bravenewworld | The Elite Four Strikes

Looking back at the screaming, Ahri's thoughts were filled with conflict. Her very being pleaded for her to flee to safety with the others but... ever since realizing she was a shifter and living amongst humans has made her more aware of different emotions and feelings towards life in general.

Get some flyers up there! she hopefully thought out to the group that was nearby and helping while motioning to Kid and Karthy to continue leading the citizens that are following to safety. Turning to some of the flyers that where being led by her Pokemon, she nodded and looked up.

"Please, they need help. Go and do what you can, I'll assist from down here but hurry. We need to get out of this area and into the vale as soon as possible." With message understood, they set off to try.

Ahri remained nearby, ready to attempt to prevent anyone from hitting the ground at the best of her ability.

"Ymir..!" Trust the Honedge to find her. But given his appearance is timed with calls in several directions, Sophia doesn't slow down at all.

Martin! It's all her group can do not to collide with the bodies rounding the corner, and she's grateful for Elhaz's grip - it prevents her falling over. Doesn't prevent a pidove from flying straight into her, flapping his wings hastily at the last moment. "Wunjo..! Here!" She offers him her arm, letting him settle a moment.

Is there anything else we can do for them? Thought at those nearest, as gaze turns up to the remaining swaying tower. She's unaware that her hands flicker briefly with faint green sparkles; unnoticed, the motes die away quickly without something to do, without focus.

Ahri's call is acknowledged, but Sophia's options are limited. The pidove is too small to carry anyone -- but he CAN still help. She turns to her group. "Stay together! Wunjo will lead you to the Vale, follow close behind him! We'll be following soon!" To the bird, she gives instructions, to which musical confusion is offered, pidove looking between her and the frighten humans, then back again. "Please. To Ninetales Vale. And hurry." Finally, he nods, and her group scuttle off after him.

The screams emanating from the towers above them was absolutely bone-chilling, and Waver, with his stomach tied in knots and his heart threatening to leap out of his chest, swallowed his terrified and outraged tears to lead the rag-tag band of people and pokemon to safety. Amidst the chaos, a familiar yelp caught his attention-- and, whirling around, he found his Absol (with Foongus holding tightly to her mane).

"Cass!" Waver called, feeling a wave of relief at the familiar duo.

Tossing her head down a backroad somewhere in Ninetale's Vale, she yipped once again before taking off.

"Everyone, follow the Absol," he said, ushering the group down the lane. "Stay with your loved ones, and trust your Pokemon like you always have. Cass knows where she's going."

Should be there soon, he added through the telepathic link and, pulling his hat down over his head, fell into step at the rear of his group to make sure that no one fell behind.

"Eyes ahead! Please keep moving forward!"

Raine knew that between her skillsets and those of her Pokemon, for the moment her best priority was ensuring that the people on the ground kept themselves moving out of potential harm's way. Those that she could get to listen to her, anyway. The current state of the tower was extremely worrisome, which made it all the more important to focus on the safety of those in front of her.

It was lucky that some of the gods' blessings were lending them extra speed, as her Sawsbuck is the first to make it to the end of the block with his passengers. Passengers that hopefully would be safely unloaded so that he could return to her side to carry others.

Can we spare anyone to find supplies?

"Tansy, go with the group and use Wide Guard as needed. Boldred, see what you can tell me about those people in the tower, if they have a way down or not." His two nodded and flew off, leaving Martin with his other three and the rest of the humans.

What supplies? Almost everything will be ruined!

[The efforts of the group are successful in getting people out as the tower is evacuated, but it's slow going. Too slow, in fact. Gleaming in the darkened night sky, blasts of energy are flying toward the tower - impact is imminent and if they strike, it will likely take the whole structure, along with those that remain inside down]

No...! Ahri's thoughts turn to fear as she turns to look at the blasts of energy. "They won't make it!" Without even thinking, the Ninetailed woman is enveloped in blue flames as she takes off towards the blasts, her Soul Dash carrying her over and her Fox Fire going out to meet the blasts to try and intercept.

