head, figuratively. He knew this was his room in the PATCA building, but for the life of him he couldn't recall how he got back here from Tarot.

Then he turned over.

And she opened her eyes.

"Ffffffffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-" He started, at the same time she said "Oh, shi-!"

Harliette screamed before pushing herself away from Pierce so far that she fell out of his bed. Then both she and him realized they were still wearing their clothes from last night. "Huh. I must've passed out in your bed by mistake. Sorry."
"God, I hope so."

Then Harliette started to dig through her pockets. "I put it somewhere. I know I-oh, there it is."
There was some kind of card, face up, on the small table on the other side of the bed.

Harliette left (after making him check outside to make sure there was no one around, so no one would see her leaving his room), and Pierce went back to rubbing his throbbing forehead.

He hadn't gotten that drunk in years. He remembered little from last night. Just the Beautifly Pokebrid, and then Gorebyss, and then... Vespiquen? And the rest was just a drunken blur. God, it took a lot of booze to get him that wasted, unless it was Renny's wine.

Pierce noticed the card was still on the small table. Pierce picked it up as he focused to read the letter. What importance... could a stupid card...

Horace Mugworth.

Son of a bitch.

--------------------

"You son of a bitch."
"Is that any way to greet an old friend, Pierce?"
"So now you're leaving cards with my co-workers?"
"Well, I didn't want to start a scene and get you in trouble, m'boy."
"What do you want?"
"Well, m'boy, I'm in town on business. Delivering some materials and recieving a hefty sum and some favors in exchange."
"Get to the point."
"My partner is Reynold Faynoc. I believe you know of him?"
"You son of a bitch!"
"And who do I see, strolling around his secret base? None other than Samantha Granger. I must congratulate you on hiding her existence from me the entire time you worked for me."
"If you touch her, I swear to God-"
"I don't know if I could stop myself, m'boy, you know what the season is, and dear old Sam is such a tasty treat."
"I swear to God, I will kill you."
"After all, I have to celebrate somehow after what Faynoc and I just finished. And none of it could've been possible without you, Pierce."
"What are you talking about?"
"Do you remember that equipment you stole from Ricewood Masterworks? What do you think it was for? Yes, Pierce, I was working with Faynoc even then, and you were helping me."
"You're lying."
"Am I? You'll see. Anyhow, I haven't even gotten to the best part! Do you know what we're building, Pierce? As you should know, Legendary pokemon DNA is rather volatile. It can be tricky to make a person into a Legendary Pokebrid, and the process is long. What we've done is build a machine that can make the process much shorter, I mean a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, it's not perfect. There's a 50% chance that the subject will perish."
"..."
"No witty retorts, Pierce? No death threats or insults left? Why, you should be happy! You're responsible for the deaths of half the people that step into that machine. And there's so many of them, Pierce. Faynoc's influence really is something. They're all just lining up!"
"... I'm going to stop you."
"I have no doubt you will. There's a package waiting for you at the front desk of the PATCA building, m'boy. It contains the location of Millenium House, and all the proof you need to know I'm not lying about this. Do come quick."

Horace hung up the phone, and Pierce cursed.

[Menarker]

"Hey, Renny. Get this shit. Pokemon Mating Season is already starting to rock this region, and just like the Pokemon, those with Pokemon DNA in their bodies are also affected by it."

Renny instantly recalled the conversation he had with Lola during the night of the second party where she had revealed the pokebrid's particular side-effect. He didn't get far in his thoughts as Harliette continued, sitting by his side. He was already intrigued by her previously uncharacteristically friendly behavior, but the topic gave Harliette Renny's undivided attention.


"Rachel's in there, too, and they're starting to give off pheromones like crazy. You can literally smell the bitch in the two of 'em. I guess that's why I haven't seen any of the other Pokebrids around lately. Well, except for Dormond. You can tell he's hot and bothered as well, but he composes himself nicely."

Renny was shocked to hear those words, but even more so for her to clench him by the arm, tugging him toward the door.

C'mon, y'gotta hear this."

Renny could have almost have protested, but his alert sense of hearing perked up within the first line and curiousity made him shut up and listen...

"You know, Lola, this is a good opportunity to hook up with Mr. Tresserhorn."
Lola gasped. "Wuh-what? What are you talking about?"
"You're not very good at hiding your emotions or guarding your expressions," Rachel chuckled. "I saw the way you looked at him during that last mission. You should totally go for it. You two would look so cute together!"
"Do you...uhhh...do you really think so? Wait, this isn't right!"
"It's perfectly alright, Lola. I mean, if not Renny, then what're you gonna do while it's mating season? Just curl up in your bed and masturbate until you fall unconscious?"
"That's really perverted, Rachel."
"You're still going to do it though, right?"

