bravenewworld | The Elite Four Strikes

[The streams of people continue but the team is able to herd them toward the abbey. It seems relatively unscathed, but a glint of steel catches the team's eyes as a cloaked figure wielding a scythe drops down, leaping toward the crowd and preparing to cut a large swath of them in two]

Unaware of the dangers ahead, Ahri agreed to the Sawsbuck's assistance too and made her way as best she could to the vale. Something seemed offputting and her natural instincts screamed danger but right now she was pretty beat and tired.

What's going on? Was all she could weakly voice, possibly only to Raine or anyone else who was close by. Kid and Karthy however definitely saw the cloaked figure and hurried ahead to try and assist the team. Like hell they'd let all their hard work be messed up by some goof with a scythe!

Edited 2016-01-27 13:59 (UTC)

The healing pulse earns a soft sigh, Sophia looking a little less worn. Though her energy levels are still quite low, it will take more than that to restore her to full strength. But she can straighten up and leans a little less on the younger trainer, shaking her head. "Do not call him on my account. I will be okay now. Let's--"

And then there's movement, a fast blur, and Sophia freezes as realization catches up to the very events occuring ahead, in the very Vale they've been evacuating everyone to: the danger lies not just behind us, but in front of us as well.

Ymir's singular eye burns bright red, before the ghost pokémon turns and vanishes into the shadows directly to the left of Sophia and Waver.

Then a flash, steel shimmering in the lights of fires and destruction as Ymir Shadow Sneaks directly behind and below the cloaked figure. Drawing free of his scabbard, the Honedge releases a furious Metal Sound before swinging up and forward, slicing through the air with the intent to use his sword-body to intercept the descending scythe blade.

This city is called Union for a reason, after all - this is as much the home of pokémon as it is people, and they too will fight to protect it!

You and your kind are are no longer welcome here. Be gone!

Waver's breath caught in his chest the moment he realized that something was happening ahead of them-- as far away from the rest of the group as he was, with Sophia in need of support by his side, there was little he could do on his own. A teleport would get them in range....but, to what avail?

Before he could say anything, Cass the Absol was already on the scene. Crimson eyes glimmering with suppressed rage in the flashing lights of the surrounding battle, she dove for the cloaked figure with an outraged cry and unleashed a vicious Night Slash in tandem with the Honedge's attack.

This neighborhood was supposed to be safe, and this path was her's to watch over. No one was allowed to violate the sanctity and safety of anyone whom her Mageling had an interest in-- and, right now?

That was everyone in Union.

"There's someone ahead-" Is the short response given to Ahri, as she grits her teeth, concentrating so that she could give the woman another dose of heal pulse to help improve her condition further. Of course there would be someone ahead of them, only further compounding just how dire their entire situation was.

Luckily, some of Raine's Pokemon had been further down the path, where they had been helping keep the stream of evacuees flowing. Notably, her Castform, Yutis, having been quietly keeping the weather clear for the evacuees--or at least as clear as possible in such a shrouded area--was now in a position to aim a toasty Weather ball at the attacker's knees.

As soon as Martin's attention is brought to the cloaked figure, he slashed out with Moonblast while his team worked to get people out of the way. Boar, however, went after the figure along with Ymir. He was so very tired of people trying to kill his city.

Sophia! Are you alright? Is anyone else hurt?

[The Scythe crashes into the Honedge with a deafening clash as the figure backflips away from the barrage of attacks. The sound of them gasping in pain can be heard as many still strike true, but even still black flame begins to spring to life around them.]

DIE INFIDELS!

[Sweepings their hand in a wide gesture, they unleash the black flame upon the new assailants, not being particularly discriminating if it might strike citizens as well]

The Heal Pulse is greatly appreciated as it helps Ahri steady herself a bit more as she catches on to what's happening around them. "Thanks," she offers a small smile before looking up. Right as she sees the figure assaulting the group of Pokemon and any other bystanders... Which reignites the urge to help even in her state. "We can't let them fight it alone, let's go." She was determined and was sure that Raine and the others were as well.

In the meantime, Kid and Karthy joined the fray along with the other Pokemon, Karthy starting off with a Curse right off the bat before moving in to counter attack. At the same time Kid was assisting the group with a Helping Hand before diving in with Foul Play and Karthy assisted with Payback.

