victory_road | 025 // Log

[Like a sensible person, Joker has brought a trio of Psychic types to help bring this whole mess under control- the ever present Angel the Mime Jr, Mylo the Gallade, and Myra the Gardevoir. Like a shitstarting jackass, Joker has also brought a trio of Pyroar- BB, Florine, and Rose Red.]

[If Myra and Mylo look uncertain, it's because they have the right to be.]

A

So how much fire is too much fire?

[..Like that nonsense entirely. Myra looks to the nearest person, silently requesting help with this idea.]

B

[It doesn't take much for Joker to be discouraged from setting the world ablaze- possibly because he was just doing it to mess with people- and soon enough he seems to have set himself into a rhythm. Team Psychic helps chase and herd the various Poison types through narrow paths set up by copious amounts of fire from Team Lion Horde. He whistles to whoever is nearby.]

Got anyone who knows how ta sing or somethin'?

Probably the amount of fire you're thinking of is 'too much fire'.

[John the shiny Gallade looks up at the bats uncomfortably. He does not really want to be part of this, but he will if he has to.]

Even just a tad?

[He gives his most innocent grin, even as Myra sighs and shakes her head.]

Yeah. I know you by now.

[John just sighs and taps a 'blade' against his leg.]

How should we start, boss?

[Expression turning a little more serious, he glances towards the forest.]

Well, I'm thinkin' we can herd all the wild Pokemon inta one spot and then do some sorta status effect on 'em all... What do ya think?

That sounds good... though I don't have many Pokemon with status effects. For the herding, though...

[He whistles, and Regal and Speck the Talonflame land nearby.]

Hey, can you get them all together? This is a bigger area... Regal, try a quarter circle left and then a quarter circle right. Keep it low but without clipping. Speck, I need you to do a bob and weave through the trees. Push them our way and we'll take care of it. Try not to attack if you don't have to. Got it?

[The two birds squawk their agreement, and fly off with their orders. Tobias turns to Joker and grins a bit.]

Circus training's helpful for a lot of things, huh?

[Joker grins right back, eyes crinkling.]

Teaches ya all sortsa valuable life skills, dunnit? Anyway, I'll send Myra and Mylo over ta oversee things, make sure no stragglers wander off.

[That's all the pair needs to set off themselves and he stretches his arm in front of his face.]

Aaah, what excitin' days it looks like we're gettin'.

Sounds good to me.

[He nods at the assessment, though.]

Yeah... and so soon after one of those weird weekends. I liked having my wings back, but it was kind of hard to fly in space.

I can imagine. Gravity, and whatnot.

I don't remember details myself, because I guess that's how things are, but have a good time?

Yeah. I think so. It's always nice to be able to fly again, even a little bit. It always makes me miss home a little...

[But not too much. Because of reasons.]

[That is very personal and tricky territory, and Joker knows better than to venture in when he could set off who knows what. So instead he taps his chin.]

I wonder if there's a Pokemon that could help ya experience that sorta feelin' again.

Maybe. I should see about working on that harness for Regal again.

Have ya tried ta look on the ‘gear ta see if there’s anyone who’s good with leathwork and the like?

[Just casually chatting while cleaning up a natural disaster, no big.]

I need to. I'm kind of unsure where they'd get leather from, here... I guess from Miltank and Tauros?

Back home I’d say yes, but here’s weird…. Still not sure where we even get our food from, if I’m honest. But there’s stores and stuff, right? [He could keep going, but he hears a familiar Pokemon call and looks away.] Ah, think that’s one a mine sayin’ we’re good.

True.

[He tilts his head and listens and... yep, that's a confirmation from Regal.]

Yep. I guess you're on, boss.

That I am! Always in the center a spotlight, ha ha! [As he starts to jog off, Joker glances back at him.] Want ta get an aerial view ta see the big picture?

Sure. I'll take pictures.

[He whistles, one high and one low, and Regal comes streaking towards him, landing in front of him. Tobias climbs on and grins.]

Just whistle if you need us.

[He squeezes Regal as he gets settled, and the large bird flaps his wings.]

I'll keep herding them towards you guys.

We’ll see ya about!

[And he takes off running, accompanied by a worrying number of fire lions. Mylo and Myra are doing their job well with expertly coordinated attacks that can only be pulled off by a psychic-bonded pair, and laughs at the stampede they’ve practically created and are coaxing.]