Renny was too speechless to be put anything into words. Renny's pokemons whom have followed behind him and Harliette had a ridicolous range of expression. Magnezone merely hovered undisturbed and Mollesk was currently oblivious to the situation. Shaymin smirked with a wry grin and Swampert practically nudged Renny with a congratulatory gesture. Togekiss blushed practically as feverishly as Renny was feeling but smiled earnestly with a marveled expression and... was Umbreon chortling deviously under her breath!? Clearly, she was the most amused out of them all by this situation. Renny then was nudged aside by Harliette.

"Hey, Lola, it's Harliette again. Renny is here to get his Pokemon checked out."
"Oh, is he now?" Rachel asked, then opened the door. She and Harliette smiled at each other, then both walked into the lounge where Renny was waiting with his Pokemon. "It's all you, boy." Rachel said with a wink.
"Play your cards right and you can land my sister tonight," Harliette said with a thumbs up.

Renny weakly waved farewell to the two of them, practically shell-shocked by the bombardment of a bad day and a sudden switch to what practically amounted to a confession. The look in Rachel's eyes seemed to reveal so much about what the nature of this mating season was all about and it sent his mind reeling. His pokemons followed Renny inside and Umbreon seemed to grin wickedly toward Rachel and Harliette as if they were sisters in crime. Clearly someone uses the technique Nasty Plot in their spare time!

"Oh, Renny. Would you like to come inside?"

Renny then looked at Lola directly for the first time since he entered the room. The response was staggeringly overpowered. For quite a while, he had been obsessed with how Lola felt in his imagination ever since their last conversation together. Whom she was thinking of. What she was thinking of. In his brightest daydream, he had thoughts that she might have liked him... a lot. In his worst trauma, he dreaded that she would twist a knife in his heart either directly or through some indirect longing for another. And ultimately, either way, he would always wonder if she was happy. But hearing those words that Rachel said, that Harriette said and that even Lola herself had said. And the way she looked at him left him wondering just what he should do. Things would be so much easier if he had some idea what he should be doing. Her scent compounded the situation as he somehow felt a great deal of his stress melt off from his shoulder.

Renny recalled his pokemons, (Umbreon sporting that perpetually cheeky grin as he recalled her!) and watched with relief as somehow, just seeing the sprays and rays of light bathing his Luxury balls with his own two eyes reassured him that they would come out in perfect shape.

"Thank you so much Lola. They really took a beating today. And I really appreciated your support back when I called you. You were a most... welcome sight" Renny almost flushed as he recalled Lola popping out of the gift box wearing only red ribbons during the particular use of Prosperous Gift as he tried to thank her without bringing too much attention to that particular level of detail.
"Everything was so intense. So many things happened, it was just about overwhelming. Fighting against soldiers with guns and military weapons, I couldn't help but feeling constantly on the edge. Seeing everyone else being attacked was a dark feeling and I hoped that everyone else was ok. How about you? How was things on your end? How are you feeling?"

[DanteFalcon]

It was over. The fight was done. Matt let himself collapse backwards, his form reverting back to it's Venomoth state as he hit the ground. This kinda fight wasn't for him. Controlling and expelling that much energy at once had done a number on the energy. Combined with the exhaustion the psytellite had inflicted, albeit briefly, and he was damned near passing out on the spot. Still somehow he managed to walk back to the vehicle and take a rest. He was greatful for the emergency vehicles passing by as it gave him more time to rest before the agency. A rest he was glad he took advantage of by the time they returned.

Upon getting out he had regained his plain composure, looking as enigmatic as usual. And they were greeted by Shevetson no less. A rare oppurtunity had presented itself so Matt took advantage of it, listening and analyzing the small amount Shevetson said and listening to what his instincts said. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to learn anything of merit before he left. A shame...he'd have to do some more information gathering on his own it seemed. Upon being dismissed he nodded mutely, leaving quietly and returning home to rest up. Hope I did you proud today.



Mating season. His least favorite time of year. For the most part he kept himself out of the way of society, leaving only briefly to eat and go into the PATCA building for work. Even so he found his eyes drifting a bit more than they usually did, eyeing the curves of women and paying particular attention to their ample.....Ahem. He mentally reprimanded himself on the way to the PATCA HQ. He had some research to do and couldn't afford to be sidetracked.

Eyes on the job Matt. Eyes on the job.

[Dracorion]

Three days earlier...

Pierce came by the medical center after a bit to pick up all eight of his pokemon. Even the ones that didn't do any fighting could've used a little pick-me-up, after all.