Don't let up! This bastard's not gonna harm ANYONE else if we gots anything t'say about it! Kid barked angrily.

Fuck thissss bastard up! Heh, we'll make them regret messing with our familiesss Karthy hissed in turn.

I'm okay, is the reassurance to Martin, and it's even partially true thanks to Waver's help. But there's panic in the streets as people try to flee the stranger's attacks, and Elhaz remains at her side as she staggers forward until balance is maintained. What do we do..? This has to stop! The clash of their friends against the intruder leaves her afraid, so very afraid for them, and the hand on Waver's arm curls fingers into a fist.

Especially as the two elements wielded by the stranger, on their own, are painful for a Honedge. Darkness AND Fire together?

Ow. Especially when you have No Guard.

Yet soldier on the Honedge does, ignoring the very real pain the attack dealt his metal form. That his allies strike together with him is no surprise, and he swerves aside to let Boar charge in ahead as he glares at the stranger from Ever Grande. He has a duty here, and he will not be dissuaded!

Enough!! If a sword's voice could be said to be implacable, it would be Ymir's, for all that the only ones who might hear it are his fellow pokémon and any Kindred Souls nearby. You defy the edict of the Gods themselves, given to the Savior that led to the founding of this city! There is a shimmery reflection around him as Ymir activates Swords Dance, before swinging in to strike at that scythe again.

I am Ymir! The Sword of Union! You are the infidel here, and we will allow this sacrilege to continue NO MORE!

(never mind that he is not, in fact, from Union, but that's never stopped a dramatic declaration before, now has it?)

Meanwhile, a very musical Growl underscores the proceedings as Wunjo the Pidove dives in, dodging around the attacker to seize that cloak in its beak and--pull on it, intent on dragging it right up and round and over this human's head, if it can. Didn't your teachers ever warn you about NO CAPES?

Edited (typo correction) 2016-01-28 15:43 (UTC)

"What kind of attack is that even supposed to be?!" Waver cried, voice cracking in the middle of the exclaimation in his own fright and uncertainty. He had never seen a move like that before, and on instinct he climbs on top of some nearby debris so he could better analyze their opponent.

In the meanwhile, Cass was becoming more agitated with how this rescue effort was going. Completely done with these scythe-weilding assailants, she gives chase with her Pursuit to head the nearest one off before any more innocents could be harmed.

It's a good thing that Waver is analyzing, because now that they're on the defensive, Raine doesn't have time to do that, let alone even talk after a quick nod to Ahri. It's a hard run, and she barely stumbles in range of the area in time, thanks to adrenaline and the low key assistance of the gods' powers still in their favor.

With faint moments remaining she casts a light screen, this time to cover anyone in the way of that incoming flame.

Her Castform, meanwhile, has to move her position with all the other attackers getting in the way, as she tries to set up another good opportunity for a weather ball shot.

Boar tried to dodge out of the way of the fire, though it hit his tassels. He still stood, but that hurt. Still, as the Pidove pulled the cape above the attacker's head, Boar lashed out with Sacred Sword, furious and in pain. Boldred joined Wunjo, grabbing what cape the tiny bird couldn't grasp and tangling the man up as best he can.

As much as Martin wanted to slice through the stranger, protecting the people came first and he used his Misty Terrain to hopefully prevent any burns while his Frosslass got out of the way and his Growlithe took a defensive stance over some children.

[The black flames hurt a lot, the Dark and Fire typing being quite potent. The Misty Terrain, however, does its work and the figure is almost immediately assailed by attacks on all sides that send him flying into the abbey's walls where he hits with a loud crack.

Waver's analysis reveals his typing: Dark and Fire, of course, and level 80. He has high offensive output with both special and physical attack, but his defenses are not particularly robust. His ability to meld his two typings into a single attack seem to be his specialty. He's pretty hurt, but he still has some fight left in him, as evidenced by him standing once more and slamming the butt of his scythe on the ground.

And, from above, streaking like a comet descends a Talonflame wreathed in flame that crashes down on Ahri and her team like a meteor, while the ground beneath Waver, Sophia, and Raine cracks open as an Exadrill emerges with a mighty Earthquake.]

