[Pokerole] The Charizard Knights of Cinnabar - IC

[Deadguy]

Moltres 43, 357 EL
The Trial of Courage

In every man's life, there are a few moment that force you to pause and wonder if it was all worth it. The sacrifices, the trials, the things you'd lost: what did you actually accomplish with it? Some look back on a full life bursting with accomplishment, and are at peace. Others see squandered opportunities, and a life not worth living. Anything can force this (sometimes unwanted) retrospection, whether it be the loss of a loved one, completion of a long sought after goal, or the loss of years of work.

You? It's being brought on by the twenty-foot long Charizard in the canyon below you have to steal an Egg from.

---

Dawn, the Same Day

It was a rather typical day on Cinnabar. The sun was scorching even as it crested the horizon which, coupled with the fact that today was the beginning of Initiation, had caused more than a few of you to sweat through your clothes. Quickly looking around reveals some of the most promising youth on the island. Chantu Katsura, one of the many in line to the throne and Kasai's sponsee, sits still enough to almost be mistaken as dead, somehow not sweating under his armor. On the other hand, Even Eievui, who had somehow convinced "Mad" Maddigan to sponsor him, sought refuge from the Sun by huddling behind a large boulder. Evelyn would note how pale and sickly her cousin looked since his departure from the family. There are a few of the other candidates scattered atop this plateau. Brawley, a son of one of the more common sailors to the island, was also present, carrying a trident of some sort. Finally, there was Serge, who stood with arms folded as he looked over the canyon depths. His sponsor was Yvonne, the seer. A potent psychic who had a knack for avoiding danger.

And, of course, the two of you.

You'd been told to assemble at dawn, and yet it seemed the actual Knights were late. You were alone, and, after a few minutes, a few of the other candidates were becoming fidgety.

"What the hell is going on? Where's Maddigan?" Even had finally lost his patience in waiting for his mentor.

"Patience," Chantu commands, surprisingly causing Evan to fall quiet. "can you not hear them?"

After a strained moment, the wind begins to pick up, as numerous small dots begin to appear on the horizon. Squinting through the dust, you can barely make out just short of a dozen Charizard and their riders, with a massive creature leading the group, no doubt Kuttara himself. Soon enough, the group can make out the green skin of Gaia. Thales lagged behind, having wings more designed for gliding through the ocean tides than the air currents of the mountains. With a quick pop Yvonne appears atop the deep purple colored Charizard, Ibis. Strangely, Maddigan was riding behind her, his own mount was no where to be seen. The only missing sponsor seemed to be Astra Valus.

"Welcome to the Initiation," Kasai says with a voice that sounds like two stones smacking together. "You've been selected as candidates to the Charizard Knights. Today, we see exactly how foolish your sponsors are for backing you." Kasai states with a pointed look towards Maddigan, obviously not approving of his selection. "I'm going to do my best to make sure none of you pass. We need only the most powerful Charizard Knights right now, and I'm not convinced any of you will last more than three seconds against a Dragonite," Kasai snarls.

"Ey, Kasai, let meh handle dis," Maddigan says with such a horrible mix of accents that you can't tell exactly what he's trying to do. "Ahm in charge of yer first trial, the Feat o' Strength," he continues, pulling out a scroll. "Tha military is tha one who puts this forth. As ya might guess, the first thing ya need ta be a Charizard Knight is yer Charizard. You lot are a buncha runts, so ya gotta stert with a Charmander. Fertunately, mah Charizard just had a clutch o' eggs."

"Yer gonna steal one," Maddigan says with an evil grin, drawing a chuckle from Yvonne and Dreues. "If you get un, meybe Kasai'll stop bein such a grump!" Maddigan says, completely unphased by the glare the leader of the Knights threw in his direction. "This is the Trial o' Courage, where ya get ta prove ye got the right stuff. Or, ya know, that yer just stark ravin' mad! Traditionally tha military handles dis trial, but I volunteered to give 'em a little help this year. They wanted 'cha ta kill rats er something dumb."

"Now comon. Ye got work ta do," Maddigan states, turning to walk away, likely towards wherever the Eggs were kept. The other nominees follow, most looking to their sponsor as they follow the Mad Knight.

"Oi, an' word of advice? Don try 'n fight 'er. We don' wan any dead kids."

