|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 16, 2021 23:54:45 GMT
There's some hesitation in his expression. And then a thought occurred to him. What if he'd been interpreting this all wrong? He couldn't turn into a Salazzle, that was silly. He isn't a lady, he couldn't do that. But what if what it meant was that he would be able to stand on equal ground as one? That he wouldn't be the lesser anymore. Darkrai had said that his dreams would never be pleasant... but that doesn't mean that they still might not share good things, if he knows were to look.
So he stands up, brushing his skirt off, and gives a single sharp nod to Bliss. "Okay. Let's do it. Just need to get something from Aliana first..."
And so, he finds himself making his way back along the path he'd walked earlier, to knock on Aliana's door.
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 17, 2021 0:51:21 GMT
Bliss considered Thel with curiousity and a hint of skepticism but followed along. Aliana answers her door in short order, brushing her hair out. "Oh hey Thel, what can I do for you?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 17, 2021 0:58:28 GMT
Trying to ignore the anxiety still hovering in his stomach, he takes a breath. "I... I want to try again. I know I passed out this morning, but... I have hopes now. Because Bliss and I, we saw Diva outside. And I want the strength to be able to confront her."
"She's powerful. I saw that firsthand last time. But I know that I need to stop this now. Because I'm sure that more things will happen once the rain stops. But I need help."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 17, 2021 1:08:05 GMT
"Well, we double checked it to make sure nothing was wrong with the suit, but if you are sure today is the day...". Aliana didn't seem too hesitant to give into Thel's demands, again passing him the suit. "It has functions to filter out sounds and smells if that will help, it is all voice activated and the AI chip does have a help function. I'll come looking for you shortly if you don't come out of the greenhouse okay?"
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 17, 2021 1:12:40 GMT
Hmm? He never said she was in the greenhouse. Granted, she's probably been there since the rains began, so plenty of time to be seen.
"Oh... well, that sounds very complex," Thel says, eyes widening. "But smells definitely would help, yeah. And... thanks. I should hopefully be fine. But... we'll see, I guess." He gives a wan smile. "Don't really have a lot on my team that's not weak to her... but we'll manage."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 19, 2021 0:17:48 GMT
After a change of clothes, Thel feels pretty incredible actually. Essentia instructs him on activating the filters and heightened combat abilities when he asks. It is surprisingly intuitive. Touching his Pokeballs in preparation for the engagement there is an odd background hum in his ears and a little flicker of light along the seams of the suit but he otherwise notices nothing out of the ordinary.
Outside of the greenhouse, Bliss watches him intensely.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 19, 2021 0:32:56 GMT
Thel'd been preparing to black out again, but... there's none of that. Not really any twinges this time, either. Just... power, and the feeling of being more capable. Of being able to be more. It's a good feeling. The stress, the sinking feeling... it's all gone.
And the, well, everything else that Aliana'd described, it all makes sense, and is actually easy to use. Even for someone who'd never have even imagined something like this, having a something in the suit to guide it's use.
There's still a little anxiety when it comes to Diva... but it's nothing like things were. The grounds are more equal now. It won't be like it was before.
"Okay... let's go, Bliss." A nod at the Tsareena, and a hand on the Grass-type's shoulder. "It won't be like last time. I promise."
And, with that reassurance, Thel heads towards the greenhouse, feeling much more steady as she ventures to face one of her demons.
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 20, 2021 1:49:52 GMT
Inside it was humid and hot. Everything looked quite wet, and in some ways reminded Thel of home. Flowers and fruits from the days of his youth on proud display and arranged in bushels and we'll manicured thickets. Nothing stirred as the door clicked shut behind him.
There was no goading, no taunting, no words. The rain pounding along the length and breadth of the glass box in which they now stood made listening for signs of Diva all but impossible. At his side, Bliss stiffened.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 20, 2021 5:09:41 GMT
Nothing stirred but the memories. Though Thel couldn't actually smell them with the filter... she knew what it would be like. Could imagine every one. Could remember many days, returning with them, or never being able to really stop and enjoy them.
But... that isn't the now. It won't be again. She'll make sure of that. She has to. She can't keep relying on her friends forever. That... that isn't fair to them, and it means she'll just fail them at a crucial time. So... no. She has to be better.
A deep breath. This is it. "Diva," Thel calls out, her voice disappearing into the plantlife. "I believe we have some unfinished business."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 22, 2021 20:01:41 GMT
"Oh, so it -is- you.". Diva's voice drips sweetness. "You've finally realized your place is at another's feet then?". The plant life shivered and rustled in several places in view, not all of them contiguous.
"I would treat you well, Thel. Better then the females from your den ever did."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 22, 2021 20:15:52 GMT
"That isn't the glowing praise of yourself that you seem to think," Thel replies, "if the only thing you can promise is that things would be better than the lowest point of my life." ...had she mentioned to Diva that she'd once been a Salandit? Couldn't remember.