He left the medical center, depressed as hell and utterly clueless as for what to do. Sam was... with the Harbingers of Light. Nobody was pulling her away, it didn't look like she was being forced, and she didn't respond to his calls. She... had to have been brainwashed. Had to have been.

Pierce sighed as he headed back to his room. Maybe he'd go out for drink ton- wait a minute.

He stopped dead in the middle of the hallway and released Tyranitar from his pokeball. Tyranitar immediately fell to one knee, clutching his chest and breathing heavily. "Hey! What's wrong with you?" Pierce asked him, a worried look on his face. The healing machine should've cured Tyranitar of any ailments and healed any wounds, so why was he in pain now?

He returned Tyranitar to his pokeball and took off. Screw the medical center, he went straight to Ricewood Masterworks. "So what is it, what's wrong with him?" Pierce asked the professor, as Tyranitar was being checked up. He was informed that there seemed to be no physical or psychic reason for Tyranitar's pain. They were going to keep him overnight for a more extensive check-up, and Pierce should come back in the morning. "Allright, thanks doc. Take care, buddy." He said regretfully to Tyranitar.

-----------------

All in all? Horrible day. Sam was kidnapped, probably brainwashed, and now his closest friend (which some people would consider to be rather pathetic in and of itself) was suffering from a mysterious pain that appeared for no apparent reason.

And so Pierce went out for drinks. Despite the fact that it was mating season, he turned down all comers and just concentrated on the glass in front of him all night.

-----------------

The next morning, Pierce woke up with a killer hangover. It took him a while to realize he was naked, and that the shape cuddling up to him seemed strangely familiar.

Was that a leathery wing...?

Oh God no.

Pierce closed his eyes, desperately wishing that it wasn't true.

Please please God no. Please.

"Mmmmm... Good morning Master."

"NNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOO-"

------------------

"Never. Again." Head throbbing slightly, Pierce stopped by Ricewood Masterworks the next morning. "So what's the ne-" "ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR" He was interrupted by Tyranitar's roar.

==============
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS CONTAIN GRATUITOUS AMOUNTS OF PIERCEXTYRANITAR SEX. SKIP TO THE END FOR A SUMMARY.
==============

"Tyranitar?" Even as Pierce approached him, Tyranitar's body was enveloped in a bright light, and he began to change.

He grew larger and... spikier. As the while light vanished, Pierce saw that Tyranitar's hide had grown darker. The rhombus on his chest was now dark red, and there were new triangular holes on his arms. "Adamantitar." Despite his more frightening appearance, Tyranitar's voice was soft and calm.

Pierce approached him slowly? "Adamantitar? What- what happened?" Then he was pulled into what he realized was actually a hug. And not Tyranitar's usual bone-crushing hugs. It seemed Adamantitar was somehow more docile.

==============
SUMMARY: Pierce and Tyranitar have hot gay buttsecks. Tyranitar evolves to Adamantitar through sheer force of orgasm.
==============

"Professor... what just happened?"

[Astral Harmony]

Renny Achieves Intimacy Rank 6 With Lola (there's 10 of 'em, Menarker)

"How about you? How was things on your end? How are you feeling?"

Lola, still blushing, couldn't bring herself to look at Renny's face. She stared out through the window, scratching her cheek.
"Oh, I'm alright. I'm not exactly used to fighting bona fide soldiers, but things like that are prone to happening all the time in Honmyr."

Still trying to keep her perverse mind occupied, Lola used a pen as a makeshift mustache. "Renny, I hate to put the pressure on a man so young, but I have a feeling that trying times are fast approaching Honmyr, and for a lot of the peace-loving individuals who live here, just like you and me, we're more or less trapped."

Now that Lola's mind was focused on something else, her initial composure pre-mating season was starting to return. Still, there was the intoxicating scent of her pheromones. "Perhaps 'trapped' is a harsh word. More like we're being made to do something that is entirely inordinary. I mean, honestly, agents fighting soldiers? And here all this time I was hoping to marry a good young man and settle down in a beautiful, small town where everybody knows everybody else's name and nobody needs locks on their doors."

Lola drained a cup of tea and sighed. "And that's why I'm kind of jealous of women like Rayleen and Kurika. I understand that if someone truely wants peace, they should be prepared to fight for that peace. I think that the two of them like peace as much as I do, but they've got real talent when it comes to fighting for it, and they even seem to like fighting."

The angelic nurse then did something uncharacteristic. She scooted closer to Renny and took one of his hands into both of hers. "Renny, let's forge a pact! Or something like that, right? We'll be each other's strength! We can't fight our fates, but if we've got each other, we can at least be strong knowing that we're not alone out there."