Spoiler: Evelyn

Show

As you turn to follow Maddigan, Goto rests a reassuring weathered hand on your shoulder.

"Trust in your friends and your instincts, they will see you through." The smooth baritone was reassuring.

Spoiler: Sebastian

Show

As you leave, a glint of something catches your eye from far above the valley. As you shade your eyes to see better, you can make out the distinct yellow and blue markings of Bluejet. Astra was surely mounted, watching over the events, either as a guardian or simply because the view from there was better.

---

The trek to the canyon had been tough, but not overly taxing, despite Maddigan's best efforts. The second you'd reached the edge of the canyon the Mad Knight had apparently disappeared, leaving without a word.

Below, down the edge of a forty foot cliff, Shikina lounges about, body covered in the same mysterious tattoos that Maddigan seems so fond of. You could see various clutches of eggs scattered around the floor, the great female Charizard striding between them, occasionally letting out a burst flame to keep the eggs warm.

"Good luck." Chantu states, anchoring some rope around a stone before beginning to hop down edge of the cliff, obviously not bothering with teamwork or plans. A bit behind, Evens was looking on in terror, obviously unsure what to do. The others looked down below, attempting to find some sort of advantage to use against the beast.

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- Before the knights had arrived, Evelyn had given a brief and genteel, "Good morning cousin." to Even. Both because it was polite to greet your family members and also so he wouldn't later decide she'd ignored him and this was cause for affront. She listened attentively as the knights spoke. She thought, "Maddigan sure lives up to his reputation." On one hand she found him amusing, but then again she wasn't the one who had to deal with his behavior regularly or on the battlefield. She gave Goto a smile at his words and a nod. Reassuring words from Goto was the most reassuring you could get, she was sure. She quickly darted over to Gaia to give her a quick pat hello before following after the others. The task Maddigan had set for them sure was intimidating. Surely, they would probably all die if they tried to fight Shikina. Probably most if not all of them if they just charged down and tried to make off with the eggs. She looked over at Even and could see the panic on his face clear as day. Not an unreasonable reaction really. Though not a very "knightly" one either. She calmed her mind and picked up Cloudia, who as usual had just been out of her ball and following her around this whole time. She pressed their foreheads together and asked the eevee, "Now what do we remember about Shikina? Anything helpful?" Cloudia for her part gave out an encouraging little "Uwee!" That maybe meant something like "Yay attention/physical contact! I know you can do it!" as apparently Cloudia was her usual calm self in the face of this challenge. Spoiler Show Cloudia is using Helping Hand on Evelyn. Evelyn wants to make some kind of knowledge check about info on Shikina. I'm thinking Clever + Lore?

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: --
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: --

Not too long ago - well, from Sebastian's perspective at least - it would've been trivial to reach out with her mind and float one of the eggs right into her waiting hands. Now, to her great frustration, she knew she had neither the precision nor the strength to lift something that heavy at this range, not without alerting Maddigan's Charizard. She'd released Solosis from its ball as soon as Maddigan had vanished, and the little amorphous blob was floating silently beside her, taking in the others and their Pokemon curiously.

This wasn't the first suicide mission Bash had been sent on, and she didn't plan on it being the last. Sure as hell beat writing essays and dressing up for "Mother." And it hit differently, that this was a task she had essentially volunteered for. But she'd feel a lot better about things if Serge wasn't here. (And also the sun. Cybernetic augments and bright sunlight did not a comfortable Bash make. Though the guys in full medieval armor probably had it worse.)

She had little doubt Serge had fared better than she had, recovering from stasis sickness. He wouldn't be here if there was any chance she could possibly one-up him, and the news about his dramatic public debut had been pretty telling. Probably he was waiting to see who screwed up first so he could capitalize on it - preferably Bash herself. She could feel his senses sweeping over her even when he wasn't looking directly at her, like an itch on her back that wouldn't go away. It was obvious he wanted her to know.

"How come I didn't get any encouraging pats?" she grumbled under her breath. "Half-ass 'mentor' didn't even bother to show up." She glared at the open sky and blazing sun above, certain somehow that Valus could see her expression. Then again, it would've sucked to get that kind of attention in front of the other prospective Knights. That was at least one way she and the Storm's Eye were a fit for each other - Valus preferred a hands-off approach, and Bash hated being micro-managed.

