victory_road | Island Time [Semi-Open]

[Min-Gi knows he's destined to lose this battle. Only the three members of his team stand anything resembling a chance against an experienced, fully levelled fairy-type type team. The rest are only there to enjoy the island, or maybe pick up a trick or two.

Ryan will probably be glad when this is over because if anything knowing the inevitable outcome has made him pricklier in the week building up. For all it's intended as a friendly battle and learning experience, Min hates failing. Luckily for Allura the worst she's seen is probably a stiltedness that could easily be put down to nerves than his less sporting thoughts.

Once everyone's had a chance to unwind and catch up, Min puts away the rest of his team sans Ry, who hangs off his shoulder for moral support. The Plusle is not his first choice though, or even part of the battle. It's his Corviknight's ball he holds in his hand, finger lightly tracing the seal as he mentally prepares. She's equipped with Leftovers in the hope that may buy her a little extra time.]

Ready?

[Meanwhile, Allura's looking forward to this. Sure, she has the experience advantage, but Min-Gi will most likely put on the type advantage, plus with healing and items allowed this match might be more even than he thinks. Plus this is just a friendly spar. Meanwhile, Allura's newest mons- Tirlan the Quaxly and Hizalma the Glimmora- are watching intently on the sides.]

Ready. Dhokla, come forth!

[A pop of the ball, and the Sylveon poses as he lands on the sand, a Lum berry stashed away on his person. This should give Min-Gi a chance to pick a Pokemon to counter.]

Edited 2023-05-02 14:16 (UTC)

[Sylveon isn't a Pokémon he has much personal experience with, but he knows it's one of the more popular fairy-types. It's on he's spent a lot of time looking at over the past week. He doesn't know what kind of additional moves Dhokla might have learned, but he knows the basics. And he knows its usual ability. He also knows Sylveon are usually male, and if this one does have Cute Charm then maybe Red Eye isn't his best option after all.

He glances at Ry for a moment, then at Allura with a slightly guilty expression as he replaces the ball and takes out another one. It feels a bit like cheating when he'd so clearly been planning to use a different Pokémon, but he's at a major disadvantage and he needs to do whatever he can to reduce that.]

Rodeo! You're up.

[The Alolan Marowak who appears with a twirl of his flaming bone before striking his own pose is definitely not a steel-type, so it feels like a weird choice considering their talk at prom, but he's probably his safest bet. He's still a few levels shy of learning one of his more powerful attacks, but he's fire-type and that should help him resist at least a little. And his newly acquired Loaded Dice should come in handy if Min can keep him on the field long enough.

The kinds of battles he normally takes part in are easier regardless of who goes first, but this one feels like a scenario where he can't afford to wait around.]

Use Will-O-Wisp.

[Rodeo seems momentarily surprised by the quick order, but moves to obey nonetheless.]

[On the contrary, Allura doesn't seem to mind the switch at all, giving Min-Gi a little nod before the Will-o-Wisp connects. Yup, it looks nasty but... she doesn't look phased at all?]

Good idea.

[To both parts. But then the end of Dhokla's ribbon wraps around a small green thing and brings it to his mouth to chomp down on. Almost instantly, the skin is soothed and the embers floating around it are quenched.]

But we have a few of our own. Misty Terrain!

[A few soft trills, and a soft pink mist begins to spill over the sand between trainers, the air around them faintly glimmering. It might not be damaging, but it should prevent any more burns for a few rounds.]

[It would be a relief for Dhokla to not use a damaging move, expect with the level discrepancy Min-Gi really could have benefitted from status effects. It's not the only trick he had up his sleeves, but it had been one he'd been hoping to use to his advantage. None of his preselected team have anything that can do much about it though, so he inhales, weighing up his other options.

He's not sure he has time to bulk up Rodeo's stats even if that would be ideal before he goes on the offensive.]

Okay. Try Shadow Bone.

[It's one of Rodeo's more powerful moves anyway, especially since he's part ghost-typing. The chance of it dropping the Sylveon's defence is low, but it's still there. He hopes it's wiser than taking an extra move or two while Rodeo's health is inevitably knocked down.

Rodeo rushes at the Sylveon in response to the adore, bone club aloft and aflame as he readies himself to attack.]