Her eyes...was Lola...crying? "I...think I'm crazy, but now that you've told me how you felt about all this danger that we've been put in, I feel like it's very important for me to respond in kind. You're a very important person to me, Renny. My father couldn't replace you, my sister couldn't replace you, not even my greatest desire could replace you. Sometimes I feel like my morning doesn't even start until I see your smile and hear you say 'good morning.' It's all because of you that I have the strength and courage to fight. It's because of you that I actually want to stay in PATCA and keep working hard for a better tomorrow."

Lola wiped her eyes. "You must think I'm just saying crazy stuff, right? How embarrassing. I guess I'm just not myself right now."

-----
Pierce Studies Under Ricewood

Ricewood removed her glasses. Judging from the way her eyes squinted, Pierce surmised that Ricewood's eyesight was pretty shitty. "It's becoming a rising trend here on Honmyr. Pokemon are being pushed to their limits every single day, especially for you fine warriors up in the agency."

Ricewood lit a cigarette and walked over to check out a sleek and sexy white RDPA. Judging from its size and curvature, this particular powered armor was for Jeanette Ricewood's own lovely form, and considering its large number of weapons, this armored bitch was custom made for war. "There's also the theoretical relationships between Pokemon and their trainers that is still in the researching phase."

And then Ricewood actually donned the RDPA. Before the eyes of Pierce and his Pokemon, Ricewood turned to her right and unleashed the wrath of two deadly photon morning stars on two mockup tanks, putting craters in the both of them. "Perfect! That bastard Faynoc is going to regret messing with me."

Then Jeanette froze. "Wait, what was I saying? Oh, yes. The way it's suggested by most Pokemon professors, myself included, it's because of a strong combination of trust, faith, and pride. Your Tyrani...rather, your Adamantitar evolved because he wants to be able to do more for you. He wants you to believe in him. He basically wants to forge a good future for the both of you, so he willed himself to assume a stronger role which would support his desires. So be grateful and treat him with respect."

-----
The Empress Arrives

On the fourth day since the battle in Prime Square, she arrived. She was wearing her RDPA and was joined by a small garrison of samurai, ninja, and high-ranking shrine maidens.

"Allow me to present the supreme and wonderful Empress Kazetsubaki Sakuya of the Hiroshiho Empire. I am her trusted general, Takayuki Silk."
The samurai armor-style RDPA sighed. "Silk, I can introduce myself, you know."
Silk stood up and stepped aside. "My humblest apologies, my Empress."
Escorted by Irene, Sakuya stored her RDPA in the special garage and joined Irene in the round table chamber, a special meeting room that was entirely unmonitored. After Irene sealed the door, nobody could listen in by any means.

"So, I heard that Burkmont's demand to put Rayleen under house arrest for interfering in Prideguard business was granted," Sakuya said to Irene after she took a seat at the round table. "I just saw my daughter. What the hell did that monster Faynoc do to her?"

Irene took a seat on the other side and kicked up her feet.
"I could've disputed the issue and got my way, but I have some plans. Considering that my daughter was only filling in for me while I was in that coma, it's only natural that I take up the helm again. Besides, if I did fight Burkmont's wishes, it could only lead to him declaring war on Honmyr. He's got eyes all over PATCA now, just waiting for an excuse to go to full blown war, and the only thing holding him back is this idea in his head that he has time to make his Prideguard even more unstoppable for conquest of the world."
"As for what Faynoc had done to your daughter Mio, his experiments are based on some very well thought out projections. Still, one cannot fully and accurately calculate all events that may occur during a first attempt. We should be so lucky for only that much to have happened to her. Anyways, we don't have a lot of time. I'd like to bring you up to speed quickly, if possible."
"Please do."

Irene closed her eyes. "Rayleen's house arrest wasn't the only thing that Burkmont demanded. We also had to turn over Arceus."
"You refused that demand, right?"
Irene was silent.
"You fucking idiot! Eldys said that Arceus was absolutely crucial!"
Irene held up one hand. "Burkmont knows this as well. However, just like the rest of us, he doesn't know why Eldys needs Arceus so badly. Still, Eldys decided to part with her own Arceus for now. We somehow managed to transfer it from the card format that Eldys's race used to the Pokeball format that we do. Then we gave it to Major Grant. Hopefully, he doesn't realize that it's not his actual Arceus."
Sakuya blinked. "Wait, what? Eldys had Arceus?"
"An Arceus," Irene corrected her. "Just like this world, there was an Arceus that created Eldys's world. Eldys brought it here in her Duelist Deck."
"Duelist Deck? What is that, some kind of children's trading card game?"
"Apparently in Eldys's world, Pokemon are captured by binding them into cards. A number of cards with monsters bound to them form a Duelist Deck."