One, two, huge explosions in the sky as attacks meet. But sure enough the deafening swoosh of more attacks that make it past her leave her in shock as she now also finds herself falling from rather high up.

I... couldn't stop them... As Ahri is freefalling, Kid and Karthy rush over to try and help the fall... Even if they make it it's going to be a rough fall.

They should have been more prepared than this.

It's a feeling that hits deep in her gut, that resonates shrilly in the back of Sophia's mind, but in the chaos of everything around them, it's just one more noise in the background on top of everything else. Instead she turns her attention to directing the flow of evacuees joining from Waver and Raine's groups as they flow along the streets. A task made easier when you have pokemon to aid you. Both her own bulbasaur and pidove assist: vine whips from Elhaz preventing anyone going the wrong way (or too close to Sophia), while Wunjo picks out clumps of humans and pokémon to lead towards Ninetales Vale.

All they can do now is keep running, and pray. Pray that the blessings of the Gods amongst them are enough, that their presence is enough, pray that their prayers boost the power of those Gods present. But pray all the same.

A prayer interrupted by the flares of energy from the sky - ones with no discernible source. But that right now doesn't matter. What does matter is that people scream, steady evac turning into a mass panic, and Sophia turns as Ahri cries out, eyes widening in horror as the ninetails-shifter launches herself up at the flares. And falls.

No! A yell, one hand flung forwards, outstretched as though to reach her - but what can she do? She cannot fly, and none of her pokémon can aid here--

--and something twists within, represented by a brightening around that extended hand in green light. In the distance, at the cracked base of the towers, earth and stone rumble, before two thick vines break free and fire up into the air, stretching as far as they can as they were commanded. They curl around one another, wrapping into a mini-tower of their own, before the vine whip points extend to try and catch the falling Ahri. Or at least buffer against injury from the fall -- not that they'll last at all if hit with one of those bolts, or falling debris from the remaining tower..

Back on the collapsing street, Sophia sways, turning her hand to stare at her empty palm. She's suddenly exhausted, everything she didn't know she had put into that...whatever that was. Elhaz wraps his vines around her waist with a yelp of concern as she sinks against a broken wall. ..i feel sick.. is a thought she didn't intend to share, though it won't carry further than to the parties closest to her.

"Ahri! Sophia!"

Waver was close enough to have witnessed the entire ordeal, and he rushed over to Sophia's side to help her once he was certain that the group he had been guiding was well on the way to safety. He was no flyer either, and his teleport could only help so much in times like this...

He hadn't been aware that Sophia was a grass-type before that point.

Kneeling by her side, Waver offered an arm for her to hold on to while looking her over for any sign of injury. Having caught the unintended message as he drew near, there was no subduing his alarm.

Whether he was crying or not didn't matter. They needed to get out of here.

"Can you stand?" He asked, cursing his bad judgement that he hadn't brought his Amaura with him. Most of his team were still small yet, but his Amaura could carry a passenger with ease.

I only meant ropes! Had been the earlier reply to Martin, before the assault, for the sake of making it easier to reach and assist the people still trapped in the tower. Even if, moments later, the thought had been rendered useless by the onslaught of those fresh attacks.

Thankfully most of her group had been safely herded away after meeting the others, as she ran closer to the tower, using one of the only abilities she could find useful right then: lifting her hands to the sky and casting light screen in an attempt to help reinforce against the damages. Her breath catches at the sudden resulting explosions, as she takes in both the actions of Ahri and surprisingly, Sophia as well. It was barely buying them time; the situation was deteriorating as much as that tower's foundations.

With Waver tending to Sophia, Raine quickly hurries to Ahri's side. There was no time to check the shifter thoroughly for injuries, but her heal pulse like ability would hopefully be able to provide her with some stamina, if she wasn't completely unconscious after that endeavor.