"I'm here to make sure that you stay out of my life. That I don't need to always look over my shoulder, wondering if something will catch aflame, if my friends will be hurt, anything else. I have a good life. I don't need your hollow promises."
...as much confidence as she tries to project, though, there's definitely a core that's shaking and incredulous at actually trying to stand up against a Salazzle. Even feeling as good as she does, it's still not easy.
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 22, 2021 22:12:37 GMT
"Is it so good? Fraught with uncertainty, constantly doubting what you are capable of because you lack sufficient motivation? Nothing you do today will make a difference, because you aren't committed to anything, my dear. You won't kill me, you've lost the need to be a predator.". There was a sultry, throaty chuckle. "Ah but the girl that stepped in on your behalf last time isn't here. I did want to take her from you first. This wretched rain has saved you so much heartache. No matter."
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 22, 2021 22:34:38 GMT
"It's good enough. I have food. I have friends. I have love. I have choices. That's all I need." She shakes her head. "But, of course, you don't want others to have that. That's all you do. Take, take, take. You couldn't even understand the mentality of one who thought otherwise."
"It's funny. I almost feel sorry for you. Because despite all your attempts, you'll never actually know love. Only your chemical fakeness. You'll never know that completeness of soul, because you can't conceive of anyone but yourself. But... I don't feel sorry. All you do is cause pain, to everyone around you. Quite deliberately. You do not deserve sympathy. And you are not hurting her."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 23, 2021 20:08:59 GMT
"Love? The *Salandit* thinks he understands what Love is.". Comes the mocking reply. "Mated on your own terms and think that is love then? No. That is passing fancy. Someone waiting to throw you away. My following doesn't have to be by choice, and it doesn't matter if they believe in it or not. They will adore me, fulfill my every need, and I will see theirs met. You are so willing to let yourself be hurt by others.". She tsked.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 23, 2021 21:12:28 GMT
"And you are wrong, on so many levels," Thel says, shaking her head. "It's like I said. You can't even conceive of it. And I'm not a Salandit. That is not who or what I am."
"And I will not falter before you this time. If you'd like to attempt to prove otherwise, you're welcome to try. You and whatever unfortunates you've compelled into service."
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 23, 2021 21:23:04 GMT
"Such confidence, ohh... And I suppose I have been an unkind hostess.". She cooed. "You never did answer me, though. You never did have killer in your eyes. How will you stop me, if you don't have the gumption to take a life child. I'm going to burn away your distractions, your delusions, and that ridiculous outfit, and then you will at last belong to me.". At this point, a floating lei of flowers drifted from the bushes, and a masked humanoid owl drew a feather back on a taut string, sizing up Thel and the Tsareena.
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 23, 2021 21:59:10 GMT
"I will deal with that when the time comes..." Thel says, quietly, before looking at Bliss. "We are going to free them from this, and then deal with her. Okay?" And... she actually feels the confidence to do this. Diva will see... an equal stands before her. Initiatives:
Thel: 15
Bliss: 5
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 25, 2021 20:14:42 GMT
"I've made my plans, and my peace. Hopefully you have too.". The Lei moves into a cluster of bushes and sends a pulse of pink-white light into the surrounding foliage, setting it to sprouting beautiful blooms. (Grass Pokemon in Burst 2 Gain +2 Def CS).
Diva slips from one patch of bush to another, launching a flaming, corrosive glob onto poor Bliss with a hissing giggle. Her outline is still visible, but Thel is quickly losing track of her.
(Bliss is Burned and Badly Poisoned.)
|
|
|
|
|
8,803 posts
|
16 likes
|
Sept 26, 2024 13:32:53 GMT
|
Administrator
|
Post by DataNinja on Mar 25, 2021 20:32:52 GMT
Bliss doesn't fall this time, and instead snaps a challenge at Diva, even as the toxic fires ravage her body. Thel slides into the terrain, striking the archer owl before it's able to strike, though she whispers an apology. Bliss isn't as apologetic, moving to support her Trainer, focusing through the pain, and delicately - but forcefully - kicking the owl. Thel uses Feint Attack on Decidueye - autohit, 50 Physical Dark damage. Thel also has Stealth, meaning can't be targeted by ranged attacks while in terrain.
Bliss uses Regal Challenge on Diva - -3 Sp. Atk. CS and no Shift Action on her next turn, or else Bliss gains +10 damage.
She then uses Acrobatics Vs Decidueye (or Comfey if Decidueye has fainted). 17 vs AC 2 for 40 physical Flying damage. |
|
|
|
|
6,672 posts
|
92 likes
|
|
I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
|
|
|
Member
|
Post by Robot on Mar 27, 2021 1:07:36 GMT
Despite the punishment, the owl manages to hang on, retaliating against Bliss with some aerial acrobatics of its own. (82 Damage after defense and effectiveness.). The Lei turns and heals it's fellow as best it can manage, but the owl still looks quite haggard.
Diva disappears into the brush, a clattering sound accompanying her.
|
|