[He came here purely by chance, but amidst all the trees, the grass, and all the grass types, those fire types certainly stick out.

It's none of his business, but he approaches cautiously.]

Erm... Are you certain this is the best approach?

[A Bisharp and Seviper lurk behind him, the former leering at those lions.]

[One of the Pyroars brushes against Joker's legs, baring her teeth, and Joker pats her down. There there.]

Well, won't hurt, will it? Lotta Poison types are mixed with grass or bug types.

True, and you certainly can't go wrong when exploiting type effectiveness. My biggest concern is our location.

[He gestures at the surrounding trees, bushes, and other greenery.]

It would not take much to set a chain reaction, and without a water type, I fear I'd be of little use.

Aaaah, common sense prevails again. [A dramatic sigh before he grins.] Guess we’ll just have ta be careful, then. So what do ya have with ya?

Well...

[He scoops up a Pokéball, releasing a solitary Seviper. His Bisharp looms close by, slashing at a helpless Weedle.]

Not much, though I suppose their immunity to poison is a boon in this scenario.

[It's frustrating, too, because he'd a much more robust roster before.]

We can work with that! S’all about bein’ clever more than anythin’, right?

[Joker rubs his chin and surveys the scene again.]

See… what I’m thinkin’ is… Maybe we can herd all the troublemakers inta one space.

Ah, excellent suggestion! The tricky part will be finding a space narrow enough to keep them cornered, but I'm sure we'll manage.

[Turning to his Bisharp, he flashes a grin.]

Now, Bane. Why don't you put those blades of yours to good use?

[Though he hisses, the Bisharp turns toward some incoming Bulbasaur, slashing at the air. Yeah, he's good to go.]

That’s the spirit!

[Unable to clap his hands on account of only having the one, Joker snaps his fingers with a bright grin.]

S’what the fire is for. All we have ta do is be careful how much we use, but it outta keep anyone from runnin’ off too quick. Know or meet Tobias yet?

Not that I recall. I take it he's a friend of yours?

[Perhaps an important figure, even? Well, he'll wait for a response before drawing conclusions. In the mean time, he directs his Seviper to assist with the pesky dinos.]

Yeah, he’s the Flyin’ expert of my circus. If ya talk with him over the ‘Gears, he can help keep an eye on how the Pokemon are travelin’ and if any of ‘em start runnin’ off. S’a handy thing ta have when we’re handlin’ this much Pokemon.

Oh! Well, I'll try to get in touch, then. In the mean time, I suppose we'll have to make do with what we have.

[Fortunately, one of the benefits to having a snake is its ability to coil around targets. Hissing, said snake launches at a Bulbasaur and wraps its tail around its belly.

It's not an immediate solution, but it may at least scare some of the others ino retreating.]

Ha, that we will!

[Giving a whistle to guide the lion horde, he starts to jog around to where some of the other Pokemon have scattered.]

We’ll herd around whatever tries ta run off, just keep shakin’ ‘em up a bit!

C'mon Cerbee! Bulldoze, again!!

[Jimmy can be heard shouting...a bit distantly? For some reason? That's weird.

...at least, until you notice that he's perched on the shoulders of a massive Tyrantrum who nearly towers over the trees of the forest, stomping his feet and causing tremors that either send those Poison types running for cover, or knock their HP down enough to make them think twice about causing more damage than they already have. The dinosaur-like Pokemon lifts his head with a loud, reverberating roar as Jimmy buries his hands in the feathery collar around his neck to keep himself holding on while two Volcarona fly ahead, helping to take care of some of the bug-types hiding in the trees.

You might want to be careful down there, if you happen to be where Cerbee's claws are stomping.]

[Needless to say, this whole situation was a bit mind boggling. Just how much had he missed? And when, exactly, had he left? The disasters looming all around were enough to draw Ringabel away from Goldenrod and into the woods, joined by a rather ornery Bisharp and slithering Seviper.

But with only two Pokémon on his side, fighting through the swaths of rampaging Poison types is a bit more than he had expected. His Seviper's lower level certainly doesn't help matters. So, while his Bisharp tries slashing at the pests, the snake's in the back, and poor Ringabel is...

