=RP= The Trial of Juno RP II - The Splinter War

[Neo Pikachu]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/ToJRP2Header2.png

THE DESIGN TEAM

Dr Scott, RocketMeowth, and myself. Remember that the Todd appreciates hot, regardless of gender.

NOTES

Yes, we realized that on March 8th, the first version had some faults, and could be arguably said it was not “tested” enough. Many things have changed since that previous version, so even though you might have read the details on the first RP, I highly recommend reading them again (skimming is fine, I know there’s a lot!). The storyline has been significantly modified, the factions have completely changed, several of the Bloodline Circles have completely changed, and the class system is now changed to TAG skills. Yes, we reworked pretty much almost everything.

INTRODUCTION

Before you close this thinking you need to read all 535 pages of Trial of Juno, STOP! You don’t. I promise. Also, it doesn’t matter if you didn’t take part in the first Trial of Juno RP. All the events of this RP take place long before any of those events. In fact… Juno doesn’t even appear in this. :P

With that in mind, the RP takes place in the Pokémon world of Kivistal, and uses the same Heaven and Hell-like realms of Utopia and the Abyss. Meanwhile, old-world Kivistal is used, now shown to be how it was 1,000 years before the events of the ToJ trilogy. Therefore, reading the full story isn’t necessary. But to people who have read the series, it might interest them to see what things were like in Kivistal before all those events happened.

Also, unlike the Trial of Juno series and RP, this RP features a more Medieval-like setting. Technology is highly reduced, and there are no guns or tanks.

THE STORY SO FAR

War. War never changes.

In the old times of Kivistal, King Julican the Clefable had united the Pokémon of Kivistal under one flag, and had gained the respect of millions of Pokémon as being a fair, noble, and honest leader. Julican make it his own creed to never lie, and come forward with the truth, honestly and practically. Meanwhile, he was also a very selfless ruler, barely enjoying the luxuries of his kingdom as most of his resources went out to better the kingdom of Kivistal, rather than recklessly spend it on his own lavish desires. The Pokémon citizens applauded his humble and modest nature, but then something tragic happened…

During a chariot ride through the countryside, Julican’s escort had crossed over the Alocline Bridge when it suddenly collapsed. The struggle had been frantic, and Julican and several of his escort knights had been killed in the accident. It wasn’t clear if the bridge had been sabotaged, but there was nothing to suggest it, and those who had investigated the incident found nothing that would imply it had been tampered with.

However, it was known that Julican the Clefable never announced an heir to the throne, never expecting his life to be cut so tragically short. After a thorough investigation, three possible princes that had connections to Julican’s royal family tree had surfaced, and had tried to claim their right to the throne.

Despite the hopes that prayed the conflict would be resolved with two of the princes stepping aside to allow the first prince unquestioned ascension to the throne, nothing was agreed upon, and the only thing it resulted in was the bitter declaration of war upon each other. It was clear… Kivistal’s unity had been broken, and it may be many years… if ever… that unity and peace could be restored. Some of the chaos had been extinguished with the rise of the three princes uniting the Pokémon of Kivistal into three separate factions, but now, Kivistal had alliances that had never warred before ready to slaughter each other to see that their choice of ruler made it to the throne. Meanwhile, each of the three princes was more than ready to handsomely reward those that fought for them once they became king. Nobles, warlords, and other supporters of the princes immediately prepared for what would become a brutal war.

Forever, it would be inked in the history books of Kivistal as “The Splinter War.”

Meanwhile, working behind the scenes were the forces of the Abyss. The demonic forces of the hellish underworld hungered for the entertainment of the slaughter that would soon stain Kivistal’s battlefields, not to mention the countless reaping of vile souls that would occur. To them, they needed even more reasons for the Pokémon to remain divided. Using subtlety and stealth, they injected themselves into Kivistal’s operations as the new Cult of the Night, a seemingly innocent following of dark, ghost, and poison Pokémon that praised the night and the moon as opposed to the day. The Abyss then used a dark pyramid scheme to help fuel the building of Night Cult temples and cathedrals. Meanwhile, the Abyss’s forces provoked those on all three sides to keep fighting, disguising themselves to be normal Pokémon while encouraging reasons to continue warfare.

During all this, Darkrai decided to take his efforts further by locking Kivistal’s citizens into a nightmare dream world, forcing them into a coma and making them his victims. Many mistook the coma-inducing nightmares as strange sicknesses that no one had the cure for. Cresselia was the only member of Utopia’s armies who knew about this dark undertaking, but her ability to inform her comrades was cut off as she soon realized that she may be the only hope of stopping Darkrai and his ploys to create an unending nightmare for Kivistal’s citizens. She knew… if she left the Dreamworld’s battlefield for even only an instant, she ran the risk of losing everything…

The Night Cult had grown rapidly, now taking in Pokémon of any type, and the pyramid scheme had been more of a success than the Abyss thought it would be. Barely managing to confirm their mere suspicions, Utopia deployed several of its own agents to investigate the situation. As the Abyss wanted to keep their true form and intentions a secret to the unknowing Pokémon of Kivistal supporting the Night Cult, the Utopia forces also needed to tread lightly, and not spread mass hysteria among Kivistal’s living. To them, finding support to combat the Abyss would need to be very selected, and only those they could trust and depend on…

Among the chaos of the Splinter War, they had their own battles ahead…

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Your character knows…

About the accidental death of King Julican the Clefable.
About the three factions and the three princes fighting for command of the throne.
That the Night Cult exists, but they only know it’s a popular night-worshipping clan among dark, ghost, and poison type Pokémon. They don’t know any other details besides that.
About the outbreak of coma sicknesses.

Your character does NOT know…

The Abyss and Utopia are involved and have agents deployed in Kivistal.
The Night Cult has secret, underground ties to the Abyss, and the Night Cult is only a front for the Abyss’s injection into Kivistal.
The coma outbreaks are actually Pokémon locked in a dream world, and that Darkrai and Cressela are involved in their own battle there.

The things your character does not know can be discovered later on, but a realistic and very detailed means of how this is discerned is necessary to learn of it. As for the dream world coma outbreaks, there is no possible way your character can discover this until they go there themselves, or use a Bloodline Circle power to reveal it (Dream Walkers and Dimensional Seers are probably the only ones with this chance). Even if another RPer has done it before and tries to tell other RPer characters, consider that their story will definitely not be very believable at first. The truth will need time to be revealed.

[Neo Pikachu]

THE FACTIONS

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Name: Krana

Leader: Prince Arnes the Venusaur

A large Venusaur, Arnes is considered beautiful for his race. The plant on his back is brightly colored and exudes a soothing aura. His countenance is soft, making him easy to approach and just as easy to trust. However, much like a father he can be stern when necessary, and when he goes into this mode others cannot help but be drawn into his sharp and strange deep green eyes and quiver with what they see there. These eyes convey his intelligence and tenacity, and only the strongest cannot help but back away from the imposing figure.

Arnes would in all honestly love a world without war, but he knows that not everyone thinks like he does, and he is well aware of the fact he must be prepared for it. Meanwhile, Arnes is greatly focused on trying to avoid being wasteful, and trying to use every resource as much as it can be used, wasting as little as possible. Out of the three princes, Arnes is admired the most for his close connection to his family, and is regarded as a fatherly figure.

He is a wise man, and though he has never condoned war or studied it he still has a sharp eye for learning and is quickly picking up on military tactics. He likes to leave all battle strategies to his generals and bodyguards, though, because he dislikes making plans that he knows will lead some of his people into death. If the decisions were up to him he would concentrate on defense and fight conservatively, as he figures he can out-resource the others.

Arnes never shows his true power unless absolutely necessary or sufficiently angered. He prefers to look helpless or powerless, making others underestimate him. He is also known for unlocking potential, as Sunta did not to anyone’s knowledge have any special powers until he was found and adopted.

The Night Cult is met with confusion, because while night and the moon are a part of the planet (see: culture) it is not sure if the cult members worship the plant. Arnes lets them move about as they will, though regular civilians are slightly uneasy around them.

Arnes is married to a beautiful Bellossom named Oba. The marriage was much regarded by the community because of the popularity of both of the Pokémon types as they are considered ‘chosen’ by the planet, the mark being the flowers blooming as part of their body, the perfect combination of Pokémon and nature. Together the two have had three kids; older brother Milt the Ivysaur, younger sister Lent the Oddish and adopted son Sunta the Toxicroak, ranger general.

Natural Abilities: Incredible speed (matching even the fastest Jolteon) to go along with incredible power.

Special Powers – Siphon: Able to siphon power from an enemy. This makes Arnes stronger and his opponent weaker, and even allows him to use moves from the Pokémon he is siphoning off of.

Commanders:

Hamil the Abomasnow: A large and imposing figure, Hamil is best known for leading his troops directly into battle. During the warfare he is not so much an inspiration or a tactical genius as he is a destructive force that can hammer its way through enemy forces like a hot knife through butter. Not particularly tall, he is beefier and more muscular than other Abomasnow. Strange for a warrior, Hamil has no scars. This is due mostly to his power but also because of his legendary armor, which is made fully of ice. He is easily seen in the middle of battle as the man in the front lines bashing people left and right. His fierce will and never say die attitude raises the moral of those around them and drives them to strike even fiercer when they are behind. Well known for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

He is also the only known Pokémon that is able to skillfully wield the heaviest weapons in existence: Zanga the giant halberd and Musha the massive warhammer. He is loyal to the end, ever since the last commander in Hamil’s spot took him from abusive parents and raised him as his own. The Abomasnow respects the other groups and those in them, but knows that in the end it has to be Krana.

Powers - Accelerated Healing: Hamil is able to heal rapidly from any injury.

Lura the Ninetails: Said to be the most beautiful Ninetails in all the lands, Lura is one third of the leaders of the Thorns and at the same time the leader of the Druids of War. She has served the faith faithfully for years and became one of the better known Druids, but when the war started she decided that she’d be able to best help the planet by protecting the planet and ensuring a swift end to the war. Insanely powerful, Lura is able to use her fire powers without harming the landscape (of course, she isn’t as worried to hold back if she is in a town, desert, or anywhere not particularly natural and lush). She is passionate but kind to those who respect the planet, and often takes prisoners instead of killing if the opponents haven’t angered her. Lura is very knowledgeable and good with instinctual battle responses, though her knowledge of military and tactics is lacking.

Though she tries to hide it she tends to despise the other groups, thinking them heathens and destroyers. This hasn’t stopped her from trying to convert any captive though, and believes there is good in everyone (though it might be hidden or suppressed).

Natural Abilities: TMs Sunny Day, Protect, Solarbeam, Substitute, Teleport, and Ingrain.

Powers – Animator: Able to animate inanimate objects, including zombies, plants, paintings, or even statues.

Sunta the Toxicroak: Lean, quick, and agile; Sunta is so at home in the forests that his skin has turned chameleon in nature and now blends in with the background. He is not only an adoptive son of Arnes but the leader of the Rangers and is also a brilliant tracker and archer. As half a poison Pokémon, he is able to poison his arrows before firing them and as a half fighting Pokémon he is still deadly in close. As a masterful survivalist he is great at getting his soldiers out alive, and is great at being prepared before going into battle. At times he can be found on one of his two mounts; Tip the large but speedy Beedrill or Lane the Dodrio.

Power – Phasing: This is the ability to phase in and out whenever chosen. He can walk through people, things, and even phase out to where he is ghostlike and hard to see. Can be used as a defensive move, phasing his arm as a sword swipes at it or as a offensive move, using it to get the drop on someone.
Power – Radar Sense: Sunta can tell if there are people in a radius around them, though he cannot tell who they are unless he knows them well.

Theme: Life and Nature.

Emblem:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/RocketMeowth/scottssymbol.png

A setting sun over a tree. The sun is said to be one of the two eyes of the planet (the other being the moon), which the planet uses to look over its followers. The tree is meant to be life, and that it is small and insignificant but still loved and watched over. For flags the background is usually a wooden brown color, with splashes of ice blue.

Faction Area and Description: Krana calls the lands of Shale Ridge, Crescent Moon and Eastrock their own. Cities are built within natural places such as in and around trees or even within a network of caves. Only lately have they been using goods to make homes, and then after a ritual where they give respect and thanks for the use of the materials.

Noted Locations:

Palace Shale: Named after the same man who Shale Ridge was named after (a man who is also related to Arnes), Palace Shale is made purely of diamond. A place of true beauty, it never fails to take away onlookers’ breath.

The Grove: Located in Crescent Moon, this is the main holding for the druids. It is actually a glade where the large trees are made use of as homes, and the small island in the middle of a lake where moonlight shines down on is used as a spot for prayer and rituals.

Fort Flyte: An impregnable stone fortress, Fort Flyte is named for the fact that from above the natural stone formation that had been turned into a fortress looks like a bird in flight.

Faction Goals: Krana is all about taking care of the planet, whether that be chasing away those that would destroy it or tending to plants. Because of this all natural goods, life, and scenery is held in high regard and though they harvest what they need they do what they can to keep things as they are.

Because life is so important celebrating it is also kept in high regards. Whether that be partying or playing games, they feel that enjoying oneself is necessary. People do what they are best at, and training is only needed for those who wish to fulfill dreams that are already not in their grasp. Because of this schooling isn’t institutionalized but instead personal to those who wish to learn more or be more.

Though having a good time is encouraged, working hard is just as prominent. To support the high life that most everyone enjoys they work just as hard as they party, making what is needed and getting the best food that is available. Chefs, natural workers (those who make things out of pure resources), and entertainers are the most prized roles, though every one is seen as an important part of the wheel that keeps life going. They believe that their easy living is just a reward for working hard, and that good things happen to those who earn it.

Culture: Most, if not all, of the work is done in the mornings, and the belief that hard work is good for the soul prevails. The citizens work as hard as they can so that they can have the goods and supplies needed to live and live well. Nights, however, are freed up for entertainment, which is the calling card of the faction. Entertainment comes in the form of acting, games, or one of the large and numerous celebrations. These celebrations keep the morale incredibly high, and it would be hard to find anyone happier than an average Krana citizen.

Their economy is based on natural goods, whether that be fishing or mining the raw materials needed to make new objects. Normally they would send these goods off in exchange for finished items, but with the war they have been forced to learn how to make items themselves. Their natural resources, however, are abundant and of great quality.

Clothes are colorful and garish, as citizens see colors as a mini celebration of life. Artistic talent is highly appreciated, and large mosaics painted on clothe are often draped against buildings. They do not, however, paint on natural objects like stone or tree. To do so is considered a crime against nature and as such is only done by those ‘against the man.’

Important Cultural Notes:

Acting – A troupe of actors travels Krana lands, performing plays for the locals. Ironically, a majority of these plays mirror our own, and one of the better known plays is known as ‘Sun Wars’ starring characters Shon Sloho and Duke Airtrotter.

Harvest celebrations, the prince’s birthday, and ‘creation day,’ the day that the creation of the world and life is celebrated. Sometimes, however, they simply make up things to celebrate about like the finding of a large vein of minerals or a new birth in a family.

Games – Though there are several, including an underwater game known as Blitz Ball, one of the most famous is known as The Arena. The Arena is a mix between gladiator fights and wrestling, with fake storylines, characters, but real fighting. Sometimes deaths are faked, but unless there is an accident the warriors are talented enough that no one gets severely hurt. Sometimes battles are fierce and the combatants get to use their full strength without need to worry or hold back and worry about their opponent. In these beloved matches less dangerous weapons are used, like training weapons. Oddly enough, some of the most talented members of the army are made up of former Arena stars, and though their personalities are often odd their talent is never in question.

Religion – The major religion in the lands consist not of worshipping a single deity or a group of deities that created the world and many others, but instead of the world itself. Followers believe that the planet itself is the deity and that everything on it is either an extension of the deity or created by it. They believe that Utopia is an extension of the planet’s soul, where they can coexist with their master. On the other hand, they see the Abyss as a part that the planet cast off and now without his influence and soul the land went into decay. Priests are known as Druids, and they set about to actively serve the land instead of just respecting it. In war they are known as War Druids tend to use items powerful items made directly from nature, as well as wood-based armor.

Military: Krana’s military forces are often underestimated, as they use tactics of stealth, ambushes, and secrecy as opposed to attacking outright.

Seeds of Vengeance: Stealth forces that are led by senior members of the group. Incredibly powerful and successful.

Ranger Corps: A group of incredibly talented archers, the Ranger Corps are great at tracking people, seeking out things, and striking from afar. Led by Sunta.

Guerilla Agents: A small group of loyal fighters that focus only on protecting Krana’s lands. They know the land well and strike with hut and run attacks. Lead by Arnes’ advisors.

Roots of War: The main fighting force led by Hamil. Not the main focus, these serve to fight large battles and provide distractions for SoV members and Ranger Corps. Helped by War Druids and Thorn members.

Golden Sphere: A group of sorcerers led by three of the best in their group including Lura.
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Other Groups

The Blood Knights: An evil group within Krana, the only thing that stopped all out war between this group and the rest was the war. Now there is a shaky pact of sorts, and the Blood Knights help out the rest of Krana in the war in the hopes of taking it for their liege, the moon. Whether or not they have connections with the Night Cult is unknown, but they have their own interests in heart. The Blood Knights are rivals with the Rangers Corps, and fights are known to break out if the two groups are together for any extended time.

Ranks: Ranks are the same for every group (despite the Blood Knights, who are led by an unknown oligarchy).

Descending Order: Dandelion, Bramble, Thorn, Spruce, Pine, Willow, Oak

Preferred Land Mount: Tauros
Preferred Air Mount: Staraptor

Weapons: Because of the war, Krana has not been able to create new steel items. They retain some from before the war, which they got from trade, but any recently made weapons of this nature are considered to be of bad quality. Thankfully, the Druids that do not wish to partake in battle have begun creating weapons of war. These items are made directly from pure minerals such as silver or wood. Weapons made directly from minerals like gold, silver, and other rocks tend to be stronger and more sturdy but heavier and slower than normal weapons, whereas weapons made from wood tend to be less strong and sturdy but much faster.

Bows and staffs are abundant, as are items with small amount of blade like halberds and spears. Other than that, weapons are modeled after Celtic and Scottish weapons.

[Neo Pikachu]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/ToJRP2Talonica.png

Name: Talonica

Leader: Prince Maxal the Garchomp

A juggernaut even among the most gargantuan of Garchomps, Maxal is nearly two feet taller than the size of a normal Garchomp. Many have tried and tried to overthrow his rule and even attempt to assassinate him, only to be crushed under his might and superiority. He bears many scars, but they only proclaim the sheer number of seasoned warriors that he has put down only to still remain triumphant to this day. Though a seasoned warrior, Maxal holds true to his wisdom, knowing muscle and strength is power, but knowledge is also a deadly weapon one must know to bring down their enemies and opposition. Maxal’s personal creed is that if one knows their enemy, there is nothing they need to fear, and nothing they need to be intimidated by.

Despite his ruling with an iron fist, Maxal still greatly respects those that believe in him and his campaign, and promises to be an even better and stronger ruler than the late Julican. While he may not be as jovial or cheerful as the Clefable that was once king of Kivistal, he remains committed to leading Kivistal and pursuing his dreams. However, he also knows and tries to persuade his people that strength and defense are a top priority, and the well being of the people is what’s most important.

Maxal doesn’t necessarily like the company of the Night Cult, but in respecting the freedom and choices of Pokémon, he allows them to remain within his territory, as long as they don’t impede on military activities or harass his civilians. Meanwhile, he doesn’t know what ails the Pokémon seemingly lost in the coma outbreak, but he knows that too could eventually lead into a growing crisis.

Maxal is married to Kavista, a female Garchomp. Between the two of them is their son Tyvex, now a Gabite. Maxal knows he can’t separate time between his leadership and family, so he has made it an effort to combine the two, getting Kavista and Tyvex involved in Talonica’s agendas. Much to Maxal’s relief, so far its been a success.

Special Abilities:

Wrath of the Ancients: Able to summon up a small army of spirit dragons that have passed on many years ago. Those afflicted by their attacks feel a constricting, bitter chill, and are suddenly thrown into a wild, uncontrollable fear.

Commanders:

Tyrecken the Charizard – Anti-social, but dependable and trustworthy. Tyrecken has endured many battles and has the scars to prove it, but when he’s not fighting or in training, he moves slowly and mostly keeps to himself. One thing about Tyrecken that surprises most Pokémon is his unusual ability to control his temper, where most Charizards would become consumed by rage. Instead, Tyrecken doesn’t let it blind him, and knows that revenge is won by the prepared and the calculated, not the ones that go feral with a blinded fury.

Tyrecken sees the other two princes as incompetent and unprepared to handle the responsibility, something Tyrecken knows will be demanding.

Special Ability: Fire and metal manipulation. At will, Tyrecken can summon up fire whenever he so pleases even without breathing it. Meanwhile, he can smelt any kind of metal on the spot, and turn it into something new.

Josanna the Dragonite – In Talonica, Josanna is the strongest when it comes to tactics and military strategy. Though her role doesn’t require that she fights, sometimes she’ll step into the fray just to prove she was right. Normally, she doesn’t mind doubters and critics, but she they get too much on her nerves, it becomes her goal to prove them wrong and say “told ya so” right to their face.

Josanna is the most docile of Talonica’s commanders, but she can still get aggressive and show the enemy what she’s made of. She knows that the other two princes and their factions will stop at nothing to ensure their leader’s ascension. Meanwhile, she has fond feelings for Maxal, truly believing that the other two princes are a joke to have as ruler of Kivistal, and won’t hesitate to make crack jokes about them, or humor at the expense of the other two factions.

Special Ability: Alchemy. Josanna can change one substance into another, able to turn rocks into precious stones, and metals into gold. However, she knows she needs to be careful and respectful of the ability, knowing creating more gold or precious stones could unbalance the economy. Because of this, she only uses the ability for practical purposes.

Vylan the Salamence – Vylan is probably considered one of the most noble commanders, looking out for others before putting himself first. He finds that while strength and courage are important, honor is crucial as well, knowing that if honor is forsaken, they become even worse than the enemy.

Vylan is also known and admired for his sense of justice. He hates it when Pokémon are treated unfairly, and he also can’t tolerate those that are sadistic and enjoy tormenting others. Meanwhile, though he knows his father means well, he has a dislike of the Night Cult, finding them to be strange and foreign in these times. As for the coma outbreak, it concerns Vylan the most out of the commanders, still feeling like something is going horribly wrong, but no one knows anything about it or can even do anything to address it. Meanwhile, he fears it the most, hoping it doesn’t affect his father and mother.

Special Ability: Illusion. Vylan has the unusual power of making his enemies think something is really there when its not. However, he mostly uses it in reverse, cloaking threats and making them appear to be nothing when they’re really a trap.


Theme: Talonica has a distinct love for dragons, honoring the reptilian legends and followers with respect. While Pokémon that are dragons are treated with honor and respect, they aren’t given any more rights or power than what normal Pokémon have.

Paintings, statues, and murals on the walls of buildings often depict dragon Pokémon, capturing the moments of glory from great dragon warriors and leaders of the past. Meanwhile, armor often has depictions and draconic features like dragon wings, claws, or heads on them. Weapons also forged in the territories owned by Talonica carry the same features.

Members of Talonica celebrate three holidays during the year. The first is the Dawn of Flight, where non-dragon Pokémon will dress themselves in elaborate dragon costumes. It is also the only time of year when casks of a fantastic juice called “Draco Wine” made from Peacha and Razz berries are opened and consumed. During the Dawn of Flight, many carnival-like games are played, street performances take place, and feasts are served and prepared in the streets and other public places. The second is the Dragon’s Thanksgiving, when heroes from the past are honored as their stories are told to the young. While veterans of the wars long gone are also honored, it’s the ones currently serving active military duty that are praised and honored the most, very often receiving generous gifts for their sacrifices and commitments. Lastly is the Night of the Midnight Dream, where after performing an ancient ritual using marked “clawstones” and burning snapdragon flowers in a special stone bowl, those participating will sleep and have the same dream, often experiencing something revitalizing about their future or experiencing a new personal revelation. However, the recent events of the coma breakouts have caused the Night of the Midnight Dream to be often skipped out of fear that the performing the special dream could result in one of these comas.

Emblem:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/RocketMeowth/Talonicasymbol.png

A depiction of a dragon with its wings spread, clutching a spear in one talon and a hammer in the other. The spear resembles the military of Talonica who fight and sacrifice for the cause, while the hammer resembles the workers of the faction, building and constructing the way of life and the future for the faction. As a flag, the emblem will typically be silver against a black background, resembling a shining light in the darkness, while the emblem itself is often made out of steel and fastened onto armor, weapons, war machines, and the like.

Faction area and description: Talonica holds the Emerald Spear, the Indigo Tropics, the Azure Islands, and southern reaches of the Sapphire Front. Because of the tropical climate, cities and towns are mostly built toward the coastline, and are often elevated on stilts or built in trees to compensate for occasional flooding. Most buildings are made of stone, while the rooftops are like those of Japanese pagodas, using green terracotta roofing tiles. Very often, towns will use waterways and rivers like streets, also as a means to control the flooding but still make use of the land. Talonica takes pride in the appearance of their towns, knowing that building for solely purpose without beauty leaves the cities looking dull, ugly, and scorned.

Faction Goals: Besides trying to reunite Kivistal under their banner, Talonica believes in activeness, believing that all citizens and members of the faction have a role in society. Regardless of the profession, strength is often preached, not just in laboring or military positions, but in all professions as a whole, so that even civilians know how to defense themselves if the military should fail. Those who are lazy and unconcerned are greatly looked down upon in this kingdom.

Talonica also remains committed to curing and resolving sicknesses and diseases, mostly in part to Vylan’s sponsoring. As a major goal, means to cure the sick and advance medical practices is vital, knowing the kingdom’s health and future depends on it. Meanwhile, the elderly and those who have grown old and tired are still cared for properly, knowing their wisdom, advice, and experience still has many crucial roles.

Talonica also believes that art, whether its in the form of music, painting, dancing, singing, carving, sculpting, or other means is to be celebrated and encouraged. Those who have the ability are commended, knowing that art is the voice of the soul, and to share that voice with those around them is one of the many meanings of life. The practice of passing down these arts through the family is also greatly honored, knowing that is how the voice of the past stays alive. Because of this, young children are often seen as the vintage of the future to come.

Culture: Societies in Talonica are very family-oriented. Families generally remain together, though those who break away to live on their own usually don’t move far away to the point where it comes impossible to see friends and family. Meanwhile, in work and life, Pokémon of Talonica believe in the power of a group, knowing they can accomplish more if they don’t concern themselves with who gets the praise or the credit.

Talonica specializes mostly in seafaring, art, medical practices, and military practices. For entertainment, usually every Pokémon within the kingdom partakes in some form of art, dancing, singing, and the like, but without question, they do like to see and hear the performances of others, watching their elaborate dances or seeing fantastical paintings. Often, there are those that gain pleasure just from teaching others in the skill of the art that was passed through their family, often passing that down to their disciples, as they are often called. Most of the time, Pokémon don’t wear clothing unless they have a role that needs it, such as a suit of armor for a military role, robes for a priest/priestess role, or simple cloth for the artist. However, very often, Pokémon in Talonica wear dragon-themed jewelry, some wearing it for fashion, while others wear the insignias and depictions around their arms and necks for good luck, hoping good fortune is with them.

As a faith following, members of Talonica look to Rayquaza for strength, honor, and courage, while others look toward Latios and Latias for family, togetherness, and hope for the future. As a law, those who become priests or priestesses only serve one of those entities directly, residing in the temples and compounds specially built for those deities. Most Pokémon of the faction follow and respect both entities, but there are a few outside of the clergies that remain very committed to only one. Throughout the cities, separate temples and shrines are made for the worshipping of these legends, hoping that their blessing is passed down among the people.

Though not directly worshipped like Rayquaza and the two legendary twins Latias and Latios, those who live by the sea often regard Lugia with the same kind of awe and respect and often look to him for a safe journey across the seas, but they don’t pay him homage like they do with the other two entities.

Military: Usually those that want to be a part of the Indigo Dragons (the name the military calls itself) have to make that commitment at an early age. However, it’s not uncommon for normal citizens to suddenly have the urge to support the defense and well-being of the faction, especially in times of war. When this happens, they are trained a little bit faster, but a little bit harder to make sure they are truly ready.

Ranks in descending order: Great Wyrm, Wyrm, Senior Dragon, Junior Dragon, Drake, Whelp, Seed

Preferred land mount: Lairon

Preferred air mount: Flygon

Weapons: Talonica mostly uses swords and weapons mainly Greek and Roman in design, all usually given insignias, carvings, and other markings of dragons to explain where they were created. Typically, to honor the craftsmanship that goes into making each weapon, warriors that use them often give the weapon themselves names such as “Emerald Wind” and “Thunder’s Edge.”

[Neo Pikachu]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/ToJRP2Itikka.png

Name: The Kingdom of Itikka

Leader: Prince Hartaasti Viikate the Scyther.

Gender: Male

Age: 25 years

Appearance: Hartaasti Vikate is a shiny Scyther that stands about a foot taller than most normal Scyther. Under both of his eyes are black, angled down triangles that extend to the middle of his jaw line. His wings also have small torn sections near the tops and middle from fighting other Scyther in combat (look at Tracy's Scyther for an example). They're also stained with blood around the torn sections as are the tips of his scythes.

Power: His special power revolves around his scythes. They glow a golden color and gain the ability to cut through anything. Literally, anything. However a set back is that it takes a lot of strength and concentration to keep the power going. The more he ages the easier it'll become, but because he's young it takes a bit more effort.

Background: When he was born, Hartaasti Viikate was destined for greatness. His birth family were the rulers over the Kingdom of Itikka, making him the new prince. With this position came his planned future. You see, when you're born into the royal family your future isn't up to you. You can't decide what you want to be when you become of age or level, or even who you want to have feelings for. Everything is chosen for you. Even your teachings! Because of this, Hartaasti Viikate never really had any true friends. He had only the friends assigned to him by his mother and father. When he was taught he'd be taken to a large room inside his castle that echoed even the quietist of whispers. He'd be shown the proper etiquette for a prince, as well as for a ruler as well as many other things that would help aid him when his time for power came. His favorite teachings though were those of the military and combat skills. The reason is because they made him feel useful and free, while the other teachings made him lose focus and fall asleep.

Eventually the time came in a young Itikka Pokémon's life where they would have to go through the warrior tests. Even though Hartaasti Viikate was royalty, he still had to go through the test just like everyone else, no exceptions. Because he favored his military and combat teachings, he went through and passed the Scyther Test with flying colors. He was then given the ceremonial markings indicting his passing. At this time he was around 18 years of age.

By the age of 20 his mother had come down with an illness that resembled a much stronger and faster cancer. It attacked her relentlessly each day causing screams to echo through the castle halls. Hartaasti Viikate would often hear her describing the pain (even in her sleep) as sharp daggers cutting through her flesh like knives through butter. It tortured him and his father to hear her like this because, there hadn't yet been a cure discovered for what she had. There wasn't even a way to help numb the pain that she was going through. Two years went by. Hartaasti Viikate's mother was now unable to walk and resembled that of an older Pokémon. Her memory wasn't very good and her voice was now soft and hard to hear. Hartaasti Viikate and his father standing with her when she passed away, just five days before Hartaasti Viikate's twenty-second birthday. The very last words she said were to her son.

**reenactment**

"Mother please... don't speak! Save your strength!" Hartaasti Viikate urged. His head was pressed against his mothers scythe as it hung limp over the edge of her bed. His father stood on the other side with widened eyes. His red clamps holding onto his wife's other scythe for dear life.

"Hartaasti Viikate," she chuckled, "I'm so proud of you. You've been so good to me... to me over the years..." she went on. Her voice was very frail and soft. She often had to take deep breaths of air just to get out one word, making her sentences very choppy. "Even in my time of illness... you... you showed such loyalty."

"Narista please... please do as Hartaasti Viikate says and just rest!" pleaded the father. Tears were falling from his eyes as he bent down onto his knees. Narista turned her gaze to him. Shock hit his face as he saw the weak smile on hers. She let out a cracky chuckle that was then covered by a ear piercing cough.

"Sivallus..." she said. She then turned back to her son who was now crying as well. With a drifting voice, Narista spoke her last words. "Hartaasti Viikate... be... be a strong but... but kind prince. Don't give into pressure and... and do what you think"-she took in a deep dagger filled breath-"is right. I.. I... lo... ve-" her voice was now gone. Hartaasti Viikate looked at her with wide and glistening eyes.

"Mother? Mother?!" he repeated in a shaky voice. His father lowered his head in agony as his wife's scythe grew completely limp. "MOTHER!" Hartaasti Viikate screamed as tears rained from his eyes. But no matter how loud or how frantic he made himself sound, no response came from her smiling face. She was dead. Slowly placing her scythe down, Sivallus walk around to his son to comfort him. "This isn't fair!" Hartassti Viikate cried as his father wrapped his red arm around him.

"Shhh," Sivallus quietly said, tears still falling from his eyes.

"I wasn't ready for her to go yet! I wasn't... I wasn't ready! I need her fa-father I-I need her-er!" Hartaasti said. His voice was frantic and full of grief as he pressed his head to his fathers chest.

"I know son. I know. I wasn't ready for her to go either but... there's nothing we can do. At least we know that she's with Basilli Jumala in a peace filled world and-and that she's no longer suffering," comforted his father. That night the two lay by her side for one last time.

**complete**

Hartaasti Viikate is now his current age of twenty-five years. He now rules the Kingdom of Itikka. His father is still very much alive and likes to keep watch over his son without getting in the ways of his leadership duties. Even though he no longer acts as the ruler of the kingdom that doesn't mean he isn't active. He's taken up the position as one of the commanders to help out on the field.

Personality: His mothers wishes haven't been forgotten but, they also haven't been fully acted on. Ever since her death, Hartaasti Viikate has felt sort of lost in his sense of being. He feels that there is a hole inside his heart that's very slowly increasing in size. Because of this, his judgment has become rather sketchy and unpredictable. There will be times where he feels that justice must prevail in a way that brings no harm to his subjects while at other times he would rather have it brought forth with force. Don't get him wrong though. He's a very caring leader who puts his subjects needs and issues before his own. He even provides them with hours during the week where he'll take in their outlooks on what he's done so far, as well as talk to him about any problems they may be having. He'll even attempt to do what he can to fix whatever they say is wrong. It's just that sometimes... his anger and grief for his mother will get in the way of his judgment, causing harsher orders to be given out.

Overall, his personality depends on how his judgment responds to the loss of his mother three-years ago.

Commanders:

Name: Sivallus
Species: Scizor
Gender: male
Age: 52 years
Appearance: Under Sivallus's left eye are two curved triangles in a downwards position. His size is also slightly large than most Scizor, standing (like his son) a foot taller than them. Other than that, everything about him is the same as any normal Scizor.
Power: Just like his son, his claws glow a golden color which gives them the ability to cut through anything. However because he's much older he's had more experience with them and is able to use this power for a very long time. It still drains his energy but, the rate at which it does is much slower than with Hartaasti Viikate.
Personality: Strong, intelligent, caring, and sometimes testy. Like his son, the death of his wife has taken a toll on him. He's a power warrior mentally and physically, but his personality can be very unpredictable. Unlike his son however, he can control his judgment as well as the feelings inside him a bit better. When in a fight he'll think before acting. Playing the field like a chess game, he's been able to make strategies that benefit Itikka's side with little casualty risk. When he's not on the field he can be great to get along with. His tone is usually very laid back and he always listens to those he's commanding. But like his son... there will be times when his personality and judgment suffer from the thought of how happy and carefree his wife was, and how her death (as Hartaasti Viikate put it) was unfair.
Background: Born into royalty, his future was decided for him. He favored his combat classes and would often spend more time practicing them than anything else. He was a Scizor by the time he took his warrior test at the age of 19. Due to how much he did in his combat classes, he became the strongest warrior in all of Itikka as well as the only one to date to pass his warrior test in under a half-hour. He married his wife Narista only a few years after his passing and became the king of Itikka. Years later he gained a son. His wife passed away when he was 49 years and once his son took to the throne, he made himself the top commander. He still hasn't chosen a wife for his son to marry, but right now that's not important to him. What is important is his son's safety as well as the safety of Itikka.

Name: Ruskistaa Nasta
Species: Pinsir
Gender: male
Age: 44
Appearance: A very dark colored Pinsir with bright yellow eyes. His left horn is chipped on the outside. Cracks can be seen scaling down from where the chip is with the longest one reaching about a foot away from his skull. Under his eyes are three black curved triangles in the downward position. The two at the outer edges extend the furthest reaching to the first line that marks his stomach. The others reach only to the bottom of his first two flat teeth.
Power: His power is very unusual but, helps him out a lot when in battle. When his body has been injured greatly (not including broken bones) he can just shed his shell and come out healed. With this shedding comes a replenishing of his strength and energy as well. He can do this as much as he wants, but as noted above, it doesn't aid in broken bones.
Personality: Eccentric and optimistic. Even though war and crime are horrible things, Ruskistaa Nasta has always kept an open mind about them. Weather it's on or off the battle field, he always keeps a smile on his face and pride in his eyes. He's the most liked out of the commanders and is also the most easy going. But even though all this optimism and eccentric behavior, he can still dish out a hell of a battle.
Background: He actually had a very normal life. He had loving parents, many friends, and a girlfriend which is currently his supporting wife. He joined the military at the age of twenty-nine but wasn't appointed to his rank as a commander until he was thirty-eight. Despite the many injuries and deaths he's seen in battle, it hasn't affected his overall look on life.


Name: Ikivanha Juottaa
Species: Armaldo
Gender: male
Age: 68
Appearance: His appearance from comparison with the other generals is the worst of them all. He's suffered many battle scars. The top two feathers on the left side of his neck are torn off halfway while the middle one of the right is slashed open, but not far enough to make it fall off. Over his right eye is a scar that was given to him by a Beedrill that was trying to escape arrest. He can still see out of the eye but, even to this very day, it will throb from the pain of what was done to it (this happened twenty-three years ago). His claws have been permanently stained with the blood he's spilled from opponents. The worst scar he's acquired over the years was given to him by a Rhyperior. It resembles a deep gash that had improperly healed. It's a pink color and stretches from the right side of his face, down the side of his neck, over his right shoulder, and down his stomach. It ends JUST before his left leg. His tail is lined with so many scars that its made a stripe like pattern with kris-crosses and overlaps. Finally, the left spike on his tail has broken in half from when it was grabbed by a Tyranitar.
Because there is very little space around his eyes, the marks that show he passed his test had to be altered. Instead of the normal curved, bottom facing triangles, he instead has stripes that lead all around where his eyes stick out. The left eye has two while the right one only has a single mark.
Power: His special power allows him to change the color of his body to the blood red color of his shiny form. With this change came a lust for blood spill and a craving for nonstop assaults on his opponents. It's very rare that he uses it seeing as his major scar that stretches across half his body is the result of the last time he went into this state.
Personality: Very wise and very tough. He's seen many things in his time from when he became a general at the age of thirty-seven. With each sight came a deep understanding of the consequences of poor strategy. He's also used these sights to help keep him from creating close relationships with his troops. He does this by acting tough and showing little care for them. However deep down, he cries for them when they return dead, and he cheers when they make full recoveries from server injury. The only time he'll show his troops any passion or good attitude is when they've pleased him or when they've returned from a fight with hardly any injured.
Background: Hardships fell onto Ikivanha Juottaa from the day he was born. His mother died giving birth to him and his father wasn't much of a role model. He was blamed for his mother’s death and, as a result, virtually raised himself. He wasn't hated by others though, just his father. He trained himself long and hard each day, hoping to make his father proud of him. He passed his warrior test with flying colors. However in the end, his father still refused to acknowledge him as a son. Seeing that his attempts were just a waste, he went about his life and became a part of the military. Ever since then he's been a vital member and a respected one at that. His father is still alive and still hates him for what happened to his wife, but at least the hatred doesn't run in the family. Ikivanha Juottaa's main reason for joining the military all those years ago still stands strong in his mind and the words of those around him. He joined to protect citizens, like his father.

Military: Often referred to as “The Unity,” Itikka’s military focuses on two main predominant goals. The first and foremost is to protect the homeland and its Pokémon at all costs. The second is to fight and stay united as a cohesive group. Pokémon within The Unity tend to not think of terms of individual soldiers, but more on the entire battalion as its own entity. Under this ideology, Pokémon of The Unity need to be selfless, understand sacrifice, but most of all, full faith and heart into teamwork.

Preferred land mount: Ariados

Preferred aerial mount: Yanmega

Ranks (In descending order)

Overseer, Venom, Stinger, Claw, Horn, Wing, Needle

Weapons: They specialize in ninja type weapons. The main ones they use are Throwing Stars; Tiger Claws, Bo Shuriken, Kusari Gama, Tonfa, and Wooden Staves.

Theme: This faction is different from other factions because they act as a single unit (like a colony). When one has fallen they go to its aid and when a sufficient amount have fallen, they retreat for safety. When in battle they make sure that each flank and each attackers has backup in case something goes wrong. This is a risky type of warfare but it is what's been helping them thrive both military wise as well as life wise.

Their theme is unity.

Emblem: http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/RocketMeowth/Itikkaemblem.png - this is what it looks like when it's placed onto weapons. However when on a flag, it covers a golden background that represents the light from the sun. The actual emblem is a representation of defense and watching. Though the bug type is hidden away in forested cities, that doesn't mean their defense is down or that they aren't able to see the truth of the world around them. The three downwards curved triangles represents the markings of the warrior test.

[Neo Pikachu]

Culture: Itikka is a tribal society. Working as a single unit, Itikka has gained a type of sixth sense. They can feel when one of their own is in danger or has been killed. They feel it is a gift from their god, Basilli Jumala. Their trades are armor, fruits, and metal. with entertainment they have sparing matches. Nothing is more important to them then keeping up a powerful offense and defense. Most of the time the matches are for fun, but at random times they'll turn into contests of honor with the prize of being recognized by the prince as a great warrior. As mentioned earlier, their god is named Basilli Jumala. They worship him in forms of dance and chants underneath the full moon when its hit the center of the night sky.

OUTFITS:

*Male-
Their outfits are made normally from the bark of trees that surround their land. The bark is tough and it's a way for them to feel closer to their homeland. The outfits can be as simple as a flat body cover, or as complex as a spike lined cover. Flying bugs such as Yanma, Yanmega, Venomoth, etc. can't wear such things because it would weigh them down, lowering their performance. As a result they wear single plates that go around their necks and extend to cover their underbelly's. In order to keep their legs from being covered or from being rubbed against by the plates, special u-cuts are made in the plates. All outfits range in a series of browns because it's the natural color of the bark. They refuse to alter it.

*Female-
Woven from grass, leaves and vines, females show off an outfit of greenery. Because the female is more delicate, they've been given delicate outfits. They keep these outfits together by using a special mud that dries like glue. Their outfits can range from simplistic dress like fashions, to complex warrior type outfits. The warrior type outfits are worn by the toughest females because they use thorns and poisonous plants to create them. This not only provides them with ample protection but can also strengthen their immunity to poisonous attacks. not every female can do this though. For Pokémon like Yanma, Yanmega, Venomoth, etc. they use only skinny vines. The vines are wrapped around their bodies like belts and keep a good distance away from their wings so as to not disturb them when they flap.

CUSTOMARY IN SOCIETY:
(Taken at the age of 18. No sooner.)

It is customary for the male to be the dominant warrior in a family. The female is permitted warrior status, but she isn't permitted to outrank the male. When becoming a warrior, the males and females must go through tests to prove themselves. Overall tests will look very similar to each other. But when broken down they are very different and focus around the special skills of the Pokémon that is taking part in them. However in order to take the tests the participant must be at their final form. A basic or secondary stage would be too weak and wouldn't be able to perform at their max. The only ones that are exempted from this are Scyther because even alone, they are powerful Pokémon. Plus the prince is a Scyther. Here are the tests for each bug type:

KANTO
*Pinsir: a test of strength within the horns on their heads. They must be able to not only slice trees in half, but be able to chip pieces off rocks. This shows that the horns are strong enough to withstand a lot of pressure when in battle.
*Scyther: their scythes, mind and speed are put to test in a fight against the top ranking of their kind. They must show a level of speed, power, stealth and knowledge to prove themselves worthy of a warriors title.
*Beedrill: their stingers strength and durability is put to test. The Beedrill must be quick in reaction with them as well as smart. Once that stinger comes off, the Beedrill is done for. They've got to show that they know how to keep the stinger from being ripped off as well as how to make it a fearsome weapon.
*Butterfree: dodging skills are their strength. They must perform perfect dodges that not only keep them from injury, but show great dexterity and speed. Their also tested in psychic shots for perfect aim.
*Parasect: being slow has it's disadvantages. But having a mushroom containing deadly toxins and stat effecting powders makes up for that. Parasect must show their knowledge when facing an opponent that's overly fast. Quick reaction and the proper choice will save them in the field.
*Venomoth: seen as the ninja moth, a Venomoth is tested in their stealth and attack only.

JHOTO
*Ariados: the strength of the webs they make and the needles they shoot are tested. Both must be strong when in the field because of the difficulty they'll have with speed and dodging.
*Ledian: Camoflauge and speed are tested.
*Forretress: Defense is vital with these Pokémon. Since speed isn't their strong suit, they must show a tough shell and great defense. A powerful explosion is also good.
*Scizor: their claws must be able to put enough pressure on their foe when squeezing, that it renders them motionless and cuts off air circulation. Their test is the hardest because they must be warry of how much force is put out on their opponent. Otherwise they could kill them, which is actually what happens in most Scizor tests.
*Shuckle: Only defense is tested.
*Heracross: Their horn must be able to chuck something much heavier than them a good ten feet away from their bodies. They must also show powerful defense and good resistance to sweet smells when in the battle field.

HOENN
*Armaldo: Strength and endurance is their test. They must show that they can take down anything in their path while at the same time enduring any damage done to them.
*Ninjask: speed, stealth and cunning is what they go through. Seeing as how their attack power is low, they are used as spies. Because of that they must show great speed, silent movements, and an intelligence that can't be predicted.
*Shedinja: Pure attack. Because they're so weak they must be able to bring out a full onslaught before their "done in".
*Masquerain: Confusion tactics are their strong suit. With little defense and a low leveled attacks, they are to use their unique flight patterns to gain the upper hand. Without it, they may fall very fast in fight. Their test emphasizes that.
*Beautifly: They are tested on how strong their Silver Wind attacks are as well as their healing moves. The must also have strong courage and intelligence when using their healing moves.
*Dustox: Tested on how much poison they can dish out, they must prove that their attacks are strong enough to subdue an enemy into submission, or possibly death.
*Volbeat: Tested for lighting up darkness. The brighter the light, the easier it would be to spot intruders.
*Illumise: Tested for lighting up darkness. The brighter the light, the easier it would be to spot intruders.

SINNOH
*Kricketune: They are tested on their music. Both for being off tune and on key.
*Mothim: Speed, tracking, and stealth. Mothim are tested for only these and used for only these.
*Wormadam: Tested in the art of stealth only. They're very weak and their only real strength is how stealthy they can be.
*Vespiqueen: just like Beedrill their tested on guts and attack motive. They may not have stingers, but they must show just as much bravery when in the field.
*Yanmega: Tested on sheer power. These Pokémon must be fearless in the field and they must be able to go all out with their power moves. Next to Scizor, their tests are the hardest because it causes a lot of damage to the Yanmega that take it.
*Skorupi: Tested on digging. Because they're a basic form they are mainly tested in pitfall traps. They aren't permitted in the battle field as actual warriors, but more so as a digging crew.

Other Types
*Electric: aim and control is their test. They must show that they have perfect aim and that they can control their electricity's location, even after shot (their kind of sixth sense).
*Dark: fear and intimidation lie in the shadows of darkness. The dark types need to show just how powerful they are not just through tests of strength, but through tests of fear as well.
*Poison: their poison levels are put to the test. They need to prove that they can lose a lot of poison without suffering dizzy spells and fainting.
*Grass: creativity in attacks has made grass types known for their interesting moves. Their test puts them in a situation where their creativity must be used for both attacks and defense. Not every offense makes for good offense, but instead better defense.
*Ghost: melding is their test. Being a ghost, they can meld thoughts with opponents through entering their bodies when intangible. They've got to show that they can do this without being detected. If their detected they must show quickness when obtaining the knowledge they seek, and they must be able to change their hosts thoughts. =only older ghost types are permitted to go through thought changing because it's the hardest level when in mind melding.
*Psychic: they are all put through a test of intelligence. Fighting is also tested, but not as much as knowledge is.
*Fire: a test of how powerful their blaze is.
*Ice: a test of their ice powers. Since bugs are very weak to this type, an ice type Pokémon much show that it can control its powers and keep from hitting any of its bug typed comrades.
*Water: a test of stealth both on land, and in the water.
*Fighting: a test of pure strength and endurance. They've got to be able to fight for long periods of time without falling victim to fatigue.
*Flying: speed and dodging are the majority in their tests.
*Steel: offense is one thing, but defense is another. Steel types are all tested on how much their hides can take when pitted against their weakness. The longer they last, the stronger they are.
*Rock: Pure strength and strength alone is their test. They've got to show they can bust through anything tossed at them and that they can stand their ground when in a strong match.
*Ground: Speed, strength, and intelligence is their test. When underground they must show haste in their uplifting time as well as a good mind about where they uplift from.
*Normal: they are tested on multiple typed attacks. Being normal type, their rank among all the other types is fairly low. They have nothing that's weak to them, and they have a defense. Because of this, they must be able to perform multiple types attacks that would help aid them in combat.
*Dragon: infiltration and spying is the test they must go through. To show a form of treachery that in the end is only a ploy to gain knowledge of the other side is very difficult. Not many dragons have passed the test because their sheer strength and easy to anger personality have given them away. Out of the other element tests, this is the hardest one.

If a Pokémon passes the tests, he/she is then marked with black lines somewhere on their body. The two black marks indicate a passing of the test it was put through (hence why the prince has black mark below his eyes). If the Pokémon fail the test, they're not permitted to re-take it for half-a-year up a full year depending on how poorly they did. Also, just because they pass the warriors test doesn't mean they can only be a warrior. The test marks maturity and adulthood in a young Pokémon. However this does make it so they can be drafted into war if needed.

Other: Bug types do not fear their weakness. Nor do they show retaliation when facing them. They show nothing but pride and honor. BUGS RULE!

[Neo Pikachu]

THE BLOODLINE CIRCLES

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/BloodlineCircles3.png

The Bloodline Circles are special traits that were passed down from parents to their children, tracing back from the ancient times of Kivistal. However, members of the Bloodline Circles are extremely rare now. The traits are very difficult to pass on, and as time passes, the number of members of the Circles continues to shrink even more so.

The Circle that your character belongs to is decided completely randomly. Because your character has no choice in the matter, your character works with what they’ve got as best as they can, rather than all-too-easily picking what would be best for them. When you make your sign up reservation, this will be rolled for you using a random number generator (likely random.org or AIM dice). Also, some Bloodline Circles have three Sub-Circles, which are determined by a second roll. Members of these three Sub-Circles generally refer to each other as “cousins,” as the three branching off traits all have a similarity. Also, these powers CAN be used in the Abyss and Utopia.

You are entitled to one reroll, but note that what you get on the second roll is what you must stick with. There is no going back to what you previously got, so absolutely make sure you want to discard your first roll before deciding to do this. Only in the case where the second roll is exactly the same as the first will another roll be given.

(1) The Starblazer Circle – Those born to this Bloodline Circle have the ability to call upon the stars to help and guide them, able to use their light and presence as a guide, and able to use their power as a weapon.

Starblazers can summon a swarm of eight small stars that can be distributed among any number of targets. The more stars directed toward a single target, the more damage they incur. Has a 5 post cooldown.
As a second attack, Starblazers can also summon a comet from the sky that can inflict major damage against a single target, and anyone else that happens to be in the blast radius (50 feet). Has a 5 post cooldown..
Starblazers can also unleash a star of blinding light that affects only those who aren’t Starblazers themselves, as well as those of the Revealers Bloodline. This same star can be used at a softer brilliance to illuminate dark areas or be used as signal flares.
A Starblazer can also temporarily become a shooting star that can fly around the world at lightspeed. With this ability, the Starblazer can go to any location in a single post, but can not teleport themselves inside a structure or underground. Note that the Starblazer can neither attack nor be attacked while in this form.
Starblazers also gain regeneration while near bright sources of light, slowly healing wounds and broken bones over time.

(2) The Dimensional Seers Circle – Taken from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2, those whose bloodline traces itself to the Dimensional Seers Circle have the ability of the Dimensional Scream, the ability of clairvoyance using the sense of touch. Once the Seer touches an object or Pokémon having some role or importance, the Seer then experiences a vision of the past, something that is occurring now, or they foresee a possible vision of the future (doesn’t mean it can’t be changed though). Also, the vision is not limited to Kivistal only. The visions can reveal sights of the Abyss and Utopia, as long as the object touched is connected to those realms.

If you’ve played through Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2’s storyline, this is pretty much exactly like the ability in the games.

Dimensional Screams are triggered by touching a physical object or Pokémon. At will, the Seer can use the person or object to experience a vision, but the vision must have some relation to the object touched (the vision could be regarding the object’s owner, someone who touched it previously, the place where the Pokémon/object came from, something the Pokémon/object did in the past or is about to do, etc.).
Once an object has been touched and a vision is experienced, the object can not be used again to experience a second vision until something else happens to that object after it has been used for a Dimensional Scream vision.
Visions are often quite brief, and really shouldn’t be longer than a single post.
As an offensive power, a Dimension Seer can also turn any object they hold into a grenade-like explosive that will detonate when thrown. This power has a 5 post cooldown.

(3-5) The Ascendants Circle – Those of the Ascendants Bloodline Circles are Pokémon capable of manipulating the use of their own soul, able to change their appearance, walk outside of their own body in a dream-like state, as well as use the power of their own soul to become something entirely different. Out of all the Bloodline Circles, these Pokémon are believed to have achieved a higher state of life, but no one is truly sure how these powers exactly came out.

(1) The Dream Walkers Sub Circle – The Dream Walkers Circle includes Pokémon that are able to release their soul from their mortal shell without death. While this happens, the Pokémon is still fully conscious and is completely aware of what they’re doing. Also, the soul is capable of floating, going underground, and passing through walls. However, the soul can not interact with the physical world. In soul form, the Pokémon can still see and hear things, but those are the only two senses that can be used.

The Dream Walker has the ability to also enter the dreams of other Pokémon while they are sleeping. While in these dreams, the dreamer is still in control of their own dreams, but the Dream Walker can view them and remember the details. Also, the Dream Walker can not enter the Dreamworld this way, but they can see what the sleeper is going through.
While moving as a soul, the Dream Walker’s body goes into a deep sleep, barely alive in a near-death state. The soul can migrate as far as two miles away from the body, but the body is still vulnerable.
The Dream Walker can possess the body of another being while that being is asleep (only on NPCs, not RPers). While in possession, the Dream Walker will have control of the body, but the eyes of the controlled body will be glowing white, so those around the controlled body will be aware that the body is possessed. Lasts for five posts, and requires a 10 post recharge time after use. Once a body has been possessed once, it may not be possessed again by the same Dream Walker. The possession can be ended early though if the Dream Walker chooses. Also, the Dream Walker can not drive the possessed body to commit suicide, but if something outside of the body results in the death of the possessed body and the Dream Walker did not orchestrate it, the Dream Walker is released back into the soul form.
A Dream Walker can also haunt an indoor room for as long as they like, but they must remain in the room the entire time in their soul form. While a room is haunted, those in the room feel an eerie chill and hear dark whispering. As a result, those in the room become fearful and/or paranoid, and feel a sudden urge to leave the room. Meanwhile, candle and torchlight is greatly dimmed. This will not work outside.
Dream Walkers can visit and leave the Dreamworld at any time.
If the body is killed while the Dream Walker’s soul is out and moving, it is considered death, and the soul is immediately sent to the afterlife.

(2) The Emissaries Sub Circle – Based on their alignment (or recent actions), the Emissary has the power to become a winged Seraphim Warrior (Utopia, Good Alignment) or a winged Fallen Angel (Abyss, Evil Alignment). If you get this Bloodline, you are allowed to make three light or dark based moves (which don’t have any weaknesses or strengths against any Pokémon type). Also, the ability lasts for five posts, and allows the Emissary to fly (if the Pokémon is over 200 pounds, they simply float instead of fly).

Good aligned characters becoming the Seraphim Warrior increase the morale of the warriors around them, increasing the speed and strength of the user and those around them.
Evil aligned characters becoming the Fallen Angel are able to use their wings as weapons, or can use their wings as protection.
If you’re playing a neutral character, choose one form, but not both. This form will remain with your character for the duration of the RP.

(3) The Visionaries Sub Circle – The Visionaries are Pokémon that have the unique ability of becoming something completely different, based on their imagination. Whether it is becoming a different Pokémon, achieving some astral form, becoming some fantastical mythical beast, or something of this nature, only these Pokémon are capable of it.

RULE: If you get this Bloodline Circle, include three forms in your sign up. These are the three forms you will be using throughout the RP, and yes, no changing forms mid-way. Make sure they’re what you really want. Also, make them all unique, but don’t make them too drastically powerful. I will be checking these to make sure they’re okay.
The transformation lasts as long as five posts. The transformation can be ended early, but the cooldown time is still five posts long.

(6) The Revealers Circle – Those of the Revealers are blessed with extraordinary eyesight, capable of seeing and revealing things no other Pokémon can view. Besides having extraordinary eagle-eye vision and being able to see miles away, many other traits and abilities come from this eyesight.

The Revealer can see Pokémon auras, which instantly reveal their alignment. Auras of good appear as white and silver, auras of neutrality appear as brown and tan, while auras of evil appear as red and black. Also, Revealers are the only Pokémon that can see past the undercover disguises agents of the Abyss and Utopia use.
Revealers can see through smoke, fire, and fog, and are NEVER affected by accuracy-reducing moves (Sand-Attack, Smokescreen, etc.).
Revealers also have ultravision (being able to see clearly and perfectly in the dark), as well as being able to see varying degrees of warmth (like thermal vision).

[Neo Pikachu]

(7-9) The Summoners Circle – Those of the Summoners Circle are Pokémon gifted with the ability to call upon the power of others to aid them in times of need or danger. Like the Ascendants Circle, the Summoner Circle is separated into three sub circles.

(1) The Legendary Summoners Sub Circle – Pokémon in this sub circle are able to call upon the powers of legendary Pokémon for a single turn. The Legendary Pokémon you are allowed to summon depends on what faction you belong to.

Talonica: Rayquaza, Latios, Latias, Giratina, Lugia, Mesprit, Azelf, Uxie

Itikka: Mewtwo, Deoxys, Entei, Dialga, Zapdos, Moltres, Palkia, Heatran

Krana: Celebi, Shaymin, Suicune, Ho-oh, Articuno, Raikou, Jirachi, Mew

Once the summoned legendary performs the task, they vanish. Also, the summoner must wait 5 posts before using the ability again.

(2) The Blood Summoners Sub Circle – Taken from Trial of Juno, Blood Summoners, unlike their Legendary Summoner cousins, summon creatures out of pure imagination and creation. Summoned creatures can be giant (10’-25’) but slow, medium sized (5’-10’) and well rounded, or small (4’ and under) and agile. Things like elementals, golems, demons, phoenixes, and the like are perfectly fair game, but nothing too insane, please (Don’t summon Gundams, highly technological machines, and the like. We’re talking mostly fantasy monsters and creatures here. Dungeons and Dragons kind of stuff.). Also, only one creature can be summoned per turn, up to a maximum of two out at one time. They may only follow the summoner for a limited time (5 posts), after which they vanish. Summoning has a 5 post cooldown.

Unlike Trial of Juno’s storyline, however, the Blood Summoner trait is NOT passed down with the shedding of blood. Like all the other Circles, only those with this bloodline have the ability.

(3) The Necromancers Sub Circle – Summoners of ghosts and the undead, the Necromancers rely on the darkest of forces, but can use them to serve goals of good. Necromancers may deal with dark abilities, but aren’t necessarily evil. These summoners can call forward one of the following, and may only have one of the following out at one time:

A skeletal or ghostly squad of ten units, consisting of any combination of ten skeletons of fallen Pokémon (armed with whatever moves/weapons they had while they were living) or ten Ghost Pokémon can be summoned to fight for the summoner. They last 5 posts or until they are defeated.
The Bone Colossus. A giant made of bone, standing 20’ tall that uses bone attacks, as well as Ghost-type moves. Lasts 5 posts or until defeated.
Temporary RPer soul rebirth. Necromancers can temporarily revive a fallen RPer to fight for them before returning to the world of the dead. Those who perform this feat of teamwork are greatly rewarded. The fallen RPer comes back in the shining golden form of any Legendary Pokémon of their choosing, and they are completely, yes, completely IMMORTAL, and can use ANY ATTACK that exists. However, the catch is they only last five posts long, after which they disappear and must return back to the afterlife. Note that this action can only happen once for each time an RPer’s character is dead and in the afterlife.

(10) The Windrunners Circle – Those who belong to the Windrunners Circle can display exceedingly amazing physical ability. Highly seasoned in combat, making very capable warriors, the Followers are very evasive and are very talented in movement and maneuverability, armed with superior natural acrobatics and gymnastics.

Followers get something very similar to “Bullet Time” from the Matrix, the ability to slow down all attacks for them while they move normally. To those watching this ability, the Follower will appear to be moving incredibly fast, able to dodge projectiles and attacks. Note that using this effect requires the user to have a five post cooldown.
Because of the massive speed increase, Followers can run faster, which enables them to run along walls, as well as jump as high as a hundred feet straight up. They also do not tire very easily, and have enormous amounts of stamina and endurance.
From these abilities, they can also move silently and can strike quickly, giving them very superior ninja-like tactics and capabilities.

(11-13) The Trinities Circle – Those in this circle have relations to the number three in strange and almost eerie ways. Their powers are split three ways across, or distributed among three entities. Whether it includes sharing a power three ways across or having a potential in tripled form, these warriors feature some of the more usual powers and potentials of those of the Bloodline Circles.

(1) The Chimeras Sub Circle – No one is truly sure how the Chimera Sub Circle came about, but some believe those of the Circle were born from those that had been based on a mistaken and sudden indecision by Arceus. As a result, they are technically three Pokémon in one. Based on the shape or form of one Pokémon with the fur/skin/feathers/colors of a second Pokémon, and the external features of a third (claws, wings, etc.), these Pokémon can be the sight of awe, or the sight of horror and intimidation.

Chimeras are technically three Pokémon at the same time, using three types as well. For example, you could have Machoke with the steel body of a Metagross and the scythes of a Scyther. Another possibility could be a Furret with the fur/skin of an Umbreon and the wings of a Pidgeot (note that the wings would bear the colors of the second Pokémon’s attributes, so in this case the wings would also be black with yellow markings). In the first case, the Pokémon would be Fighting/Steel/Bug, while in the second case, the Pokémon would be Normal/Dark/Flying.
The Chimera can use level-up moves from all three Pokémon. It also carries the ability (Levitate, Static, etc.) of all three. In the case where one of the Pokémon forms you chose for your character has two possible abilities, choose only one to add it to the pool.
None of the three Pokémon forms can be that of a legendary.

(2) The Followed Sub Circle – Those of the Followed Sub Circle are always accompanied by two other Pokémon who are spiritually bound to the character’s soul. In truth, these two follower Pokémon could be considered illusions, but they do exist in terms of space and mind, and do have their own personalities. Meanwhile, it is also known that these two follower Pokémon are bodyguards of the host, willing to give their lives to ensure the protection of the one they are spiritually bound to protect and serve.

At any time, the character can dismiss and summon one or both their two followers. While they are out, other characters will believe they are ordinary Pokémon and could simply be thought as companions of the host.
At any time, the character could switch bodies and soul swap with one of their two followers. For example, an RPer controlling a Meowth character that has a Flygon and a Houndoom as followers could suddenly change from RPing the Meowth character to RP the Flygon character, in the case where the followers need to fly over a cliff. This ability can be used interchangeably, but in this case, the Flygon takes on the Meowth’s personality, and the Meowth takes on the Flygon’s personality. There may also be a moment of bewilderment as the host and Followers try to get accustomed to their new bodies. Also in this case, the Flygon becomes the new host, and the Meowth becomes the new Follower. This will stay until they switch back. The switch back would need to be performed before the host could switch places with the second follower. In this example, the Meowth, now as the Flygon, could not suddenly switch with the Houndoom (or else you’d have pure chaos with the Meowth in the Houndoom’s body, the Houndoom in the Flygon’s body, and the Flygon in the Meowth’s body!).
If one of the Followers is killed, they will immediately rejoin the host character in the afterlife when the host character is killed (if the host and the Follower were swapped and the original host form dies, the host is stuck in the Follower’s form). However, if the host is killed before the two Followers, the two Followers are immediately dismissed and follow the host into the afterlife. Also, Followers and the host can not be separated. Attempting to do so by force results in the dismissal of the Follower until the host chooses to summon them once again. In this case, the host and the followers may not be more than 50 feet apart.
The host and/or the two Followers may not be legendary Pokémon.

(3) The Triad Converter – Those who come into contact with one of the Triad Converter Bloodline may be faced never knowing whether it is a curse or a blessing. Triad Converters have the ability to transform one Pokémon into other, whether they may be friend or foe, or even the Triad Converter themselves.

Upon getting rolled the Triad Converter Bloodline, you select three Pokémon, no legendaries, and no Ditto. This ability allows your character to change themselves, an ally, or an enemy into any of these three selected Pokémon (However, you may not turn an enemy RPer into Magikarp, Feebas, Metapod, or Kakuna, since it would be a pain for enemy RPers to have to RP as any of them). It could be used to assist your allies, broaden your own character’s abilities, or weaken/humiliate your enemies.
The range of the transformation ability goes as far as 100 yards. Meanwhile, the transformation lasts 5 posts. The transformation ability also has a cooldown of 5 posts.
If the Triad Converter uses the power on themselves, the transformation lasts as long as the Triad Converter likes.

[Neo Pikachu]

TAG SKILLS

TAG skills in this RP are separated into three different sections: Offensive, Defensive, and Profession. The TAGs will allow you to customize your character into being more of a weapon user, more relying on their own physical attributes, or relying more on TMs.

Each section has a certain number of points you may spend toward any combination of TAG skills. Note that due to this system, you may not spend time during the RP to train in new TAGs, so choose wisely.

OFFENSIVE TAGS

Here, 4 points of TAGs are applied. Note that Pokémon that do not have hands or arms can’t wield weapons, but there is an alternative for that. By default, it is assumed that all Pokémon have knowledge of using staves and daggers, so spending points toward that isn’t necessary.

Meanwhile, unless Pokémon pick TMs to learn, all Pokémon can only use their level-up moves, and whatever moves they start off with.

Two-handed Weapons – (2 TAG Points) Proficiency in using two-handed weapons of any kind, such as greatswords, two-handed axes, and so on.

Polearms – (2 TAG Points) Proficiency in using polearms such as spears, tridents, halberds, and the like.

One-handed Weapons – (1 TAG Point) Proficiency in using one-handed swords, axes, and the like.

Dual Wielding – (2 TAG Points, Requires One-handed Weapons to be TAGed as well) Proficiency in using two one-handed weapons at the same time.

Fist Weapons – (1 TAG Point) Proficiency in using fist weapons like ninja claws, spiked knuckles, and the like.

Bows/Crossbows – (1 TAG Point) The skill of using bow and arrows, or using crossbows.

Throwing Weapons – (1 TAG Point) Skill in using thrown weapons such as knives, shuriken, needles, throwing axes, and other similar throwing weapons.

Unarmed – (1 TAG Point) Additional skill in using a Pokémon’s external weapons, such as claws, horns, spikes, talons, and so on. Note that only Pokémon with these kinds of features would benefit from it. Also, fighting type Pokémon do not automatically start off with this.

TM Knowledge – (1 TAG Point for 2 TMs) Knowledge of 2 TMs that the Pokémon can learn. For every point spent here, two more TMs may be learned, so spending 2 TAG points toward this means 4 TMs, while spending 3 TAG points here means 6 TMs, and so on. Please specify which ones are being learned when making these selections.

DEFENSIVE TAGS

Here, 4 points are applied. It is easily assumed that any Pokémon could wear cloth armor, so that’s not needed as a TAG.

Plate Armor – (3 TAG Points) Plate mail offers the best protection, and the only weak points are areas where the armor isn’t covering (or if the attack was too strong for the armor to withstand, of course). Speed is slowest, and it is hardest to move around. Plate mail is only advisable by those swinging around melee weapons at the front of battles. The plate mail allows for a large amount of protection against Pokémon attacks as well as physical attacks.

Mail Armor – (2 TAG Points) A step above leather armor, the many interlocking chains allows for better protection than leather armor but less movement. Speed is slowed, and it is harder to move around. The chain armor allows for a medium amount of protection against Pokémon attacks as well as physical attacks.

Leather Armor – (1 TAG Point) Leather armor is the best for those heroes needing agility but still keeping some protection. The leather is heavier than cloth but still allows for speedy movement as well as all full movement from all limbs. The leather armor allows for a small amount of protection against Pokémon attacks as well as physical attacks.

Shields – (1 TAG Point) Proficiency in using a shield mainly as defense, but can also be used for offensive purposes such as shield bashing. Note that a physical shield is stronger than a Reflect or Light Screen, but only protect a certain area.

Permanent Light Screen – (2 TAG Points) Allows the user to have a permanent Light Screen on them.

Permanent Reflect – (2 TAG Points) Allows the user to have a permanent Reflect on them.

Permanent Safeguard – (2 TAG Points) Allows the user to be completely immune to status abnormalities such as poison, burn, paralysis, and so on.

Permanent Mist – (1 TAG Point) Allows the user to be completely immune to attacks that would lower their stats.

Lightning Reflexes – (2 TAG Points) Evasion, stamina, and agility are greatly increased. Reaction time is also greatly enhanced. All Bloodline Circle abilities that have 5 post cooldowns are reduced to 3 post cooldowns.

PROFESSION TAGS

These are trade skills your character has learned throughout life. Again, 4 points of TAG skills can be spent here. The abbreviation “PDOE” means “power depends on effort.” The more time and detail that is spent toward creating something, the more potential it will have. Note that PDOE refers to the amount of detail and description, not the number of posts.

Blacksmithing – (2 TAG Points) Ability to make weapons, armor, as well as repair damage done to them. Would require that the RPer has metal and forges to work with. PDOE.

Rogue/Assassin – (2 TAG Points) The Pokémon becomes more of a rogue character, able to sneak around, pick locks, and poison their weapons. Could also set traps and such. PDOE applies in the sense that the more clever and unpredictable a trap setup is, the more of a success it will be.

Shaman – (2 TAG Points) Able to brew potions that bestow little extra abilities, but nothing too major. Could also make poisons and remedies, healing potions, and that kind of thing. Would require that the RPer has herbs/plants/ingredients to work with. PDOE.

Tracker/Survivalist – (1 TAG Point) Allows the Pokémon to locate those they are chasing, as well as learn about who was where, and what was going on by regarding footprints and patterns. Would also be able to sense heading and location by using stars and so on. Would also be able to travel from one location to another in only two posts, whereas for everyone else, its three.

First Aid/Healing – (1 TAG Point) Allows the Pokémon to use non-Pokémon moves to heal others, such as applying bandages, using antiseptics, applying herbal medicines, and curing poisons/diseases. Pokémon armed with this skill gain the ability to heal another Pokémon (would be the same as using Recover), or heal a status abnormality like poison, burn, etc (would be the same as using Heal Bell).

Riding (Ground) – (1 TAG Point) Only for Pokémon who stand upright and have arms and legs. Riding mounts would be mounts that move on four or more legs. So in this case, you could have a Machop riding a Donphan, or an Azumarill riding a Rhyhorn. The rider can only be 50% or less of the weight of the mount. Also, ground mounts can only be armored if your character’s faction has them as a “preferred mount.” Otherwise, it would be assumed that your mount is unique among the faction, and doesn’t have armor mainstreamed for it. Needless to say, if your mount is armored, it will have a much easier time surviving and enduring rigorous combat.

Riding (Air) – (2 TAG Points) Only for Pokémon that stand upright and have arms and legs. Riding mounts would be mounts that have wings and are either Flying type (like Pidgeot) or have Levitate (like Flygon). The rider can only be 50% or less of the weight of the mount. Also, aerial mounts can only be armored if your character’s faction has them as a “preferred mount.” Otherwise, it would be assumed that your mount is unique among the faction, and doesn’t have armor mainstreamed for it. Needless to say, if your mount is armored, it will have a much easier time surviving and enduring rigorous combat.

[Neo Pikachu]

THE DREAMWORLD

As the background story details, there are many Pokémon that find themselves going to sleep, only to end up locked in a dream and are stuck in a coma-like state. The war between Cresselia and Darkrai takes place in this realm, and it is possible for your character to enter it and try to have influence in the battle. However, as the name suggests, be ready for anything. Your character will be exposed to their wildest fantasies and their worst nightmares.

To enter the Dreamworld, your character must end the post by sleeping (confirm your character’s attempt by putting [Sleeping] in an OCC at the end of the post). At that point, you have a 35% chance of entering the Dreamworld (which will be rolled by either Scott or myself). If the roll fails, your character wakes up normally the next post, and can’t attempt to enter the Dreamworld again for another 10 posts. However, if your character is successful, they become locked in the same coma-like state and can’t wake up until they somehow escape. Meanwhile, entering the Dreamworld subjects your character to the following chances:

Possible positives (due to Cresselia’s influence)

20% chance they dream they have the ability to travel to any part of the Dreamworld they desire at any time. Limitless teleportation, pretty much.
35% chance they dream they can float/fly. If the Pokémon can already fly (is a Flying type or has Levitate), they gain a phasing ability instead (ability to pass through solid objects).
35% chance they dream they can breathe water, and swim faster with newly acquired aquatic features like fins. Traveling from continent to continent is also reduced to two posts because of this. If the Pokémon can already swim and breathe water (Water type), they gain a phasing ability instead.
40% chance they enter the Dreamworld armed with a weapon of their imagination.
70% chance they dream they are accompanied by the presence of a friend or family member. It doesn’t matter if this friend/family member is dead or alive in reality. Bringing along your flying/ground mount counts as this.

And the possible negatives (due to Darkrai’s influence):

15% chance they suddenly become terribly inept, losing their TAG skills.
25% chance they enter the dream without their Bloodline Circle abilities.
35% chance they dream they’re a different Pokémon (If successful, a random roll of 1-493 is made). Pokémon that end up having this happen to them find themselves disoriented and bewildered. Also, all TMs they learned previously are lost, only able to use their new form’s level-up moves.
35% chance they dream they are crippled in some form or another. Blindness, deafness, frailty, severe amnesia, morbid obesity and severe mental disorders are all possibilities. Pick your favorite!
40% chance they witness a horrific incident that relates to them, such as a reliving of one of their friend/family members killed, or witnessing the death of someone who is actually still living. (this would happen in the first post they arrive in the Dream Realm, also overrules the 70% chance they are accompanied by the presence of a friend or family member if that roll is successful.)

The outcomes of these rolls stay and persist with the character for as long as they are in the Dreamworld. Also, while some strangeness and complexity is expected in the Dreamworld, no severe god-modding or anything of the kind is allowed, but I will accept some rules of reality being bent to some degree. Like real dreams, the situation can become strange, unreal or contain obvious signs that would never happen in reality.

Characters with a good alignment will be trying to undo Darkrai’s work, and would be attempting to destroy and eliminate the dark and evil parts of the Dreamworld, whereas characters with an evil alignment will be helping Darkrai make the Dreamworld as miserable as possible, satisfying their sadistic pleasures.

Escaping the Dream Realm – There are two ways to escape the Dreamworld. The first is by enduring and going through your own RPer-made trial that should be well-detailed and should have some considerable length and effort to it, and the second is dying in the Dreamworld. However, when a character dies in the Dreamworld, there is only a 35% chance they actually wake up. If the chance fails, they stay in the Dreamworld under Darkrai’s dark influence, alive, but still with the wounds and pain that they felt upon “death.”

In certain cases, characters can pull things out of the Dreamworld and into the living realm, but this is not very easy, and may require the character to perform additional tasks. As long as the item could possibly exist in the living realm (having a few enchantments wouldn’t be a big deal), they can attempt to do it.