Edited 2023-05-02 19:47 (UTC)

[Oof... yup, not only does the attack connect, but Dhokla seems to be standing a little more unsteady now, even if the damage was relatively light. See, Min-Gi's holding his own for a bit.]

Keep going, Dhokla! Moonblast!

[Sooo yeah, even with an Impish nature, the Sylveon's still a pretty strong special attacker, and Min-Gi did ask Allura not to hold back. It's a powerful hit, and there's a one-in-three chance of Rodeo's Special Attack dropping.]

[Not only does it hit hard despite not being critical and the Marowak theoretically having some resistance to the attack, but Rodeo does look a little weaker than he had before. Min-Gi knows he should probably consider healing at this point, but he has a limited amount of items at his disposal. He doesn't like taking chances, but when he's only staving off the inevitable he might not have much option. He has to try and get in the hits where he can.]

Shadow Bone.

[Rodeo nods, doing his best to recover himself before he goes in for another attack. Thankfully he's a primarily physical attacker, so for now the knock to his special attack doesn't hinder him much.]

[Aaand yup, more damage and another stage down in Dhokla's defense. If this keeps up, he might not stay standing for long. Still, there's one way to even things out.]

Dhokla, use Charm!

[The Sylveon aims its cutest, sweetest pout at the Marowak. Have pity, kind sir, I'm just a sweet little babu~]

Edited 2023-05-04 13:29 (UTC)

Post-Battle (Closed to Ryan)

[After the battle, Min is inevitably not thrilled. He'd known the loss was coming, and it had been easier to accept when they'd first arranged the battle, but the importance of doing well is something that's been ingrained for as long as he can remember. He knows better than to think there's no value in something if you aren't going to do well by now, but even after the train it doesn't feel good no matter how much he might have learned from it.

He does his best to congratulate Allura normally, but retreats to a more secluded part of the beach once it's time to heal up his team. He'll be fine, but he needs a little time to himself. Or at least with someone who understands him.

Red is making healing difficult, if only because even injured she does not like to stay still, but at least the other two are being more cooperative. Ry still hangs from his shoulder, giving him a reassuring nuzzle every now and then.]

Saturday Evening

[Once his team are healed and he's had chance to start feeling more himself, Min occupies himself by giving attention to his team member's who haven't had so much time to enjoy the island. The ones who'd battled are content to relax and enjoy themselves, while Ry is probably off causing trouble with Min-un... somewhere. He might regret it later, but for now he's choosing to trust him.

Fade and Glimmin meanwhile are still full of energy, and exploring the shallows. Min-Gi accompanies, pants rolled up but sandals still on. You can never be too sure what you might stand on.

Glimmin floats above the sea, peering down and directing Fade to investigate anything he spots that's interesting. He very clearly has no interest in actually touching the water even if he does want to see what's in it. She digs out a vaguely shiny rock which she holds up for Min-Gi to take.]

You want me to show it to Glim?

[Apparently, yes, she very much would judging by her enthusiastic reply.]

Sunday Morning

[It's still fairly early when Min emerges into the kitchen, fully dressed but hair still free of product and barely short enough to avoid hanging in his eyes.

He's doing his best to be quiet as he starts to make coffee, not wanting to wake anyone else in the house. If there are any other early risers that happen upon him he freezes up for a moment, keeping his voice to a whisper to acknowledge them.]

Sorry. I didn't mean to wake anyone up.

Edited 2023-05-04 22:26 (UTC)

[Min-Gi has been especially on edge in the last week or so, but in a way that clearly needed to run its course. He did try and check in a few times, make sure he was like, actually alright, but for the most part he let Min be grumpy and just endured it until the beach trip.

He thought about hanging around and watching the battle, but after weighing it for a bit decided that might actually stress Min out more. So, he took off his jacket and decided to run around with his pokémon on the beach and play in the sand. Only a few of Ryan's are really suited to beach life, but together they made a sand castle! ...probably. It's probably a castle.

Eventually he finds Min again, sulking and tending to his pokémon. Ryan's called his others back except for Min-un, who is happily riding on his shoulder. It's probably the first time Min's seen Ryan's full outfit today - an orange crop top with black shorts that somehow feels more suggestive than not wearing a shirt at all.

It seems like Min lost, but asking feels like rubbing it in.]

...Hey. Need a hand?

[He isn't sure Min will take him up on it, but even if he doesn't he still seems like he could use some company before he gets too in his head about everything.]