The chaos surrounding the area was overwhelming to say the least and trying to do all that needed to be done was nearly impossible. As such, with the assailant being assaulted by some of the others Ahri decided to take her team and help the citizens escape from this danger zone.

Or at least that had been her plan before her vision got clouded by the sudden blinding pain. Karthy had always been rather adept at avoiding things ~~especially chores~~ so he had dodged and flown out of the way of the impact... Not alerting Kid and Ahri however. The Talonflame sent both Ahri and Kid flying to opposite sides of the crash and ragdolling hard away from the point of impact.

A pained yelp escaped the Ninetails but her determination had her trying to pull herself up already, eyes filled with fire and the blue flame orbs appearing around her body. Kid on the other hand was as sturdy as they come and while shaken he stood quickly and growled. That hurt...You'll regret that! the Umbreon barked angrily before rushing to the Talonflame.

After floating surprised looking apologetic for not warning them, Karthy shook it off and flew right back in, readying a Payback to unleash.

"Cass-- get out of there!" Waver called, seeing now that his Absol would have no effect on their current enemies and cursing his judgement for not finding his loyal Seismitoad in this chaos. None of his team would be effective against that combination, and even with his team high leveled he could see that they were going to be overpowered before this was all over.

-- but there was no more time to think, not with the Excadrill appears and launches the attack. Acting quickly, Waver fired off his only Flame Burst spell at the partial Steel-type before Teleporting himself and anyone around him out of immediate harm's way.

It's fortunate for Sophia that her typing is Grass. Both she and Elhaz get knocked down by the force of the Earthquake, but between natural resistance and the Gods' blessings, she is far less hurt than she might otherwise have been.

That's not to say that the attack doesn't hurt, however, and she slides back, scrambling to right herself, even as Elhaz objects mightily. Interposing himself between the strange pokémon and his chosen human, he starts up a Growl, vines uncoiling from his back in a threatening manner. How dare you attack them here! That Sophia is teleported away along with Waver is a convenience, though she's left wincing as she lands on her backside in a neighbouring street.

There's someone else who's not best pleased however. As Wunjo releases the cape and swoops up to perch on the abbey roof, Ymir turns back to the human they've tossed about, lacking both the patience or time for this stranger's games. You threaten his charge! That is beyond unacceptable to the honedge, who unleashes a vicious Fury Cutter -- not on the intruder, but upon his weapon. He is determined to break your scythe, no matter what attacks you throw his way!

Martin, separated from the other humans in the melee, swore when he saw the other humans teleport. Please tell me that was intentional! He couldn't handle this if they had vanished and couldn't return. Still, he began to usher the refugees towards safety, waiting for a chance to slice at something.

Sunflash bounded over to the Excadrill, blasting him with Flare Blitz while Tansy, usually not one for violence, sent a full-power Hydro Pump at the human. Take him out, and hopefully his Pokémon will be easier to handle.

Just before the Excadrill attacks, Raine takes in her own analysis of the situation, though it's clear enough that most of them are in over their heads, level wise and typing wise. Certainly most of her team was at a disadvantage, though they were also still mostly trying to herd people into the shrines for safety.

That earthquake attack sends Raine tumbling over once again, though it manages to put her into Waver's range for that brief teleporting rescue.

We're okay! We need to draw them away from here!

Still in the middle of the fray, Yutis the Castform, realizing that it's attacks were doing little damage in it's current form, shifts over to it's rain form, with the intent to forecast a small, concentrated rainy day in the immediate fighting area. The castform hopes none of the citizens are close enough to get caught up in it, but emergency tactics were needed.

[The flame attacks slam into the Excadrill, causing it to stagger under the force. And then, the rainfall begins, as a Hydropump flies toward the Trainer.]

Wait whaaaaaauuuuugh!

[The Hydro Pump, empowered by the rain, slams into him and launches him into a wall, leaving his scythe behind with a new small dent thanks to the Fury Cutter. He hits hard and drops to the ground, lying still, for now. Both the Excadrill and the Talonflame cease their attacks immediately and rush toward him, leaving the team time to get their bearings and counterattack, if they so desire]

Seeing them retreat to the figure's side gave the team time to reconverge with the others. "Kid, Karthy, regroup witht he others. We'll settle this together but we need to get everyone out." And with that, the trio stopped their dash and went back out to move in with the others. Kid taking the initiative to help move any other civilians out of the combat zone while Karthy remained by Ahri's side right as she got to the other group.