Every character can only enter the Dreamworld once during the course of the RP (Unless your character is of the Dreamwalker Bloodline Circle). Also, please don’t spend too much time in there. This isn’t meant to be the main focus of the RP.

DEATH AND DYING

It is possible for your character to be killed in this RP, and it is possible for your character to kill other RPer characters AS LONG AS ITS DONE FAIRLY AND REALISTICALLY. However, don’t be too ashamed about letting your character die in this RP. The afterlife realms of Utopia and Abyss offer many possibilities that could actually make dying a step in the right direction even though it does put your character out of commission for a while.

The Abyss – As you’ve probably guessed it, the Abyss is like Hell for Pokémon.

Any Pokémon with an evil alignment, and/or has done more acts of evil as opposed to good are sent to the Abyss. You can start in any location in the Abyss, it doesn’t really matter. Also, unlike the first Trial of Juno RP, there is no way to enter the Abyss alive.

The Abyss is a treasure trove of dark artifacts, jagged and infernal weapons and armor, as well as many demonic relics that can be acquired and taken back to the living realm, provided the Pokémon with them make it all the way back. Soul-wounding weapons CAN be acquired, but please don’t use them on RPer characters. That’s just… heartless. Also, some kind of quest/trial should be undertaken to find these weapons. Don’t find them too quickly or too easily, or else it will be assumed the power in those relics is only very minor. Power=effort.

Escaping the Abyss and going back to Kivistal is harder though. In order to escape from the Abyss (a difficult feat very few Pokémon know about and have been able to accomplish), you must travel to the Temple of Sunken Souls in the Western Deathlands. Here, you will need to undergo the Resilience Trials, which are extremely hard, extremely painful, and extremely horrific. And yes, the Resilience Trials are different for every Pokémon, since these trials base themselves off of the different nightmares and fears of each and every Pokémon that walk through their halls.

Utopia – As you likely know already, Utopia is the Heaven for Pokémon.

Any Pokémon that has a good alignment and/or has done more actions of good go to Utopia. While Pokémon who get sent to Utopia have a much easier time leaving, they can only stay in Utopia for a limited amount of time. After 15 posts, the Pokémon succumbs to the peaceful and pleasing pleasures of Utopia, and essentially abandons their mission. After that, its up to another RPer to find the entranced character and urge them to get back to the fight. Once this is done, the timer resets.

As the contrast to the Abyss, Utopia also houses many weapons, armor, and relics of light. Again, like before, acquiring these weapons and relics should take time and effort. There really is no minimum requirement, but the effort should be there.

Escaping from Utopia only requires one to go to the Well of Harmony in the Fields of Paradise. The challenge in Utopia is to get out before your character abandons the mission to relax in eternity. The Well of Harmony is meant for souls in Utopia that want to return back to their homeworld, in the event that they left something direly important unfinished in the past life.

Entering the afterlife realms without dying – Typically an extremely difficult task, but its possible. As the storyline mentions, agents of the Abyss and of Utopia walk in secret among Kivistal’s living Pokémon. Agents of the Abyss carry Pendants of Desecration, while agents of Utopia carry Peacekeeper Amulets. Pendants of Desecration allow agents of the Abyss to return back to the infernal underworld, while Peacekeeper Amulets allow agents of Utopia to return back to the heavenly realm. Obtaining either of these would first require you to know these agents even exist (very hard), seek out and find these agents, and discover the truth that they are not really normal living Pokémon. Going to the afterlife realm that follows your alignment would require you to gain the total and complete trust of the agent that shares your alignment, which is extremely difficult and requires a lot of service. However, getting the amulet of the afterlife opposing your character’s alignment is even harder, requiring you to fight the agent and take the relic from them (should be a very difficult and intense fight, as these agents are armed with more power than those of the Bloodline Circles).

Once used, the amulets break and are consumed. Going back again without dying would require the whole process to be done again.

RULES

No excessive god-modding or bunnying without permission. If I see too much of this and I’ve already given you several warnings, I will be forced to remove you from the RP.
Posts should be at least two paragraphs long, with good detail and description. Also, proper spelling and grammar is a must. If I see too many lazy and rushed posts with errors all over them, that too, will be cause for removal from the RP. A few mistakes are understandable. I make them too. :P
Your character’s name, faction, and location should be at the top of every post. This is essential in helping people determine who is on their side and where they are, especially if you are RPing multiple characters being referenced in the same post. Also, tracking ability cooldowns and the like in this spot is also a good idea, but its not required.
Keep OOC chat to a minimum in the RP. If you need to discuss something, just use the discussion thread. That’s the best place to work out conflicts and ask questions.
You can have up to three characters. Also, if you intend on having multiple characters, please RP all of them. Don’t use them to try and get the exact abilities that you want on the Bloodline Circle. That really defeats the whole purpose of it…
In character swearing is actually allowed to portray character demeanor. But don’t swear at people outside of the RP. Please treat this gingerly, I don’t want it to get out of control.

PRE-SIGN UP RESERVATION

Note that in this RP, you need to have a reserve and a pre sign up before an actual sign up. Once I see this pre-sign up is ready, I will roll the dice to see what your Bloodline Circle is, as well as your character’s specific class. All you need to do is make the pre-sign up reservation, then wait for me to roll your abilities and class, and once that’s done, you may proceed to the actual Sign Up itself.

Name: Just your character’s name for now. Note that most Pokémon in Kivistal don’t have human-like names. A last name isn’t necessary.
Faction Planned: The faction you intend your character being on. Have a backup choice in case the sides are uneven and the need to balance out the sides arises (If one faction has four more members than the faction with the lowest member count, they will be temporarily locked until the smallest faction gets at least one more member). Not having a backup choice assumes you don’t mind which side you’re put on if your first selection is overfilled.

I will respond with the following:

Name: The name of your character.
Faction Planned: Confirming your character’s faction. If sides are drastically uneven, I may be using your second choice.
Bloodline Circle: Your character’s Bloodline Circle will be here. For example, you may get “Dimensional Seer Circle” or “Summoner Circle: Blood Summoner.” As said before, if you’re unhappy about the roll, everyone gets one reroll if they want it, but whatever was rolled previously gets thrown out. Make sure you really want to do this first.

FULL SIGN UP

Once you’ve gotten the response from me confirming what your character’s Bloodline Circle is, you’re all set to complete the rest of the sign up. And here it is:

Name: Your character’s name. Note that most Pokémon in Kivistal don’t have human-like names. Last names aren’t really needed.
Gender: Male or female.
Age: How old your character is. Assume Pokémon live as long as humans do and age at the same rate.
Species: What Pokémon your character is. Keep in mind, smaller Pokémon are faster and more evasive, while larger, fully evolved Pokémon have more endurance, but are slower and easier to hit.
Alignment: Based on D&D. Can be Lawful Good (unquestionably good, usually acts according to a code of honor), Chaotic Good (good, but may do crimes against evil or perform vigilante justice to do good), Neutral Good (generally neutral, but sometimes leans toward good), True Neutral (balance of both good and evil), Chaotic Neutral (random behaviors and actions, often labeled as “madman” behavior), Neutral Evil (generally neutral, but sometimes leans toward evil behavior), Chaotic Evil (pure evil, often out to satisfy one’s own selfish desires regardless of who pays or suffers for it), or Lawful Evil (evil within law, often using loopholes in laws to avoid trouble but still obtain their greedy desires).
Faction: Which of the three sides you’re aligned with. Either Talonica, Itikka, or Krana
TAG Skills: All of your TAG skills and other information, such as TMs and/or mounts.
Weapons/Armor: Based on your TAGs, the weapons your character carries, and the armor they wear. Note that the weapons and armor should be like those of your character’s faction.
Bloodline Circle: Same method as above, just put it here so other people know what your character is if they refer back to your sign up.
Bloodline Circle Details: If your Bloodline Circle has details that need to be filled in (such as the three forms of the Visionary or the three Pokémon choices of the Triad Converter), put these here. Otherwise, just put “N/A”.

Description: What your character looks like. Are there any differences between them and others of their same species such as scars or birthmarks?
Personality: How your character behaves, and what their emotional intelligence is like.
History: Background of your character. May also explain the Bloodline Circle they’re a part of.
Other: Anything else not included.

[Neo Pikachu]

LOCATIONS

If you’re familiar with Trial of Juno locations, you’ll noticed a lot of these have been changed to reflect a past version, though a small few locations are still the same. As for the Abyss and Utopia, most of the locations remain unchanged from last time. Meanwhile, the Dreamworld is a completely new feature, never featured before in the ToJ universe.

Locations that are small towns or specific locations (such as a temple) are marked with small white dots, while large white dots represent large metropolises.

KIVISTAL

Kivistal hasn’t seen war in a long time, but now that the kingdom is split into three, a great conflict is inevitable. Meanwhile, the Abyss and Utopia are working behind the scenes, and no one can be sure how far the battle will escalate.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/TOJKivistalold.png

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/TOJKivistaloldNations.png

The Brownstone Islands – The Brownstone Islands are mostly a derelict of civilization, being rock islands that happen to be difficult to settle on and cultivate. However, there are several towns of desert dwellers that have learned to survive in the sandy wastelands.

Twinriver – This fertile area is the main highlight of Itikka, with Jasandax being a highly fortified citadel of power. While Itikka used to share its resources and attributes, it has now shut them off, supporting only Hartaasti Viikate’s commands and dictations. At the same time, citizens of Twinriver are in avid support of Hartaasti Viikate himself, and with Itikka’s military superiority, will not be easily persuaded to join another side’s cause.

Eastrock – Eastrock had been one of the most quiet and peaceful areas, usually avoiding jumping into politics and conspiracy theories. However, now that the war has begun and the kingdom of Krana is backing Prince Arnes in his pursuit of the throne, Eastrock’s resources of trackers, survivalists, and tacticians are finally coming out and lending a hand with whatever they can do to assist the war effort.

The Sapphire Front – A greatly contested area between the kingdoms of Talonica and Itikka, it is expected that there will be much bloodshed in this highland area. Most of the area is used for farming and cultivation, and holds many resources that any faction would be dying to have. It is known that whoever holds the Sapphire Front in its entirety will have a considerable treasure trove of resources. The factions that do have it are not likely to easily back away from it.

Crescent Moon – Usually mostly a neutral area, Crescent Moon isn’t so much of a fortified area as it is an area of research and science. The Kingdom of Krana mostly relies off of Crescent Moon for medical and herbal remedies, and whatever else the area can provide.

Indigo Tropics – Lush with rainforests and tropical vegetation, the Indigo Tropics isn’t a large area, but there are many citizens there that enjoy the warmer climates. Along with being a close trading partner to the Azure Islands, Pokémon here greatly support Maxal and his campaign for a better Kivistal.

Shale Ridge – One of the oldest nations in the world, Shale Ridge is rich with history and background. As a strong conservative nation, Shale Ridge’s citizens are determined to unite the split kingdoms once again, and they maintain their confidence in Price Arnes to be able to accomplish those objectives.

Emerald Spear – This small nation of green plains, forests, and gray mountains generally supplies the war effort, rather than directly getting involved with the sending of troops and support. Meanwhile, Emerald Spear generally remains safe and peaceful, helping Talonica’s campaign with food, supplies, and medical support rather than providing direct military support..

The Azure Islands – As a paradise area of beautiful islands, the Azure Islands of Talonica are largely known for their boating and fishing, able to satisfy many of the nation’s needs through seafaring. Able to supply all of Talonica with many resources and strong soldiers, the strongest one provided by the Azure Islands is Talonica’s very impressive naval force.

THE DREAMWORLD

Split between Cresselia and Darkrai, only those succumbed to the massive coma sickness breakout know of the kind of war that takes place here. The Dreamworld is unlike anything experienced before by Pokémon, a realm that doesn’t exist in physical form, but still feels so real to those trapped inside of it.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/TOJDreamworld.png

Rainbow Paradise (Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southern) – Likely one of Cresselia’s most enjoyed creations, the Rainbow Paradise Cloud is a tranquility that not even Utopia thought of. Nestled upon a cloud, the landscape is beaming with color. Meanwhile, pools and lakes of colored rainbow water revitalize the soul, but can also be used for play, painting, or a hundred other imaginative uses. Cresselia’s original intention behind the Rainbow Paradise Cloud was to provide some comfort to Pokémon that are painfully trapped in the dream world. Meanwhile, the Pokémon that reside in this wonder-inspiring realm find it to be a good refuge as they try to figure out ways to wake up and head back to complete the tasks they left undone. For those that don’t want to suffer under Darkrai’s wrath, but don’t feel strong or confident enough to wage war against his forces, these Pokémon reside here, trying to find whatever comfort they can. In the meantime, it remains as a refuge of good dreams, and comfortable wonders.

The Sunrise Wing – This was made by Cresselia when it was realized that she needed to prepare her own forces to combat against Darkrai’s terrors. The sky above the golden, gleaming landscape is always in a state of sunrise, while golden palaces, gleaming cities, and gorgeous city squares rest here. To keep the setting peaceful and soothing, a relaxing ambience is released into the air, calming all feeling of anxiety. Here, Pokémon that were struck by Darkrai’s scourges upon arriving in the dream world may not be able to be healed or undone, but they are compensated for as much as possible. Meanwhile, Pokémon that pledge themselves to fight against Darkrai’s forces will gladly be taken into the ranks, and will be armed with weapons, armor, and equipment they never thought were possible before. Most Pokémon here believe they may very well spend the rest of eternity locked in the dream world, but they all have some hope that the possibility of helping others to finally wake up and return to their lives is possible. All the Pokémon here fight for the cause in making sure Darkrai’s mission to lock everyone into an unending nightmare never comes to pass.

Colorglance – What some consider to be the heart of Cresselia’s mission, Colorglance is made to help Pokémon experience soothing dreams of whatever would most please them at the moment. Used mainly as a place of remedying the horrors and mental scars left behind after Darkrai’s nightmares, dreams here are usually full of the things that could help any Pokémon bring them back to happiness. If possible, friends or family of Pokémon that have also been locked in the dream world are reunited here, while those that are out of the Pokémon’s reach will often have Cresselia’s messengers tell them what is going on down below in Kivistal.

Cloud Zero – Originally created by Cresselia as “The Dream Front” as a blockade for keeping Darkrai’s maddening abominations at bay, Cloud Zero is split down the middle as for who possesses it, and is probably their most sought after target between the two legends considering its strategic placement. Pokémon that go here absolutely must be prepared for everything to change and flip upside down at any given moment. Meanwhile, those loyal to Cresselia and Darkrai, and who bitterly fight for them will often find themselves in bitter combat here in a constantly shifting landscape. Where pleasures are at one moment could be replaced by horrors and fears the next, only to be replaced by pleasures a few minutes later. The cycle seems to repeat itself unexpectedly, and no one knows what its truly going to lead to.

The Rockshaft – Exists between Cresselia’s realm and Darkrai’s realm, being neither tormenting nor relaxing, but instead exists mostly as a neutral area. This is mostly contested territory between the two legends, and is often prone to randomly become cheerful and merry, or becoming morbid and dark. Things that attempt to grow while one legend grabs control of Rockshaft are often killed or destroyed as soon as possession is switched to the other. The landscape may seem uninteresting or even boring, but there are cases where remnants of what was left behind from one legend’s removal are to be found, forgotten about and misplaced within its rocky chasms, caves, and crevices. Some believe there are secrets that are bound to be found in the rocky pits of Rockshaft. And some even believe the very exit out of the dream world may be there as well.

Only the town of Grayhill exists in the tug-of-war strip of land. Not too many Pokémon can tolerate the sudden lurching of changes, but for those who can, it’s a bit of a spectator sport.

Razorshard Isles – At first, the idea of never feeling pain in the Razorshard Isles may sound like a good one, until those who walk through them realize they’ve been cut a hundred times along with bleeding all over the place and they haven’t even felt it. While it is possible to see the hundred of razors, thorns, metallic splinters, and thousands of other sharp objects laying scattered all over the blood-stained landscape, cutting one’s self doesn’t result in any feeling. What is known is that the landscape of its abandoned towns and cities doesn’t change, and neither does the placement of the jutting thorns and blades. Those that reside here usually only do for seclusion reasons, allowing the morbid landscape foster their pessimistic and self-defeating natures. Here, most Pokémon enter Razorshard and stay there simply because they believe there is no way to get back, and they don’t deserve to stay in Cresselia’s half of the realm simply for whatever self-berating reasons they keep bottled up to themselves.

Noxenam – As an area of menacing nature, Noxenam attempts to recreate horrific memories, and then attempts to make them a hundred times worse if possible. Meanwhile, Darkrai especially designed Noxenam to give those that walk into it an occasional ounce of hope, only to destroy them with it, plunging them further into darkness and madness. A typical sight of walking into this realm would be seeing beloved hometowns in flames or stricken with hideous diseases. Illusions of family members dying and bleeding to death will surround those that dare move through Noxenam, but as the coma outbreaks continue, no one is truly sure who is locked in the dream realm and who isn’t. As a result, those that walk through Noxenam are never truly sure, and all too often let their fears and panic get the best of them.

Those that actually laugh or even enjoy the sights are instantly targeted by Darkrai for recruitment. Those are exactly the kind of Pokémon Darkrai wants fighting for him.

Malamugnaut – Dirty, miserable, and disgusting, Malamugnaut’s towns consist of only slums and ransacked buildings. A miserable, ear-splitting cycle of grungy music endlessly plays over and over again, and the Pokémon here don’t know if the screaming is actually someone living, or a part of the fake, fabricated ambience. Some believe its both, while others have stayed in Malamugnaut so long that they don’t even notice the sounds anymore. Meanwhile, in Malamugnaut, its always raining, and the water that rains down is always filthy and appears to be a brown, murky pea soup when captured in a container or puddle. Nothing grows here either, and many times Murphy’s Law of what can go wrong will go wrong here.

The Void Labyrinth – A dangerous realm not for its jagged, intimidating monolith that darts straight up like an imposing tower, but more for its feeling of hopelessness and entrapment. Rumored to be Darkrai’s treasure trove of wealth, the lock on that chest is a mesmerizing one. The Void Labyrinth has a beginning, but no one truly knows where the end is, or if there even is an end. Scaling millions of miles high and millions of miles underground, the Void Labyrinth is a skyscraper of walls, turns, dead ends, forks, and all the other horrors of a spellbinding maze, all locked in a giant, serrated container that has but one opening on the ground level’s entrance. Rumors exists that within the ever-growing maze itself, strange sights or eerie experiences are felt. There are tales of ghosts that force those in the labyrinth to chase them get the pursuers to be even more lost. Bribes of gold, wealth, and power only disappear upon touch, leaving the Pokémon in the maze wondering where they were before they were enraptured by the lure. Meanwhile, many other strange and bizarre sights exist, sometimes to harass those that walk its halls, while other times they’re simply there to distract them. Those that dwell outside the maze just to watch those foolish enough to walk in consider the ones that simply walk right back out the entrance to be the “lucky” ones, though often by then, they’ve developed sheer cases of paranoia. Other “luckies” walk out of the maze even physically changed or altered. Meanwhile, plenty of Pokémon walk in and are never heard of again. No one truly knows if the end has been reached, or if it even exists in the first place. And if there is an end, no one knows if finding it is such a prize after all.

But then again, why would Darkrai go through all the trouble?

Alcanschmuck – A realm of obscured sights and sounds, Alcanschmuck never made sense one second, as everything there is a myriad of madness. Lights, sounds, feelings, smells, and tastes are so obscured and unrelated to each other at a million miles a minute. For those that are brave enough to walk through it, they’ll be exposed to just about anything, and completely nothing consequential at all. Images that are supposed to make sense will suddenly mean nothing, while it is the garbed nonsense that often leads those in the realm into believing it’s a vital clue to something they don’t know. Here, everything you know is completely wrong, leaving no prior memory or experience to be worth anything. It is uncertain if Pokémon live in this realm, but if they do, no one has found them in the mindlessness. And if by chance if there are, it is unlikely any Pokémon of sound mind and nature would want to come across anyone that’s become so adapted to the inanity of this realm.

Jaggedteeth Archipelago – A land that looks, smells, and feels like teeth that haven’t been brushed, flossed, or cleaned in eons. The ground is considered unstable, and often falls apart into fissures. However, as more fissures are created, so are the jutting shafts of enamel that randomly surge up into the air. Because of this, the area is always building up and falling apart at the same time, making it clearly impossible to set up any residence besides an encampment. Within the cavities, some Pokémon have reported seeing strange or bizarre sights, but none of them are brave enough to investigate.

Most Pokémon head to Jaggedteeth thinking they’ll be the first to seek out those mysteries, only to give up early and go somewhere else. The few that have been able to brave the shifting and erupting landscape… no one truly knows what they found or what became of them. All they know is that there is something there… whatever it is…

[Neo Pikachu]

THE ABYSS

In truth, the Abyss goes on forever as an endless realm of torture, but these areas will be the main center around the RP.

Land of the Forsaken, the Abyss is the shattered land of the evil dead. As the feared afterlife of wailing and abysmal pain and suffering, the land is laden with oceans of blood, fields of burnt ground, pits of boiling lava and many other devices of torture and misery. Many dark forces are at work here in these twisted lands of evil.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/Ultradyne/Trial%20of%20Juno/TOJAbyssMap.png

The Deathlands (Eastern and Western) – Seemingly endless plains of burnt ground and fiery hellholes, not even fire Pokémon even remotely enjoy the burning smell of brunt flesh and brimstone. Few locations of any possible interest are here, but usually involve excessive amounts of pain and suffering. Meanwhile, southeast of the Western Deathlands lies the twisted city of Necropolis, seemingly floating on a plate in a hideous pool of boiling vomit and excrement.

The City of Dis – Horrendously massive, dark, and intimidating, The City of Dis is a twisted, multi-level metropolis of ruin in reality, but a disgusting and perverted city of sadism in illusion. Those who dare walk in this nightmare see a city that is always against them, defiling their name in every way possible in its dark streets. For everyone, the City of Dis is different for them. Here will you find your personal grudges glamorized, your name and essence defiled in paintings and scrawls on the walls, while every citizen there will be your worst enemies and nightmares, filling anyone who walks the streets with warped paranoia. The City of Dis remains as the most feared element of the Abyss, always customized and tailored for each soul to inflict maximum misery and pain upon those who enter it.

As a soul – Entering the City of Dis as a soul means that the illusion of the city is real to you. To you, the city seems very much alive and in deep hatred of you and only you. Every threat is real.

As body and soul – Through entering the City of Dis actually alive, Dis can be manipulated by you through ignoring the illusion and seeing the reality that the City of Dis is actually just a massive metropolis of ruins in reality. Through ignoring the illusions, you can walk through the city’s walls and buildings as long as there’s nothing there in reality to block your passage. This may unlock some of Dis’s deeper secrets…

The Schism – As a disheveled land of twisting bones, ribs, and sharp marrow shards, The Schism is desolate and hard to navigate. No one is really sure if anything of importance exists here, but much of it has gone unseen as well, so great, dark power may be here just waiting to be found by the bravest of warriors. However, be warned that walking along these lands is as painful as walking on broken glass. Sharp and serrated bones are jutting out and protruding in every direction and fashion, making it very easy to be cut, stabbed, and impaled in this deserted derelict of bone.

Vou Hast – The intimidating region of Vou Hast is a land of gratuitous violence, gore, and gluttony. The very land itself is smothered with brains, vital organs, skin, soiled flesh, and intestines, as well as massive pits filled with even more flesh and vitals. Meanwhile, the shambling city of Kammo in the northwest is nicknamed the “Bloodbath of the Abyss.” The city itself literally bleeds.

Vou Hast can only be entered as a soul. Entering as a body and soul corrupts the mind to be psychotic enough to greedily consume and indulge the mounds and mounds of flesh until exploding and death, layering Vou Hast with even more gore.

UTOPIA

In truth, Utopia goes on forever, but this area will be the main focus of the RP.

As an eternal realm of happiness, pleasure, and delight of dreams and freedom for Pokémon that have led honest and good-willed lives, Utopia is a powerful source of both holy and light energy. Utopia is in fact the dream world of every Pokémon, where desires and wishes come true forever. While it is possible to leave Utopia, most Pokémon don’t for the simple reason of being surrounded by endless comfort and happiness forever more.

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The Dovewing Isles – The gentle and peaceful Dovewing Isles are the home of the docile and the serene. Here, the land grows soft and white with unfreezing, dry snow, turning the area into a delightful, comfortable, and warm winter wonderland. Toward the outskirts of the islands, the snow turns a slight pink color, which then becomes magenta toward the tips. Meanwhile, the main city of Innocence is highly urbanized, but always clean, peaceful, and quiet.

Emerald Eternity Islands – Blissfully tropical with sunny shores and soft, sandy beaches, succulent and luscious fruit and welcoming palm trees and tropical foliage, the Emerald Eternity Islands is what many would call the “ultimate vacation and holiday spot.” Never too hot and always “just right” for everyone, the Emerald Eternity Islands also has a gentle breeze flowing through its shores as the Pokémon residing here lay in eternal relaxation.

Nightsky – Nightsky continues to be the new world for dreamers, imagination, and is a bustling sea of creativity and wonder. As a land of pleasant and peaceful sleep with inspiring good dreams, magic hours, and stargazing, this area continues to be a heaven for lovers of the night. Here, the stars are always out in the sky with comets and shooting stars, and auroras that spark new imagination.

Fields of Paradise – Pleasant, relaxing, and refreshing, the Fields of Paradise offers a fresh and homely feeling for those that have passed away. The center area is a combination of spring and winter, offering the comforts of both with blossoming white flowers and trees while the ground is covered with a soft snow that never melts and never feels icy, cold, and wet. Toward the outskirts, the landscape becomes more like the new life of spring with flowers that never wilt or vanish. Meanwhile, the majestic and massive City of the Horizon is always emanating with cheer within its reflective mirror walls and its golden streets.

The Twilight Plateau – As a beautiful range of soothing blue and violet plains with majestic mountains and ranges, the Twilight Plateau appears to be a landscape made with a peaceful watercolor painting appearance. As an area of healing, the comfortable landscape radiates with an aura that calms and relieves souls of the hardships that were faced in the life before, as well as offering transition into happiness for those that led very difficult and challenged lives.

The Sunrise Plains – Colorful, always brimming with new life and refreshment, the Sunrise Plains easily brings back the remembered and cherished memories of youth and glorifies those moments in living color. Within the Sunrise Plains is the setting of a beautiful summer day splashed with the colors of the sunrise, vibrant and fresh with energy. Also, the Sunrise Plains especially caters to young Pokémon that had passed away early in their lives, and allows them to forget and move on from whatever tragedy befell them. Meanwhile, Awewind in the north with its very clean and peaceful urban streets serves as a very loving family oriented city, and is the main location for loved ones to reunite.

[Larvinator]

OOC: First post of great failure. Just wanted to get my characters introduced.

IC:

Laeni (Legendary Summoner)
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Nyland, Eastrock

“Laeni-chan’s here, Mister Lieutenant!”

Skidding into the stone room came a dwarf Lopunny. At her sides were holstered two steel katanas, and no clothing was worn, much to the apparent disdain of the colorfully-clothed Ampharos she was addressing.

“...Good, Private Laeni. Now –”

“But it took Laeni-chan a reeeeally long time to get here, ‘cause she was all the way down by the ocean! It was huge and pretty and Laeni-chan thinks you need to see it sometime!” she butt in gleefully. Her orange eyes were shining with bliss, and she was rocking back and forth on her heels rapidly.

“Yes, Private, I’ve seen the ocean. If you’ll just –”

“Laeni-chan thought it was so pretty that she made a SONG about it! And Laeni-chan saw fish, too! They were SHINY! Do you wanna hear Laeni-chan’s song, Mister Lieutenant?”

“No! Be quiet and listen for once!”

“Okie-dokie-smokie, Mister Lieutenant! Just tell me whenever you wanna hear it and Laeni-chan will sing it! It’s fun to sing! Maybe you can sing it once you’ve learned it! Wouldn’t that be great, Mister Lieutenant? Then you and Laeni-chan could sing together and see how fast Laeni-chan and you could go and how loud you and Laeni-chan could get! Here, Laeni-chan will start, just repeat after her! SO BIG AND BL –”

“Private Laeni, PLEASE listen,” the Ampharos growled, to which Laeni replied with a silly grin and a quick salute. “One of the generals has notified me that they’re starting to formulate a plan that will most likely involve you. Since war is on the horizon, we’ll need every unit ready. This is just a warning that you could be called to battle.”

“Oooh, yay! Laeni-chan’s been bored! Laeni-chan LOOOOVES fighting! Don’t you, Mister Lieutenant?”

“...Sure. You’re dismissed, Private Laeni.”

“Goody! Now Laeni-chan can go make Fluffy and Shiny more pretty! Flowers make swords lots better! Bye-bye, Mister Lieutenant!”

And so the Lopunny skipped out merrily, coming out of the old stone walls of the castle-like structure this city called its military base and into the grass and sunlight, singing loudly, “Sword time, fight time, it’s gonna be a fun time...”

Ninso (Followed)
Faction: Itikka
Kivistal – Twinriver, Outskirts of Jasandax

The river was peaceful.

It wasn’t a roaring river, one that forced mountains of water down to the ocean as fast as it could; well, this part of it wasn’t, anyway. The river slid by so slowly it was hard to tell it even moved. It was serene, graceful, and this wasn’t even mentioning the lush greenery that surrounded it. Huge trees bent towards the water and touched their branches to it, and foliage formed a web of life between the towering oaks and tiny saplings.

Of course, Kraken did not see the appeal of it.

“What the hell, Ninso?! You and Silvia have just been sitting there...or floating there...or whatever the hell for a half-hour! What’ve you two been doing?!” The huge Garchomp roared his frustrations so loud that it wouldn’t be surprising if those shopping in Jasandax’s market could hear it.

“This environment is healthy for my powers.” The Pokemon speaking was my other Follower, a lime-green Espeon.

“I have been...enjoying the scenery...much unlike...some of us...” I replied. I am, by the way, a Shedinja with the same shiny coloration as my Followers; my shell has a slight pinkish tint and glimmers in the sun. It’s rather girly; I don’t like it. The fact that it weakens my physical ability is also bothersome.

“Enjoying the scenery? I’d be enjoying the scenery a little more if I could rip some sh*t up, like trees. You guys are f*cking boring as hell!”

“You’re not being very mature, Kraken,” Silvia said flatly, eyeing him.

“Shut up, you stupid cat! Can we just go back to the city or something? I’m freakin’ starving and watching people run around is much more entertaining then watching you two!”

“...Very well, Kraken...let’s head back...”

“FINALLY!”

With a reluctant sigh I followed Kraken at a slow hover, who cleared the way through the brush through some very powerful slashes. Silvia was right ahead of me, bounding noiselessly through the grass on her padded feet.

We seemed so dysfunctional on occasion, but I was happy to call these two my closest friends.

[Hoshika]

Kokoro (Chimera)
Faction: Itikka
Location: Jasandax, Twinriver, Itikka

Morning.

I slept in a leaf pile stacked on a high branch of a sweet-smelling tree. I woke up as the sun creeped up past the horizon, and the bird Pokémon of Jasandax flew up to the treetops to sing their morning songs. I leapt up the tree to watch.

The sky was dyed a pretty orange. Whispy clouds past by, turning gold when they passed the sun. Some stars clung onto the high, night-ish part of the sky, as the sky became brighter and brighter and bluer and bluer. A Taillow sung a few notes a few trees away, and a Kricketot rattled away like a xylophone back on the forest floor. It was a beautiful day.

Once the early morning had passed, I spread my wings and glided back down to the ground. Today, I would take the test to be among the ranks of The Unity... but I still wasn't sure. Peace, not war, I thought, or is this a war of peace? I couldn't help but feel I wasn't supposed to be there. I glided around and about for a while, around the trees and over the rivers. I noticed a pink Shedinja arguing with a green Espeon and an old-looking Garchomp... except it looked like the Garchomp was doing all the arguing.


I flew back towards the clearing in the center of Jasandax. In a few hours... I'd take the test. Blah...

[Larvinator]

OOC: Laeni is chasing butterflies and trying to slash them in half. She leaves us with the message "Don't do drugs, make shiny things!"

IC:

Ninso (Followed)
Faction: Itikka
Itikka, Twinriver, Jasandax

Buildings were still strange to me, almost unnatural. In my village, they were woven from straw and other natural things. Here, they were great stone monoliths, their irregular, gray roofs reaching towards the sky like gnarled hands. Wooden, slanted doors stood on the cobblestone streets we walked over, and simple holes in the stone -- windows -- stared down like hungry eyes. Needless to say, I, being the weakling I was, was quite unnerved, and only the thought that I was being illogical and ridiculous stopped me from hovering over the imposing structures.

And the Pokemon! Of all shapes and colors and sizes they walked, ran, and flew around, above, and beside me, forming a living, moving wall. It was vaguely claustrophobic, as though the narrow streets weren't enough to trigger that. Most of them were bug Pokemon, of course, but there were quite a few other types as well.

If my Followers were having similar thoughts of claustrophobia and intimidation, they didn't show it. While Silvia complained of the stone on her paws, Kraken looked merry as could be...although the crowd basically cleared for him, unlike me, who people constantly bumped into. I was so small...

"Huh? Hey, Ninso, what the hell is that?" Kraken asked. With a blue talon he pointed to the sky, and what glided above us surprised me. It was a Pikachu...but...it was flying. It took a few seconds of staring to identify the golden wings spread out as the wings of a Togekiss. And I was sure I could see red markings on other places besides its cheeks...

"...I'm sorry...I don't know..."

"Don't apologize, you numbskull, it pisses me off. Whatever it is, it's definitely not a Pokemon anyone knows about."

"Pokemon have genders, Kraken," Silvia muttered.

"Shut up! I know that!"

"What are we...here for...?" I asked softly. My voice...my voice irritated me. It was so quiet and childlike it was a wonder anyone took me seriously. "We already...got Kraken food..."

"Damn right we did! Tasted good, too!"

"Perhaps we should go to the base for some training?" the Espeon suggested. "It has been a bit."

"Pah, training is for weaklings."

"No, training is for those who have a brain."

"Hmph."

"Very well..." I replied, ignoring their bickering. I glanced up again, but the mysterious mutant Pokemon was gone.

Perhaps some mysteries should remain unsolved...

[Just Leo]

Thom Kathci (Dream Walker)
Krana
Kivistal; Krana; Fort Flyte

The soft hum of Kriketot and Kricketune aroused a certain Thom from his sleep. His fur glistening slightly with the morning dew, the cream colored feline yawned and stretched before standing. He leaned forward, bending his forelegs at the joint, flexing his lean leg muscles and tensing his tail straight, “Aah.” The Persian sighed in pleasure, “Morning; the best time of the day.” Yes, he was talking to himself, but that was normal for Thom. The prideful feline didn’t have many friends around or in the fort.

Thom’s whiskers perked up and relaxed as he sniffed the air for unwelcome visitors; something he always did by habit. Once satisfied that no one was in the room but him; he squirmed into his one piece of clothing. He went to the ‘window’, which was no more than a chunk of the rock missing, and peered out. The crisp morning air tickled his nose as he inhaled the aromas of fresh grass and random wild flowers. Still looking through the opening, Thom spotted other Pokemon already doing morning exercises in the middle of the courtyard.

“Might as well go join them,” he hissed under his breath before walking out of his door and entering the hall.

The sound of skin against cold stone resounded through the hallway of Fort Flyte almost all the time. Thom walked along with someone who was walking rather fast; his paws hitting the tempo in a fourth note pace, slap-slap slap-slap. Thom turned a corner and almost slammed face first into another Pokemon. The Marowack glared directly at Thom, who glared back indifferently.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re going, Persian?” The Ground-type Pokemon spat the words as if they were bile in his mouth.

“Why don’t you move out of my way?” Thom questioned calmly, but smirked arrogantly at the plated warrior in front of him.

The Marowack was a fighter and higher rank then Thom was, but they always butted heads when they meet in the halls or in training sessions because they are so alike in many ways. The prairie-dog like Pokemon used a light rapier in battle along with the ever present bone-club, and had dark green plate armor; no helmet was needed since the external skull served as one already.

“I’m higher rank then you! That’s why!” The easily angered Pokemon all but yelled at the top of his lungs at the feline in front of him. Thom shrugged, or as close to a shrug a cat can make. He lifted his shoulder blades up higher and let them dropping as he sighed.

“Ah, yes, you’re a Specailist, right?” Thom asked even though he knew. He played ignorant to get under the other’s skin, and, as Thom predicted, it did.

“Yes! I’m Specialist Skullhide, and don’t you forget it!” He yelled before storming off, clanking in his heavy metal suit. Thom smiled, content with that encounter, “Good way to start off my morning.” His words seemed to drip with sarcasm even though he was one that liked to cause a little mischief here and there. He did not, however, like to argue about pointless things such as that, but that stupid Marowack just got under his skin with the simplest thing…

He went out the natural arch in the large, rugged, grey stone of Fort Flyte. The rock formation formed a bird, and gave a good, large courtyard in the middle for training and the like. The large circular area was a mix of grass, dirt and some imported sand. The different landscapes served for good terrain to train on. If you found yourself in a desert, fighting, you wouldn’t, say, loose your footing and give the opponent an opportunity to strike you down, if you had the proper training. And, this field offered it, along with the other two types of ground.

Thom chose a nice patch of grass to exercise on. The damp grass was cold and sticky against his paws, sighing the cat went into a complex show of movement and attacking invisible enemies. Biting at jugular veins, and slicing out at what would be tendons in the back of a leg. Soon, perspiration fell from the Persian’s brow. He ended in a show of great power, Thom’s fore and back paws were in a close box together, his back curved upwards. The air around him hung heavy, and the air crackled with intensity. Thom’s violet eyes shone brightly with a yellowish tint around them.

The sky grew dark, and the clouds became dark grey. Suddenly, bright flashes of light came from those clouds before they seemingly burst like a bag as large lighting bolts stormed down on the field around the tensed Normal-type. After the Thunderbolt attack ended, Thom gingerly moved back into a normal posture, admiring his work.

The grass around him was burnt in some places, which pleased Thom. This small thing showed progression with the move he was just recently taught. “Not bad,” he mused to himself, walking away from the spot, clearly exhausted from his use of energy. His clothing clung to his body where sweat had accumulated. He trotted over to a shady area and sat down for a breather.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

A murkrow flew down to a table where an absol and a honchkrow could be seen enjoying a beer. The absol wore a pair of pink tinted shades over her eyes and had a long white mane. She took a few sips of her drink and said, "And that is how you have a good time!"

"By chopping of the head of the guy that just pay you back." said the honchkrow. "You have a strange taste in a good time there Mala."

Mala laughed and said, "NO! Heads! Remember, doduos have more the one head." Mala then laughed and said, "Looks like one of your guys just got back there Lupi."

Lupi the honchkrow place down his wineglass with his left wing and looked at the murkrow. He then said, "So what is up? Did he pay up?"

"Yes sir," said the murkrow. The raven pokemon then nodded and place a small bag of coins on the table. "Every cent."

Mala laughed and said, "We would have gotten more if you had let me handle it. I would have gotten you more then he owed you."

Lupi shook his head and said, "Still that means we can't get more money from him later."

Mala sighed and just made herself comfortable on the cushion provided. She then shurgged and said, "Lupi, you know what?"

"With you girl, I kind of afraid to ask." said the honchkrow who took a silver coin out of the bag with his wing and then bit into it.

"We need to do something." said Mala. SHe then nodded and coutinue, "Something big! Something that will make this nation shake in it's boots! Something that will make some sort of trouble. YOu know like something big. This is a war right now! And right now there is money in the streets. So much that we can swim in it."

"I like money," said Lupi placing the coin back into the bag. He then told the murkrow to go away by nodding his head.

"Yes! Something that could make this nation turn upside down and right side left." said Mala. She then laughed and tilted her head, "So you in for it?"

"Sometimes it is hard to believe that you were actually in the army." said Lupi.

"I was only in that drag show for a few weeks before walking out on them." said Mala with a laugh. "Those guys were so boring that it should be consider a crime being with them. No sense of creatvity and pasta. Just do this. Do that. Don't forget to take your medicine. Really boring."

"So what you have in mind?" asking Lupi as he place the bag of coins into his vest.

"First off, we need to come up with a plan. One that is smart and creative." said Mala. SHe then took a sip of her drink.

Lupi just looked dumbfounded at Mala and said, "You kidding me? I thought you had a plan."

"Nope," said Mala simpily. She then closed her eyes and said, "If you have a problem with that then I guess you don't want some of the pie I am going to serve then. It should be tasty. It should have some tasty weedles inside it."

"Does it involve this city?" asked Lupi. He had a look of fear in his eyes. Lupi has been one of the few that has seen Mala's ability of Triad Conversions where she would do some of the sickest things he has ever seen to his enemies.

"Most likey. Garlakal is a big city. Lots of things to do. Lots of pokemon living here. Just depends who you want to screw with." said Mala. "To tell the truth, I want to get out of Crescent Moon. Somewhere that has wide open spaces or something." Mala then paused and said, "Oh, Mala feels something."

Lupi looked at Mala and said, "Ok?"

"Mala has been feeling this for a while," said Mala. She then smiled and said, "Feels like something I done before. No need to worry. It is all good." Mala then nodded and said, "Still we need to wait and see." Mala then got up and said, "I am going out for a bit. Goings to see what we need now." Mala then walked out the door of the bar.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Faction-Itikka
Twinrivers waters edge a few miles outside of Jasandax

As I flew over the river with my black wings spread wide I surveyed the area.I being an Emissarie have a love for flight even though I'm not a flying-type.At first a found it odd as a Swampert to be soaring threw the skies but know I find quite relaxing and useful.As I was flying along I was not focusing on my wings slowly starting to fade away, and when I did notice it it was just a bit too late.

"GOD DAMNIT!"I screamed as I started to plunge down to the ground.I thankfully was near the city of Jasandax which is built near a river and something I was even more thankful for was that I was lucky enough to land in said river.It wasn't a very graceful landing but more of a painful crash.

"Hmph that's what I get for not paying attention now I get to swim back to Jasandax."With that I started my swim back to the city hoping along the way that I would find someway to get home faster since it would be a while until I would be able to tap into my powers again.

"Oh this may speed things up."I said as I remembered a trick I learned.I shot mud onto the waters edge to make it slick then I smashed the ground twice once to bring up a rock and a second to break it into a long board shape.

"Now this is how I like to travel."I jumped onto it, and then I used more of my own mud to propel myself towards Jasandax.

[k_pop]

Krynn (Revealers)
Talonica
Kivistal-Sapphire Front
several miles N of Opal Valley

Smoke rising into the air had attracted attention. The Pokemon watching was sitting atop the branch of a tall oak. The wind ruffled her rather shaggy fur, which was unusual for her species, as was her rather long arms and legs. Well...long for a Furret anyway. Below the leather armor covering her chest and back, were the alternating stripes of cream and brown that wrapped around her long body. Slung across her back were a quiver and sheathed Gladius. Clutched in her left paw was a bow, while her right paw rested on the tree trunk to keep steady as she watched the group of Pokemon at work. Brown eyes focused at the front of a small building where gray billows came out of a chimney. Standing in the doorway, was a Sandshrew wearing an apron. She was watching several Pokemon trying to fix a wagon. Nearby, a couple Diglett could be seen plowing up the earth into neat rows for planting.

"So do you see anything, or what?"

She glanced down at the Flygon, laying back on a thick branch below her and looking thoroughly bored. "No Jayx. It's just a small farm," she said, looking back at the thin wisp of smoke that had caught their attention from the air. She had seen it when they left Opal Valley, but it was the Flygon who had insisted upon checking it out.

"Just a farm? Are you sure Krynn?" He was not quite ready to return to their duties just yet. In fact, at the moment he was rather busy studying the leaves hanging over him while he called up to his friend.

Krynn sighed and looked back at the farmhouse. It was across a wide meadow from the tree she stood in, yet she could see every detail of the Pokemon there. A single blink, and all present seemed to stand out in her vision, their bodies tinged by either white or tan. Another blink and she could still see them, but could also see the heat they radiated. Inside the house, were two other heat sources, one directly below the smoke had to be the hearth and the other was a little larger than the Sandshrew at the door. "I'm positive, there aren't any soldiers there." She climbed down onto the branch just below her, making her quiver rattle slightly.

"So, it's just like you said, not a big deal," he huffed. Rolling off the branch, his wings caught the air before he could hit solid ground. Jayx hovered up in front of his comrade. "You do know I was just being careful right? I mean, you never know with the border being so close and all."

Shaking her head, she chuckled. "Yeah, being careful and killing time." She gave one more glance back at the little farm. "It has to be tough living on land that's being fought over." She jumped onto her mount's back. Hanging from Jayx's armor was another small quiver and settled on his back, just behind her, was her round shield, with the Talonican dragon on the front. "C'mon, we have to report back. No more buying time with scouting." She laughed when he started complaining about never getting a break. "Let's go. We need to get back." She pawed at the Rayquaza bracelet circling her right arm. "We've spent enough time at home." Jayx stopped complaining a moment and nodded. Once they were back above the trees however, he picked up where he left off, making her laugh again.



(OOC: Okay, all those who believe that intro wasn't great... *raises hand*)

[Shen]

Author's Note: Due to the differences in language that differ between times, all further posts will be translated into a more modern version of the English language.

Valin Denathos
Talonica
Kivistal - Sapphire Front
Itikka/Talonica Border

A flash of silver and crimson, and the Rhydon fell, blood pooling from the slash in his neck.

I landed in a kneeling position to soften my blow, as well as to wipe the blood from my blades onto the grass. I heard the whistle of a heavy blade descending on my head, and I rolled to the side before the large ax sliced me in half. Before the Machoke could recover from the failed blow, I leapt at him and stabbed both blades into his chest. he made a quick, choking sound, and fell as I pulled Ebony and Ivory out of him, his blood splashing on the handle of the ax embedded in the ground. With yet another enemy down and out, I picked myself up and ran further into the heat of battle.

The sun beat down from the high heavens upon the battle below. On the fields of the Sapphire Front, thousands of Pokemon now fought to the death in a major battle of this war between Itikka, Krana, and my home nation of Talonica. Pokemon involved in this particular battle were specifically of Itikka or Talonica, and we were now hours into the battle.

Fatigue had ensured the deaths of many by now, both friend and foe, and I was determined to not join them. My limbs and lungs burned, yet still I fought. I could not afford to die here, not now. I had to endure and continue on. Death was not an option, no matter what.

"Valin, nice moves out there!" complimented an Apmpharos, with a wave of his glaive.

"Grant, focus on the battle," I scolded, narrowly slashing an arrow inches from my face, "I'd rather not see you beheaded too!"

With a salute from his polearm, he returned to the battle.

I leapt up as a Hitmonlee tried to slash my chest, and sank Ivory into his skull. As he started dropping to the ground, I propelled myself into the air, just as Flin flew by to catch me.

"Perfect timing as always, Valin," Flin said with a chuckle. He helped me onto his back, and we sped over the heads of those fighting below, allowing me to catch my breath. He was going fast enough that most arrows were easily avoided, but the few that were able to hit him merely clanged against the armor on his chest or wings harmlessly. I was able to catch my breath for a little and rest my limbs as I rode on Flin's back, making my efficiency for battle that much more useful.

I looked around and observed the battle for above. It was anyone's guess as to who was gaining superiority of the battle, because it was hard to determine how many of the thousands of Pokemon there were still alive for both sides. All I knew was that the battle was still a shifting mass of Pokemon killing each other. It was quite a sight to behold, not quite awe-inspiring, but moving nonetheless.

I ducked as a Yanmega zoomed just overhead, the two of us moving too fast for either us or them to make any hits. however, they were turning around for a second pass, and I suspected this one wouldn't quite be as safe as the last one. So, I once again drew Ebony, and patted Flin's back.

"I saw 'em," he said as he turned towards them. "Let's show those two that bugs are no match for dragons, eh?" He grinned back at me.

I smirked. "Never were, never will be."

We flew close and closer, and I could see the Yanmega charging up what looked like a Signal Beam. "Looks like they got a present for us."

Flin chuckled. "No thanks, it's not quite my birthday." He slammed his wings again and again, gaining incredible speed, causing the Yanmega to falter and his charging attack to die as we got within feet of him and his Scyther rider. He did an aerial roll quickly, placing us above the two Itikkans.

One slash of Ebony, and pilot and mount fell to Kivistal below.

OOC: Yes, I know, short for a bloodshed-filled post, but it's only an intro :P

[k_pop]

Krynn (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Sapphire Front
en route to Lavianix

"Taking the scenic route again?" Krynn tapped a paw on the back of her friend's neck. Jayx only smiled as he continued on. Unless it was under order or an emergency, he always preferred to take the long way. They were going to report back to their commanding officer in Lavianix and the Flygon wanted to prolongue this as much as possible, even if it was only by a couple of hours.

The countryside was pretty, the weather was clear, and the Flygon was enjoying himself. Krynn decided to leave him go for the moment. They still had time, as long as it was not late, Jayx could take his time.

They had not gone much further when the Furret's sharp eyes caught sight of something. "A battle." She did not need to say anymore as Jayx turned the direction of her gaze, slightly north of where they were going. He put on speed, so that where a moment ago he was traveling slowly, he now flew like a mad Gyarados was on his tail. Krynn watched as they continued to get closer. "It's definately Talonicans...and it looks like Itikka."

Jayx glanced back at his rider. "Are we getting into that? We haven't gone back for our orders yet," he said with a smile.

"We can't just pass by our own warriors and not do something." She pulled out her bow, they were nearly in her range now.

Jayx smirked and put on more speed. "As long as it isn't training!"

Watching the battle from the rapidly closing distance, she noticed another Flygon pick up a Pikachu from the field. They flew over the battle before a Yanmega carrying a Scyther attacked. In a very deft maneuver, the Flygon flew straight at the bugs and barrel-rolled over the pair, allowing his rider to strike a fatal blow. Krynn was very impressed, but did not have time to think about that as she noticed two Ninjask coming from the rear while the Flygon righted himself.

In a flash Krynn had her bow drawn, staring down the length of the shaft, the closest Ninjask was at the end of her arrow, and...two shots! The second Ninjask did not have time to think how an arrow hit its comrade out of nowhere, before its thoughts were ended altogether.

"Nice shot! As always," called Jayx as he continued on toward the other pair in flight.

As they arrived over the battle, Krynn began firing long-flighted arrows from Jayx's quiver, taking out any airborne enemies in her range, while her friend was causing trouble for those on the ground with well-aimed Dragonbreath. The Flygon rolled away from an arrow fired at him and Krynn pulled a short shaft from the quiver at her back, pinpointed the archer on the ground, and stopped his arrows with a bolt to the chest. As an added bonus, the arrow he was about to fire at her, released and struck another Itikkan soldier.

When they made it near the Pikachu, Jayx called out while Krynn continued to seek out targets. "Sorry to intrude. Hope we didn't interrupt anything, but it looked like you could use some help."

Krynn nocked an arrow and was about to fire when the Beedrill she was aiming for changed course. She lowered her bow as the Pikachu came into her line of sight. She cried out a warning, "Behind you!"



(OOC: Krynn is all business and Jayx is ready to start a conversation. Anyway, I'm sure Valin can handle that Beedrill since he's been warned. :wink:)

[Lusankya]

Auron (Starblazers)
Talonica
Vanral, Emerald Spear

Auron stepped out from the refinery. "Thank you," he said to the refiner, and closed the door behind him. In a bag on his side were several steel bars, ready to be smithed into various weapons that Auron had an order for.

Concentrating his mind, he quickly transformed himself into a point of light, and zoomed across the city in a millisecond, arriving almost instantly at his home. Normally he wouldn't bother with Starblazing for such a short distance, but the steel was heavy, and Auron really didn't feel like carrying it as he flew all the way across the city. In truth, he could have made a better decision when he decided to locate his workshop where it was. It happened to be on the exact opposite side of the city from the refinery and crafts shops, where everything he needed to make his products were. Instead, he had decided to build it over here, closer to Aryo's workshop and his parents.

Sighing, Auron opened the door to his workshop, with the familiar smell of burning oil. He lit two lamps with a small puff of fire, then got down to work heating up the forge. Orders for the day were two broadswords and a shield. The shield wouldn't take very long, but the broadswords were a different matter. Fortunately, Auron had several broadswords in stock, and it would only take a slight modification to get them up to spec.

The forge heated, hammer and anvil ready, and water poured, Auron got down to work, repeatedly heating, pounding, and cooling the metal to get it into the right shape and hardness. Periodically he had to stop and fire up the forge hotter. A few hours later, the job was done. Tired, Auron headed upstairs. He lived above his workshop, and this was where he kept all his various tinkerings.

Such as this one. Auron prodded a small copper basin and lit a burner underneath it. As the water inside the basin heated up, steam was driven through a small rotor with releases on the ends such that as the steam was released, the force turned the rotor. The rotor pulled a string with a tiny straw cup on the end of the it.

Auron sighed. His design for the automatic well still needed some work. The water didn't heat fast enough, and it constantly had to be replaced. If there was a way to turn the rotor without having the let off steam...

A jingling downstairs alerted Auron to the presence of somehow outside. Scrambling down the stairs, he answered the door.

Ah. There was a Machamp who had placed the order. "Hello there," Auron greeted. "Come in, come in. I have your order ready for you."

The Machamp looked surprised. "Oh, that was fast."

"I'm just that good," Auron replied with a grin, then quickly fetched the swords and the shield.

The Machamp swung the swords and hefted the shield a bit before deciding that they would do. "Thank you," he said, and handed Auron a small bag with coins inside. Auron counted the money, then said, "No problem."

"Oh, did you hear?" the Machamp asked. "Your old teacher's back in town."

"Aryo?" Auron looked up at that. The old Gallade had been out on a trip to Krana for the past month. Auron scratched his chin. He'd give him an hour or so to settle back in before taking a visit. Heading back into his home, he decided he'd need a shower before he went.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Faction-Itikka
Itikka-Twinriver-Jasandax

After a hour of riding my little vessel I reached Jasandax.I've always found this city the only place in Itikka I could really feel like I belong.My mother used to live here before here death, and it is where she raised me from the young age of eight.Since she died I have always felt a special bond with this city but I still feel like an outcast whenever a bug looks at me.

"I need to find some food and drink I'm feeling a bit famished."It probably doesn't help with my feeling of being an outsider by talking out loud to myself but I digress.I waled around town looking for a bar to eat at and I never found one maybe because I really didn't try I headed towards the market to go buy some food.

"Hmm what to buy what to eat?"After I had found something I soon found out that I had left all my money in my den.The second I remembered this and the vendor had the food all wrapped up I yelled one of my most said phrases.

"GOD DAMNIT!"I'm normally quite but after having to ride for a hour I wasn't in the best of moods topped by the fact I was hungry and was about to be denied food I had just lost it.After my explosion I became self aware that everyone in the marketplace was starring at me.

"Er.....Um...."I had no clue what to say.To get out of the situation I swiftly departed from the market finding a nice quite place to bring my wings out.

"Let's go."I muttered softly and I sprang into the air.As I soared towards the training camp to find a sparring partner I saw an odd Pokemon flying towards a clearing and I thought to myself

"That's odd never seen that kind of Pokemon before."I quickly dismissed it and noticed a Garchomp,Espeon, and a Shedinja two of which were different coloring then most of their kind.I wonder if that Garchomp would put up any kind of a fight and I flew towards them wondering I found I partner to fight with.

[U-B-3-R]

Gaius (Windrunners)
Itikka
Kivistal - The Sapphire Front

It was obvious that the Sapphire Front had to be held by the Itikka group - it was a treasure box of natural resources, and the proximity to the Itikka-Talonica border could come in handy. If the other side got it, it would not bode well, especially since their army was mostly made up of high-flyers, something that the Bug Pokemon of Itikka would not combat very easily.

As I overlooked the battlefield from atop a really tall vine tower I had created with my Ingrain move, I noticed the bodies of a Yanmega and his Scyther mount falling from the skies, blood spewing from their bodies. Looking a little higher, I saw a Pikachu on a Flygon wielding two long swords stained with fresh blood, and I put two and two together.

Though I had no means of reaching him aerially, perhaps I could gain his attention and bring him to me... I used Growth. Stealth was more or less no good in this environment, so I had to go full offense. As I began to grow, I roared.

"Hey you Pikachu! Get your ass over here and see if you can fight me, huh?" I bellowed. I knew if he was allowed to continue roaming the skies, our army could be quickly weakened, and that wouldn't do. Perhaps I was being overconfident, but maybe I could do something about it, especially with time to feed myself Growth spurts.

[Hoshika]

OOC: I'm assuming that Overseer corresponds to commander.

Kokoro (Chimera)
Faction: Itikka
Location: Jasandax, Twinriver, Itikka

Mid-morning was when I took my first test. I stood in the royal court garden, determined and strong, before the three commanders of The Unity. I didn't know which test would come first, actually... I figured I'd have to take four of them just because I was a mixed Pokémon! Good thing I was wrong... sort of.

"Because you are a Chimera, Kokoro," said Overseer Nasta, "We are presenting you with a different set of instructions for your test."

A strange, popping-out-of-the-ground kind of sound rang in the garden, but I paid no mind and continued focusing on what Overseer Nasta was telling me.

"You are to demonstrate as many moves as you can for the first segment of the test by breaking all the targets presented in the court garden." Ruskistaa slowly pointed all around the clearing. "Try to make it look good," he chuckled. "Take as much time as you like before you start."

I took a deep breath. Just another demonstration, I thought. I raised my arms and stretched towards the sunny sky. Just relax..., I repeated. Energy began to pulse through my body. I closed my eyes.

Then, I began.

I rushed forward to the wooden target on my left and sliced it with an Air Slash. I performed a shuttle loop and blazed right through the next four targets in the ring with a Quick Attack, which grew into an Extremespeed attack. I immediately stopped and floated down to the ground, and began to harness even more energy from the sun. Kneeling, I outstretched my wings from under my cape. Beads of light began to circle around me and eventually phase into my wings. Overseer Sivallus and Overseer Juottaa appeared to be a bit surprised.

Once I was charged with energy, I shot diagonally into the air and shattered the next three targets with a Sky Attack. The next few were simple. I fired a Thunderbolt that wound clockwise around a target and fried it, turned another target to ashes with a quick, fly-by Flamethrower, and chopped the last tall target to bits with Magical Leaf.

I slowed again to face the five almost-as-tall targets, and coated them with Silver Wind. The targets began to crack. I followed up with one attack for each target: one Aura Sphere here, a Water Pulse to the one next to it, Swift to the one in the middle, a Drain Punch to the next, and finally, my strongest Psychic attack, which caused the last target to turn to wooden dust. I turned around as I landed.

The last target was the one in the middle, right in front of my original position. I charged up electricity, leapt with a shining Volt Tackle (it was just for show, really), and launched a huge Shock Wave to split the target in half, post and all. The two halves fell, smoking and charred, to the ground.

Not a single leaf was damaged in the test.

"... Impressive," commented Overseer Juottaa. I smiled and bowed, taking in sunlight to re-energize myself. "But what do you say to this?"

The Armaldo threw a bunch of rose thorns in my direction. I flapped my wings and launched myself upwards in a spiral. The thorns dug themselves into the ground.

"Haaaahhhh!" I sighed, loudly. "Wha...?" What was that?! I wondered.

"Very, very nice," said Sivallus. "You are extremely talented, and would be a great addition to The Unity."

"Thank you," I responded. I'm still not sure if I really want to fight...

"So you may begin tommorrow," said Nasta. "But I do sense something amiss in the Sapphire Front. If you're up to it, go assist the Needle that got themself into trouble."

"Reckless young'uns...," Overseer Sivallus mumbled.

"I'm feeling great, and I'll get right to it, Overseer Nasta," I replied. Same duty as usual... healing. Heh. I took off and headed south.

Looking back, I saw a Scyther walking towards the commanders. Seemed that Prince Hartaasti was watching me, too.

I'm not that important...

[Dr Scott]

Flynn Tidehunter (Emissaries)
Talonica
Vedesen
Introducing the Cast

“So, ye got the supplies childe?” Trinkin asked, one of his eyes arched up into the air. I couldn’t help but smile at the common response, feeling my lips grow into the large grin even as I slowly nodded my head. “Nice job, Flynn m’boy,” he said before quickly turning around, walking back to the ship.

As I grabbed the large sack of rations, hefting it up over my shoulder, I couldn’t help but look to see what the others were doing. Limon was still flirting with the Kirlia he had met outside of the tavern, his sheathed swords hanging from the belt he was wearing. My grin grew slightly larger; the Alakazam had fairly mixed responses from women that ranged from a slap in the face to a late night. Of course, rum was usually the difference maker between the two outcomes.

Brint was over by the merchant’s bazaar, still picking up arrows and other weapons. Most everyone used the same weapons, from captain’s cutlass to Trinkin’s flail, but Brint needed to get new arrows because he kept wasting them by firing them into other’s chests. Really, it seemed a waste that he didn’t just go and grab it out, the ocean would work well to wash the blood off.

Rilt was more than likely still at the tavern, trying to hear. He served as the captain’s eyes and ears, telling him everything about current situations or rumors. I’ve always thought it to be a useless job, because no matter what is heard it won’t stop the war or the bad pirates. Still, if it was what the captain wants then I am sure he has a good reason for it.

The captain, of course, was still at the ship. The crew had been decimated due to the recent battles, and the five of them and I were the only ones that still survived. Even the cook was killed thanks to a lucky arrow fired by an enemy pirate crew. So the captain was serving as guardian for the ship, making sure that no rogue would steal it to sell to an enemy. I offered to do it myself, but he said I was good at picking out food and other rations needed. ‘Course, it could be because captain didn’t want to carry the huge sack of supplies, it’s taken me two trips now.

Of course, it would be a lot easier if the captain didn’t keep packing for a larger crew. He had promised us that we wouldn’t be riding with a skeleton cast for too much longer, he would find more to join us. This was hard to do, though, because the captain was really picky with whom he let join us. They had to be good, they had to be able to fight, and they had to have heart.

Still, I believed in the captain, and I knew it was just a matter of time before others joined our banner so we could get back into the ground, back into the true battlefield…

[Larvinator]

OOC: So, in her first two posts Laeni ticked off a general, learned she might be fighting, sang a song about the ocean, climbed a massive tree, blew her Legendary Summoner cooldown, and did nothing remotely constructive.

This is fun. :3

IC:

Laeni (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Skipping on the outskirts of Nyland, Eastrock

The Lopunny had run quite a ways from the base she'd been at. Now red trees, hundreds of feet high, towered over over her, and long, itchy grass tickled her legs. This was not mentioning the stiff thorn bushes that she had to jump over. Despite that, Laeni seemed to be enjoying it; she hopped and sometimes flipped over bushes with ease, singing what appeared to be her ocean song.

Without much warning, her amber eyes locked on a tree and she sped up, moving so unbelievably fast she left copies of herself behind her. She was heading right for the bark, it seemed, but she suddenly jumped up, ran up the tree a few feet, then grabbed a branch that had been ten feet up it. Swinging up onto it, she giggled.

"Teehee...Laeni-chan's so high up! Everything looks smaller!" She looked up to see the rest of the wooden monolith tower above her and grinned. "Oooh, ooh! Laeni-chan bets she can climb ALLLLL the way up!"

Gleefully she spied a branch about five feet above her head...and jumped, right from a standing position. Just barely she caught the branch with her pale-furred paws and again swung up with little evident effort. This pattern repeated all the way up the redwood, until she sat upon a thin branch with a view of the massive forest.

"Laeni-chan likes it up here!" she cried, liking the feel of her voice against the silent sky. "And Laeni-chan's finally gonna fight! She'll be on an ADVENTURE! An ADVENTURE to places way far away! There'll be people to kill and EVERYTHING!" She raised her hands up in a cheer, almost falling off the branch in the process.

"Ooooh, oooooh, Laeni-chan knows, Laeni-chan knows! She'll talk to her good friend Celebi and tell her ALLLL about it! She'll be so happy!" At that, the hyper rabbit stood up, held her paws to her chest and shut her eyes in concentration. She sung under her breath -- it sounded suspiciously like the ocean song again -- and she started glowing.

In a blast of light, a new Pokemon appeared. She was quite small and had varying shades of green on her body. Two antennae probed at the air, and two huge blue eyes were glaring fiercely at the cheerful Lopunny.

"Yaaaay! It's Celebi! Celebi, Celebi, Laeni-chan has something to tell y --"

"YOU AGAIN?!" Celebi screeched, her high voice hitting an unbearable octave.

"Yup, yup! It's Laeni-chan, and --"

"WHAT IN ARCEUS'S NAME DO YOU WANT THIS TIME?! NEED ME TO OPEN A JAR?! BRUSH YOUR FUR?!"

"Nope, nope! Laeni-chan just --"

"JUST SPIT IT OUT ALREADY SO I CAN GO BACK!"

"Okay, okay! Laeni-chan wanted to tell you that she's going on an adventure!"

Celebi blinked, then groaned. "Again?"

"Noooo, it's not like those other adventures, silly! Laeni-chan's gonna go on a REAL adventure this time! She's gonna be fighting people from those other places...probably!"

"Great, great. Is that all?"

"Yup, yup!"

"Good. Then I'll be getting away from you."

"Bye-bye, Celebi! Laeni-chan will see you soooon!"

At this, the alien-like Pokemon just sighed defeatedly and disappeared with another crack and a flash of green light.

And, with nothing better to do, Laeni started to sing the ocean song again.

[Legendary Summoner Cooldown: 3]

Ninso (Followed)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver

"Dammit, Silvia, why can't you fly? Ninso and I could be there in SECONDS if it wasn't for you and your legs."

"I don't have wings. Deal with it."

I sighed, a weird sound that whistled and echoed in the empty shell that was my flimsy body. I had to say it annoyed me how much those two argued, especially when I had to be the peacekeeper. "...Please, you two...we're nearly there...it is senseless...to argue..."

"Eh, angel-boy's right," the Garchomp said dismissively, using one of his most annoying nicknames for me. "Look, you can see the camp right there."

Yes, the massive stone fortress that was the headquarters for the military of Itikka loomed right before us. Behind it were the actual training grounds, but as we were approaching it from the city we were on the building side, which housed the tacticians and plans for the looming war. This structure was the most massive of them all, with rocky, gray walls stretching in every direction, especially up.

"See, Kraken? Now stop chiding me for something I can't fix," Silvia muttered.

Kraken ignored her and instead glanced around, only to do a double take at something behind us. "What...the...f*ck...? Flying Pikachus and now flying Swamperts? What the hell's next, a soaring Snorlax?"

I turned, as did my Espeon friend. In the sky and fast approaching was, yes, a Swampert. Intimidating, gray, feathery wings flapped as he homed in on us. Kraken twitched at this fact and readied his claws.

"Fool," Silvia snapped, noticing the Garchomp's talons tensed at his side. "You don't know if he means us harm or not."

"We'll just...wait and see..." I said, trying to make peace between them again, as it looked like they were about to launch into an argument. The fact that this road to the headquarters was near-deserted worried me, but even if this dark-winged creature meant us harm, three against one would ensure his death.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Faction-Itikka
Jasandax,Twinriver

I fast quickly caught up to the Garchomp and his companions and I use that term lightly for even from the air looked like he was arguing with the Espeon he also seemed to not like the idea that someone was quickly flying towards him.I ignored it and landed right next to the Shedinja as his coloration distracted me from my main focus of the Garchomp, but I quickly turned my focus back to the Dragin after a moment of staring.

"Hello."I said sounding a little too smug and sure of myself.I quickly found out that my idea of him not liking someone flying towards them was indeed true as it's claws were prepared to strike right by its sides.

"I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I was going to attack you.I merely caught the three of you along with another odd sight but I'm getting off track.I was heading to the training camp and was on the search for a training partner and as my luck would have it I saw you three heading in that direction so I decided to fly by and ask if one of you three would be interested in helping me end my search."I said all of this very quickly and hadn't given any of them a chance to even say anything, or for that matter hadn't even given them my name I began to look down thinking that they found me quite annoying or idiotic sounding for just asking for a fight really.

"Oh I apologize again I haven't even introduced myself yet I'm Ve."I waited for a answer from any of them.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent says, "That was awesome there Lavi with Celebi."
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala left the ganghouse after a few drinks with Lupi. The absol took the first step into the grayed part of the Garlakal. Mala has been to many big cities before and has seen one thing in common with them all. There was the shiny and nice looking part of the city where people all know about and people love to talk about it. Then there was the gray parts where the scum and slime of the world which was a place that Mala didn't mind. SHe looked around and gave a twisted smile to an ivysaur that just passed her up.

The ivysaur took a step back in fear and Mala's smiled widen. She then began to whip up two small whirlwinds beside her and then they began to grow. One of them began to move and the ivysaur looked at it. Mala smiled some more and soon the whirlwind began to get stronger and lift the ivysaur in the air and made it fly into a gang of koffings. Two murkrows flew away from the group of koffing and ivysaur.

The koffings looked at the ivysaur angrily. The ivysuar looked scared and then in the direction where Mala was but was surprise to see the absol was gone.

Mala smiled as she rode on top of the whirlwind to the rooftops above. Mala at once jumped from one building top to another. Her wavy mane just moved with her body as she went from one building to another. The absol then stopped before a building and said, "Now that sounds like an intresting idea. Something that could be done for sure."

Mala then jumped down from the top of the building with a whirlwind forming below her to soften the landing. Mala then landed on the ground and knew that before her was the Garlakal Port. She then took a step forward and knew that there were things in the port that could be very useful and valuable. Mala then looked around and saw a murkrow nearby.

"Hey you freak!" yelled Mala.

The murkrow looked at Mala and then pointed at himself.

"Yes you, I am talking to you." said Mala.

The murkrow looked at Mala. He had a long scar down his left eye. The murkrow then took a good look at Mala and said, "OH! I am sorry! I didn't reconize you with your shades on there."

Mala smiled twistly and said, "Oh you didn't?" Mala's head blade began to expand to use NIght Slash and said, "Oh how about now?"

The murkrow looked at Mala and said, "Oh I do now!" His voice was getting more shaky as the blade got closer to him. Murkrow then said, "What is it do you want miss?"

Mala laughed and said, "Just report back to Lupi and tell him to get a group together at the pier. I found what I want to do next."

The murkrow nodded nervously and flew off.

[Larvinator]

OOC: Yay for no more server failure.

EDIT: ZOMGEPICFAIL, I forgot Laeni's post. Geeeh. Editing it in...

IC:

Laeni (Legendary Summoner) is happy she could amuse you. :3
Krana
Still skipping on the outskirts of Nyland, Eastrock

"Laeni-chan thinks sharpening her blade is fun!"

Now the bouncy bunny was sharpening her two katanas on a nearby rock, actually rather successfully. The handles also seemed to have flowers tied into the pink silk. She could certainly take the badass out of any weapon.

"Laeni-chan wishes there were more flowers, but Laeni-chan also thinks her weapon already looks pretty! Don't you think so, Mister Rock?"

Mister Rock gave no response.

"Ooh, ooh, Mister Rock, Laeni-chan REALLY wants to go on an adventure NOW! She hopes Mister Lieutenant will let her go really soon!"

Silence in the woods.

"Aww...Mister Rock, are you sad because you won't get to go on an adventure? Laeni-chan is sad now too, because Mister Rock has to stay here all alone in the deep, dark, scary forest! Oh! Oh! Laeni-chan has an idea! Do you want to hear it, Mister Rock?"

Somewhere in the trees, a Kricketot chirped.

"Laeni-chan will take you with her! She has plenty of room in her handy-dandy Bag of Wonder! Then Mister Rock can see all the pretty scenery and corpses!"

Gleefully Laeni holstered her now-sharpened katanas and picked up the stone she'd been sharpening them on.

"Laeni-chan is gonna go ask Mister Lieutenant if she can go now! Come on, Mister Rock!"

And along she skipped, through the grass and trees and towards the stone citadel looming on the hill. Well...she had a new friend besides Celebi now, at least.

[Legendary Summoner Cooldown: 2]

Ninso (Followed)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver

If I had eyelids, I would've blinked. Here was a Swampert, dressed in what looked like a mix of leather and mud, who had soared right into us on what looked like the wings of a fallen angel, and he wanted a training partner. Not that I was ordinary, either, but this whole situation was quite bizarre.

Whatever shock Kraken had, though, he quickly recovered and grinned, showing rows of jagged teeth. "Well, what the hell, I just ate and I need to work it off. You two just stand back; I can handle this."

"Kraken, my apologies, but...I do not think he...meant to fight right...in the streets..." I said, cursing my childlike voice and awkward pauses the whole time.

"He didn't. Kraken is an idiot."

"SHUT UP!"

"Perhaps we should --" I tried to say, without luck.

"Hah. Is that the best retort you have? It seems your wit is as empty as your head," Silvia continued brutally. "No wonder you failed your Dragon military test."

"Silvia, please don't..."

"YOU LITTLE -- ! I passed my Ground exam with flying colors, Arceus dammit!"

"So you can dig holes. How very talented you are."

Finally I got between them, just as Kraken took a slash at Silvia; his claw bounced harmlessly off my Wonder Guard, and he blinked in confusion. "Both of you...we are in...a city, and...someone else still needs...an answer..."

Kraken growled in frustration and turned towards Ve. "Yeah, yeah, sure. You wanna spar at the training grounds or what?"

I sighed. This was going to be a long day.

[Dr Scott]

Flynn Tidehunter (Emissaries)
Talonica
Vedesen
Introducing the Cast

“We all here?” captain asked, looking around at the small cast of people. It took only a minute for him to consider the small group, nod and then turn and give the single to Trinkin, who turned and jumped up to the wheel.

Rilt stepped up, grabbing the Golduck lightly by the arm. The captain nodded, turning to the others and nodding again before stepping over to the small cabin that served as captain’s quarters. The two obviously went to talk about whatever the Mankey had found out in the tavern.

Still, the more pressing issue for me was to find out what was for dinner. Asking where we were going was pointless, because even the captain and Trinkin had no idea until captain came out from the meeting with Rilt. Before he liked to have a plan, but since the war began he started moving around wherever we were needed.

This usually included attacking small enemy naval ships, more than likely lone ships that just happened to wander off. Evil pirates were also a key target, freeing up trade lanes so that goods could continue to be passed from to key territories. It was a thankless job but that wasn’t anything I worried about, I just wanted this whole mess to end so that I could go back to the simper times.

I’ve got to admit, though, that life wasn’t too bad. I got to train myself, become more and more of a pirate with each mission. I started out as a hindrance, just held back in the cabin while the others went out, and then I would patch up the weaker ones that managed to get hurt. Now, though, I was an integral part, and I’ve saved each of the others more than once.

I was getting closer and closer to becoming more. To becoming a super hero.

[Dragoness]

Jade (http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2704347&postcount=83) and Kaci (http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2704347&postcount=83)
Krana
Kivistal--Revelake
----
"Are you okay, Jade? I know how you hate rain, even though it can't do anything bad to you," a large orange, dragon-like creature asked. He was a Dragonite. A Dragonite that was worried for the Rapidash beside him as he gently set a giant, clawed paw on Jade's cream and white back. The flames that emitted from Jade's mane and tail did nothing to harm him as he was Jade's beloved. It was quite doubtful she would ever want to harm him.

"I am fine Kaci!" snapped Jade, her pale blue eyes hardening. Her mane and tail flashed brighter as the last boom of thunder could be heard. The storm had passed though and as Jade calmed down, her fire shrank down and she smiled at her husband, Kaci. Gently butting her head up against his rough gold-orange scales, she said, "Sorry, rain just gets me upset. It's gone now though, so why don't we enjoy our day off at the lake?"

Kaci nodded and started to pull some food from a small picnic basket he and Jade had broughtwith them. He knew his wife and knew her temper would come and pass easily.
Neither she nor her would allow the rain to ruin one of their few days that the Krana Army had given them for leisure. They had both joined about four months ago and already the pace of army life was tiring them.

As Kaci finished laying the food out beneath a large Oak tree, Jade walked forward a bit, her hooves sinking into damp ground from the light rain that had just stopped. She looked out at the lake nearby and let out an appreciative sigh. The lake was a thing of beauty, streaching out for about a half-mile, give or take. Its water was a deep blue and little Magikarp swam around in it with glee, their bright red tails just visible under the water. Dark green grass, darker than Kaci's emerald eyes, covered the area around the lake. Massive trees of different types dotted the landscape. The air smelled like Spring as the sun started to come out from behind some rain clouds.