[The Plusle on Min's shoulder perks as he spots Ryan and his counterpart, waving excitedly. Min-Gi glances over, then promptly away again, face flushed red. Which is definitely because of the battle and has nothing to do with finally seeing Ryan's outfit without the jacket.]

Yeah. That'd be good. Can you hold her still?

[He nods at the fidgety Corviknight, who is definitely too large for Ryan to actually hold in place if she doesn't want him too, but she's not exactly fighting the treatment. Just restless. Sometimes all she needs is a hand to remind her to stay still, or some kind of distraction.

Min's grateful that he doesn't ask him about the battle directly. They both knew he was at a severe disadvantage, and they both know Min finds it hard to try things he doesn't think he'll do well at. His help is appreciated more than any questions or attempts at consolation.]

[It works. Of course it works. Which essentially cancels out any of the damage he's done to the Sylveon's defence, and he has to remind himself that at least shouldn't put him at any more of a disadvantage than he'd been when he started.

And it does give him another opportunity to heal. One he'd be stupid to pass up again.]

Come here, Rodeo.

[He has to be sparing, but he hands the Marowak a Hyper Potion and it definitely perks him up. He has some of his strength back, and there's a glint in his eye as he turns his attention back to Dhokla.]

[Oof... she's not pleased with the disappointment there. She won't make her move just yet.]

You two are doing very well, even with the experience difference. [And it's clear she means that. Dhokla chirps in agreement too, yeah, he's definitely getting more of a workout than he thought! Hang in there, opponents!] Hm... Calm Mind.

[The Sylveon takes a slow, deep breath, a soft blue glow surrounding him as his ribbons float even more through an ethereal breeze.]

Edited 2023-05-05 01:04 (UTC)

[Marik shuffles into the kitchen, dressed in shorts and a tanktop, and his hair even more of a poofy mess than it usually is. He yawns and stretches, using the top of the doorway to do so like a weirdo before entering the kitchen. Chen floats in behind him and begins preparing two cups of tea as his trainer rummages around in the fridge.

He does stop for a moment when he hears Min speak.]

Oh. Morning, Min-Gi. You didn't wake me up. I usually [yaawwnn] get up about this time anyways...

[Not out of actually wanting to but rather for his workout routine.]

You sleep alright?

[It isn't much comfort to him even if he knows she isn't trying to patronise him, but Rodeo at least seems pleased with the praise. He raises up his bone club to his opponent, clearly not upset despite the difficulty of the battle.]

I know. My strategy just... doesn't work here.

[He can't inflict status effects yet, and even freshly healed he's not sure Rodeo can last until Misty Terrain clears. He had a few potential ideas coming in, but there's only one that works reliably at the moment and it's getting predictable.

None of his team have a great special defense (Empoleon, frustratingly, would have been very helpful here), but switching out may still be the best option he has.]

Rodeo, that's enough for now. Red Eye, let's see what you can do.

[He calls the Marowak back, releasing his Corviknight with a flash of light. The Leftovers she's carrying should help a little, at least.]

[Another nod of approval at the switch. Good, Min-Gi's not giving up, and preserving Rodeo's strength might help. Allura has plenty of experience with Corviknights; between her and Keith, they have three of them. She also knows Dhokla doesn't have any counterattacks for Steel, let alone Flying/Steel with an immunity to Ground- she makes a note to fix that in the future- so she'll need to take Red Eye out quickly and keep his distance as he attacks.]

Moonblast!

[Another trilling glow and another blast of light.]

[Moonblast not only hits, but unluckily once again seems to weaken her a little. Considering Sylveon's ability that's not ideal, but his best chance was always going to be having her attack physically. She heals up a little thanks to the Leftovers, and that does make him feel slightly better about this tactic even with the risks attached.]

Screech!

[Red lets out a harsh cry that even has Min and Ry wincing, but its power is directed at Dhokla.]

[Min shrugs, getting back to preparing the coffee.]

It was okay. Would've been better if Ryan hadn't been so desperate to sleep in a hammock.

[He says this like he didn't have any option but to share a hammock that was absolutely not intended for two adults rather than taking one of the other available beds, or even Marik's offer of the yacht.]

You don't want coffee? There should be enough if Chen doesn't want to worry about making tea yet.