Sakuya decided not to ask anymore about it. "But now that I think of it, it doesn't make sense. This world has already been created. Now that this world exists, isn't Arceus just a powerful Pokemon?"
Irene shrugged. "Eldys need this world's Arceus, for some reason. Maybe Arceus has another function. However, Eldys has assured me that we don't need Arceus at this point, so let's just leave it with its current trainer."
"And who would that be?"
"Charlotte Beaufort AKA Madame Ursaring. There's going to be a small leadership transfer from Ray Green AKA Impact to her tomorrow, volunteered by Impact himself. You can see the both of them, then."
"Why would I need to see this Impact character?"
"Eldys has designated him as a Chosen One."
"Great. Seems like every time I turn around, that crazy elf is declaring that bizarre title to someone else. First I was a Chosen One. Then you became one. And somewhere down the line both Vladier Burkmont and Reynold Faynoc were handpicked. And now some guy here in PATCA? It doesn't feel so special to be chosen, anymore."

Irene pulled out one of her swords and examined it. "Eldys is desperate to defeat this enemy she calls the Knomere that she insists are currently on their way here. We can't entrust this world to maniacs and degenerates like Faynoc and Burkmont. So, PATCA's operations will focus on eliminating those two, and anyone who gets between us, which is a large number of the Ruin Generals. I believe in PATCA, but I know this is way beyond their skills, even with all the new help. Which is why I invited Mio to join. Which is why I'm inviting you to join me as well."
"After what you've told me, how can I refuse? When do I get introduced to Impact?"
Irene stood up and walked to the door. "Tomorrow. Though not personally. We will bring Impact into the fold later. Very soon, I expect us to be involved in taking down Faynoc. I'm sure you'll want to be there, considering what Faynoc has done to your daughter. If you're ready, I'll take you to her, now."
"Yes, thank you."
Irene and Sakuya met Rayleen and Mio outside in the courtyard Pokemon Ranch, bathing a hulking Bastiodon. Just as soon as Mio saw her mother, Sakuya embraced her daughter. Irene and Rayleen smiled at the reunion. Apparently, this was a time when mothers and daughters were finding each other again after long separations.
"I'm sorry that I joined the Harbingers of Ascension, Honored Mother." Mio apologized. "I wanted to gain great power so that I would no longer disappoint you."
"You were never a disappointment to me, Mio."
"But I was born from Vladier Burkmont. It must have shamed you greatly."
"Don't worry about that, Mio. I'll never be ashamed of you. Burkmont, however, is in for a lot of hurt."
"And with my power, he's in for even more."

[Menarker]

The angelic nurse then did something uncharacteristic. She scooted closer to Renny and took one of his hands into both of hers. "Renny, let's forge a pact! Or something like that, right? We'll be each other's strength! We can't fight our fates, but if we've got each other, we can at least be strong knowing that we're not alone out there."

Her eyes...was Lola...crying? "I...think I'm crazy, but now that you've told me how you felt about all this danger that we've been put in, I feel like it's very important for me to respond in kind. You're a very important person to me, Renny. My father couldn't replace you, my sister couldn't replace you, not even my greatest desire could replace you. Sometimes I feel like my morning doesn't even start until I see your smile and hear you say 'good morning.' It's all because of you that I have the strength and courage to fight. It's because of you that I actually want to stay in PATCA and keep working hard for a better tomorrow."


Renny was all aglow as she held his hand, and nothing could pull his attention away from this gentle angel. For a moment he was perflexed by the proposed pact that he thought he already lived by. But as her eyes watered and she continued onward into a confession, he felt touched... and even a slightest bit ashamed at how small a person he was being scarcely minutes ago. The simple profound revelation that this gentle and practically divine figure was supporting herself emotionally and went through her days with himself on her mind... It shook from him the self-centered reflections he had been brooding on.

Lola wiped her eyes. "You must think I'm just saying crazy stuff, right? How embarrassing. I guess I'm just not myself right now."

"Lola..."

Renny stepped inward holding her in his embrace. It was a high, as if standing on the precipice, not knowing if the next inch would cause him to fall. In all his daydreams about her, his lack of experience never prepared him for everything she had confessed. But to not share his feelings as he felt them now would have been unfair to someone like her.