"It is so pretty," whispered Jade as she turned around to face Kaci once more.

"Yes, it is. Now come and eat," he said, waving his hand at the white tablecloth he had laid out. On it was bread, cheese, ham and juice. Laying down and giving orders to Kaci as to what she wanted to eat so he could make it for her, Jade dug in. They were almost done with their lunch when a small orange and black striped puppy came running up to them. It stopped short of their picnic, its red tongue haning out as it panted.

"Growly, what is it?" Jade asked, her voice sharp. She stopped drinking from the straw she had as the Growlithe began talking.

"We need you back at the fort, now," said Growly firmly. He shook his head at the juice Kaci offered, his short orange fur sending drops of sweat onto the ground.

Kaci let out an angry hiss as Jade pushed herself up on her strong legs. "It must be serious," Jade said, looking at Growly for confirmation.

Growly nodded, his small mouth growing tighter. "I don't know what it is exactly, but General Golm is was very angry," he said, sitting his small behind on the wet grass.

Jade traded a surprised look with Kaci. Golm was a very easy going, but strong General. Whatever it was must not be good if it could upset Golm.

"We're be there shortly," said Kaci as he started to gather up the food. Jade hurried to help him, her tough mouth picking up as much as it could to put into the basket.
--
OOC: Sorry this is not very long. I am a bit pressed for time right now, so I just introduced my characters and gave them something to do.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Itikka
Jasandax,Twinriver

Now I couldn't help myself but laugh a little as I thought how dysfuntional this little "Family" seemed.The Garchomp Kraken and the Espeon Silvia were arguing and had almost come to blows if it wasn't for the Shedinja whose name I hadn't quite caught yet didn't jump in and stop it with it's Wonder Guard.I turned and faced the Shedinja.

"Nice little trick there you would make a good training partner but seeing as your friend here is ready for a fight and I asked him first it looks like i'll have to wait for some other time.I turned to the Garchomp,"Kraken was it?I'm looking forward to a fight I hope you can keep up with me."This time I said it smug on purpose I felt confident I could take him appearently he failed his Dragon test and he has a temper on him I can use that against him. Quickly I realized that I had left my weapons at my den.I shook my head and held out my fin for a hand shake if possible.

"Well i'll head off into the training camp and wait for you there unless of course you want to fly over with me and leave your friends here so that we could start are friendly sparring match sooner or I could walk with the three of you? so we dont leave you here Silvia if I heard correct?"I felt oddly calm around the three of them even the bug I wondered about it but dismissed it and waited for a responce.

[Hoshika]

OOC: @ U-B-3-R and Shen and k_pop and whoever: I'll be where you are after this.

Kokoro (Chimera)
Itikka
Crossroads (north), Itikka
En Route to The Sapphire Front

It was going to be a long, boring trip down to The Sapphire Front, so I hitched a ride on a big leaf on the eastern river instead.

On my way south, I passed by a riverside village. A young Burmy trotted over by the wooden dock with his mother. "Mommy, Mommy!" he said, "Look at that!" He pointed at me.

"That's nice, honey, but it's not safe to be standing so far on the dock!" the Wormadam nudged the Burmy back to one of the straw huts. Needless to say, I was offended, but hey, it's not my fault, and that Burmy's a really little bug.

It was a while before the fast river turned into a slow river. Recognizing my little shack by the river, I jumped onto the ground, holding the leaf I was sitting on by the stem. If I'm going to travel, I thought, I'd better bring my clothes and some equipment. I walked onto the porch and opened the door to my house. I rested my leaf on the side of the doorway. My leather bag was sitting on my bed, and my shirt and shorts were right next to it.

Then I remembered that I didn't have any weapons in the first place. Didn't matter, anyway.

I picked up some important items I found and were given to from the other villagers as gifts and put them in my bag. There was the Mystic Water a visiting Castform had given me, a bag of Silverpowder I collected from cleaning the dust off my house's porch (I don't know how that got there), a Miracle Seed, and some extra herbs I couldn't fit into jars (a pouch each of Mental Herbs and Power Herbs, two pouches of Heal Powder and Energypowder, a Big Root, some Energy Roots, and three Revival Herbs). I spun around to get my clothes.

As I was putting on my shorts, something glimmered in the corner of my eye. I took off my cape, quickly squeezed through my white shirt, and looked in the light's direction. It was the Light Ball Overseer Nasta had given me. "How could I forget that?" I asked myself, laughing. I picked it off its little stand and put it in the remaining space in my leather bag. I sort of feel... braver when I have that with me..., I contemplated. I think of the Light Ball as one of my good luck charms, the other being my cape, which doesn't really count in some Pokémon's point of view, but it doesn't make any difference.

Lastly, I picked up a long roll of parchment and cut a piece off with the pointy rock I call my parchment-cutting rock. I took the piece to my desk and started writing with an inkbrush.

"Got into The Unity! I'm not here right now, but slide a letter under the doorway if you want to tell me something. I'll talk to you when I get back.

Wish me luck! ~Kokoro"

I sighed. Writing is one thing, but if you don't really mean it, the handwriting comes out like a Torchic decided to scribble with their heel. I took the message and another sharp stone and stuck it to the front of my door. Eventually, I decided it would be a good idea to bring along the parchment and the brush with a secure inkwell, so I could write down anything I saw on my travels. Life gets interesting, you know?

The extra stuff just barely fit in my leather bag, so I took out the parchment, wrapped the big leaf around it, and tied it to my bag with a strong, thin vine. I fastened the belts around my side and shoulder and headed back out.

[Larvinator]

Ninso (Followed)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver

"I would make a...horrendous training partner..." I replied, not sure at all where he had gotten that idea from. My physical strength was pathetic, and the fact I was only allowed into the military because my Followers were strong was a burning reminder of that. "I am a...terrible fighter..."

"Don't go depressed on our asses again, Ninso," Kraken muttered.

I ignored him, and for just a fraction of a second felt fear at Ve's casual suggestion for Kraken to fly with him to spar. If he was separated from me, he would disappear. Certainly I could summon him again, but I didn't want this Swampert to know that I was of a Bloodline. Luckily, Kraken realized this as well as he took the blue fin for an awkward handshake.

"We're right here already, dumb*ss. Too happy with your wings to walk anymore?" Kraken commented, rolling his eyes as he pointed to the huge building not thirty feet away from us. "I'll see you there. You'd better damn well be ready for me!" he added, throwing a wicked grin over his shoulder as he walked away.

For a second Silvia and I hesitated.

"We'll be...seeing you there..." I said to Ve as I floated off after the Garchomp.

Silvia offered one last line: "Don't mind Kraken, he's an idiot and he loves to say things he doesn't mean. I'm sure he's looking forward to the battle. See you in a few."

With a wave of her forked tail, she bounded after me.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Itikka
jasandax,Twinriver

"Hmmm those three are different i'll give them that and that Dragoin looks like he can give me one hell of a training session."I muttered under my breath so that the three wouldn't here it, but for some reason I couldn't help but laugh at how that had turned out.I thought about what Silvia had said about the Garchomp and decided not to take him so serious in future situations.I started to hovers just a few inches off the ground half in the fact I didn't want to walk and half I felt like I wanted to be a smart ass towards Kraken's comment about flying.

"Well let's go."And I began hovering towards the camp slowly behind the three keeping distance between us just so that I could think and too let them be until Kraken and I fight.I wondered what Ninso said about him being a horrible fighter if his Wonder Guard stopped a Garchomps attack with such ease surely he could hold his own in a fight even if he can't hit back hard, but I slowly let the thought slip out of my mind as I started to get pumped up for the fight.I wondered how he would fight what kind of style he used if he would want to use weapons hopefully not.I hate using the training weapons they are always in a worn-out state and I have to waste time sharpening the blade or knife so that it doesn't shatter on contact with another weapon.One last thought crossed my mind that really has no importance why hadn't Kraken passed his Dragon Test yet I mean I passed my Water Test.Suddenly I thought of a new idea I could use in this session.

"This my turn out to be fun I can finally try out my Avalanche on a bit more lively target."I thought of how I have been making small scale Avalanches and destroying little mud hills I have created but have never hit a moving target."This IS going to be fun."Then I got a move on and entered the training camp.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent says, "More bunny moments!"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

"So why are we going to attack this ship? Doesn't Lupi has some himself?" asked a murkrow.

Mala laughed and said, "NOpe. SOmething about some crazy absol burning them down happen or something. I am not too sure on the details but I am sure that he knows all about it." The absol nodded and said, "Still that isn't why we are here. Instead we are looking at a perfect cloyster waiting for somebody to take her pearl away."

The group of murkrow looked at Mala with puzzled looks and had no idea what she was talking about. A murkrow looked at the direction of the boat that Mala was talking about and said, "I only see an aipom in an tux boarding the boat."

Mala laughed and said, "So you got jokes?" She then got closer to the murkrow and said, "Well I got jokes too." The murkrow just watched as the absol place her blade closer to the his neck. He blinked a few times and Mala then said, "Why did the torchic cross the road?"

"Umm...?" said the murkrow, "To get to the other side?"

Mala just stared down the murkrow for a long moment then smiled, "Yes! I guess you heard this one."

"Hey Mala," said a mukrow. "The boat is leaving the deck."

Mala nodded and said, "Yes. That is what we want." Mala then nodded and said, "As soon as we see them far enough then we make our move."

The wooden boat was getting farther and farther away from the pier and soon Mala said, "Ok, I am going need team one to follow me while team two makes sure you guys look pretty ok?"

The murkrow nodded and soon Mala place her pink tinted shades down to cover her eyes and said, "Time to make some smiles!" Mala then began to run toward the pier with four whirlwinds beginning to build up around her. Mala then jumped off the pier and the four whirlwinds grew in strength and combine to form one whirlwind. Mala was now riding the top of the whirlwind as it began to suck up water. Five murkrows with a bag on their side and banannas to cover their months followed.

"WOOOHHOOOO!" yelled Mala as she got closer to the boat that she was watching eariler. She was spinning around on her water infused Razor Wind.

"What the heck is that?" asked an aipom wearing a tux. He held a tray of food with his tail. He could see a small flock of murkrows around the small water twister.

The other aipom looked in the same direction and said, "I think it is-"

Before the aipom could finish his sentance the released whirlwind from the Razor Wind was unleased and began to leave server cuts and whip marks from the water that was infused with the attack. The other aipom met the same faith since he was unable to avoid the attack. He then got up and before he could even blinked once, the aipom saw an absol flying in the air as it whipped her head back and send a Slash attack at him. Before Mala could even land on the ground she had cut the aipom right in the stomach. Blood flew in the air and all of it landed on the body of the aipom with no drops on the floor.

"What the?" said the aipom bewilderder by the feat.

"Ahv a ninja!" smiled Mala. She then ran over and place a paw on top of the aipom and send a Thunderbolt though the monkey pokemon body.

A murkrow looked at Mala and said, "Amazing. I heard you got had skills but never seen them before."

"Ninjas need to know how to make blood move. Clean sweeps." Mala then looked at the two aipoms and said, "Make sure we hide them good. Gloves on dudes and dudes. Time to look pretty. We got some pearls to hustle."

[Larvinator]

OOC: Just realized I didn't put the Legendary cooldown in the last post. Fixing that...

Laeni (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Skipping into Nyland, Eastrock

"Mister Lieutenant! Mister Lieutenant!" Laeni's voice bounced and echoed off the stone hallways eerily, though her padded paws made hardly a sound as she skipped down to the Ampharos's room cheerfully. "Laeni-chan has a ques-tiiiioooon! And she needs to introduce you to Mister Rock, too!" As it turned out, the Lopunny was still carrying the rock, a little astounding considering its decent size...and she didn't look tired at all.

"THERE you are!" she cheered as she hopped into his room. He was staring at her through some very annoyed little black eyes as she eagerly hopped over to the wooden table.

"...This had better be good, Private Laeni."

"It is, it is! Here, Laeni-chan wants to introduce you to Mister Rock!" She thrust the rock not two inches from his nose with a grin. "Say hi, Mister Rock!"

Mister Rock did not speak.

The Ampharos just looked disdainfully at Mister Rock and waited until she pulled it away to talk. "Is that all, Private Laeni?"

"Nope! Laeni-chan has something else to ask you, Mister Lieutenant!" She leaned forward, her eyes glowing with excitement. "Laeni-chan wants to go on an adventure, Mister Lieutenant! You said Laeni-chan might fight soon, but Laeni-chan wants to go fight NOW! Pleeaaaase, Mister Lieutenant? Even Mister Rock wants to go!"

The electric Pokemon opened his mouth with an annoyed look as if to say no, but he hesitated and a decidedly evil grin spread across his face. "...Why, yes. In fact, I believe the Krana-Itikka border recently requested more troops...you can go there."

"YAAAAAAY! Thank you, Mister Lieutenant!" The lopunny started bouncing up and down almost uncontrollably.

"In fact, I can arrange for you to get there on a flying mount. You just wait right here, Private Laeni, and I'll get one set up for you."

"Laeni-chan loves you, Mister Lieutenant! Yaaay!" she cried, and she sat down on the floor, jabbering excitedly to Mister Rock as she waited.

The lieutenant slipped out of the room and down the hallway, humming merrily and with a swing in his step. He hadn't felt this happy in ages...

[Legendary Summoner Cooldown: 1]

Ninso (Followed)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver

From the way everyone in the headquarters was acting, war had started. Evidently a panicked Ninjask had sped back as messenger from the Itikka-Talonica border, bringing news of a massive battle with thousands on each side. It was not ordered; the sheer troop buildup on the Sapphire Front had simply exploded. Of course an official declaration of war against Talonica would be issued shortly; while not a surprising development, I still found it a saddening one. If war had been declared, I would be on the front lines shortly, along with my two closest friends. However, they were not organized enough yet to send out squads of reinforcements, so we still had perhaps an hour's time before were ordered to battle.

This meant Kraken could have his precious little sparring session.

We entered the training grounds, Kraken still taking the lead and Silvia and me trailing behind. I believe the Swampert was positioned between us. Space was free, so the Garchomp wasted no time in turning around and facing his enemy.

"Y'know, there's a battle going on down in the Front right now between Talonican and Itikkan forces. How about we finish this stupid crap up quick so I can get down there?"

With a cocky grin, he continued, adjusting his dull cloth armor somewhat and flexing his talons. "In fact, why don't you have the first move? I can beat you down no matter how we start!"

[Lusankya]

Auron (Starblazer)
Talonica
Vanral, Emerald Spear

Auron knocked on the door a third time. Aryo had obviously come back already, seeing the lights on inside the building and all the fumbling going around upstairs, but Aryo had yet to acknowledge Auron's knocks. He was beginning to fed up with it. Buzzing his wings, Auron flew up to the second story, found the room in which the old Gallade was in, and knocked on the window.

Inside, Aryo finally glanced out and saw the Flygon hovering outside his window, and mouthed what was probably "Alright, I'm coming, I'm coming," and hustled down the stairs and opened the door.

Rolling his eyes underneath their red covers, Auron stepped inside Aryo's workshop. Inside was the humming and hissing of dozens of little technological trinkets, some his, some not. Every time Aryo went abroad, he always brought along a little toy or two back.

"How was your trip, Aryo?" Auron asked.

"Oh?" Aryo looked up from his unpacking. "Fine, fine. Hey, you wanna carry this upstairs for me?"

Auron nodded and heaved the large brown cloth bag up the stairs into Aryo's bedroom. Coming back down the stairs, he saw Aryo was now hanging a piece of string loaded with lots of small red paper cylinders from the ceiling.

"What's that?" Auron asked. It didn't look like a machine.

Aryo grinned. "Oh, you're going to love this. Here, light this string for me, will you?" He held out the tip of the string to Auron.

Slightly confused, Auron produced a tiny puff of flame from his mouth. The string burned rapidly, the ember racing up. A fuse?

Suddenly, the ember reached the first paper cylinder, which exploded, filling the room with a tremendous CRACK! The ember continued up the string, and a series of massive cracks followed in succession.

"Woowee! Sorry about that," Aryo said, "should've warned you." He had his fingers stuck in his ears.

Ears ringing, Auron blinked several times in shock. "Yes. You should have. What in Arceus was that?"

"A little toy of a friend of mine from Talacola," Aryo cackled. "Called a firecracker."

Auron stared at the ashes of the firecracker. "How does it work?"

Aryo cackled again. "Come, I'll show you." Reaching into his bag, he pulled out another one of the firecrackers. Opening up one of the cylinders, he poured out a black powder onto the table.

"Go on, light it!"

Auron spat another bit of fire onto the powder. It instantly ignited, exploding in a puff of smoke that caused Auron to jump back slightly.

"What is that?"

"They just call it black powder. Weird mixture of some stuff, but I think I remember that most of it is something they call saltpetre. I have a paper that says how to make it somewhere. Anyways, so how have you been?"

"Oh, I've been alright," Auron replied, tearing his eyes off the black spot the powder had left on the table. "So what was it like over there..."

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Itikka
Jasandax,Twinriver

"Hmph cocky aren't we.Alright if you insist we can make this quick then you can go have some fun down at the front."With that said I jumped backwards and decided I would just have some fun and let him get pissed off.As I went to fly upwards I saw my wings starting to fade away slowly time was now one hundred percent up.Once again I screamed my now favorite phrase.

"GOD DAMNIT!"I started plunging towards the earth but luckily I got an idea that would probably save me a very painful injury or possibly death.I quickly shot mud down to the earth to slow myself down just enough and the second my feet hit the ground I quickly redirected my stream of fast moving mud at the Dragon, and at the same time covering the ground with it to make it difficult to move on, but I had to be careful not to interfere with any of the many busy bystanders that were moving around everywhere in a almost panic like state.

[Phantasm.Angel]

Erhard Zsakkl-Naki (Trinities: Triad Converter)
Itikka
Jasandax, Itikka
OOC: Short, but, there is only so much you can type about a mopey bug.

Erhard let out an exasperated sigh. He had signed up for the military to help his country win the war. Instead, as an assignment, he was to simply sit around and make sure no Pokémon did any unlawful acts. One particularly young Kricketot looked longer then the other pedestrians. "That's right kid," Erhard muttered to the young child. "all your tax dollars at work." The Pokémon turned around and ran back to his parents.

Hefting his sagging sheath, Erhard did a quick scan of the city. Protecting the populace? Ha! Most of them wouldn't trust Erhard to give them proper change, much less save their lives. Nonetheless, the Heracross kept at it. Maybe after another week of patrol, he might be sent to the front lines, where Erhard could die an honorable death in the conflict. But until then, the Shamed One was stuck here, or was he?

Glancing around, and seeing no trouble, Erhard spread his back shell into two transparent wings and set off into the wild blue yonder, keeping a close eye on his patrol area. There was no joy quite like flying, and the Heracross closed his eyes to enjoy the sensation. He'd have liked to become his Salamence form, but, seeing as how no one outside of his mother and father knew of it, Erhard decided it would be best to simply hide the power.

Regrettably, the Heracross realized that sooner or later his superior officer, which pretty much meant anyone else in the army, might yell at him for taking a break. Settling back into his position in an updraft of dust, Erhard let loose another sigh.

[Larvinator]

Ninso (Followed)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver - Training Grounds

Kraken watched with growing horror as the Swampert's wings just...disappeared, even while he was hovering. And it didn't take a wise Pokemon to realize that he was at fatal height. So, thinking fast, he dashed forward, intending to leap up and catch Ve before his fall.

And here is where things got interesting and rather unfortunate.

He ran forward, positioning himself right under the falling Swampert. Right as he did, the Pokemon tried to save itself from falling by spewing massive amounts of heavy mud down at the ground. So, Kraken was struck right on the head with gallons and gallons of brown muck that only became stronger as the heavy Swampert slowed. The dragon collapsed, and as the swamp dweller came closer to the ground, the angle changed just the slightest bit, causing Kraken to literally fly backwards like a living cannonball, propelled by a wave of mud that covered the immediate area. Finally, he slid to a stop, covered in mud, not moving at all.

Everything stood still for a second. Then Silvia murmured, "Is he dead?" and on cue the beast roared and burst from the ooze, dripping like some sort of horrible swamp monster.

"YOU STUPID B*STARD! I WAS TRYING TO SAVE YOUR ASS! YOU. ARE. GOING. TO. F*CKING. DIE!"

At this point, Kraken shot up into the sky, and Silvia winced at the screaming rending of air made with his extreme flying speed; Garchomp could go incredibly fast in the air when they weren't concerned about changing direction. At what must've been at least a thousand feet in the air he suddenly changed direction and went into a direct nosedive, slashing through the sky and down to earth like a living meteor. I recognized this as Giga Impact, the most powerful move in his arsenal.

Again, things became unfortunate.

As he descended into his screaming dive, he neglected to remember that not seconds ago he'd been temporarily unconscious from the force of the Mud Shot, and as such some critical things like his sense of balance and depth perception were a bit off. So, of course, heading for the ground at more then two hundred miles an hour, he did not hit the relatively tiny Swampert on the ground. Rather, he chose to miss by mere feet, and he could only barely pull out of his dive enough to go parallel to the ground and not make the impact fatal.

However, there was impact. The Garchomp's wing caught the ground while he was trying to get back into the air again and he was thrown into the dirt, the speed of his Giga Impact keeping him moving along the ground. So he rolled along, still-wet mud flying off in all directions as he spun along the earth. The object that finally stopped him was, unluckily enough, a target dummy, which he slammed into and smashed to pieces. He laid there, unconscious.

To summarize, one of the most feared fighters of our squadron was taken out by one Mud Shot and bad luck.

"Kraken!" Silvia cried, leaping to his unmoving body. I just sighed, knowing that with a Garchomp's skeletal system and the mitigation of the roll he was probably fine.

Just stupid as always...

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent says, "Time to shoot some sea men.."
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

A rain of Bullet Seeds were shot as pokemon in elegant dressed either cowarded in fear or got shot by the rain of Bullet Seeds. Plates and tables inside an nice ballroom fell to the ground.

Mala stood before the firing squad which consist of five murkrows holding a bag around their shoulders that held a shroomish in it. Mala laughed and said, "Hello fancy people! We are your entertainment for today so sit down and enjoy the show!"

"Who the heck are you!?!" yelled a grovyle at Mala and her gang of murkrows.

Mala had a huge smile on her face. She then looked at the grovyle and said, "And who are you?" The weepinbell looked at Mala and before he could say something back Mala said, "Itikka! Is where were reign from! It is the place where we raise our flag to! It is the place where we cry our tears to! It is the place we call home! That is where we have our homies at and the place where you will see become yours too! Now hand over the goods or we may have to get hurtful!"

Whispers could be heard with the word 'Itikka' being a common saying along with words like 'they', 'are', 'attacking', 'behind', 'this' and 'us'. Mala smiled knowing that thsi was just her way to help the movement. SHe just found it funny that they were believing this.

"Well we are not going to let no Itikka scumbags try to run us over like this." said a voice from behind.

Mala turned around and saw Bullets Seeds being shot from outside the ballroom of the wooden ship. A twister of leaves was then shot the Bullet Seeds then stop. Soon a green blur could be seen with a shiny green line was then being seen. Mala smiled and at once shot forward and made her blade on the side of her head glowed white and intercepted the green blur.

Standing before Mala was a Grovyle who had a long green leave coming out of his wrist which was part of his Leaf Blade attack. Mala simplily smiled as she was showing no effort in holding up against his attack with her Night Slash attack. He had a simple red tie around his shoulders to indicate that he was part of the Krana army.

"So there are more then just bugs within the Itikka ranks." said the grovyle.

"So there is more then just grass type pokemon that are not lame in Krana ranks." smiled Mala.

"Lady!" said the murkrow holding on to his shroomish. "Do you need our help?"

Mala laughed and said, "Oh help? Heck no. Just get the loot! I hold this guy down. More Bullet Seeds were shot from the outside. Mala guess that this guy had more help but the murkrows outside the ballroom have it cover.

"For an Itikka solidor, you are very skilled." saying the grovyle trying to overpower Mala but with no luck. Mala was showing no signs of struggling as the grovyle was feeling the dark energy shocks of the Night Slash.

"Well for a Krana person, you are very weak." Mala just stood her ground and then took a deep breath. The grovyle looked at Mala having no idea what she was going to do. Mala then opend her mouth and let loose a surge of flames at the grovyle. The grass lizard pokemon was able to move out of the way to avoid the bulk of the attack but still was unable to avoid the attack.

The surprised grovyle looked at Mala and had no idea what to do next. Still before his eyes was four thin pillars of whirlwinds were forming around Mala as she had a smile on her face.

[Shen]

Valin Denathos (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica
Kivistal - Sapphire Front
Itikka/Talonica Border

After I had dispatched the Itikkan aerial fighter, I saw a Talonican I recognized, a Furret named Krynn. As she and her Flygon flew close, she said, "Sorry to intrude. Hope we didn't interrupt anything, but it looked like you could use some help."

I shrugged. "Always good to have some help in the heat of battle, y'know."

She had her bow drawn and raised, but as Flin flew in the path of her aim, she lowered her arrow. "Behind you!"

I glanced quickly over my shoulder for a split second and saw a single Beedrill pursuing me, soon followed by a second, obviously trying to sneak in and get me. I drew Ivory and held both my swords straight out, blades vertical. I waited only a second before nudging Flin's side with my heel. He immediately angled his wings, causing him to both slow down and roll in midair. With my blades as they were, Flin and I had become a deadly buzz saw to any pursuers.

The two Beedrill fell to the ground in halves, never having stood a chance to our attack, thanks to Krynn. I sheathed Ivory again and waved in thanks to her. I could not speak, however, because someone else spoke up in a defiant yell towards me.

"Hey you Pikachu! Get your ass over here and see if you can fight me, huh?" came a shout of challenge. I glanced over to see that is was a Carnivine who had spoken, sitting atop what looked like an incredibly long and high vine. I furrowed my brow and narrowed my gaze. Not exactly smart to issue a challenge like that in the position he was in.

I held Ebony out by Flin's shoulder. "I would appreciate some fire, please?" I asked. Flin nodded and spewed out an instant Dragonbreath onto my blade, heating it up immensely. "Thanks. Now, let's go knock Jack off his beanstalk!"

At insane speeds, Flin flew towards the tall vine, leaving the Carnivine no chance to do anything before we did. I slashed my sizzling blade at his vine and severed it in one swipe, causing the top portion to quiver before beginning to topple over with the Carnivine still on top of it.

"The idiot should've kept his mouth shut," Flin commented, "Or at least he shouldn't have issued his challenge from an easily-manipulative perch."

I nodded. "But, he did issue his challenge. Think I should 'honorably' send him off?"

Flin shrugged. "Your call, just don't do anything stupid, like he did." With that, I slid back onto his tail, and he turned around and flew towards the falling Carnivine. He sped up more and more before swinging himself around, launching me from his tail with a crack.

I narrowed my eyes from the onslaught of wind as I drew both my blade and held them ready. "You wanted me? Here I come!"

I reached the Carnivine mid-air, and cross-slashed him viciously.

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Emissaries)
Itikka
Jasandax,Twinriver

I watched as Kraken was blown away by my Mud Shot and I thought it was a good start after I had fallen but he tried to save me but oh well it was a sparring match.Then horror struck my face as he roared and burst out of the hardening mud and screamed something a bit offensive and he leaped into the air and I was almost pushed back by the force of the air being whipped around.

"What in Arceus's name is he doing?"I said this as he was was quickly gaining more height and speed then suddenly he changed direction and was diving down towards me.He was going to ram me and then a red color started to surround him and I knew that he was going to try and hit me with a Giga Impact.

"ARCEUS DAMNIT!"I screamed he was moving so fast that I had no time to even put my fins up in some pathetic form of protection but as he got closer to the earth about fifty feet I saw he wasn't going to hit me but rather hit the ground a few feet in front of me, and when that thought went into my mind he was going parallel with the ground so as not to completely splatter his skull and brains onto the ground but his wing clipped the ground and sent him into a spinning frenzy and tumbling with no help from my mud on the ground and he collided into a training dummy and then he stopped.

"..........."I couldn't say anything here a mighty dragon who had just about to destroy me with one of the most dangerous moves know to Pokemon and he misses and knocks himself completely out cold.So he was knocked out by a Mud Shot and some really bad misfortune.

"Kraken!"I sprinted over to the motionless body of the Garchomp hoping to Areus he was alright.Then one thought went through my mind:He is going to be pissed at me.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Garlakal, Crescent Moon

In my off time, I spent the hours blacksmithing, using the acquired ore and creating metal weapons from it. Steel was very hard to come by in Krana, and to those that were able to make them usually found it easy to make quite a bit of gold that way. I wasn’t in for the gold though. I knew from experience that while it was greatly appreciated tradition to use wooden weapons, I just didn’t like their lack of durability. They lost their effectiveness in the rain, became soft, and would easily break or be destroyed. From what I figured out, the wooden weapons were okay in the times before the Splinter War had broken out. Now… it was much different.

I poured the steaming, white-hot metal into the sword molds. They were still too hot to work with at the moment, but once they cooled down a bit, I could use the hammer and begin to forge the weapons.

I knew though that I couldn’t stay here forever making steel weapons. I knew Garlakal’s supply of ore was running very low, and those that had their weapons would be excited for the chance to use them, while those that still relied on Krana’s old wooden weapons would just need to make do with what they had. More Pokémon in Krana were relying on their natural attacks as opposed to weapons. For now, it was the best choice until we secured more ore or picked up weapons off of our fallen enemies. I didn’t like the idea of looting the dead, but it was a dark necessity in these times.

“That’s the last of it.” I heard a fellow blacksmith declare.

“Already!?” One of the others cried, “We just got started!”

Out of shock and surprise, I looked to the ore bin to find the Wigglytuff that had been working besides me take the last of the ore stock. It was far too little to ask him to share, though. He would probably be able to make one last weapon or armor piece out of it, but that would be it.

I began work on that last sword, but I knew that would be it. It took me ages to be able to make this armor and these metal weapons, and I knew most fellow Knights of the Lily were jealous of the weapons and armor I was able to make for myself. Many of them asked me where I got them, and I just told them that I made it myself. They instantly regarded me like I was some grandmaster blacksmith.

The sword I worked on would likely be about five feet in length, a nice, durable two-handed sword for a large Pokémon to wield. I spent a long time hammering out the details, and making the “my honor is my life” engraving on the blade itself. Since many of the other blacksmiths could no longer work without metal, they just watched the others, and it seemed like I had attracted quite an audience with my work. I didn’t think much of it though. I carved out the lily flower design that would be on the hilt of the blade, and soon allowed the blade to cool.

“I swear, Tyrec, I could watch you a million times and still not understand how you do it.” The fellow Charmeleon blacksmith told me, “You’ve got very deft and artistic hands for a little Pikachu. Maybe that’s it.”

“You just need to find the right Pokémon to study under.” I told him, still working on the sword, “These kinds of things you’ll only be able to learn from tradition passed down. Contrary to what some blacksmiths believe, you’re not going to stumble upon these methods accidently…”

He nodded in agreement, realizing that’s what he was going to need to do. I almost finished with the blade, preparing to wrap the leather around the hilt, and preparing the dyes that would color the rainbow lily flower. The blade would still need to be sharpened, but thankfully, the Wigglytuff was willing to do that for me, since the blade would be too large for me to handle by myself.

“We need to go, Tyrec.” A voice said behind me.

I spun around in surprise, and saw that standing directly behind me was an armored Machoke, a fellow Knight of the Lily.

“We have new orders?” I asked him, wondering if that’s why we were already given the alert to be on the move.

“You got it.” He nodded, “Get Skie ready. We’re heading for Greenshore. Our scouts… well, if you hurry up, you’ll get the whole briefing.”

I knew I would need to hurry. I was going to have to leave the sword for someone else to finish, but I knew it was mostly done. The hardest parts were already complete, leaving only the sharpening that needed to be done. I didn’t know who would get that sword, but I hoped it would serve them well.

But in the meantime, I had been looking forward to this moment. I wanted to serve Krana to the best of my ability, and be known to my comrades as a hero, not just another Oak-ranked soldier that didn’t contribute much to the cause. Knowing that in the back of my mind, I followed that Machoke, and prepared for the first, real mission. I had been training for months for this moment, and now…

…it was finally really happening.

[Hoshika]

OOC: I think it would help to put your species in your post like Neo did, or maybe link to your sign-up, especially with this monster battle going on. ·_.

Kokoro (Pikachu, Togekiss, and Espeon chimera)
Itikka
The Sapphire Front, Talonica/Krana/Itikka battlefield

My job was going to be a lot harder than I thought.

I dove down to where most of the injured soldiers had been left, probably from early on during the battle. Some fallen Yanmega had their wings cut, a Scyther suffered fall injuries, and other warriors from Talonica and Krana were sprawled all over the place. I ran to the Scyther to assist him.

"Here, take this," I said, giving him an Energy Root. "Your cuts won't be completely healed by it, but maybe you'll have more energy to...." I paused to swallow the lump in my throat. "You'll have more energy to get back to the battle, even if you have to fight on foot."

"A-ah...," sighed the Scyther. "Thank you... a-are you a...?"

"New recruit, yes," I replied, "Needle Kokoro, reporting for duty."

"H-heh, th-this is no place... for Needles, kid." The Scyther chuckled, and tried standing up from his blood puddle. "Uf... I'm feeling a little better now, but... you'd better get out of here... while you're still alive, kid."

"Well, you have no idea what I can do," I laughed. "But now's not the time for jokes. I'd better heal the rest... good luck out there." I took off and glided low on the ground, looking for other Itikkans.

"Good luck, kid," said the Scyther. I wish I learned his name before I left.

As I neared the actual battle, I couldn't help but notice that there were so many others out there on the field, just... dying. Even if they belonged to Talonica or Krana, I had to help. I absorbed energy from the sun and began to direct its healing power upon the soldiers. Slowly, shallow cuts closed up, open skin healed, and broken bones slightly realigned. It was the most I could do with that much sunlight, as the clouds overhead began to gather. The mass healing left me pretty tired, so I rejuvenated myself using what little sunlight was left.

Farther into the center of the fight, two Pokémon, both riding armored Flygon (I assumed they were from Talonica), were slicing and dicing and shooting arrows at anybody that came near. Then, a yell, from the top of a mass of vines:

"Hey you Pikachu! Get your ass over here and see if you can fight me, huh?"

But the Pikachu wasn't me.

Looking back at the Flygon, I saw a huge Pikachu with an X-shaped scar on his left eye swooping down to cut the vines that the Carnivine from Itikka was perched on. The other mountie, or mounter, or something... well, the other one on the Flygon was apparantly a Furret, equipped with a bow. The big Pikachu launched himself from his mount and proceeded to cross-slash the helpless Carnivine.

I haven't really seen any other Pikachu before, I thought. But I have to do this. I charged up some electricity and fired a Thunder Wave from my hands as a warning shot.

"Leave him!" I yelled, somewhat timidly. I danced around a little to initiate my Follow Me/Charm tactic. The dancing would've been a little more fun if there weren't so many dead Pokémon piled all over the now-blood-red field... but anyway, I started charging up a nice Shock Wave, in case the big Talonican Pikachu posed an extreme threat...

[Just Leo]

Thom Kathci (Persian || Dream Walker)
Krana
Kivistal; Krana; Fort Flyte

The morning sun became ever so brighter as it made its way slowly across the vast horizon. A small, cool breeze swept through the natural field inside Fort Flyte’s walls, cooling off a somewhat winded Thom. The Persian lay on his stomach, legs curled up under him, and his head rested on his front limbs. The grass around him swayed with the wind making a small, faint whistling sound. The peace wouldn’t last for long. Loud, ground-shaking steps were heard in the distance meaning only one thing; Major Cobal was on his way over.

Thom lifted his head lazily to see the large, monster-like creature advancing towards his resting place, “Private Kathci!” He roared over the space between them, “You are needed in the council room. You’ve been requested for a meeting.”

Thom stood up, stretching his stiff limbs and muscles. He twisted his neck to the left, successfully getting a loud cracking sound as his neck popped, “I’m coming. Lead the way, Major.”

The large Aggron, who wore no armor but carried a large halberd across his back, strapped on by a loose-fitting strip of leather that went from his right shoulder down under his left arm, across his steel-plated chest. The massive Pokemon held his posture straight, and tensed. Cobal was a seasoned fighter, and was always on alert, never letting his guard down.

The towering, 6’11” monster started walking towards the meeting room, Thom close behind. Thom stayed out of the way of the limp tail trailing behind his superior. The tail was covered in poison-tipped barbs, made by a local Qwilfish who wanted to aid Prince Arnes.

The meeting room wasn’t far away, but in the same wing that Cobal had taken Thom. “Here we are,” the deep, baritone voice of the Corporal resounded louder in the enclosed, stone hallway. Thom winced at how loud it was, “Yes, sir.” He managed to say before slinking into the room where it would be much quieter.

Upon entering the room, Thom observed first the other three Pokemon in the room; a Poliwhirl and a Tyrogue Thom didn’t know, and then, to Thom’s dismay, Skullhide the Marowack.

Without causing a confrontation, the Gold Sphere member walked to the empty place in between the Poliwhirl and Tyrogue. They were all facing their Colonel, a rather large Vileplume named Aroma. She was a very skilled archer, and always carried Odor, her ebony longbow. It was leaning against the wall behind the high-ranking officer.

“Thank you, Private, for joining us,” the Vileplume murmured from her position in front of them, “You all are here for a special reason.”

Skullhide sighed heavily, not liking where this was, evidently, heading. Aroma’s gaze locked onto the lounging Marowack with a glare, “You’ll take your orders and execute them without complaint!” She hissed, Skullhide quickly standing at attention, nodding.

The Colonel was not known for her kindness, but for her punishments. It was dreadful to disobey a direct order from her, or one she was relaying from one of her higher ups. The plant on top o her head bounced from where she had jerked her head, her red eyes squinted, mouth in a frown.

“Now,” she continued as if nothing happened, “you four will be lead by Major Cobal, and you will act as a front line attack force that will use the Infernape tactic Commander Sunta devised himself. You were all chosen for your own unique talents; none of you are more important than the one next to you. You will follow orders without question, and will fight to your best ability. Do I make my self quite plain?”

“Yes ma’am!” The four soldiers said in unison, saluting.

“Remember, we leave no one behind. You’re dismissed.” She said, and the four Pokemon stood rigid and still. The Colonel left the room, and they relaxed, releasing the breath they didn’t know they were holding.

Thom took another look at his new allies; the Poliwhirl was clearly a rider, with his large hands bandaged, and his think leather armor. He was clearly meant to be on a mount; either land or air, Thom did not know. The Tyrogue supported light chain mail, and had aquiver slung across his shoulders filled with arrows. In his fist the Fighting-type Pokemon clenched a longbow made of redwood. Then, there was Skullhide who looked over the other two as they looked over him and Thom.

The Poliwhirl broke the silence, “Uh…my name is Tide.” The first surprise of the ragtag group of Pokemon was that the Poliwhirl was female. Thom looked up, obviously surprised, “I had no idea that you were a female.” He said bluntly, getting a nod from the Tyrogue who spoke next, “I’m Tetsuo, clearly, I’m of the Ranger Corps.”

Thom nodded, adding in next, “I’m Thom of the Golden Sphere.” He had not picked up his scarf from his room that morning that would’ve made that statement unnecessary. Skullhide spoke up next, his bone-club lightly tapping the armor on his left shoulder, “I’m Skullhide, a Knight of the Lily.” His dark brown armor supported this fact by having the rainbow-colored lily insignia on the right side of the breast plate.

At this time, as if on cue, the cloth hang down that acted like a door flipped and crumbled up in the air. Major Cobal entered stage right, looking over his small band of fighters, “Well, it seems you all are acquainted, now les get to battle plans.

[Larvinator]

OOC: Pretty good idea, Hosh...I tend to mention the species at least once in the post, though. But it can't hurt. :3

IC:

Laeni (Lopunny)
Krana
Legendary Summoner
Skipping in Nyland, Eastrock

"Ooooh! It's a big dinosaur!" Laeni squealed as the lieutenant showed her the mount.

The Tropius looked over at her with slight disdain. He was a lot like a brown dinosaur, what with his long neck. However, more notable were the four huge palm leaves coming out of his back that acted as wings. He also had leaves around the base of his neck and one covering the top of his head like a helmet. Finishing off the plant image were the banana-like fruit growing off his neck.

"I'm not a 'dinosaur,'" he said, lifting his head proudly. "I am a Tropius."

"Ooooh..." Laeni said, putting a paw on her chin as if in deep thought. Then she smiled. "Laeni-chan's gonna call you Mister Tropey!"

The Tropius shot the lieutenant a what-the-hell-is-this look, but he just grinned. "You will be flying Laeni here to the north coast along the Krana-Itikka border so she can meet up with the army stationed there. They've got something big planned there, and Laeni will want to hear all about it, right?"

"Yup, yup! C'mon, Mister Tropey! Let's go kill things!" Gleefully she jumped onto the poor Pokemon's back, who sighed.

"See you, Laeni!" the lieutenant cackled, giddy to finally have the insane Lopunny out of his fur.

"Byyyyye, Mister Lieutenant!" she cried as the Tropius's four wings started flapping. Within seconds she was off the ground and flying for the northern coast.

"So, Mister Tropey, is your fruit yummy? Because some people say that it is! Some people even say that it cures people who are sick! Can Laeni-chan have a piece, Mister Tropey? Maybe if she leaned WAAAAAY forward she could get one without falling off! Do you think so, Mister Tropey?"

The Lopunny never realized she'd left Mister Rock behind.

[Legendary Summoner Cooldown: 0]

Ninso (Shiny Shedinja)
Itikka
Followed (Shiny Garchomp, Shiny Espeon)
Jasandax, Twinriver - Training Grounds

Even Ve was concerned about poor Kraken's wellbeing; he rushed over to make sure he hadn't died. I floated over more leisurely, fairly sure my deductions weren't wrong and that Kraken was in good health. As I approached, I found I was right; Garchomp's skulls are extremely heavy and thick to protect them from the forces they exert in battle and while flying, so while Kraken was rattled into unconsciousness from impact, he had no head injury and no skeletal injury. Though his clothing was completely mangled, and he was covered in scratches...

"Kraken, you idiot!" Silvia hissed, now over her brief moment of terror and back to her usual self. "Wake up!"

Finally he stirred, groaning and mumbling something about a headache. His reptilian eyes slid open, and they darted around to the three Pokemon hovering over him.

The first word out of his mouth was, of course, "f*ck". As he stood up, brushing off the dirt and mud on him, he shot the Swampert a glare.

"That was a fluke! I only was stupid enough to get near your attack because I was trying to save your sorry ass!"

Silvia sighed. "Give it a rest, Kraken."

"Hmph! I demand we have a rematch! But not now," he added hastily, remembering the state of panic inside the building. "There's a huge-ass battle going on down at the Front. We need to help them."

"You were just knocked out cold three seconds ago," Silvia said, raising a green eyebrow.

"So what? I can still fight!" Kraken looked over at Ve. "You gonna go down there, too? I know the Front's pretty damn important, so it'd be great to go down there and kick some ass for it!"

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Swampert Dark Angel Emmisarie)
Ittika
Jasandax,Twinriver-Training Grounds

I couldn't help but grin as Kraken glared at me.I was worried about him but know that he was okay I thought it would be fine to just smile a little.Especially since it looks like I won this little match.

"Well good to see you alive and well.As for the attack I apologize I was a bit panicked about falling to my death and all."I moved away from him just slightly so I was closer to Ninso than him.For some reason this bug intrigued me enough so to distract me once again from Kraken.

"Well I'm up for a rematch at anytime but know like you said.So the Front is as bad as it sounds they could use some help and seeing as you in your current state could use a little back-up i will be heading down there."As I said this the whole time I was unknowingly staring at Ninso but I realized it and quickly looked at the ground.

"Well I need to stop by my den on the river down there so it will take me a extra minute or two."I looked at Kraken his clothes were torn to shreds."I could also look for some oversized cloth clothing there as well if your interested.I could give it to you as a small apology gift for the um mishap."

[Larvinator]

OOC: So, this whole time I've been using real-life military terms instead of Krana ones. Whoops. I'm gonna pretend Thorn = lieutenant now.

Also, why do all my posts suck? XP

IC:

Laeni the Lopunny (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
En Route to northern coast of Krana

The Tropius tried to formulate a plan.

He could easily turn over, dropping the Lopunny through the thick clouds below them and into the forest to her screaming death. That would definitely work; he could just say it was an accident, couldn't he? Or he could stuff one of his fruits into her open mouth and let her choke to death, but that was much harder to write off as accidental.

"...and then Mister Thorn told Laeni-chan she was the best fighter he'd ever seen! So she said thanks, and she said it really loud, and she gave Mister Thorn a BIIIIIG hug! Oooh, ooh, that reminds Laeni-chan of this other time when..."

Maybe if he used a Vine Whip he could gag her and bind her arms so she couldn't get free. Then this vocal cord abuser wouldn't be able to talk and talk and freaking talk like she had been the entire way. But then she'd be able to tell the Thorn what had happened once she was off, and then he'd be in for it...

"...and that's how Laeni-chan learned the difference between a spoon and a sword! They're both shiiiinyyyy, but one of them is sharp and you can use it to kill people! But what makes Laeni-chan REALLY confused is a knife. It's sharp and shiny, but people use it to eat! Why don't people use it to kill each other with? Laeni-chan doesn't know! Laeni-chan should ask Mister Thorn that! He's really smart!"

Yes. Yeeesss. He could see the ocean now through a hole in the scattered clouds. The thick forests had long since turned more scattered and less lush, but right along Revelake's river, it exploded into a wide band of greenery. Where this river emptied out into the sea was where the force was gathering. The Tropius had no idea what for, but he did here some of the Seeds of Vengeance were involved in this mission, so whatever it was, it was big.

As Laeni dissolved into another rambling story, the Tropius sighed and thought, Just a little longer, just a LITTLE longer...

Ninso the Shedinja (Followed - Garchomp and Espeon)
Itikka
Jasandax, Twinriver - Training Grounds

"Pah, no need," Kraken said, ripping off what remained of his mud-covered clothes. "I can fight just fine without 'em. We need to haul ass; every minute counts here."

"We can't get there very fast on foot," Silvia reminded him.

Kraken just grinned wickedly, and suddenly reached out with a talon and grabbed me. In one hand. I was rather small. "Who said we were going on foot?"

The Espeon's eyes narrowed, and she nervously took a step back. "What are you -"

Kraken was faster than she was, and he grabbed her around the waist and held her up against his chest, ignoring her hissing protest. Then he turned to Ve and grinned.

"See you there."

Before I could react at all I was in the vice-like grip of his taloned foot, as was poor Silvia. And then we took off. It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. The wind roared as we flew up, up, up, going at speeds faster than any Pokemon could manage.

I tried to ignore the feeling of sheer panic. This was completely insane, but it would certainly be fast...

[Dr Scott]

Flynn Tidehunter (Slowbro) (Emissaries)
Talonica
Waters of Talonica
What if I said bananas were pink?

“So cap’n, where are we going?” Trinkin asked, moving away from the wheel to face captain. He had just gotten out of his cabin with Rilt in toe, the two of them with a serious look on their faces. The skilled Ambipom could still keep the ship going while paying attention to captain, moving the wheel with his tail. I always thought the things he could do with that tail was amazing, and he surprised me each and every day.

“The Sapphire Front. It seems border skirmishes are starting up, and the word is that they can use all the help that they can get.” Captain looked over the crew, trying to look for anyone who didn’t agree with his decision. He didn’t find it, of course, but that’s because we happened to be the most loyal crew in existence of pirating. Besides, we had promised to help out Talonica a long time ago, and there were no quitters in our group.

Trinkin nodded and then turned back to the wheel, this time going over some maps before turning the wheel and heading towards the new destination. The rest of us went down into the ship, picking out our battle supplies. I went down and grabbed my leather armor, having a little bit of trouble pulling it over my head. Afterwards I went to grab my warhammer, staring at the newly polished monstrosity in amazement.

As usual the head was amazing, a heavy steel rectangle that could easily bludgeon in the heaviest of armors. Sometimes I came and stared at it, it was so easy to get lost in the power. Other times I’d come down and feel remorse for the lives I took, though it was so easy to just forget about it and move on. Life was short and simple and all one could do is get swept up in it. And I had to do it so I could go back to my old life, could go back to enjoying life.

Besides, evil must be punished. It was clear that whoever opposed me, opposed us was evil, wanted to kill and plunder. They wanted this war to continue forever so they could just continue to slaughter the innocent, and it was up to me to help save the world form their menace. Hopefully I could help that in the Sapphire Front, to save those who needed saving.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Garlakal, Crescent Moon

“Ten-hut!” Janack, the Torterra Thorn commanding officer told the regiment, “We’ve got some good news and bad news. First, the bad news.”

I was hoping this wouldn’t be too much of a setback. So far, Krana had maintained a strong and adamant hold on its assets, not losing anything to Itikka or Talonica. However, the flip side was also true.

“Our ore supplies are low, and we haven’t opened up anything for mining, as you all know.” Janack told the regiment, “What you have is what you get. Unfortunately, a lot of what we usually refer to as standard issue will only be wooden weapons. As we have found out the blades won’t hold up very long against what Talonica and Itikka are using, we’re sticking with blunt and bludgeoning weapons. It means that unless they’re wearing chain armor, which would do nothing against these kinds of weapons, you’re to go after their heads. Blunt force trauma may seem somewhat barbaric for what you Pokémon are used to, but its what we have to work with.”

Thankfully, I had gotten around that whole mess. I was just hoping this setback wouldn’t result in too many casualties. I wouldn’t ever consider using a wooden shield, since the only thing those were good against were arrows, and even then, if the shot happened to hit just where your hand had been holding the grip, the arrowhead of the arrow could still pierce through the shield to go far enough into slicing off fingers. It was not a pretty situation.

“Now the good news.” Janack continued, “Our scouts have reported that Talonica and Itikka are deeply locked into fighting around the Sapphire Front. This gives us a chance to assault the town of Greenshore while they’re distracted. We need the civilians alive and unharmed, however. If they are carrying weapons, disarm them. If there are Talonica soldiers on standby, attack until they surrender. But do not destroy or burn anything. We need the town intact, and I’m sure you already know that Krana’s integrity is on the line. If we do this gently, we may have a much stronger chance at winning this war for Prince Arnes.”

It was going to be a long journey from Garlakal to Greenshore, however. Thankfully, we wouldn’t have too much trouble with the supplies, but if the situation arose to where we needed to head deeper into Talonica for whatever reason, we were going to run into that problem sooner or later. I couldn’t do much about it besides trust in my superior officers.

Regardless, shortly after that, we prepared our packs, our supplies, and prepared to leave in the attempt to seize and capture one of Talonica’s towns. I was just hoping that there weren’t too many Talonica loyalists there, or else we would have a very difficult time trying to settle things before they grew out of control.

I couldn’t say I liked Talonica, but I knew they were Pokémon too. I was just hoping the Splinter War could be quickly won by Krana, and Prince Arnes could peacefully replace Julican as the king of Kivistal. However, something itched at me that kept telling me this would be a long, cruel war, and I would see and hear of things that I never thought were possible in a conflict of this scale.

Thankfully, Skie seemed eager to go. Unlike several other knights and soldiers of the regiment that was preparing for the Greenshore departure, Skie wasn’t at all eager to stay around here. While they were stubborn, he was hasty.

“About time.” Skie told me, all ready to be suited up, “I was afraid we’d spent the entire damn war here.”

“True…” I replied, having that same feeling in the back of my mind, “I’m good at blacksmithing and most Krana Pokémon admire my work, but its not something that will ever get either of us promoted. Truthfully, I don’t want to be an Oak-ranked soldier forever, especially not among the Knights of the Lily.”

“We’ll get there.” Skie assured me, “The more of these missions we take and the better we do, the faster and more likely we’ll get promoted.”

I could only hope so, but what he said did make sense. For now, Krana morale was still strong and the soldiers were ready and able to fight. Maybe… hopefully the battles between Talonica and Itikka were wearing both sides down, or at least distracting their main forces long enough for use to make the move and seize some of their lands. If Prince Arnes was ever to become King Arnes, we needed to put both of those factions in a state of being in our mercy. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was possible and I knew that if we stuck to the operation and didn’t ever give in, we could accomplish it. We had to accomplish it if Kivistal was to have a brighter, more optimistic future.

When most of the regiment had assembled to leave, Skie and I headed off into the skies, and followed the regiment from above. There weren’t too many sky-mounted soldiers like myself, but there were enough to be able to take hold of this small town, provided that the town hadn’t been prepared for siege defense already. It was unlikely, but it was still very possible that the town had been prepared in some way or form.

As we left Garlakal behind, I knew we needed to be ready here and now. I would show them… I would show them all that I was more than capable of being a hero of Krana, and I would do whatever I could to prove it…

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "My name isn't Holly"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala smiled and then began to laugh. She then shot one of her whirlwinds forward at the grovyle who dodge the attack. He then shot forward and was able to avoid the other whirlwind. He then jumped up and attacked Mala by going above the whirlwinds of the Razor Wind attack.

Mala laughed and at once jumped into the whirlwind to her left. She began to spin higher and higher to go pass the grovyle that didn't predict what Mala was doing. Mala then let loose from the whirlwind and to use Quick Attack to strike the grovyle.

The grovyle then yelled in pain from the force of what the whirlwind provided and the power of the Quick Attack. Mala then followed by a Slash attack. The grovyle then yelled but focus long enough to shoot a Bullet Seed.

Mala just started to laugh louder as the Bullet Seeds hit her face. Whispers could be heard from the people who were on the boat as they were being mugged of their jewels and money. Some were surprise at how the absol was showing no signs of pain. Mala then shot Ice Beams every where and at the same time the whirlwinds tha Mala created by the Razor Wind attacks unlease and carry the Ice Beam. The grovyle was hit by the Ice Beam carried winds and several pieces of his skin froze.

The grovyle then shot forward to use a Quick Attack and hit Mala with a Leaf Blade but Mala was fast enough to take damage from the Quick Attack but strike back with a Night Slash. The leaf on the grovyle's arm grew longer longer and glowed green. THe blade on Mala's head grew longer and white to intercept the attack.

The other blade on the grovyle began to grow longer and Mala just open her mouth to let loose a surge of flames to strike back with a Flamethrower attack. THe grovlye flew back from the fire attack and landed on the ground. He tried to get up but couldn't. The last words he spoke before fainting was "Damn Itikka insects."

Mala laughed and said, "Damn straight!" Mala then looked at the murkrows and said, "Lets get out of here guys and guys!"

The murkrows nodded and all gather within the main room. They then aimmed their shroomish at the ceiling and shot many Seed Bombs into the ceiling. The Seed Bombs all hit and made a huge explosion. The ceiling looked weaken and soon a Haze attack began to cover the floor as the Mukrows few in the air and used Drill Peak to break though the ceiling and out of the boat.

Mala smiled and said, "Time for me to get going!" She then ran to the side of the room and began run up the wall. She then whisper, "Conversion time!" Sevearl lines began to glow on Mala's body. It soon began to expand to cover all of Mala's body as her body began to reshape. She began to strink and fell to the ground.

Mala landed on the ground and began to rub her head. She looked at her body and saw that she was now a smeargle. Mala laughed and said, "Now what the heck? I seem to have not converted to a dragonite." Mala smiled widely and said, "Still me got new form. Cool." She then looked around and saw that the Haze was thick but knew it wasn't going to stay like that for long.

[k_pop]

Krynn the Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal - Sapphire Front
battle at Itikka border

Too caught up in the fight to notice sooner, as soon as he drew the second blade, Krynn took a closer look at the large Pikachu. He had black cheeks and a mark over his eye, it was Valin. She had met him before, but had only heard about his skill. After dispatching the Beedrill, he waved his thanks and Krynn could only nod a reply. A call had caught his attention. The Furret turned to look the same direction he did and saw a Carnivine atop a tower of vines. What is he thinking? Stuck on top of that tower, attack would not be a challenge.

An arrow from below, made Jayx swerve to the left. Krynn pulled a shaft back and ended the other archer's firing. She looked back at Valin to see his mount heat one of the Pikachu's swords red-hot. "Now, let's go knock Jack off his beanstalk!" he said as the Flygon sped towards the vine tower.

Jayx was snickering at his departing comment. "I think I like this guy!" The Furret smiled as well and directed him to fly higher over the fighting armies. She pulled arrows from the quiver on Jayx's side, pinpointing enemies who were harrassing her allies. One particular Vigoroth was fighting off a handful Itikkans. Krynn fired three shots in succession, taking down an enemy with each arrow, while the Vigoroth finished off the other two. He waved up to her in appreciation and returned to the fight.

"You're really showing some skill up here," chuckled Jayx.

Krynn only tipped her head in surprise at his comment. She glanced back over at Valin and saw him dive after the Carnivine he had toppled from the vine tower. "Well, I guess what I heard about his skill wasn't just talk," she said quietly. A spark from the ground caught her eye.

Turning the Furret saw another Pikachu release a Thunder Wave, but it missed Valin. She started dancing around to draw attention his attention from the Carnivine, calling out, "Leave him!"

Taking a closer look, Krynn saw that the Pikachu had some unusual markings, but that she was also quite a bit younger than herself. Strange, it seems like she missed on purpose.

As she began to charge up more electricity, Jayx glanced back at his rider. "Are you gonna stop her?"

She looked at him for a moment before looking back at the Pikachu in the distance. "Not sure. She's not really attacking..." Her voice trailed off. She was watching the young Pikachu carefully, noticing a healer's bag on her. Hmm... She looked closer and saw her tan aura shimmering with bits of silver. Krynn sighed, shaking her head. "I don't think she's really here to fight, but I can't let her distract Valin." Jayx turned his head to the other, asking what she intended to do. She thought for a moment before nudging the Flygon in the direction of the Itikkan. The Furret explained what she wanted to do.

Passing over the battle, Jayx dropped down low. Before he could reach the Pikachu, he dragged his tail on the ground, hurling a Sand-Attack at the her which would not hurt, but gain her attention. He then hovered several yards away, making sure he was not too close to the ground but still between the two Pikachu, as Krynn called out to the younger Pokemon. "I suggest you stay out of that. The Carnivine is the one who challenged him, he only accepted," she said calmy.


(OOC: Now you didn't think I would just sit back and let you mess with Valin did you? ^^)

[Bryce]

OOC: Posting maniacs. :rolleyes:

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
Talc Village – Crescent Moon

The gray haze of morning lifted the shroud that night had lain upon the chamber. It glittered through the windows, tendrils searching every crevice of the room until it fell upon my slumbering form. A comfortable warmth prickled against my eyelids, coaxing them apart to expose the pupils beneath.

I relaxed my body, which had, at some point in the night, contorted into a misshapen ball of limbs and blanket. My breathing strayed from the tranquil pattern of sleep, and I lifted myself to my feet, cringing at the tight strain of my muscles. My eyes scanned the room, surveyed the bark walls of the hollow tree which I dwelt within. Shelves overflowed with dog-eared books, vials and bowls were strewn over tables, housing substances of every color, as well as various leaves and spices I had experimented with in the past.

And finally my gaze fell upon the heaving shape in the corner, concealed within a number of thick fleece blankets. A small portion of the ancient Delcatty’s face was exposed, sunken, emaciated. I swallowed a sob as I looked upon my unconscious grandmother; I found this sudden sadness strange, for I had seen her in this state every day for the last six years. Every day since she had fallen into the bizarre coma that struck Kivistal. Every day since I was forced to fend for myself, as well as care for her.

I couldn’t do it anymore.

A year’s worth of thinking had culminated in the decision to leave my home. No amount of love for Vivicia, my grandmother, could keep me shut up in this house for one more day. I’d devoted six years of my life to caring for her unconscious, senseless body, and yet she still continued to show no signs of getting better. I had to sit here and watch her waste away, and it was killing me more and more every moment I looked upon her gaunt face. I was in no state to care for an individual any longer, much less myself. If I didn’t leave now, I was certain to die. The food supply in the surrounding forest was drastically depleting, and each time I went out to hung or scavenge, I was force to trek deeper and deeper, and it was definitely taking a toll on my body.

I glanced momentarily at the knapsack I’d packed the previous night. It held every reserve of food I managed to gather, as well as the holly bow and other necessities. I would take it and leave. I had decided this already, and there was no going back on it now, despite the constant protests that my mind screamed at me.

I crossed the room and bestowed a kiss upon my grandmother’s cheek, ignoring the quality of sandpaper that her skin harbored. “Bye, Grandma..”

I trudged through the overwhelming tension in the room, barely able to kick my legs through the almost-tangible grief that radiated from my heart now. Fighting back the tears that threatened to surge forth, I grasped my pack and left my home for the final time.

[Dragoness]

Jade (Rapidash--Starblazer) and Kaci (Dragonite--Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Nyland (Cresent Moon)
____________

The sound of Jade's hooves and Kaci's sharp claws clicking on the stone floor filled the hallway. They were at the First Commander Base, located near the large city of Nyland. While it was a good distance away from the city, you could still see several little buildings, huts and such things, all sprawled out in a large circle in a valley. At first the citizens of Nyland that did not want an army base near them almost succeded in destroying any plans for the base to be built. But in the end, cooler heads won out. It was pointed out by cooler heads that the base was going to be more than a mile and a half away, that it was needed to protect the citizens and such things.

As it was, the building took forver to build, but it was worth it. A large square, two story building, it housed a hundred and fifty odd Pokemon. Meetings and commands were given out here, behind the thick concrete walls. Training was done in the huge practice courts tucked behind the Command Center.

Turning into an open doorway, the two Pokemon stopped. Inside the room were a couple wooden filing cabinets, a few uncomfortable chairs and a large oak-wood desk. Behind the desk sat a large Golem. His outer shell was gray and black, hisarms pale brown. Turning his round head, General Golm looked at Jade and Kaci with cold blue eyes.

"You're finally here! You took your sweet time, didn't you?" he snapped out, his voice a gravely growl.

"General, sir! We got here as fast as possible," said Jade. Inwardly she sighed. She knew Golm was a good General, that he worked hard and that he was very good with tactics, but he liked commanding to much. He enjoyed snapping out orders and that made him come across as a snobby little runt.

"Eh. Well you two grunts, I need you to go on a mission with some of the other newbies here!" he barked at them. "Captain Neon is going to lead you guys on a small attack mission. Your needed for your stealth, Jade! And you," he pointed a small grubby finger at Kaci, "You are only with the Seeds of Vengeance because we needed a strong, larger Pokemon to take care of things! Normally we'd only want fast, smaller Pokemon, but your quiet enough, strong enough and good enough to stay here with your wife!"

Kaci nodded, his emerald eyes growing a shade darker. He knew that it was rare to see a large Pokemon with the SV squad (as it was called), but he also knew that while they required a few larger Pokemon, he was picked because for all his bulk, he moved quietly and carefully. He was strong and knew how to hide his colorful scales and big body so nobody knew he was there. It had taken a little work to convince SV that he would do, but he managed it.

"You are to go to the Captain now. He will tell you which village you are going to. There is already a force led by Janack. It is headed out already, I am told. So move!" With that last comment, Golm slammed the thick door shut on the two.

"Something has him annoyed alright," Kaci commented to Jade as the two hurried down the dark blue hallways, towards the outside training yard. Captain Neon would probably be there.

"Yeah, but I don't know what. Maybe he is annoyed that Janack already left," Jade replied as she shoved open a door to the outside with a shove of her hooves. Jade couldn't have been farther from the truth. Both she and Kaci would be stunned if they knew what Golm was up to...
---

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "It’s Slim"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala could see that the smoke was clearing and she had a limited amount of time before people would see a naked smeargle. Mala smiled knowing that an absol in this setting was going to be out of the question and she was going have to wait before converting again. Mala then smiled and at once pulled off a table cloth from a table and wrapped it around herself.

The Haze finally cleared and a treeko with a red band on his left arm began to walk around. He then said, “Is everybody ok?” He then focus on a smeargle dressed in an elegant toga-looking dress that had her back turned. He walked over to the painter pokemon and asked, “Miss? Is everything alright?”

Mala turned around after fitting her curly locks of hair into a loose bun. She smiled at the treeko and said in a southern accent, “Oh my yes! It just that those hougans ruin my perfect hair!” Mala then blushed and said, “Oh my jewels! Oh my jewels! They took my jewels!”

The treeko nodded and said, “Well miss they are gone now. We were unable to catch them but rest assure that we will get your jewels back.”

Mala smiled and said, “Oh” She then fell over and wrapped her arms around the treeko guard. “Thank you thank you thank you! What would Krana be without you.”

The treeko smiled nervously and said, “Umm you are welcome mamam.” He then pried Mala off him and walked away.

Mala smiled and knew that this new conversion could be very useful. She looked around and none of the other guest haven’t notice her or said anything about her being on the ship. Mala moved a piece of her curly hair that stream down from the fur that looked like a painter’s hat and shifted her black gloves, which were now too big to fit her smaller smeargle hands, to her arms to look like bracelets. Mala then removed her pink-tinted glasses and hid them on herself.

“Excuse me guest of the ship. Due to the sudden incident, we are going back to Garlakal Port. A full refund will be issued to all guest. Any guest that wish to file a report then please speak with our HR director.”

Mala smiled and knew that it was going to be even easier to get off this ship. She then walked over to a table and took a seat. It seems like many of the guess have done the same as some waiters came over to help the once fearful guest. Mala saw a mankey in a tux walked by and said, “Hello good man! Mind giving me a drink? I am quiet parch.”

The waiter just nodded and did what Mala said. The once-absol smeargle just smiled and enjoyed the ride.

[Bryce]

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
Talc Village – Crescent Moon

I tried desperately to keep my mind on anything, anyone but the woman I had just left behind to die. The realization that I, her last hope, had given up on her, was almost unbearable, and I struggled to keep myself upright as I staggered along the dirt path that led into Talc. The tree that my previous home had resided in was a mile or so outside the actual village, and so it was only a short walk to the main street, lined with tiny huts and corner stores, but it felt like I was hiking halfway across Kivistal. My head swam with visions of her decrepit body wasting away, renegade, mindless Pokemon feasting upon her flesh as they infiltrated the house in an attempt to scrounge and steal whatever they could.

I gazed down at my feet as they kicked along the trail. The knapsack that I had thrown over my left shoulder shifted uncomfortably, and I silently cursed myself for having packed so much. I should have known that I could steal whatever I needed, if I was ever so desperate. I pulled the pack tighter against my back and trotted along the trail, a vague delight brewing within my chest as the tops of the first straw roofs came into my sight. They were accompanied by the sounds of a busy village at work; the soft hum of voices was held aloft on the wind, as well as plodding footsteps and the creak of a wagon being pulled down the cobblestone street.

Keeping my head low and footsteps quick, I scurried from the comforting darkness of the forest into the blinding light of day. I wasn’t accustomed to being out in the open; having spent many a day dashing about within the woods’ shadows, where the judgmental eye of society was nonexistent. I buried my head ever deeper into the threadbare jade cloak that hung over my frame and hastened into the flow of people that were dashing about. Everyone apparently had somewhere to be, even the dwarfed children that were kicking a ball about, disrupting the steady current of Pokemon that gushed down the road.

Muffled calls of “Life Orbs - $25” and “Get your daggers here, just like the ones they use in the Knights of the Lily” resounded throughout the town, and I scoffed at the vendors. “Pathetic…” I sighed, throwing a deadly glare in the direction of a top-hatted Loudred that was waving a rubber knife frantically in the face of an adolescent Minun, whose glazed eyes and drooling mouth were evidence that he was completely absorbed in the idea of purchasing it.

Talc consisted of a single main street, which branched off into an assortment of short side-roads and alleyways. Thus, I was able to traverse the distance of the village in ten short minutes. I stepped through the wooden gates marked obscurely with an overhead sign displaying the words “Talc – The Friendliest Pokemon in All the Land”. At that, I had to chuckle. The people that had abandoned a mere Seedot and his unconscious grandmother in their time of need – friendly? The chuckle gave way to an outrageous burst of throaty laughter, and I wept from the sick humor of it. Each and every one of these Pokemon deserved nothing less than to be thrown into the scorching depths of the Abyss. They were horrid creatures.

I stepped out onto the dirt highway that ran along the entrance to Talc. It stretched to the right and left as far as I could see, curving gently through the rolling hills of the bare pastures that ran on either side. Few trees existed within the fields, and this landscape seemed somewhat forlorn. “Here we go,” I muttered to myself as I set my stride along the artery.

[Hoshika]

OOC: LITEREALITY. And sorry about this, Shen, but I wanted to get this over with. You do get online when it's really late, you know, and I can't wait too long these few days. :\

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
The Sapphire Front battleground

I should've known it was coming.

I'm not sure if it was me using Follow Me or attacking the big Pikachu (I'll call him this until I get his real name), but the Talonican Furret on the Flygon mount got a Sand-Attack to connect. I stopped hopping and turned my back to the dust so I wouldn't get any sand my eyes. I dusted myself off and spun around to get the Furret in view, but remained slightly turned towards Big Pikachu and the Itikkan Carnivine, who was now lying unconscious.

"I suggest you stay out of that. The Carnivine is the one who challenged him, he only accepted," said the Furret.

"I... understand," I said, a little more nervously than I thought I would, "I only wanted to help." "I didn't want him to perish so early into the battle" is what I would have said, but... "Does this Carnivine look to be in fighting condition, though?" I gestured towards the vine-severed Pokémon. "Does it make sense to fight this mess?"

I began to hear a stomping, marching sound once I had said that... and I began to wonder, How many Pokémon were affected by Follow Me?

My ears twitched.

[Draco Boy 0]

OOC: Sorry for being soo late guys, We've been sick at my house :sick:

Turg (Charizard) (Triad Converter)
Talonica
Kivistal - Sapphire Front
battle at Itikka border

Turg burned a few charging Bellsprouts with a well aimed Flamethrower. He turned and slashed through a Yamna that came too close to the raging dragon. Turg spun again and caught a blade on his shield. He peered over the edge to see a Scyther glaring at him. Turg pushed the shield forward and tried to slash his enemy in half, but he was stopped by the Scyther's other blade. Turg snarled and roared before releasing a jet of fire at the Scyther, setting him on fire. Turg then struck him down with a slash to the chest.

He turned back to the fighting to see many Flygon carrying ground based Pokemon in the air, and also many Salamence, Dragonites, and Charizards. He quickly located his group and returned to them, trumpeting his triumph to his comrades. As he did, he saw a new Flygon ride into battle, with a tall Furret riding on the back. Turg watched as the Furret let multiple arrows loose, each one killing an enemy. With that show of skill, the Furret could only be Krynn. He had heard of the archer while he was training, how she came from a military family, how she almost never missed a shot. He saw her fly up to Valin. As he watched, Valin dispatched a pair of Beedrill, followed soon by an arrogant Carnivine. He saw Krynn fly to stop a Pikachu from distracting him with Thunder Waves. What she didn't see was the Sceptile sneaking up behind her.

Luckily, Turg was close enough to get there before the Bullet Seed that was launched at her. He caught it on his shield before bathing the Sceptile in fire. Unfortunately, the Sceptile was too fast and Turg cursed when he missed. The Sceptile used Leaf Blade and charged at Turg. Turg cursed again and put his shield onto his back before drawing his second sword. He met the Pokemon head on and began to fight. The two Pokemon fought each other with matching blades, each strike meeting the other's blocks.

Their fight lasted a long time, before Turg began gaining the upper-hand. The Sceptile's blades began to slow down, and their glow started to dim. Turg pressed his advantage, making the Sceptile step back a few paces. He tripped over a dropped shield, and Turg tried to cleave him open, but was stopped by the blades once again. Turg took the the chance he had been waiting for and summoned up a great fire from within him. The Sceptile was burnt to a crisp by the Fire Blast that Turg unleashed on his enemy. When it was done, Turg was very tired, soo tired that he just let his hands lay at his sides while he panted. With his battle over, he saw his group coming over to help him, knowing that what they just saw was one of Turg's hardest battles. When they reached him, they all helped support him and made sure that he was protected. They had all begun to respect him after their first battle, the day that Turg had saved them all by leading them to safety.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
En Route to Greenshore, Indigo Tropics

We could only use a moderately-sized regiment of forces. Reinforcements would be ready on request, but we couldn’t alert Talonica with our surprise attack on Greenshore. On the way there, we tried to fly low while the ground forces used as many covered and forested areas as they could to conceal themselves from any scouts Talonica might have been using. Unfortunately, we hadn’t been able to study Talonica’s tactics very much since the war had started, so we needed to prepare in ways that suggested they were very prepared to face resistance.

We had intentions to survey Greenshore before any assault. We needed to map out the town, see where the defenses where, and how many Talonica soldiers we might be dealing with. Our regiment of 600 troops would be enough to take out a small town, but definitely not one of Talonica’s cities. If we managed to secure Greenshore, we would definitely need to reinforce the area. Still, unfortunately, I was nowhere near enough to the rank needed to make calls like that.

It was cloudy that day, and the skies suggested it might rain any moment. The dark gray clouds would slightly make it harder to spot us, but it also meant night would approach much faster.

Krak, a Spruce-ranked soldier in the Roots of War was going to be the commanding officer of our particular regiment. From what I could tell, he seemed to be a very impatient Meganium, trying to cover ground at a grueling pace. I could understand his reasons to get there quickly, but we were running the risk of exposing ourselves.

I took a look around me and noticed there were very few fellow Knights of the Lily. And out of the few I saw, I seemed to be the most highly decorated of them. Couldn’t help but think that if we fought Talonica, they might think I was the leader of the regiment and not Krak. Looking at myself, I could see where they might think that. Looking at the others, I was probably the only one wearing steel plate armor, very ordinate at that. Same thing with Skie, probably one of the only few mounts wearing armor as well. Couldn’t help but say… at least we looked and felt like a higher rank, even though we seemed to be a long ways off from being promoted. I guessed my eagerness to be a leader in the Krana military was really starting to show…

“Let’s move, damn it!” Krak shouted to the soldiers that were lagging behind, “At this rate the war will be over before we even get there!”

Thankfully, he wasn’t talking to Skie or myself, since we were moving even further ahead than he was. Still, we were still quite a ways off from Greenshore, but I knew the closer we got, the more careful we needed to be. This would be my first time fighting Talonica’s forces, but I knew there was no better way to learn one’s adversary than to fight them.

[Lusankya]

“Greenshore? But I thought you said your friend was in Talacola,” Auron said.

Aryo glanced back up at his former apprentice. “I said he was from Talacola. But he lives in Greenshore.”

Auron glanced back at the map of Kistaval. “But… Greenshore is pretty close to the Sapphire Front…”

Aryo grinned. “Don’t worry, it’s still safely within Talonica territory.”

Auron gave the old Gallade an annoyed glare. “And you’re sure you know nobody else who knows how to make this stuff, right?”

Aryo gave an evil grin and nodded. “Oh, come on. You can go and be back in a minute. What do you have to complain about? Your kind of superpower, going anywhere is no problem.”

Auron’s mouth twisted into an unpleasant shape. "Fine, fine." He headed out towards the door. "Well, I'll see you later then, Aryo."

"Byeeee!" Aryo cackled.

Shaking his head, Auron went back to his home. True, he could be there and back within a minute. But he didn't feel safe about going that far away from home. He'd bring along his combat gear, just to be safe.

His own chain mail and blades he had made himself, and into them went care and crafting like nothing else he had ever made. The mail was only of the highest quality steel he could afford, and the same went for the swords. For effect, he had tried to tint both of his main blades blue; however, he had run out of the tinting chemical, so one of the blades was a deep, cobalt blue, while the other was a cyan color. It was from this color that the blades' names were derived: Seawing, and Skywing.

He paused for a second, deciding what to take. The twin wings, certainly. His third sword, usually attached to his tail, would probably do as well. He ended up taking all of his combat gear, though the armor and the tail blade was kept in a bag, and his twin swords were sheathed at his sides. A bow and quiver went on his back.

Auron wasn’t sure why he was going fully loaded. He had ran errands throughout Kistaval many times before, and he had never ran into any serious trouble except the odd highwayman. But Greenshore being so close to the Sapphire Front made him nervous.

Stepping outside of his home and locking the door, Auron transformed himself into a shining white star, which hung in the air for a second. A second later, it blazed off into the sky.