"Disarming him was great, what's our next move?" It was clear she was ready to do whatever needed to be done to make sure no one else got hurt.

Wunjo drops off the side of the building, hopping down onto the ground next to the damp fallen figure. Cautiously taps his arm with his beak. When there's no immediate response, his head tilts to the left, to the right, then he hops up onto his chest. And sits there.

Yup. He's not going anywhere. He's got diiiiis.

Ymir pays no attention to the bird. Instead, he turns and stares down the evolved higher level pokemon. There's a gleam along his metal edge. I do not advise approaching further, he warns them. You're still in Tansy's line of fire, after all. Your partner is defeated. Stand down and accept defeat.

..Is he still alive? Emerging from the side street that Waver moved them to, Sophia looks very worried right up until Wunjo peeps a confirmation. That's a relief. There's been enough death - and it's important that Union not forget itself: they aren't Ever Grande. ..We'll need to find a way to bind him until the Swords of the Savior can take him into custody.

Coming up from behind, two vines extend to pick up the dropped dented scythe; Elhaz keeps up the growling all the while. He doesn't trust the stranger's pokémon, and he even flexes his vines a bit, testing to see if maybe he can add to the earlier damage to the weapon.

Don't do anything dumb; he'll need to be questioned too.

Waver sighed and steadied himself on his feet as they landed. The new details about the enemy trainer weren't lost on him and-- though tired from the repeated jumps and taking multiple passengers with him each way-- secured his Skitty in his arms and gave further orders to his pokemon.

"Cass, Bucephalus. Keep getting people out of here-- and find Orpheus if you can."

His voice was just as tired as he looked, but there was a glimmer of irritated determination in his eyes.

Cover me. I have an idea.

And that was the only warning he gave before he Teleported over to the fallen figure. Untying the Skitty from it's leash, he quietly picked his way across the rubble.

"Excuse me," he said, fighting to keep his voice firm in spite of his own nervousness. "I don't know what your intentions are, but please surrender yourself."

Waver held up the rope in his hands as he spoke, brows furrowed in his seriousness even as his heart threatened to jump out of his chest. Though there was an obvious strength and type disparity between the two of them, Waver's intentions should be clear.

"Authorities look more favorably on a cooperative opponent...and I can try to get you out of here if you do."

If worst came to worst, Waver would just teleport away again.

That was barely enough warning, after emerging from the side street only to see Waver suddenly materialize again in front of the fallen foe, let alone right in range of those still highly dangerous Pokemon. It was true that they were Union, and held to different ideals--but the experience in Glacier alone proved just how far some people would go to uphold their own. With that in mind, Raine quickly strengthens the defensive barrier around them all, just in case, with another reflect.

Don't let your guard down! Are the people all clear?

Still holding up the weather conditions, her Castform is prepared to act at the first sign of trouble, as well as her returning Pikachu, who had used agility to get close enough to Waver, but to keep out of the line of sight of the attackers.

Martin was quick to step up with Waver, sword drawn and his scarier team members (Boar, Tansy, and Boldred) nearby. The calm would give the evacuees a chance to get out of danger and Martin trusted his other two with them.

"Speaking a former Sword, he is right." Though I don't think they'll show him mercy at all, and if he fights us or tries to escape I'm not inclined to show mercy either, he adds silently so only his allies can hear. He was raised with a sense of how valuable life was but this man and his allies were responsible for the loss of many, many lives. "You are outnumbered by people desperate to protect their homes and lives. Surrender is your best option."

As Martin speaks, Tansy tosses up Wide Guard again, just in case. The more protection everyone had, the better.

[The Pokemon make no moves to attack, standing down as their leader is surrounded. He looks at Waver with a sardonic expression]

Sorry, not trusting a Union welp. I had my orders and I know where this goes.

[He removes a pill capsule from his sleeve and attempts to swallow it!]

The Elite Four Strikes

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