[The blasts strike the tower, but the heroic efforts of Ahri and the magical reinforcement of Raine hold. The tower is crumbling, but still standing as more people stream out of it. It is quiet - for the moment, but the screams and sobs of those trapped in the tower can be heard quite clearly - likely it will not stand much longer.]

Ahri's world had turned upside down and oddly enough she wouldn't have seen herself doing such things in the past... But after all that's happened and seeing the actions of many in sacrifice for others... Maybe it was just a lapse of judgement. Whatever the case she didn't have much hope for surviving the fall, at least not without major injuries and still she smirked, shaking her head at herself.

Right when she had just surrendered to the outcome, she felt the bracing of the Vine Whip from Sophia as it harshly breaks her fall. Still damaging her, the move indeed saved her from much of the possibly lethal damage of the fall and she dropped a bit unceremoniously to the ground below but alive thanks to Sophia. Battered and bruised, Ahri barely had the strength to get up. Even the sounds around her had dwindled to dumming echoes against her skull as the pain swelled.

And then it dissipated some, such a warm and nurturing feeling. She hazily looks up and smiles appreciatively at the slightly blurry image of Raine who she assumed was the savior with the Heal Pulse. "Thanks." she managed to get out as she shakily stood up thanks to Raine. Bracing herself a little against Raine, she looked up. Whatever's left, hurry them off to the Vale. Time's up and we can't stay here any longer. she thought out and hopefully was able to reach everyone connected. Kid and Karthy hurried to Ahri and Raine's side to help them out into the Vale with the remaining Pokemon and citizens they managed to herd over.

Edited 2016-01-26 14:22 (UTC)

That's okay, Waver. If it's any consolation, Sophia had no idea she was a grass-type, either.

The offered arm gets a growl from Elhaz, though it's half-hearted at best, especially with Ymir present. The Honedge gives the boy a once-over, followed by what passes for a nod from a sword, and turns to guard both humans - the situation is reaching a critical point, and while Raine's dealing with Ahri, the sooner his Charge is up on her feet again, the better.

Sophia, for her part, offers a watery smile to Waver, apologetic for their behaviour without saying so in words. There's no comments on tears, or the lack there of; her own eyes are growing redder, damp tracks down her face she hasn't realised are there less obvious in the darkness. Thank you.. Thought as she accepts his arm, taking a moment to lean on him while she regains her momentum. There's no disguising her relief when Ahri manages to speak up, albeit mentally, before nodding in agreement. "..I don't think I have a choice. We need to move now..." It won't do for us to get killed too.

The vines from her Vine Whip, now left with no command and no control, and their duty completed, wobbling as they sag to one side and down before catching on the side of the remaining tower. They're still solid enough to climb on, for now; anyone who's brave enough can certainly slide down them to the ground.

Martin didn't have time to respond about the ropes before the tower began to fall and his Flygon swooped down. I don't think we can do anything for those trapped, he replied. Leave the vines and let's go. Hopefully the way to the Vales is safe.

Waver shook his head at the unspoken display of gratitude on Sophia's part, and focused his efforts on making sure that she was standing before attempting to try anything else. The Honedge's and Bulbasaur's cooperation were much appreciated-- Waver would thank them properly later.

Seems like it's safe, he chimed in over the telepathic link, muttering a few choice words under his breath to cast a Heal Pulse and ease some of Sophia's discomfort. My Absol knows her way around here, and wouldn't even be in this neighborhood if she couldn't find a safe route.

"I can get Bucephalus over here if you need more support," he added verbally for Sophia's benefit, referring to the Blitzle who was always a little too eager to help. "He's small yet, but he's strong."

To the shrines, then. Keep an eye out for stragglers that need help. Trouble is more likely to come from behind us.

Especially with that tower in it's current state. As they continued hurrying along, Raine's Sawsbuck returns to her side after completing numerous trips with the frazzled citizenry. "Basil, there you are. Here, Ahri needs support." The much stronger deer would be a lot more assistance on the road.

[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)

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