A second and long distance later, Auron exploded out of the star. Except he still had too much forward momentum going, so he flew forward and crashed into a group of trees. Wincing with pain and wishing he had put on his armor, he silently swore to the legendary dragons at his misstep. Instead of teleporting at the gates of Greenshore, he had overshot the city by Arceus-knew-how-many-miles into the forest.

“Definitely in the Sapphire Front now,” Auron grumbled to himself, getting up and dusting himself off. “Let’s see if I can figure out where I am…” And with that, he began to fly up over the treetops.

Except motion in the trees stopped him. Rustling branches, followed by speech.

“So how far do we have left to march?” came a low, grumbling growl.

“Eh, almost there, I think.” This voice was considerably higher pitched. “Can’t wait. I’m so eager to stick one of those Talonica bastards…”

Auron’s blood froze, and he quickly hid in a tree. Marching? Sticking Talonica bastards? These two must be part of a larger battalion from one of the enemy nations. So what were they here for? Auron quickly reviewed a mental map of Kistaval. He couldn’t have overshot Greenshore by that much, so they must still be nearby the town. If they were marching in this direction, then they could either be hitting the Opal Valley or Greenshore. Except one of the Pokemon had said, “almost there”. Which left only one option. Greenshore.

Peeking his head out from beyond the tree, Auron tried to see who the two voices belonged to. There was a graveler and a furret, both wearing armor that bore standards of Krana.

I’ve got to warn the town, Auron thought to himself. Nah, they’re not stupid Pokemon. They’d notice this approaching army.

Wouldn’t they?

Best not to take any chances. These were lives he was dealing with, after all. Auron was just ready to transform back into a star when the furret spotted him.

“Hey! It’s one of them! Kill him!”

Suddenly wishing he hadn’t gotten out of bed that morning, Auron flashed back into a star and sped off into Greenshore. He arrived at the local garrison and told his story (leaving out the transforming-into-a-star part) to the local commander, a Haunter named Lucke.

“Get scouts in the air to confirm his story,” Lucke ordered. “Alert the town to a possibility of attack. Get the armory open. We’ll need every able body out there at the wall to defend this city.”

[U-B-3-R]

OOC: Thanks for saying I'm unconscious, Hoshika. ^_^ Now you screwed up my plans.

Gaius (Carnivine)
Itikka
The Sapphire Front

Okay, here's what happened. That Flygon breathed some fire, causing my vines to topple over. Then, the Pikachu came and cross-slashed me with his swords - he was fast. It was most likely only the fact that I was of the Windrunner clan that I survived. However, what he didn't notice was that those vines I had been resting on had managed to rebury themselves in the ground and feed nutrients to me, thus healing me. However, I feigned unconsciousness - it could prove beneficial.

Well, it did. As the Pikachu stood over me, I slowly sent a vine in between the Ingrain vines. Chances were the Pokemon wouldn't see the vine slipping through the other vines and following them into the dirt. Once it got right underneath the Pikachu, I used Flash. (<-Exactly how Flash is utilised by this Pokemon, I don't know. I just know it can learn it by TM. D:) I also sent the vine upwards at the same time, aiming to grapple the Pikachu.

"Heh, you fell into my trap!" I laughed evilly, though this was not the case. I preferred my opponents feel slightly intimidated when fighting me. "Now, face the consequences!"

OOC: My posts are kinda short. ;-;

[k_pop]

(OOC: She's already known to others? Well then, on Krynn's behalf, I'm flattered. ^^)

IC:

Krynn the Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- The Sapphire Front
battle at Itikka border

Krynn watched the unusual Pikachu. Her reply, though a bit uncertain, did not really surprise the Furret. "I... understand. I only wanted to help." Then she spoke up a bit, "Does this Carnivine look to be in fighting condition, though?" she said, waving to the other Itikkan. Does it make sense to fight this mess?"

So I was right...she doesn't really want to fight. But, there was a reason that Krynn was fighting. "I fight to protect my home, where my family has lived their whole lives. And to watch out for my allies."

The sound of rattling metal behind her made the long Pokemon spin around, bow drawn. A Charizard was blocking a Sceptile's attack. The fire lizard's first fire attack was dodged. The two clashed, seeming almost equal in strength, until an opening allowed another fire attack to strike the Sceptile. Krynn watched on in relief as his comrades came to help him. She turned back to the Pikachu, adding on to what she was saying before.

"And my allies watch out for me." She nudged her mount to return over the battle. As he turned away, Jayx could not help departing with a comment.

"Stick to what you're here for kid." The Furret on his back gave a half-hearted smile, knowing that he was talking about the healer's bag she carried, but also that she was creating some of the work for the Pikachu. Jayx turned around and flew back out over the battle.

It was obvious that each side was beginning to tire. There were still Pokemon locked in battle all over the field, but many were either injured or trying to help those who could not leave the field on their own. Krynn watched them all from the sky, the arrow notched on her bow, held slack at her side. After talking with the Pikachu, she suddenly felt as if she could not attack anymore. A sudden howl from the field and a Granbull caught her attention. Her shoulder already injured, she fell to the ground as a Raticate's teeth, pierced her side. Two thuds to his back, and the enemy fell limp. The Granbull pushed the body off of her, taking a moment to catch her breath, before attempting to stand painfully.

"Are you alright?" Krynn asked as Jayx came low.

The Granbull's huge lower jaw, twisted up in a smile even though she was obviously in pain. "Sure thing...thanks to you." Krynn could only duck her head. She never did learn how to accept praise. She mumbled a short "no problem." Seeing her side was bleeding pretty heavy, Krynn jumped to the ground and pulled some bandage cloth from the pouch on her hip and handed it to the her, she then told the Pokemon she should seek out a healer. The Granbull nodded, grunting as she limped off toward the edge of the battlefield, clutching the bandage to her side.

She watched her walk away, then turned to the Raticate that fell to her arrows. As long as she was on the ground, she might as well retrieve her ammo. As she looked at the large rat Pokemon, she began thinking to herself again. So much for feeling unable to fight. She sighed, I guess war waits for no one.

"Krynn! Watch out!" The sudden shout from Jayx made her spin around to see an Ariados leap at her.

She pulled away, her fast reflexes allowing her to dodge the Bug, but not avoid the feeling as something sliced across her right cheek. Wiping a paw down her face, she saw a dark stain now on her fur. A closer look at the Ariados who was turning to face her, and she saw that its front legs had jagged blades attached, making them almost like a Scyther's scythes. He glared and shot out a Spider Web, but before it reached her, a Dragonbreath from above burned it away. The Ariados prepared to attack again, but as the cover from Jayx disappeared, Krynn exploded from behind it, Zankio drawn, she slammed the point into the bug's skull. The spider's legs collapsed and he fell to the ground.

Withdrawing her gladius, she found a clear patch of grass and wiped off her blade. Then returned the short sword to its sheath across her back. Jayx landed for her to climb on. She paused and hugged his neck, whispering thanks. He only chuckled as she took her mount again. Rising back over the battlefield, she turned to look for Valin, not knowing the result of his fight.

[Splishee]

Paela the Grovyle (Ascendant: Visionary)
Krana
Garlakal, Crescent Moon

"Wait! Wait!"

I ran furiously towards the harbour, the salty wind of Garlakal's coast whipping my face with relish. Only a few more steps - a well-aimed leap into the air, and I would be safely on the boat...

The raucous 'honk' that sounded through the air caused me to grind my teeth and stamp my foot in frustration - the signal of the leaving boat was a sad reminder of my inability to make a deadline, or arrive simply on time.

The sigh that reached my lips was a miserable one, and I raised my hand to wave bleakly at the leaving boat. It was a noble gesture that signified my white flag amongst the great depression of my life, yet was slightly ruined by a happy Cleffa child who waved giddily back.

I slammed my arm down, narrowing my eyes at the naive and obnoxious child.

"Always the drama queen," a voice cooed beside my ear.

"Always the handicap," I reminded the voice, clenching my fist and sending the sound of clinking metal upwards warningly.

"Handi - what?" The Grovyle who had just reached me paused for a second, his cocky strut reduced to a slouch of confusion as he stared at me, puzzled. I rolled my eyes at his demenour, and quickly swiped an apple from a pitiful stall beside me and threw it to him.

"It's rude to steal," he said darkly, but took a large bite from the apple anyway.

"Persho, since when has it stopped you?" I said, rolling my eyes obviously at him. "And besides, I mean you're a handicap because you always make me lag behind - always late for appointments, never on time..."

"Since when do I make you late for things?" Persho - my loving brother - said defensively.

"Exhibit A," I said dramatically, throwing my arms out to signify the leaving ship.

Persho pouted his lips, and I swung my arm around to lightly smack him in the face playfully. He was a scrawny, thin Grovyle on the definite right side of attractive, although I hated to admit it to his face. The leaves that adorned his face were long and flouncy, and swept across his face like a effortless fringe whilst he still retained that look of taking great pride in his appearance. He spoke in something of a swagger, or perhaps an arrogant drawl - and yet, this horrid person was the apple of almost any female's eye he happened to catch. Show me the justice in that.

"I don't see why you need to catch that ship anyway," he drawled, throwing the devoured apple's remaining core carelessly into the ocean. "Can't you just transform into that dolphin thing of yours and be done with -"

"Shh!" I said aggressively. "You're not supposed to talk about -"

"Why should it be kept a secret? The dolphin thing is cool - way better than my stupid little bug, the huge chunk of rock and the bird that's too weak to carry anything!" Persho interrupted me hotly. "Seriously, why bother hiding it?"

"We have to act normal," I snapped. "And it's the normal thing to do to catch ships."

I was going to continue with a brilliant argument about ships and their delicious food choice, but I was stopped dead upon resting my eyes on a suspicious group by the harbour. A flock of Murkrow and a tenacious looking Absol, presumably the leader, were all eyeing the leaving ship eagerly, their bodies tense, as though about to jump onto it...

"That seems strange." I began to advance over to them, and I was shocked to see them leap cleanly onto the boat.

"Hey - what?" I ran towards the boat with agility and speed, and within seconds I had followed them onto it. Adrenaline overpowered common sense at that moment, and I was situated with the suspicious characters before I knew what I had done.

It all happened in a flurry and blur. I was staring at a tough-looking Absol attacking various Pokemon at once, and then the world was hazy and thick. I blinked repeatedly, and I couldn't see anything. What was going on?

As soon as it started, it was finished. Everyone was stumbling around, dazed and bewildered, and a Smeargle - who I was positive I had not seen before - was fondling a bemused-looking Treeko.

"Persho?" I called out uncertainly.

"You called?" a voice behind me said ominously, and I jumped violently.

"For Arceus sake, don't do that!" I said viciously, whipping around and punching him in the gut.

"Oh! It burns!" he said jokingly, clutching at his stomach.

I spared him one look of disdain before looking back at the Smeargle, who had wandered off into the restaurant section of the boat. I decided against following her, knowing that I needed to mind my own business and concentrate on getting to Sarage. Thorn Rahal, an authoritorive Pidgeot, had requested the services of trainees and members of the Seeds of Vengeance. Since she was a trainee, she was eager to put her agility and stealth training into good use...

"Next stop, Sarage," a cool voice sounded over the loudspeaker, and I smartly walked into the restaurant and took a seat on a table inconspicously. I then proceeded to starting absentmindedly at the menu, feeling rather pleased with myself for no apparant reason.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "It is so embrassing to have somebody watching you *blush*"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala took another glass and began to drink the containments of it. She chewed on the Razz berry that was inside and had a huge smile on her face. The current smeargle just sat in the corner of a booth and cross her legs. Mala had to admit that this was some life that he rich had and if she could then Mala would live it.

Mala then looked out a window and saw that they were about to land back at Garlakal Port soon. They were only a few minutes before reaching landfall. Once she get on land then Mala was going have to convert back to her original form. The problem was that till she converts back that she is basically defenseless since Smeargles don't have many attacks to use except for what they can Sketch which as this moment means Mala had nothing under her belt of attacks. Still Mala had her stealth training which seem to be easy adoptable to her current form.

Mala just looked at a aipom that wore a tux. He had a tray in his tail-hand and didn't even notice Mala's paintbrush tail wrapping around the waiter's neck. The smeargle then walked over to him and soon the aipom notice what was going on. He looked nervously at Mala and said, "Umm...miss?"

"Oh yes. I don't know but how about you join me? I wouldn't mind taking that tray off your hands." said Mala. She then took a bit of a cut up tomato berry. The spicy juices stayed on Mala's lips.

"Well miss...I have to work." said the aipom.

"Well you are working. Just stay here and do it." said Mala.

"Umm..." said the aipom before being cut off by an annoucement.

"Attention all guest. We have now arrive at Garlakal Port. If you wish to get off the ship then please do it at this time. As said before, if you wish for a refund then please seek out our HR manager."

Mala sighed and said, "Ah! Tis sigh! This is where we part ways! Good by oh happy dagger! May we see each other soon again!" She then began to walk off and unwraped her tail away from the aipom.

[Alana Marie]

Krynastia;; Finally Alana pulled herself away from that cookie jar to write me a post! ._. That girl has some problems.
Krana;; Somewhere in Crescent Moon

She sighed, legs crossed eyes screwed shut, trying to block out whatever was going on physically around her and focus no the positives.

I am not dead… was really the only thing that came to mind.

Krynastia’s life was just a big bundle of chaos now a day. Traveling with a few other Pokemon, all your age or older, who always seemed to get themselves injured took a toll on her. Moreover, she was responsible for them all.

Kryna clicked her teeth together with a disapproving tone as she reminisced on the tragedies that took place this week. Their professional life was a acting troupe was riddled with accident’s recently, Abin, though being a Alakazam and supposed to be incredibly wise and all-knowing, was highly superstitious, and believed that the bad deeds of a certain Kirlia in the group were coming back to haunt them. Nastia and the other’s dismissed this of course, Abin was old, stuck in his ways, and if it were not for Krynastia’s little ventures and use of her, well, questionable talents, they would have been sunk long ago.

Still, no one could deny that Krynastia’s other field of work was healthy. Well, yes, it did keep her healthy, but the point being was it was not a good business to be in. It was a tricky business as well, but Kryna’s keen senses could handle it, no one in the group was worried about that.

“Can I intrude?” the rough words broke her mental argument over their bad luck.

The Kirlia’s eyes opened with a sigh, large, orb like things that looked as if they could see into one’s very soul. It was a close guess.

“Yes?” she inquired, dragging out the vowel and giving off a annoyed vibe that slithered from her lips all the way till she hissed the final consonant.

“What will we be doing in Revelake?” Tiovum asked, though Krynastia could see in the anxious way his nose twitched that he was really asking something else. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“I never said we were going to Revelake.” she stated coldly, delicate arms crossing over one another. One of her eyes got slightly wider as she quirked on eyebrow, hidden by her fringe of green-hair. The large Blastoise’s eyes looked hopeful, they expanded into somewhat of a puppy-dog look, a playful try at begging which he knew would get him nowhere.

Nastia mulled it over in her head. Tiovum was asking if they could do their individual acts, as he had been practicing a new take on fire breathing. Ergo, fire breathing with water. Kryna had gathered he was using his natural abilities, coupled with the help of gasoline… Needless to say, with their luck, their young leader was not really pleased with the idea of liquid fire flying through the air.

“…and your sure you need to be at Revelake to do this act?” she tested the waters, quiet literally, on how he would take getting his way. Would he be mature? On the other hand, would he take it as an ‘everything goes’ pass?

“Yes, it defiantly needed.” the large turtle-like-creature could not keep a grin from spreading over his pearly white teeth.

“Well,” she sighed, leaning back onto her frail arms. “I guess it is better you test it at a lake. That way I can throw you and the spectators into the water if you set everything on fire.” it was a playful note, which was quiet rare from her now a days. Krynastia was usually carefree with her troupe, reserving her cold and social awkwardness for outsiders. Nevertheless, what with all the havoc and bad luck plaguing them, it had frayed her nerves down to the core.

The Ladri Della Luna was thrilled at the chance for solo-acts. All of them had unique talents to display to the people of Krana, and the chance to show off appealed to all of them, even Nastia. The air around them was abuzz with delight, vibrating off the trees and amplifying around them like a happy echoing song. The young Kirlia took this time to mull over her act.

She could always use her psychic abilities, which is what she often resorted to now a days, flinging things about with her mind, using mixture’s of moves to awe the audience. However, that did not seem to appeal to her, she was being filled with a happy euphoria at her makeshift-families excitement and boring old magic tricks seemed to paint a dull gray coating on her happiness. But what else?

Her mind briefly wandered to her mother, a small amount of sadness seeped into her euphoric mood, like rain through a tattered roof. Kryna’s mother had been a singer/dancer, and taught her trade to her daughter, though it had been a whole since Nastia practiced, her voice was odd and entrancing and she thought perhaps that would be a good act.

“I’m taking a walk,” she called at no one in particular and darted off into the small forest at light speed.

Flashes of green surrounded her, like paint, mixing and meshing until it seemed she was surrounded by one, solid green wall. Leaves caught around her ballerina legs, swirling about them as she gracefully ran deeper into the forest, completely un-aware of anything but her thoughts, which hung heavily in her breast, fueled with the thought of her mother. The wind whipped the green fringe on her head in a scattering mess, knocking pieces loose, so sticks could grab onto them and nestle into the soft, dark green, layers.

When Kryna finally came to a sliding stop she was in a clearing, tree’s on every side of her, the soft lush grass on her tiptoed feet. Yellow shafts of sunshine twinkled through flittering leaves on tree’s and created columns of bright light in the clearing, shimmering off the dew clinging to small grass blades. Krynastia dragged her feet, brushing up a small cloud of splattering water drops, glittering rainbow in the sun, a small smile caressed her face. Despite popular belief, she was a very playful person, but there was no one she felt close enough to share it with. She gave the grass one more gentle kick, and an another cloud of drops flew into the air and rained back down onto the grass, assuming their places dancing on the blades.

The ballerina-like-Pokemon plopped herself onto the ground and stared deftly at a shaft of light. Her mother had always sung using some sort of Kirlia-like-speech that really had almost no meaning but to convey feelings. The girl pondered for a moment what to sing about, nothing came into her vast mind, she sighed, a gush of air that send the blades of grass dancing in the sunlight, having their little dew-stowaways glittering gently. It then occurred to her that she really could not plan out something like that, if she were to convey feelings they had to be spontaneous.

After her large, red, eyes scanned the area to see if anyone from the troupe had followed her, her small mouth opened and a soft noise escaped. The musical noised danced around the trees, weaving up and down a non-existent scale. Meaningless words that held feeling behind them, a euphoric echoing from her voice box. It ended with a pure ‘oo’ vowel that resonated behind her nearly closed lips, feeling a small buzz in her cheekbones, she was satisfied with the round sound of her vowels. Kryna mentally analyzed herself, then muttered allowed.

“Tone was nice, and I kept my vowels pure the whole time. Dynamics could use some work, diction needs a bit of help…” she prattled quietly to herself, staring down at her delicate hands as the words slipped softly from her lips.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Outside of Greenshore, Indigo Tropics

Skie had been hovering over the marching force, but all of a sudden, one of the wing commanders, a Hitmonlee, had given us the signal to come down from the skies. It had seemed that a kind of gathering was beginning. Skie grew impatient, just wanting to carry on and giving me the look that this trip was already taking too long. I knew he could fly much faster, but we needed to stick with the main force.

Skie flew down the grassy floor, dodging the tree branches on the way down. Once we landed, we joined our compatriots, and it seemed that Krak had something to announce. We waited until everyone had gathered around, and hopefully most of the Pokémon in the Krana force would be able to hear him.

“I’ll be quick about this, as we’re running out of time already.” Krak told us, “One of the soldiers, a Furret, reported seeing a scout that very likely belonged to Talonica, since it was a Flygon. However, the next part confuses me. He told me that Flygon somehow turned itself into a star, and instantly flew away again.”

“What the hell?” One of the soldiers in the crowd spoke up, “Since when can a Flygon do that?”

Good question, because that didn’t make sense to me either. I should have been able to see that Flygon at one moment or another, but I never saw it from the skies. And I knew for sure a Flygon wouldn’t travel on foot when it had wings, especially if it was alone.

“I swear, it came out of nowhere!” The Furret witness shouted, “Once it saw us, it just turned into a star and flew off again!”

“You brainless furball!” One of the soldiers shouted to him, “A Flygon wouldn’t be able to do that! You’re seeing things! Lay off the sauce before heading into combat!”

“You’ve got to believe me!” The Furret pleaded, “This whole mission could be compromised!”

“I don’t care if it is.” Krak shouted back to him, just wanting to continue, “We’re moving on anyway. I want everyone to be on the lookout, and prepare for a rough fight in Greenshore. Besides, I have no intention of just charging in there the moment we see it. We survey the area, assess the town’s defenses, and proceed accordingly. Now let’s move!”

And with that, we were back on the move again. Truthfully, I didn’t believe the Furret’s story, but I wasn’t going to insult or yell at him like the others did. Ruffling his feathers, Skie shot an annoyed look at the Furret, and just took off again, heading into the skies to hover over the main force.

Whether or not Talonica knew we were coming wasn’t the real question. It was if they were truly ready to fight us that was the real issue at hand…

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Swampert)
Emmisaries-Fallen Angel
Itikka
Jasandax,Twinriver

I watched as Kraken grabbed both Ninso and Silvia and leaped into the air and flew away towards the Front.

"Well looks like im walking."Seeing as I still had away before I could materialize my wings back.

I exited the training grounds and made my way back to the market and then out of Jasandax.I looked on the horizon to see if I could spot Kraken and the others flying off but knowing how fast Kraken can fly the chances were slim to none.I quickly changed my focus into making a ride to my den.Like before I pounded the earth twice to make a small board big enough for myself and propelled myself to my den.A hour later I reached my den.

"Home sweet home."I muttered sarcasticly as I entered my small den.I looked around for my weapons I had so idioticlly forgotten when I first left hours ago.I found my Tiger Claws and Greatsword I so rightly named The Emerald End as the hilt was a brilliant emerald coloration.As I gathered some medical supplies for the battle I was soon going to be part of I found a small bag with some coins in it and as I lifted it I grunted.

"Found my money that could have bought me some food."I threw the bag against the wall in anger but quickly found my composure as I found another bag but this one was full of River Greens I had encased in mud weeks ago so that they would not go bad.

"Ha finally some good fortune today."I quickly consumed the greens mud and all, and exited my den.I hopped onto my board and began riding the rivers edge towards the Front to defend it.

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Greenshore

Lucke was giving Auron an uncanny ghostly glance that Auron wasn’t too happy with.

“What?” Auron finally asked, after several minutes of solid starting by Lucke.

“We need every able body we can get to defend this town,” the Haunter said. “Every able body.”

Auron’s eyes widened ever so slightly at the implication. “Oh… me? No no no, I’m just a blacksmith.”

“You carried your own weapons and armor all the way here from Vanral,” Lucke stated. “You’re obviously trained in combat. We need every Pokemon we can get.”

Auron’s mouth twisted into an unpleasant shape again. “Oh, alright then. As long as nobody tries to ride me.”

“Good,” Lucke replied, then turned to receive the incoming reports from the scouts.

“Congratulations,” Auron muttered to himself. “You’ve just been drafted! I knew I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed this morning…”

When the scouts came back, their report corroborated Auron’s story. Only one of the scouts had actually encountered the Krana battalion, in a short skirmish between two scouts of the opposing factions, but the others reported signs of heavy movement through parts of the forest. An army couldn’t move without leaving a trace, and those traces could be detected by skilled scouts.

“Do we have any idea on the size of the enemy force?” Lucke was asking of the scouts. He had set up a command post in the center of the city, where his various agents were to report in on their various duties.

The reply was mostly negative. One of the scouts, based on amount of disturbance the forests around Greenshore had seen, put the upper limit on the enemy army at 1000 strong.

“Any bringing any less than 400 soldiers this deep into Talonica territory would just be stupid,” Lucke sighed. “So we can guess that they’re somewhere between 400 and 1000. Great, that’s awfully helpful. Well, we’re going to assume the worst. Get messengers to Talacola immediately. Tell them we’re likely to fall under siege soon and need reinforcements.”

“Sir, we’ve managed to round up 600 able Pokemon for combat at the eastern wall,” one Linoone reported. “We have enough in the armory to arm and armor 300 of them in addition to our regulars.”

“That’s good, right?” Auron asked. He was sitting in on the report purely because of his being the first to report the incoming army. The garrison in Greenshore consisted of 200 Pokemon. 200 plus 600 was 800, so that was a fairly good number, even compared to the absolute upper limit of the enemy army.

Lucke sighed, partly out of disappointment at what he would have at his disposal for the town’s defense, and partly out of annoyance at having to explain this to a blacksmith. “No, not really. Almost all of these 600 aren’t trained in combat. Especially the ones that won’t be armed, they’re not going to be much more than fodder for Krana.”

Auron withdrew slightly. “Oh.”

“What do we have for artillery?” Lucke asked.

“Six ballistas, sir. That’s it.”

“That’s it?!” Lucke sighed angrily. “If we win this I am so demanding more equipment from high command.”

As for the battle plan itself, it wasn’t overly complicated. It couldn’t be, after all; with no idea on the size or composition of the enemy force, it was impossible to know just what to do to counter it.

Because of Greenshore’s position along the western coast of Talonica (hence the name, Greenshore), there was only one side of the town the enemy could attack from land: The east-northeast direction. That was of course, assuming they weren’t arriving by sea. Flying scouts hadn’t reported any ships, so it was safe to assume that Krana was taking the land route. The town, like most population centers of the era, was fortified by a wall that completely surrounded the town. There was only one section of the wall that could be attacked by land, so the Talonica efforts were concentrated on that section. Metal plates and wooden braces were being used to fortify the gate, while archers were stationed all along the walls.

Inside the town, those that had been drafted were busy going through a crash course on how to use whatever they had been armed with. Pokemon were busy learning how to shoot bows and arrows, how to properly handle spears and shields, and the right way to wield a sword. While Auron hadn’t brought along a helmet or anything, the good news was that his species was a ‘standard’ mount, so there were helmets available. He had been assigned to a squad that was currently involved in scouting and anti-scouting activities outside Greenshore.

“Great, just my luck to be assigned to the group most likely to be attacked,” Auron muttered to himself, as he came in for a landing along with the rest of his squad at the edge of the forest.

“Shut your trap,” said one of the other members of his party, a big Pidgeot. “And stop complaining.”

“Hey, you shut up. You signed up for this, I didn’t,” Auron shot back.

“Doesn’t make you any less obligated to serve your nation,” the Pidgeot retorted. “We’re all in this together, so you might as well make it less of a pain for everyone else to be around you.”

Auron snarled and shook his head, turning away from the Pidgeot. “Let’s just get this run over with.”

[Larvinator]

OOC: Writer's block, how I hate you so...

IC:

Laeni the Lopunny (Legendary Summoner - Celebi)
Krana
Landing at Krana's northern shore

"Oooooh, ooooh, look at all the Pokemon, Mister Tropey!"

For once, something the deranged Pokemon said was actually relevant. Below the two was undoubtedly a sprawling but temporary military camp, made of tents and masses of Pokemon cooking or joking around with each other. There must have been a thousand of them, if not more, much to the Tropius's surprise. Krana's tactics were supposed to be stealthy, and they hadn't ever amassed a force this big. Something was going to happen...something big. Whether attack or defense onto what or from what was entirely up to debate.

Whatever the reason, they were here and Laeni was going to join them. The grass reptile slowed the steady beating of his palm leaves into a circling glide, trying to find a good spot to land. This didn't take long at all, and he descended steadily over the treetops. With a bit of stumble on the grass (he was still getting used to having weight on his back), he hit the ground, and Laeni leaped off before he even came to a stop, landing gracefully on her feet.

"Yaaaay! Hey, everyone! Laeni-chan's here!" she cried, waving her arms around wildly. The soldiers stopped and looked at her for only a second before they returned to whatever it was they were doing. One scar-covered Empoleon, however, approached her, the steel on his body dull with use. His expression was friendly enough, however, despite his rough appearance.

"Ah...you're Laeni? Greetings, Oak; I'm Spruce Minink. I've heard a lot about you from Thorn Grijin," he said, seemingly not put off at all by Laeni's obvious hyperactivity.

"Oooh, you mean Mister Thorn? Coool! Laeni-chan always knew he liked her! Teehee!"

"Yes, the reports from him have been quite interesting," Spruce Minink said with a short laugh. "But first thing's first. Oak Laeni, I have to assign you to a squadron, as Lieutenant Grrjin never did. Come with me and you'll meet your new partners in battle."

"Okie-dokie-smokie! Byyyye, Mister Tropey!"

The Tropius breathed a relieved sigh and walked off to his own unit, watching out of the corner of his eye as Laeni melded into the crowd along with this Empoleon.

Ninso the Shedinja (Followed - Espeon and Garchomp)
Itikka
En Route to the Sapphire Front

I wasn't quite sure how to describe the thrill of going at hundreds of miles an hour thousands of feet above the surface of the planet. It was most certainly not pleasant; only my Wonder Guard saved me from being hit with debris, and the unbelievably loud screeching of the wind had left me a bit impaired for some time. I came very close to envying Silvia; the green Espeon had fallen into a dead faint in the Garchomp's other talon, rendering her immune to the heart-halting experience Kraken was putting us through.

Speaking of Kraken, he certainly didn't mind the effects of this particular method of travel; quite the contrary, he was enjoying it to the utmost. Every once in a while he would let loose a roar of pleasure (and let me tell you, a roaring Garchomp is the last thing your ears want to be near), and he would occasionally do a quick corkscrew or even a full loop in the air just for fun, ignoring his hapless tagalongs while doing so.

I busied myself studying the brown, desert blur that was the ground, in case Kraken should drop me and I would have to catch myself; hovering is difficult if one isn't concentrating on the ground. Occasionally there'd be a green patch, but generally this was a rocky, dry area, with only dry-looking hardy plants making up the flora. However, I noted with a bit of enthusiasm it was approaching wildflower season; an orange wall of desert poppies would sometimes catch my eye.

I watched as the landscape below slowly turned from brown to green; we were entering a more tropical area again. The battle could only be so far ahead...

[Neo Pikachu]

OOC: Larvinator, you do know that you can summon more legends besides just Celebi, right?

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Greenshore, Indigo Tropics

Using the forest and the hills for cover, we got a glimpse of Greenshore from the distance, and we couldn’t believe our eyes.

“What… the… hell!?” Krak exclaimed, “Dammit, someone must have alerted them of our arrival!”

So… was the story about the scout really true? A Flygon that could appear within the blink of an eye and then suddenly disappear again? I sincerely hoped something like that wasn’t true among Talonica’s forces. I really hoped that Furret was just seeing things, or we were going to be in for some major trouble.

“I told you, but you didn’t want to believe me!” The Furret exclaimed, “So now what do we do!?”

“Shut up and relax.” Krak told him, looking at the Furret sternly, “We might be able to overcome this little setback if we just approach this tactfully.”

From what we could see, they were preparing forces all along the walls of the town. Compared to most towns I’ve seen, Greenshore was medium to heavily fortified. If Talonica went through that much trouble, there had to be something in that town that was worth protecting. Still, I didn’t like the fact that from here, I could tell they were arming civilians. I really, really didn’t like that. Fighting civilians just seemed cruel, they weren’t trained or experienced enough to fight soldiers. It was hardly a fair fight, but if they were desperate, they would go down fighting and not let up on anything. I couldn’t stand it. The last thing I wanted to do was have to fight a civilian and be forced to kill him, only to find his crying children later on. No, there had to be some other way.

“It seems like a lot of their defenders are just civilians!” One of the Krana soldiers exclaimed, “Let’s take ‘em on before they get reinforcements over here!”

“No…” I muttered, “We need a secondary attack force. Krak, let’s wait and send some scouts out to see where those reinforcements are coming from. Let them come into Greenshore, and we’ll be on standby while the second force attacks the place that’s sending the reinforcements.”

For a minute, I didn’t know what had come over me. I knew with my rank, there was no reason why Krak had to even listen to my suggestion at all. I suppose it came from my desire to avoid fighting civilians. I couldn’t believe Talonica, however. If they managed to figure out our attack was coming, they should have been taking those civilians to safety while their soldiers remained in the town to fight. Now, men, women, and children were at risk of being killed. It would be a terrible loss of life…

“Either way, we can’t attack under these conditions.” Krak told us, “But I’ll take up on your suggestion, Tyrec. Let’s scare them into thinking we’re way bigger of a force than they think we are. They’ll send loads of reinforcements from somewhere, and once our scouts figure out where that is, that second attack force will target that location with their lessened defenses! That’s brilliant!”

The scouts would still need time to figure out where these forces would be coming from. But in the meantime, I didn’t know what Krak’s plans would be when it came to making us look like a bigger force than what we truly were. Still, looking at Greenshore, I could see archers all along the walls. Meanwhile, we didn’t have a whole lot of siege weaponry ready to use to bring down the gates. Even if we did attack, it was doubtful we could overtake the town before reinforcements arrived. Whatever we did here would have to be a decoy to a greater diversion.

“Tyrec!” Krak shouted to me, “I’ve got an idea. You look higher-ranked, so I want you to head to the town alone. I need you to tell them that we’ve got two-thousand soldiers ready to be unleashed on their town. Let them know we’ll give them a half hour to get their civilians out of there, or else we can’t be held responsible if they get hurt. That should get them either very nervous, get their civilians out of the way and lessen their defenses, or heck, maybe both. Meanwhile, I’ll send that messenger out back to Garlakal for scouts to see where those reinforcements are coming from.”

“You want me to lie to them!?” I asked him seriously, wondering how he could even consider that as an option.

“That’s an order, soldier!” Krak told me, almost on the edge of a reprimand, “Now get moving!”

I didn’t have much of a choice. I looked down at myself for a moment, and it was pretty clear Talonica’s defenders would definitely see I was a soldier of Krana. Still, was this really the right thing to do? I hated to admit it, but it could get Greenshore’s civilians away from the conflict and hopefully escorted to some place safe. Talonica would likely keep them armed until reinforcements would arrive. At that point, maybe it was possible for the second part of the plan to work.

Skie wanted to come with me, but I gave him the order to stay behind. Instead, I marched toward Greenshore’s gates, alone and with my weapons on my back to show I meant no harm. I didn’t know very much about Talonica’s state of mind, but if they fired at me, it was possible they might be past redemption. I supposed the shield I had might help in getting me out of there, but I wasn’t sure. Hopefully Talonica’s defenders were reasonable.

Once I made it to the main gates, I saw there were plenty of archers on standby, ready to unleash a flurry of arrows right at me. Still, I kept calm. It wasn’t long until the gatekeeper had arrived, a glaring Dragonite that looked at me with a dark stare.

“We’ve got two-thousand men ready and able.” I told the gatekeeper, speaking up at him with a serious tone, “Our scouts reported that you’ve armed your civilians, but we don’t want them to become a part of the conflict. We’ll give you a half hour to get them out of town and escorted to safety. If you refuse, it will be you responsible for their casualties. Take this chance while you can, I’m sure there are many of them that don’t want to be a part of this battle.”

I hated to lie to them, even if they were the enemy. However, an order was an order, and it was treason to go against it. Not to mention, if they decided to comply, it would save countless innocent lives. In my mind, that was very heroic, even if it did involve a lie.

What the gatekeeper’s response would be, I wouldn’t know. I could only hope it would be a sane, reasonable choice…

[Shen]

OOC: Nice try, Nitro, but you bunnied my char. I wouldn't have had Valin land there and just stand by your char. First, he would be a sitting duck. Second, a fall from that height would be sure death for my hemophiliac Pikachu, So I'm afraid your post is not gonna be recognized by me, sorry.

Oh, and don't say that since Hosh did it that you could to. IMO, she gave you the benefit of the doubt for that fall. If it were up to me, from that height, your Carnivine would be dead. But that's just me as a rival player.

Have a nice day :silly:.

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica
Kivistal - Sapphire Front
Itikka/Talonica Border

I grinned at the success of my attack on the foolish Carnivine. I watched him plummet towards the ground as I fell as well, but I wasn't worried. All part of the plan.

A couple seconds later, Flin flew underneath me and I landed on his back, and we zoomed back to the battlefield. Flin easily dodged more arrows before unleashing a Dragonbreath on the archers, causing pain and mayhem in their ranks easily. After easing our troops' fear of being shot by archers for a while, Flin flew me over to the main part if the melee and dropped me off easily. I drew my swords again as I landed and leapt into the battle.

I was attacked by a Golduck almost as soon as I drew my swords, but he was slow enough that the tip of his sword only barely caught the fur on my tail. I skidded and turned to face him, clanging my swords before running at him. He swung his sword horizontally, but I ducked and avoided it. I slashed at his unprotected arm, but he was too quick and managed to complete the swipe before my blade could slash his outstretched arm. He slashed down on me, but I caught his sword between my crossed ones, holding it up.

However, the Golduck used this opportunity to use his size to his advantage. He quickly swiped a foot underneath both of mine, causing me to fall on my back. He raised his sword again and slammed it down again. I rolled to the side, but I wasn't so fortunate this time. His sword slashed off the tip of my lightning-bolt tail. I shouted as pain lanced through my body, but I didn't let it physically affect me any more than that. Thinking quickly, I whipped my tail around as I got back up, slinging blood into his eyes. With him stumbling, blinded, it was almost too easy to slide both my swords into his chest and end his stumbling for good.

With yet another opponent downed, I jumped at a nearby Croagunk and swung my swords for his neck.

<----->

Another three opponents downed, I jumped back off of a dead Machoke's head to get high enough for Flin to catch me in midair. My limbs were burning, and my tail was still bleeding. I grabbed some wrapping from the pouch on Flin's side and wrapped it as best I could to stem the blood loss as much as possible with my sickness, whatever it was that kept me bleeding longer than usual...but at least I was still combat effective.

"Look! The Itikkan's are turning around, I think their higher-ups ordered a retreat!" a fellow aerial troop cried, pointing towards the back of the mass of Itikkans. Sure enough, a large mass of the Itikkans were leaving the battle with their wounded. I sighed in relief. This battle had lasted for hours, now, and was beginning to worry that one side would have to be wiped out for this battle to end. But now our troops can rest before pushing further into the Sapphire Front.

Suddenly, I felt a presence in my mind. Obviously, a Psychic Pokemon was relaying something to me. Seeds Denathos and Flin, I have a change in assignment for the both of you.

I blinked, as did Flin. Er...Roger that, awaiting orders, sir, I responded.

There was a slight pause. You will be assigned to a squad of five aerial units heading towards the Krana border, he said in an official, droning voice, Senior Dragon Islandi will be your commanding officer. You will assist in the observation of the border cities and towns and make sure there is no unrest or violence. It would not do well for us to be attacked by Krana while currently engaged against Itikkans, after all. Understood?

I nodded, though that did little good without being seen by the Psychic who was talking to us, so I added, Perfectly, sir.

Good, he responded in a slightly more positive, but still quite droning, voice, Now, Senior Dragon Islandi is about 2 clicks east of you. Go join her and the other two riders. Another will join you shortly. Out.

"Well, looks like we got the boring assignment, huh?" Flin commented, chuckling a little; we both knew he liked to be in the thick of things.

"Well, maybe some Kranan's will get brave and attack a Talonican town," I said encouragingly, "Then we can be in the thick of things again, eh?"

"Too true; those Kranan's are almost as proud as we are, though I doubt they'd do that so soon," Flin said with a grin, "They don't have very many weapons that can physically stand against ours, after all."

"I wouldn't underestimate them, Flin," I said softly as we turned to join the squad, "They could prove to be even more dangerous to Talonica than the Itikkans..."

OOC: Itikkan Rpers don't have to retreat of they want, I merely had that done so that this particular battle wouldn't go on for the entire RP, as we know would happen with Rpers' actions involved lol

BTW, my post looks sad next to Neo's long one lol

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Swampert)
Emissaries-Fallen Angel
Itikka
En route to Front

It had been several hours since I began riding from my den and I began to feel the effects of using a constant stream of mud and then water.I was completely dried up.My body was empty of mud or water.I was now off my board and floating down the river.Yes I admit it is extremely slow to travel this way but it helps with restoring my water and mud supplies.

"How long until I will arrive at the Front?I'm about half way there and if I keep up this speed it will take another few days and I can't have that.I don't want to show up at the battle with my wings spread wide and reveal what I really am.I guess i'll just continue on like this."

So I did for another few hours watching the lland change to and fro.One minute it's dry rocky terrian the next it's a nice little forest growing near the waters edge.It was a beautiful sight to see so much different scenerary in so little time.After a few more hours of floating I grew impatient of this slow method of travel.

"Ugh Ninso and the others are sure to be at the Front already and defending it boldly and I'm here lazily floating down a river taking in the sights.Why am I such a useless person not even caring enough about the land I live in to defend it or atleast get to the battle quicker.That's it I'm going to go a lot faster right now!"

I snapped on myself for being lazy.It had motivated me to start hualing fin in the water going much faster than I had before at least fifty miles a hour.I soon saw the land start to change less often and stay a tropical forest.I had nearly gotten to the Front and it would soon be the time for action.I pulled myself out of the water and slid my Tiger Claws over my fins and tightened them.

"It's going to be a very long day today."With that I began sprinting forwards to the battle.

[Dr Scott]

Flynn Tidehunter (Slowbro) (Emissaries)
Talonica
Waters of Talonica
Change in Mind

“We’re doing what?” Trinkin asked, turning from the wheel to arch an eyebrow at the captain. His face looks more confused than I have seen him in a long time, and that’s never a good thing. Of course, neither is the captain changing directions, the Golduck usually didn’t like changing his mind. Once he had a task he usually set out for it without deterring, but something must have changed his mind.

That something would probably be the ship we had met not too long ago, the one talking about the attack on Greenshore, something that the other captain had just heard about. He was going the same way he said, moving from one battle to aid another. That was the problem about having a three way battle, there was too much to worry about and too much of a chance of spreading out the forces.

Of course, all they would need is us, the captain could probably handle it all on his own if he wanted. I’ve seen the man battle multiple times and he has never lost a single match, never given up no matter how tough the opponent was. That was something that drew me to the half water type, and something that kept me believing in him no matter how bad the situation became. Honestly, if it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be a factor in this war, I’d be out fishing or living my life without worry.

Rilt figured it wasn’t because they needed help, because more than likely they would just use forces native to that area instead of taking it from another area. He figured that that was just a cover story so we didn’t rat them out for deserting one battle to go join another. More than likely the captain and his crew, part of the navy, were from Greenshore and wanted to go and protect their homes. It made sense; Greenshore was on the water and probably had its share of navy forces.

It took a while for me to figure out that I had blanked out for a little, as I found myself staring into the sun. “You’ll go blind that way,” Limon offered helpfully as he smirked at my confused gaze. I nodded to him, sucking in the drool that was falling out of my mouth. Thinking heavily about things usually ended this way, but I couldn’t help it, it wasn’t like there was anything to do.

Nothing except wait until we arrived.

[Dragoness]

Jade (Rapidash--Starblazer) and Kaci! (Dragonite--Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Nyland--On the way to Greenshore
----

Jade and Kaci stepped out into the the training yard behind Command Base One. The warm sunlight fell down on the damp dirt and grass. rapidly drying it. The training yard consisted of a fenced in area about six hundred feet length and width wise. A large square of dirt for hand-to-hand combat (or in some cases, hoof-to-hoof combat) was in the middle of the yard, as was a series of large wooden tubes to practice crawling through. For those who could climb, a thick rope was attached to one side of a building as well as handgrips on the outside of that building. A pull-up bar for building upper-body strength was also tucked tucked into a corner of the training yard.

Some thick pine wooden benches were set at the far end of the yard. On those benchs was the Captain Neon and Lieutenant Lightning. Several lower level members of the Seeds of Vengeance were also sitting on the benches. Neon looked up from the troops before him and waved over at Jade and Kaci, signaling them to come over.

As they ran over to the Captain, Jade looked him over. Neon was a Flygon, a green looking Pokemon with sharp looking wings attached to his sides. Wide brown eyes were set in a pointed, pale green face. A small, muscular body in various shades of green and dark red served the Captain well. A long, elegant tail with three flower-shaped spikes whipped around him, strirring up the dust on the ground. He nodded at Kaci and Jade as they approached.

"Private Jade, Private Kaci, welcome," Neon said in a deep, calm voice. "I suppose General Golm told you that we will be leaving soon..." he raised a vine-like eyebrow at them as they confirmed that Golm had told them the basics of the mission. "Ah, well. We will be going to Greenshore. It has become known that the enemy is there. A force was already sent out, lead by Commander Krak. We will be sending about fourty-five Pokemon over to Greenshore as reinforcements, should they need them. We should be landing at a small village there..."

Fourty? Thats a bit much for a little place in Greenshore, seeing as there is already a force being led out there, Kaci thought to himself as he sat down on the a sturdy bench. Taking a glance at his wife's face, he could see the surprise on it from Neon's words.

"We will be leaving now. Kaci, you know the drill. The mud bucket is over there. Use some on Jade's coat as well," a commanding voice said to Kaci's left. Turning, he saw the voice belonged to Lt. Lightning. She was a small, strong Jolteon. She had also covered herself in mud, to cover up her gold and white fur. That still did cover up the small lightnings that showed in her deep purple eyes. While she only stood at about two feet tall, she commanded the respect of those around her. Sharp looking, muddy white spikes stuck out of her neck as she pawed the ground with her small claws.

"Yes, Lieutenant," Kaci replied, quickly getting up and moving his large body over to the bucket beside the bench. Inside of the bucket was a soft, brown mud. He used it to cover up his bright orange and gold scales. He then rubbed some into Jade's cream coat, leaving her several shades darker. This was needed as SV (as Seeds of Vengeance was called) needed to move in stealth most of the time. It also made it harder for the enemy to spot and shoot at you, even in the middle of a large battle.

"Gather your stuff, it is inside the Command Base, in your lockers," he told Jade and Kaci. The two hurried inside the base and began to get their weapons and armor. "This was supposed to be a quiet, nice day," Jade complained to Kaci as she pushed on the pedal that opened her locker.

"I know, I know. At least we had a few hours to relax," Kaci said as he pulled out his thick black leather armor and deftly began putting it on. He finished the armor off with a large, black helmet made of leather, foam and a sheet of copper inside it all. He than began to help equip Jade's brown leather armor and helmet. It was same as his, except for size, shape and color.

Slipping a small dagger into a pouch to the side of her, Jade looked over at Kaci's sword. A slight feeling of envy crept into her. As Kaci was blacksmith, he had been able to modify his own weapons to fit better. This sword's hilt was simple metal wrapped in black leather. The blade itself though was far from simple. It had been mixed with silver and old steel scraps of metal, creating a much lighter sword than the ones everyone else had. The blade shimmered slightly, the silver and steel mixed together using the fire from Kaci and Jade's own fire, from both her mouth and flaming tail. It also happened to be razor sharp. Most others had mixed silver, copper and gold weapons or wooden ones. Mostly metal ones though--while the metal was heavier, the wood weapons were looked down upon a little, even though the "druids" of Krana had made the wooden weapons to be very sturdy.

Picking up a thick satchel of supplies for the troop, Kaci swung it over his shoulder as and Jade returned back to the yard. SV needed a larger Pokemon to carry the bulk of the supplies and Kaci fit the bill. Inside the satchel were some basic medical things, water, and food.

Captain Neon looked up at them, shook his insect head slightly and then began barking out orders to the troop. When they were all aligned, he said, "We leave now. Those who can fly, follow me. Those who cannot, follow Lt. Lightning. Be careful, quick and quiet." With that, Neon took to the air, pushing himself up with his small wings. Kaci gently put a paw on Jade's head before following Neon and a few other flying Pokemon with him.

"Lets move," Lightning commanded them. Quickly, she ran through a gate in the training yard, with all the other Pokemon in her troop following her. Jade quickly caught up to her as they ran across the countryside, plotting a course for Greenshore.

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Greenshore

“Alright, let’s review the battle plan,” Lucke was saying. Him, his squad leaders and other commanders were gathered around a large, ornate wooden table in the town hall, on which was papered a map of Greenshore and the surrounding area.

“The forest ends here,” Lucke said, pointing at an edge of green on the map, “a good 60 meters away from the city wall. Now, there’s no way they could bring heavy siege weaponry through the forest without us knowing, so we probably won’t have to worry about catapults, siege towers, or trebuchets. To bring them intact, they’d need a road, and to bring them in pieces, they’d need a clearing to assemble them and a clear path out of the forest. So we probably won’t face anything heavier than a battering ram or ladders. This 100 meter zone will be our no-man’s land. Enemy forces traveling across it will be perfect targets for archers and flying cavalry.”

“On the wall will be a line of spearmen/swordsmen, and two rows of archers behind them. These are our ‘real’ archers, not the civvies ones, so they’re capable of handling themselves even if they bring in ladders and scale the wall. Behind the wall will be more archers. Most of our force consists of archers, which is good, since the wall will prevent them from engaging us at melee range until after they’ve breached our lines.”

“We’ve also prepared three ships back here.” Lucke pointed to the western side of Greenshore, where the port was located. “We’re going to load archers onto them, sail them out to the two sides of the no-man’s land, and bombard the enemy from the sides. The larger one will take the southern end, and the other two will take the northern side. Now, since we’ve successfully repelled their flying scouts, I will be seriously surprised if they know about this. So it’ll be our little surprise.”

“Now, for the gate. Most of our pikemen and spearmen will be stationed here, along with our remaining archers. Should Krana breach the gate, they’ll run into a wall of spears, pikes, and arrows.”

“Our flying cavalry will being playing it defensively. Stay back behind the wall. Don’t wander into range of the enemy archers and stay within range of our own. Your job is to prevent the Krana flyers from penetrating our defenses and attacking us from the rear.”

“And lastly,” Lucke’s ghostly mouth pressed thin, then continued, “should our defenses be breached, we will retreat into the town and engage Krana building by building. We may not be able to win, but we can make them pay for every inch of land they conquer and every Talonica life they take in blood. My hope is that by retreating into the city and making Krana take Greenshore building by building, we can hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Should it appear that reinforcements won’t arrive in time, we’ll retreat to the docks and escape. Now, any questions?”

A rocky hand went up, the owner of which Auron couldn’t see, due to a Machoke blocking his view. “What about those who aren’t fighting?”

“The children, elderly, sick, and otherwise unable to fight are already being evacuated by ship at the docks,” Lucke replied.

“Will the archers on the ships have air support?” someone else asked.

“If the situation at the wall isn’t too frantic, then yes. But our primary concern is with the defense of this city.”

The doors of the town hall suddenly slammed open, and a Staraptor flew in, looking very tired. “Sir!” he exclaimed, “Talacola received our message. They’re dispatching 500 soldiers by sea to our aid. Our orders are to hold Greenshore at whatever cost until reinforcements arrive.”

A wave of murmuring rolled around the room at the words “at whatever cost”. Lucke gritted his ethereal teeth and placed one of those floating purple hands on the table. “Affirmative. Well, it looks like our retreat plan is out. Do you know if Talacola will send more reinforcements should the enemy’s numbers be at the upper limit of our estimate?”

The messenger Staraptor nodded. “Yes. But they would need more time to gather more soldiers from the surrounding area. These 500 consists of half of Talacola’s fast-response defense force.”

Another hand went up. “Sir, why does high command want us to hold Greenshore so badly?”

Lucke sighed, then nodded to a nearby aide, who quickly rolled a map of Kivistal onto the table. “Look. Greenshore holds the honorary geographical luck of being the closest port city to the Krana section of the main continent. That means it’s an important restocking point for our warships going to Krana. Many of the smaller ships couldn’t make the trip if they didn’t stop at Greenshore along the way. Moreover, Greenshore is the closest Talonica town to this section of the border, and letting Krana take it would give them a critical foothold into our territory, allowing them to secure supply lines and assault cities as far into Talonica as Talacola or the Opal Valley. As a town, Greenshore may not be important, but as a strategic geographic location, it’s critical to our war effort against Krana.”

Silence fell across the room as the Talonica soldiers mulled this new information over. Most of the higher-ranking soldiers had already known, and a good portion of the basic troopers, but there were those who didn’t. Auron for one, had never known Greenshore had been so important.

Another messenger ran in, this time, a Zigzagoon. “Sir! There’s a Krana messenger at the gate.”

Lucke suddenly shot upwards a few inches, alert. “What did he say?”

“He says that they have 2000 soldiers ready to attack our town. They’re giving us half an hour to evacuate the civilians.”

Another wave of murmuring ran across the room, much louder than before. “We’re doomed!” someone shouted.

“SHUT UP!” Lucke shouted, and the room fell silent. He looked back at the Zigzagoon and shook his head. “They’re bluffing. There’s no friggin’ way they could have that many soldiers. It’s gross overkill, like taking out a sledgehammer to kill a Caterpie. If Krana had that many soldiers to spare on Greenshore the war would be over already, and we would all be dead. They’re bluffing.” But despite his confident expression and words, there was just a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

“Well, if Greenshore’s so important to us, why wouldn't it be just as important to Krana?”

“Because while letting them take Greenshore would give them a foothold into Talonica, they just also just make their own,” Lucke snapped. “This war’s been going on for a long time, and almost all the forces of all three nations are already involved in some kind of combat on the front. Sending 2000 troops here would badly drain their other divisions. If their army here was really that big, we would be hearing about victories elsewhere.”

“Well maybe we are winning elsewhere, we just haven’t heard about it yet!” someone yelled.

“Of course would have heard about it!” someone else retorted.

“Sir, what do I tell him?” the Zigzagoon asked.

Lucke sighed, sagging in the air and both disembodied hands falling onto the table. Auron could tell he was struggling with his decision. Warring within him was his sense of duty to the people under his guard, and his sense of duty to Talonica and his duty as a soldier.

“Orders are orders. Let them come,” Lucke finally responded. A third wave of murmuring ran across the room.

“Yes sir,” the Zigzagoon responded, and ran out of the hall. Auron pushed his way out of the crowd of soldiers and flew off after him. He wanted to see this Krana messenger.

At the gate, the Zigzagoon ran up to a burly-looking Dragonite and whispered something in the gatekeeper’s ear. The gatekeeper grunted and flew up over the wall. Auron did so as well.

The messenger, as it turned out, was a well-armored Pikachu. Was Auron imagining it, or did he look a little nervous?

The gatekeeper’s voice boomed out over the wall. “Come and get it!”

Auron glanced back at Pikachu, waiting to hear his response, if any…

[Kyuubi Kaz]

Ve(Swampert)
Emissaries-Fallen Angel
Itikka
The Sapphire Front

I was sprinting for a short time before I ran into other Itikkan soldiers.They were by the looks of it getting ready to go to fight but I decided to let them go on there way and I continued towards the battle.It wasn't much longer still before I ran into a small battle being waged.It was about ten Itikkans and a dozen or so Talonicans.The Itikkans were being pushed back by the opposing group.I quickly ran up to the skirmish to help.I quickly shot a nearby Gabite with mud and ran my Tiger Claws through his stomach.Another Gabite stunned by what had just happened swung his sword at me.I ducked the sword and began charging up my fist with energy for a Focus Punch.I transferred that eneregy to my Claws and thrust it into the attacking Gabite and a close by Vibrava completely penetraing there chests going straight through them.The Itikkans suddenly had a morale boost from my appearance and began attacking once again now that they outnumbered the Talonicans.I saw that I had done enough and they could handle themselves and I quickly decapitated another Gabite and ran off leaving the soldiers to finish the fight themselves.I had escaped unscaved because of an element of surprise but I doubted I would be so lucky in upcoming battles.

As I was running closer to the main struggle I slid off my Claws and hooked them to my belt and drew my Greatsword.It slowed me down a bit but the additional power it would provide was very well worth it.I saw many other fights along the way ignoring them this time for they were in much larger numbers and I could lend them no extra help.I looked up to scanb the sky when I looked back in the sky and I thought I saw Kraken with his friends soaring through the air.It also looked as if Silvia had passed out.All I could do was laugh and continue onwards to find a struggle I could be of help in.

OoC:Man my posts are incrediblly small

[U-B-3-R]

POST INVALIDATED FOR HAVING A RADIO. Dude, it a Medieval time period setting. No radios.
~NP

OOC: Sorry Shen, I thought you landed. @_@ In that case, disregard my last post. I actually am unconscious, then.

Gaius (Carnivine)
Itikka
The Sapphire Front

When I returned from unconsciousness, the first thing I noticed about the battlefield was that very few Pokemon remained at the battle site - all Talonicans. The ground was littered with corpses, but there wasn't even close to enough Itikkan bodies for our legion to have died in the battle - they must have retreated. I feigned unconsciousness until the last of the Talonicans left the battle site, most likely going to another.

Which I should be doing, I thought to myself. However, I was too weak to last much longer waiting around here, much less in a battle. I guess I'd have to call in a favour.

Taking out a modified radio, I set it to a unique channel that I had programmed into the radio: CHANNEL GSA.

"Hey Grotty. You there?" I asked cautiously into the radio.

"Ugh... Barely," replied Grotty. His usually melodious voice sounded extremely scratchy.

"What's wrong, man?" I asked Grotty concernedly. I hoped he was alright, because he was my partner. The only reason he wasn't here right now was because of a nasty flu. I had been sure his Natural Cure ability would help him recover in no time, but from the sound of it.

"This flu... It's no normal one... My Natural Cure is doing absolutely nothing about it. My doctor said it's a unique disease that had been previously undiscovered. I think..." Grotty paused for a bit. "that I'm going to die."

My heart stopped. This couldn't happen. Surely it couldn't. I had thought Grotty and I would die side by side in battle, defending the Itikkans from a sure death alongside only each other, the rest of the soldiers having been told to evacuate by us.

"Gaius?" came Grotty's voice. "Do you copy?"

"No," I murmured, "No, no, no, no! This can't happen!"

"It can, and it will. The doctor has predicted that I'll die in a few hours," Grotty said calmly. "Don't panic, though. I'm bound to die eventually, it's just bad luck that I'm dying now. However, if you come to my house, I have a gift for you."

"I'm too far away from your location at the moment to get there," I said sadly. My partner and best friend is dying, and I couldn't go to his deathbed. That made me feel extremely sad.

"No need to worry. I already have it awaiting you on my desk. Goodbye, Gaius."

"What? No, Grotty, you can't --" I was cut off by static. I assumed Grotty had killed the channel - the channel was run by a transmitter piggybacked on to his radio. As a matter of fact, only I had that channel on my radio, not counting Grotty himself of course.

I sighed. It was really a shame that Grotty was dying, but he was right - he was bound to die eventually. Quickly making myself a medicine, I began the long journey to Grotty's house in Goldrock.

[Hoshika]

Kokoro the Pikachu/Espeon/Togekiss chimera :(
Itikka
The Sapphire Front - en route to Jasandax...?

"I fight to protect my home, where my family has lived their whole lives. And to watch out for my allies," said the Furret. "And my allies watch out for me." She returned to the battle with her Flygon as a Charizard fought a Sceptile behind her.

You fight to protect your home...

A heavy stomping sound...

... But who puts you in danger?

"DIE."

I quickly turned around to see a huge Aggron, towering over me. The monster Pokémon wore a teal-tinted metal armor, along with the metal plates it grew with. "THIS LAND BELONGS TO TALONICA!" it bellowed. The Aggron charged a whistling ball of energy: Hyper Beam. I rolled out of the way before the Beam blasted the ground, leaving a wide crater in the ground. The Aggron paused to rest for a moment, and I found an oppurtunity to counter. Channeling my energy to my forehead, I blasted the Aggron with Psychic energy, lifted it as much as I could with the amount of power I was using, and dropped it on its side.

"Itikkans, retreat!" called a loud, but distant voice. "Retreat!"

Unsurprisingly enough, the troops of Itikka began running and flying back into the forest. A familiar Scyther carrying an injured Yanmega passed by. "Kid!" he yelled, "Prince Hartaasti ordered the strongest troops to fall back! Come on!"

"That Yanmega looks really heavy," I noted. "Wait, why are you telling me this?"

"The Stinger in charge here got a message for you, too, kid... uh, Kokoro?"

I was stunned. I never would've thought that the Prince would remember me. But then there was the test... I can't be that impressive. I looked at the back of my hands. I wonder why I have these markings?

"Yo, watch your back!" said the Scyther.

Without thinking, I blasted myself forward with Quick Attack and glided with my wings. I looked back to see that the Aggron had risen again, and wanted revenge. "YOU'D BETTER RUN, ITIKKAN SCUM!" Some of the Talonicans, for some reason, were retreating like us. The red Kranians continued fighting the remaining troops.

Soon enough, we reached the edge of the forest. I found the Scyther I had been talking with before to ask a few more questions. "Where's the Stinger?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, actually," said the Scyther, "But I know what the Prince ordered him to tell you. It was something about reporting back to Jasandax... but that's only what I overheard during the emergency meeting."

I nodded. "Then I wish you luck in defending Itikka." I flapped my wings and took off for Jasandax once again.

[Neo Pikachu]

OOC: UBER, I’ve invalidated your post. Drop the radio, Gaius shouldn’t have it.

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Greenshore, Indigo Tropics

The Dragonite’s response was negative. Well, at least it wasn’t a total loss. From here, I could survey what Greenshore had for defenses, and it seemed like a LOT considering it was only a small town. I was almost convinced they were trying to protect something very critically important in the town itself. Either that, or the town had strategic value to them. Whatever the reason, I was almost hoping Krak wouldn’t call out an attack, and instead wait for Talonica’s forces to spill into this location. Krak might then engineer a painful stalemate while Krana prepared forces to attack another location that had been made weaker by the reinforcement of Greenshore.

Well, at least that’s what I hoped they were doing…

Angry Talonica eyes glared back at me, but I said nothing to them except that I walked away. I was a bit reluctant to turn my back to them, backing away and keeping my shield close at hand in case they decided to kill me and make that their response to Krak. When I got far enough away, I headed back into the forest, and eventually met up with Krak. He seemed to look at me expectantly, but I let the look in my eyes say otherwise. Once he saw that, he began to get a different picture, and his expression definitely changed.

“Are you kidding!?” He asked me, looking at me with shock.

“No, Krak, they didn’t buy it.” I told him, “I got a good look at the place, and it seems like they’re trying to defend it like it’s main headquarters!”

“Ah, but that’s actually a good thing.” Krak told me, “See, my messenger flyer came back, and the command post at Garlakal gave us the order not to move or attack. Our scouts have been sent out to see where the flocks of reinforcements are coming from. Let them stuff Greenshore with so many Pokémon that they can’t even see their feet. We’ll figure out where they’re coming from and make them pay for weakening their defenses elsewhere.”

Truthfully, it was the only real plan we had at the moment. I figured that if Itikka and Talonica were fighting elsewhere, that battle must have not been major enough to diverge a large portion of their forces.

“So… how are we going to keep this a stalemate long enough to make sure those other Krana armies get the opportunity to strike?”

“Well, now we do the opposite of what we were going to do before.” Krak told me, “We’re going to try and hide our ‘two-thousand Pokémon’ force. In fact, it gave me another idea. I was thinking about sending another request for reinforcements to surround Greenshore. Those defenders will be stuck in that town while one of their more important cities is being attacked! We’ll have them trapped in their own town, unable to go back to assist the cities they left behind! Ha, it will be like running to protect a silver coin at the cost of abandoning a gold bar!”

I knew we probably wouldn’t be able to surround that town very well with only 600 Pokémon. Meanwhile, we didn’t have any siege equipment, so I couldn’t help but think… maybe this was the plan all along? I didn’t know what the commanders were plotting, but all I could hope for was that it would work.

“Did command tell you what the real target is?” I asked him, wondering if he knew.

“They haven’t sent a messenger regarding that.” Krak replied, “Anyway, get back to your position. If they decide to attack us, we need to at least be ready to ambush them.”

I accepted his order, and returned to my position. I had a feeling something else was brewing behind the scenes that I didn’t know about. From what it seemed like… Greenshore may not have been the real target… or it was at one point and someone in charge decided to improvise. That had to be the case. It was the only thing that would explain why we came with a complete lack of siege equipment. We couldn’t break down the wall of the town without it.

Still, I had taken out my Night Killer crossbow, and waited behind the hills. Several other hiding Pokémon around me kept quiet, hiding themselves and now making our force look smaller than what we really were.

Now… we just needed to watch and make sure they didn’t try to prepare a counter strike… or at least a successful one at that.

[Bryce]

OOC: Last change of font, you guys. I promise.

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
Middle of Nowhere - Crescent Moon

Afternoon came unexpectedly, as did the blazing sunlight that exposed itself from behind a column of clouds high above. It beat down upon my neck, seeming to draw forth sunburn from my very pores. I baked in the heat.

I had no clue how long I’d been traveling. All morning, I would guess. The sharp aches that pricked within my legs suggested at least four hours. I wasn’t used to drawn-out journeys such as this. I had accustomed myself to hasty, dash-and-retreat trips through the forest, running at top speeds for short time spans. This was something entirely new, and my body was sure to remind me of that. Accompanying the searing torridity that roasted my skin and the pain in my legs were the tight, parched agonies of thirst in my throat. I was dying to whip out the water I had stored away and gulp it down with no regard for the future, but I knew that my supply would last only a slim time… And I had no clue where the nearest town was.

I was dragging along at a sluggish, agonizing pace when I heard them. Their wild calls and screeches of amusement galloped down the dirt path from somewhere behind me, and for some reason I was endowed with a bone-tingling chill. The sounds were feral. Like madmen beating down a helpless family… and enjoying every second of it.

I didn’t have the strength left in me to turn around, but I need not, for I could hear them approaching at a rapid pace. The dull clap of a group of enormous creatures’ hooves shattered the fiery atmosphere. Only when the noises were right behind me did I turn to look.

There were four of them. Each of the creatures rode atop their own respective Tauros, all of which looked like they had been plagued by a case of mange. The bull Pokemon all appeared famished, for racks of ribs poked out awkwardly against flaccid skin that hung around their frames in clumps. They all wore vicious expressions, and there was something about them that made me think that they were nothing more than tools, animals used for transport. They just didn’t seem to have any wisdom about them. And the Pokemon that mounted them didn’t look any better.

There were two Sneasel, and momentarily I wondered how they, as Ice types, must be feeling now under this baking sun. Tattered ruby feathers stuck straight from their backsides, and clawed hands flexed menacingly. They looked extraordinarily similar, and I could only guess that they were brothers, twins perhaps. Something was off about the pair, though. I couldn’t put my finger on it, for my mind was held in a clutch of apprehension, but it might have had something to do with the fact that their teeth glimmered with a red substance. I put it out of my mind.

I peered over the heads of those two to glimpse the most diminutive of the four, a female Nuzleaf that sat proud atop her Tauros near the rear of the group. Humble breasts hung, exposed, from her chest, and the leaf atop her head, which was brittle and brown, swished lazily before her face. Her eyes were wild, and they induced within me a great fear. There was a maniacal quality about this one, more so than her companions. She surveyed me with a certain suspicion and licked her lips with a sickening purple tongue. That act did nothing to lift my dread.

And finally, the most massive of the bunch was the Cacturne that roosted, his back straight, on the Tauros at the very front. I detected a certain superior air about him. Already, from only a moment’s speculation, I was able to determine that he was the leader of the pack. The cowering way the others watched him strengthened this thought. The Cacturne was intimidating; his arms were clothed in a suit of long, barbed spikes, and he seemed right at home in these blazing temperatures. His enormous tawny eyes peered into my own, and I stood stock still. It was as though he was looking into my very soul, as though to determine my intentions. I was frozen in awe, in horror.

I didn’t dare speak, but instead listened as the Cacturne’s lips parted and a smooth, incredible voice poured out. I was so dumbfounded that such a beautiful, unbroken voice could come from such a horrid creature that I barely noticed that he had spoken the words, “Well, what do we have here?”

[Draco Boy 0]

Turg (Charizard)(Triad Converter)
Talonica
The Sapphire Front
Itikka/Talonica Border

As Krynn flew away, Turg smiled. He grabbed the waterskin passed to him and drew in a large amount of the restorative drink inside. When he finished, he wiped his mouth off and threw the skin back to the healer of his squad. He roared and flew into the air. He soon spotted another Scyther flying through the air. He sped towards him and rammed his blade into the stomach of the suprised enemy. He then brought his sword back and sliced off the head of the Beedrill that had come to attack. He turned when he heard the twang of many bowstrings and dodged the volley of arrows sent towards him. He sent a quick Flamethrower and turned back to dispatch a wing of Yamna that were dropping things onto his allies. Turg then flew up high into the sky and prepared one of his strongest attacks. He found a large group of Itikkan soldiers and flew towards them as fast as he could. When Turg was halfway to the ground, he became enveloped in fire, using his Flare Blitz move. When he impacted on an extremely suprised Ivysaur, there was a small explosion on the ground.

As the smoke cleared, Turg stood up from the small crater and roared loudly. He charged out of the smoke, only to see the enemy forces retreating. He threw his head back and roared in triumph, reveling in the fact that they had won the battle. He flew up into the air and swooped down towards a squad of healers. He grabbed a few wineskins and began looking for any injured Talonicans. Whenever he found one, he sent up a plume of fire and stayed with the wounded soldier until a healer arrived, easing their suffering with the soothing liquid in the skins. Once he had covered a good sized portion of the field, Turg began helping or carrying those that needed assistance to reach the back of the battlefield. On one of those trips, one of the members in his squad, an Infernape that had gone through training with Turg, who now sported a bandage on his head, came over and releived him of his burden, saying,

"Your family finally caught up with us. They keep asking about you, and we all know how those two worry." Turg nodded and siad,

"Thanks for the info. I guess I'll see you afterwards then." With that, Turg took off into the air. He could easily recognize the herd that his family had taken care of when the army marched, and he headed there. When he landed, Torth waved from the strays he was rounding up, and Nydi jumped down from the wagon, rushing over to her older brother and jumping into his arms. Even though Turg was still covered in blood, dirt, and the general grime of war, the young Chimcar didn't care, she was just happy to see her brother. Turg put down his swords and shield, and put his younger sister onto his shoulders. She squealed with joy as Turg stood up and picked up his discarded weapons. She leaned forward and asked Turg,

"Did you kill a lot of people today?" Turg grinned and said,

"Of course I did, I always do whenI know that you two will be joining me afterwards." The young girl smiled brightly and hugged her brother's neck. Turg looked up as Torth ran up and jumped onto his brother, causing Turg to lose his balance and fall onto his side. Nydi giggled as she got up, and Turg couldn't help but join in as he lifted his excited brother up as well. He jumped up and quickly grabbed his sword from Nydi's grasp, saying,

"You know the rules." Nydi folded her arms and pouted, saying,

"I only wanted to look at them." Torth snorted and said,

"No you didn't, you wanted to try and cut something. Your too young and you know it, and now your just being a baby, isn't that right Turg?" Turg turned to look at his younger brother and said,

"Your still not allowed to use them either." Torth looked at his brother with his most polished "pretty please" look and said,

"But I'm fourteen now. You were handling swords when you were my age, I remember." Turg shook his head and said,

"Yes, but I understood how dangerous they are, so I wouldn't have played with them. You will. And don't even try to say that you won't." Torth stamped his foot into the ground and said,

"Oh come on! That's no excuse." Nydi looked at him and said,

"Now who's being a baby? Huh?" Torth started to move towards her, and she ran behind Turg, just like she had with their father. Turg glared at his younger brother, who backed down. Nydi stuck her tongue out at Torth, which earned her a nice little flick on her forehead from Turg. While she rubbed her forehead and put out her lower lip, Turg led them back to the wagon that the military had provided for them. He shurgged off his curiass and put it up against the wall. Turg then layed out his swords and shield, and handed some cloth to his siblings. Torth picked up the heavy shield and began to clean the face of it. Nydi quickly cleaned what was on the curiass, and Turg soon wiped his blades clean and made sure that nothing was in the sheaths before putting them back on his belt. he pulled off his mail shirt and jumped outside. He hung it up on a hook hanging a ways from the wagon itself, and he breathed a stream of heated air at the shirt. All of the sweat and blood evaporated, and it was a simple matter to wipe off what was left. He opened up a trunk the wagon and put his shield and curiass into it. He then closed and locked it, putting the key in the bag that hung from his belt. He grabbed his mail shirt and put it back on. He jumped out of the wagon and helped Nydi down as Torth jumped back down. The two brothers made sure that the cattle were taken care of before the three siblings moved into the camp. When they reached it, Turg knew that he would soon have to report to his commander, so he decided to get it over with. He turned to his brother and gave him a bag of coins, saying,

"Alright, go and buy us the usual." After he nodded, Turg looked down at Nydi and said,

"Don't pester Torth to buy you things that you don't need. As in; no candy! You get enough from the women here." Nydi just looked up innocently and said,

"I can't help it that I'm soo cute." Turg shook his head and sent the two off on their way. He walked to his squadleader's tent and knocked on the post at the door. The commander grunted and said,

"Come in." Turg walked in and saluted the Junior Dragon, saying,

"Seed Turg reporting, sir! His commander, a surely looking Garchomp, returned the salute and asked,

"Why are you here?" Turg dropped into his "at ease" position and said,

"I'm here for my debriefing sir." The Junior Dragon nodded, and asked,

"Alright, then, I do have a question for you. Why the hell did you continue to leave your squad?" Turg swallowed and replied,

"With all due respect sure, I could always see my unit, and I was taking out a good majority of the airborne targets. I was alos keeping watch for-" The Garchomp slammed his fist on his desk and said,

"Damnit Turg, why do you think we have airborne troops and scouts. You are stretching yourself out too much, trying to do multiple jobs at once. Next time, you need to follow your training." Turg bristled at the mention of his training, and he snarled, asking,

"Permission to speak freely sir?" The Garchomp looked at him and nooded, indicating that he could. Turg took a deep breath and said,

"Sir, I was trained as an elite trooper. I was taught to take on any situation, to be able to complete any mission, I am only putting my training to good use." The Junior dragon snarled and said,

"I don't care what you were trained for Seed, I expect you to follow orders. I will tell you when my orders are subject to change, and unless I do, you will follow them to the letter. Am I clear?" Turg swallowed his pride and said,

"Crystal, sir." Seeming satisfied, the Garchomp sat back down, dismissing Turg. He saluted again and walked out of the tent. When he was far enough away, Tutg began to mutter a string of curses to himself as he walked through the camp. When he met up with his sibilings, he had already vented enough to put on a happy face as his younger sister ran up to him with a smile on her face. He picked her up and she ran up onto his shoulder. She sat there, hanging on his neck with one hand, and holding a string of licorise with the other. Torth came up with a bag and when Turg looked at him, he said,

"I don't know where she got it. I went to buy us some meat, and when I came out, she had a three pieces." Turg looked back at his sister and she said,

"This one is mine, Torth has yours." Turg raised an eyebrow and looked back at the young Charmeleon and held out his hand. Torth reached into the bag and pulled out a long rope of licorise and handed it to Turg. Turg turned to his sister and said,

"What do I say about charity?" Nydi sighed and said,

"Don't take it for granted and don't take it unless you need it." Turg pointed at her and asked,

"And did you need it?" Nydi took another bite and quickly swallowed before saying,

"Well I was hungry." Both Turg and Torth laughed at that point as thay walked back to their wagon.

[k_pop]

Krynn the Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Sapphire Front
battle at Itikkan border

Circling over the battle, Krynn kept an eye out for her allies. She saw the Charizard who helped her before, fighting alongside a group of soldiers. The sun glinted off Valin's twin blades as she caught sight of him battling skillfully on the ground. Swinging out across the field, she picked off the remaining aerial fighters who were harrassing the ground troops, each enemy appearing at the end of her arrow as if she were right beside them. Feeling that the battle was indeed beginning to wane, she made certain that her non-fatal strikes caused only enough damage for the Pokemon to stop fighting.

Jayx did not have to travel far for her targets to be in sight. The Furret's range was as far as her bow could shoot. Like many archers, she had carved the recurve spine herself from maple, completing the frame with Stantler horn and silk. Even though her limbs were longer than a normal Furret, she still had a disadvantage with drawing a bow. To compensate for this, her more compact bow had more flex and tension to create a longer shot for less draw.

The Flygon she rode was creating problems for the enemy as well. Jayx was using Supersonic to confuse many fighters and his Sonicboom knocked back those who continued to pursue the Talonicans. "Some of them don't want to give up, do they?" He called back to his rider.

Krynn heard someone call a retreat. "Maybe not." Groups of Itikkans were beginning to retreat away from the line. As they did, Talonicans also fell back to take care of the wounded. "C'mon," she said. "There are still a couple skirmishes on the line."