[Oof... Dhokla winces hard at the sound, slower to recover than ever. Allura only takes a little shorter to recover herself (darned Altean hearing), before taking a breath to think. Especially with Rodeo wearing Dhokla down already, Allura really can't afford a Steel Wing barrage. So...]

Moonblast again!

[Dhokla shakes himself free of the ringing in his ears aaaand bam, another Moonblast!]

[A Steel Wing barrage is exactly what Min's hoping to do next. She weathers the second Moonblast, and though she doesn't get hit with the secondary effect this time she has definitely taken a lot of damage from the two attacks.

He could take a chance here. Dhokla's already been worn down by Rodeo's Shadow Bone attacks. Even with her resistances, though, Red is dangerously close to losing the last of her health. If Dhokla doesn't faint now, he's all but guaranteed to knock her out if he uses another damaging move.

It brings him close to the end of the healing supplies he'd allocated himself, but he takes out another Hyper Potion.]

Come back for a moment, Red. You're doing well, but I can't lose you yet.

[Oof... Now Allura's really on the back foot. Dhokla's defense could only get a little lower, and he doesn't have any type-counter attacks, or Reflect or something to boost his defense back up. In an equal fight, she would either switch out or take some time to heal herself, but given how frustrated Min-Gi's been getting... Well, she's not going to let him knock out Dhokla either, so there is one thing she can do. So Allura will wait until Red Eye returns to position and then...]

Dhokla, use Charm!

[Another soft pout, pwease don't hurt me pretty crow lady~]

I don't know why you didn't take up my offer. The futon is plenty comfortable. I just washed the bedding too.

[He doesn't sound insulted, just amused and slightly teasing. Marik grabs some apple butter from the fridge and closes the door.]

Huh... Yeah, sure. It's been a bit since I had some coffee.

[Chen blinks then dumps out the kettle of water he was going to use. That saves him the trouble! In the meantime, the blonde starts getting slices of bread ready to make toast.]

After breakfast, you want to join me for a jog? I assume it'll be a bit before Ryan wakes up...

[Min-un waves right back, and Ryan raises an eyebrow at Min's reaction but shrugs it off easily enough.]

Yeah, sure thing.

[Less than a year ago "Hey, can you help me hold down my giant metal bird?" would have been a wild request, but this is all very normal these days. Ryan crouches down beside her and makes a soft shushing noise as he puts his hand out to hold her.]

Shh, it's okay Red Eye. You gotta hold still for Min-Gi, okay?

[Then Ryan, who is a walking distraction by nature, hums and bobs his head a little bit. Min-un also does tiny little head bangs from up on Ryan's shoulder.]

Gone, gone, gone
With the red eye distress
Gone, gone, gone
On the Red Eye Express~

[What better way to get her attention than to sing her namesake song?]

[Crows aren't usually considered the most melodious of birds, but Red knows the song she's named after by now and sings along with it all the same. She doesn't stay completely still even with the distraction, but still enough that Min-Gi can finish doing what he needs to do.

He hums softly himself as he heals her, Ry bobbing his head in time with Min-un's. It's not exactly the gentlest tune, but by the time he's done everyone does seem calmer. Min sighs, rocking back to sit in the sand and braving a proper look at Ryan despite how pink he knows it will make him. He pats the space next to him, Ry raising his arm to wave Ryan and Min-un to join them.]

You're good with her.

[Still enough is good enough, and when it's all done Ryan gives her well deserved pets. Good job, Red Eye!]

Thanks, man. It helps she's got good taste.

[Or rather, that Min-Gi has good taste, since he's where the name came from.

Ryan's more than happy to come sit next to Min in the sand. The moment their shoulders are close enough together, Min-un jumps from Ryan to Min so he can be closer to Ry - and maybe help comfort Min a little too. The sudden movement gets a startled laugh out of Ryan.]

Easy, Min-un!

[Things settle into a relative peace again quickly from there. There's a nice breeze and the ocean tide can be heard from where they're sitting. In, and out. In...and out.]

So...

[He trails off, because he wants to be good and patient and let Min tell him in his own time, but he also wants to know how the battle went. It's a casual suggestion that Min can bring it up, if he wants to...but also, it's sort of bringing it up without saying the words.]

Island Time [Semi-Open]

Closed to Allura

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(Mostly) OTA

Post-Battle

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Sunday

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