"None of that is crazy. Not one bit. Lola, I'll stay at PATCA as long as you are here... I... I want to be stronger. I was so worried about seeing people hurt, but I am also scared of dying. I want to live. With my family. With my pokemons. With my friends. But I don't want anyone else to die either. Especially not you..." Renny almost choked as his throat was tight, although in the embrace it was hard to see. His hands squeezed a bit harder, almost even possessively so as he said this. But hearing you say that you trust me like this... I want to be able to say that I can become stronger. To do something even I didn't know I can, because I hear you say you knew I could. Yes. I promise. I can't help but feel like I want to protect you. I want you to have the same courage I see you have every day. I'll protect you. I'll fight for you... and... I want to live for you..."

Renny knew before he entered the room that he wasn't strong enough for what was coming. But it now dawned on him that it wasn't that the challenges were too difficult. He wasn't doing enough. He'd have to get stronger... somehow. For everyone like Lola whom were putting themselves in his hand... He had to do his part not to let them down. Especially not Lola.

[Dracorion]

Ricewood removed her glasses. Judging from the way her eyes squinted, Pierce surmised that Ricewood's eyesight was pretty shitty. "It's becoming a rising trend here on Honmyr. Pokemon are being pushed to their limits every single day, especially for you fine warriors up in the agency."

"That's... fascinating, actually." Pierce said, furrowing his brown in thought. The implications were... well, fascinating.

Pierce noticed Ricewood's RPDA. So she was a Slayer? Huh. He wouldn't have pegged her for a fighter like that. It was armed to fight a nuclear war. "There's also the theoretical relationships between Pokemon and their trainers that is still in the researching phase."

"Hmmm... What do you mean?"

Ricewood went on to put on her RPDA and blow up two fake tanks. Hot damn. "Perfect! That bastard Faynoc is going to regret messing with me."

Then Professor Ricewood froze. "Wait, what was I saying? Oh, yes. The way it's suggested by most Pokemon professors, myself included, it's because of a strong combination of trust, faith, and pride. Your Tyrani...rather, your Adamantitar evolved because he wants to be able to do more for you. He wants you to believe in him. He basically wants to forge a good future for the both of you, so he willed himself to assume a stronger role which would support his desires."

"So... if Pokeweapons are pokemon that evolve further, to the point where they become mindless creatures... then, Adamantitar evolving a third time, without losing his senses, and if anything becoming even more docile. It's amazing."

"So be grateful and treat him with respect."

Pierce looked up at Adamantitar. Amidst his depression, it wasn't lost on him what Adamantitar had just done for him. "The pain... you knew what was happening, and you tried to stop it. You didn't want to turn into a monster and hurt me. Thank you."

He looked at Jeanette. "So pokemon are aware that they can evolve further? And they know what they would turn into if they did. So they're constantly willing themselves not to evolve. The mental strain..." Then Pierce remember what he'd just seen, what he'd ignored due to admiration for Adamantitar, scientific fascination, and worry.

"Professor... what do you have against Faynoc?"

[Astral Harmony]

How To Buy Tickets To the Gun Show

"Huh? Sure thing, babe." Bretton said before taking a seat. "Yo, Mio, baby. I'll talk to you later, yeah?"
"Yeah," Mio said simply before exiting, stage right.
"Ah, what a sweet kid, y'know?" Bretton asked without really demanded an answer. "Anyways, did you wanna say something to me, or were you perhaps overwhelmed by my manliness and my awesome abs?"

Yeah. Bretton was going to be an interesting guy to talk to. But Bretton's pride in his body was well-deserved. The guy was probably all of two or three percent body fat. His fiery red leather jacket was open, showing a rather tight t-shirt underneath that revealed Bretton's well-worked physique. The guy must've hit the gym every single day...or the mean streets to beat up motherfuckers.

-----

Chibi-Phantomere Explains It All

"It's rather annoying, actually." Chibi-Phantomere began. "This isn't the first time this has happened to me, and even I get really annoyed when I can't just die properly. However, despite my utter disdain for this ridiculous form, I do still tend to latch on to this life, or rather, unlife."

Chibi-Phantomere sat on the high shelf so his legs dangled over the edge. "The last time this happened to me was when Gaea did that whole Tri-Scar thing that created the Tri-Scar Canyons. Anyways, you seem like the type that doesn't really care for stories, so I'll get to the point. The last time it happened, it took me a thousand years to fully return to my original power, and even then I still got, to quote the vernacular of the current generation, quite pwned. So, I'm done with it. I've turned over a new leaf, though I'm not exactly sure what new life I attend to live."

"To put it bluntly, I'm undecided on what I want to do now, but I do know one thing. I'd like to continue living, or rather, unliving. So, if you're willing to spare me, I'd be willing to assist you. You struck me as a woman who has been longing to settle a large number of personal grudges for quite some time, but the people who have done you wrong seem to continue getting away. If you're willing to learn about what I can do for you, then maybe you can start settling some of these overdue injustices."