Attempting to fight back? Bare-handed, even? To be fair, he's dabbled with the Monk asterisk before, but this is a bit trickier.

Though he puts forth his best effort, should anyone approach he calls out--]

Ah, do you have a moment?

[There's only so much one man can handle.]

[Is he talking to her? Oh, well, she...might as well, even if this is all kind of--

What Ashley does not expect to see is a man trying to actually fight the Poison Pokémon himself. She is definitely keeping her distance, letting her Psychic trio handle it, so it gives her a good moment of pause to say the least.]

O-oh my God, um- yes, of course- Eliot! Over here, please- yes right now! [A male Meowstic disengages from his target (which a Ralts picks up the slack on) and scampers on over.] U- Reflect, then Light Screen- on him, the trainer!

[Oh, well, if that's the target, alright- seems Ashley's initial goal is keeping Ringabel from getting beat-up, admirable.]

[Oh! How clever. As the Light Screen comes into effect, he lets out a relieved sigh and offers as thanks.]

You have my deepest gratitude, miss! I'll not soon forget this-- in fact, I'd be remiss not to repay your kindness.

[However, there is a time and a place, and with the wildlife still acting aggressively, he has to stop to dodge an incoming bullet seed before promptly retaliating with a kick.

His Bisharp continues slashing and jabbing, while the Seviper at least attempts to entangle a nearby Bulbasaur.]

[Not the strongest out there, but she tries most certainly to be clever enough for these kinds of situations... Wait, has she ever thought this would happen?!]

You're welcome! But- that's really really dangerous, you should stand back! Eliot, go help him out!

[Huh? What's that by her foot...

Ashley isn't exactly afraid of bugs on a normal everyday basis? But a giant thing with a stinger on its head, that'll prompt a shriek! Especially since it seems to have brought its disgruntled friends.] Eliot HELP ME OUT TOO!

[Poor Meowstic, what is he to do? A Psybeam to assist Ringabel, another to zap a Weedle away from his trainer's foot.]

[This is a terrible sign! A girl in distress? He knows this is reckless, but as another of those pesky bugs rears its head, he attempts to lob a kick at its side, so not to touch its stinger.

The Bisharp, in the mean time, continues laying on the slashes. Poison attacks do nothing to Steel types, though moves like Stun Spore may prove problematic.

It's unfortunate that his snake only knows Bite, but at least she's trying?

After knocking back another small 'mon, Ringabel gets hit with a Poison Sting. He winces at the pain.]

Ah... this'd be much easier if I still had a sword and shield. Nonetheless--

[A weakened Bulbasaur is an opportunity in his book, so while he tries to shrug off the pain, he lobs a Pokéball at one such creature.]

[Oh, that's smart. Taking the opportunity to increase one's roster! Good move, strategic.

The whole situation, that aside, only gets more terrifying when Ringabel's hit. If only Ashley had time to dig through her bag, because oh she sure has a lot of antidotes that could be put to use! No time to get to them, when she's scrambling away from Weedle.] Oh--! Oh no, um-- Eliot--

[Is pretty occupied with a group of Roselia. Hell. She doesn't have to worry long, though, because a Disarming Voice sends several Weedle menacing the two trainers flying. Good thing they aren't very strong.]

Jane, thank goodness-- ...Oh. Uh. [Ashley expected to see a Ralts. Instead, a Kirlia comes rushing over.]

Sorry dear, I think Morpheus has the others covered now. Both of you hold still now. [Hello, Heal Pulse. Does that feel better?]

You...you evolved.

Edited (THAT WAS A HORRIBLE FONT CHOICE I AM SORRY) 2016-06-23 23:48 (UTC)

[He heaves a gentle sigh when the Heal Pulse kicks in. Not unlike white magic, really, and he flashes a smile at the helpful Pokémon.]

Thank you, miss! You have my deepest gratitude. And congratulations, of course.

[Evolution is a miraculous thing. Now then... what else can he catch to make this a bit easier? Well, he'll start by releasing the Bulbasaur from its ball.]

All right! Why don't you put those vines to good use, hm?

[The Bulbasaur lets out a low grunt, but proceeds to attempt some Vine Whips to entangle some of the mob.]