Grinning, Jayx dropped lower. "Alright, let's see if we can't scare em off the field then."

Most of the fighters were beginning to back away. Searching wide, she spotted a Delcatty and a Ledian. The cat Pokemon had many scratches on his hide and was being pressed down by Silver Wind. "That way," she said pointing. "Let's go Jayx!" The Flygon sped off, and as soon as he was close enough, fired a Dragonbreath, intercepting the bug's attack. The startled Ledian looked up to see an arrow trained on her forehead. "Enough!" said Krynn calmly. "Can't you see everyone is retreating to lick their wounds?"

The Ledian's jaw was set firmly as she narrowed her eyes. Krynn thought she was about to attack again when, "Hey! Take it to your own side!" The bug's gaze shifted down to the Flygon who had yelled at her. She curled her lip, but none-the-less, turned and started to buzz back to her army.

Krynn let her arrow go slack and jumped off the Flygon. She checked the Delcatty who was panting from exhaustion, but still thanking her. Once again, she could only shake her head as she looked him over. "Jayx, see if you can find some help. I think he has a broken leg." Her mount nodded and zipped away to find an able-bodied Pokemon. She watched him go, then reached down and pulled a dried Oran berry from the pouch at her waist. "Here, this will help you feel a little better."

He took it gratefully. After swallowing the dry berry, he sat up, favoring his back leg. The Delcatty winced, but as he looked past Krynn, his eyes went wide. She saw the look before he could give a warning and nocked an arrow as she spun, but was struck in the shoulder before turning the whole way. Yelping, she dropped the arrow, her whole right arm numb from the Mach Punch that had knocked her back. Growling, Krynn glared at the Ledian who had turned back. She dodged an Ice Beam from the Delcatty as her fist began to glow with Focus Punch, then sped towards Krynn. Releasing the bow, she reached across her chest to draw Zankio with her left paw.

Just before the effective attack reached her, a green streak tackled the bug. Krynn looked over to where Jayx had the Ledian pinned on the ground, killed by the Dragon Claw that slammed into her. "Big mistake," he snarled, withdrawing his glowing claws. Krynn released her grip on the swordhilt, as well as the breath she had been holding. Jayx turned and walked over, concerned. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. Thank you Jayx."

He smiled a little. "Didn't I tell you, you would get in trouble without me?" The Furret couldn't help but laugh as she nodded.

A tough looking Primeape with a war-hammer on his back, came trotting up. Helping the Delcatty to his feet, the fighting Pokemon supported him. Krynn thanked him for that Ice Beam. The Delcatty smiled. "I was only trying to return the favor." The two Pokemon turned and walked away slowly.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Krynn reached down to pick up her bow, then looked at her friend. "I think so," she replied. She winced as she attempted to flex her shoulder. "My whole arm is numb from that punch. I'm lucky my shoulder wasn't dislocated." She sighed. "I may heal fast, but I'll definately have a deep bruise from that."

Jayx cringed. "Oh no! That means..." The rider nodded. "Ugh! Not that nasty paste again? That stuff reaks! Not to mention making your skin burn and crawl." He shuddered and shook his head in distaste.

Favoring her right arm, she mounted up. "Unfortunately, pop's mix is the best stuff I know for healing deep bruises. Either way, I have to avoid anymore archery today. C'mon." Jayx gave a few short beats, then jumped into the air, wings beating faster. The field was almost clear, as both factions took their sides. It was clear though, that neither force would be leaving the area anytime soon.

Looking around Krynn spotted Valin flying over the main force. "Looks like he's leaving."

Jayx turned that direction and flew to catch up, almost dislodging his rider who was not expecting it. "Hey! You leaving?" he called.

Pulling up beside the large Pikachu, Krynn noticed the end of his tail was bandaged, but that the cloth was bloodsoaked. Is it still bleeding? she thought. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out a small, round container made of copper. "Don't know if you need it, but this salve helps open wounds to heal faster. It's mostly aloe, but it also has certain berries crushed into it, and some herbs that are antiseptic. They'll keep away infection." Without thinking, she tossed it over to him, wincing again as a pain shot up her arm. "You can take that one with you, I have more." She tried not to clench her teeth as she spoke, but did not have much luck. I have to get this shoulder taken care of quick, or I won't be able to fire.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Greenshore, Indigo Tropics

More and more forces seemed to be spilling into Greenshore, almost giving it the impression that Maxal was trying to make his final stand there. But I couldn’t tell if this was really a decoy or what. And if we were trying to trap Talonica’s forces in Greenshore, how would we stop them by leaving from ship?

And then, it hit me. I knew I was only an Oak-ranked soldier, but I suddenly realized what was going on. It was a very deadly trap, and Talonica seemed to be falling right into it. Krana was sending scouts out, but not in the form I thought they were! It was a far more clever set up, and for every Talonica soldier that entered into Greenshore, they were only digging deeper into the trap hole we had set for them.

“The wagons are almost on their way.” Krak told me, looking into my eyes, “I swear, Tyrec, you’re different from all the other Oaks. Anyway, if you’ve figured it out, I think you’ll know what those wagons are carrying.”

I had a good idea. I wasn’t going to say it out loud, but I had a reason to believe it connected with the stalemate setup we were supposed to keep here. From what I figured out, Krak would receive one last messenger notice before we were supposed to take action. But the real question was… would it work? I didn’t know for certain, but it would work wonders if the plan really did. And even if it didn’t completely work, it would have to be helpful and effective in some way or another.

I had a strong feeling Greenshore wasn’t going to attack. There was no reason why they would leave behind the safety of their walls and defenses to risk running into a “two-thousand Pokémon” ambush. I then realized why Krak wanted me to lie to them. Still, as we waited and hid, more Pokémon from Talonica flooded into Greenshore, filling the town with more soldiers that now resulted in us being outnumbered. As I remembered from history, an attacking force that was smaller than a defending force almost never won. However, there was truth that not all of Greenshore’s defenders were as equipped and trained as we were. Some of them were… civilians. I couldn’t help but shake my head in frustration and disappointment. I highly doubted Krana would put weapons in the hands of women and children and expect them to fight. Still, what could I do if I had to face ten armed children rushing to me at once? If I didn’t defend myself, the ten of them working together could bring me down. But if I fought back… what a cruel thing it would be. I would have to fight them without killing them. Jabbing them with the other side of the spear and knocking them unconscious was the only way I could think of doing it.

Meanwhile, I looked at Greenshore’s walls and saw there were so many archers. Arrows would fall like a cascade of rain down upon us, and they could likely have three quarters of our force killed before we even reached the walls. And even if we reached the walls, what would we do? It was clear that we shouldn’t be attacking. So obviously we were here for some other purpose.

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Greenshore

Half an hour came. Half an hour went. There was no attack on Greenshore.

"So they were bluffing," Auron remarked to one of the archers stationed on the wall.

"Yeah," the nervous Kricketune replied. "Good thing, huh?"

Auron nodded. "Well, see ya later then." Wings singing, he took off back to the town hall.

"The reinforcements from Talacola have arrived by sea, sir," a Vibrava was telling Lucke. "250 archers, 200 melee units, and 50 flying units. They've also brought siege weaponry with them: Two trebuchets. Talacola won't send any more troops unless we really need it for fear of depleting their own defense force. "

Lucke breathed a sigh of relief and annoyance. The reason for his relief was obvious. But his annoyance was at Talacola's refusal to send more reinforcements. Talacola was one of the three largest cities in Talonica, and it was a fortress of a city. For centuries it had been protected from an overland assault by the mountain range sitting across the penisula. For that same reason, Talacola's navy was supreme, for it was the main method of getting supplies to the city.

"It doesn't look like we'll be needing them though. It looks like Krana was bluffing about their 2000 men force." He scratched his chin. "Still, I don't like how they're just sitting out there. They're up to something. Junior gatekeeper!" Lucke shouted.

A Dratini slithered over. "Yes sir?"

"Has anyone been let through the gate?"

The Dratini shook its head. "No, sir. It's been kept closed, as per your orders."

Lucke nodded. "I don't like this." He turned to the Vibrava. "Station half those reinforcements at the docks. They may try an amphibious attack, and the docks are the only other way into the town. Keep the rest of them in the city as a reserve. Get the siege weapons to the front of the city."

"Sir, our Kecleon scout just reported back. He says he's discovered at least one of the enemy camps. However, he only stayed long enough to confirm it was a Krana camp, and has no idea how large it is." There was only one Kecleon in the entire town, and his ability to become almost invisible was invaluable as a spy. Too important to lose. Other Pokemon, mostly small bug types that would be extremely difficult to notice in a forest, had been sent out as well. (they were sent out via rope ladders dropped from the wall)

Lucke nodded again. "Good." Then he smiled an evil ghost smile. "Maybe we can convince them that staying isn't worth it."

Auron watched them set up the trebuchets at the eastern side of the city, fascinated by the process. It didn't take very long, only several minutes for them to finish piecing the things together. Then a large rock was placed in the slings.

Auron flittered up to the wall to see where they were firing. He had heard the scout's description of where the camp was supposed to be. Two trebuchets couldn't do much damage to a sparsely-populated camp, and this might not even be their main camp. But maybe the bombardment would convince them to leave.

Maybe I can help, Auron thought, remembering a Starblazer power than his parents told him about. He had been itching to try out it when they told him about it, but he never did due to the collateral damage it supposedly did. But now was a chance.

There were two loud whumfs as the trebuchets launched their payloads. The rocks crashed into the forest, snapping trees like twigs. Several bird Pokemon took to the skies in alarm.

Auron marked where the rocks had landed, then closed his eyes and breathed deep. Reaching up into the skies with that inner flare, he reached out and pulled down the biggest star he could summon.

"What the- look! What is that!" someone was saying.

Auron opened his eyes and looked up. A huge, blazing comet, leaving a ghostly trail of blue flame in its wake, was falling through the sky, bright enough to be seen in daytime. An eerie silence fell over the town as everybody was captivated by the sight. As the comet fell, it seemed to grow faster, and faster, until there was a tremendous sonic boom. A second later the comet smashed into the forest at the location where the trebuchets had launched their rocks. The ground shook, and a hole opened in the forest canopy as the comet obliterated everything in a 50 foot radius.

"Holy cow," Auron breathed. A tiny voice in the back of his head hoped he had missed.

(Comet Cooldown: 3)

[Charizard Michelle]

OOC:

Been waiting for Slishpie but meh.

Also this weekend I will be busy at an anime con so yeah. Don't expect much posting from me.

IC:

Mala Advent the Absol says, "Stop following me you prev!"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala with some othe pokemon began to get off the boat at Garlakal. Many seem a bit displease with what happen and just wanted to get off. Mala just smiled as she waved good bye to her waiter 'friend'. The smeargle then smiled and walked off towards the city. Mala then waited for her chance and saw that nobody was looking or noticing her. It wasn't really that hard to do since she was in the middle of a huge crowd.

Mala then took one step and quickly found herself into an alley without anybody of those rich looking pokemon noticing her. Mala then used her bloodline trait and the lines that appeared before reappear and then glowed brightly and Mala began to change form. The glow then subsided and the lines on her body were rearranged and then disappear.

Mala smiled widely to be glad in her normal body. She then ripped the clothing off and fitted her gloves back to how they were before. She pulled out her pink-tinted sunglass out of their hiding place and put them back on. "Back to business as they say in a place called ireland."

Mala then jumped up to the roof top by bouncing off the walls. She was thinking about the new conversion she just recieved and was coming up with ideas as to how to use it. Smeargle had no battling prowlness outside how they use Sketch. The idea of the technique was intresting since they can copy anymove that a pokemon can use. The question was which ones. Mala remember she could use Sketch a few times on the boat but to copy just such lame attacks that were pointless compare to her own was just a funny thought beyond Mala.

Mala then soon found herself on the outskirts of the bad part of Garlakal. The feel of the city's scumland was something that Mala relish as if it was an old home that didn't involve killing. She jumped from one top to another using Razor Wind to stay afloat for the long hops. She then saw a murkrow and said, "You." The murkrow looked at Mala with surprise.

"Yes! I have risen and will tell you how to set up something bigger then you have imange!" said Mala.

The Murkrow looked at Mala and said, "I thought you were captured!"

"Nope! I was able to get out. It just took a while." smiled Mala. She then winked at the murkrow and said, "I am guessing the goods got home safety."

The murkrow nodded. He then began to flap harder to avoid Mala's Razor Wind being released. Mala landed in an alley and hid in the darkness with a smile on her face.

[Bryce]

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
Middle of Nowhere - Crescent Moon

“W- What?” I stammered. I cringed inwardly at how childish, terrified, the voice sounded out in open air. My eyes were still locked upon the engaging pupils of the Cacturne, and I witnessed a slow smile creep across his lips, tugging at the corners of his mouth until he burst into a fit of raucous laughter. It was booming and incredibly appealing, like the most wonderful music blaring through a trumpet. I wanted nothing more than to be lost in that sound for all eternity, but my dream was shattered as the other Dark types joined in. Their own outrageous chuckles and chortles were awful noises, like screeching in my ears. I winced as the female Nuzleaf opened her mouth and let loose one of the most horrible giggles I’d ever had the misfortune to endure.

The Cacturne slipped down from his perch atop his Tauros and sauntered over to me. It was all done in such a fluent motion that I had to blink twice before realizing that he was in front of me. He eyed me suspiciously, but amusement still clung to his features. “I said, what do we have here?”

I summoned -whatever courage remained in me and answered. “I-I’m Tegan. A simple Nuzleaf, as you can see.”

This brought on another fit of laughter, and I wondered why. I hadn’t intended to be humorous in any way, shape, or form. I suddenly felt pathetic. As though I were the kid who had walked around school the entire day with a piece of food stuck to his forehead without knowing.

“You’re a little stuttery, aren’t you?” The Cacturne grinned, which induced even further embarrassment upon me. Suddenly his face got very serious. “And where you might be going on such a fine day as this?” His eyes locked into mine again, and I was dumbfounded for a moment, scouring my mind, trying to draw forth my purpose in being on this road today.

“Oh, umm, just… walking.” It had seemed like a brilliant retort in my mind, but I realized how foolish it really sounded. Expecting another chuckle from the Cacturne, I looked down at the ground. But it didn’t come. Gazing back into his face, I noticed that it had retained its solemn quality. He looked quite angered. My heart stopped.

“Oh, is that so? Just walking, huh?” A snarl mounted his face. I shirked away, the hairs on my arms standing straight. “And why the bloody hell aren’t you following orders?!? The shout sent me scrambling back a few feet, and I heard the quiet traces of laughter coming from the two Sneasel and the other Nuzleaf.

“Err – Orders? … Sir?” I hadn’t meant to add the ‘sir’ part onto the question, but it seemed fitting in a situation like this, where a massive Cacturne stood before me, perfectly able to strike me dead with a single blow.

He gazed into my eyes for a good five minutes then, and gradually the fury drained from his face, replaced by a certain understanding, like the way a father would look at a child that had misbehaved, but didn’t know any better.

“You mean, you’re not part of the cult?” His voice was soft, and the angelic melody returned. It was dreamy and beautiful once more, not terrifying and horrid. I gave him a questioning look, which seemed to all but completely confirm that query. “… But you’re a Dark type, aren’t you? I thought we’d recruited all of them in this area.” He turned and shot a suspicious, perplexed look at the other three, who simply shrugged. “You’ve heard of the Night Cult, surely?” He was talking to me again.

“In all honesty, no… Are y’all a part of the Krana military or something?” I asked, progressively becoming more comfortable around these creatures… well, the Cacturne at least. The other three still sent a shiver down my spine.

“Uhh… Sure.” The Cacturne sounded unsure for a second. “Of course we are! Ain’t that right, guys?” He turned to the pair of Sneasel and the other Nuzleaf, who nodded enthusiastically.

“And I’m Kansas. It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” He thrust out a thorny hand in my direction, and I shook it timidly. Even from such a brief touch, blood trickled from my fingers. I found that remarkable – and horrifying. “And these two numbskulls here are Lutis and Vutis,” he revolved once more, pointing in the direction of the twin Sneasel, who were arguing amongst themselves childishly.

“And this one yonder,” he now directed his finger at the female Nuzleaf, who grimaced down at us. “Her name’s Jade. She’s a bit of a feisty one; it’s best to keep on her good side. She’s got a mean Faint Attack, nearly took my leg off this one time she got in one of her moods.” Kansas chuckled at something in his memory. I just stood there looking dumb. Jade glared at him, then turned her nose into the air and looked off into the distance at nothing in particular.

“Could we give you a ride somewhere? I’d really like to get to know you more; you seem like an interesting little fella.” Kansas smiled at me, and I smiled back in the only act I knew. He was toxically pleasing in his confident manner.

“Umm..” I thought for a moment. I really had no clue as to where I was heading, and these guys seemed nice… well, Kansas did at least. “Yeah, that would be great!”

“Well, alrighty then!” Kansas hollered gleefully. “You can ride with Jade there.” He nodded at the Nuzleaf, and she gave him a look of utmost loathing. Her eyes blazed with hatred, and it was almost as though it radiated from her very being, for it suddenly seemed like the temperature had risen twenty degrees. But she didn’t object, and I figured that was probably due to the stern look Kansas bestowed upon her, which could have withered a tree.

I shuffled over to Jade’s Tauros and hoisted myself up, with no help from her.

“Touch me and your head is gone,” she hissed quietly at me. My stomach hurt something terrible, but I swallowed and nodded at her. She glared for a moment more, then turned back to gaze forward as the four Tauros dashed onward.

I sat back on the haunches of the bull Pokemon and tried my best, despite the constant rocking and jostling of the running mount, to keep from touching my riding partner. I had no intention of losing my head on this afternoon.

[KOR]

Arkael (Infernape-Starblazer)
Talconia
Greenshore

Arkael was posted at Greenshore to watch for attacks from Krana. Every faction was fighting on two fronts and couldn’t afford to lose ground in either. It would be a costly war and Arkael was willing to fight through all of it. It wouldn’t be long that Greenshore and its citizens would be under attack by Krana. His weapons and armor were always ready as he waited for news of an imminent attack. Then word came that Krana soldiers were outside Greenshore, ready to attack at a moments notice.

Arkael was not a leader, just a fighter. He stayed and waited for more news to come in. A messenger from Krana said they had 2,000 soldiers and asked for the civilians to leave. This would only put a dent in Greenshore’s forces. But it seemed impractical. Why would 2,000 soldiers be dedicated to this one place when there was a more important battle on the Sapphire Front.

Greenshore was a vital place of importance. Its strategic placement was perfect for a naval assault and it would allow an easy foothold into Talconia. Both sides would fight viciously for it. However, 2,000 soldiers weren’t worth it. More soldiers flooded into Greenshore. It wouldn’t be long before the city would be packed with soldiers.

He left his small building and observed everyone as the mass amount of archers along the wall would devastate any invading force. Apparently someone had discovered that there was a force just outside of Greenshore and ever since then reinforcements came to Greenshore with haste. Arkael saw two trebuchets that were being built.

It would be a massacre. As soon as the thought rolled into his mind the sound of the trebuchets firing echoed in the air as the payloads flew into the forest, shaking the ground underneath. But, that wasn’t the end of it. He recognized the figure in the sky. It was a huge flaming meteor. That was the same ability Arkael could use. He was astonished and angered. He didn’t know there was another Starblazer a huge flaming meteor. That was the same ability Arkael could use. He was astonished and angered. He didn’t know there was another Starblazer here, but it was too early to use ability like that. Once it hit the ground, it shook furiously and Arkael almost fell off his feet. There was almost no way to find out who shot the star, but he would eventually reveal himself.

[Dragoness]