Chibi-Phantomere struggled to climb down to the shelf below, but tripped himself up and fell all the way to the floor, prompting Charlotte to reaim the camcorder. The laughably miniature Ghost Ruin General struggled to his feet and rubbed his head. "Owww...at any rate, I offer you a very powerful addition to your arsenal in the form of my assistance. I suppose I could train you on it now, but this is hardly a good place to learn about great combat abilities. Fortunately, if you're willing, I could invade your mind while you slumber and explain the power I offer from within your dreams. If you're willing to spare me, then I'm willing to help you in kind. And maybe you'd be grateful for what I offer by also giving me apples to eat?"

Chibi-Phantomere craved apples? What's next? He gives Charlotte a Deathnote? Still, more power that could go towards killing those who pissed Charlotte off sounded very attractive.

-----

A Promise Forged By a Couple of Love Freaks

The hug lasted for a good while. But, like all awesome things, it eventually just had to end.

"Miss Phelps? It's Rayleen. I need you and the other medical specialists to join me in the general discussion meeting room number one in five."
Lola was both sad and happy. She didn't want to let Renny go. But she didn't want to lose all of her remaining inhibitions and pounce on him right here and now.
"I'll be right there!" Lola called, then reluctantly parted with Renny. "Must have something to do with the budget. You guys kinda overdid it on Rage Rockets. Those things aren't chump change. Did you know you could buy a Master Ball for all the money that was spent on that battle? And to my knowledge, Master Balls are still unable be produced by current technology yet."

Lola stopped at the door, then turned back. "Right, then. It's a pact. Well, pact doesn't sound very nice. It's a promise. I'll be courageous and stronger and I'll protect you, too."

And then she was gone.

-----

Pierce and Jeanette, a Strange Dynamic Duo

Jeanette stared blankly at Pierce for a second, then sighed. "As of about thirty-six hours, confirmed members of the Harbingers of Ascension have abducted my daughter, Myrie Ricewood."

"Faynoc was a colleague of mine in the field of proto-science. Well, that's what every scientist calls it. When a lot of scientists say that it can't be done, then you turn to the eccentric geniuses like Faynoc and me who say that it can be done. And then we go out and do it, because when it comes to a scientist, the reputation is more important than anything else, even love. Hell, Myrie was the product of a one-night stand during a vacation I was taking to Luci Beach. You might even know her father. His name is Bretton Collings, who I believe joined the agency roughly nine months ago."

That musclebound Flareon trainer knocked up Professor Ricewood? This was unexpected.

"I think he's seeing another girl, so I didn't bother to tell him about Myrie and vice versa. But Myrie's gotten along well enough with only one super-busy parent. We couldn't be together as much as we liked, and now this has happened. Reynold Faynoc has abducted my daughter. Now I'm going insane, waiting on pins and needles for a fucking phone call or an e-mail about where to go."

Jeanette sighed once again. "I'm sorry. It's not right to bother you with my troubles. Anyways, that's why I created White Avatar, this powered armor you see right here. It's my best invention yet, and even though I know it'll get Faynoc's diminuitive rocks off to see me blazing in with this white armor, desperately searching for my daughter, it'll still make me feel a little better than stumbling in with just my Pokemon. Though my Pokemon are quite able as well."

As though on cue, two of her Pokeballs opened on their own, revealing the mighty legendary Water and Ground type Pokemon Kyogre and Groudon, respectively. Kyogre's Ability of Drizzle and Groudon's Ability of Drought cancelled each other out, which prevented the internal weather from souring the stagnant environment by their immense presenses. "I'm going to take that motherfucker and test my new Creamatorium Cannon on him," Jeanette said with a chilling edge in her voice.