[The Kirlia - Jane - bows her head to Ringabel and then addresses Ashley.] It was bound to happen sometime, was't it? Shall I go assist- oh, it looks like Eliot is holding his own, marvelous. I'll keep my attention here then. Yes?

[Having a Pokémon that can talk back is still weird. Ashley nods, still getting used to Jane's new form, and here comes a barrage of Psybeams, to weaken the Pokémon Bulbasaur's trying to trap.]

Good... Good thinking. [All this thinking on her feet practical application stuff is... Well, a little overwhelming! To Ringabel:] I'll... Okay, at least- at least they aren't attacking us anymore. [For the moment.]

Indeed. I do wish I had a larger team nonetheless. My old roster was quite formidable, and I suspect they'd be a boon were they still here...

[Sill, what else can he capture? Too many grass types would give his team a bit of an imbalance, so for now, he'll continue to direct what he's got, whistling to his Bisharp.]

Bane, we may stand a better chance if we drive them together. As it stands, things are too chaotic for a calculated fight.

[Pausing, he looks back to Ashley--]

What do you say we try to corner these creatures? I suspect they'll be easier to contend with if given less room to roam.

[If she were in the position to make conversation, she'd ask what he had on his team, what it was like being back, or if he remembered anything back in his home. But now is not the time for any of those questions, not at all. Instead--]

A place to focus our attack? I think that sounds worlds better than this mess. ...If we can get all of their attention somehow, something they can't resist!

[But what would pull all the Poison Pokémon together?]

[Hmm. He takes a glance around. It's tricky with only a steel type and a poison type to work with. What to do, what to do...]

Well, do any of your Pokémon know attract? Perhaps all they need is a bit of romance to spice up their lives.

[Yes, he just went there.]

[She just fixes him with a look.]

That cannot be a real move.

[THAT MEANS NO!]

Oh, but it is! In fact, Whitney is well known for using her team's feminine wiles on unsuspecting trainers.

[Do pardon the airy chuckle. Her reaction, while expected, is amusing nonetheless.]

[We are fighting back a horde of wild Pokémon, Ringabel...! She just shakes her head and holds up a hand.]

Stop, okay, we can just- I can be in shock about that later, for now. No, they don't, but...but Jane can teleport, maybe that can confuse them?

Oh, excellent idea! And, hmm... assuming Bane hasn't forgotten his TM moves...

[He looks to his Bisharp.]

Double Team, if you please!

[Grunting, the Bisharp begins to oblige, filling their surroundings with afterimages.]

[So Ashley isn't exactly doing the best right now? She's notably pretty dour, subdued-- overall melancholy, to an overwhelming extent. Seems Rakka probably talked her into this a little...

Either way, she's here and while her mood's shit, she's very very focused on getting work done. Her roster's a mix, with her Litwick Agatha, keeping any bug-types subdued and her trio of Psychics- Eliot the Meowstic, Morpheus the Munna, and Jane the Ralts - teaming up to take down the Poison Pokémon running amok.

Ashley doesn't head off to help right away, of course, so some work's probably been done already by the time she's got here! But oh well, she's here to help, as best she can. No matter how strangely spacey she appears.]

[Okay, she had only the foggiest idea of how she ended up in Goldenrod - the party was pumping, and then apparently the god of this world showed up?? and now... she's here??

Well, she's got to make the best of it. And that's why she's here with Ashley (who she sort of talked into helping), and also these other folks she doesn't really know. Besides Tobias. Nice to see him again.

This wouldn't be too bad, would it? Sure, the poison pokemons are a little... frightening, and it's sometimes hard to breath in this forest, and she's reasonably certain that some of these pokemon have the unfortunate strategy of exploding. But, it's under control!

Mostly, Rakka's got her shit together. Her roster right now is composed of her old favorites: Kuki, Feza and Tamashi, Bright, Kuu, and Gale. To varying degrees, they'll actually do rather well against the poison types!

...except for a certain fire type that will get out of his pokeball at some point.]

Aaah! Stop! Wait!

[And that... is a tree being set aflame by the rowdy Typhlosion.]

025 // Log

Joker

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A - 'cause ya said to plop over here ;)

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wow, I thought I got this. My bad!

It's no problem! It happens ha

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Jimmy

was told it was cool to toss this dork in, so here we are!

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Ashley

Rakka