The lovely Rapidash Jade (Starblazer) and the sweet little Dragonite Kaci (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
In travel to/arriving at Greenshore
~~~


Some of the small troop coughed as Jade threw up dust nehind her. The rest of the troop, even Lieutenant Lightning, was far behind Jade. As she slowed down to let the troop catch up a bit, Jade couldn't help feeling smug that she was able to outrun the troop hands, or rather hooves down. The troop had been steadily traveling for about two and a half hours and were just entering into enemy territory--to her far right, Jade could just see a little peak of huge mountains. It was the Whitecaps, many miles away from the troop. They were in Talonica's territory.

The enemie's side of the land didn't look very different from Krana. They were still surrounded by open fields of wild grass and small, blooming flowers. It was still hot and the sun still shone down, making the grass and dirt warm. A large forest was off to the left, much like Krana's forests. Even the air carried a slight smell of Spring going into Summer. A pretty day, but it was ruined by the thought of war.

Jade sighed and layed down in the grass, resting as the troop finally reached her. "We're taking a five minute break," a breathless Lt. Lightning said. She sat down on the grass beside Jade and turned her dark purple eyes on her. "You can stay ahead of us, to keep an eye out for the enemy, but stay within eye range. It will be another hour before we reach Greenshore. Captain!" Lightning said, suddenly turning her interest on the fleet of flying Pokemon that had just started to land beside them. It was the second half of their force, about twenty-four flying Pokemon in all. Captain Neon nodded at Lightning before taking a swig of water from a small leather canteen he had strapped to him.

A Dragonite with muddy orange scales landed beside Jade. "How much longer?" he gasped as he swallowed a large amount of water from his own canteen.

"Lightning says about an hour," Jade replied to her beloved, gently nuzzingly him. Jade knew the flight would take a bit out of Kaci. He was a heavy, strong Pokemon and while he had been conditioned over the years (and especially over the last six months, when he and Jade had joined the Seeds of Vengeance) to long hours of flight, it still took a lot out of him.
-
Kaci smiled at Jade, but he did not feel like smiling. He knew she cared for him, but between the long flight, the possibility of battle and the heat of the day, he was plain cranky and her coddling was doing nothing for him. With a sigh, Kaci leaned back on the soft grass and closed his eyes.

After about ten minutes, the troop started to prepare for takeoff again. They had just finished gathering their basic supplies of food, water and medical things when a loud shriek came from the air. A large white and blue bird, with a massive yellow beak swooped down to the ground beside them. It was a Pelipper and it had the same thick leather armor that most of the flying Pokemon--save for a couple cloth armor ones--had on. Plate was a no-no as it would weigh the flying types down to much.

This Pelipper Jade and Kaci knew. He was called Lane and belonged to the messanger birds of the First Command Base. He carried in his beak a small piece of offical Krana military paper. Captain Neon walked swiftly over to Lane, took the paper and offered the bird Pokemon some water. As Lane swallowed greedily swallowed the water, Neon read the paper, his face growing concerned.

Abruptly turning to the troop, Neon spoke. "There is word that a larger than planned assualt on Greenshore is happening. There is also fighting near the Ittika border and we still need to keep patrols, extra troops and troops on the Prince. The force is being streached very thin right now." Neon glanced at them and than turned to Jade. "Jade, you are among the few Starblazers we have. I need you to go to Greenshore and see how bad it is there. Help them as best you can and tell them we will be there shortly. Also, warn them that a small force may try and come to Greenshore's defense. If we see the enemy, we will try to hold them off and make it as close to Greenshore as possible."

Jade nodded, her face growing somber. This news was bad. The military was indeed being streached in all directions. If someone attacked the palace, than they would be in for a rude shock at the highly traind forces there, but that still left small towns open to attack. If they got Greenshore though--that would be a good victory. Than they could move up the coast and take more of Talonica.

"Yes, Captain. I shall leave now then," Jade told Neon, pushing her body up on srong forelegs. Giving a smile to Kaci, she turned to him and whispered, "You're see me soon, dear." Kaci grinned, feeling a little less worried.

Facing the direction of Greenshore, Jade's body started to shimmer and than transform into a blot of blinding white and red light. It streaked through the forest towards their left, over the grassy hills and continued to soar through the air. Jade would be landing very close to Greenshore within seconds. Then she would probably just run for a minute or two until she was close to the troops. At least that was the plan...
-
As soon as Jade shot off like a small flaming rocket, Neon ordered everyone to head out. They all started flying and running to Greenshore, determined to reach there soon and help out their allies, friends and family members in battle.

[Bryce]

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
Middle of Nowhere - Crescent Moon

The ride was uncomfortable, to say the very least. The vigilance that was required to keep myself from touching Jade amongst the rocking and constant shaking of the Tauros was draining, not to mention the alertness that I had to keep when answering the questions that Kansas shot at me at random intervals.

They ranged from simple inquiries such as what I enjoyed to do in my spare time to complex topics like how I felt about the war that was taking place between the three nations. I answered as honestly as I could, somewhat anxious of giving the Cacturne a false reply. Knowing my luck, he could detect lies a mile away and would punish me physically in some way… But that was just my imagination running away with me again – I hoped.

Kansas explained the concept of the Night Cult carefully. “We’re here to help find an… immediate resolution to the war.” He’d said initially, and for some reason I detected a double-sidedness to that statement. I didn’t question the topic any further, instead letting myself fall into the belief that they were good guys. Scary, but good.

“The citizens of Ittika, Krana, and Talonica don’t know what is good for them,” Jade spoke, slightly surprising me. Her voice was wispy and scratchy and held a certain urgent attribute, like she was being rushed. “Their rulers are bent on nothing other than conquering the other two nations… We of the Night Cult can solve this problem.”

“P – Peacefully?” I stuttered the question, staring her straight in the face as we galloped ever onward down the dusty dirt path. She wasn’t as intimidating as Kansas, and for some reason I didn’t feel the need to cower before her.

“Sureee,” was her reply; I wasn’t so convinced.

I wasn’t aware that Kansas had been listening to the conversation until he turned and stared at me with a wary expression. “Look, Stammers, - you don’t mind if I call you Stammers, do you? –“ I shook my head no and he continued, “As long as you hang with us, you’ll be safe. You’re one of us now.”

Kansas probably figured that that declaration would soothe my worries, but it did quite the opposite. His words enacted no other feeling but a sudden urge to run from these creatures. I was now positive that they were not out to do the world any good; my insides squirmed.

I could feel all of their eyes on me – both Sneasels had turned and were now watching me, wide-eyed. Kansas continued to wear that wary expression, which didn’t even falter as he was tossed about on the back of his Tauros mount. Jade displayed the same I-swallowed-a-bug-and-it-tastes-very-very-disgusting face that she had shown since I had seen her for the very first time.

I kept my mouth shut for the next few hours as we hurdled down the stretch of road, choosing to simply stare off into the distance instead of continuing the conversation with these Pokemon. The sun gradually fell from its perch among the highest clouds to rest just near the tree-patterned horizon.

I was shaken from my conscious stupor when Kansas’ voice seized the air around me. “We’re coming upon a town; time for some fun, I reckon.” I didn’t dare question what this ‘fun’ would encompass, but knew one thing for sure.

I was about to make my escape.

[Hoshika]

OOC: I'm calling the island in the north between Krana and Itikka Northern Island. If the name should be changed, then feel free to edit my post so it fits.

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
Jasandax, Itikka

I flew to Jasandax as quickly as I could. The sun was near impossible to see through the cloud cover. Bird Pokémon picked their heads up from their afternoon naps in the treetops to stare at me. I've gotten used to it, anyway.

I glided into the court garden, where Overseer Nasta was waiting for me once again. His expression was more serious than it normally was. "Come with me," he said. "The meeting will start soon."

I jogged through the many hallways of the castle, going deeper and deeper into the ground until even the earth could be used as a room's walls and ceiling. The tunnels were lit by torches, and the walls were lined with stones. Nasta led me through a secret passageway by moving the rocks blocking its entrance. Inside, a single bright torch lit the dank room, a single wooden table sat in the center, and the Prince and the commanders of The Unity stood inside. A few Pokémon stood along the right wall, some nervous, some stern.

"Kokoro," said Prince Hartaasti, "I've selected you and other members of The Unity for a special mission."

"That is?" I asked. It occured to me that I forgot to add a "Your Highness" or something to that effect, but it didn't seem to bother him. The royal Scyther told me to stand along the wall.

"As you know, a small island in the north is split between our kingdom and Krana. The Itikkan town of Faren is situated there, and serves as our secondary source of weapon and armor-making material and, in the past, our most reliable connection with Krana. Up until now, there hasn't been much trouble between our kingdom and Krana there, but I have gotten a message recently that Krana's troops have begun to invade Itikka's section of Northern Island.

"You may also know that Kranian forces are invading the port town of Greenshore, in the kingdom of Talonica. I do not know how Krana managed to get so many troops to send everywhere, but I feel it would be best for some of our troops to secure our territory on Northern Island, if not take over the whole island."

"Prince Hartaasti," said a Blaziken to the left of me, "Why exactly is Krana attempting to capture Greenshore and Northern Island?"

"I believe that the fact that they are port-based areas has a strong effect on their plans. If those areas are taken by Krana, any ships in the ports at the time could might be taken as well. The opposition could disguise themselves as allies, enter other ports closer to the capital cities of Talonica and Itikka, and attack from there. Greenshore is also close to The Sapphire Front, so they'll be able to send more troops from a different angle to seize it."

Wait... it can't be possible that there's so many soldiers out there in the Kranian army, I thought. There was that group, though... uh... Blood Knights? Something like that.

"Also, in case your unit needs help, we will send the soldiers on the Sapphire Front to the areas surrounding Northern Island, who will prevent the deployment of any more forces from Krana. By then, the battle on the Sapphire Front will probably have ceased."

Overseer Sivallus wore a weary look as Prince Hartaasti continued speaking.

"I believe that you will be enough to secure Northern Island. I have hand-selected you from all the Pokémon in The Unity for this mission. Do you understand?"

I looked left and right at the nodding soldiers. "Uh, Prince Haartasti," I began to ask, "Itikka will not do so well without The Sapphire Front, I believe... and I noticed we weren't doing so well already when I last went th--"

"Needle Kokoro, I know that you were sent there to heal our Pokémon out on The Sapphire Front," interrupted the Prince. "You are a strong healer, are you not?"

"Y-yes, but--"

"The power you posess could mend even bones shattered into a thousand pieces perfectly!"

"My power is no--"

"Are you telling me that you did not perform the task you were assigned?!"

I paused to think. "Prince Hartaasti, I draw my power from the sun. The battlefield was covered with clouds, and barely any sun could pass through it... and I don't have unlimited stamina. There were so many injured soldiers out there, so I had to partition my energy to be able to help them all."

"You... we did not send as many troops as you claim. Only seventy Pokémon from Itikka entered the battle. It is not possible that so many could be hurt in a single battle." Hartaasti slammed his scythe onto the table in the middle of the room. "What did you do, heal the scum that belonged to the other wrecks they call kingdoms?!"

A lump formed in my throat, but I didn't dare say or do anything.

"Hartaasti, calm down," said Sivallus. "You are not listening to what you are saying... or what the Pokémon is saying, for that matter. It takes a lot of energy to be able to heal even ten Pokémon injured in war, and you cannot expect such a young one to be able to do that much."

Hartaasti speaks the truth... but so do you... why am I here in the first place? The Scyther I met down on the Front was more qualified than me.

"Hm," grunted Hartaasti, "No matter. I will send you all by air to Northern Island next morning. Whoever cannot fly on their own will get a Yanmega mount, and whoever does not own a weapon should go to the armory and search out the weapon that they desire, as long as it is something concealable. Get some rest before you leave."

"Yes, Your Highness," said the other soldiers, bowing. They marched out of the room in three neat rows. The Overseers and Prince Hartaasti proceeded to exit after them. Nasta slowed down to talk to me.

"Do not worry, the Prince has been worried about Itikka ever since word spread about the Greenshore situation. I trust you will do well and not get so nervous next time you speak." The Pinsir chuckled and left.

I stood in the underground chamber, alone. Things get creepy when you're alone... in a dark, damp room... without anybody to watch the torch...

Fwoof.

The flame on the torch behind me went out. Everything became dark and quiet, except for the sound of wind blowing past my ears... from where?

<Heh heh... scared, aren't you?> A voice emanated from the corner of the war room. It was impossible to see anything, even my own hand in front of my face. I tried feeling for the torch to light it with my Flamethrower.

<Are you scared, Kokoro?>

Where's tha torch?! ... Ah. My hand reached something carved out of wood, sitting on a stone base. I spit a small flame onto the torch. For a small moment, the fire burned, but the wind blew it out once more.

<Aww, you don't like the dark? There's nothing wrong with it, it won't hurt you... heheheh!> A dim, yellow light appeared in the corner of the room-- the same place the voice was coming from.

"Who are...?"

<You should remember me, Kokoro... I'll always be with you! Hahahahah...!>

The torch relit itself. I fell on my side, shivering. It was the voice I wouldn't forget, and yet, I didn't remember...

[Dr Scott]

Flynn Tidehunter (Slowbro) (Emissaries)
Talonica
Waters of Talonica - En Route to Greenshore
Joining the Crowd

We were still traveling, and the last time I checked with the first mate we were still a while away. The boat that was going the same way was already left far behind; the Dragon’s Plague was quick as well as almost empty, so we could move faster than most every other ship. Of course, the major disadvantage was that we didn’t have enough people to really board an enemy ship or get into a major gunfight, we just didn’t have the manpower.

Of course, I was sure that we would be able to find more crew members, it was just about finding the right place at the right time. The captain had a sort of charisma about him that any good leader did; he didn’t have the presence of a commander but he was easily able to draw like minded individuals to him and quickly turn them into loyal crewmen. He did it with me and I’ve seen him do it with others, there’s just no way that the boat would stay empty for too long.

But until then we were going to try to focus with land battles, which is of course what was leading us to Greenshore. I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that we were going to be late, but that didn’t really matter. The only thing that really mattered in a war was the ending, because as I heard it was the winner who wrote the history books. That made a lot of sense to me, because how could you write a book if you were dead? Of course, I wouldn’t be the one to write it, it sounded like a boring job to me.

Of course, it was sad that we’d be getting there too late to help save people. But, of course, it was impossible to really save warriors, because they’d just go right back to risking their lives. You could help them out for a while, which was nice, but you just couldn’t do anything that would really matter long term … unless of course they ended up crippled past the ability to fight. That was why I didn’t understand warriors, why would you want to do something that would end in your death for a job? I’d understand it as a necessity, but not as a job, but of course back then there wasn’t many much battles.

“Land hoy!” someone yelled, though I wasn’t sure who. It was probably Rilt, who constantly spent time in the crow’s nest. Still, it meant that our time on the ship was at an end, and battle time was almost here.

“Get your weapons ready,” captain said, “’cus we’re ready to do our part.”

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
En Route to Talacola
Gotcha!

We had gotten the message from command in Garlakal. Apparently, there was more to this whole situation than even I though. We were on watch as Greenshore was now brimming with reinforcements, now quadrupling more than what we had. Obviously, there was no way we could ever win this battle. However, Krak had another plan in mind. He was about to explain it until we were suddenly attacked out of the blue. A large stone launched form a trebuchet flew through the forest, ripping through the trees. I didn’t know what it was until I realized what launched it. There was no time to see if anyone was hurt…

We were in range…

“RUN!” Krak shouted to the others, “We’re in range, move away from the front!”

Everyone picked up what they could and ran. I knew we were out of archer range, but this… I didn’t expect. Everyone quickly moved away from the forest, and suddenly another stone ripped through the canopy of the trees. In the midst of the chaos, we heard a loud rumbling overhead, but we couldn’t turn back to see what it was. We continued running hard for another five chaotic minutes until we saw what must have been some kind of comet or meteor hit the forest… right in the area where we were originally positioned. It was an extremely close call.

“Eragh, those dishonorable bastards!” Krak shouted, “Talonica can’t fight a fair fight, can they?”

“I would assume not.” I replied, still breathing hard, “Well, we should at least be completely out of range now. But, that also means we’re quite a ways off. They might be thinking we’re going to be reworking our plan.”

We probably were out of range now, but now we couldn’t even see the town at all. Meanwhile, I wasn’t sure how many Pokémon were hurt by the attack, but I was hoping everyone managed to avoid that chaos. Still, Krak quickly looked at me, still regarding me like I was his second in command, even though I had no actual rank like that.

“We can use this to our advantage.” Krak told me, “We can use some of our fire Pokémon to make it look like that meteor caused a fire, and now its raging out of control. Everyone will be in Greenshore, but they won’t be able to leave, at least not until they have to work at putting out the fire. Meanwhile, I have a nice bit of news to share with you.”

I didn’t like the idea of burning the forest down, but it was likely that because of that meteor, it might just happen anyway. Still, I looked at Krak, wondering what was going on.

“The messenger came back.” Krak told me with a smile, “I’ll read the note to you.”

Commander Krak,

Well done diverging the Talonica forces! Our scouts reported that a significant increase of Greenshore defenses have been mobilizing across the land. As you reported, a large portion of Talacola’s defenses have migrated to Greenshore in preparation for your attack. As a response, naval ships from Garlakal and Darenkartha are on their way to attack the weakened Talacola. You and your forces are to head south to attack Talacola from the west, while our naval forces attack from the east. Reinforcements that are heading to your location will appear to be coming to aid the Greenshore assault, but really, they will be joining you in the assault on Talacola. Pass through the mountains and you should be able to avoid most surveillance. As ordered, prepare the fake encampment to throw off Greenshore’s defenses to make it appear you are stalling for time. It will give us the advantage we need to prepare a lethal assault on Talacola.

Your siege equipment will be brought to you on the western side of Talacola, past the mountains. Make haste while the defenses at Greenshore are preoccupied!

~Dandelion Hamil

“And that was probably sent out a few days ago!” Krak told me with a naughty smile, “We’re leaving a hundred Pokémon behind to keep the fires on the forest going while the others prepare the phony encampment. Greenshore’s defenders will be stuck there because of the fire, but they’ll think we’re waiting for it to die down before attacking! By the time they realize it’s a plot, it’ll be too late!”

“We must head to Talacola quickly then.” I told him, knowing we needed to use this to our advantage, “Chances are good the armada is on its way.”

“Hell yes it is.” Krak told me, “A big one at that. By the time Greenshore’s reinforcements try to mobilize once they realize they were conned, the Krana armada will be in formation and fully prepared for combat with their catapults and ballistae fully loaded. Not to mention, they’re expecting an attack on Greenshore at the moment. Talacola won’t suspect a thing!”

But, it was clear we needed to move quickly to take advantage of this rare opportunity. While thirty fire Pokémon stayed behind to churn up the fires to keep Greenshore’s defenses bound to the town, the seventy others prepared the fake encampments in a field that was far enough from the fires, positioned to appear as if we were lying in wait for the fires to die down before beginning the assault that would never actually happen. Right now, the fire Pokémon were focusing on the area around the meteor’s impact, and were making their way around it. The fires were quickly spreading, consuming the tinder-dry forest quickly and fiercely.

Without delay, the rest of us mobilized and headed south, using the cover of the forest fire to hide our passage south. With all the fire and smoke, Greenshore’s watchers wouldn’t be able to see us, and would still think we were out there waiting for the fire to die down as well as reinforcements. Their scouts might see the reinforcements heading south, but they would believe they were meant for the assault on Greenshore, and not Talacola. By the time they realized what really happened, it would all be too late…

As we marched on, I knew the assault on Talacola would be far greater than an attack on Greenshore. But now that the Garlakal and Darenkartha armadas were involved and prepared for both a naval invasion and a ground siege attack, Talonica would be at risk of suffering a menacing blow of defeat…

[Bryce]

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
The Village of Stump - Crescent Moon

We came upon the little village just as the sun slipped completely below the horizon and dusk seized the atmosphere. The sky was painted with a splash of orange and vivid pinks, but was tinged with a touch of pure black. No stars twinkled in the sky this evening, but the four Tauros we rode upon maintained their rocketing gallop with feet that were sure upon the ground.

Kansas was the first to slow his mount, digging his thorny heels into the flanks of the bull Pokemon he rode upon. It fell into a leisurely stroll, and the thunderous clap of its hooves ceased. Lutis, Vutis, and Jade followed suit, and soon we were sauntering through the massive oaks that marked the entrance to the village, which apparently went by the name of ‘Stump’. I scoffed.

“Are we resting for the night?” I asked, keeping my voice low so that the four of them couldn’t detect the anxiety. I had no intentions of staying with this pack for one more second, but I had to make sure that my escape was stealthy. There was no telling how these creatures would react to a Pokemon that tried to flee.

“Shh.. You’ll see,” Kansas answered in a subdued whisper. He scanned the surroundings with alert eyes; I looked too.

The town was small, even more so than Talc. The cottages that lined the streets were tiny, but well kept, making me believe that this wasn’t a poor village. It seemed more like a place where the rich could escape the pressures of daily life; a sort of vacation spot. Delicate vines climbed the little stone houses, and vast patches of wonderfully colored flowers bloomed from within their contained areas. ‘Stump’ definitely outlived its name; it was a very welcoming place – which sort of scared me, for I knew that this Night Cult that I was traveling with was up to no good whatsoever.

“Halt.” Kansas’s voice was barely audible among the empty streets; all of Stump’s citizens seemed to have retired to their homes for the night. “Ready yourselves.”

The two Sneasel slipped down from their mounts simultaneously, as did Jade, and all three began rummaging within their saddlebags, extracting everything from unlit torches to vials of some glistening cerulean liquid. They piled the supplies at their feet as Kansas continued to examine the village, taking a particular interest in the houses. He seemed to be scrutinizing its very structure… as if looking for a flaw.

“They won’t know what hit ‘em,” one of the Sneasel chuckled, watching the nearest building, as though mimicking Kansas, the Cacturne. He flexed his claws.

“You guys… what’s going on? Aren’t we just stopping to r – rest?” I questioned, but none of them paid me any attention; they were all so caught up in their preparations.

“Okay, guys, y’all know the plan.” Kansas was addressing his group of the Night Cult. “Jade and I will hold off whatever forces they may come with, while Lutis and Vutis, y’all will go in for the loot.” The three of his followers nodded in understanding. “And Stammers-“ Kansas turned to me, and I shuddered. “You keep the fires fueled with this here liquid,” he said, shaking one of the massive cerulean vials in my face. “All’s you gotta do is toss some of it on the buildings and they’ll flame up like fireworks on Prince Arnes’s birthday.” He fell into one of his hysterical, chilling fits of laughter, and the others followed suit. They were nothing but mirrors of the Cacturne.

“B – But…” My voice caught in my throat, choking me. But it was already too late to object. Kansas stalked forth to the nearest building and hurled one of the vials straight onto its roof. The sound of shattering glass was lost against the roaring of the flames that erupted from that very spot. The four maniacs of the Night Cult laughed for a second more, and then fell into action.

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica
En Route to Naruda
Kivistal

Before flying along, Krynn flew up on her Flygon next to us. She pulled out a round, copper tin. "Don't know if you need it, but this salve helps open wounds to heal faster. It's mostly aloe, but it also has certain berries crushed into it, and some herbs that are antiseptic. They'll keep away infection." Quickly, she tossed it over to me, wincing as she did so. "You can take that one with you, I have more."

I caught it easily and smiled. "Thank you, Krynn, this is much appreciated!" I said happily, opening it and unwrapping my tail. I started to apply the salve to my tail, feeling a relieving coolness start to spread over it. I re-wrapped it in a new cloth and stowed the tin away after closing it. "Good luck with your next mission, we must hurry!" With a last wave, Flin and I left Krynn and her Flygon behind.

The group was joined by the last aerial Indigo Dragon, and we flew south west towards Naruda. It wasn't anywhere near the border between Krana and Talonica, granted, but Senior Dragon Islandi, a powerful Wartortle, decided to check on the naval ships that had been posted there first. The ships there would be headed towards any shore battle with Krana, so it made sense.

Our group consisted of Senior Dragon Islandi, Drake Hemin a Golduck, Drake Jira a Pachirisu, Whelp Kan a Nuzleaf, and myself, all riding our respective armored Flygons. A group like this flying in the sky was a symbol of hope and victory for allies, and despair and defeat for enemies.

My tail still stung and bled, but it wasn't as bad as it had been, thanks to that salve that Krynn had given me. At least that coolness was still there, working to stop the pain the wound was causing me. Flin looked at my tail only twice but said nothing, probably seeing that saying anything about it wouldn't really do anything for it whatsoever. In the meantime, we began discussing about everything that had been going on since the war broke out only a month or so before. There had only been a few skirmishes, until that major battle today. It was unsettling how quickly things could escalate in this day and age.

Soon enough, we reached the port town of Naruda, a bustling city full of excitement. it may not be one of the three major cities of Talonica, but it was still a big city on it's own. It was a hotspot for performers who were just starting out, or even the more experienced ones. Everyone in Talonica knew that Naruda was a huge vacation spot to go to for fun. The Dawn of Flight Celebration there was said to match even the one in Vanral every year; hard as that was to believe, it was true. Naruda provided roughly 15% of Talonica's economy on it's own through pure entertainment. The design of the city was also interesting. It followed the curve of the peninsula, meaning very few of the streets running from one side of the peninsula to the other were straight; in fact, only the main road that lead from the north side of the city all the way to the ports had no curves in it whatsoever.

Suddenly, Islandi spoke up. "Alright, you four, follow me. We just need to check with the military outpost near the docks and check on their progress with everything. Then we'll head out to Talcados, and work our way along to Greenshore. With Rayquaza's blessing, Krana won't have started any sieges quite yet."

After everyone had nodded and spoken up in confirmation, she and her Flygon started on a steep dive, headed nearly straight down and aiming for the docks.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
En Route to Talacola

The travel to Talacola was going smoothly. Our trackers were counter-acting Talonica’s scouts, and were taking them out before they could report back to base. Meanwhile, I calculated that by now, the armada would be prepared to strike the now ill-prepared Talacola fiercely and powerfully. The port city of Sarage was also preparing Pokémon for a large land invasion. How large it would be, we didn’t know, but chances were good that the siege from all sides would be something Talacola would not be able to handle at all, especially now that their much-needed defenders were stuck in Greenshore, preparing for an attack that would never happen.

We could only see very faint traces of smoke in the distance now, but it was a clear and evident sign that the fires were still raging strong around Greenshore’s forests. The more and more we moved on, the less we saw until they were completely gone. We were heading closer and closer to Talacola, and soon, the epic assault of our lives would begin.

Passing through the mountains was making the trip’s progression a bit tricky. Some of the steep inclines forced us to go around, and some of the cliffs were simply impassible. It was a good thing we weren’t carrying any siege equipment with us, or else we’d have to abandon it or destroy it. Krak did the best he could to make sure we stayed on course, but the mountains made it a bit difficult to get around, and there were times when we had to go out of the way to progress forward. Pokémon with wings offered to help those that were having a tricky time scaling the mountains. There was one gap that we absolutely could not cross, and it had cost us some time to get flying mounts and other flying Pokémon to help those who couldn’t fly get across. Some of the heavier Pokémon needed multiple mounts, and it was a taxing ordeal to get them over the gap…

We continued on, trying to avoid the highlands as much as possible. The advancement was slower as a result, but the cost was worth it. I knew our force would be spotted eventually, but the real issue was when. If we could stay hidden for as long as we could, it would buy us valuable time.

It wasn’t long until we saw Krana ships in the distance, harbored on the shore in a hidden gulf that hid the ships from Talonica’s surveillance. Already, they were preparing catapults, ballistae, trebuchets, heavy battering rams, and siege towers to be used on the ground. The operation would likely be soon seen by Talacola eyes, but they would be horribly surprised, and they wouldn’t be prepared to fight off such a massive force on both sides.

“Well, g-day, Krak!” A jolly Delibird greeted Krak, our commanding officer, “Ye arrived a tad bit late, but hopefully that won’t weigh us down too much!”

“Glad you could join us, Kest.” Krak grinned, “How is the armada doing?”

“Oh lad, they’re on the verge of beginnin’ the assault!” Kest said with high optimism, “By the time the siege weapons are ready, the reinforcements for ye should be arrivin’ any minute!“

I knew Talacola would now be in a very dangerous situation. A large portion of their defenders would be missing, and even worse, they would be cut off from trying to help come back to the city to defend it. No warning would be of much help to Talacola now. The nation of Krana had full intentions of seizing the harbor city, and because Talonica’s armies fell for the fake attack, they would be paying a hefty price…

It wasn’t long until the reinforcement ships had arrived. As they stepped off the transport ships, we were now 1,000 troops strong to assault the western side of the city. Meanwhile, the armada and landers would be wrecking a menacing attack from the eastern shores.

“Krak, you’re in command!” One of the main captains of the reinforcements vessels, a Dusknoir by the name of Graze, told the Meganium commander, “I wouldn’t question that Talacola may have noticed our vessels. We have limited time before they prepare to try and counter our assault however they can!”

“We’d better move then.” Krak told the rest of us, “Men, we’re moving out! Take the siege equipment, we’re taking over Talacola in Prince Arne’s name! Glory to the future king!”

A cheer arose among the soldiers, and I shouted wildly to join in their jubilation. Many of our soldiers shook their weapons to the skies and roared loudly in triumph. After the morale-boosting jubilation, all able hands pushed the siege equipment forward, preparing to tear through or climb above the city’s walls. The rest of us marched on, standing proud and ready for a glorious and victorious battle. Weapons ready at our sides, we prepared to show Talonica the true might and brilliant strategy of Krana.

And soon, the city came into the distance. We knew no fear, no hesitation, and knew no surrender.

This day was ours.

[Mitsuzo-kun]

Khan the Croagunk
The Trinities: Triad Converter
Itikka
Whitecap, Itikka

I took one last look at the enormous mountain range that I was leaving behind, and turned away from it. It had been my home for 17 years, and now it meant almost nothing to me. Well, nothing compared to those I loved and treasured that I was also leaving behind.

There wasn’t really a choice in the matter. Since King Julican had died, all I’d worried about was the war that would soon follow, and how it would affect my family. My mother… So warm and loving. My father… So understanding and supportive. Both meant more to me than anything I’d ever possessed. The fact that we lived in Itikka meant very little to me in the way of patriotism. In my eyes, they were just as responsible for this war as Talonica and Krana. It wasn’t that I was willing to betray my homeland, just that I’d rather there be no fighting and a successor would be chosen peacefully.

“Okay, Khan, let’s go.” My train of thought was cut off by the words spoken by my best friend. Hora was clearly the leader out of us two. She was the one who made the decisions in the end. For a Kadabra, she was surprisingly headstrong, and this was actually a great thing for me. Unable to ever make decisions on my own, other than deciding to leave home and stop this war myself, she would always guide (more like shove) me in the right direction.

She would be accompanying me on my mission. Although she hated the war as much as I did, I couldn’t help but occasionally notice the excitement in her eyes at the mention of fighting.

If it came to a battle, she would definitely be the one leading the assault, and I’d be her flank for sure. I wouldn’t mind fighting alongside her. Heck, it might even be fun to watch her decimate those who try to decimate the peace among Kivistal.

“So I heard there was something going down in Talonica territory in the town of Talacola; some kind of attack, perhaps for land possession. We should check it out,” she suggested, which meant that we were going there whether I wanted to or not. I didn’t really mind where we went, as long as we had success and brought the war one stop closer to the end.

The thought of entering Talonica territory should really have scared the pants off of me, but it honestly didn’t. In all honesty, I wasn’t afraid of the dragons that roamed their land, or the thought of getting ambushed as we crossed the boundary that divided us apart. I was more focused on getting there. If I remembered correctly, the town of Talacola was right down south, and to reach it we either had to cross the water at Greenshore, or somehow scale the mountain range to get to the other side. I wondered what we would actually do once we arrived. If the battle was in progress, would we join in? We’d obviously support Itikka if they were involved, but what if it was Krana that was attacking? Who would we side with? If there were threats flying around, but no action happening, what could we do to prevent the need for violence?

“How soon?” I asked her.

“Hmm…” She paused for a moment, closing her eyes and concentrating hard. I could tell she was searching for when the strike would happen, although I was unsure whether she’d be able to tell. “I can’t see,” she muttered disapprovingly, as if scolding herself. “It’s pretty soon, but I don’t know the exact time. We’ll just have to try and make it there for as soon as we can.”

I nodded, understanding what she meant by that. Even though Kadabra were very agile and light on their feet, they weren’t exactly the best at covering distance. We would still go on foot, just not as we were.

I closed my eyes this time, and focused on my Triad conversion. It was like a rubber band that was wrapped tighly around me, but I could stretch it away from my body also with effort, to envelop somebody else in its area. I pushed with a big huff to extend my field far enough to include Hora – she wasn’t standing very near to me, and could have made this a lot easier. I could feel my limbs twitching slightly, though I didn’t know if these effects would be so noticeable on her body. A wave of heat surged throughout me, and I opened my eyes and squatted into a crouch. I leapt forward with great force, my body changing shape mid-stride. By the time my front paws were on the ground, I was lemon yellow, spiky, and in the form of a Jolteon.

Looking at Hora to check she was the same, I smiled briefly at the thought of running flat-out across the country as fast as I could. Hora looked almost identical to me, her jagged fur jutting out in complete disarray. “You can lead the way.”

[Dog of Hellsing]

OOC: I know the battle as pretty much ended, but I'm just using it as a means of jumping in XD.

***

IC: Kilia Ghosthorn (Absol; The Followed)
Talonica
Kivistal: Sapphire Front, Itikka/Talonica Border

I leapt into the air and twisted my lean body, completely dodging the crushing blow of the Rhyperior’s warhammer. The head of the massive weapon imbedded itself several feet in the blood-softened ground, leaving its owner momentarily vulnerable. Well, as vulnerable as a Rhyperior can be. I took advantage of my foe’s dilemma, opening my jaws wide as I exhaled a breath of bone-numbing coldness. The Icy Wind washed over the stone rhino; he shuddered as I landed on my paws, not hesitating for a second. The other was even slower now than he had been before, his muscles seizing beneath his rocky hide as the chill from my attack settled into his body.

I lunged forward and drew my head back, then snapped it forward and down. My horn whistled through the air, smashing into the stricken Rhyperior’s face a second later. Normally, the rock hide of one of his kind would protect him, but the deadly blade-casing on my horn easily broke through his natural defenses. The Pokemon roared in pain and fury as my horn bit deep into his face, opening a gaping trench that poured hot blood. As I rebounded from the attack, thrown back by my momentum, I executed an aerial flip and flicked my silver-encased tail up as hard as I could. The sharp, serrated metal tore through the flimsy chain mail the Rhyperior was wearing and opened yet another bloody wound on his chest.

I landed and didn’t stop. The Rhyperior was blind and injured; one of my comrades could finish him off. For now, I spotted another Talonican being besieged by three Itikkan soldiers. The Togetic was fighting valiantly against a Lucario and two Armaldo, but it was clear my fellow was outmatched. Even as I rushed over to help, one of the Armaldo slashed at the dainty Pokemon, catching the Togetic in the gut and ripping open a nasty hole. The Togetic gave a cry of pain and dismay as he was knocked to the ground, his small wings beating feebly as his lifeblood flowed from him.

“Nay!” I howled, executing a mighty leap that carried me nearly six feet forward. I soared over the heads of the Itikkan soldiers and landed with my back to them, whirling around as I began to spin and twist about. My claws, horn, and tail sang as they sliced through the air, scoring many hits on the startled soldiers I was taking on. Before they could snap out of their shocked states, I finished my “dance” of sorts, facing the three and unleashing a massive Hidden Power. Dark purple-red energy exploded from my body and formed a large orb before me, then spilt into three smaller spheres before tearing forward. My foes were blown off their feet, hitting the ground hard a few feet away and moaning weakly. I then tensed my muscles, drawing forth the electrical charge that had built up in my muscles from my “dance.” This I released seconds later as a Thunder Wave; the barely-visible pulse of colorless static bore down on the three soldiers and washed over them, paralyzing their bodies and leaving them completely helpless for a few moments.

While they were down, I hurried over to the Togetic who they had been ganging up on. The fragile Pokemon was gritting his teeth in pain, eyes squeezed tightly shut as he clutched at the ugly wound in his stomach. Blood squirted from around his frail hands, and I quickly twisted my head around so I could use my horn to open the pack slung over my back. Lately, I had started carrying herbs and poultices with me when I went into battle, using them to tend to my injuries and those of others when no medics were around or were able to reach the wounded. After flipping the pack open, I deftly used my horn to flick out a poultice that was heavy with a mixture of herbs. Most of them were to stop fatal bleeding, though one herb in particular was to numb the injury so the afflicted could move without being hindered by pain.

I didn’t give the poultice a chance to hit the ground and become dirty; I held up a paw and caught it as I flipped the pack shut again. I glanced around quickly to make sure no foes were trying to sneak up on me, then lowered my head and gently tapped my comrade on the shoulder with my horn. He gasped in surprise and fear as his eyes snapped open; though when he saw me he instantly relaxed a little.

“Ghosthorn,” he wheezed out, giving a weak smile. “I thought you might be one of the Armaldo, trying to toy with me before finishing me.”

“Nay, friend. I’ve dealt with those dishonorable brutes. Here, let me tend to thy wound.” The Togetic, whom I didn’t personally know, hesitantly pulled his bloody hands from his stomach. I reached out and twisted my paw so the poultice fell against the ragged hole, then drew back when the Togetic clasped his hands over the thick cotton gauze and pressed it tight to the wound. After several seconds, his body relaxed more as the numbing herb chased his pain away. “Now, take thyself and go to yon medic tent so ye may get proper care.” The Togetic nodded as he clambered to his feet and started off towards the medic tent that was set up a fair distance from all the fighting. I watched him go until it was clear he was going to make it, then turned and surveyed the battle raging all around.

The current fighting roiling around me had started several days ago and showed no sign of ending. Corpses littered the ground, many of them bloated and well on their way to decaying. The fighting had been so bad that many of the bodies hadn’t had a chance to be cleared away, even though battling amongst rotting carcasses was hardly safe. Not only did the corpses pose as tripping hazards, they also bred toxic fumes and deadly bacteria that were as fatal as an enemy’s steel. I had seen many Pokemon fall victim to the gases and germs that were born of rot, and had tended to a great deal of them.

Above me, soldiers on aerial mounts battled as fiercely as we earthbound soldiers. I watched several skirmishes before returning my attention to the battle raging on terra firma. Strange, it seemed as if all the fighting was shifting towards Itikka…then I realized that the opposing force was indeed moving away, and my fellows were pursuing them. They soon ceased their chasing as the Itikkan troops withdrew; those leading the force must have called for a retreat. I watched them pulling away, spotting several dozen troops who were too caught up in the fighting to realize what was going on. Well, either they’d fall back to join their retreating allies, or they’d remain oblivious to the fact and would be either slain by my fellow Talonicans or taken as prisoners of war.

I turned my attention from the battling to the wounded I hadn’t noticed earlier. Many of my comrades were scratched and bruised, but those that I could see didn’t appear to have any critical injuries. I nodded to myself absently as I turned and broke out into a soundless run, heading for the medic tent. Later on I’d help dispose of the bodies of the dead, but for now I would do what I could for those still living.

[Hoshika]

Note: All appearances of the shadow Kokoro sees are figments of her imagination. AND I HAVE NEAR NO KNOWLEDGE OF WEAPONS LOL

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
Jasandax, Itikka

I caught up with the rest of the group, led by an eerie-looking Parasect, that was heading to the armory. I checked the sky to see if the sky had cleared up: it didn't. Either it was near nighttime, or it was going to rain.

The Blaziken I noticed earlier was in this group, as well as a Noctowl, a Sandslash, and a Beedrill. Not too many other Pokémon were training outside or even enjoying a nice evening walk... then again, the clouds were pretty depressing. My shadow did not appear unless if the group passed by the torches lighting the paths in Jasandax. A different Noctowl called for the one in our group: "Hey, brother!"

"Ignore... we do not need anything else... interrupting our tour," sighed the Parasect. Even his voice was creepy. The Noctowl paused for a second to look at the same-species Pokémon, but turned back in the direction he was walking in. I sped up to walk next to the Blaziken.

"Is most of the group coming along for equipment?" I asked, quietly.

"I think so," whispered the Blaziken. "Some might be coming for better equipment, though."

"No talking...!" hissed the Parasect. "Well, we are already here, anyway... this is the armory." The Pokémon pointed to a big building looming over the eastern side of the training grounds. "Now, allow me to introduce myself... I am Spore. Come along, you lot... I will help you pick the most... suitable weapon for your builds."

Inside, the armory was filled with many shelves of weapons and armor. A spiraling ramp leveled out as it met a wall. Blades equipped on the arms and wrists filled up the first floor of shelves, shuriken on the next, knives on the third...

"Go on and pick your favorite type," said Spore. "Signal me if you... need assistance." The Sandslash immediately called for him, standing near the rows of claws and katars. I pretended to look at the shuriken while I listened to what the Sandslash said.

"I am from The Brownstone Islands," said the Sandslash, "And I prefer to use the weapons styled in the way The Brownstone Islands's weapons are styled."

"Mmm... we don't have much equipment from there... but there is this... yes," said the Sandslash. "A claw built to fit over your own... like a shell... you can fit little viles of poison... in these pockets here... every strike will be a toxic one."

"That's exactly what I was looking for, thank you very much." The Sandslash held his claws open for the weapon to be fitted. Spore drew the claws from the back of the shelf and put them on the Sandslash.

"Be careful... it is hard to take them off... if you are... a Sandslash... you might cut people by accident," whispered the Parasect. He caught me in his sight, idling by the rows of bo shuriken on the northern wall. "No no no no no," he said, "Absolutely not."

"What?" I asked.

"You are not fit to use those, no... you do not look like... the shuriken type... here, let us go to the knives and staves," he ordered. "We... will work our way from the top."

The staves were on the fifth floor of the building. Most of them were wooden, but a select few were made from cheap metals. "Those are merely clubs...," Spore commented. "Staves are usually used as clubs, too... never mind about this, what you need is a knife." We walked back down to the third floor.

"Yes, now I know... there is a knife... very suited for you ability-using Pokémon... this one." He pulled out a wide, diamond-shaped knife from a wooden sheath. "Made out of silver... old import from Krana... the druids made this so a Pokémon could enchant it with an attack." Suddenly, the weapon started glowing yellow-green. "Leech Life," he said, "If I cut a Pokémon with this blade... it will act as if I... used Leech Life... and I will absorb the Pokémon's energy." The wide knife stopped glowing, and Spore set the handle in my hands.

"I'm sorry, but I don't use weapons," I said, shrugging.

"Ah... but I am sure... it will be useful for you," he replied. He skittered off to the Beedrill on the second floor. "Hey... hold on...! I don't have wings... you know."

The Blaziken jumped up to the platform I was on. "Nice knife," he said.

I rolled and flipped the knife in my hands. "I'll have to treat it with care." I wonder how much blood had dripped on this knife..., I thought, sheathing the knife. A small belt looped around the knife's cover. Ah. I connected the knife to the part of the belt I was already wearing behind my bag. "We needed concealed weapons, right?"

"Yeah. I got some nice gloves with bronze plates inside them... hope that's good enough."

"I didn't catch your name before, by the way."

"Blaze, that's all."

I yawned.

"It's sundown," yelled Spore. "I have orders to send you out before nighttime... early to bed, early to rise... if you haven't heard that one yet. Good luck... on your mission tommorrow."

As I walked outside, I started thinking about the silver knife Spore had given to me. Maybe I should test it. Generating electricity in my hands, I prepared to launch a Thunder attack into the sky. I ran the current through the knife before the attack was released. Sparks flew off the blade, and a bolt of electricity fired into the dark clouds above. Then, it started to rain...

"I guess I should use this," I told myself, uneasily. I flew back to my old nest-bed and slept for the night... er, evening.

Before I fell into a deep sleep, I heard a dark conscience speak to me... its voice was a bit familiar. <You're going to be a killer... you'll become one of them. Oh, are you scared again? Don't be. You'll get used to it... heh heh.>

[SLEEPING]

[Dragoness]

Jade, the fiery Rapidash (Starblazer) and Kaci, the sweet Dragonite (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Split: Kaci is en route to Greenshore while Jade has just arrived at Greenshore.
----

Jade:

Underneath Jade she could see nothing but a brief blur of trees, grass and water. Her body transformed into a red and white streak of light, speeding so fast that few could even glimpse her for even half a second. Then she started to slow suddenly, finally coming to an abrupt halt. With a thud, she landed on the the soft dirt of a forest floor, falling over on the ground.

It took a minute for Jade's breath to come back and for her vision to focus. It was always like this, everytime she Starblazed. Pushing herself up on powerful forelegs, she took a look around. Did she smell smoke? It seemed like something was burning...

She had intentions to land near Greenshore and the Starblazers were almost always correct about where they landed. Jade didn't have to worry though as she took surveyed her surroundings. She was on the very edge of a forest, next to a small dirt road. The sun was still shining brightly down and the heat of the day grew. Tucked to the side of the road, Jade spotted a small wooden sign. The words "Greenshore, 1/4 Mile" were on the sign in dark red lettering.

Pushing herself to go, even though she still felt tired after the Starblazing, Jade made her way to the road. From there, she readied herself, pawing at the ground and took off as fast as she could down the road. She needed to be at Greenshore, to warn the troops! Feeling nothing but the wind rishing past her, Jade pushed on. With her rapid speed, she was able to reach sight of the gate to Greenshore's town within ten minutes.

Slowing up, Jade looked ducked into the forest beside her as she caugt her breath. She took the time to carefully look over the place. Its walls were thick, the gate locked. What loked like Archers were on the metal rooftop, just barely tucked behind the heavy wall.nShe coughed, the smell and taste of smoke was growing. Is there a forest fire? She wondered, trying to peer closer at Greenshore without being noticed.

As Jade looked on, she heard a rustle beside her. Whipping around, she saw a small Abra. She then breathed a sigh of relief, he was wearing Krana's army colors.

"I need to speak to Commander Krak! I have news for him-" Jade started to say, but the Abra shook his head.

"Krak is gone, but he'll be back. We're trying to scare the stupid little Talonicans! Smoke 'em out," the Abra said. He eyed Jade for a second, then spoke again, "We need Fire Pokemon. Krak will be back shortly, I dunno exactly where he went, so you may as well help."

Jade thought this over for a second. She was on orders to deliver the message, but with no idea to as where Krak was, she might as well wait. At least until she had more information. "Yes, Private..." Jade squinted at the small wooden name tab on his blue cloth armor. It read Private Alexe. "Alexe, lead on," Jade smiled at him.
--

Kaci:

Kaci and his troop continued on through the forest. He had just seen Jade shoot off at almost the speed of light. Even though he knew she was quite capable to take care of herself, he still worried that she would get hurt. Who knew what was going on at Greenshore? He'd feel better when they got there. As it was, they had been trudging into the forest for about a half hour, or in the Kaci's case, flying over the forest.

Taking another look down into the heavily leaved trees, Kaci almost froze midflight. Forcing himself to hover--not an easy task for a Dragonite--he looked down at a small clearing in the forest. A glint of steel met his eyes and...a flag. The flag had Talonica's colors on it. The rest of the troop, the ground-runners, can't have met them yet. I'm slightly ahead of them, by at least a few minutes, Kaci thought, his mind racing.

There was only one thing to do. Turning around, he faced forward where the rest of the flying troop was and frantically waved Captain Neon over. The Captain was near the head of the troop, but they had paused for a second, looking at Kaci. As the Captain flew over within hearing range, Kaci hissed at him, "Down there! Talonica's flag! And people!"

The Captain frowned and looked down. When he saw what Kaci did, his face froze. "Drat...they haven't been looking up yet, or they'd have noticed us. Thats one good piece of news," he said slowly. Suddenly he turned to the troop and flew over to them. Giving them the news, he smiled slightly. "Time for an anbush guys. Jake," he pointed at a small Pidgey. "Go warn Lt. Lightning. The rest of you, we're going to attack now. I wanna make sure its not a trap though. So Lasha, your a small Fearow, go down and check for us." The two Pokemon flew off to do the Captain's orders.

Within a minute, Lasha returned. Her eyes full of energy, she reported what she saw. "Only about fifteen of them, sir. It looks like they got seperated from their group."

Captain Neon grinned, almost like a predator catching his prey. "Let us...help them then," he said. "Attack now. Go down through the clearing, follow my lead." With that, he took off and down into the forest.

[KOR]

Arkael (Infernape-Starblazer)
Talconia
Greenshore

Arkael rushed to the walls and saw the Krana forces retreating trying to get out of range. The forest outside of Greenshore was already dented by the boulders and the meteor. Now it was being torched by Krana. Arkael thought they respected nature. It seems that even in the direst situations people turn their backs on their promises. AS the forest burned smoke covered the whole area. There was no way to see them from the wall. There was no point in firing blindly into the smoke. Sending water Pokemon would only cause the smoke to increase, but they could then mobilize a force to fight the invaders.

Arkael could turn into a shooting star and cause chaos among the soldiers. Likely they had uniforms though. He would have to be stealthy, but most of his moves were explosive and caused too much commotion. It was a horrible idea. There wasn’t anyway he could bring a group of soldiers either. He’d have to pop in and out as quickly as possible, then get back in. It was completely unrealistic. Even if he used his Starblazer powers, it would be difficult. The smoke would help though. Our scouts weren’t coming back either. They wanted their movements hidden as quickly as possible.

I ran to one of our flyers and told him to head to Talacola over the mountains. They wouldn’t go through so much effort if they were just attacking Greenshore. Talacola was their target and although it was a large city with many troops garrisoned, some were probably on patrols. If they could gather their forces then maybe we could trap them on the mountains. The flyer and two others soared off.

Arkael knew that Greenshore could be defended easily. There was another Starblazer who had organized the defenses well enough. Talacola needed to be defended as well. But, he had a bad feeling that Greenshore may fall if Krana’s plan succeeds. Leaving Greenshore for a full frontal fight will render the siege equipment and archers useless. Going out alone wouldn’t work either. The only thing he could do would be to help Talacola. His flyers wouldn’t get their quick enough. He turned into his star form and shot off to Talacola. As he was leaving he noticed another Starblazer landing outside of Greenshore. A one on Krana’s side wouldn’t help at all.

He arrived in Talacola, only to see that Krana was right at their doorsteps. Furious, he yelled throughout the city to get troops mobilized and to send calls to patrols to get them back to the city. Arkael saw at least 1,000 troops on the west side of the city, and ships with siege engines to the city’s east. Talacola was strong, but without a coordinated defense it would fall. He sent archers and spearmen to the walls.

“Hurry, to the walls. Man them and don’t let them scale the walls. Pick off anyone carrying ladders. Get hands on the trebuchets and fire on any towers. Get our navy mobilized to the east side!”

Commanders of the city had heard of the news and yelled out the same orders. Although panic, wasn’t needed it fueled the speed at which soldiers worked. Grown men civilians began to take up arms wherever they could to help. Talacola was a major city and with so many people working together the attack could be fended off. Archers were rushing to the walls, with Spearmen ready to defend against anyone coming on top of the walls. The attack on the west could be fended off, but on the east wouldn’t be so easily defended. Arkael could hear the cheering Krana soldiers already.

He had to make a choice now. Destroy the oncoming siege weapons or dent their numbers severely. He had to use his meteor and soon, so he could try to use it at least twice in the siege. The siege engines would stay outside, but the troops would eventually get on the wall. Arkael made his way to Talacola’s wall, and focused. As Krana marched to Talacola, Arkael took deep breaths as he heard the marching. The archers next to him made no comment, just readying their weapons. Arkael brought up his hand. He put a lot of his energy into this meteor. He had only practiced it in secluded mountain ranges which were no longer mountain ranges now. Of course that last one caused him to pass out, this one was considerably not as strong.

It flew into the thick of the Krana soldiers. The explosion rocked the ground underneath all of them and once the meteor hit, the commanders of the troops started to order their soldiers to fire into the Krana soldiers, while the trebuchets were waiting for the navy on the east side.

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Talacola

“Fire!” came the cry from the wall.

Auron buzzed his way up the wall and looked out to the forest. Indeed, there was a small blaze going on not to far away from where the comet had landed. But oddly enough, the fire was only on one side of the crater.

“That’s strange,” one of the archers muttered. “It wasn’t there a minute ago.”

“Demons!” Auron hissed. “Krana can’t take Greenshore, so instead they’re trying to burn down everything around it!” So much for devotion to nature and all that other stuff. They were just more honorless worms who would betray their so-called ideas in an instant if there was anything to be gained from it.

A Beautifly suddenly swooped up from outside the wall and confirmed Auron’s suspicions. “Their fire Pokemon are setting everything ablaze! Their camp has been emptied, hardly anyone’s left! My friends spotted them moving to the southeast and are attempting to track them.”

Auron stared. The camp’s been emptied? They’re moving to the southeast? That’s not a retreat, they’re going further into Talonica territory! So Greenshore was never their true target at all?

“We need to tell Lucke,” Auron said. Leaping off the wall, he transformed into a star and blazed his way to the town hall. Exploding out again, he was met by a ring of astonished stares, including one from Lucke.

“Auron- what was that-” Lucke began, but was cut off by Auron.

“Greenshore was never the target at all,” Auron said. “Their camp is empty. They’re heading southeast. I think they’re trying to hit Talacola.”

If Lucke wasn’t a ghost, his blood would probably have frozen. “But… it would take thousands, maybe tens of thousands, to breach Talacola’s defenses. Their puny force wouldn’t rate as high as fodder.”

“No, it wouldn’t,” Auron agreed. “Unless they’re only part of a larger force. We need to get a messenger to Talacola, to see if they need help. In the meantime, we need to exterminate the rest of the Krana forces that are torching the forests outside.” He abruptly paused, suddenly realizing that he was the last person Lucke needed to listen to. Who was he to say what they should do? Suddenly he felt ashamed of himself to trying to give commands.

Lucke nodded. “You’re right. Dispatch a scout to Talacola immediately,” he ordered, turning to his men. “The rest of you, come with me. We’re going to finish off those Kranians here at Greenshore.”

And with that, the garrison along with the reinforcements were assembled at the gate, leaving only a small force behind to defend the city.

Auron flew near the front of the formation. Most of the Krana soldiers were busy torching the forest. The first Krana soldier Auron encountered, a Magmar, was so distracted by blood lust that he didn’t even see Auron before an arrow pierced through his skull. The Krana troops were thinly spread throughout the forest. While it made sense for maximum coverage of fire, it made for poor defensive capabilities. Badly outnumbered due to only being left behind by the main force, they were being torn to shreds.

But the fire was an enemy of its own. After temporarily blinding a Charizard with a brilliant light then slicing his head off by drawing both of his swords in a scissor-action across his neck, Auron withdrew from the flame. It was hot. Really hot. His species might be resistant to fire, but he wasn’t immune. Water-type Pokemon were busying trying to put out the fires, but starting fires was easier than stopping then. Still, the time of year wasn’t optimal for fires, and most of the fires Krana had started ended up burning themselves out for a while, due to the vegetation simply being too fresh to be easily burned.

I’m done here, Auron thought, then found Lucke busy using Dream Eater on an unfortunate Chimchar. “I’m going to Talacola,” he told Lucke. “Good luck here.”

Lucke nodded. “Good luck to you too.”

Auron turned around and transformed himself back into a star, blazing across the ocean to Talacola. When he arrived, the battle was already underway.

Talacola was a city situated on a hill, and it stood high above the ocean. A face of sheer cliff separated Talacola from the ocean, and the port was at the base of the cliff, flanked by two coastal fortresses, connected to the main city by a fairly wide pass, the bones of an ancient river that flowed in a time before memory. Because of this, it required exceptionally range siege weaponry to assault Talacola from sea; even if the port was taken, siege engines set up on the beach or at the port would have to launch their payload over the walls of Talacola, but over the considerably taller cliff face. And since the wall was built almost right up to the cliff face, if Krana tried to go up the pass and set up siege weapons there, they would be in archer range of the Talacola defenders. Sieging Talacola by sea required that they go around the city to the other side, and drop off their siege weaponry there. Like at Greenshore, thanks to geography, Talacola had only one side to worry about a siege from.

As Auron hovered high over the battlefield, a fierce naval battle was raging. The Talacola fleets were fairly outnumbered, but they had the help of trebuchets from Talacola itself. A single well-aimed shot from a trebuchet could obliterate a ship. Small, sturdy ships were charging among the Krana ships, pouring out Greek fire (OOC: I know there are no Greeks here, but that’s just what it’s called) to torch the enemy ships. Even so, they were still barely holding out.

The battle on the other side of the city, on the other hand, had barely begun. Krana was still setting up their siege engines and preparing for their assault out of range of Talacola’s own artillery.

Best not to trust in his own ability. Auron flew down into Talacola to find the main garrison, where he would request orders. From his errand-running back when he was younger, he knew the layout of Talacola and many other Talonica cities fairly well, and found the HQ with little problem.

(Comet Cooldown: 2)

(OOC: I'm hoping Dr Scott can handle Dragoness :P)

[Mitsuzo-kun]

OOC: Travelling is epic boring.

Khan the Croagunk of Itikka
The Trinies: Triad Converter
En route to Talacola, Talonica

“We’re headed in the right direction,” Hora said confidently, breaking the silence between us. She didn’t say anything after that, letting the sound of our paws drumming against the ground fill the air again. The consistent thudders were oddly calming when you listened to them careful. 1, 2 3, 4… 1, 2 3, 4… 1, 2 3, 4…

I’d honestly ever felt more free. Our bodies were just blurs of yellow, streaking across the landscape. I wasn’t tired yet. I was used to running long distance, even out of choice. It was nice. Well, that was a bit of an understatement. It was relaxing. I could really reflect on whatever I needed to when I was running by myself. Of course, it was easy enough for me to pretend Hora wasn’t there and for me to feel like I was alone. She might be present physically, but she couldn’t be there inside my head.

Or could she? I’d never really known the full extent of Hora’s ability. Heck, I’d never understood how she could search into the future like that. What were the limitations? How far forward could she look? How far distance-wise could she look? Could see only see certain events? How did people’s decisions affect what she saw? Were her visions involuntary, or could she look forward at free will? We hadn’t ever discussed what she was capable of, I just sort of found out. It didn’t really make any difference to me whatsoever. She was still just Hora – Hora with extra features.

All of these questions and ideas just swirled around aimlessly in my head. Something else to ponder upon was how soon we’d have to kill somebody. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it, but it was necessary. Our cause was too great to hold back now.

Would Talacola be a bloodbath? Would one of us lose our lives? Would both of us die? Would our shredded bodies be piled up in heaps with the rest of the mangled corpses? I couldn’t help but wonder this. I didn’t show it on my face, and I was pretty sure Hora didn’t suspect anything.

We’d been travelling for a long time now. It didn’t look like Hora was tired yet, but I wasn’t certain on that. We had already crossed the border into Talonica, and soon we’d be coming up to the mountain range that we’d have to cross.

“Once we reach the mountains, are we finishing the journey on foot or by air?” Hora asked, as if she actually heard my thoughts of the mountain range. I wasn’t sure of the answer myself. Sure, it would be faster to fly straight across, but on the other hand I didn’t know if I had regained enough strength back to be able to change Hora as well as myself.

I considered this some more, before answering, “hmm, it depends. To go by air, I would probably have to carry you because I don’t think I can change us both. It’s easy enough to change myself, but to do that to somebody else as well… Ehh, we can either just continue by foot as we are, or I can carry you over the passage.”

She seemed to weigh both of these options up against one another carefully before answering. Her voice was strong and decisive. “In all fairness, despite you being good in flight, I don’t want to put that kind of strain on you. We’ll make the rest of the journey on foot. If we need to, we can stop for the night, but we’ll see how it goes. When it gets dark, and if we carry on running, then you can follow the sound of my footsteps. I can see where we need to go, even if everyone else can’t.”

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics

It was then that that oddest thing happened. We were just about to begin the charge when suddenly, Krak was approached from behind by a higher-ranking officer, a Sceptile to be exact. I didn’t get a close look because it happened so quickly.

“Krak!” The angry Sceptile shouted at him, “You pathetic, horrible excuse for a commanding officer! Don’t you realize what you’ve done!?”

“Wha…?” Krak asked the Sceptile, totally bewildered, “I don’t…”

“Burning a forest!” He shouted at him, “That was your command? Was it not? How can you call yourself a Krana soldier!?”

For a minute, I felt truly ashamed myself. I really didn’t like the idea of burning a forest, especially how badly it went against Krana’s values. Even if the meteor would have burned it down eventually, that was no reason to further the destruction.

“I apologize, commander.” I told the Sceptile, “I should have done something to stop him. However, as my commanding officer, it would have been considered treason to act against him. To me, it was a difficult choice between duty and value. Truthfully, I don’t see how I could have decided between that.”

“You’re not the one I’m angry with.” The Sceptile told me, “As soon as I found out that order was given by Krak, I couldn’t believe my ears. Krak, you ought to be gutted where you stand for that!”

Krak was silent. Without a doubt, I knew he would be relieved of his command position, would probably be stripped of his rank, and would face criminal charges. But I felt so sick inside. How could I have been approving of such orders, even if it was in Talonica’s territory? There was no difference between their nature and ours.

“I will be taking Krak’s position as commander of this army.” The Sceptile told the rest of us as Krak was being bound in chains to be taken back to Krana for disciplinary review, “You will refer to me as commander Yantar. While a commander’s order is very important, it should NEVER overrule Krana’s laws and customs! Now let’s prepare to move! We’ve got…”

And then suddenly, another rumbling came from the sky. It sounded very familiar, and quickly, I remembered where it came from. It was another meteor!

“RUN!” Someone in the crowd shouted, “It’s another meteor!”

I nearly flew into a panic when I realized there was very little chance of me being able to get out of the way. Quickly, I ran as fast and as furious as I could, but there were too many soldiers around me frantically trying to get out of the way. The confusion was bewildering, and before long, the meteor made its impact right into the thick of our attack force. I was one of many that were thrown right off our feet from the impact. Everything around me flew wildly before I crash-landed on the rocky ground, everything shaking out of control.

I felt like a wreck from that impact. I had to take a few breaths, heavy breathing. Slowly, I tried to move my arms and legs, just to make sure nothing was permanently damaged. I was aching all over, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to run very much. Thankfully, the plate armor had saved me. If I had been wearing anything less, chances were good I would be spending the rest of this battle on a blanket being tended by a healer. I slowly and eventually got up, only to see that the meteor had caused an enormous amount of casualties. Many of the Pokémon that attempted to flee from the giant, flaming stone were crushed under it. Many others were thrown aside and burned apart like leaves.

“The commander!” Someone shouted out, “The commander is dead! Commander Yantar is dead!”

It was devastating. I knew for sure they wouldn’t let Krak command the army in his place, but it wasn’t long until they confirmed he had been killed in the meteor crash as well. Krak and Yantar… both dead, along with what must have been fifty other Pokémon. Our charge upon the Talacola castle had been crushed. The soldiers were in disarray now, with no one to command them. Meanwhile, Talacola’s defenders were still launching boulders and stones at the attacking force, ripping through the ranks and killing even more of our soldiers.

“Both Krak and Commander Yantar are dead!?” Kest exclaimed in shock, “It can’t be! There’s no one ranked high enough to command the forces now!”

“Kest, we’ve got to do something or this attack will be a total failure!” I shouted to him, frantically pleading with him, “Talacola’s artillery forces are killing our soldiers as we speak! What are we supposed to do now!?”

“I don’t know, lad…” Kest told me, beginning to sweat, “We simply can’t pick a new commander at random. There would be mutiny. Just cry out to the forces to make the charge! Ye look like a higher rank. Just do it, lad! Before they crush all of us!”

Among all the chaos and anarchy, I felt horribly wrong trying to assume the position of commander when I had no title to do so. But all around me, stones launched from Talacola’s artillery was slamming viciously into our soldiers, taking out our comrades with no mercy. It was clear, if someone didn’t do something fast, we were going to defeated before we even got the chance to take the city. I swallowed, took and deep breath, and then grabbed my spear as I ran forward.

“CHARGE!” I shouted as loud as I could, pointing my spear toward the city of Talacola.

For a few seconds, I ran alone. And then two others followed me. A small pack of other Pokémon had joined them, and then like a tiny snowball causing a massive avalanche, the attacking Krana force rushed forward, surging toward the walls. For a moment, I felt like I had committed an act of sacrilege among Krana’s ranks. First, I had unquestioningly did nothing about Krak’s order to burn a forest when I knew in the back of my mind, it was horribly wrong. Instead, I focused my mind and tried not to let it feast upon my consciousness and my morale. Krak was gone now, whether his life was taken out of pure accident or fate was debatable, but in a way, he had paid for his crimes against nature. Maybe… this assault would be our way of paying by blood for our acceptance of such a heinous order…

“Incoming!” A cry wailed out.

A rain of arrows could be seen arching their way from the Talacola walls down upon our position. Those who had shields raised them as they continued running. I had quickly raised mine, knowing it was the only thing between me and a lethal hailstorm of steel-tipped arrows.

When the arrows fell, I felt and heard several of them ram into my shield, banging the metal fiercely. Screams and cries of pain wailed around me as the arrows mercilessly claimed more of the attacking force. Pokémon around me crashed to the ground and fell, only to be trampled by those behind them. We could not stop, or else we would all die. As the charge kept raging on, Talacola came closer and closer. Meanwhile, the ground shook and thundered with the many Pokémon running on the ground, a fierce stampede of attackers.

As the attacking force moved on, more arrows fell, claiming a second wave of unshielded attacking Pokémon. Many of the medium-sized Pokémon fell to the ground, while some of the larger Pokémon were struck and growled angrily, trying to fight off the pain as the arrows sunk into their skin and caused their blood to trickle. There were several, however, like a Snorlax and a Machamp that were struck by too many, and fell to the ground. At the same time, the smaller Pokémon tried to quickly dodge the incoming barrage. Some were lucky, while others were struck hard. Those that were hit had deaths came quickly as the heavier Pokémon behind them could not stop to avoid stepping on their bodies. Among the chaos around me, another stone launched from a trebuchet had plowed its way through the crowd, wiping out more Pokémon as it rolled through the ranks, crushing or throwing Pokémon aside in its wake. The screaming and crushing noises were nauseating. Never before had I heard such a grotesque sound of death and suffering…

As part of the frontline, I could not see very much of what was happening behind me. I knew looking back would be fatal, not to mention from what I heard, very likely demoralizing. The screams and angry cries ranged on as the ground thundered with charging Pokémon. I kept my view looking forward, keeping an eye on the skies to watch for more raining arrows from above.

In front of the gates was a crowd of Talonica soldiers, forming a barricade of spears and pikes. They were prepared to meet us at the top of the hill, intending to stop us from even touching the city’s walls. As the charge continued up the hill, we faced another attack of arrows while defending Pokémon rolled boulders down the side of the hill, massive rocks that attempted to crush a plethora of Pokémon as they tried to make their way up the hill. Some of the larger and stronger Pokémon tried to grab hold of the boulders to stop them from crushing the attacking crowd, but very often, the attempt only resulted in the death of the selfless Pokémon that tried to prevent the boulders from crushing through the attacking force. I couldn’t look behind me, but I could imagine that already there must have been hundreds of dead Krana soldiers lying all over the field. Now… it had become a matter of clinging on to a hope of winning, or at least appreciating the fact we would be dying as brave Krana soldiers…

When we finally made it up the hill, the defending Pokémon thrust forward their pikes and spears, hoping to kill everyone in the frontline with them. As the charge continued, there was no stopping at all. We would lose more comrades, but it was coming down to the wire…

We could not give up now…

[Bryce]

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
The Village of Stump - Crescent Moon

I stood there, dumbfounded, as the land caught fire around me. All thoughts of escape had left me, and now I wasn’t sure if I could even find the knowledge to move my legs. Great orange flames billowed up from the tiny cottage before me, contrasting acutely with the midnight sky above. The stench of blazing wood was caught in my throat, strangling me, and I wheezed desperately to relieve myself of it as the four members of the Night Cult dashed off toward the other homes, intent on nothing more than burning and robbing.

My mind flickered back and forth, up and down, left and right, struggling to come to a conclusion as to what my next action would be. I could take the coward’s way out and run back toward the main highway, leaving the village of Stump to burn down to the ground and take its citizens with. Or I could stay and fight Kansas and his fiendish followers. That would obviously be the most courageous option, but I wasn’t sure that I could summon the bravery within me to do so, even if I did want to stop them.

By this time, Pokemon had already begun to flee their homes, faces contorted in horror and dejection. They stared, aghast, at the three cabins that had already burst into flames. Apparently their limbs were frozen as well. They could only watch, powerless to help.

And that was when I heard the first bloodcurdling shriek come from within the inferno of the nearest building. It was an animalistic cry for help, a broken, helpless voice. I honestly had never heard such a terrible noise in my entire life, and perhaps that was what fueled my legs to break into a mad dash for the door. From the road, the heat cast off by the burning cottage was torturous, but inside it was an unbearable hell. I felt as though I were trudging through the deepest pits of the Abyss while demons pelted me with scorching coals.

Sweat dripped into my eyes, but I shook it off, heading for the doorway at the right of the front room. Above, the roof was nothing but an ocean of leaping, lunging flames, and periodically blazing debris would fall to the ground. I ignored the fire and instead focused upon the screams; they were coming from the next room. I darted into the adjoining bedroom, eyes scanning the interior for any sign of the victim, and moments later I saw her.

The Sandshrew was a tiny little creature, a few years younger than me, I supposed. She cowered in the corner, body curled into a tight ball. Her tawny scales had been reduced to a crisped black hue, and her face was pointed toward the ceiling, letting loose a series of earsplitting howls. I rushed to her, wrapped my arms around her blistering torso, and lifted her. Her weight was overwhelming, but I managed to stagger from the chamber, dodging enormous bits of rubble that fell from above. Surprisingly, she didn’t fight me, but I figured that was only the adrenaline keeping her limbs locked against her body.

When I eventually made it through the front door, tottering on my feet, my entire body was drenched in sweat, and my skin was scorched a deep red. I barely recognized the eruption of applause that rent the air as I handed the rescued child off to the nearest set of hands. I looked up and was met by a huge crowd of onlookers, their faces gleaming with tears and smiles that showed their obvious appreciation for my act of heroism.

The glorious sight was disrupted, however, by a horrid voice that came rocketing from behind me. “Stammers, what are you doing!?” I swiveled around and came face to face with Kansas, whose face was drawn back in disbelief. The Cacturne towered over me, and his limbs were raised high over his head, as though to strike me down, but surprisingly I felt no fear. I realized that he was nothing more than a coward, a nasty scoundrel that preyed upon and then burned down helpless little towns while the people slept.

Without giving a response, I reared back and delivered the fiercest Razor Leaf that I could manage. The emerald petals darted from the leaf atop my head, cutting deeply into the Cacturne’s succulent flesh. “Agh!” he cried out, staring, dumbfounded, down at his chest, where six razor-sharp leaves protruded. I recognized the staggering fury building in Kansas’s eyes, and turned on my heel in an attempt to flee.

However, only a few steps later, I felt the tremendous pain of a million knives ripping into my back. I tottered for a minute before falling to the ground, my hands reaching immediately around to my back. Several long, barbed needles were stuck deeply into my back, an obvious sign that Kansas had used a Needle Arm. My skin burned fiercely where the spikes had rent my flesh, and it took all I had not to allow tears to bubble over my eyelids.

[k_pop]

Krynn the Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Sapphire Front
on the Itikka border

Valin thanked her for the salve and Krynn's only response was to duck her head and mutter a short "no prob." She mentally chided herself, When are you gonna learn to take thanks from someone gracefully? Shaking her head at her own awkwardness, she turned her attention back to the tall Pikachu. When he unwrapped the bandage from his tail, she could see that it was indeed still bleeding. He applied some of the medicine and put it away.

"Good luck with your next mission, we must hurry!" He waved as his Flygon pulled away to join a small squad.

Watching him go, she was still thinking to herself about his wound. I wonder if I should ask about that the next time I see him.

Jayx slowed down when the other mount went on his way. The end of Krynn's bow came down on the Flygon's head. "Ow! What was that for?"

"For putting me in that awkward situation! You know how I get around other Pokemon. I can't put more than a sentence together!" she yelled, irritated with herself.

"Oh come on. It wasn't that bad. Besides, it sounded like you wanted to see him off." The tip of her bow once again swatted Jayx on the head. "Ow! You can't tell me you didn't want to! I've known you too long for that!"

"Lucky me," she replied flatly. The Flygon tilted his head in surprise until he saw her smile and wink at him. Chuckling, he turned back the way they had come.

Krynn watched the battlefield pass slowly beneath them. Most of the wounded had already been removed and those who remained were be tended to. Still, the bodies of many Pokemon dotted the field. She could see some, with her arrows in them. A pair of Rhydon, each pulling a cart, were collecting the bodies of dead Talonicans, hopefully to find the families left behind. Krynn was pawing at the bracelet on her right arm. Her family had been lucky, they had the chance to say their final farewell. Many families could not be found, or the Pokemon could not be identified. The Furret shuddered to think of her brother simply disappearing in battle. She had to get her mind elsewhere. Turning, she spotted the medical tents. Two of the long tents used by the soldiers had been taken over to make space for the large number of wounded.

"Come on Jayx. Let's head down. I'm sure they'll need help." He nodded and flew towards the camp. She looked back at the Itikka army and saw that they were also taking care of their wounded. Some Pokemon were timidly walking across the field to find their comrades.

Landing, the first thing Krynn noticed was the number of Pokemon outside. Young apprentices ran between the tents taking care of those with minor wounds while the experienced healers worked on the more serious injuries inside. Large Pokemon, who did not fit inside the tents, were being tended outside. A Nidorina and a Slowking worked furiously crushing herbs, mixing medicine, and soaking bandages. The two apothecaries were not prepared for so many casualties and struggled to keep up.

"So, what are you going to do?"

She looked up at Jayx, then turned back to the mess around her. "I guess I'll go find someone in charge and see where I'm needed most. Try to help find any other survivors in the field." Nodding, Jayx took to the sky and Krynn walked into the nearest tent, straight into chaos. Injured Pokemon were sitting and laying on all the beds, and some were simply stretched out on blankets on the ground. The atmosphere was stifling from the mass of bodies. The smell of blood and herbs hung heavy in the air. Krynn was looking for someone in charge to see where she could be of help. The nearest Pokemon was an all-white Absol. Krynn walked up to her, "Do you know who's in charge here?"

Before she could recieve an answer a Junior Dragon walked into the tent. Larent the Munchlax was not exactly an intimidating figure, but his eyes held plenty of experience and those who knew him, knew that he could be a terror in battle. He also had several fresh wounds, but they were not too serious and he had already refused treatment until his unit was taken care of. When he noticed Krynn, he walked over saying, "I don't recall you being here before that mess broke out."

Her right arm still quite numb, she tipped her bow to her forehead in salute. "Seed Krynn, sir. My mount and I were on the way back into Lavianix to report in with Senior Dragon Tessly." Her voice dropped a bit as she continued. "When we were passing the battle, I could not just pass by my comrades."

The Munchlax looked at her for a moment then chuckled. "Well then, I'd be obliged to say thank you for showing such loyalty to your fellows in the Indigo Dragons." Krynn's blush did not go unnoticed as he raised an eyebrow. "However, I must say, that you should continue on to Lavianix. Who is your mount?" he asked while directing her back outside.

"Jayx, a Flygon."

"Perfect. We need a message sent to Lavianix anyway. It is one of our largest cities and also closest to the border. They need to know the details of what has happened here. I'd like to send it with you." Krynn nodded with a quick 'yessir.' Larent smiled. "Alright, find your mount and meet me here. I'll be back momentarily." He walked off to prepare a report for the commanding officers at Lavianix.

Krynn turned her head slowly, from one end of the field to the other, searching the sky until she saw him. Putting a paw to her mouth, she whistled out a sharp blast which was echoed by a cry from Jayx. He flew back and landed in front of her. "What happened to fixing injuries?" he asked.

"We've got orders to continue on to Lavianix." She checked the Flygon's armor and made sure that the quiver, longbow and shield were still secure.

"Hey." She looked up to see the Delcatty she helped before standing there. His back leg was bandaged tightly in a splint. "You know that your cheek is cut."

Krynn put her paw up to her face and felt the short gash in her cheek. She had pushed it out of mind while she was fighting, and the throbbing in her shoulder nearly caused her to forget about it. "Oh, yes I know," she said.

The Delcatty tipped his head at her. "You know, you're a lot more shy when you aren't fighting." Nodding her head, the Furret realized that her quiet personality was apparently quite noticeable.

It was at that moment that Larent came back. "Ah, Drake Winnly. How's the leg?"

"Quite good thanks to her." He pointed to Krynn who was attempting to blend in with Jayx.

"Oh really? Well then, I'll make sure to take care of that later," he said smiling. "Seed Krynn, here is the message for Lavianix." He passed a letter to her and waited for her to mount up. "Just give it to Tessly when you arrive. Have a safe journey."

"Not to worry. We'll be there before you know it," Jayx said cheerfully before jumping into the air, winging his way to the west.

[KOR]

Arkael (Infernape-Starblazer)
Talconia
Talacola
(Meteor Cooldown: 3)

Arkael could see the disarray the Krana soldiers were in. After the devastating attack of the meteor and the barrage of arrows. Eventually they charged, putting their shields up and slamming into the array of spearmen at the base of the walls. Our arrows were only sent to the back of their group of soldiers to prevent shooting at our own soldiers. He leapt off the wall and unleashed my fist weapons scaling the wall. The walls were low enough that he wouldn’t be hurt; The Infernape jumped somersaulting along the ground.

He leapt out of the somersault, and was already in the thick of the fight. A Talconian spearman had just fallen in front of me. A Krana soldier tried to get through our spear wall, but I quickly took up the hole. The soldier lunged with his wooden mace, but I used by fist weapon to block it aside, and I stabbed him in the gut, then kicked him off, and sliced my blades across his body.

Even with the barrage of arrows and my own meteor, we were still at a disadvantage in numbers. I summoned 8 stars around myself, and sent them out, directing them to weakpoints in the Krana armor. I had killed a number of soldiers so that we could push against the soldiers more. They faded away. The battle was going in Talconia’s favor. Now they just needed to persevere.

I could see a Blastoise mowing through a group of Talaconian soldiers. I was at a disadvantage in terms of type, but there was a chance I could bring him down.

“Back away from the Blastoise and focus on holding back the other soldiers. Don’t let them touch the walls no matter what!”

The Blastoise glared at Arkael. He could only hope that the water-Pokemon hadn’t guessed he was an Infernape yet. He lunged at Arkael, swinging a large mace. Arkael rolled to the right, and then jumped at the Blastoise, and stabbed into its shoulder, piercing its armor. The Blastoise roared in pain and started swinging wildly, in a blind rage. Arkael dug his other fist weapon into the shoulder so that he didn’t get tossed off, but it was useless, and he was tossed off of the Blastoise, and fell to the ground. The large Pokemon was now only angrier.

Arkael’s fist started to glow white. He was going to use Close Combat, and finish this. The Blastoise swung again, but Arkael was too fast. He jumped into the air, and went straight to the Blastoise’s stomach. He plunged both of his blades into the Blastoise and rose them up. He then sheathed them, and delivered two powerful punches to the Blastoise. The wounds were too much for the Blastoise, but in his last act, he reared back his fist, and hit Arkael with a focused punch, and sent himself flying backwards, into some other Talconian troops. Arkael, got up. He had at least one broken rib, and his whole body ached. Thankfully, the sun was out, and he would recover from his wounds, but for the moment, he held back, only fighting when there was a breach in the line.

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics

At that moment, we charged into the stationary Talonica defenders. All kinds of various Pokémon attacks fired forward as soon as our vantage points came over the hill, and we could get a clear shot off of the defenders. I myself had focused and concentrated my Thunder Wave attack directly upon the Talonica infantry holding their spears out to gut the frontline of the charge. The Machop and the Bagon that were right in front of me were temporarily paralyzed, but it would be enough for me to make my strike.

And then, the attacking Krana charge connected with the stationary defenders, and all became chaos. I shouted in fury as I charged forward with my spear, ramming it through the leather armor of the Bagon. The steel-bladed tip bore through his flesh, all the way through until the bloodied spearhead tore its out of his back. With him frozen and skewered by my spear, I unleashed a furious Thunderbolt attack on the Machop, seconds before a charging Rhydon knocked him to the ground and crushed the Machop’s head underfoot. Seconds later, I put my foot against the Bagon’s impaled body to brace it down while I wrestled the spear out. The spearhead eventually came up, coated in dripping, crimson-black blood. Meanwhile, the wound gushed with thick, warm blood. Meanwhile, there were still many defending Pokémon behind him. One Charmander in particular tried to slice me in the fact with a sword, but I used the shaft of the spear to block his attack, and then use my boot to kick him in the stomach, instantly winding him. Unable to breathe, I quickly brought the spear around and plunged it into his neck. Falling unto his feet, gurgling and trying to breathe, I felt myself flare up with a fearless and tenacious instinct of self preservation.

All around me, fire, ice, thunder, and many other variants of Pokémon attacks were fired off. Many of the pikemen defenders of Talonica had ravaged the frontline of the charge, but those behind them were the avengers of the attacking force. Talonica Pokémon on the walls continued firing their bows and crossbows at us, but this time, we were close enough to be able to counterattack. Not to mention now that we were next to the wall, there was no way the trebuchets and catapults could reach us. However, the castle defenders were heavily armed and prepared to fight us. Steel clashed against steel, claws tore into flesh and scale, horns and spikes impaled those unfortunately enough to run or be crushed against them, and the mixture of hundreds of Pokémon attacks being unleashed at once created a chaotic soup of destruction and mayhem.

Amidst the chaos, I turned around, and saw the situation was very grim for Krana. We had lost many in the initial charge. Multitudes of our siege weaponry had been destroyed before we even got the chance to use it. A battering ram was being brought up to tear through the gate of Talacola, but it was a question as to whether it would make it or not. Arrows from the castle wall defenders rained upon the large, heavy Pokémon that lugged the heavy battering ram. If one of them fell, one of the others nearby would simply take their place. Those that attempted to fire upon the ram carrier were soon shot with crossbows from those surrounding them. Many Pokémon on top of the walls were shot, and soon fell off the wall, tumbling into their defending comrades below.

It wasn’t long until the battering ram had reached a safety zone, the place where no catapult or trebuchet stones would be able to hit it from their attack arc connecting with the wall. Fire Pokémon the Krana side did their best to attack those archers on the wall that tried whatever they could to stop the ram’s advancement. Before long, the wall upon the top of the Talacola gates was an inferno. Talonica archers that were fire Pokémon and were unaffected by the flames were shot on sight by those carrying crossbow, or by a different non-fire based Pokémon attack. However, it was becoming difficult. I was trying to make as many well-aimed shots as I could, but the crowd of charging Pokémon around me was difficult to stand up against. I had taken aim at a Magmar, only to have a charging Combusken accidently nudge my arm, resulting in a miss that simply struck stone. Putting away my crossbow, I began to question…

…does it happen now? Do I really show them… after all these years of hiding?

My allies, they needed me. Their screams, their wounds, and their tears were images I knew I would never get out of my mind for the rest of my life. Meanwhile, Talonica savagely and fiercely tried to defend the walls. The chargers riding their Tauros were struck hard. In the skies, the Krana riders met with the Talonica defenders and archers, and both rider and mount died alike in the pressing butchery.

…not to speak now… would be shameful.

I had seen one Pokémon in a strange, dark armor butcher a Krana Blastiose with his blades. Besides him, a bitter fight between a Krana Umbreon and a Talonica Nidoking resulted in the Umbreon’s skull being crushed in mid-charge. In front of me, the wall could be seen, the number of defenders having no where to run. Instead of spending another poor shot on the archers on the flaming wall above, I took aim at a defending Medicham, firing the crossbow bolt. It swiftly flew through the air and struck him between the eyes, right in the forehead. Considering how little of the bolt that was still visible, I figured the bolt must have sunk very deeply into his brain. His limp, lifeless body fell to the ground, among the already amassing pile of corpses that littered the bloodied ground.

…show them… the gift. Don’t wait… until you are no more…

I could not resist the urge anymore. Instead, held out my hands, and then concentrated. With a subtle, gray glow, a metal feather with razor edges appeared in the gauntlets of my hands. It was ready. I then took the metallic feather, and threw it into the air, and then it came.

A metallic shriek suddenly pierced the skies. I would name him Scycan, the Razor Phoenix. The giant, metallic bird with its razor feathers and blade-like wings sliced through the air like an aerial knife. Making its target the defending pikemen of Talonica, Scycan spread his wings and unleashed a furry of razor-shape blades upon the defending Pokémon. Immediately, a rain of a hundred knives was unleashed upon a small patch of defending Pokémon by the gate. The result was bloody, grotesque, and miserable. Slices and vicious lacerations were performed upon the Pokémon, spilling blood in all directions like a fountain out of the Abyss. Weakened, unable to stop the charge, Taloncia’s defenders, cut and bleeding, prepared to do whatever they could to endure the next charge.

However, their weakened state resulted only in failure. Led by a Rhyperior, a Stellix, and a Tyranitar, Krana’s charging attackers plowed through the bleeding Talonica defenders. Heads and bones were crushed, metal armor was dented in and at times even broken apart, and those that were too weak to resist were thrown aside or crushed underfoot.

At last, we had reached the walls, but the ram was still too far away to begin the pounding against the gates. Those that had reached the walls now made an effort to flank the defenders on both sides, making every attempt to clear the way for the ram to reach the city gates. If we made it inside, the chances of success were far greater. Already, plenty of Krana Pokémon had given their lives to this assault. Allowing that to be a total waste was not an option.

Eventually, the ram had made it to the gate while determined Krana attackers did their best to stop Talonica’s defenders from stopping the breech. Once the ram was in place, the massive, flaming metallic head of the ram was pulled back, and was then sent flying forward into the doors of the city. With a thundering crash, the ram pounded the doors like an infernal sledge. While the first strike was not enough, several dents could be seen on the doors. The wooden doors with their metallic buckles would be able to resist several strikes, but it wouldn’t be able to hold up forever against the force of the ram. Gathering around the doors, I joined a group of attacking Krana Pokémon just waiting for the moment where the doors were thrown open from the battering ram.

Already battle-worn, we knew the fight was far from over. But at least we had gotten this far…

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Talacola

What the Abyss do they think they’re doing? Auron thought, cruising over Talacola’s wall on the land side of the battle. His orders were simple, simply to help hold the gate. But Talacola’s strategy seemed idiotic. Why in the world were they trying to face Krana in melee combat when they had a gigantic nigh-impenetrable stone wall to rain death down onto the attackers. Hell, I could come up with a better battle plan than this.

Whipping out all his blades, he blasted a Hyper Beam directly underneath him, clearing out a small area in which he landed. Suddenly, he realized he was surrounded by Krana troops advancing on him with hungry looks on their faces.

They were suddenly blinded by an immense light that flared into existence right above Auron’s head, a star suddenly born in Kivistal. Such a light was only matched by the brightness of the sun, and it temporarily stunned Auron’s attackers. Spinning around, he slashed with all three blades, using the opening to fell all his attackers.

What a battle! Fire met ice and water in immense, hissing clouds of steam, lightning bolts arced into the sky and fell back down, gusts of wind and miniature tornadoes blew, and the sky was filled with as much earth as there was air. The ground shook and quaked, groaning as though Kivistal itself were fighting in this war, and fissures rent across the earth, swallowing Pokemon whole as though the planet were a hungry demon. The sky itself was fighting, as clouds twisted and turned, unleashing blasts of rain only to be pierced by golden sunbeams seconds later. Arrows, rocks, leafs, beams of ice, jets of water, and pillars of fire arced their way through the screaming air.

Twirling like some sort of dancer, Auron slashed and cut his way back towards the Talacola gate, never ceasing his spinning, always twisting, always slicing. This was the method his tutors had taught him for fending off multiple enemies at once, to keep his blades moving in a storm around his body at all times. A Krana soldier would charge in, ready to block one of Auron’s blades, only to be met by another one, slicing in out of nowhere to slash through his armor and flesh.

The Krana batterers were taking the ram and smashing it into the gate. So far the doors were standing firm, but already the metal was beginning to dent and the wood splinter.

A huge rock suddenly slammed into the ground, instantly crushing the unfortunate Machamp underneath who had been moving the ram. His place was soon taken by another. Above on the wall, the Talacola defenders were throwing down huge rocks, flaming balls, and tons of iron chunks onto the attackers that dared to get close to the wall.

One of the metal chunks got lucky, falling down right in front of the ram as it smashed into the door one more time. It broke off the head of the battering ram. There were a few cheers from those defenders close enough to notice, but the noise was drowned out by the torrent of war. But even without the metal head, the battering ram could still penetrate the already-weakened gate. It would just take longer. Hopefully, a lot longer.

Something caught Auron’s attention out of the corner of his eye, and he turned to see three Snorlax using Rollout. The Pokemon standing in their wall were run over, suddenly clearing a path through the line Krana had cut through the Talonica defensive positions. Talonica troops flooded into the cleared space, cutting off the Krana troops wielding the battering ram from the rest of their forces.

Pushing his way through the battle towards the gate, Auron prepared to pay back those who would take a battering ram to one of Talonica’s most precious cities…

(Comet Cooldown: 1)

[CloudOfNines]

Sheen (Revealers-Gabite)
Talonica
Talacola

Sheen looked towards the ever growing gate. His unit of 20 was told to guard the gate if somehow the gate had fallen. As if. Sheen wanted more action then just lolling around. He suddenly broke off from the group. He heard the yell of his superior officer. Oh well. He jumped onto the top of the walls and felt a few arrows fly past him. He laughed. No way in Abyss would they get him. He looked around at the swirling of colors around him. Auras were always fun. He saw to his left, that a Flygon used hyper beam to blast a landing spot or something. Didn’t matter to him.

Sheen immediately started throwing some of his knives into the mass of Krana’s soldiers. Suddenly three Snorlax’s cleared a path through the Krana’s soldiers. He immediately saw that staying up here any longer would be death as the walls around him lit up in fire. He also saw a mass volley of arrows aimed at his area.

Sheen jumped off the wall onto the battering ram. He landed with and “oof”. He immediately pulled over his two Khopeshes, slicing over the nearest Pokemon’s head. The ram-users obviously weren’t expecting a Gabite to come down from nowhere. The black dragon blocked an attack from a Meganium. The attack was a vine whip. The vine wrapped around his shorter Khopesh. He merely thrust down and watched as the blade sliced through the vine around it and then through the head of the Meganium.

He suddenly saw a giant metallic bird. It had been there all along. It was undoubtedly on the side of the Krana. Would it risk attacking a group of its own soldiers to get some enemy soldiers? He thought not. Sheen twisted around and spun in a circle with a blade in both hands. He felt two heads fall to the ground. These Pokemon were weak. He shouldn’t even honor them with a quick slicing of their head. He then jumped in the air out of reach of any attacks other than crossbow bolts.

He quickly switched his Khopeshes for his two War hammers. He noticed an arrow flying straight for him. He swung his hammer forward just in time to watch the bolts arrow to crumple against the steel of his hammer and then the wood to break apart. He then noticed he started to fall again. He was only about 15 feet above the ram now. He started to swing his hammers down. His hammers smashed into the ram as he landed.

The blow made a giant booming sound as well as making the wood splinter and some small shards to fly off of the wood. He brought his hammers down onto two different Pokemon. He didn’t look at what they were but he heard an obvious crack. They would be dead. Let’s see if his attack on the ram brought any attention.


OOC: Entry post... not sure what’s all going on, so im going to be in Talacola =0 adding Jos’s entry post a bit later.

[Bryce]

OOC: So, like, Bryce fights a demon in this post? Ohyes.

Tegan (Nuzleaf) (Dimensional Seer)
Krana
The Village of Stump - Crescent Moon

I struggled to my feet, although my entire body implored that I just collapse. I wouldn’t just lie there and let Kansas kill me without even putting up a fight; I had already decided not to take the coward’s way out, and that act would have betrayed my decision. My hands instantly went to work at extracting the needles from my back that the Cacturne had shot at me. I stumbled forward in an impaired attempt to put some distance between my pursuer and me.

I turned my head slightly, just in time to catch a glimpse of Kansas the horrid Cacturne launch another set of spines in my direction via a Needle Arm attack. I dodged them agilely, tossing the spikes that I had extracted from my back to the ground. This seemed to aid my pace, and I dashed toward an enormous willow tree that shot up from the ground just beside a rather large cottage. My palms met the smooth bark, and instantly I was at home, in my element. I’d spent many-a-day racing through the treetops back in Talc; I was accustomed to being far above the forest floor. My balance atop the branches was unmatched.

At a breakneck speed, I scaled the side of the willow, bending my body agilely among the dozens of branches that hung down over me. Subconsciously, my hands had already begun to pull off the knapsack that was still slung over my shoulders. The straps fell with ease, and I yanked out my prized bow, carved of the finest holly wood. It glistened in the dim moonlight that poured from above and the flickering flames that had engulfed many of the cottages. I could vaguely see Stump’s citizens going to work at dousing the fire.

I wondered why nobody tried to help me… And was instantly reminded of my situation six years ago in Talc. I shook away the thought. These were not the same people; they weren’t being malicious. They were simply trying to save their homes first – then they would help. I thought.

My mind snapped back to the current situation, and I could see Kansas standing near the base of the willow tree, his head turned upward. His yellow eyes burned through the darkness into mine, and I tried my best not to look into them. He was dangerous in that way; he could trap you in his gaze, make you powerless… That was probably how he had controlled his little group of followers for all this time… How he had managed to make me travel with them with little effort. He wasn’t a true leader; he was a snake. An alluring monster.

Another set of needles flew through the trees from below, barely missing my head. I looked down, and Kansas was preparing another Needle Arm attack. He couldn’t climb as well as me, so he had decided to knock me from my perch - - - that wasn’t very smart on his part.

With little effort, I pulled an arrow into the notch in the bow, then sent it flying at breakneck speed. It sliced through the air, making contact with one of Kansas’s arms. “Agh!” he cried out, stumbling backward. He clutched eagerly at his arm, endeavoring to arrest the blood that had begun to flow furiously from the wound. “You little bastard!” His voice had lost its musical quality; now it was simply a screeching. A crude sound like that of two rocks being smashed against one another.

I didn’t stop to admire my work, instead firing off another succession of arrows. They split the atmosphere with a whistling sound before meeting their mark in the chest of the Cacturne. Blood spurted from the lacerations, bubbling forth and spilling to the ground in a ruby waterfall. “You – you-“ a gurgle of blood slopping from this mouth prevented him from finishing his sentence.

And then the unthinkable happened. I had expected Kansas to fall to the ground, for his injuries seemed far too extreme to continue living, but he didn’t. Instead, the Cacturne let loose the most appalling screech I’d ever had the misfortune to endure. It resonated from his very core, pouring out from every hole in his body. From his mouth, his skin, his eyes - - and it was frightening to such an extent that I had to blink several times to keep myself from losing consciousness.