-----

And Here Come Six More Evil Bitches

"She's playing around, again."
"You know how Gaea is. She hasn't taken a battle seriously in her entire life. I'd say that it's only thanks to her superior skills that she's lived this long."
"True, she's nearly unbeatable, but I'm still concerned. Eldys knows about the Knomere Fleet. And judging from her having Arceus in her Duelist Deck, it's possible she also knows about the Arceus Driver."
"Silly, silly Arceus. These worlds were made for our benefit, not for the benefit of those who ultimately toil for us in the end."
"What is this Pokemon Advanced Tactics and Counterterrorism Agency? They're starting to show some fearsome promise."
"A number of individuals who are supporting Eldys have been working in secret to form a special dream team of the finest warriors on the target world. A lot like what Eldys did on her world."
"Heh heh heh. And look what that got her. Her world was enslaved and all of its bounty, whether produced by the planet or made by her race, became ours."
"Don't forget the damage that Eldys did to the Knomere Fleet in the end. They still haven't recovered from it. And if she's learned from her mistakes on her own world, she could cause us no end of trouble."
"We'd still win, and actually I'd prefer it that way. I love it when the odds are stacked against me. Otherwise, battle's just a fucking bore."
"I'd prefer to have more information, myself."
"Information? We can't rely on that kind of thing from Gaea."
"Which is why I think one of us should go planetside and see what their real strength is."
"Sounds interesting. I'd like to go."
"...You go."
"What?! Her?"
"She knows how to follow orders, Murder."
"And I can't, Cherrylette?"
"All I want is intel on the strength of our strongest opponents. I can count on Sexy to do that, and only that, which is all I require. Sexy, can I count on you?"

Both women turned to the third, who had just been silently standing there, not even interested in the conversation. "Sexy will go."
"Excellent. Let's watch them for a little while longer. When the time is ripe, Sexy will strike."
"It's been a long time since I've seen Sexy fight. I'm eager to see if she still has what it takes to be one of the Hexagon Harem."

[Dracorion]

Jeanette stared blankly at Pierce for a second, then sighed. "As of about thirty-six hours, confirmed members of the Harbingers of Ascension have abducted my daughter, Myrie Ricewood."

Pierce was shocked for a minute, then reacted. "... I'm sorry, Professor." He started pacing back and forth. "Thirty-six hours ago? That was during the battle at Prime Square. If the battle was a distraction, then what importance does your daughter have that he'd go through all that trouble?"

"Hell, Myrie was the product of a one-night stand during a vacation I was taking to Luci Beach. You might even know her father. His name is Bretton Collings, who I believe joined the agency roughly nine months ago."

And another shock for Pierce. "You're shitting me. Bretton is the father?"

"I think he's seeing another girl, so I didn't bother to tell him about Myrie and vice versa."

"Sorry to break it to you, but he's seen a lot of girls. Bretton's kind of a player, or likes to think of himself as one at least." Then Pierce realized he was no only offending her child's father, he was completely ignoring the fact that Myrie was kidnapped. "Ah... sorry."

"But Myrie's gotten along well enough with only one super-busy parent. We couldn't be together as much as we liked, and now this has happened. Reynold Faynoc has abducted my daughter. Now I'm going insane, waiting on pins and needles for a fucking phone call or an e-mail about where to go."

"I'm sorry. It's not right to bother you with my troubles. Anyways, that's why I created White Avatar, this powered armor you see right here. It's my best invention yet, and even though I know it'll get Faynoc's diminuitive rocks off to see me blazing in with this white armor, desperately searching for my daughter, it'll still make me feel a little better than stumbling in with just my Pokemon. Though my Pokemon are quite able as well."

And then she released Kyogre and Groudon from their pokeballs. Damn. "I'm going to take that motherfucker and test my new Creamatorium Cannon on him," Jeanette said with a chilling edge in her voice.

"Professor... you shouldn't go alone. Bring PATCA in, they'll back you up." Then Pierce hesitated, looking at the ground dejectedly. "... The Harbingers have my sister too."

"Professor, just promise me you'll call PATCA, okay?"

-----------------

Pierce left Ricewood Masterworks feeling like a filthy hypocrite. He asked Professor Ricewood to call PATCA, and yet he would most definitely go after Sam by himself if he knew where she was.

Well, Adamantitar was fine, though that problem was replaced by Aria. He had no idea how he was going to deal with her.

As soon as he got back to the Agency, he made sure to finalize the ownership transfer of Palkia and Dialga to himself.

----------------
Three Days Ago, Into the Future

It wasn't so much Pierce Granger as it was a walking maelstrom of unbridled fury that stormed out of Pierce's room, almost knocking over Harliette as she came back. Without so much as a word or a thought for her, Pierce ran off. There was no need to interrogate Harliette, since he already knew what had happened.

He stopped only to pick up a Full Restore and two Max Revives, and select his team. Adamantitar, Blaziken, Metagross, Aria, Dialga and Palkia. Horace wouldn't know what hit him. He picked up the package at the front desk, opened it and quickly scanned it.


So it was that Aria was flying toward Millenium House as she carried Pierce. Their conversation had been put off, and she didn't try anything. She understood, because Pierce had explained the situation to his pokemon before heading out. As they flew, Pierce studied the plans for the machine. It was a bitch to read them with the wind flapping them around, but he managed.

Ginnungagap... now who the hell came up with that?