Then, without notice, Kansas exploded from his skin… Well, something exploded from his body. The pale jade skin of the Cacturne fell to the earth in a crumpled heap, and an enormous black shadow snaked up from it. The shape was like that of a cliché ghost costume that children would wear at the yearly Fright Festivals held in Krana… Something like a colossal ebony cloak, its edges tattered, that hovered just over the pile of the Cacturne’s skin. There was no definite body shape - - it simply contorted and twisted in the air, shifting into dozens of different shapes.

The shadowy demon creature exhibited no eyes or nose, but a gaping mouth existed in the form of a massive tear near its top. It puckered and pulled back into a sneer, much like lips, and inside it was the blackest black anyone could have imagined. It was like looking into the sky at midnight when no stars twinkled above… It went on forever, and I had the slightest inkling that it would suck my soul into its depths, where it would be held for all eternity.

It continued to scream its awful scream, and this seemed to have attracted the attention of the onlookers. They stopped whatever they had been doing to fight the fire and turned to gaze, shocked, at the demonic being that floated in front of the willow tree and me. Some clutched at their ears to stop the horrid sound from penetrating their minds, but others just stood stock-still, stunned.

And then, like lightning shooting down from the heavens, the Kansas-Demon soared right at me. The shadowy being stretched to its full extent, then wrapped around me before I had time to act. Its touch was like the coldest ice, its texture reminiscent of leathery latex. My limbs thrashed against it, but it engulfed me even further, and soon I couldn’t see anything, much less breathe. I began to panic, kicking, punching, doing anything I could do to escape the prison of the shadow’s presence. My legs and arms grew numb from the intense cold of its being, and thrashing became extremely difficult. My sight was gone completely, and I couldn’t hear anything either. It was as though I had stopped existing altogether, and that thought right there almost caused me to give up hope.

But I pushed on, fighting with all my strength to throw the demon from atop me. Soon, I could feel my feet again, detect the smooth bark of the willow beneath. And, having only my faith to fuel the act, I leapt from the branch. The intense pull of gravity instantly grabbed me, pulling me downward far too quickly for the shadow to keep a grasp on me. And so I fell, and the prison of the Kansas-Demon’s skin slipped from my body, falling me with. And we hit the ground with a hard thud. Even disoriented as I was, I could feel one of my legs snap instantly. Immediately a sharp pain shot up that limb, and moving it was just as useless as trying to fly would be. It was like jelly - - it flopped around like a Tentacool’s tentacle.

But it didn’t matter. All that mattered now was doing away with the evil spirit that I could feel still struggling on top of me. It was so light, like a vapor, but its presence felt like a million pounds weighing down on my chest. I knew that trying to lift it, in a state like this, would have been near impossible, and thus did the only thing I knew.

With insurmountable fury, I pounded my fists against the hard dirt of the ground, summoning the elemental power that I knew existed there, lying dormant, waiting. The Nature Power attack I was performing was the most powerful I had yet to conjure. I lifted the invisible force from beneath the ground into the atmosphere above. Sweat brimming on my brow from the effort, I pushed the energy into the Kansas-Demon with all the might I could call forth.

It slammed into him like a raging Tauros, throwing the shadowy demon from atop me right into the willow tree. The very force with which he struck the trunk sent a deep crack crawling up the bark. I struggled to sit up. My body ached to stay lying down, as did my mind. It was exhausted, but I managed to pull myself into a sitting position, just in time to see the shadowy being dissipated into the very atmosphere, particle by particle.

It sifted into the air, where it disappeared. I knew that it had died; that my series of attacks had caused its downfall. And only now, after having killed the grotesque, dreadful creature, the fear struck me. It bubbled up into my chest, then spouted up through my mouth. I let loose the loudest scream of my life.

[Hoshika]

OOC: This post really sucks, but it's just to get me rolling along to the real action...

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
Jasandax, Itikka - en route to Tanrock
9 posts left.

I woke up early the next day to the loud hooting of a Noctowl. "Everybody in the Northern Island unit, report to the throne room... everybody in the Northern Island unit, report to the throne room...," the Noctowl boomed. I sat up in a tired slump and listened to my after-dream talk to me.

<Is it possible to end a war without bloodshed? Can you create peace without sacrifice? Remeber that there always has to be a balance, you goody-goody cherub. Somebody will end up losing a life because of you... after all, you're a living war machine. Heheh.>

I proceeded to overthink my bizarre dream to the-realm-before-oblivion.

At the sending-off meeting, we were given a small instruction to follow: go to Tanrock and fly from the port there. "Your Yanmega will be waiting there so there won't be any issues with fatigue."

I decided to start another conversation with Blaze that early morning, after realizing something about him. "You know, if you ride a Yanmega, you'll probably end up killing it under your weight...," I commented.

"And that's why I arranged for a Gyarados to take me to the island," he said. "I'm assuming that the other Pokémon can be taken by Gyarados, too, but they all insist on using armored Yanmega."

"Wait, what are you talking about?"

"I'm actually a claw in The Unity."

"Ah." I nodded, slightly in awe, and continued the trek to Tanrock with the rest of the unit. The trees started to make way for grass, and the mountains stood far away in the unseeable distance. It would be a long trip for us.

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica
Naruda
Kivistal

It didn't take long after landing to find the naval offices on the docks. Our landing didn't even cause anyone in the hustle and bustle to pause in their activities. The docks were alive with swarms of Pokemon carrying things to and from the docked boats. Even though I was never near any docks for very long before, I knew that this much activity was not exactly normal. It was absolutely packed today, Pokemon were carting crates, barrels, boxes, and sacks, and a lot of them to the multitude of ships around the docks. A simple observation of these ships told me they were outfitted for battle; these were warships. Obviously, this war would require the use of these warships, but most warships would be docked at Talacola or Vedesen, due to their more strategic positions to the borders of Talonica, or Vanral, our capitol. So, of course, this amount of activity intrigued me.

First, however, we needed to check in with the naval outpost on the docks. Senior Dragon Yasho, a Toxicroak, was in charge of the military in this city. After we all saluted, Islandi began addressing him. "Yasho, enjoying your stay here?"

He scoffed in response. "Please, all I ever do is deal with rowdy, party-crazy Seeds around here..."

Islandi chuckled good-naturedly. "It happens quite often around here, I'm sure. Now, we're here to check the status of any stationed warships and troops to make sure we're ready for a possible invasion by Krana. They've been a little too quiet lately, which has unsettled some of the higher-ups."

"You're a little behind, Islandi," Yasho said grimly, "Krana already invaded Talonica at Greenshore. These ships are from those in Vrana, they've been ordered to restock and head straight for Greenshore."

That caught my attention rather quickly. "They've already attacked, sir?"

He nodded. "Despite intelligence suggesting they weren't going to be ready for another week for something like this, it's happened. All we can do is answer the call to battle and drive those tree-huggers out of-"

He was cut off, however as a Chatot crashed through the door noisily, sliding along the wooden floor. I instantly rushed over to help him up, and he was panting and coughing slightly. "Th-thank you, Seed..." he breathed out before trying to gain his composure back.

"A messenger?" Islandi asked, recognizing the crest on the neckerchief the bird Pokemon wore. "What's the urgent message?"

After a few more seconds of taking deep breathes, the Chatot began to speak. "Senior Dragons Islandi and Yasho, I have been ordered to pass this news straight to you...The siege of Greenshore was a set-up, and we fell for it. Talacola is being invaded as we speak!"

The atmosphere in the cabin had changed drastically. "Talacola...?" I breathed out, "Dear Arceus, they'd have the perfect staging area for a full-blown naval war from that city. We can't lose it to them if we plan on ending this war soon..."

"Quite right, Seed Denathos. Yasho!" she said, turning her attention to her ranked equal, "Where are those aerial troops stationed here?"

"Luckily for you, their barracks and headquarters are only a couple blocks north-west of this building, on the edge of the docks," he responded, pulling out a map of the city and pointing to a certain large building.

With knowledge of our new destination, we immediately went outside to our mounts and took to the air, going straight for the aerial Indigo Dragons' barracks in Naruda. It was a flight that took about a minute at most before we landed. Once again, we found a lot of activity as troops with their Flygons were gathering all necessary equipment and lining up in formation.

Islandi found the one in charge, a Junior Dragon Medicham named Forthin, and ordered that one platoon be transferred over to her command. A few exchanges of words and papers later, and the four of us under Islandi were joined by about fifty other aerial troops. We stood in formation before her.

She stepped before us beside her own armored Flygon and spoke. "Alright, you all, listen up. I'm your commanding officer from now on, Senior Dragon Islandi. For the duration of this war, we will all fight together, for the good of Talonica, our Prince Maxal, and for all Pokemon of Kivistal. We, like the other two factions, believe that we are right. Regardless of who really is right, unless someone wins, this fighting will go on and many Pokemon will die. I dunno about you, but I plan on assisting our forces to win this war, and soon, to end the fighting and get this world united like it was when King Julican was alive."

There were a few whoops and elated cries before the ones who spoke up silenced themselves.

"Glad to hear I motivated you so, but what I need from my soldiers is discipline!" she said loudly, emphasizing the last word, "We'll be out there killing other soldiers and getting killed, you can NOT afford to be without it. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" we all responded together.

"From now on, we shall be known as Typhoon Runners, and we will be known as Talonica's strongest Aerial unit."

Islandi held her hands behind her shell, looking over the group, before her eyes fell on me. "Denathos."

"Ma'am?"

"I want you promoted to Whelp, and I want you to fly as my second. I saw your fighting at the Sapphire Front, I could use an able-bodied Pokemon like yourself. Do you accept?"

I stood straighter and saluted. "I would be honored, ma'am!"

She let herself smile a little. "Good, very good. Now then, by now everyone knows of the invasion of Talacola, I'm sure. That's our destination. We can't let Krana get our most powerful port on the border. Now, let's ride!"

There were a few more allowed cheers as everyone quickly got onto their mounts, and, within five seconds, the entire platoon took to the air. Fifty five soldiers and Flygons were on the warpath against the Kranan invaders.

The Typhoon Runners were on their way.

[Dragoness]

Jade, the Starblazing Rapidash and Kaci the Dragonite, Legendary Summoner.
Krana
Jade: Greenshore; Kaci: Fighting extremely close to Greenshore
--

Jade followed Private Alexe though the thick forest at Greenshore, ducking to avoid low branches. Because Alexe was a small Abra, he didn't have to worry and barely noticed that Jade was having trouble with the trees. It wasn't just the low hanging branches that were bothering Jade, the deeper they went into the forest, the more the smell of smoke grew. Jade could even start to see a haze of gray smoke in the otherwise clean air.

"Alexe," coughed Jade, her voice comiong out as a rasp. "Where is the fire? Did Greenshore set one?"

Alexe stopped for a second and turned to face Jade. His face hold a grim smile as he answered her. "No. We were given orders to set a fire on part of the forest, to scare those silly Talonicans."

Jade froze, her mind registering what he had said. A fire in the forest? That goes against everything Krana is about! Besides, the fire can easily get out of control and kill everyone! Jade thought as she tried to find the words to express her shock and anger.

"You do realize that goes against Krana ideas, don't you? And what if the fire grows to where you can't control it? We can all die!" Jade's voice shook a little with anger and fear. She was a fire Pokemon, she knew very well that fires can easily spread way out of control. "Who commanded this?" she demanded.

The Abra's eyes fell to the ground as Jade talked, shame coming over him. He then looked back up at Kade, his yellow skin shining with sweat from the heat. "Commander Krak," he whispered to her.

"Krak? He normally has common sense...oh well, take me to where the fires are being set. They need to be stopped."

Alexe seemed taken back for a minute and heasitated. He was not a meek Pokemon and even though Jade had inspired guilt in him, he disliked her commanding attitude. Jade's cool glare though made Alexe decide to just follow the fellow Private's orders. He led her through the forest for another couple minutes until they came upon a large clearing.

Her coughing growing worse, Jade looked over the clearing through watery eyes. Large billows of thick gray and black smoke were rising from large, tall Oak trees nearby. The smaller trees (those without thick bark to protect them) were burning up in orange and red flames. Many of the Pokemon who were in the clearing--all wearing Krana's military colors and almost all were Fire Pokemon--were sending streams of blue and orange flames at the crowns of the taller, older trees, trying to burn the leaves up there. That was what was creating so much smoke.

"STOP!" yelled Jade, her voice catching in her throat. The Pokemon did indeed stop and turned to look at her. Taking a sip of water from the wooden straw in the water bottle strapped across her neck, Jade quickly decided upon a plan of action. "Look guys! You need to stop. Krana is built upon a respect of nature--this is an attack on nature! Not only that, but you guys of all should know that fire can kill all of us if not handled right. Once a forest fire is started, you can't control it. It may surround you and you will all die."

Silence filled the clearing, except for the sound of distressed bird calls and the crakling fire. Some of the Pokemon shifted, uncomfortable because of the truth that Jade spoke. Finally, after a minute, one of them spoke up. It was a Growlithe and wore the markings of a Private.

"We know this. We are under orders though and orders can't be disobeyed," the Growlithe told Jade, his hazel eyes focused on her bright blue ones. A murmur of agreement from the Pokemon filled the clearing with a rustle of noise.

Jade sighed. "I know! But c'mon! We must stop this. The higher-ups would never agree to this. And don't you care enough about nature to risk a court-martial?" The other Pokemon shiftted on their feet, whispering to each other as they decided. Calls of agreement went out to Jade and it was soon decided that they would put the fires out.

"Do we have any Water Pokemon with us?" Jade enquired, looking around. All she saw were about twenty Fire Pokemon and a few Normal or Fighting types. The Growlithe that had talked to her eariler spoke up again.

"No, we don't," he said. He then paused for a second, as if trying to decide what to say next. "I still feel a little worried about this, but if everyone else is agreed to stopping the fires then I will too."

"Good Private. I will get us some Water Pokemon! Where did Krak go?"

A small Ponyta spoke up, her voice a small squeak. "I heard him saying they were going to Talacola for more weapons or something."

Right then...Krak most certainly will have Water Pokemon with him, but I doubt he will take well to me telling him to reverse his orders. The troop has a few Water Pokemon though. I'll go and get them first. Then I'll go to Krak. With that problem thought out, Jade turned her attention back to the troop of Pokemon in front of her.

"I am going to Starblaze over and get some Water Pokemon. Then I am going to Krak and talking to him. In the meantime, I spotted a small stream close by. I know you haver buckets and containers with you, please use them to help put out as much fire as you can. I will be back soon." Jade nodded to them as they started to obey her, gathering buckets and wooden boxes to put water in.

Closing her eyes, Jade focused on the area where she figured her own small troop would be. Slowly her body transformed into a blot of darkred and bright white light and she streaked up and over the forest. She felt weightless and happy as she soared through the air. It lasted less than thirty seconds though as she landed with a slight thud on a forest floor, tumbling over onto the dirt. Nearby, she heard the sounds of battle cries. Pushing herself up, Jade's eyes widened as she saw her troop and a few Talonicans fighting hard with each other in a small clearing. She ran over to help them.

As Jade reached the fight, saw her husband, Kaci, fighting with his large sword against a large Arbok. The snake Pokemon was doing his best to sink poisonoud fangs into Kaci, but Kaci finally managed to slice the sword across the Arbok, cutting it down. Turning around, Kaci saw Jade and smiled.

"Joining us finally?" he asked as she drew up beside him. He then quickly blocked an attack from a angry looking Wartortle as it tried to fight against the larger Pokemon. Rearing on her hind legs, Jade kicked the Wartortle, knocking it to the ground with a powerful kick as the fight continued...

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
En Rroute to Talacola
Kivistal

I felt...powerful, next to this many flying soldiers. It wasn't my rank, oh no; that was just a triviality. Just the fact that we were all together, united and joined in our goals. That gave me strength I did not have before. This was the power of the Typhoon Runners. We could not be stopped; victory was assured.

We flew in a simple tactical formation taken from the natural instincts of bird Pokemon like Pelipper, flying in a V-shape with Senior Dragon Islandi in the lead. However, instead of keeping the middle open, the group kept it filled to avoid making us too spread out. Another difference was that I was flying right next to Islandi, if a little further back.

While we flew, Islandi easily split the group into eleven equal squadrons of five Pokemon each, the original five flying lead. At the Wartortle's command, we were to immediately split into our assigned squadrons and spread out on the battlefield to better assist out Talonican allies at Talacola. With the spread-out tactics, we'd divert their attention multiple ways, dividing their forces from each other.

Divide and conquer.

After that, Islandi turned her attention personally towards me. "Whelp, because your skills are unmatched, I want you to see if you can find whoever is in charge of those Kranan forces, if there is one at this point, and take him or her out. Without a commander, dissension will take root and lead towards their eventual defeat."

"Cut off the head and the body will soon die," I recited, "I will do so, ma'am."

"Good, Denathos," she said before looking forward to guide us in the right direction again, "I expect you to fight as fiercely as you did at the Sapphire Front. Don't let us down."

After that, silence once again took its hold on the group as we meditated on the drawing battle. Krana soldiers would be different than the Itikkans we had defeated yesterday, but the end result would be the same. We would have victory today and prove Talonicans cannot be defeated so easily. We would endure, and we would strike hard in retaliation. Just like the stories of the ancient dragons, we would be the strongest in the world.

Over seas and mountains we flew fast and hard, our Flygons' armor glinting in the afternoon sunlight. I drew out Ebony and a whetstone to make sure the blade was as sharp as possible to improve its efficiency in the battle. I also wiped the dried blood from yesterday's battle off of it. When that was completed, I sheathed Ebony and drew out Ivory, doing the same for it. Both my swords fit for glorious battle, I pulled both out and held them out, taking a few practice swings to limber up my limbs a bit.

"Those are two fine swords, Whelp," Islandi commented.

I sheathed them again and looked to her. "Thank you, commander. Ebony and Ivory, as the names suggest, are a perfect combination. A gift from my swordsmanship master a few years back."

She nodded. "Very nice. I can see why you are such a powerful warrior just by those swords alone. I'm positive you'll be a fine Indigo Dragon throughout your years."

I nodded but didn't say anything. For in the distance, we could see it, surrounded by a writhing mass of Pokemon, and an equal amount of still, lifeless ones. The invasion was well under way, and it was hard to tell exactly, but from what I could see, Krana was already at the wall, battering to get inside. We weren't too late, but there wasn't much time.

"Typhoon Runners, go!" Islandi cried. Immediately, the large flying platoon split into eleven smaller squads, and we began descending together, spreading out to cover more of the battlefield. From our throats ripped the melody of battle-ready soldiers, screams and yells of morale-boosting confidence, of our preparation to kill whoever dared enter Talonica and attacked.

The Kranans on the field were doomed. They would fall before our might.

[Draco Boy 0]

Turg (Charizard)(Triad Conveter)
Talonica
Military Camp on Sapphire Front

Turg was helping to break down a good majority of the camp while the soldiers prepared to leave for Lavianix. The builders and engineers had already come in and were already hard at work setting up the frames for the outposts. Turg smiled as he knew that the Indigo Dragons would be able to hold these fields for a long time. He laughed as he turned to see Torth trying to move a few stubborn animals, so Turg went over to help. The two brothers soon had the creatures under control and were able to get them back with the rest of the herd. Torth noticed that Nydi hadn't been around for a while, so Turg quickly got permission to go and find her. The two Fire lizards searched high and low for the little monkey, but couldn't find her. They walked towards their wagon, hoping to find her there, only to hear a soft whimper and crying. They rushed forward to the wagon and Torth jumped up into the wagon, and he cursed, which made Turg jump in as well. They found their sister huddled in the corner, clutching onto a bloody cloth. Turg's blue blade had a streak of blood on it, and it took only an instant for Turg to piece it together. Turg turned to his younger brother and said,

"Go get a healer, now! I'll take care of her the best I can." Torth ran away fast and was soon out of sight. Turg turned back to his younger sister and grabbed the small healer's kit from the chest in the wagon. He held out his hand for his little sister, and when she didn't give her hand over, Turg had no choice but to take it. He grimaced as she yelped in pain, that hurt more than any wound he ever had gotten on the battlefield. He grabbed a clean clothe and wiped the blood away. As his sister whimpered, he asked,

"Why didn't you go to the healer's tent?" Nydi looked up at him and said,

"Because I didn't want you to be mad." Turg covered her hand with a linen bandage and pulled her into a hug. He stroked her hair, just as he had seen father do soo many tims, and said,

"Right now, I'm mad because you put yourself in more danger because you didn't get help." He pulled away and looked his little sister straight in the eye, saying,

"Please, don't do this again, okay. If you hurt yourself, I won't ever be mad at you." Turg picked up his sword and, still stroking her hair, said,

"This is why I don't let you two even touch my swords. They aren't toys." Turg put the sword away, and asked,

"Do you understand now?" Nydi looked up and said,

"Yes I do. I hurt myself because I didn't listen." At that point, Torth came running back with a concerned looking Raichu in tow. She ran over and quickly undid the blood-stained bandage from Nydi's hand. She took out a needle and thread, in order to close the wound. Nydi had never had stitches before, so she got freaked out, jerking her hand back. Torth and Turg looked at each other and Torth held Nydi's hand still as Turg sat with her in his arms, trying to keep the young girl calm. Their plan succeeded and the procedure was soon over. The Raichu gave clean bandages, salve, and an anti-septic to Torth and gave him insructions as Turg sat with Nydi still cradled in his arms. When she left, the healer looked at Nydi and pointed straight at her, saying,

"No more swords." With that, the healer left. Turg was forced to stay there while Nydi huddled up to him, whimpering and moaning about her hand. When Turg's commanding officer sent a runner to find him, Turg had to explain his current situation to him. Turg was sure he would receive a chewing out from the older Garchomp, but to his surprise, the officer stopped by the wagon later that night, and told Turg that he could take the rest of today off to be with his sister. Turg could only stare at the Dragon and ask,

"Why sir?" The Garchomp smiled and said,

"Because I know what family does to a man, and I know how much you are needed here right now. These two need you more than I need you to help tear down tents and pack things up. We'll be leaving for Lavianix tommorrow, and you'll be needed to go on shifts as a guard. I'll be sure to have you posted nearby this wagon though," the officer said with a wink, "I don't need you being worried if we get ambushed." Turg attmpted a salute, but really couldn't pull it off with Nydi clinging to him. The Junior Dragon saluted back and left the small family at that point. So, the rest of the night was filled with watching over Nydi in shifts to make sure she was okay.

[KOR]

Arkael (Infernape-Starblazer)
Talconia
Talacola
(Meteor Cooldown: 2)
(8 Star Cooldown: 3)

A huge metallic bird fired off a barrage of razor blades into the Talconian soldiers. It was a devastating attack and the bird had to be destroyed. The ram was at our gates, and the troops were losing strength. A Rhyperior a Steelix and Tyranitar led the charge and the Talconians were pushed back. Eventually they’d bring down the gate. They gave them a good stand here, but there was no way that they could beat Krana here. Arkael turned into his star form and was back on the wall. He incinerated as many arrows as he could in order to protect his archers.

He made his way down the wall, and gathered soldiers behind the gate, ready if Krana pierced the gate. The battering ram was severely weakened. It might even break before they take down the wall, but there was always a chance that the gate would break, so he had another line of spear and pike men, ready to brace a charge. Then he went deeper into the city, and gathered a cavalry force, to charge at the enemy once the gate was down. He felt guilty about leaving soldiers outside of the gate, left with no way to get out.

Arkael never felt sympathy, even in war, but he had just fought alongside those men, and now he left them when things got tough. Going himself, wouldn’t help though. He had gathered a sizeable cavalry, and behind him was another contingent of spearmen and pike men. It would surprise them if we opened the gate and unleashed only more soldiers upon the weakened Krana. Then when he looked into the sky he could see reinforcements, Typhoon Runners. We could catch them on two sides and route the entire force here.

“Reinforcements have arrived! It is time to save our brothers on the other side of that gate. Calvary will charge first, followed by the spearmen and then pikes. Show them no mercy for descending upon our precious land!”

Arkael heard a roar from the soldiers. Arkael and the rest of the calvary were on Lairons, and when the order for the gate to be opened was fulfilled, Arkael yelled charge, and the Lairons moved at full speed. Arkael told his Lairon to use metal head on the stunned Rhyperior in front of him. He slammed right into the Rhyperior’s chest, and Arkael jumped off, and returned his Lairon. Then he used Mach Punch on the damaged Rhyperior. It sent the Pokemon reeling back, only to come forward with a Hammer Arm, but Arkael was too quick, and jumped onto the useless ram, then darted at the Rhyperior’s neck and cut it open with his fist weapon.

The calvary charge rammed into the Krana soldiers, and our foot soldiers that were fresh to the fight, helped drag back injured Talaconian soldiers. Arkael stayed out. Arkael encountered a Flareon as it shot out a Flamethrower attack, following Arkael. He used Flame Wheel himself, going straight through the Flamethrower, and hitting the Flareon, He then stabbed the Flareon in the chest, to finish it off.

Arkael saw a Sceptile, cutting down a Lairon and its rider at the same time. He rushed over to kill it, but it had noticed and used Agility, getting behind him, and using Slam, damaging his back. Arkael got off the ground, and used Flare Blitz, hitting the Sceptile, and digging in his claws, the combined attack destroyed the Sceptile. Arkael suffered form his own attack, as Flare Blitz was almost suicidal, but he was able to control it, so that it didn’t damage him too much. With the combined assault on Krana, it would surely be a route.

[CloudOfNines]

Jos (Ascendants:Visionaries-Gabite)
Ittika
En Route to Tanrock

Jos made a yawning sound while in his bird form. He had slept in when the damn Noctowl gave its message. His unit was already far ahead. He could see them in the distance but they were still only a few little black dots.

Jos loved flying. It was one thing he could not do in his original form. The feeling of wind going through his feathers was the best feeling ever. Of course, that feeling was a little distraught by now because, this was his first week on the job and he was already late for a mission. Oh well. It hopefully wouldn’t look to bad on his record. He was the fastest Gabite to ever pass a Dragon element test before. He understood why it was hard for other Dragons.... but there was nothing to it as long as you could keep your anger under control. He being almost completely pure black helped to.

Suddenly he noticed he was right over the unit. He looked for a good place to land that he wouldn’t get noticed. Aha... there was a Chimera, an oddly colored Gabite wouldn’t look to different next to it. He silently glided around the unit until he was right by the Chimera.

He then felt his body changing and growing as his foot long wings both turned into arms. His small bird legs turned into the thicker and more muscled legs he was used to. The feathers shrank away from his torso while it grew to normal size. Finally, his head lost the beak and turned into the head he was used to.

With a barely audible “thud”, he landed right by the Chimera without being noticed. He noticed another Pokemon was talking to the Chimera, but he couldn’t tell what it was. “Hey, how are you?” Jos said in a voice that only the Pokemon right around him could hear.

[Hoshika]

OOC: SHEESH MORE ACTION LATER. And forgot the Dreamworld-thing postcount I'll edit that in.

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
Eastern Twinriver forests - En route to Tanrock
8 posts left.

"I've never seen a chimera before, by the way; you're not exploited for your appearance, are you?" My chat with Blaze was starting to become duller by the minute, and tired as I was, I started to zone out of our conversation.

"Oh, uh...," I muttered, snapping back into reality. "Other Pokémon tend to stare, but it doesn't seem like the case on the battlefield."

"If they stared at you, they'd probably lose their heads!"

We both laughed, but on the inside, I wish that Blaze wasn't so fight-obsessed. Most Pokémon I've met are fight-obsessed, anyway, except for that Furret I saw. Then, something.

"Hey, how are you?" said a nearby voice.

"I'm fine," I replied, turning towards the voice, "How ar-- wait, where'd you come from?!"

An almost-completely black Gabite appeared out of nowhere. He looked a bit familiar; I probably glanced at him during the initial meeting. The only thing really visible... well, nothing was really visible. I could only tell that he was a Gabite, and there was only one black Gabite at the meeting, so... put two and two together.

"Alright, I can't see you at all," I remarked, "But I guess that doesn't matter. The sun'll rise any moment now, and we'll be at Tanrock within an hour or two." I can tell since my sleepiness is going away..., I thought. "How about you?"

Might as well befriend the Pokémon that is friendly, right?

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "Back with the punches"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala laughed as she walked into the tall resturant that was the hideout for Lupi's gang. She saw some of the surprised looks on their faces and kicked a door open once she got to the one that lead to the room that Lupi was in. The honchkrow looked up at Mala and chucked a bit.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprise. No jail can hold you in can they?" asked Lupi who put down the pen he was using.

"Who said I was in jailed?" smiled Mala. She had her twisted smile and said, "I never went but I would like to meet the person that said that. I would like them to meet my BESTEST friend!"

Lupi was a bit unsure and said, "Umm....so what happen? The last I heard was that you didn't get off the boat. Couldn't you have like used your freaky power thing?"

"OH! But I did!" said Mala. She then walked over and lean against the table of Lupi's. "It just that it flubed up on me and made me into something so new that I didn't know what it was!" Mala then laughed and said, "But I know how to make lemons into lemon smash and was able to do my way to get out of there you here."

"You didn't?" asked Lupi assuming the worse like Mala going on a killing spreer.

Mala laughed and said, "NO! I couldn't do anything like that. I just did my ninja thing and blended in. Easy as that."

"Well nice to see that you got out of that ok," said Lupi.

"But I have an idea! An idea that means we need to go searching and looking." said Mala.

"Well what is it? MOney related?" asked Lupi. He was writing something on a piece of paper.

"It will if it goes alright. Still we need to find a certain pokemon. One that is very special." Mala then got closer to Lupi and said, "A ditto."

[CloudOfNines]

OOC: very short post =[

Jos (Ascendants:Visionaries-Gabite)
Ittika
Eastern Twinriver Forests-En Route to Tanrock

“I'm fine,"the Chimera replied as it turned towards Jos "How ar-- wait, where'd you come from?!" After a moment of silence the Chimera started speaking again "Alright, I can't see you at all," He/She remarked, "But I guess that doesn't matter. The sun'll rise any moment now, and we'll be at Tanrock within an hour or two. How about you?"

Jos chuckled at the Chimera. “I’m fine also. Just a little sore after transforming. It’s no problem you can’t see me, as you said, the sun will rise soon.” Jos chuckled again. It wasn’t often he got to see a Chimera. “So where are we going... I missed the briefing... always fun to go somewhere without knowing where eh? I’m going to guess we’re going to Tanrock.

Jos studied the terrain and noticed the first ray of sunlight starting to pierce through the darkness. It was still not strong enough to show Jos for another few minutes though. He sometimes cursed his natural colors... they did get annoying when trying to meet a new friend.


OOC: I’m not a very good traveling post person :X.. posting sheen after I see what neo does =0

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics

To our horror, the battering ram had been destroyed. A well-aimed boulder thrown from the wall had struck the neck of the ram with a hard, brutal impact that broke off the metallic head of the ram, rendering it useless against the doors. As if the situation couldn’t have gotten worse, two of the Pokémon that were carrying the ram, a Machamp and an Ursaring, were shot with so many arrows, and simply couldn’t endure the pain and severe loss of blood. When they fell, the ram itself fell, a dead stick of what should have been the spearhead to our victory…

By now, a third of our attacking force had been killed in combat. I had looked up to see that Scycan had been struck with a savage Flamethrower from the Talonica defenders, and had been smelted alive. The Razor Phoenix had attempted to sacrifice itself to plunge beak-first into a swarm of defenders on the wall, but it never cleared the distance. I was sure that some of them would never believe what they saw, while others might have just thought it was an overgrown Skarmory or something of that nature.

Things were looking grim as attempts to discern what could be done to breech the wall without the ram were being devised. Many Pokémon including myself were clinging to the wall to stay out of archer range, while those that couldn’t get any closer were trying to fight off as many archers on the walls as they could.

“Hey!” Someone shouted loudly, trying to yell over the thrashing combat, “We’ve got company! In the skies!”

Quickly, I had turned around to see reinforcements. At first, I was hoping they would be ours, but they weren’t. As soon as I saw they were riding Flygons, I knew those were definitely Talonica’s forces. Eleven squads of riders upon powerful and tenacious Flygons. Most Pokémon didn’t know what to do about them, while the few Ice-type Pokémon that we had prepared to do whatever they could against them. It was clear… we would need to focus on the mounts and not the riders. In almost every case, the mount was far larger than the rider, and as we all knew, if the flying mount died in the skies, the rider would helplessly plummet to the ground.

And then, the unthinkable happened. Talonica suddenly willingly opened the doors, but as we realized, it was much to our dismay. Ground riders came storming out, stampeding over anyone that was a part of the operation to get the doors down. The tactic was effective, dividing our main assault force in two down the middle, and then using an aerial force to trap us against the walls. It left only one true way out, but it was cowardly. Breaking off and running away from the rider legions was not only cowardice, but it would make easy pickings for Talonica’s aerial enforcers. Those that survived, if there would be any at all, would be the fuel of mockery to Taloncia, and would do nothing for us but boost Taloncia’s morale.

Those in front of the charging Lairons did the best they could do, and backed as far away from the stampede as they could. Some simply didn’t have room, and attempted to lunge at the riders. Sometimes the attack was successful and the riders were dismounted, but others… it only resulted in one more victim to the stampede…

I was too far away from the chargers to be able to do anything, not to mention the number of larger Krana allies that were in front of me, blocking my vantage point. Instead, I prepared and braced myself to fight the Talonica aerial force. Getting my crossbow ready and preparing to unleash as much electricity as I could at them, I knew my options were limited. Those around me were already preparing to fight them, but we knew that the aerial forces not only had a better vantage point, but we were forced to make a last stand against the walls while we were being attacking from all sides.

Our Ice type comrades sent the word around. It was a risky move, something that everyone would suffer for, but it was the only shot we had.

Mass Hailstorm, to the point of nearly causing Razor Hail. Our flying forces were just about totally non-existent now. The Flygons were weak against ice, and naturally, the falling hail would deter their ability to fight in the skies. However, we would all be victim to the harsh weather, however. Those with heavy armor could be thankful they would have little to worry about, but those with anything less would feel the icy, stinging chill of the pounding hail. It was either that, or falling victim to their attack…

With no commander, they had agreed to unleash the massive Hailstorm. At once, hail began to fall from the skies, a seemingly endless shower of sharp, icy stones. Those on the Krana side gritted their teeth to fight the pain, growling and grunting. However, everyone on the Krana side knew exactly why it was being done. It was a necessary sacrifice. The hailstorm had reached the aerial forces of Talonica, and we soon began to see its effects impede upon their flying.

It would deter them, but it wouldn’t stop them completely. Those same Ice type Pokémon began launching Ice Beams and Blizzard attacks at the incoming forces. However, these types of attacks were few and far between compared to the other amassed Pokémon.

Knowing what we needed, I focused on my mind, held out my hands, and concentrated. An icy stone soon appeared in it, and I could feel its chilling, numbing cold. Once it had fully materialized, I hurled it up into the air, and with an icy, frosty wind, it burst into shards. At that moment, the ground rumbled, and Pokémon soon saw an icy circle appear upon the ground. Quickly, they stepped out of the way, and soon, a giant made of ice and snow soon arose from the ground, chilling the air around it. Standing twenty feet tall, it was a massive colossus made of ice, shaped like a Machoke, but with sharp, icy spikes sticking out of its back and shoulders. In the sun, it glistened as it arose to face its enemies…

“What the hell is that thing!?” A nearby Meowth exclaimed as he shielded his eyes from the falling hail, totally bewildered at the sight.

The Arctic Colossus soon faced the incoming Flygon riders, and without any effort at all, a snowstorm soon brewed even among the hail. Around us with the hail and the sudden snow, Talonica was suddenly becoming a winter landscape. The once-tropical temperature was steadily dropping, and it wasn’t long until we could see our breaths, and see frost beginning to coat our armor and the walls of the castle. The suddenly falling snow was beginning to stick to the ground, and the green landscape was quickly vanishing into white tundra.

Soon, the first squad of Flygons assaulted our attack force. They were merciless and held nothing back, even against those that were rendered helpless or were fleeing in demoralization. However, those with bows and arrows on the Krana side showed them just as much respect. The first of the Typhoon Runners was shot by at least fifty to a hundred arrows, turning the Totodile rider’s Flygon into a cactus. With the life shot out of him, the Totodile was thrown from the Flygon’s back, and soon had his head violently smashed against the icy wall of the castle. However, the Flygon’s dead corpse was just as much as a hazard as it was living. The heavy body of the Flygon crashed into the crowds of Krana attackers. I couldn’t see what became of it, but I was sure that anyone under the heavy Flygon’s body must have been hurt badly.

However, several Pokémon on the ground were victims to their vicious Dragon Claw attacks. The riders unleashed their own assaults as well, fully intent on killing every last Krana soldier if they had too.

The Arctic Colossus was struck twice by two Flygon riders, the first one being a Dragon Claw attack that seemed to harmlessly slash into the ice and send flakes of snow scattering in the now frosty air. The second assault was a vicious Dragonbreath attack which seemed to be much more potent against the glacial giant.

Angered and enraged at the attacking Flygons, the Arctic Colossus roared with a chaotic fury that shook the ground and pierced the air. It then created a large shard of razor-sharp ice, and sent it hurling like a javelin at one of the riders. The ice spear flew furiously through the air, and impaled a Flygon and its Nuzleaf rider together as the ice spear tore through the Flygon’s abdomen, out its back, and then through the Nuzleaf’s chest and back, pinning the two together. Below, the Krana soldiers were showered by their blood, mostly the Flygon’s, as the impaled flier and rider smashed violently into the ice-coated wall of the city.

Meanwhile, the Lairon chargers that were storming through the doors were being attacked by the heavier Pokémon that would be much harder to trample. Those that had been carrying the ram now engaged in the fight, using their bulk and muscle to stop the chargers in their tracks. Meanwhile, other Pokémon braced the doors open, making sure that they wouldn’t close again now that Talacola’s defenders opened them. As more forces spilled out, our attackers used distance attacks to throw into the mobs of enemy soldiers. While the Arctic Colossus was assaulting the Flygon riders, I kept firing as many crossbow shots into the swarm of Talonica forces. I managed to shoot a Prinplup rider right off of his Lairon, but even though he had been taken out, his Lairon kept on moving, even without a rider. With all the chaos that was around me, it was easy to lose intended targets quickly.

We needed to prove we could endure… or at least give them hell before we went down…

[CloudOfNines]

Sheen (Revealers-Gabite)
Talonica
Talacola

Sheen watched as a Machamp’s head was smashed in by his hammer. Suddenly, Sheen had an odd feeling. As if something was going to happen. He saw why. Somewhere in the Krana’s forces, there was a Pikachu with an ice ball in his hands. Sheen paled. This must have been how the giant metallic bird was made. A little before, the Typhoon riders had arrived but were now being slaughtered by mass ice attacks like hail. The ice did no good for him.

Suddenly, the Pikachu shot the ice ball into the sky. It was as Sheen had figured. How the hell did they get a Blood Summoner? The ice ball turned into a giant ice monster. Oh great. Suddenly a chunk of hail hit Sheens arm. He had to at least get his vicinity to have less hail. Sheen made a small roar as he felt a wind pick up around him. A mini-sandstorm was being made. The hail was massive compared to it. The new snow was not helping either. He then saw two Flygon’s use a Dragon Claw and a Dragonbreath on the ice behemoth. The Dragonbreath did more damage obviously. By now, the ice behemoth was making mincemeat of the Talonician forces.

Sheen pumped his legs as he put his hammers away. Smashing a random Meowth in the face with his hammer as he did. He ran along the length of the now-useless ram. Then, he jumped. As he flew through the air, he felt a black aura building around him. This aura was visible to the naked eye. The aura had completed just a second before it was necessary. Suddenly, he rammed into the ice behemoth with a full powered Dragon Rush. The behemoth flinched because of the unexpected attack. Perfect.

Sheen ripped into the ice with a Slash attack and swung himself around so that his feet were planted on the ice behemoth. He squatted (even though he was upside down o0) and let go of the behemoth with his claw. He used his legs like springs. He was heading towards his target. That Pikachu was to dangerous to be left alone.

An aura was now building around his hands/claws. If this missed, it would at least surprise the Pikachu. The mini-sandstorm that was still around him gave him a spin. His accuracy was now up to the weather and how sharp the Pikachu’s mind was.

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Talacola

The sky began to rain ice. Huge stones of solid dihydrogen monoxide were falling from the skies, pelting the part of the battlefield close to the gate. Auron winced. Wherever the hail hit his exposed skin, they stung and burned. The effect of being a dragon-type. You were extra-vulnerable to ice attacks.

Still, his armor and thick clothing helped a great deal. For the most part, the hail only struck his hardened steel armor and mail and shattered against the metal. Still, it hurt quite a bit, and Auron ducked closer to the wall to take a little shelter in its shadow. It wasn’t much, but every little bit helped.

Auron looked up into the sky. Flygon flyers were racing through the air, tearing apart the Krana airforce. Well, that wasn’t too bad. With the skies clear and the gate unbroken, Krana would have no way to break into Talacola, since they hadn’t brought along any siege towers or ladders capable of reaching the top of the wall.

The gate in question was open, and a stampede of cavalry had stormed out from within Talacola, simply stomping anyone that got in their path, splitting the Krana attackers at the gate down the middle. Divided, all that was left was to conquer them, and the Talonica defenders surged at them, attacking with nail, claw, pike, sword, mace, and other attacks. Auron stayed back, instead taking the opportunity to pick off a Machop and a Sealeo with three well-placed arrows.

The hail, however, was impeding the Flygon flyer’s, as well as his own. We have to be able to do something, Auron thought to himself. Then the idea struck. Wings singing, he rose up into the air to join the rest of the Flygon, battling through the hail. Out of the corner of his eye, Auron noticed a Pikachu throw a piece of hail up into the air. Before Auron could even wonder why he was doing that, a massive hulk of ice giant spawned in the middle of the battlefield.

What the Abyss? But first things first. Voice raised to be heard above the din of battle, Auron shouted, “Sandstorm the gate!”

He got several nods in reply, and they started to whip up a small, but powerful and concentrated Sandstorm at the gate, where Krana was. The Lairon cavalry had no problem with it of course, but those that weren’t a Steel, Rock, or Ground type managed to hear Auron’s shout in time and retreated back out of the sandstorm. It was small enough not to affect most of the Talonica portion of the battlefield.

The hail lessened just a tad, but not enough to make flying any less painful. At least some of the Krana soldiers were distracted enough to stop the hail, but it wasn’t really enough to make a difference. Meanwhile, the charging Lairon had finally been slowed by the enemy’s heavy infantry, unfortunately not close enough to the rest of the Talonica forces for them to make it.

A giant ice spear suddenly whizzed past Auron’s head, so close that his antennae actually brushed against it. It struck another Flygon behind him. But the rider, a Magmar, had survived, and was plummeting from a death-inducing height. Suddenly racing at maximum speed despite the hail, Auron managed to catch the Magmar on his back before he hit the ground.

“You- you’re not Kaiya!” the Magmar stammered.

“Don’t complain,” Auron snapped back, then flew back towards the Colossus. So much for never being rode. As he passed by the edge between the Talonica and Krana forces, he shouted to the Talonica troops closest to the Lairon charge, “Attack! We have to break through to the other defenders!”

A mighty roar resounded in reply, and the Talonica soldiers suddenly surged forward, fighting their way to the Lairon cavalry’s position, which was being hammered by Krana heavy infantry. Caught in the middle of the pincer movement, even the powerful Pokemon in question were beginning to fall. It suddenly occurred to Auron that he was really in no position to be giving orders, and that those soldiers had probably mistaken him for a commander. He hoped he wouldn’t be court-martialed for that, if he survived. But nobody else seemed to be giving orders here.

Now for that Colossus, Auron thought, and raced towards the ice giant, dodging another thrown spear. “You’re a fire type, melt that son of a Magikarp!” Auron shouted to the Magmar on his back.

Auron suddenly had to adjust for recoil as the Magmar unleashed a pillar of flame at the ice giant, scorching his upper-left side and head…

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics

The snow and hail kept coming down hard, striking everyone on the field and covering everything. By now, the once-tropical plains of Talonica had been turned into an arctic landscape. Snow had coated everything that had once been green with nearly a foot of snow, plunging the area into a sudden winter chaos likely never experienced before in these once tropical lands. The temperature had continued to fall, and the once cooling, tropical breeze had turned into a harsh, bitter wind chill. The Ice-type Pokémon had their Blizzard attacks strengthened, and now, at long last, the clash between Taloncia’s Flygon riders and our ground forces was even. While they had the better vantage points and the distance, the harsh snow, ice, and cold that was blowing in all directions was making it a miserable tribulation to attempt to attack. Soon enough, visibility had fallen dramatically. It became a situation where we couldn’t see them, but they couldn’t see us. I could imagine that trying to fly in this kind of weather would be next to impossible. I knew Skie wouldn’t dare try to fly in this mess.

More attempts to attack the Arctic Colossus were made, seeing as how it was the forefront of the reason why the dramatic weather change had happened. However, it seemed like as soon as it was made, it was being destroyed. Just like the Razor Phoenix, the ice giant’s arm was destroyed. I had turned when I saw it bellow in an agonizing moan, just moments before a Gabite had destroyed it with a strange and foreign-looking aura attack. Meanwhile, I noticed the same Gabite was being shrouded with a strange miniaturized sandstorm. In combination with other attacks from his allies, the Arctic Colossus’s arms were first severed, and then its head was destroyed with a powerful Flamethrower attack from a Magmar riding another Flygon. With its essence destroyed, the Arctic Colossus began to break apart. Cracks and breaks in the ice tore and webbed around the entire remainder of the ice giant’s body, and then a second later, it broke into pieces and fragments, shattering like glass.

I noticed something in Gabite’s eyes. He was targeting me. I had begun to get the feeling that rising up the Razor Phoenix and the Arctic Colossus was drawing attention to me. Not to mention the armor still made me look more like a higher-ranking member of Krana’s army. If they connected the two, it wouldn’t be a surprise why they would see me as more of a threat. I had to hide this ability, and not make it so evident.

The Gabite then launched a dark aura attack, launching a black ball of dark matter right at me. Putting aside the crossbow, I quickly pulled out the metal shield and placed it between me and the incoming aura attack. Soon enough, the ball had struck the shield, dashing dark matter all over the shield’s surface. I was unhurt, but as I saw, a large, gaping hole had been torn through the shield, at the areas around it were now paper thin. I threw away the destroyed shield, knowing it wouldn’t be able to block anything, and even something as little as a strike from a simple club could break it into pieces.

This Gabite was quick on his feet, however. I knew an electrical attack wouldn’t do very much against him, so I needed to keep my weapons ready at all times. Now, I kept the spear in both hands, knowing I would be able to inflict much more damaging thrusts with both hands working in unison.

Meanwhile, the forces coming out of the gates were trying to be overrun as frantic and enraged Krana Pokémon attempted to break their way through the gates and into the city. From my vantage point, I wasn’t sure if anyone on the Krana side managed to make it past, but I imagined that if anyone did, it must have been only a few soldiers, and I was sure there were enforcers all over the city looking for a fight.

There was distance between me and the Gabite. I knew he would be just as dangerous engaging in a melee strike as he would with distance assaults. However, a melee fight was my only way to really get a chance at stopping him… unless someone else amidst all this chaos did it first. I knew he had the advantage, something I was going to have to be particularly careful about.

Setting aside the spear, I focused on making a crossbow shot, something I was sure he would be able to dodge, even a well-aimed shot for that. The idea was to draw him closer, or else he might just be dodging crossbow bolts until someone or something else struck him. Still, I took aim for his chest, knowing trying to go for a headshot would simply be wasting the very few bolts I had left. Maybe something would distract him in the meantime…

After studying his movements, I prepared to follow his chest, and then lead the shot, hoping he would accidently and unintentionally jump right in front of the bolt. Waiting for the right moment, I took aim, lead forward, and then fired, unleashing the bolt that sped like lightning toward its target…

Whether it would connect or not… was all a matter of skill, luck, and fate…

[CloudOfNines]

Sheen (Revealers-Gabite)
Talonica
Talacola

Sheen was now on the ground, at the front of the Talonician forces. He saw the Pikachu start aiming at him with a crossbow bolt. Sheen chuckled. This Pikachu had some spirit in him. Time to give him Abyss. But first a little fun. Sheen took out his two war hammers as the Pikachu shot. He saw the tip of the bolt as clear as a boulder. He loved his ultra-sharp vision. He then swung his hammer forward. He heard a small crunch as the end of the bolt smashed into a small lump of metal and the wood shattered.

Sheen put one of his hammers in his mouth for a second. The next second, he had 10 throwing knives out. He threw all of them within three seconds. Lets see how he likes Sheen’s ranging attack. Sheen then started to run forward, by now putting his hammer back in his right hand. He was itching for a good battle. This Pikachu seemed like the perfect fit.

By now, his little sandstorm barrier was getting beaten down to a pulp and wouldn’t last to long. He was glad that behemoth was down though. That thing looked deadly. It seemed the behemoth was just high offense/low defense though. Sheen hoped it stayed that way... having another one of those he had to fight personally... would not be good. He did wonder who this Pikachu was though. He must be one of Krana’s higher up grunt-type soldiers... Abyss, even Sheen was still a low level grunt-type soldier.

[Shen]

OOC: Sheesh, how does everyone know the name of the Typhoon Runners? We (I) just made them T_T

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Frozen Talacola
Kivistal

Not five minutes after flying at Krana's forces, the sunny day suddenly became an intense tundra. All the Ice Kranans used Hail as one, making a huge hailstorm, and it became a little harder to fight in the air. Luckily, Flin had his armor on, so the hail didn't hurt him as it might without it. I was lucky he was a good enough flier to fly a path through the hail that would allow me to get through the storm relatively unscathed, at least I wouldn't draw blood when hit by hail like this even at high speeds. We attacked Staraptor-born Kranans one after the other, cutting them from the sky before they could do more for our enemies. I felt invigorated, but as usual, I didn't feel elated; killing never excited me, never gave me any feelings of pleasure. It was dirty work, one I'd rather not have to be done, but if this war were to end soon, I didn't plan on surrendering.

Suddenly, something unthinkable happened. A giant appeared in the battlefield, quite suddenly, that looked like an ice sculpture of a Machoke with spikes along its body. Instantly, a blizzard joined the hailstorm, chilling us to the bone and decreasing our visibility, making it incredibly hard to fight. I knew this cold would be hurting Flin, too. We needed to solve this problem, and fast.

"Freakin' wonderful!" Flin exclaimed, shaking his head, "Not only are we hampered, but so are those Kranans. If that thing was summoned, the idjit wasn't thinking about the fliers on their side, both are in worse shape for the wear! If it was summoned by one of our troops, I'm so gonna have it out for them when this is over."

"Easy, Flin, concentrate on the battle." Squinting my eyes, I gazed at the ice giant. "We need to help take it out. Get in close for a Dragonbreath and a Hyper Beam." The Flygon nodded, and we zoomed down to battle with the giant.

The Dragonbreath and the Hyper Beam he fired did little, but it had a visible effect on the ice being, while I knew my swords would be next to useless against it alone, even heated up with Flin's Dragonbreath. So I felt useless at the moment, but at least I could protect myself from some of the bigger hailstones with my swords when I saw them coming. Other Flygons and riders joined in the assault, though a lot of them fell victim to the attacks of the giant and the snow-and-hailstorm.

One of them, to my horror, was Senior Dragon Islandi.

"Commander!" I cried, and Flin flew over to her body crumpled on the ground below. Her Flygon had been skewered by a huge cone of ice launched by the ice golem, and she had fallen to the ground below. The snow did nothing for her landing, and here she was, broken and dying. I couldn't even save her...though I tried my best. "Y-you're going to be okay, Commander..." I muttered, wrapping up a horribly bleeding wound. Flin stood over us with his wings extended, blocking any hail from hitting us as well as the arrows or blades of the Kranans.

Islandi cringed and inhaled. Blood bubbled at her mouth, suggesting a pierced lung. "Whelp Denathos...I know my end is near. Don't fret, for I-" She cried out as pain seemed to lance through her.

"Don't talk, Commander, save your strength..." I said, slathering some of the poultice I received from Krynn on her shoulder. I looked around. "Can we get a medic or transport?!" I cried out desperately. Suddenly, I felt a paw grab at the fur on the front of my collarbone, and I yelped as I was dragged closer to Islandi's face.

"I said don't fret, Valin...That's an order," she said in a tone of finality, "And another thing..." She took a long, slow, rattling breath. "Don't let us lose this battle, Valin...Fight on, lead the Typhoon...Runners to defeat these who think they...can invade our home so easily..." With that said, she smirked, and her hand released my fur.

She closed her eyes and breathed her last.

I stood up, staring at the dead form of my Commander. Rage bubbled within me. I glared at the ice giant as I saw him crack and crumble into nothingness. Our soldiers had finally taken care of it, but too little too late, for we had lost valuable soldiers to its might. The snowstorm died with it, and the hailstorm was noticeably less powerful than it had been earlier; the Ice Pokemon were losing their strength to continue it. I looked out at the swarming mass of Pokemon, singling out each and every one of the Kranans. My targets.

I would pursue each relentlessly.

"Flin, take to the skies and route the Kranan fliers. I'll take of some work down here on the ground." I said, keeping my voice steady. he nodded, and as I drew both my swords, he took to the air again. I glared for only a few seconds longer before letting out a fierce shout and charging straight for my closest opponent. Despite my warcry practically giving my charge away to him, I was able to close the distance fast enough before he could react, slamming my blades through his gut and lacerating him, splashing crimson on the shining white ground.

Swinging my blades in a whirlwind and moving my body fluidly, I went from one Krana soldier to the next, dodging their blows and landing my own, taking them down and freeing up the availability of a few Talonicans. About half of the Kranan soldiers danced away from my blades, but I went after them, swinging, parrying and thrusting until they lay stone cold dead in the snow. I would kill every Kranan I encountered until they got the picture and retreated from our lands.

I paused momentarily to see a fellow Pikachu, but from Krana, fire a crossbow at a Gabite Talonican, but to no avail. The Gabite slammed a hammer onto the bolt and went after the Pikachu. I narrowed my gaze at the Pikachu before returning to the battle; these Kranans would know their only options would be to retreat, or to die here.

They wouldn't get away with this, no way in the Abyss.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "Ditto hunting"
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – Garlakal, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

"So you are saying that we can't find any dittos in this town?" asked Mala as she walked the streets of the trashy part of Garlakal. She had a smile on her face as the murkrow that was talking to her was trying to keep his distance.

"Umm...yeah. It seems like we can't find any. I have had my people to roam all over the city and really there are none here." said the murkrow as Mala tried to get closer to it.

"Or really?" asked Mala as she got closer and closer to the murkrow. She tilted her head so her headblade was closest to the murkrow.

"Yeah." said the murkrow watching the blade making sure that it wouldn't do anything harmful to him. He then gluped and tried to open his beak to countinue talking. "It just that we do have a-"

Mala got closer as he talked more. The murkrow could see that he was only a few inches away from having no head. Mala then eagerly said, "What you have? What you have?"

"We have a lead though. Dittos don't really like living in hugely populated places like cities but-" He paused to try to get some distance from Mala's blade but found that he was cornered to a wall. "It just that they may prefer some place with a bit more green you know?"

"Like The Grove?" asked Mala as she lessen that inch even more. She then nodded and said, "Yes. Just like The Grove."

"Yeah. I was getting there. Word has it that some have been spotted there. It just that. Well The Grove is located in SOuthern Crescent Moon which is kind of close to the current battle right now." said the murkrow.

"How you know this willis?" said Mala knowing that this murkrow's name wasn't willis.

"The messenger pidgeys. One had just arrived annoucing the news. The battle is still ongoing." said the murkrow.

Mala smiled and said, "So what! Lets go! Time to go hunting for dittos." Mala then jumped in the air and began to run off ahead of the murkrow.

[Neo Pikachu]

OOC: Krana’s aerial forces were eliminated before the ice giant was summoned. I’m pretty sure I mentioned that.

Also, starting cooldown now.

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics
Summon Cooldown: 5

As I had suspected, the Gabite was exceedingly fast and had a lightning fast reaction time. Using a hammer, he struck the bolt and it crumpled under the furious impact. The remains of it landed dead at his feet, having done nothing to stop him.

Meanwhile, I quickly turned to my side and saw that Talonica had decided to use a massive Sandstorm on the gate. The hail was being blown away, and Pokémon in front and around the opening were forced to move aside and shield their eyes. Again, we were forced away from the doors, still unable to get into the city. Many of the Krana Pokémon were angered, frustrated by Talonica’s tactics. Looking around, it was clear that about half of the Krana force was dead. What would happen to the second half was anyone’s guess, but we were far too deep into Talonica territory to even consider retreating. It was very likely they would come up with plenty of ways to finish off the last of us as we attempted to flee.

It was then that the Gabite threw a handful of throwing knives right at me. They were fast, and instinctively I reached for my shield and forgot it had been destroyed. Frantically, I tried to dodge them, but while most of them hit the armor and simply deflected back, I was lacerated by two of them in the face. One of them had cut across my cheek while the other had nicked my forehead. Wincing from the pain, I rubbed one of the areas, and saw my hand now had dark crimson blood dripping from it. The blood droplets fell to the ground, dotting the rapidly melting snow with red circles.

My surrounding allies were disappearing. Krana Pokémon desperately wanted to get inside the city to at least have some possible chance of victory, even if it would be a costly one. However, their attempts continued to fail, leaving us with very little choice but to fight Talonica and defeat one of them for every one of our fallen brothers as vengeance. I tried not to think in such dismal and angry mindsets, but it was saddening to see so many loyal and courageous Krana Pokémon now dead around me.

However, the number of Talonica’s forces kept growing as our forces kept shrinking. Their numbers seemed to be endless, with three more infantry to replace every one of them that had been killed. Krana allies around me fought and cried like they knew they would die… overcome with the feeling that glory in battle brought life everlasting.

The Talonica Pokémon were beginning to think I was the highest ranked member of the attacking force still alive, which would have made me the commander if that were actually true. Around me were swarms of their defenders, including literally the largest Pikachu I’d had ever seen, nearly double the size of a normal Pikachu and standing taller than even a Raichu. He too, seemed intent on killing who he had likely mistaken to be a captain of our forces.

One Talonica Golduck enforcer lunged at me with a mace, and I had no chance to block it with the spear. Instead, I used the Night Killer crossbow as a shield, which broke apart and splintered to pieces as the heavy mace struck it hard. Knowing the bolts only had one purpose now, I quickly grabbed them out of my quiver and rammed the handful of them into his throat. The five bolts stuck in his neck, and as he dropped his mace and attempted to pull them out, I readied the spear and struck him in the chest, tearing through his heart. Once the spear was ripped out of his chest, blood spurted from the wound, and he then vomited blood before falling to the ground.

I was quickly surrounded by Talonica Pokémon as my allies fell to the ground one after another. I was suddenly struck in the back with a heavy weapon, which put a massive dent in my armor before throwing me to the ground. Rolling over, I saw a Talonica Wartortle with a two-handed maul in his hands. He saw me and raised up the heavy weapon to bring it crashing down on my head, but I quickly reacted and kicked forward with both of my feet. He soon stumbled backwards, dropping the maul in the process as he landed on his back. I quickly got back to my feet and at that moment, I felt an axe strike down upon my arm. Most of the damage was absorbed and deflected by the plate armor, but I did feel a paralyzing blow upon me, nearly rendering my arm useless. I quickly spun around again, forgetting about the Wartortle that I never had the chance to finish off.

In a frantic attempt to make a last stand, I unleashed a Thunderbolt, trying to strike anyone near me and gain some distance away from the attacking horde. I knew they would not stop until I was dead, and I realized that moment could very well be soon.

One of the very few comrades I had left was suddenly brought down by a stab to the stomach. The Krana Marill had fallen to the ground from a Taloncia Granbul. I knew that Marill, only just barely but I still remembered his face. While the Granbul was relishing in his fallen victim, I used the spear to stab him in the side of the head, catching him in the open. Even though he fell aside after I pulled the spear out of him, I still felt defeated. Helplessly, I rushed to the Krana Marill who I knew as Navril. In the meantime, I lost all sight of what was happening around me…

“You… you’re still alive…” He told me with a rough gasp as blood trickled down his mouth, “…Don’t… don’t ever forget… why we came…”

“Never.” I told him, “The sacrifice we make today will live after us in the happiness of the generations that will be born long after we’re gone. But we… we must continue to fight. Please, you have to get up…”

“Fight…?” He asked me, looking away as he found it harder to talk, “…I cannot. I… I do not care whether I live or die… just… just so as long as I can rest…”

Navril never spoke again as he laid his head down, far too weakened from the battle to ever get up again. Right behind me, a Primeape obviously without a scratch of honor attempted to stab me with his claymore sword, but I quickly grabbed the spear, spun around, and slashed him in the chest. He flinched for a moment before I readied the spear and this time, rammed the already bloodied spearhead into the eye socket of his skull. Ripping through the eye like it was nothing more than a grape, the spear plunged directly into his brain, and after I quickly tore the spear out again, he gasped and made a horrendous howling sound before falling to the ground with blood quickly leaking out of both grizzly wounds.

The last of my allies had fallen, and it was clear to see that our Krana force was now being rapidly defeated. However, from what I could see around me, Talonica also suffered heavy, gruesome losses. But when it came down to me, I was surrounded now without an ally to turn to. All around me were the angry, furious faces of the enemy. They had seen what I had done to the Golduck, Granbul and the Primape, and they kept their distance, seeing that I had no fear and no hesitation to fight to the death anyone who challenged me.

I did not let the likely fact that I would die here strike my bravery down. I knew now that I would die an untold hero, a Pikachu that kept fighting to the end regardless of how many of the enemy surrounded me. So I knew they would never sing songs about me, write recollections of my actions, and I knew I would never rise through the ranks to become an honored commander of Krana’s forces.

But sometimes… sometimes… the living do not understand the benefits of death. I cherished the thought of becoming a dead hero rather than a living coward. I looked at Talonica’s forces with a face that screamed “Fight me! Fight me if you can!” Some of them looked like they were ready to rise to the challenge, while others were almost intimidated by the face of a warrior that had nothing to lose, and saw even death as a gain…

I held the spear grasped in my hands, still dripping with Talonica blood splashed upon it. Let them come. To me, there would be no greater glory than to be the last Krana soldier that fought on, never letting go even after every last one of his allies had been crushed or killed…

Fight to the end…

[Dragoness]

Jade the super-dooper Rapidash (Starblazer) and Kaci, the sweet Dragonite (Legendary Summoner)
Krana
Around Greenshore--fighting in a clearing
______

Throwing up her hooves, Jade hit the body of a small Jolteon. The Jolteon yelped as he was thrown into the forest floor. Hissing his fury, he pushed himself up, dirt clinging to his bright gold coat. A crackle of thunder seemed to fill the air before Jade was thrown to the ground, paralyzed by the Jolteon's attack. As the Jolteon advanced on the thundershocked Jade, an arrow punched into its side. Letting out a yowl, it turned around to face its attacker, a small Raichu called Yuna.

Yuna released another arrow from her bow, ending the Jolteon's life. Walking over, she poured some water on Jade's face, helping wake her up. "Your fine. Now get into position and start fighting," Yuna commanded Jade as the Rapidash stuggled up. About to voice her thanks, Jade suddenly leapt over Yuna and onto the back of a small Eevee that had been sneaking up on Yuna, a small dagger in its mouth. The Eevee let out a howl as the heavy horse-like Pokemon crushed it. A feeling of sickness swept over Jade as she realized she had just killed the poor thing. She knew it was her or it, but still...

"It's okay honey," a breathless Kaci told his wife before releasing a blast of heat and red fire on a small Pidgey nearby. The Pidgey managed to avoid the attack and swooped down on Kaci, it's sharp claws reasy to do damage to the Dragonite. it managed to land a scratch on his sensitive nose before a streaking bolt of blinding light hit the bird. It fell to the ground, shocked. Before it could recover, the Jolteon that had attacked it, Lt. Lightning, put the poor beast out of its misery with a swift kick at the Pidgey's neck.

Kaci chocked slightly and then threw up a little. As he finished puking at the sight and sound of the Pidgey dieing, he felt a warm feeling beside him. Jade had walked up to him and was snuggling to his side, trying to comfort him. Neither was used to killing.

A call from Captain Neon let them know that the battle had been fully won. Giving orders to send a couple scouts ahead of the clearing they were in, to make sure nobody escaped and got word out of the attack to the rest of their troop. All told, the enemy had been gretly outnumbered. Fifteen Talonicans who had gotten seperated from their larger troop versed more than fifty well-trained Pokemon from Krana. They had no chance, but they fought as best they could, inflicting minor wounds on the Kranians.

As the other Krana Pokemon got bandaged up and the scouts came back to report that nobody had gotten free from their ambush in the large forest clearing. The dead Pokemon were carefully moved to the a side of the clearing and the two captive Pokemon, a Mankey and a Pikachu, were put in cuffs made of a copper and silver mixture.

Jade helped care for a deep cut on Lt. Lightning's side before she made her way over to Captain Neon, a strong Flygon.

"Captain," Jade cleared her throat. "There is a forest fire started by Krak's forces. It's grown out of control and we need to stop it. There are only about seven Water Pokemon here. I would like permission to go over to Krak at Talacola and get more Water Pokemon. I don't think he'll like me stopping the wildifire, but it is going to kill us all if we don't."

Captain Neon listened for a minute, his ears flicking forward. "A fire? It's against Krana law."

"I know sir," Jade replied.

"Well then, go to Command Base One. Krak won't give you his men, but you can bring some back to us."

"Yes, sir." Jade turned and gave a nod to Kaci who was listening before she began her Starblazing, turning into a blob of red and white light before shooting off up and over the forest.

Captain Neon then turned his attention on the rest of the troops. "We're heading out. Keep an eye on the prisoners, Kaci and Yuna. Keep at the back of us. Make sure the prisoners are gagged too." Hastening to follow Neon's orders, Kaci noticed tears falling from the Mankey's eyes. Poor thing. he thought as some rough cloth was put over the Mankey's mouth.

"Scouts go ahead of us and come back when you see the enemy." Neon nodded at them before the troops started to move deeper into the forest.
--
OOC: I know the post isn't that good, I don't have much time to work with it though. Just trying to keep things moving.

[Shen]

OOC: Ah, whoops. Well it was a fun fight nonetheless :silly:.

Oh, btw...I CALL DIBS!

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Frozen Talacola
Kivistal

The fight was shifting heavily in Talonica's favor, the Krana forces were falling left and right to our superior numbers. However, for each one killed, one or two of our soldiers joined them. I had to say this much about these Kranan's, they were a determined bunch, to refuse to retreat even with impending death. My respect for them...was honestly boosted, by the show of their own strength and valor. I don't care what anyone else says about these "tree-huggers," they're a right good bunch. If they weren't our enemies, we'd get along fine.

However, I didn't have such thoughts now. My mind was focused on intense battle. Kranan soldiers may be brave and strong, but none I had come across had matched me, for I still stood. My arms burned with fatigue, and my vision blurred in my weariness. My arms shook with each strike, and shuddered when I tried to hold my swords still before moving them in a deadly arc once more. I breathed hard and deep, each gush of air pricking icily in my lungs. But like those of Krana, I would never give up, not until my dying breath.

I ducked beneath the thin, sharp flamberge swung by a Hitmontop and kicked the flat of the blade up, knocking it from his grip and leaving him wide open for my attack. I turned as his blood sprayed into the air from his chest and ran to assist my fellow soldiers. A Blastoise was laying to rest several Talonicans at once, but as his attention turned to me, it was too late. He stabbed with his glaive-guisarme, but I dodged to the side and slashed both his kneecaps off, bringing him to the ground. He looked at me with pain, revulsion, and rage, while I flicked one of my swords to his neck. "Surrender, and I shall spare your life. I am not without honor, brave warrior."

He spat at my face, causing me to recoil and stagger back to wipe it from my eyes. I looked up and barely dodged his two-fisted slam into the ground. So much for honor...I thought angrily, before thrusting both my swords deep into his skull and ceasing his resistances. I tugged them out with a wet squelch of blood, bone, and brains, and wiped them clean on the snow. With this large opponent down, there was less to worry about today.

For another hour the fighting continued, and Krana kept fighting their losing battle, all ending the same way: death. None would run and none would surrender. These soldiers...were amazing in their determination and steadfastness. I fought on to defend my country from these invaders, but they...they fought on for victory, to advance their campaign to end this war in their favor, with as much valor. Could I say that I would do the same in a similar situation? it may be smarter to live to fight another day in most cases, but...it was somewhat invigorating to see our enemies were fighting to their last breaths, morbid as that sounded.

I soon found myself engaged in a fierce engagement with a Krana Toxicroak, who wielded his Claymore deftly and agilely despite the size and weight it obviously held. he was also quick on his feet, dancing just out of range of my swipes before attempting to bring the heavy sword crashing down onto my skull, but I easily avoided it. However, I knew I'd have to get in close to finish this opponent, which would put me at risk to receive a heavy blow from his blade in the process. I weighted my options, and decided I had no choice. After another of his failed swings, I darted in, brandishing my swords quickly. He knew he could not bring the blade up in time, so instead he lashed out with the hilt of his blade, his fist also glowing a sinister purple. I cringed as the hilt and his fist collided with my shoulder, feeling a numbness instantly take hold and paralyze it, causing me to drop Ivory. however, I took the momentary pause in his attention to swing Ebony around and lopped off his head.

As I dropped the Toxicroak once and for all, I sheathed my swords (having to pick up Ivory with my good, right hand) and walked through the battlezone. It...was mostly over. Except for maybe another Company of soldiers, Krana was defeated. Only a handful of fights were continuing, while the rest of the Kranans had been successfully immobilized and taken into custody. There was no reason to slaughter them all, even in war. Those not involved in the fighting were watching over the prisoners, backing up those who were fighting, or, as was the most prominent case, tending to those who were alive but wounded. I fended off any offers by medics to take care of the gashes on my cheek, side, and arm; they were relatively small, and would heal easier than my tail end would, even my for now useless arm. Besides, there were others worse off than myself, even with my sickness. They needed the supplies used for healing much more than I did.

I noticed during my walk through the field that there was a circle gathered around a certain area, and most of the Talonicans were brandishing their weapons. Intrigued, I walked over to sate my curiosity. The ranks parted easily enough for me, even when I'm much larger than any other Pikachu. Inside the circle, I saw the Pikachu I had noticed earlier, glaring out at the surrounding Talonicans. His face spoke of defiance, of a will to keep fighting as long as possible, and, if he were able to even when he stopped breathing, I could see he would still be willing to fight on forever more against us. Some might call it foolishness, but I called it bravery and honor. It moved me somewhat...

Enough to step out of the circle towards this last Kranan and draw out Ebony with my single good arm.

I looked to him, but did not advance or yell out. Silence fell over the crowd as they watched, the air thickening with the tenseness of the situation. The air solidified and locked everyone inside it until everything was still, nothing moved whatsoever. Even breathing was at a minimum. It was as if the world had stopped entirely.

Finally, the wind picked up and added motion to the world once more as a small flurry picked up through the circle. I took a deep breath. "You fight bravely, Kranan soldier, as have the rest of your allies. Truly a brave bunch you are. Honorable, too. Therefore, I will show you that we Talonicans have honor as well.

"Fight me. Alone, no interference from anyone on either side, just you and me, one on one. This fight will continue until the other concedes, or death takes his payment, whichever comes first." I turned the hilt of my blade once in my hand. "If you fight me, I will give you my word that those Kranans who are left will be set free to live another day instead of being our prisoners of war. Whoever loses our match will either die, or if he should concede first, be taken prisoner."

One of the Talonicans on the side, a male Wartortle, spoke up in protest. "But Valin, we can't just-"

I interrupted him quickly. "I give you my word, as leader of the Typhoon Runners, that this is what shall be carried out, should you agree, Kranan soldier. However..." I raised my sword to him. "Should you refuse to fight me honorably, and instead fight all of us...I promise you that you and those Kranans that remain...shall die. I don't believe in this course entirely, but you did invade our country."

I smirked to show him I meant well, even with the heat of battle imminent. "I am Valin Denathos. So, brave warrior, please...your name, and your answer."

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Sapphire Front
en route to Lavianix

A blur of greens and browns passed beneath the traveling Pokemon. Krynn pulled a small copper tin -which looked exactly like the one she gave to Valin- out of her bag and applied some of the contents to her cheek. She had no way to see it at the moment, but tracing her paw along the wound, she could tell that it was far from a scratch and was longer than the stripes that already marked her cheeks. Well, that will probably leave a scar. I don’t think it’s wide enough to be visible through my fur though. Her thoughts shifted back to the border. The lush farmland of the Sapphire Front was important to Talonica. So many Pokemon relied on the food grown there. Of course, it was this same reason that made the area important to Itikka. The Pokemon who lived along the border had competed over the land there for years, but most conflicts had been resolved peacefully. Growing up in Opal Valley, her family heard a lot about what happened there. Even after the king’s death, it was not until a large number of soldiers were sent to the line that either side tried to cross into the other’s land. If something was not done soon, one side would try to take the other. But, she thought, if too many more are sent, not only will the ranks be reduced somewhere else, we’ll end up with a bunch of Pokemon who either get used to little action, or get stuck close the other army, itching for battle…just like what we left. There had to be a solution that would prevent a massive attack there. They could not risk all that farmland being destroyed in battle. All these thoughts went through her mind as they continued to fly southwest.

“Hey look!” The call from Jayx pulled Krynn out of her reverie. “We’re almost there,” he said over the wind.

Looking ahead, she could see a shining copper ribbon that pooled in the center of the rolling fields. Leona Lake, reflecting the evening sun, began at the western edge of the city and its river, bearing the same name, traveled out to the coast. Still being connected to the sea despite its location far inland had allowed Lavianix to grow into one of the largest cities in Talonica. Tall, green-tiled buildings filled the inside of the massive wall, while a small village of farmers sat on the road, just east of the city. Thousands of Pokemon made this their home and others were always visiting for one reason or another. Using her sharp sight to zoom in on the city, she could see part of the market. Hundreds of colorful stands were set up along the wide main street. Normally packed with Pokemon buying, trading, and selling, the crowds had thinned in the evening hours. Most were citizens, but she could see a few soldiers milling among them. Several though, were posted on guard along the wall and some flying types perched on the taller buildings, keeping watch on the skies.

As they got closer, Krynn allowed her sight to return back to normal, now seeing the guards as very small. “Guess who’s on duty Jayx,” she said with a chuckle.

The Flygon groaned. “Don’t tell me it’s Wik, please?” The rider chuckled, confirming his suspicions. “Great,” he said sarcastically. Wik was the officer in charge of training all mounts in single combat when Krynn and Jayx had joined. He was always saying that single training was important because they would not always have a rider with them. Of course, the Flygon hated training and did everything he could to avoid it. This created tension with the officer even though he was impressed by the skill Jayx exhibited. The latter also respected his commanding officer, but felt that his training sucked, to be quite blunt.

Coming nearer to the city, they could see a large bird Pokemon launch off one of the buildings after spotting their form in the air. It was Wik. “He would be the first to see us.” Krynn only chuckled as she watched the Pokemon approach them. Swerving around them, Wik curved back so that he ended up alongside.

Tipping the bow in her left paw to her forehead, Krynn saluted. “Nice to see you again Drake Wik.” Jayx dipped his wing in salute.

The Pidgeot beside them wore only a leather breastplate to protect his vulnerable chest. He dipped his own wing, returning the salute. “It’s a pleasure to see you too Krynn.” He looked at Jayx who was willing himself to be invisible. “I suppose there’s a good explanation as to why a Flygon mount is late returning to his command post.” Thinking this was an insult, Jayx eyed the officer, but only saw slight amusement on his face. The truth was, Wik knew his former trainee very well, and expected that he had taken his time coming back. A little surprised by this, he only shook his head. The Pidgeot quirked an eyebrow, wondering what it was then. “Trouble?”

“Yes sir. We were actually making good time returning, but ran into fighting on the border,” explained Krynn.

Eyes widened in shock, Wik did not bother to question why the pair was so close to the line. “Was it bad?” Both Pokemon nodded and the Pidgeot knit his forehead in thought. “They’ll want to send reinforcements out there.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. If too many soldiers are sent in, Itikka will feel they need to do the same and it will only increase tension for one side to take the other. You put enough soldiers in one area, they are going to be itching for a battle and I believe that’s exactly what caused the mess we left behi-“ Krynn cut herself off, thinking she was overstepping her bounds. She had just started to blurt out her thoughts from earlier. Jayx looked back over his shoulder, a little impressed, and Wik glanced at her, but did not press it.

They were now over the city, heading for command. Flying towards the center of the city, they passed over the canal, which was wider than the main street. It connected to the lake, allowing flat-bottomed boats to carry goods directly to and from the middle of town. A heavy iron gate, hanging where the wall passed over the canal, went underwater and was guarded by water-type Pokemon to prevent anyone from sneaking in unnoticed. They finally reached the command post, just south of the city’s center, it was surrounded by a much smaller wall than that around the city. Inside, long barracks sat on three sides of a large training field. Past that, was the mess hall, hospital, and officer’s quarters. Jayx and Wik went down to land near a small group outside of the main building. The Pokemon on the ground turned away from the dust kicked up by the two Pokemon who were landing.

Krynn jumped off of Jayx’ back and he followed as she walked up to the last Pokemon you would expect to see in warm region like Talonica. “Seeds Krynn and Jayx reporting in, ma’am.” She pulled the message from her belt and handed it to the Frosslass. Senior Dragon Tessly returned their salute as she took the paper.

Wik walked up next to them as she read the report. “They say there was trouble at the Itikka border.”

“So it seems.” The other officers standing close by immediately became interested. Tessly continued in her silky voice. “It looks like you made quite an impression on Junior Dragon Larent. Jumping in to aid your fellow soldiers without orders. Seems that he saw you fighting, and says that you also saved one of his Drakes.”

Wik turned to her. “Well done my friend! You always were top of the class weren’t you?”

Krynn wanted to hide. She had no idea what to do with all the praise she was receiving. Jayx however, had no problem with it. “Oh she definitely knows how to hold her own. You should’ve seen how she took out the Ariados wh-oof!” He rubbed his side where Krynn elbowed him between his armor.

Tessly chuckled. “It is quite alright, you do not need to tell me about all that.” She turned to the Bagon next to her, with a Drake’s insignia on his shoulder. “Shard, would you please inform Wyrm Rutang that I need to speak with him.” Shard threw a smart salute, then ran to the building behind them. The Frosslass then turned back to Krynn, noticing that she was favoring her right shoulder. “Come here dear.” Walking timidly up to her, the Furret winced a little as she put her hand on the shoulder that was slammed by Mach Punch. A chill began to run through Krynn’s body as Tessly cooled the sore area. Her paw stopped tingling as the pain was numbed away. “There,” she said, removing her hand. “Better?”

Seeming a bit startled, Krynn tried rotating her shoulder. It was stiff, but the pain had lessened considerably. She smiled nodding. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Not a problem. Now, I want you and Jayx to take care of any injuries you have and get some rest. I will be calling for you first thing in the morning. Whelp Es!” An eager looking Bellsprout trotted up to her. “Please show Krynn to my room.” The Furret immediately started shaking her paws in front of her, babbling like a brook that she could not. Tessly held up a hand for silence. “I insist. You are injured and look exhausted. My quarters are closer than the barracks. Besides, if I know you, you’ll be making that…interesting concoction of yours.” She shuddered, remembering when the Furret had made it for her while in the field. “I’m sure the other soldiers in the barracks would not appreciate that. Just say, ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ and be done with it.”

Krynn’s gaze fell to her feet. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Jayx snickered and Wik turned to the Flygon. “C’mon then Seed. You’ll be needing your rest too,” he said, his deep voice chuckling quietly. He looked at Tessly and saluted. “I’ll find him a place, and come back to talk with you.” Turning back to Jayx, he jerked his head. “There’s a comfortable eyrie nearby, so you won’t be far from your friend. Follow me then.” He took to the air and Jayx grinned at Krynn before following.

She watched him go, then jumped at a quick voice directly in front of her. “Yiss yiss. You follow me now?” Krynn could only nod, slightly dumbfounded as Tessly laughed and turned to go inside with the other officers. Es ran around behind her. “Yiss yiss. Right this way please,” he said, pushing her along. Krynn allowed the strange Pokemon to show her to the room she would be staying in. Something about the small Bellsprout unnerved her, but she was too tired to pay it any mind.


(OOC: I feel like I just spent an entire post rambling. *sigh*
Shen and Neo, you two are gonna kill me with all that wicked intense...ness. >.<)

[Hoshika]

OOC: I can finally go back to making long posts after this...

Kokoro (Pikachu, Espeon, and Togekiss chimera)
Itikka
Tanrock, Eastern Twinriver
7 posts left.

This Gabite was obviously not that responsible. "You missed the briefing... weird, I thought I saw you there," I said. "We'll be going to Faren, Itikka's largest settlement on Northern Island. We have to secure our territory there..." I tried keeping a lump in my throat from forming. "... and if all goes well, take the entire island under Itikkan rule. There's been an issue with the Kranians on the island, apparantly, and they've been trying to take the island for themselves, as well as Greenshore down south. Prince Hartaasti speculated that Krana needs the port towns first, in order to get more troops to their opposing kingdoms... that would be us and Talonica."

The sun was slowly creeping up from the horizon. "So you can transform?" I asked. "Can you fly?" I laughed a little and took off for the town that sat past the disappearing forest. The light warmed me, and the cool sea breeze refreshed me... it was as if the war had never begun, that King Julican was still alive, that everybody belonged to one great kingdom, and that nobody had been killed. Sometimes, I wish that the sun would shine for a little longer every day.

[Neo Pikachu]

OOC: CoN, I have no idea what you just did, but it does sound a bit like you’re bunnying my character. Either way, until you make that more clear, I’d have to disregard it. Sorry.

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics
Summon Cooldown: 4

Surrounded…

The sounds of battle, shouting, and cries of pain were dying. Silence was rapidly swallowing up the crashing of combat, and the answer had been made clear. Krana had lost the siege to take over Talacola. I may not have known what happened to the armada that was sent to attack the eastern side of the city, but I could guess that from the lack of sound within the city, they too, had failed to breech the walls.

I was surrounded by what seemed like an endless amassing of Talonica soldiers. With the silence, it truly felt like I was the last Krana soldier still alive on the field. Maybe I was… I had no way of telling. But from what I could see in their faces, they feared challenging me alone, seemingly waiting for the right moment to gang up on me all in one second of ferocity and chaos. Still, I kept my bloodied spear ready and close at hand for anyone that dared to get too close.

“You’re a fool for continuing this!” A Talonica Mawile shouted at me, “Your allies are dead, give it up!”

I would never give up, however. I knew the situation looked as grim as it could be, but that was no reason to thrown down my weapons and subject myself to become Taloncia’s prisoner. There was nothing but shame and disgrace in that…

And then… silence. The air seemed to have locked, grown cold and stiff, and the only thing I could hear was my own breath and heartbeat. The swarms of Talonica Pokémon seemed to step away, giving room for someone else to enter the circle. I looked to see who it was, and I realized it was that same, giant Pikachu I had seen before. I remembered that the first time I saw him, I could barely believe he was real, but he was, and he stood before me, looking into my eyes. What I saw was no lie or no trick. How this Pikachu managed to grow to massive proportions was beyond anything I could imagine…

“You fight bravely, Kranan soldier, as have the rest of your allies.” He told me as he stepped into the circle, armed with a foreign-looking blade in his hand, “Truly a brave bunch you are. Honorable, too. Therefore, I will show you that we Talonicans have honor as well.”

I didn’t know what this was about, or if this was some Taloncia war custom I simply didn’t know of. However, I never saw an enemy like this before, and from what I could see in his eyes, it clearly told me that he had seen much bloodshed, and had seen death, both from his enemies and his allies, speak back to him. I knew that once any Pokémon had seen such things, they could be reborn to be fearless, unfeeling, or even numb to what some would call horrific and ghastly. The question was… how had this Pikachu’s combat experience affected him? How was his own creed changed by it?

“Fight me.” He said straight to me, “Alone, no interference from anyone on either side, just you and me, one on one. This fight will continue until the other concedes, or death takes his payment, whichever comes first.” He then turned the hilt of his blade once in his hand, “If you fight me, I will give you my word that those Kranans who are left will be set free to live another day instead of being our prisoners of war. Whoever loses our match will either die, or if he should concede first, be taken prisoner.”

I began to truly believe that like the others, he had mistaken me for some kind of Kranan commander or at least a highly-ranked subordinate to one. If he only knew the truth that I was the lowest possible rank in Krana’s army, I strongly doubted he would have even bothered to utter a word before driving his blade through my chest. Or he might believe that I wasn’t worthy of the armor I was wearing, or even the space on Talonica soil I was occupying. But… I had never worn this armor in efforts to deceive the enemy. It had only been for my own protection and to honor the virtues that Krana upholds.

But it was a duel to the death he offered me. If I failed and he finished me off, it changed absolutely nothing about the situation. By now, I was ready to die. I knew for certain that I would never see home again, and would find my fate to be just like all the others. Either way, if he was right about Talonica holding Krana prisoners, I was obligated to do whatever I could to possibly release them, though I knew for a fact that wouldn’t be on my own accord…

“But Valin,” A Talonica Wartortle pleaded with the large Pikachu, “we can't just-”

“I give you my word,” Valin continued, quickly interrupting the Wartortle, “as leader of the Typhoon Runners, that this is what shall be carried out, should you agree, Kranan soldier. However..." He raised his sword to me. "Should you refuse to fight me honorably, and instead fight all of us...I promise you that you and those Kranans that remain...shall die. I don't believe in this course entirely, but you did invade our country.”

Nothing differently would happen whether I won or lost. If I lost, it would simply be one more notch on Valin’s blade and a pat on the back from his surrounding comrades. However, if I managed to win against him, I was sure that his surrounding allies would immediately kill me to avenge their comrade’s defeat. But, it wasn’t the winning or the losing I was concerned about. It was Krana’s honor, even in times of dismay and defeat. I represented all that was left of Krana on this battlefield, and I wanted… no, I needed to show that Krana’s tenacity and determination wouldn’t die until the last soldier fell. And it would always be that way…

“I am Valin Denathos.” He told me with a smirk, “So, brave warrior, please...your name, and your answer.”

“Tyrec, Oak-ranked Knight of the Lily, aerial division.” I replied to him immediately, “And yes… I accept your proposition, not just for the sake of those soldiers, but to prove to you that Krana’s determination and bravely will only die when the last soldier has fallen.”

A few of the Talonica soldiers looked at me in question. It was then that one stepped forward to ask me something.

“You… isn’t an Oak the lowest rank in Krana?” The Mawile asked me.

“It is.” I confirmed it to him, knowing that might come as some surprise to them, “But courage and bravery is not measured by rank. It is measured by heart and character. Regardless of how this battle ends, do a fellow Pokémon a favor, and at least remember me by that…”

After saying that, I then turned to face Valin, ready to show him what it means to be a soldier of Krana.

“Are you ready, Valin?” I asked him, gripping my spear, “I will not hold anything back, and I hope you don’t either.”

With that said, I prepared for him to make his first move. I wanted to make sure these Talonica soldiers wouldn’t forget this one…

[Lusankya]

Auron (Flygon)
Starblazers
Talonica
Talacola

The Colossus collapsed into a heap of ice and snow. The Magmar on Auron’s back gave a whooping noise, having failed to notice that it wasn’t his attack, but a strange Gabite’s, that had brought the creature down. But Auron wasn’t going to rain on his parade. He could be mistaken as well.

Having been hit on the head by one too many hailstones, Auron said to the Magmar, “I’ve got to land.” And land he did, swooping in onto an section of the wall unoccupied by archers.

The Magmar hopped off Auron’s back. “Thanks for rescuing me,” he said to Auron. Auron nodded in reply. “Only doing my part.”

The hail was beginning to die down. Peering over the side of the wall, Auron could see that the Krana forces were surrounded, divided and outnumbered. A warm feeling spread through his body, as he realized that the day had essentially been won.

But a scream from behind him shattered that temporary illusion. As he scanned the interior of Talacola for the source, he saw that, despite their losses outside the wall, Krana was fighting its way into the city. A small opening had been cut through the Talonica inner defenses, and Krana was making full exploit of it. Every soldier that could was fighting their way into the city, attacking any civilians that hadn’t evacuated to the center of the city and starting fires when and where they could.

Auron swore. Tired as he might have been, this was one situation that called for attention. Racing to the break, Auron aimed a Hyper Beam ahead at a Lickitung hacking an unfortunate Dragonair in half. Too distracted by blood-lust to see the blow coming, the Lickitung was blasted sideways into a building. Auron finished it off with a stab to the heart with Skywing.

Turning back around, Auron leaped into the fray occurring at the breakpoint, placing himself right in the path of anybody trying to get through it. Next up was a fierce Linoone with a dagger in its teeth, who raced out from between the legs of a Talonica Machamp and jumped at Auron. Dodging to the side, Auron barely missed being cut by the dagger. But excellent reflexes allowed him to reach out and bite the Linoone’s tail, suddenly arresting its forward motion. Clenching his teeth hard, he swung around and flung it into the air, then impaled it onto Seawing as it fell back down.

Abruptly Auron realized he was surrounded by Krana soldiers. With no time to think of something clever, he summoned eight stars around him, then blasted them outwards, one towards each of his attackers. Then he picked one, a Primeape, and ran him through with Skywing before it recovered from his star attack. He glanced backwards at a Tangela, beginning to get back up onto its feet, and flicked his tail to run it through with the blade on his tail.

Then suddenly, he had a Flareon, a Croconaw, and a Mareep on him. By pressing his body against the ground, he managed to dodge a Water Gun from the Croconaw, which missed and hit the Flareon instead. Struck by the super-effective attack, the Flareon was temporarily distracted long enough for Auron to simply head-butt it onto the path of a raging Talonica Lairon. Then he turned around again to see both the Mareep and the Croconaw advancing on him. They had learned their lesson from the Flareon, and were approaching at the same angle. Auron parried the Croconaw’s sword with one hand, dodged the Mareep’s Tackle attack, then hacked at the Crononaw with his other sword. However, he missed his target: a gap in the Croconaw’s armor between the head and body, and the blow glanced off the plate steel. Mentally cursing, Auron flicked his tail and managed to knock the Croconaw off his feet. His other hand suddenly free, he turned and sliced through the Mareep’s unarmored underside, spilling blood and guts everywhere.

The Croconaw, still on the ground, bit his other arm. Auron winced and let out an involuntary scream; those teeth were sharp! But fighting through the pain, he used his other sword to slice the water Pokemon’s head off.

Auron whirled around again. There was nobody to fight. His rash placement of himself into the breakpoint had bought enough time for the rest of the Talonica troops to fill the gap back in. A Marowak looked at Auron, grinning. “You’re the dumbest Flygon I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Auron grumbled back, then took off and landed on the wall above the gate. An eerie silence had descended upon the battlefield. Was the battle over?

Near the gate, a circle had formed around two duelists, a Krana Pikachu and a Talonica Pikachu. “Are you ready, Valin?” the smaller, Krana Pikachu said. “I will not hold anything back, and I hope you don’t either.”

Auron nearly snorted. Engaging in “honorable single combat”. Fools. Honor was for the living. Dead is dead. He fingered his quiver, resisting the temptation to put an arrow in the back of that Krana Pikachu’s head and end their little spat. But no. Let them have their little duel. Maybe if the Krana Pikachu lost, the rest of their forces would give up quietly…

8 Star Cooldown: 3

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Frozen Talacola
Kivistal

“Tyrec, Oak-ranked Knight of the Lily, aerial division,” the Pikachu replied to me instantly, “And yes… I accept your proposition, not just for the sake of those soldiers, but to prove to you that Krana’s determination and bravely will only die when the last soldier has fallen.”

A few of my fellow Talonica soldiers looked at him in question. It was then that one, a Mawile stepped forward to ask Tyrec something. “You… isn’t an Oak the lowest rank in Krana?”

“It is.” Tyrec confirmed, “But courage and bravery is not measured by rank. It is measured by heart and character. Regardless of how this battle ends, do a fellow Pokemon a favor, and at least remember me by that…”

After saying that, he then turned to face me, as if he was ready to show what it means to be a soldier of Krana. “Are you ready, Valin?” he asked me, gripping the spear he held, “I will not hold anything back, and I hope you don’t either.” He prepared for me to make his first move.

Silence once again took hold on the world as we stared one another down, mentally preparing for battle.I took a stance and held my sword up by my face, the point directed at Tyrec. My paralyzed arm hung limply by my side, but I could start to move my fingers, so I knew it couldn't be long before I could use my arm again. But for this fight, I'd have to use everything I knew about swordsmanship to do well without it.

"Valin, you can not be serious..." one Talonican behind me, an Ampharos, said.

"I've never been more serious..." I muttered. "Here I come, Tyrec!" I yelled.

With as much force as I could, I thrusted myself forward, running fullpelt at my opponent. I drew my blade back, preparing for a deadly swing that could behead any unarmored Pokemon easily. My glare narrowed as I got closer and closer.

At about the distance I knew that I was vulnerable to a hard stab from Tyrec's spear, I leapt quickly into the air to avoid any strike he had decided to make, almost flying now at him. I rose directly above him and fell towards his head.

I swiped at him with as much strength as I could muster.

OOC: Ack, sorry this short post took so long :oops:. There's little you can post when fighting another, hehe...

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Lavianix
Indigo Dragons Northern Command

-thunk! thunk!- Two arrows were buried into a stationary target’s bulls-eye. Early morning found Krynn in the training area with a long bow, testing her shoulder. Before going to bed, she had mixed and heated her father’s special concoction for bruised muscles…much to the dismay of those who neighbored Tessly’s quarters (several complaints were made, to which the Senior Dragon assured the smell would be gone before the night was over). Krynn wrapped her shoulder, covering the herbal mix, before lying down to sleep. By morning, her right arm no longer pained her. It was however, quite stiff after being wrapped tightly all night, so she went to stretch the muscles a little and make sure there was still no damage from the attack.

–ssh-thunk!-

“Nice! That one looks like it went halfway through!” Jayx was hovering nearby, watching his friend warm-up. “I’d say there wasn’t any permanent damage done since you haven’t missed a single shot. What do ya think? Ready for moving targets?” he asked with a grin. Other Pokemon who were in the yard training, had gradually stopped what they were doing to watch the Furret as she hit the target dead on every time. She tried to keep her focus in front of her, the last thing she needed was to let the watching faces distract her. Nodding at Jayx, she pulled five long arrows from her quiver and set them point first in the ground, then nocked another arrow to her string. “Alright then.”

He pulled three sandbag targets from a bucket and threw them into the air, one after the other. Leading ahead of the targets, she fired as each left Jayx’ claws. The first two shots broke the targets open in a shower of sand. The third only grazed the edge, leaving both the sandbag and arrow to tumble back to earth. She hissed under her breath as Jayx picked up three more sandbags and repeated the routine. This time, all three were hit. There was a slight murmur behind her as the other Pokemon commented on her skill, but she was still unhappy about the missed shot. She whistled up to Jayx and pulled three more arrows from her quiver. These ones were heavier, with the wide, steel points her father made. The Flygon grinned as he got the idea and flew over to a pile of clay discs. She started to string her recurve bow while the Pokemon nearby started to whisper. Usually, the clay targets were only used for sling-stones or practicing your aim with an attack. Arrows would only bounce off the harder discs. Ignoring the chatter, Jayx hovered about twenty yards away from the Furret and tossed all three clay discs into the air.

-Ka-chink! Ka-chink!- The first two were smashed while they were high in the air. Drawing back the last arrow, she fired as the last target was only ten feet from the ground. –ssh Ka-chink!- Letting out her breath, she relaxed her tense muscles a bit. Behind her, a few onlookers cheered. Krynn jumped as a light paw gave her a pat on the back.

A Lucario smiled at her. “That was outstanding. It’s rare to see such aim.” Krynn quietly looked away as she started to unstring her long bow.

Jayx landed beside them with a thump. “You bet it was outstanding! No one can beat my rider!” She half-scowled at the Flygon, but he only grinned and returned the arrows he collected. “Sorry, but I couldn’t get that last one out of the target there without breaking it or the arrow,” he said, pointing at the end of the field. The standing target still had an arrow buried in the center.

“Leave it. We’ll let it stand as a challenge to some of our trainees.” The Furret shook her head, while Jayx laughed at the thought. Already, several Pokemon had picked up bows to try and match her archery. The Lucario only chuckled as he turned back to the Furret. “Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Selik Rutang.” Rutang was the Wyrm that her commander was going to talk with yesterday. Krynn shook the offered paw, slightly startled that the high-ranking officer would come to see her. “Tessly would have come to get you, but she fell asleep in my office at some point last night. Something about her quarters smelling worse than a Stunky?”

She tried to hold back a laugh. “I’m sorry. I have to apologize to her.”

Rutang chuckled. “Not to worry. I have some Pokemon working on it. Now, if you’ll come with me, we have some things to talk about before you receive your new orders.” Krynn nodded and gathered up her gear, followed by Jayx.


Upon entering a large room, Krynn noticed a wide, open window. Drake Wik was already perched on the sill and Jayx flew up next to him from outside. Floating nearby, Senior Dragon Tessly covered a yawn. Smiling sheepishly, Krynn walked up to her apologizing, to which Tessly only laughed and said, “You forget, it was my idea.”

Rutang entered the room, “Alright, we have things to discuss. It is obvious that our border with Itikka needs to be strengthened. Seed Krynn, Wik tells me that you had something to say about that.”

Her face suddenly felt hot as attention was directed at her. “I’m sorry sir. I was just thinking out loud.”

The Lucario waved a paw at her. “Well please, continue to think. I am always ready to hear other’s opinions.”

Krynn gave a nervous nod and began to explain. “I just felt like putting too many troops so close to the border is what caused that battle in the first place. Being so near to each other, the opposing sides were just itching for action. I realize that the Front needs to be reinforced, but perhaps that could be done more tactfully…” The Furret’s voice trailed off as she wrung her paws together.

Tessly however was smiling at her subordinate. She turned to see Rutang leaning against the front of his heavy desk, looking thoughtful. “Hmm… You make a good point. Another massive battle at the border would create a lot of bloodshed for Talonica as well as Itikka.” He closed his eyes, weighing his options. After a moment, he looked up at Tessly. “I believe we should still send reinforcements to the front.” Krynn shuffled her feet uncomfortably before the officer continued, “However, most will be kept at a distance from the border. We will have units set up a few posts along the border and patrols will watch the line.”

The Frosslass nodded in agreement. “That sounds like a reasonable course of action. That way, there will be troops available to defend quickly. It may also be a good idea to have the troops rotated out, so they do not end up… How did you put that Krynn? Itching for action?” Rutang chuckled as the Furret rubbed her ear, embarrassed.

Standing in the open window, Jayx spoke up. “You said that we had new orders. Are we to be part of the patrol, sir?”

Their commanding officer shook her head, “No. You will be traveling elsewhere.” Krynn furrowed her brow in confusion, wondering where else they would be needed.

Wik answered her unspoken question. “Just before you arrived, a Swellow arrived with a message that Krana was attacking Greenshore.” Krynn and Jayx both seemed startled by this. So far, the greatest conflict was over the Sapphire Front. Talonica was a great seafaring nation, to hear that they were still vulnerable from the sea was disheartening.

“As soon as we heard the news, a Kirlia teleported to check on the situation,” Rutang continued. “She returned to say that most of the Kranan force had pulled back. Which surprised us, until a Noctowl came about Talacola. A messenger made it to Naruda, from there, messengers were sent here and to Vanral. We’re assuming that the Kranan force which pulled away from Greenshore went across the mountains to attack Talacola. Not only that, they were backed up by a fleet of ships. We currently do not know the situation. There should have been enough of a force still inside the city to defend it, but we need to know for sure. Our Kirlia messenger returned to Greenshore in case the Krana army returned, so she cannot check on Talacola for us.”

Moving forward, the Frosslass explained their orders. “Krynn we need you to fly to Greenshore and notify our messenger, Whelp Gracelle, to report back to us. Since Jayx was trained as a mount, he’ll be able to handle the long trip. We’re asking you to then travel to Talacola, find out what is happening there, and return here immediately. Can you handle that?” Throwing a swift salute, Krynn nodded.

The Lucario commander nodded as well. “Good. We’ll get you supplied and on your way then.”


Back outside, Krynn shifted the small supply bag on Jayx’ back to balance the weight. Rutang watched as she adjusted her armor. “Take care and get word back soon about Talacola. We’ll take care of the Front.”

“Yiss yiss. Many bad things happening there.” Es the Bellsprout, who was apparently a base clerk, had come out with Rutang and Tessly. Krynn commented as she climbed onto her mount, glad that they would not be sending a mass of troops directly onto the line. Es seemed confused by this and as soon as he heard that reinforcements were being sent to make camp away from the border, his entire attitude seemed to change. He attempted to keep up his demeanor, but Krynn could tell that inside he was seething.

The officers, as well as Es, said their good-byes and good lucks when Jayx took off. Something was bothering the Furret as they flew higher. It felt like Es had been glaring at her, through his smile. She turned back to look at those they left on the ground, her vision revealing the silver-white auras that hung like a haze around Tessly and Rutang. Then she saw Es. She had seen dark auras before, but never anything like his. He seemed to radiate darkness…and Krynn felt as if it were pulling her in. She suddenly tore her gaze away from the strange Pokemon, her mind reeling, she clutched at the greaves in Jayx’ armor.

He turned to look at her. “Are you alright?” he asked, noticing the look on her face. Krynn shook her head as she willed herself to look back. The large buildings were now blocking her view as they moved away from the city and she was almost thankful for that. She began to wonder just what it was that she saw about that Bellsprout that so unnerved her. Try as she might, she just could not figure out why he seemed to be like that.


…now heading east to Greenshore. ^^’


(OOC: I hope I didn't make that end too revealing there. ^^' Oh, and just to be clear, he doesn't know that she knows...really, she doesn't know what she's knows anyway. ^^)

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics
Summon Cooldown: 3

I did not know how injured Valin had become during the battle. Judging from the blood splattered on him, I could easily guess he had slain quite a few Krana soldiers. But I didn’t know how much of that blood was his, and how much of it had been from others. Judging from the looks of him, it had appeared he had only broken a sweat and not much more. He appeared to be more than ready to continue fighting hard, likely a good reason why he wanted to initiate this duel in the first place.. As for my own injuries, my face had been cut on my forehead and on my left cheek, while I was feeling aches and sores all over. I still hadn’t fully recovered from the mace slamming into my back and throwing me to the ground either. Valin might have seen this… and might have regarded it as an opportunity to take out a soldier that likely didn’t have a chance…

Meanwhile, all I had left was the spear. I felt naked without the shield, but there was nothing around me that could be used as a replacement. I didn’t trust Krana’s feeble wooden shields, even though there were plenty of those littered around. A single mace blow would shatter them into pieces, and I knew Valin was more than capable of delivering such a blow. I would just need to improvise without it.

Valin assumed a stance, holding his blade out in front of his eyes and pointing it right at me. Like my spear, it was also stained with blood, but the edge still looked incredibly sharp and lethal.

“Valin, you can not be serious...” An Ampharos, one of Valin’s allies, told him in total disbelief at what we were doing.

“I've never been more serious...” Valin replied, “Here I come, Tyrec!”

Immediately, Valin ran as fast as he could toward me. While he charged, I kept the spear gripped in one hand, even though I knew using it with two hands would result in a more powerful jab. I was going to need mobility against him, especially if he was this agile. I saw him draw his blade back, preparing for a fast and lethal swing. And I wasn’t about to underestimate the sharpness of that sword…

Once he was within range of the spear, I tried to use the spear’s length to overcome the range of his sword. Since the spear was longer, I had a slight advantage over him. However, just when surged forward with the spear, Valin leapt into the air, right directly above me…

Damn it…

The spear completely missed him as he flew over me. I knew the only option to avoid getting struck was to lunge forward, even though Valin was no longer there. From what I heard, it sounded like a horrific, violent slashing sound behind me, metal scraping against metal. I kept the spear gripped in my hand while I somersaulted away from him, trying to gain as much distance as I could in those critical seconds.

A strike that would have likely cut off my head instead turned into a slash that tore into my back. I quickly got back on my feet, and I gritted through the pain. I couldn’t see exactly how much damage the strike had done, but it felt severe. Slowly and carefully, I tried to feel the damage from behind my back. I couldn’t reach too far, but the cut through the armor had been deep. But did it…?

I brought my hand back up… covered and dripping with my own blood. Just from the sight of it, I was starting to feel dizzy and faint, not sure if it was the sight or the blood loss that was causing it. My hand was shaking as the blood flowed between my small fingers, soon dropping on the damp soil below. It was clear… I was in no condition to fight Valin, but I had to. Even for a Pikachu of his size, he was still fast, possibly even faster than normal-sized Pikachus. Meanwhile, his blade was sharper and capable of things I didn’t think were possible, cutting through plate armor like it wasn’t even there.

I tried to move back, but I ran out of room, and suddenly I was thrown forward, right on my chest. I looked behind me to see a Talonica Lombre, realizing he was the one who shoved me to the ground.

“Watch where you’re stumbling around, shrimp!” He shouted to me, “Get back to the fight so Valin can finish carving you up. And don’t you even think about collapsing before he finishes you off.”

It was a struggle to get back on my feet, but once I did, I grabbed the spear and tried to hold onto it as tightly as I could. I couldn’t underestimate him… he could jump in ways I couldn’t. Even if he leapt into the air, I would need to be prepared to strike him there. But one thing I did know that is if he jumped, he would need to come back down. The shock from hitting the ground might just be enough time to make a well-aimed strike.

I then tried to charge, rushing toward Valin, but not as fast as I used to be able to. He may have been bigger, but that also made him an easier to hit target. Even though the plate armor impeded on my mobility, I had to be prepared to dodge and duck under his lethal swipes. This time, I charged with the spear in one hand, and when I was ready, I gripped the spear with both hands, and dove right at him, hoping to drive the spearhead through and past his armor…

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Sapphire Front
en route to Greenshore

For most of the trip, Krynn had not said a word, even when they traveled close to Opal Valley. She would only speak when Jayx asked her something directly and she never said anything about how the Bellsprout had so unnerved her. How can anyone have such a dark aura? Is that even possible in a living creature? The Furret was so confused, thinking about what she had seen, that she did not notice they had nearly reached their destination until Jayx spoke up.

“Hey look at that! There was a forest fire!” Jerked back to reality, Krynn looked ahead of them, and indeed, there was smoke rising from the ground just outside the city. “It looks like it’s going down, but there’s still fire through all that smoke.”

Krynn thought for a moment. “Alright, try using Sandstorm to douse some of those flames.” The Flygon nodded. Coming closer to the smoke filled air, he dropped down into a clearing, beating his wings until a loose, dust-devil like funnel formed. This was pushed towards the burning section of the forest. As it passed over, the spinning cloud of sand and earth began to smother the fire. Looking through the swirling mass of dust and smoke, Krynn noticed shapes dashing about, between the trees. “Jayx, cut it off! There’s Pokemon in there!”

He started to slow the wind he had created. “What? Friend or foe?”

“Whoever it is, I think they’re also trying to put out the fire, so stop!” She watched as the Sandstorm died down and smoke from the smoldering forest took over the air again. Through the smoke, Kranan soldiers could be seen, shaking sand and dust off themselves before continuing to put out the now lessened fire. She narrowed her eyes a bit. “They’re from Krana, but there doesn’t seem to be too many of them down there.” Krynn turned her attention to the high wall around Greenshore. “C’mon. We have to find that messenger.”

As they approached the wall, archers could be seen lining the battlement. Several readied their bows as Jayx approached. A large Dragonite standing over the gate waved for them to stand down. They were obviously still on the alert after being attacked. The Flygon flew over the wall and landed next to the other Dragon.

“I’m here to find the Lavianix messenger, a Kirlia named Gracelle.” The Dragonite looked at Krynn with slight uncertainty. She straightened her back, “Seed Krynn, sent from Lavianix by Senior Dragon Rutang with a message for Whelp Gracelle. Please tell me where I might find her.”

The dragon started slightly when she began to speak more confidently, but he did nod and point into the town. “She’ll probably be at the town center with a Haunter, Lucke. He’s in command here.”

Krynn thanked the Dragonite and Jayx launched himself from the battlement, flying towards the middle of town. He rose up over the tiled rooftops. The buildings here were much smaller than those of Lavianix, but also more compact than her home in Opal Valley. The came to a small square that had several Pokemon gathered in it. In the center of the small crowd was Haunter who seemed to be giving out orders for some to stay on guard and others to begin assessing damage. As the Flygon passed overhead, a few Pokemon backed out of the way for him to land. Jumping off her mount’s back, Krynn walked up to the Haunter. “I’ve been sent by Senior Dragon Rutang to find Whelp Gracelle.”

Before Lucke could answer, someone called out harshly from nearby. “I’m right here!” A Kirlia was attempting to get through the crowd. A Machoke was blocking her path and she yelled at him, “Hey! You wanna move?” The larger Pokemon was taken aback by her rude behavior, but nonetheless moved out of her way. “Thanks,” she said sarcastically.

Jayx leaned his head over to the rider’s ear to whisper, “She’s a Whelp in the Indigo Dragons?” Krynn shrugged in reply. She was as surprised by her behavior as the others, but then again, who was to say how a Kirlia is supposed to act.

The fragile looking Pokemon tip-toed daintily to where Krynn stood. “So what’s your news from Rutang?” Krynn quirked an eyebrow as the other Pokemon tapped her foot impatiently. “C’mon c’mon. I don’t have all day.” The Furret told her that she was to report back to Lavianix right away. “Well, it’s about time.” Without another word, she used Teleport and was gone in a faint flash.

Krynn and Jayx looked at each for a moment before chuckling softly. As she went to mount up, Lucke drifted over asking if there was any other news they needed to know. Krynn shook her head. “I’m sorry, I was only sent to find Gracelle. But, I don’t think you need to worry for right now. From what I heard, the navy is protecting you from the sea now, and when we flew overhead, there were only a small number of Kranan soldiers trying to put out the fire.”

Jayx chuckled humorously. “My advice…let them put out what they caused,” he said with a wink. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have orders for Talacola.” Before leaving, Krynn told the city’s commander to keep watching out for the town, to which he nodded. The Flygon then jumped into the air, powerful wingbeats carrying him higher. As they left Greenshore behind to cross the water for Talacola, Jayx glanced back at his rider. “Any chance of you telling me what’s been bothering you since we left Lavianix?”

The breeze rushed past her scruffy fur. Krynn sighed. “I’m sorry Jayx. I’m not even really sure what is bothering me.” The Flygon raised a brow at this and she tried to smile. “Don’t worry. When I figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.” He nodded, accepting her answer for the moment and returned his attention to their destination.

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Frozen Talacola
Kivistal

My strike was successful. Tyrec had indeed thrusted his spear at me, but my timely jump caused him to miss. He continued to lunge forward as he realized what I was gonna do. My slash, of course, missed his head, but my strike lashed his back, slicing through the plate mail he wore, to my surprise; my sharpening of Ebony yesterday had been more effective than I had anticipated.

I flipped around, but there wasn't enough time, and I landed hard on my paralyzed arm, making me cringe in pain. I got up to my feet, my vision a bit blurry; apparently, that Toxicroak's poison did more than paralyze me. I was hurt, and if this fight didn't finish soon, it would cost me all I had. It might even cause me to lose this match, which I was determined not to fail in.

I turned to face Tyrec to see him try to move back, but he ran out of room, having stumbled against the encircling crowd. A Talonican Lombre suddenly pushed him forward forward, right onto his chest. He looked behind him to look at the Lombre.

“Watch where you’re stumbling around, shrimp!” He shouted to Tyrec, “Get back to the fight so Valin can finish carving you up. And don’t you even think about collapsing before he finishes you off.”

It definitely looked like it was a struggle for Tyrec to get back on his feet, but once he did, he grabbed the spear held it tightly. We stood apart again, the distance between us needing to be closed before any strike was possible. I was panting; the effort it would take to jump to dodge another thrust might take it out of me, and he would have me anyway.

Tyrec then tried to charge, rushing towards me, but not as fast as he might have been able to before. He may have been smaller, but that also made him a harder target to hit. Even though the plate armor impeded on his mobility, he would definitely be prepared to dodge and duck under my deadly strikes This time, Tyrec charged with the spear in one hand. I let out another war cry and charged him as well, the two of us closing the distance on one another quickly. My vision was still blurring, but I could keep it together at least for this last charge. I thought I'd be ready for his strike, but he surprised me. Tyrec gripped the spear with both hands, and dove right at me. With the loss of blood and poison working against me, I could not avoid the spearhead completely.

I lurched to the side, and the spear buried deep into my side.

"Gyah!" I cried. Blood poured from my side, and I coughed up blood as well. However, the very fact that Tyrec's spear had pierced me and was stuck inside me left him close...and wide open for an attack. My momentum carried me forward, pushing the spear further inside me, but bringing him closer and closer. You have been a worthy opponent, I thought to myself, But I claim my victory!

With all the remaining strength I had, I swung Ebony at his neck as hard and fast as I could...

[Neo Pikachu]

Tyrec the Pikachu (Blood Summoner)
Krana
Talacola, Indigo Tropics
Summon Cooldown: 2

Valin had attempted to lurch to the side, but the evasive maneuver failed. My spear had caught him in the side, tearing through his flesh as the already bloodied spearhead sunk into his body.

“Gyah!” Valin screamed as crimson blood oozed from his wound and trickled down his mouth.

His cry… it brought me pain and misery to know I was killing one of my own kind. But still… nothing could hold back the fact that we were enemies. I had seen Pokémon slaughter Pokémon on these fields of death, and it was clear that war always brought out the cruelty in all of us…

I tried to wrestle the spear out, but it was locked in place, likely lodged between or against a bone. I didn’t want to abandon my weapon, but soon enough, I realized how much of a mistake that was. I had underestimated Valin, thinking the wound would have stopped him, but he was still capable of fighting even as he was bleeding badly…

I looked up, and without even a blink later, I had seen Valin slash forward his blade in a furious, lethal arc. There was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it. It flew so fast and so clean that at first, I thought the attack by chance might have missed…

…until it become impossible to breathe…

I frantically let go of the spear’s shaft, and only a moment later, the gushing of metallic-tasting blood filled my mouth, and I almost immediately vomited blood. I placed my hands on my neck, and I felt it. The cut had gone so deep that I was surprised the slice didn’t decapitate me. Still, my vision was fading, I couldn’t even speak or scream as my throat and lungs were filling rapidly with blood. All I could do was crash to the ground on my back, vomiting more blood on the way down.

I saw the sky at the moment, with its clouds and sun that were just starting to come out again after the wintery blizzard had now fully vanished. Those last moments when it all began to fade, I knew it didn’t accomplish my dream. Or maybe… it had been accomplished in a different way… something that would go down untold, but still happened nonetheless. I fought to the end… even this end. With that last second, I closed my eyes and my mouth. And then… it seemed like all time had stood still, and I could no longer hear or feel anything.

The invasion on Talacola had failed. But at least we had given Taloncia a message…

…victory would never come easy for them…

[Dragoness]

Jade (Rapidash, Starblazer) and Kaci (Dragonite, Legendary Summoner
Krana
Jade: Landing at Command Base One Nylon, Krana; Kaci: Greenshore
______

Kaci yelped. A sudden blanket of sand had fallen on him from above, getting in his eyes and coating his muddy-orange coat a light brown. Forcing himself to look up as the sand stream slowed down, Kaci's heart skipped a beat. The sand had come from a small Flygon above him. It seemed as if it was trying to help cut back the blaze around them, even though there were already a couple Water Pokemon and Ground Pokemon working on it. About to call out to the Flygon, Kaci noticed something. It was a Talonican, their enemy.

Not sure what to do--after all, the Flygon was trying to help them--Kaci glanced over at his keading officer, Captain Neon. The Captain was looking up as well, a frown on his green face. He too was a Flygon, though he seemed to be a very dark shade of green for one. As Neon started to speak, the Flygon flew off.

"Well, I'll be. They know we are here. They will report us for sure. Lets just hope they help us douse the fire before any fighting can start--that gives time for Jade to come with reinforcemnts," Neon mused.

"But Captain, what if Jade can't get back here in time?" A small, nervous Squirtle asked.

"Private Poppy," Neon addressed the Squirtle. "If that happens, we will either find a common ground and have a truce, or we will fight with our last breath. Now enough with the talk, get back to the fire!"

The troop listened to his command and fighting the blaze even more. They were making good progress--the trees that had had the flicker of red fire at their crowns were almost out. Most of the smaller trees and weeds were also doused with sand, dirt and water.

As the troops started to battle the fires again, Neon carefully walked over to Kaci. "Sir," Kaci nodded to Neon.

The Captain smiled and then took the elbow of Kaci and pulled him about ten feet away from the other Pokemon, deeper into the forest. "Private Kaci, we must talk. Some of the other Pokemon are hot-headed. They won't like the idea of a temporary truce no matter what. Your large, strong and fast enough for your size. I need you to step in if any of these guys tries to attack Talonicans without my okay."

"Yes, sir." Kaci looked at Neon a little worridly. He knew that some hated Talonica with all their heart, but he also knew there were others like him who were forced into service and forced into fightning. Thus, there were probably some of the enemy's Pokemon who were willing to forgive a little and make nice. Thinking this over, Kaci returned to kciking up sand onto the smaller fires.
--
Jade felt her body gently, but firmly smack into the soft dirt int he training yard behind the Command Base. Pushing herself up, Jade gave herself a minute to get her bearings and to allow her head to stop feeling so dizzy. She had just Starblazed, and the speed at which she went made her stomache feel woozy. Not enough to throw up, but still...

Carefully walking across the clay red dirt, Jade pushed open the door leading into the Command Base. From there, she walked through the locker rooms and into the maze of stone and wood hallways. She was surprised to find that there were few people about. She was used to seeing dozens of people, but she passed no one as she made her way through the different hallways, her hooves barely making a sound on the thick wooden floors.

Finally she saw the lights of Commander Golm's office. As she reached a few feet of the doorway, she heard loud voices inside. Pausing for a brief second, Jade caught word of what they were saying.

"That troop doesn't stand a chance! Seeds of Vengeance or not, they will be so outnumbered that their heads will spin!" A deep voice of a male said from inside the office.

Jade froze. What is going on here? This sounds bad, she thought to herself, straining to hear more.

Another voice laughed. Jade frowned. The second voice belonged to Commander Golm.

"Most of them will be dead soon. Especially if that scouting troop takes them for a surprise "party". All of them are good fighters though and will take out several of Talonican's people. We're send out the wolves and people from the Palaces of Talonica and Krana will come running, leaving their precious Princes un-protected. it'll work out Marv, it will." Commander Golm's voice said, a slight chuckle following his words.

"Don't use my name! Anyway, my people will still wipe out yours. Once they do, we can inflate the numbers and then strike."

It took a minute for Jade to realize what was going on. Two people were in there. Commander Golm and someone named Marv. Marv seemed to be a Talonican, but he was fighting against his people. Golm was going against the Krana people. Treason. They were going to attack the princes of Talonica and Krana while everyone was distracted. A feeling of sickness swept over Jade. She needed to stop this! Whether they were working alone, for Ittika or someone else, these two needed to be stopped.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "When was the last time I posted? What? Well that what happen when you are busy with school work..."
Faction: Krana
Kivistal – En Route to The Grove, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala rested in a wagon that had a lot of straw. The wagon bumped and jumped every so often as the ponyta pulled it. Several cases of different kind of drinks were in the wagon and Mala just smiled as she lean against one. A few murkrows perch atop of the creates. Some were restless while other seem to enjoy this brief moment of peace.

"So this is what happens when we just travel the easy way." laughed Mala. She looked at a murkrow and then laughed again. "Well why are you so serious?"

The murkrow looked at Mala and blinked. He then said, "What? I am not. I just a bit uncertain. So far you have mention no plan as in what to do when we arrive to The Grove."

Mala shurgged and said, "A plan? I suppose to have one of those?"

"Yes," said the murkrow. "What do you want us to do when we arrive to The Grove? Do you want us to fly out when we get closer to it and search out any dittos? How about ask around?"

Mala shook her head and said, "Nope. You guys will do nothing of the such." Mala tilted her head a bit and sighed. She then said, "Nothing at all."

"But what? Why?" asked the murkrow.

Mala at once jumped up and used a Razor Wind to make herself on eye level with the murkrow preached ontop of the create. "Have you ever been to The Grove ever before?" the murkrow shook his head to say no. "Do you know why?"

"Umm...because I never had to before?" answered the murkrow nervously.

"YES! A murkrow has no business there!" smiled Mala. She then spun around and almost hit the murkrow with her sharp tail blade. Mala said, "A murkrow being there is almost unheard of. Why in the world with a murkrow be there is beyond any crazy idea I could come up with. That is why I am going alone."

"But why would an absol be there?" asked a murkrow.

Mala laughed and said, "Why not? Absols being there is commonish. There have been murkrow medicine makers for ages. No problem with me." Mala then pulled something out of the hay and spun around. A brown colored cloth was warpped around her head. Mala laughed and said, "Also I just wanted to wear this cool cloak."

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal
en route to/arriving at Talacola

Still going in relative silence, they made good time since they were traveling over the water instead of the long way across the mountains. As Jayx flew closer to the shore of the bay, Krynn could feel him shiver beneath his armor. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Sorry, it just feels like the air is getting colder.” As if to prove it, he shuddered again.

That’s weird, Krynn thought. Most of Talonica was almost tropical. Her thicker than normal fur, coupled with her leather armor, prevented her from noticing the chill as soon as the Flygon did. But now that she was paying attention, she believed that he was right, the air was getting cooler. Sure enough, as they approached Talacola, grey clouds could be seen overhead and everything on the ground looked to be covered in ice. “What happened here?”

“I have no idea, but I do know, that it’s not good for most of the mounts,” he said with a snort. “What a way to stop everyone cold!”

Krynn decided it would be best not to ask if he meant that as a pun. Still, she began to search the area in front of them. “Looks like the fight is over.” There were bodies strewn all over the area before the front gate. Once again, she could see the Talonican undertakers walk across the field, gathering the bodies of Pokemon, young and old, who had died. She shook her head, then continued to search the field. Jayx descended until he was hovering next to a Politoed. He got the frog Pokemon’s attention and Krynn asked, “Do you know who’s in charge?”

The Politoed shrugged with little interest. “Sorry, my orders come from Drake Wells. The officer in charge of the wall defense is Junior Dragon Kort, that much I do know.”

Asking who she should be looking for and thanking him, the Furret directed Jayx to make his way towards the gate to find a Pupitar. Krynn’s gaze swept over the fallen soldiers. There were so many from both sides, but it was easy to see from the number of Talonicans still standing that Krana had been outnumbered. From over the battlefield, they saw that any surviving Kranans were either giving up or being overpowered by Talonica’s forces. At least until she came to a small crowd of Pokemon. Curiosity peaked, the rider and mount flew over the group. What they saw in the center, startled them. Valin, was battling one on one with another Pikachu. The Krana Pikachu seemed dwarfed under Valin’s unusual size, but still he stood up to him defiantly. The Furret was impressed by that one soldier would be willing to face the foe like that, even vastly outnumbered. What happened next left her in shock. Both warriors charged each other. The unknown Pikachu leapt the remaining distance and Valin was unable to dodge the maneuver. Krynn gasped loudly as the point of the Kranan spear was buried deep into his unprotected side. Valin did not stop though. She cringed as he carried forward despite the spearshaft. This must have surprised his enemy as well. The large Pikachu brought his sword down, slashing deep into the other Pokemon’s neck. Releasing the grip on his spear, the unknown Pikachu fell back, blood flowing freely from his wounds and mouth. For a moment, Krynn saw a silver-white aura flare in her vision then… nothing.

She turned her attention to Valin. He stood wavering, the spear still buried in his side. Several of the Pokemon in the circle began to cheer as Jayx descended to the ground. She leapt from the Flygon’s back just before he landed, dropping beside the injured Pikachu. “Valin? Valin stay with us!” She was not willing to watch someone she had fought alongside die on the field.

[Shen]

OOC: I really apologize for taking so long on this post; I have been rather distracted of late with personal matters...But I wanna get back into activity x3

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Frozen Talacola
Kivistal

The cut was clean, straight, and narrow. Tyrec didn't even notice for a few seconds, until his eyes went wide, and blood started gushing from the thin slice on his neck, as well as his mouth. The smaller, normal-sized Pikachu let go of the spear shaft in a panic and scrabbled at his wound, as if in disbelief. He opened his mouth in a silent scream, and fell onto his back, staring at the sky as his last seconds ran out.

I staggered back the second he let go of the spear, my limp paw against the wooden shaft. I could feel that in my rush to attack Tyrec, the spear had gone right through my side the whole way, lodging it painfully in place. I panted and groaned in agony, my vision flickering once more between red, hazy, and darkened...I was grievously wounded, I knew it. Still, I was satisfied with this battle. I went into a coughing fit, more blood splashing out of my mouth, and I stumbled forward above Tyrec. I gazed down on his sightless eyes for a few seconds, before kneeling and closing them, like I would any warrior.

I suddenly felt a blast of dizziness and weariness I had not felt before, surprising me and causing me to stumble back in shock. While I had, I noticed that Krynn and her Flygon, Jayx, had come up to me, while the rest of the Talonicans gathered around cheered on my success. I looked at her, my vision flickering again as the pain assaulted my consciousness in addition to that pang I just felt. “Valin? Valin stay with us!” she cried, though somehow my hearing was muted.

I flicked a small smile at her, before reaching over and sheathing my bloodstained sword. Then, with the one arm I had still working, I reached toward the shaft sticking out of my hip and grasped it tight. First thing was first, this spear had to be taken out before it killed me. Whether or not my sickness would cause me to bleed to death was another matter entirely. gritting my teeth, I took as strong a grip I could on the shaft with my one hand and started pulling, hard.

The spear slid back out slowly until the head was right at the exit hole, and then it caught against my flesh, refusing to be pulled out. Gnashing my teeth harder, I pulled again, but to no avail. I closed my eyes, and offered a prayer unto Rayquaza, the Sky Dragon. A third time, I pulled, ever harder.

I gave a cry as, with a ripping of flesh and a gushing of more blood, the spearhead finally pulled from my body.

The force of the tug caused the spear to fly out of my quivering hand and landed beside Tyrec's corpse, almost as if he'd dropped it as he fell back and died. I fell to a knee and coughed up a bit more blood, the splashing of it on the ground barely audible to my muffled hearing. But at least I felt that I would be okay. I looked over my shoulder to Krynn and half-smiled at her. "D...don't worry, my friend, I-" I stopped short with a grunt as a pang of dizziness and tiredness, much like the one I had earlier but stronger, surged through my mind and body.

With a cringe and another prolonged groan, I fell forward into the blood-soaked snow, covering even more of my yellow fur in my crimson blood. I gasped for breath, and opened my eyes slightly, looking at Krynn and Jayx, as well as a Flygon who flew down and landed, and was running up to get close...Flin, my mount. Then, everything became hazy and unrecognizable.

With a third, even more powerful pang of that strange feeling, I closed my eyes and passed into the void...

Dark skies, covered with stormclouds, enshrouded the land, only lighting it every now and then with a deadly fork of lightning, which struck many things on the ground below and caught them ablaze. Winds howled, picking up anything beloiw and flinging it many miles out.

The skies filled with Pokemon, all flying towards one destination. Below, huge masses and columns of ground-based Pokemon marched and ran in the same general direction, brandishing weapons of all make, shapes, and sizes, like an army hell-bent on an all-or-nothing battle to the end. Their battle cries raged even above the howling of the gales.

Before them, in a rocky, barren canyon, an arful, yet amazing sight they beheld: Two dragons, much like the Dragon Pokemon only absolutely gigantic, were in a horrific battle against the darkest of shadows, the most evil of demons, who's sword was like the very flames of purgatory, who's wings of black sheath darkened the sky forevermore, who's eyes burned the soul of all who dared gaze into them...The dragons were losing this battle, and it looked like this demon would prevail, and all would be lost...

Until this army of ground and aerial fighters joined the battle, garnering the demon's attention and driving it back in surprise. One looking at this battle would realize that hope still lived as long as those who remained fought for freedom, for good, for life...

This army of Electric Pokemon would turn the tide of the battle between good and evil...

OOC: And thus does the Dimensional Scream make a grand entrance into this RP...well, at least Valin's Dimensional Scream lol. And yes, he's not dead :P

[Seliana_Ottawa]

Suriana the Raichu (Summoner’s Circle; Legendary Summoners)
Krana; Seeds of Vengeance; Gypsy Spy
Aalasser (a small town between Talacola and Greenshore)
Kivistal

“So the reports are headed for the capital?”

“Faster than Asura on a sugar high.”

The male Ninetales chuckled, the sound deep in his throat. Its familiarity made her smile, even as she turned her sharp hearing towards ensuring no one overheard them. Sitting in this small tavern in this small town in the late afternoon meant that hardly anyone was around, save for those few hardcore drunks who started early and finished late...or early, depending on how you perceived dawn. Those few that were present though were well out of earshot, and really, the only way they would hear the whispered conversation between the female Raichu and the male Ninetales was if they quite literally hid under their bar stool.

Suriana shifted slightly, crossing one limber dancer’s leg over the other as she observed her drink, looking for all the world like one who had little to think about but their drink and the prospect of a quiet night in a quiet town. Well, quiet enough, the town official had given them permission to perform as of tomorrow night – for tonight, they would merely set up. In this town, they were nothing but gypsies – a motley troupe of folks who made their living as nomads.

No one would ever guess at what lay underneath the underneath.

Foolish, really. This was a war, and one would think that everybody would be on high alert. But this town seemed almost peaceful, untouched, a welcome change really. Yet Suriana knew as well as she knew the steps of her dances that the town was, or had, assisted the Talonican army in the latest battle. Well duh, it was a town in Talonica – which was why their ruse as a gypsy group was and needed to be as effective as ever. Reports had come mere hours ago of Krana’s defeat, and Suriana felt her sharp canines clack together behind the pleasant curve of her mouth as she allowed the memory of her efforts in attaining information, in spying to pass through her mind, allowed herself to feel that quiet surge of ice rage that made her long tail swish in a way that was almost sensual around her.

Hiroshi had been right though, as usual. While she had been ready to all but take on the army herself in revenge, he had cautioned her, reminded her that hers and his work had not gone to waste...for example, their reports had gone on to the capital, and though they had lost this fight, the information they had gathered would assist a great deal to the Kranan generals no doubt. It was what Suriana was good at after all, finding holes in defences and poking – or arrowing – her way through them.

For now though, their position was clear. Stay in the town for a few days, perhaps a week or so. Quietly gather more information on this fortification and that town (well, this town actually) and how it aided the Talonican army. And, of course, play the part of gypsy troupe – give this lonely little town some fun and entertainment. That part, she would enjoy doing at least, and Suriana allowed herself a shadow of her normal radiant smile at the anticipation of performing. Dancing, singing, laughing, teasing, acting – each of these words was synonymous with peace to her, if peace could be found anywhere these days.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft growl from her Ninetales companion, and Suriana started, before her nose crinkled in distaste as the stench of too much alcohol filled her sensitive nose, cloying her throat and tearing her vision. Gritting her teeth, she turned her honey brown eyes in the direction Hiroshi had growled and...oh, nice. One of the drunks had decided he was missing a bit of female flesh to complete his daily ritual, and was currently point six of an inch away from where her leg crossed the other.

The Electabuzz leered at her in a familiar way, but rather than elicit a playful smirk in response like it might have, it merely got a raised eyebrow in response. Suri was just not in the mood right now, thanks very much. And he stunk.

“So, sexy vixen, what do you do for fun?” the drunk slurred, and Suriana found her tail gently tapping Hiroshi’s leg in warning. Just as quickly, her tail wound seductively around the Electabuzz’s shoulders, caressing the matted fur of one cheek as she pulled him closer (thank god for her acting skills; he really did smell) and gave him a sensuous smile that was only aided by her blue tattoos.

“For fun? I dress up like a female and crawl around bars,” she purred.

The reaction was immediate, and Suriana barely kept a straight face as Hiroshi fell about laughing behind her, and the drunken Electabuzz pulled away in shock, reeling and staring at her in disbelief before stumbling back to his prior drinking spot. Suriana watched him go, idly wondering if he’d remember that tomorrow morning before shrugging at Hiroshi.

“Guess that isn’t his idea of fun.”

The Ninetales only laughed harder, and it was a wonder he managed to follow her and keep all four legs working correctly as they exited the bar. Once out there, Suriana inhaled deeply the much cooler, fresher air, thanking her adopted mother for always forcing her to wash her gold-brown fur so that it stayed clean and warm against colder environments.

There seemed to be some sort of intensity about the streets, as if something was about to happen, or had happened. Suriana was tempted to drag Hiroshi along into checking it out, but so early in the town, it would merely arouse suspicion, so they merely continued meandering down the streets towards the outskirts of the town square, where a colourful assortment of paraphernalia heralded to everyone the exciting arrival of a performance troupe in town and setting up.

The Raichu had planned on quietly slipping in and even giving her *mother* a little fright for the fun of it, but the excited baby squeal that followed the minute she and Hiroshi were within six feet of the tents ruined that plan.

“Big sister! Big sister!”

Not even the deepest of brooding thoughts could stop a smile from forming on Suriana’s features, and she did an admirable job of pretending great surprise and impressiveness as the tiny Chikorita toddler half bolted, half tottered out of one tent. Asura was only just getting used to her legs, and after bidding Hiroshi farewell as he made for his own tent, Suriana shook herself and let herself be playful and impish, skipping on all fours to meet Asura halfway. A good thing too, for the little Chikorita stumbled and would have landed leaf over head had her sister not picked her up. She squealed with laughter as she was swung around, babbling all manner of nonsense about what had been happening and what she had seen since Suriana had gone from the gypsy residence.

Suriana listened to it all with a smile, grinning up at her adopted sister – who now resided on her head – as she pushed the tent flap open.

“Ah, you’re back, little one. Good, now you can take Asura for a bath, and rid yourself of that horrid tavern smell while I finish setting up for tomorrow night.”

“Hi, mother. No, I didn’t see anything interesting. Yes, I’m okay. No, I’m not bleeding to death, though there is an air about the town developing that makes me think something’s u-Asura, stop chewing on your leaf!”

“Sowwy.” Asura gave her a sheepish grin that matched their mother’s as the Meganium turned around. She smiled with affectionate apology at the daughter she had taken in so many years ago, one vine snaking out to caress the blue tattoo over Suriana’s left eye with all the gentleness only a mother could bring.

“I’m sorry, my sun and stars, I didn’t mean to sound brash. I’m sure you understand.”
Suriana grinned, rubbing her cheek against the vine of her adopted mother lovingly before placing Asura on the ground beside her.

“Of course I understand, mother. I’ll get her out from under your feet for a while, shall I?”

“Good girl,” Mameha chuckled, “Just be careful, and none of this making the boys fall at your feet now. I’ll be heartily shocked if you even seriously consider giving up the
maiden’s robes for anyone but your truest love, so to speak.”

“Mother!”

“Oh, don’t give me that; it’s my job to say such things. Now, off you go.”

Still blushing, Suriana shook her head and took one of the vines Asura was offering her, gently leading her out of the tent. The air had gotten even more intense since she had gone in and come back out, but of course, Asura didn’t notice. The Chikorita toddler was happily gurgling at every flower she saw as she walked through the streets beside her elder *sister*, her crimson eyes innocently absorbing everything she could, and probably things she shouldn’t either, but since when could that be helped? Oh well, as long as she was distracted, Suriana could look around and absorb herself, as well as keep the baby Chikorita from getting wind of the scrubbing she was going to get. Asura, like any baby, hated baths with a flaming passion, and if she was in a really bad mood, vines would be flailed and screams would be screeched until everyone within a hundred feet was deaf. So having her distracted was a good thing.

“Suri! Suri! What’s that?”

“That’s a flower, sweet.”

“No, no, that!”

Suriana frowned and looked up to where Asura was pointing. Her frown deepened, eyes narrowing as she attempted to make out what appeared to be black haze in the late afternoon light. Murmurs stirred around her, and Suriana grit her teeth and pulled her little sister closer to her side, lifting her and placing her on her head to afford them both extra security as the little Raichu gypsy comprehended what it was.

Talonicans.

OOC: I’m leaving this open, but I thought I’d let Kris, aka k_pop, know that this is an opening post not just for Suriana, but for Krynn to bring Valin to the town as you see fit. Hope you don’t mind – I asked Shen and he gave me the go ahead. ^^ Oh yeah, and meet Suriana? Hi guys! xD

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal- Talacola

Valin smiled as he sheathed his sword, despite the look of pain on his face. He then placed a hand on the spear shaft, protruding from his side. Krynn flinched inwardly as he started to pull the weapon out, but the spearhead had gone completely through, and was lodged against his back. She put a paw on his shoulder. "Valin, wait-"

She could not finish as the Pikachu ripped the spearhead out of his side with a loud cry. Valin fell to one knee, coughing up blood onto the ground. He looked back over his shoulder, managing a small smile. "D...don't worry, my friend, I-" He stopped, a look of pain crossing his face. Krynn moved to help him, but he fell forward to the snow. The other soldiers, who had been celebrating the victory, finally took notice of the damage done. As she crouched beside him, Krynn was vaguely aware of another Pokemon coming up next to them. Glancing around, she saw the Pikachu’s Flygon mount, rush up to his rider. She turned her attention back to Valin. His breathing was ragged, and with another wave of pain, he fell into unconsciousness.

Soldiers began to crowd forward. “Is he dead?”

“It looks like it to me. It doesn’t look like he’s breathing.”

“I couldn’t believe that fight.”

“When he was still standing after that attack with the spear, I almost thought he was invincible.”

While Krynn tried to attend to Valin, she curled her lip at the soldiers who were just standing around talking. That’s ridiculous! No Pokemon is invincible, she thought to herself. Using her special vision, she glanced over the Pikachu. The silver-white aura was still strong, his spirit would fight death. She smiled grimly, his body was another matter. Looking at the wound from the spear, she saw that there was not much damage internally. Small blessings. He was still bleeding heavily and she knew he could not stand to lose much more. The other Talonicans were still crowded closely around them, whispering. She looked up, but could not see her mount for all the Pokemon looking in. She called to him, “Jayx, get over here!”

The big Flygon began pushing his way through the small crowd. “Move it!” he growled. “Can’t you see she’s actually trying to do something?” Slowly, the soldiers began to back off, making space around the two riders and their mounts. Jayx snorted at the rubber-neckers as he approached his friend. “What do you need?”

Krynn stood and quickly began pulling things out of the wide pack on Jayx’ hip, grabbing her canteen at the last second. She crouched beside Valin again, sitting the supplies next to her. Glancing up, she pointed to a Poliwhirl on the edge of the group. “Come here.”

The Poliwhirl pointed at himself nervously. “What, me? Why?”

Jayx snarled at him. “Are you dense? Apparently she needs you to do something!” The Poliwhirl quickly stepped forward. Krynn smiled a little, glad that Jayx was there to pick up her slack. He was beginning to lose patience with the soldiers who were being of no help.

Rolling Valin onto his uninjured side, she told the Poliwhirl to hold him still there. He carefully put one hand on either side of the Pikachu to hold him steady. Krynn pulled the cork from her canteen and washed blood away from the wound. She cringed at the sight of damage done from pulling the spearhead the wrong way through his flesh. Of all the… She shook her head. It would have been better to cut the spearhaft close to him, then pull it through, but it was too late now. She opened her copper tin to smear some of the salve around the edge of the wound. It did not take long for his bleeding to cover the wound again and she started to work quickly. Using her teeth, Krynn pulled the stopper from a flask and began to soak a pawful of cotton. The Poliwhirl watching asked what she was using. “Brandy,” she said simply.

A Machoke behind her snorted, “What a waste!”

She turned to glare at him. “Would you like to suggest something else to keep this from getting infected out here?” The bigger Pokemon quailed under her stare and she returned to what she was doing. Pressing cotton to both sides of the wound, she began to wrap bandages firmly around his waist.

“There was something wrong with his left arm while he was fighting.”

Krynn glanced at the Poliwhirl for a moment then took a closer look at Valin’s arm and hissed through her teeth. A deep bruise was forming on his shoulder, along with the signs of poison. Opening the copper tin again, she pulled a dried Pecha berry from the pouch at her waist and ground it with two stones. Getting a generous amount of the salve, she mixed it and the crushed berry between her paws, then rubbed it onto the Pikachu’s shoulder. Carefully, she and the Poliwhirl laid him on his back. After thanking the Tadpole Pokemon, she looked around. “We have to get him out of here.”

It was then that several Flygon appeared over the group of Pokemon. The ground soldiers backed up for some of them to land. A Golduck and Pachirisu left their mounts and approached Krynn. The Golduck was the first to speak up. “What happened here?”

Noticing the insignia of a Drake on their armor, Krynn stood and saluted. “I don’t know the whole situation. I just arrived from Lavianix when I saw Valin in single combat. I’ve tried to handle the worst injuries, but he’s going to need better care.” She hesitated a moment before continuing. “I know that the Talacola infirmary will be very busy. I was going to ask about taking him to Aalasser.”

The Golduck raised a brow at this. “So you were going to take him from his squad?”

She swallowed as she shook her head. “Not if you are against it.”

The Golduck and Pachirisu looked at each other and the latter chuckled a bit before turning back to the Furret. “We will accompany you. Valin was our commander’s second. The Typhoon Runners will not leave one of our own.”

The Golduck nodded in acknowledgment. He then turned to crowd of Pokemon around them, raising his voice for all to hear. “As for you lot, I don’t know who your commanding officers are, but I plan to find out! At least for everyone still standing here and not helping injured Pokemon off this field in the next ten seconds!” The tone in his voice was enough to convince the remaining Pokemon to scatter across the field, assisting those who were wounded.

Jayx laughed outright. “Now that was impressive.” He stopped when he caught the look on Krynn’s face, grinning sheepishly. “Sorry. Should we get underway then?”

With help from the Golduck, Krynn laid Valin on his mounts back. Flin kept still, waiting until his rider was safely situated before lifting carefully off the ground. He hovered overhead as the other riders returned to their mounts. Once they were all in the air, the rest of the Typhoon Runners took up formation. The Golduck and Pachirisu flew to the right of Flin, while Jayx took the left, flying slightly higher than the other Flygon. Krynn kept her eye on Valin’s aura as they flew northeast along the bay.

now en route to Aalasser


(OOC: I've already talked with Shen about this. I just hope it's okay. ^^'
Oh, and in case someone says something, I was checking around and I'm pretty sure brandy was around at the right time.)

[Seliana_Ottawa]

Charimaru the Charmeleon (Summoner’s Circle: Legendary Summoner)
Sango the Flygon (Dimensional Seer)
Talonica; Indigo Dragons
Sapphire Front (post-battle between Itikka and Talonica)
Kivistal

“There you go, my dear. It will hurt much less now.”

“T-thank you, Sango. I know...how tired you must be. Thank you.”

The Hitmonlee smiled weakly at her from where he lay on the makeshift stretcher, one leg now reset and bound, and a great number of cuts and bruises covered in a thick white paste. Sango gently covered him with a blanket so as to avoid the cool wind making its way through the once catastrophic battlefield, offering him one of her gentle, radiant smiles in return. The Hitmonlee blushed at that, clearing his throat and nodding his thanks before picking distractedly at the blankets.

Sango shook her head slightly as she left him, picking her way through the debris that was still being cleaned, pausing occasionally to greet this person and check that injured patient. She could have flown over it all and saved herself time, but after a battle, Sango found she often preferred to stay grounded. If someone asked her why she felt that way, she couldn’t really explain it, apart from saying that it was both a relief and brought an odd sort of peace to her inner senses after the blood and screams and sharp midair turns of a battle.

Well, that, and her body hurt. No, she wasn’t injured, but even the strongest and fittest of warriors felt it after a long fight, and she could definitely feel it; the strain in her wing muscles, the twinge of powerful leg and abdomen muscles with every movement she made. She was just plain tired, as the Hitmonlee she had been treating had guessed.

Pausing at the bottom of the incline that she knew her mate and comrade would be, Sango took a moment to look out at the battlefield, or what remained of it. The sky was, oddly enough, a soft dark blue as the sun set and dusk began to set in. An odd analogy, perhaps, but the female Flygon had always found that the sky seemed to take on a decidedly red tinge when she fought in a battle. Perhaps it was just her, perhaps the excitement and bloodlust of battle just fed into the illusion caused by her more primitive instincts and caused her to perceive everything with a crimson tinge.

Or perhaps the stories she had been told by her father, and which she in turn told her daughter, were true, and the blood spilt and the souls destroyed in the heat of battle really did rise up to paint the sky red.

Sango continued walking, using the excuse of her aching muscles to compensate for the tug in her chest for both her daughter, whom she missed terribly, and for her father, whom she still missed as deeply as she had the first night he had not come home. She could remember it as clearly as she now remembered the blood of the Itikkan’s that had been spilt by her in this battle; the pounding at the door, her mother’s soft voice as she crept down the stairs, peering over the banister just as her mother collapsed to her knees as the Salamance – her own godfather, to be precise – had attempted to catch her. And even then, Sango had known. And it had hurt so very badly; it just hadn’t been fair. Her younger self had raged and begged for it to be her father standing there, and for it to just be one horrible nightmare.

War was cruel.

But it was that rage and resolve that had spurred her on to become the fierce aerial warrior she was now. And she vowed she would never let anyone hurt those she even remotely loved again; she would never leave her child as her father had left her, would never allow the cretans who called themselves soldiers of Itikka take her away too.

Perhaps this was why she had been so neurotic in the aftermath of this fight, doing everything she could to save the wounded that could be saved, and ease the passing of those who couldn’t. Perhaps it was why she had fought more viciously and more savagely than she did normally, if that was possible.

It was perhaps not the wisest mind frame to take in a war, because truthfully, you couldn’t save anyone. Sango knew that, of course she did, but it didn’t stop her from damn trying as best as she could. She was healer and medic as much as she was warrior, and she would be damned if she couldn’t put her talents to use in the best way possible and to the best of her ability.

Of course, it was a bit difficult to when the family and friends you were trying to protect had nicked off to some place miles away, and you’d been forced to remain behind. Sango clacked her fangs together in displeasure at the thought, idly plotting all kinds of nasty things to do to Valin and Flin when she saw them again as she ascended the top of the incline she had been climbing. Alright, so they couldn’t help it, and it wasn’t like they were doing it to knock more years off her life, but it didn’t stop her worrying. And when Sango worried, she worried a lot. And when she did that, she got headachy and snappy, and resolved that in the best way possible – scolding the reason behind her discomfort until they were cringing with shamefaced smiles on their faces. Or just cringing, that generally worked too.

“For someone who prides herself on being the epitome of the gentle healer, you do a very efficient job of frightening everyone away with that expression, my love.”

The Flygon started slightly, attempting to scare up a dark warning glare for the speaker, but she could only come up with tired smiles for him instead. The Charmeleon was seated on the ground, legs crossed as he watched her approach. He held a sword in his hands, a katana, and was slowly but firmly polishing the stains off the metal. The way he turned his head towards her seemed odd to those who were not used to him, but Sango knew that he was doing it so he could see her better – at this time of day, his eyesight tended to cloud along his scarred left eye, and it made him rather tetchy. Others learnt very quickly to avoid that side once the sun started setting, lest they fancied a claw or a sword to the throat and one snarling, pissy Charmeleon.

The endearment, so rare on his lips, made her smile widen, and though she didn’t say anything in response, Sango walked the last few steps to Charimaru, also known as Chari.

She paused to stretch her large, limber body, groaning softly as her stiff muscles unravelled, before lowering herself to the ground behind him. Her powerful tail curled with deceptive gentleness about his form, though she was careful not to bring it close to the weapon, and she shifted one of her wings as he leant back against her form with a sigh.

“Making the men fall in love with you again, were you?”

Sango frowned playfully at his teasing, nudging his shoulder gently with her before humphing and resting her head against her paws, watching him idly with violet-blue eyes behind the red protective cases.

“They are good soldiers, you silly old fire lizard. It would take more than a lovely face to distract them for long. If my smiles give them some kind of warmth, then I shall smile all I like to ease the pain of the wounded.”

“I don’t think you’re including Nakkura in that equation,” Chari muttered, snorting in soft, wry amusement as he resumed polishing his sword. That made Sango chuckle, and she closed her eyes.

“It keeps him happy, and I know you respect no one more than that Zangoose, except perhaps Shigeru. And you cannot fault anyone for pursuing some measure of happiness in these times...look at yourself.”

Chari looked like he was about to protest, before shaking his head and huffing gruffly. It was belied though, by the way one deadly, clawed paw rested against the juncture between her neck and head gently, rubbing gently at the tense, coiled muscle there and emitting a soft hum of pleasure.

“Males aren’t meant to pursue happiness.”

“I know you don’t believe that.”

“I don’t know what I believe sometimes, Sango.”

“You do, you just won’t show it. If you did not believe in happiness, you would not miss your daughter as I know you do, and you would not smile with such joy as you rarely do every time she looks at you.”

“I’m not sure whether to revel in the fact that I fell in love with you, or curse it.”

“It would be wise to revel in it,” Sango opened her eyes and huffed amusedly, “Because it’s a rather painful fall from my back a hundred feet in the air to the ground if you happen to displease me.”

“You wouldn’t da-“ Chari broke off at her look, before sighing and shaking his head. He knew when to back off for his own safetly.

“...revel it is then.”

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal
arriving at Aalasser

Flying with a platoon of fifty-three other Flygon riders made Krynn nervous at first, but that dissipated after a while as she was too preoccupied with keeping an eye on Valin. She learned that the Golduck and Pachirisu, Drakes Hemin and Jira respectively, were part of Valin’s squad. The Typhoon Runners were a newly created force and certainly came off as a strong one at that. That was a good thing, Talonica could use such a group in this war. Krynn was surprised to find that Valin was now the commanding officer despite just being promoted to Whelp. The feeling must have been obvious on her face because the Golduck continued to explain.

"Senior Dragon Islandi was our commanding officer, and a fine one at that! She chose Valin as second in command, and we respect her decision."

Jira, the Pachirisu continued. "Since she was killed in the battle, Valin is now our commander. And we plan to make sure it stays that way!" Krynn nodded, impressed by the Runners dedication despite their recent formation.

Jayx drew up closer to Flin at his rider’s urging. Watching him carefully, Krynn could see that his breathing was still labored, but had become steady. The medicine she applied to his arm seemed to be doing its job as she no longer saw a poisonous haze in his aura. What worried her were the blood-stained bandages around his hip. They had become soaked almost immediately and she had no way of knowing if the bleeding had stopped until they reached Aalasser.

Flying on the right of Valin’s mount, Drake Hemin moved closer, calling over, “Well?”

Krynn shook her head. “He seems to be doing alright for now, but he needs the right attention soon.” The Golduck nodded, calling back to the squads to pick up the pace. Jayx followed as Flin easily picked up speed, determined to get his rider the help needed.

Flying low along the coast, it took the riders less than two hours to approach Aalasser at the speed they were traveling. Most of the buildings were low, as the fishing village was not very big. As they neared the city, Flin slowed so as not to jar the unconscious Pikachu on his back. The first to notice their arrival were several Pidgeotto and Swellow sentries who approached them. Jira explained their position to the sentry in charge. She nodded understanding, sending two Pidgeotto ahead to alert the town’s healers. While she stayed to lead them, the remaining bird Pokemon returned to their duties. Passing over the first houses, the riders were received by stares. Some youngsters jumped up and down, excitedly pointing to the sky, while their parents watched and questioned each other with confused expressions. It was not everyday that fifty-four Flygon riders came into the small town. Krynn saw several brightly colored tents set up on one side of the town and began to wonder what was going on there.

As the Swellow leading them flew down to the town’s center, Hemin turned to the other squads. “Jira and I will go with Valin. The rest of you, land in that field on the edge of town. You don’t have to stay there, but I do expect you to stay out of trouble.” The riders all responded with either a nod or a "yes sir" before turning their mounts to the open area by the road that came into the small town.

The town square was wide, with a large, well-carved fountain made of marble. Several Pokemon were carved into the stone, where water cascaded between them. Many dragons Krynn had never seen were depicted all around the base. Following Flin to the ground, Jayx landed next to him and Krynn leapt off his back. Two waiting Pokemon, were already taking Valin off Flin’s back and laying him on a stretcher. There was an infirmary right on the square. The Furret followed, rubbing her long fur nervously. Hemin and Jira also followed the healers, while their Flygon rested outside.

A few young Pokemon came running into the square and stopped when they saw the four dragons. One particularly inquisitive young Eevee trotted up to them. “Are you fighting in the war?” he asked with big eyes.

Jayx laughed good-naturedly and ducked his head down to wink at the small Pokemon. “Well, we certainly aren’t right now.” The little Eevee grinned before his friends decided it was okay to come play around the fountain. The big Flygon watched them a second, glad to see young ones enjoying themselves after all the trouble they had seen. He turned his attention to the building Krynn had entered with the others, praying silently, There’s been enough death today. No more, please.


(OOC: And I'll leave it to Shen from there. ^^')

[Seliana_Ottawa]

Suriana the Raichu (Summoner’s Circle; Legendary Summoners)
Krana; Seeds of Vengeance; Gypsy Spy
Aalasser (a small town between Talacola and Greenshore)
Kivistal

It only took years of acting skill to keep her expression to anything but a widening of the eyes at the sight of the swarm of Flygon. If she had panicked, it would have been justifiable enough; she was quite literally feet away from an enemy that would take her head off in an instant if they found out who the mild-looking little Raichu with the blue dancer tattoos was. However, doing so would arouse suspicion, and Suriana bit her lip, tail curling protectively around her *sister* as the baby Chikorita huddled close, eyes wide as she watched the large draconic creatures land, listened to the chink of armour as whatever was on one of their backs was removed.

It appeared she would have a valid reason to disappear from the excitement anyway, and it came in the form of Asura. The baby was becoming quite overwhelmed by the excitement and the rather frightening sight, and she whimpered, soft green leaf on her head trembling as she looked up at her sister beseechingly.

“I wanna go home, Suri.”

Suriana smiled reassuringly down at her sister, lifting her and gently placing her on her shoulders. She spared another glance – mentally taking note of the numbers and the individuals she could actually see – before lowering herself to all fours and running lightly through the crowds, her little sister clinging to her back. She could feel Asura’s unsteady breathing against her neck as the Chikorita baby clung to her, shivering slightly.

Running like that meant it took a considerable less amount of time to return to the tents, which, in their absence, had been set up. The makeshift stage stood ready in the slowly fading light, ready for the patter of feet and the sound of music and all kinds of fun for later that night. Suriana didn’t doubt that the performance would go on; her mother always said laughter and enchantment were the best medicines for the wounded.

“Mother!”

The Meganium emerged from their tent, and Suriana frowned at the healer bag around her neck.

“Mother, what-“

“It pains me to sit by and watch the injured suffer no matter who they are, Suriana. You know this.” Mameha gave her a look that immediately warned off any further protests, before trotting with long strides towards the infirmary and disappearing into it.

Suriana stood there, opening her mouth before closing it. Yes, she half understood why her mother would do this, but at the same time...it was the enemy. And she was a spy against the enemy and...well...thinking of her mother amongst the enemy no matter the situation well and truly scared the Raichu female, and it was with a great amount of self control that she resisted the urge to grab her bow – hidden safely in the folds of her blankets – and run after her mother. Just in case.

“Come on, Asura,” she muttered, sparing one more glance at the infirmary before turning back to their tents, “We’ve got a performance to get ready for.”

Asura merely babbled softly in reply, and oddly, the response soothed her.

Nightfall

It was almost as if a war wasn’t occurring when they performed. The cheers, the oohs, the ahhs and even the squeals in reaction were almost carefree, as if fifty something soldiers hadn’t arrived in the small town this afternoon – this small seaside town that obviously got little in the form of entertainment, and some of the soldiers had even left behind their troubles for a while to watch this motley little crew.

“Ready to go on?” Mameha murmured in her ear, even as one vine gently smoothed the blue tattoo, enhanced more so than ever, on Suriana’s left cheek. The Raichu grinned brightly, waving her fans in reply and causing her adopted mother to chuckle.

Suriana glanced up, the afternoon not able to quell her smile as she listened to the music, the bells, the guitars, all of it, all wrapped around by the warm, salty ocean breeze. Glancing up at the stage from where she was, Suriana grinned as Hiroshi twirled one more time to complete his dance with another of their companions, before the Ninetales bowed. The heartfelt screams that followed told Suriana as clear as day that he’d done something no doubt charming to garner the attention of every pretty young female in the crowd, and she shook her head in mock disgust as he *disappeared* off the stage in a whirl of flames, appearing beside her and grinning toothily in response to her look.

“You’re such a man-.”

“Ah,ah,ah, bad language, Suri. Just warming them up before they witness your ever blossoming perfection, princess.”

“Screw you, you mutt. Your pick up lines don’t work on me.”

“I love you too.”

Hiroshi grinned and ducked a swipe from her fan – possibly a good thing, considering any heavy contact would break the fragile objects. He didn’t escape a sharp rap on the backside from Mameha though, and he yelped and grinned sheepishly before nodding up at the stage as one of theirs gathered the crowd’s attention once more.

“Knock ‘em dead, princess.”

“I’ll knock you dead,” came the muttered reply, before the female Raichu hopped with the ease of experience onto the stage. The shadows hid her, and she turned, as was the way with the beginning of the dance, facing the ocean. It was a clear, moonlit night – utterly beautiful, and the sparkling depthless black of the swaying ocean calmed the thrill of excitement and nerves that accompanied every performer as they waited for the music.

And the music started.

She’d done it so many times now that it was as fluid to her as breathing. Click, click, click of fan. Click again and sway, click again and turn, slowly, sensuously, languidly, her long tail trembling slightly as she held it, made it move slowly with her movements. Sway, turn again, step, step, step, twirl. Click of fan and open, draw the fan away, draw the other fan up, throw and catch – the glowing firelight caressing golden fur and blue tattoo, wooden stage warm under foot and sea breeze ruffling fur – catch above head, flutter, slowly, slowly, over face, curl of tail. Step. Step, twirl, spin the fans, bring them back, flutter over face. Dark eyes, gypsy eyes, enchanting over the delicate fan’s ribbon lace.

Twirl again, flutter, click, over face and flutter. For dancing was as old as time.

OOC: Yes, shush, I know that sucked. I’m not good at epic physical descriptions; I focus on the senses – y’all will have to imagine.

[Shen]

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Aalasser
Kivistal

"Agh!"

I had, unfortunately, woken up in an infirmary, halfway through their treatment of my wounds...while they were stitching closed that piercing wound from the spear in my side. I gotta say, without any numbing stuff, it hurts. Still, I gritted through the pain as they sealed up my wounds as good as they could. I was still bleeding, and quite freely, much to the surprise of most everyone in the infirmary. There was a Meganium, however, who knew of my sickness, but knew not the name, and produced a salve that she said would help in the healing process. It soothed my pain, at least, so I was definitely grateful. My attempts to pay the Meganium went denied, cause she said that she merely wanted to help one who was so wounded, that is, me.

So, after that, all there was to do was rest...A lot. I laid there in the infirmary under the watchful eye of Flin and a stern Chansey nurse for hours after I awoke. Every attempt to get up was stopped by that dang Chansey, yelling at me to stay in bed and rest for the next few days (she mentioned she'd have preferred weeks to months, but I didn't dare pursue that subject lest she make it so, which was impossible for a soldier like me...), then sitting back down in her wide chair and continuing with...whatever it was she did. I was impatient, but at least those monotonous hours didn't go by alone. Flin was there to talk to me, and I was happy for that. He told me that we had won the battle against the Kranans (my skirmish with Tyrec being the last fight in that battle) and that my promise had been fulfilled, the Kranans that were captured were let go, although they were supervised leaving on boats to Krana immediately.

I was relieved to hear that, honestly. I'd be dishonored if that promise had not been kept. And we won the battle, we stopped their invasion, and Talonica was still strong. I was sure that my nation would win the war when the time was right. I didn't fool myself into thinking I'd be the sole reason that the other nations were defeated; that was for dreamers. I knew I was talented, but I wasn't the best, nor was I a hero. I was a butcher. Plain and simple. I would defeat my enemies as they came my way, and go on to the next fight. That's what a warrior does. Some others may dream of riches, fame, and glory. I dream of the peaceful time that would come after this war was done.

Throughout the day, Drakes Hemin and Jira showed up. The first time, I amde to salute, when I noticed...them saluting me, instead. When I asked why they were saluting a lower-ranked soldier, they explained that while I was ranked lower than them, I was considered higher, as the leader of the Typhoon Runners. So, after getting over that revelation, we started discussing things that were considered high-priority among our platoon. First, it was reported that, besides Senior Dragon Islandi, only one other Typhoon Runner had been killed, and admittedly, while he did last a while, until near the end of the invasion, he was the youngest, most inexperienced of those aerial forces chosen for the Typhoon Runners. It hurt to hear that, but I was pleased to know he went down fighting.

Next, Hemin reported that we were no longer just a Platoon, but an entire Company. Some one hundred fifty more flygon riders had been picked from those who fought in the invasion and added to our ranks, making us quite the formidable force. We might even stop many battles just by arriving, since it was agreed that the Typhoon Runners would always fly together, every able-bodied mon. I knew we were one heck of a force to be reckoned with now, definitely. Other than this fortuitous news, the only thing reported was that I was the most heavily damaged of the Typhoon Runners, and I was making a good recovery, despite how my wounds kept bleeding. I felt heartened at that news.

After that, we just chatted, more or less. This town, Aalasser, was one that still held up the ways of old, which were lost to a lot of the world hundreds of years ago. They still worshiped the old, ancient dragons alongside Rayquaza, Latios, and Latias, but these dragons, many believed to be either fictional or extinct, were said to be more powerful and revered, hence why this town felt the need to continue honoring the old ways. it was pretty quiet around here, not exactly used to two hundred Pokemon, and an equal number of armored Flygons, camped just outside the town in a tent city. However, we also gave the small town a sense of ease, knowing no enemy force could possibly attack the town and succeed with us around.

Finally, they took their leave to tend to the rest of the Typhoon Runners and keep everything organized, as well as to hand out rations, which the city graciously provided in excess, leaving me to eat my meal with Flin (and that creepy Chansey nurse). I don't care what anyone else might have said before about infirmary food, it was delicious!

My appetite sated, I heard music, laughter, and other sounds of merriment. I looked to the Chansey nurse...whom I was pleased to see was asleep, having grown bored of just sitting there and watching me, thank Arceus. Silently, I sat up and grabbed a pair of crutches beside the bed, and quietly made my way out of the room, Flin following close behind. The Chansey nurse didn't wake up, and we were outside within a minute.

There was a stage set up, with the sea behind it, and the setting sun shining on it from the opposite side of the sky. On stage was what looked like a Ninetales...and he was certainly doing something that was making the females swoon endlessly. I scoffed and rolled my eyes; this Ninetales was a cruel ladies mon, toying with hearts like that.

He made a bow and walked offstage. I hobbled closer with my crutches, wanting to get a better view of this next performance. Luckily, the people were friendly enough to let me through, after an announcement that I was the leader of the Typhoon Runners swept over the crowd quietly. After making it near the front, the crowd went silent as a Raichu stepped out on stage.

She was a little shorter than most Raichu were, but that's not what caught my eye most. She...was pretty. Those blue tattoos by her eyes, her lithe, graceful appearance, her wonderful, lively eyes...She was just a picturesque little Raichu maiden, to me. My eyes locked onto her the instant I saw her, and I never wanted to look away.

Then the music started, and she began to move. She was so graceful, her moves were fluid and flowing, like a river or a breeze. Those fans she held made the performance ever so much better, but the way she moved, as if the music was a part of her...it captured my imagination more than anything ever had before. My eyes were wide as I watched her dance, weave, and spin, every movement becoming a cherished memory...

I knew...I was smitten.

[Charizard Michelle]

Mala Advent the Absol says, "Mikey thought she posted yesterday..."
Faction: Krana
The Grove, Crescent Moon
Triad Converter

Mala walked into a huge marketplace where many pokemon trying to sell their potions and medicine creams. Mala laughed because she could always tell who was just trying to sell to help others and who was trying to make a quick buck.

Mala walked around hidden under the cloak as she looked at different pokemon. One was saying that their medicine coud help heal the stomach aches that was aching them while one was saying that it could heal spoink flu. Mala laughed and wonder where she could find a ditto. From what she knew was that Dittos like to keep out of the eye of other pokemon.

"And if I was an anti-social pokemon that didn't want to be in the eye and gleam of other pokemon." said Mala as she looked at the other pokemon. "Still I need to eat if I was anti-social and also I get bored so that means I need to get out for some fresh air."

Mala smiled and said, "Well if so then I need something to be interesting so somebody who was looking for something interesting to be interested in." Mala then looked at a graveler who had an eye patch over his left eye. The graveler boosted with a loud voice, "COme! Come to me with what ales you! I have it all! Come come come!"

Mala smiled and walked over to the graveler. The rock pokemon looked at Mala as she began to sniff the items the graveler had on display. Mala took one whiff and had a look of disgust on her face. She then said, "You call this a medicine? It smells like crud!"

"What you mean?" said the graveler with a puzzled look.

"I mean that this medicine is only meant to help who ever but not help them." said Mala.

"What?" said the graveler. He then raised his rock fist and said, "Better take that back!"

Mala at once made a whirlwind appeared and held back the graveler's fist. She then used another whirlwind to bring many different items to her. Mala then looked at the medicine sample that was before her and said, "You know that this medicine isn't completely useless. Just add a few things and it should be ok." Mala then smiled widely and many things were being floated to her by use of her whirlwinds from the Razor Winds. She then began to mix some herbs and with her a rock in her paw, Mala began to crush the herbs together.

"Stay away from!" said the graveler before being cutted off from an old looking kadabra.

"Hush young one! She is making something! Let her be." said the old kadabra. A small crowd began to gather around Mala and the stand.

Mala then added some water and lastly place a top on the small bowl. Mala shook it and added one more piece of herbs. Mala took a quick look around and saw that many different pokemon were around her. Still she saw one pokemon that was a poliwhirl. Another poliwhirl was in the crowd but this one was closer to the center while the other who looked just like the one closer to Mala but more out away.

Mala smiled and raised her newly made medicine. "PAZA! I have made medicine!"

Everybody looked at Mala and whispers could be heard. The kadabra came close to Mala and said, "May I see?"

Mala smiled and said, "Yeah. Why not?" Mala then handed the medicine to the kadabra.

The high-intellect pokemon took a scoop of the medicine with his spoon and rubbed it with his hand. He took a whift of it and said, "Well, this is some top quality stuff. Where you learn this skill? It seems very familar."

Mala laughed and said, "Just picked it up from there and such. I am just some dork that learn by picking things up. Nothing much."

Several pokemon gathered around and asked Mala for some tips. Mala at once said a bunch of things and finally said, "Well how about we talk later? Kay?" Mala then saw that the poliwhirl that she notice before was slowly walking away. Mala jumped up in the air and said, "I see you all later!"

Mala saw that the poliwhirl was now looking at other things and items. Mala took a few steps and the poliwhirl froze.

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal
Aalasser

Relief flooded the room when Valin woke, even if he was in the middle of getting stitches. For a while Krynn worried if he would be alright. After his wound was stitched, several of the healers were surprised by how much it still bled. A Meganium had entered the infirmary after they had come in and she seemed to know what was going on, though she could not put a name with the sickness. So I was right, Krynn thought to herself. There was something wrong. She decided to ask about it later. At that particular moment in time, a rather grouchy Chansey tried to herd everyone out. She allowed Flin to stay, Hemin and Jira came to speak with their commander, but the Furret was practically pushed out the door being told that too many Pokemon would only cause trouble. Needless to say, Krynn was quite disappointed by this. Jayx, who had been outside acting as a slide to several youngsters, told her that she should let that Chansey know just what trouble was. She only shook her head, saying that there were other things to take care of. The Flygon said goodbye to young Pokemon, promising that he would come back again, before following his rider down the street. Despite being glad that he was alright, she had hoped to talk with her friend.

Krynn stopped dead in her tracks, nearly getting stepped on by Jayx. My friend? She was a little surprised she had thought that. Normally, it took her a long time to feel like she could call someone her friend. While she had known Valin before, it was mostly the same as with other soldiers. He was an ally, someone she would help in battle should they ever find themselves there. Yet somehow, she felt as if she could trust him wholeheartedly. That was something very rare for her. Connections did not come easily, and neither did trust. The Furret shook her head chuckling. And here I thought I knew myself.

The pair continued into the small town. They passed quite a few Typhoon Runners, taking advantage of the break. Nearly all of the Flygon chose to avoid the crowds and stay outside the town, this of course meant that Jayx received quite a few stares...and he loved every second. After a bit of searching, and a bit of asking, they finally found the guard post. A fierce looking Spearow, who seemed to have a dry sense of humor, was in charge there. Krynn requested two messengers, one for Talacola, and one for Lavianix. A Taillow and Wingull came out to greet her. She asked the Wingull to head back to Talacola and ask the city’s commander to send out a full report to Lavianix and Vanral. Even though Emerald Spear was far from Kranan territory, they needed to know what was going on. She then suggested that he look for the Pupitar in charge of defense, Junior Dragon Kort.

As he took off for his destination, she turned to the Taillow and sighed. “I’m afraid your trip is going to be a bit longer.”

The small bird, called Winnep, chuckled. “Not t’ worry luv, I’ll be there b’fore lunch tomorrow.”

Krynn could not help but laugh at her good nature and quaint speech. Nodding she began to write out a report, confirming that Krana had been defeated at Talacola and that a more detailed report would be on the way shortly. She then continued with an explanation to Senior Dragon Tessly as to why she was not delivering the message personally, including the single combat Valin was a part of and once she knew for sure that he was alright, she would return to Lavianix immediately. She apologized for not following orders directly and would accept any consequences for her actions. Closing the message, she handed it to Winnep. “Take this directly to either Wyrm Rutang, Senior Dragon Tessly, or Drake Wik. No other messengers or assistants.” Winnep tucked the message into the slot on her harness and said that she understood. She took off, winging her way to the west.

Jayx looked at his friend. “Why’d you give her such particular instructions for delivery?”

She shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure myself. It’s just that…something there has me unsettled. I don’t want anything I send there to go through the wrong hands.”

The Flygon thought on this a moment. It never occurred to him to ask whose hands she meant, but he did think of something else. “What about everything that isn’t sent there by you?” Krynn looked up at him. He could see that she had already thought of that, but there was nothing she could do about it… not until she was sure.

The rest of the day was spent taking care of little things. While Jayx kept his promise to go back and play with the youngsters, Krynn busied herself with replenishing her healing supplies. She had used up a lot of cotton and nearly all her bandages to dress Valin’s wounds. She found an apothecary’s shop near the square where she stocked up. Besides the new dressings, she also bought more dry berries, some useful herbs she did not have before, and the ingredients she needed to make new salve for her copper tin. She went back to the infirmary and while the Chansey still would not let anyone but Hemin and Jira in to see Valin, she was allowed to use their kitchen to mix her salve.

After finding Jayx and having dinner, Krynn decided to go see the performance she had heard about while traveling the town. When they reached the area, they saw a stage set up in front of quite a crowd. The two chose not to push through everyone and instead tried to find an alternative. Seeing a low wall on the edge of the crowd, Krynn ran down the backside of it, leaping up to settle herself at a comfortable distance from the performance. Jayx landed next to her. The show was very entertaining, certainly made everyone forget there was a war going on outside of the small town. A Ninetales had caught the hearts of several girls in the audience. This made Jayx laugh, but Krynn rolled her eyes. She had grown up with a brother who responded well to the spotlight, even if it was not on a stage, so guys like that did not appeal to her. The performer after him, a Raichu, also seemed to gain some attention as she flowed and danced across the stage. All of the performers did well to entertain those present that night.

After the show was over, the crowd started to thin as Pokemon went back to their homes, tired and happy. Krynn stayed on her wall perch for a while, watching them chatter. Then something caught her eye. Jumping down from her seat, she walked towards the stage. As she approached the large Pikachu on crutches, she tried not to show her temper. “What on earth are you doing out here Valin?” Watching him, she first thought he was in a daze. She followed his gaze until she saw what he was looking at. The Raichu who had danced with the fans was with the other performers. Krynn turned back to Valin and tipped her head at him for a moment. Then she swatted a paw against the back of his skull. “Stop staring before you burn a hole through her!” She crossed her paws. “And I owed you that one from earlier. If you hadn’t passed out I would have done it out on the battle field after you ripped that spear outta your side.”


(OOC: Still feels like I'm rushing it. >.<)

[bleepbloop]

Orag the Machamp wants to let you all know that his first post is failure of epic proportions but w/e
Triad converters
The Grove, Crescent Moon
Krana
Kivistal

Orag walked through the crowded marketplace looking for new supplies. Earlier that day he checked his bag when he wanted to make a poultice for a cut he got from training and realized that he was dagerously low on herbs and berries. Orag had his usual attire of plain leather armmour with the Krana on the front and his three blades on his back. Being a blacksmith has it’s merits as he forged his own weapons and many others for different Pokemon to make some money. There were many different Pokemon selling their wares and many others buying.

There was a certain Grovyle that he needed to find where he usualy bought the herbs and berries he needed for the potions that he made. As he walked through the market he noticed a crowd growing around a Graveler with an eye patch around his left eye and an Absol wearing a cloak. Although he knew the Graveler wasn’t the best of herbalists he knew that his potions were decent enough to work most of the time. As he watched he started to grow bored then remembered that he still needed to get his herbs. He headed out of the main market to a huge tree with a sign that read: The Shamans Stop, You Need it We Have it.

The shop was carved into the tree and was run by Grovyle that Orag knew to be one of the bests Shamans in the area. A bell jingled as Orag opened the door to the shop and a homly voice came forth.

“Welcome to the Shamans Stop, home of all the shamans needs and...” The Grovyle broke off as he noticed who it was that walked in, “Ah it’s you Orag, what can I do for you?”

“It’s good to see you too Eriard, I need a new stock of supplies. My own seems to be running rather low,” Orag replied in a raspy voice.

“Out already? You should stop pushing yourself so hard when you train my friend, so the usual then?” Eriard said.

“Well, there’s no point in trianing if one doesn’t push oneself, now is there? And yes the usual will be fine,” Orag said.

“Oh well, I’ve learned there’s no point in arguing with you,” Eriard said, “Now then, were are those supplies?”

Orag watched as the Grovyle searched through the store gathering up all the different herbs and berries that Orag needed.

[Seliana_Ottawa]

Suriana the Raichu (Summoner’s Circle; Legendary Summoners)
Krana; Seeds of Vengeance; Gypsy Spy
Aalasser (a small town between Talacola and Greenshore)
Kivistal

“Ew. Yuckyyuck.”

“Well, of course it is. Didn’t I tell you the dirt wouldn’t taste nice?”

“Asura didn’t listen?”

“Well, duh.” Suriana grinned despite her scolding tone, balancing one of her fans experimentally on the edge of her paw as she watched the little Chikorita totter to her feet, screwing up her pale green features as she attempted to lick the dirt off her face, which only served to turn it into mud. Asura squeaked indignantly at the worse taste, giving her elder sister a beseeching look.

“You’re ruining the image I so carefully crafted tonight, baby girl,” Suri teased, tone mock serious, yet her paws were gentle as she used her tail to hold one fan, using the spare paw wipe Asura’s face. Most would screw up their faces at the feel of baby drool – drool of any kind really – on their countenance, but if there was one thing Suriana had learnt from her adopted mother and never really shaken despite any amount of training, blood, sweat or tears.

Now, of course, no one would ever expect the dainty looking Raichu maiden to have ever encountered blood of any kind – sweat, obviously, if the light sheen visible in the now moonlit blanket of night on her fur didn’t give that away. But not blood. Now, she looked nothing like any kind of fighter or spy – far too sweet, far too ethereal, far too innocent and fragile in beauty. Certainly soft looking by the way those same paws that had skilfully manipulated the fans in her performance gently cleaned the baby ‘mon’s face, even as she made a mock disgusted face and wiped the dirt and drool on a small patch of grass in the middle of the square, where they stood.

Asura, of course, like any baby, was hardly bothered once the problem was out of the way. Now, she butted her head against Suriana’s thigh affectionately, before nudging at the little flower-patterned ball at her feet. Really, Suriana thought affectionately, most children would be dead asleep in their beds by this time of night, but then again, Asura did not live the life of most normal children. Oh well, it was better to keep her distracted than to let her give into curiousity and explore the fountain and its rushing water in the middle of the square, and Suriana knew that as long as she kept herself standing between that and her sister, and kept Asura occupied, everything would be fine.

“Throw for Asura, dancer Suri!”

“I’m throwing, I’m throwing!”

Despite her exasperated tone, Suriana watched with a fond smile as Asura stumbled after the ball, giggling in delight and flailing her tiny vines as she chased the object like a little puppy. Her crimson orbs were alight with fun and simple childish delight in the moonlight as she finally caught the ball, tripping over her own feet in her haste to get to it. That made her Raichu sister tense slightly in concern, but she relaxed when the Chikorita stumbled to her feet, picking the ball up in her vines and tottering unsteadily before attempting to throw it – of course, it ended up going in a completely different direction, and Asura cried out indignantly before following it.

“She’ll tire herself out eventually. Hopefully.”

Suriana smiled at her *mother* as she trudged over, even as she sat back on the fountain rim, letting the water spray her back lightly. Mameha looked quite exhausted – obviously, considering the effort she put into organising the performance, the troupe and whatever else she’d done today – healing, for one – yet as always, the Meganium had that warm yet gentle smile present on her face as she stood beside the fountain. One deceptively strong vine lifted to caress Suriana’s cheek in a mixture of pride and affection.

“You were beautiful tonight, my little sun and stars. I do believe there were some very lovelorn soldiers in that crowd once you had finished.”

“Oh, mother,” Suriana blushed slightly and shrugged, rubbing one tattoo sheepishly even as she played with one of her fans. “You exaggerate. And lovelorn or not, I could not grant them their desires anyway. You...know that.”

“Of course I do, precious,” Mameha smiled gently, her hazel eyes warm and yet almost sad as she did, indeed, understand where her adopted child was coming from. Gypsy maiden she might have been, but there was much more to the little Raichu than she could ever give away, and especially not to any soldier. It was just...like that.

Their attention was distracted by a squeal of laughter, and both Meganium and Raichu turned to look just as Asura tossed the ball unsteadily. The little flower shaped object bounced twice, before rolling to a stop at the feet of the Flygon known as Flin. Of course, in her blind fun, Asura didn’t realise where it had gone until it was too late – the baby Chikorita giggled and half tottered, half ran to the ball, nudging it with her head before looking up and freezing at the sight of the towering Flygon.

Suriana too, froze, half rising to her feet before Mameha’s vine gently forced her to sit again.

“It is okay, my darling,” she said very softly, “For tonight, there are no enemies here.”

Suriana swallowed but forced herself to relax, though she stayed kneeling, brown eyes dark with a mixture of anticipation, worry and perhaps the tiniest amount of disconcertment as she watched her precious baby sister meet, or encounter perhaps, the Flygon and their warrior riders. It was with an immense amount of effort that she kept her voice light and even teasing as she spoke for Valin alone – she had not realised he was in the crowd, or even out at all, until she had briefly met his eyes at the end of her dance. But then, it had been over her fan, and she had been the enchanting little gypsy maiden, and not...well...Suri as she was now so much.

“Is it wise for you to be out at this time, oh brave soldier,” she called, still calling on that immense amount of effort to keep her tone light and teasing as she added, “One never knows when the moonlight may entrance their senses and swallow them whole with it’s shadows.”

[Shen]

OOC: Sorry this took a while; had a lot on my mind since the accident :x

Valin Denathos the Pikachu (Dimensional Seers)
Talonica, Typhoon Runners
Aalasser
Kivistal

“What on earth are you doing out here Valin?” I jumped as I heard Krynn yell that right next to me, and I turned around to see her glaring at me. Before I could answer, she looked up to the Raichu who was performing a moment ago, and then back to me, tipping her head slightly. Next thing I know, the back of my skull starts smarting as she smacks it, causing me to bow my head so fast I get a crick in my neck. “Stop staring before you burn a hole through her!” She crossed her paws. “And I owed you that one from earlier. If you hadn’t passed out I would have done it out on the battle field after you ripped that spear outta your side.”

"Damn, Krynn!" I snapped, raising my head and rubbing my neck, "It was the fastest way to pull it out without risking splinters from the wooden shaft, for cryin' out loud. Plus, there was little time to think about it, it was a bad enough wound anyway." I sighed, and looked back on stage, as the Raichu took a bow and went off stage to join the others. I then shifted my crutches to look at Krynn fully. "As for what I'm doing out here, that should be fairly obvious. The air in the infirmary was way too oppressive with that Chansey not allowing me to so much as blink until she saw fit...And the entertainment was nice, so I'm glad I took the risk to come out here."

After that, we joined Hemin and Jira, as well as their Flygons, and the four of us sat and stood around the edge of the large fountain in the middle of the square, talking amongst ourselves. I didn't contribute much to the conversation, my mind still locked on those beautiful eyes from over the edge of the fan at the end of the Raichu's performance. They were shining, sweet, and definitely full of a deep mysteriousness that attracted him moreso. I occasionally glanced over to the troupe, who were talking amongst themselves, too far away to hear. The Raichu helped a little Chikorita babe clean off her face before the little tyke went off to play with a ball, patterned with flowers. it was the most adorable sight I'd seen yet.

"Uh, Valin?" Hemin's voice attracted my attention, and I looked back over to him and inclined my head, letting him speak what he wanted. "What are we gonna do after this? We can't exactly stay around forever, and once you've recovered from your wounds, we'll need to move out again and help along this war."

I thought on his words for a moment. "What's the report on the aftermath of the Sapphire Front?"

Hemin smiled slightly. "The Ittikans have retreated far and set up another defensive line. Reports from spies confirm they are holding there until reinforcements and resupply trains arrive." He crossed his arms. "My best guess is that the Itikkans are either gonna advance once properly outfitted, or wait for the Talonican front line to come upon them and execute a surprise counterattack."

I nodded slowly, my eyes closed. "And what about the Kranans? Any report on them?"

"I'm afraid very little," Hemin responded downheartedly, "After that invasion, Krana didn't seem to do any more than to pull back what troops it could back to their homeland. There isn't much activity that was visible to the few spies who were sending in reports. However..." He hesitated. "Most of the spies sent into Krana have either gone missing, or are confirmed executed. That's mostly why we have nothing on them; what few spies we have left are keeping an extremely low profile to keep from getting found out."

"Wonderful..." I groaned, shaking my head, "So, as far as I can see, we have two choices: either we join the Talonican advancers on the way into Itikka, or we establish a second front and bring the war to Krana. Both options are daunting..."

"Can't say I like one or the other..." Jira said quietly.

"Good," I responded, looking to her, "War is a nasty business, no one should like it, necessary or not."

Our attention was diverted by a squeal of laughter, and we all looked to the source. There the little baby Chikorita was, so near. She tossed the ball unsteadily. The little flower shaped object bounced twice, before rolling to a stop at the feet of my Flygon. Of course, in her blind fun, the toddler didn’t realize where it had gone until it was too late – she giggled and half tottered, half ran to the ball, nudging it with her head before looking up and freezing at the sight of the towering Flygon in front of her.

Flin blinked twice in surprise, gazing down at her, before kneeling low. The Chikorita babe shook, frightened. Flin looked into her wide, fearful eyes with his wide, but curious eyes. He reached out with a single claw, making her cringe, until she saw he was grabbing at her ball. "H-hey!" she shrieked nervously, "Give Asura back her flower ball!"

He chuckles a little and bounces the ball, his head still two feet from her own. "Whaaaat, can't Flin play, too?"

The Chikorita blinked and cocked her head, her shaking stopped. "Flin? Is that what the big scary dragon is called?"

"Scary? Not without my armor," he responds with a smile, "Now I'm just a normal Pokemon, like you! So, can Flin play with Asura?"

The Chikorita babe considered him for a moment, then, by the looks of it, his offer for a moment longer. A wide grin splashed across her face, and she nods eagerly. "Yupyupyup! Flin can play with Asura!" She danced back and turned around, waving her leaf somewhat. "Throw for Asura, Dragon Flin!"

Laughing in his usual friendly way, Flin gave the ball a light toss, causing the toddler to squeal in delight and chase after it excitedly, her vines flailing again. She tripped once, but did not fall on her face, just kept running and giggling like any baby would.

I let out my own chuckle. "Always the best with kids, eh Flin?"

“Is it wise for you to be out at this time, oh brave soldier,” a teasing, light voice called out. I turned my head to see it was that Raichu maiden from the performance. “One never knows when the moonlight may entrance their senses and swallow them whole with it’s shadows.”

I smiled to her, plucking a flower from the edge of the fountain. It was a dragon lily, a flower found only in Talonica. They grew only in the highest mountains in the Talonican lands, or, when cultivated correctly, near sources of purified water; so far, only those in Aalasser had managed to do so. There were plenty, so I imagined that they wouldn't mind me taking one for myself tonight. Taking a whiff of this exotic plant, I responded to her, "My dear dancer, I am a soldier. My life, my existence, is already shrouded in shadow." I began walking towards her slowly (since I had set my crutches on the rim of the fountain, I couldn't move as fast, though they weren't absolutely necessary anymore). "Day or night, I am cast int he same darkness, hoping to find a glimpse of that moonlight found within the normal Pokemon's life so that I may once again feel normal, and not as the taker of lives."

I now stood in front of the Raichu maiden, smiling softly (though it probably didn't look as soft, with the bandages on my body and face). I offered her the flower. "That dance was amazing, miss. I'm Valin. May I ask your name?"

[k_pop]

Krynn Furret (Revealer)
Talonica
Kivistal
Aalasser town square

The large Pikachu was quick to snap back at her. "Damn, Krynn! It was the fastest way to pull it out without risking splinters from the wooden shaft, for cryin' out loud. Plus, there was little time to think about it, it was a bad enough wound anyway." Krynn snorted at this. If he had given her half a second, she would have cut away the spearhead to remove the shaft properly. He shifted around to face her, but not before she noticed him watching the pretty Raichu again. "As for what I'm doing out here, that should be fairly obvious. The air in the infirmary was way too oppressive with that Chansey not allowing me to so much as blink until she saw fit...And the entertainment was nice, so I'm glad I took the risk to come out here."

Krynn quirked an eyebrow at this response, but said no more about it. She and Jayx followed him back to the town square where they met up with Hemin and Jira. The four Pokemon conversed by the large fountain, well… Valin was not really participating much. At least until Hemin caught his attention with a question about their plans for the future. Krynn did not focus on the conversation at that point since she was not a part of the Runners, but she could not help catching a few things said. She allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction on hearing the news about Itikka. She had been right, when the Talonicans moved back, the Itikkan army did the same. It was hard to deny that an attack was possible once they were refreshed, but she was glad that the Indigo Dragons would be prepared to defend. She let her mind wander a bit as she stared at the sky, but then another statement caught her attention.

“…join the Talonican advancers on the way into Itikka, or we establish a second front…”

Her head jerked around to look at Valin. Advance into Itikka? Then she realized that she had not informed them of the orders sent out. When Valin finished talking, she spoke up. “Um, actually…” She paused for a moment, thinking that she may be overstepping her bounds, and continued hesitantly. “Actually, Wyrm Rutang was sending orders from Lavianix for Talonica to fall back from the line.” Explaining why he chose to do this, Krynn told the other three that everyone believed the reasoning behind the battle in the first place was that the number of soldiers on the line had been too great. They were being pulled back to avoid any more trouble caused by fighters itching to battle and posts were being set up along the Sapphire Front for reinforcements and border patrols. “I think what I said may have a little to do with why Rutang is having the forces fall back. I know it won’t last for long, but something about that battle. It was nearly a bloodbath, didn’t seem like there was a clear reason behind it.” At least once they knew Krana’s real target, they could get a general idea of what they wanted to accomplish. “It felt like many of them were fighting simply to fight…on both sides.” Staring at the ground, her brow creased as she thought about the sheer number of lives lost in that battle. Suddenly she realized that the other Pokemon were still there. She looked up, glad that the dark hid her embarrassment. “I-I’m sorry for rambling. I guess I was thinking out loud.”

Fortunately, she did not have to worry about it for long. A small Chikorita was chasing a ball that came to a stop beside Flin. She did not realize as she ran up to the toy, until she looked up to see the big Flygon watching her. She was rather intimidated by the Pokemon that towered over her, but Flin only smiled and asked if he could play. After a moment, the toddler was once again laughing as she chased the ball that was tossed for her. It was then that the Raichu from the troupe called over to Valin. Krynn chuckled as his response was just as teasing. What a couple of flirts they are, she thought to herself. Watching, she could not bring herself to get angry with him for walking around while still recovering. Instead a yawn escaped, which she attempted to cover with a paw.

Sitting close by, Jira let out a short laugh. “Someone looks ready for sleep.”

Nodding Krynn stood up to stretch. “Fraid so. I probably shouldn’t have stayed up this late since I want to be up early.” Hemin glanced at her and asked why. “Jayx and I need to head back to Lavianix. We were supposed to return right after Talacola, but I thought he would…” She shook her head, trying to find what she wanted to say. “Some things just take precedent. I just cannot stand that I haven’t followed my orders immediately.”

“Try not to worry about it too much. I’m sure your commanding officer will understand the situation.”

Krynn looked at the Pachirisu gratefully before turning to find Jayx slumped down by the fountain, dozing. She shook him gently, but after several attempts, he had only managed to roll forward so that he was laying on the flagstone around the fountain. Paws crossed, Krynn glared at the stubborn Flygon then gave his head crest a light tug. He finally sat up and looked at her drowsily. “Well? Do you want to sleep on the hard stone, or would you prefer to find somewhere more comfortable?” He only nodded in reply. She understood though, he had been in the air a lot that day, practically flying nonstop from Greenshore, to Talacola, back to Aalasser. He stood up beside her and she turned to the two Drakes. “Good night to you both then.” After a quick glance over her shoulder, she looked back at them chuckling. “I think I’ll leave him be for now. Tell Valin I said good night…if he can pull himself away from that Raichu.” Going to leave, Jayx said for her to climb on since it would be faster to fly. Krynn laughed, calling him lazy as she pushed him towards the inn she had found a room with.