She almost felt sorry for Goto's pick. The kid and her cousin looked way out of their depth here, even if the girl seemed to have no lack of confidence. Cute wouldn't get her far against something like Shikina.

Still, this part of the challenge wasn't supposed to be a competition, as far as Bash understood. Eevee Girl could still be useful. She leaned in to whisper as the wannabe squire seemed to be searching her memory for any pertinent intel. "Uh, know anything we can work with? I can probably get Mamazard distracted." She waggled her fingers in the general direction of the brooding beast.

Bash wrinkled her nose a bit. Something about the girl's smell was really intense. Who wore perfume on a field op?

[Deadguy]

Moltres 43, 357 EL
The Trial of Courage

As Evelyn wracked her brain to recall anything substantial about the tattooed Charizard below, a whirlwind of activity commenced. Brawley wasn't to be outdone by the spoiled noble. As soon as Chantu had started down the rope, he released a spider that's head was surrounded by water. "Just like fishing, a net down." He pointed and the spider began to weave strands of silk together.

Chantu was about halfway down his descent by the time the others started to move. With a grunt, Serge simply leapt down. Skidding and sliding in the loose gravel, followed by an expert tuck and roll as he contacted the ground. He was now in the lead.

Even had moved toward the ledge, peering down between the others and Shikina. He seemed on the verge of a decision until he realized that you hadn't leapt down as well, which made him hesitate further.

Spoiler: Evelyn

Show

If anything could be said about Shikina, it's that the stories were as varied as Maddigan himself. One thing had could be confirmed through ALL of the stories she had heard. The tattoos held power. Magic. They could come alive!

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- Evelyn pats Even on the back, "Seems the others are eager to start, so let's go too shall we?" she says to him encouragingly. Then without waiting for his reply she grabs the rope and quickly climbs down. While still on the rope, so that everyone is within earshot without her having to be so loud that Shikina will certainly hear her, she says, "If you'd all wait a moment, I'd like to try just asking her for an egg. I would be happy to ask for the rest of you as well, if you'd like, and I'd appreciate any help anyone feels they can offer."

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: --
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: --

Bash rolled her eyes at Serge's theatrics. It might have looked bold and impressive, but it was also a lot of wasted effort and unnecessary noise. With a low hum, an aura of technicolor static snapped into existence around her before fading to a barely visible ultraviolet shimmer. The usual dull headache began to throb in the background as she lifted herself, feet hanging awkwardly in the air, hovering beside Evelyn as she rappelled down the rope. Everything else might be trickier now, but she'd been relieved to find she could at least still move her own body perfectly fine.

Beneath her uneven bangs a single eyebrow rose, her face screwing up in obvious incredulity. "You want to - what? You are seriously going for a pacifist run on Knight School!? This is the Charizard of a dude known for being, uh, insane an-and you... think it's... hmm." Bash paused in her hissing rant, head cocking in consideration. Kind of an off-putting look considering her current state, dangling there loosely like someone had hoisted her by the back of her shirt, eyes flickering with an unearthly light. "Actually, yeah, go for it. Maybe you need a crazy idea for a crazy lizard, who knows? Solosis'll help you, it's, uh, I guess it could pass as friendly looking?" Her pupil-less gaze seemed to twitch towards to the Pokemon in question, relaying her commanding intent in an empathic burst. Solosis twirled around at the attention in a manner that probably was adorable, Bash wasn't looking anymore. "- and while you chat Charizard up I will be, uh, as far as possible in the opposite direction actually snagging an egg. When something inevitably goes wrong I'll even try to grab an extra one for you."

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- Evelyn clearly noticed Bash's levitation, how could she not given she'd done it right next to her?, and the look on her face expressed at least some interest. But she didn't comment on it. She'd of course heard about the Gemini Program kids, but rather than be yet another person who oohd and aaah'd at Bash, she figured Bash would probably prefer she be treated like anyone else. So that's what she did. She laughed good-heartedly when Bash reacted so strongly to her plan. "Thank you, the support and teamwork is appreciated. That's great really." At this she gives Bash a bright friendly smile and holds out a hand to shake. "I'm Evelyn Eievui by the way. This little one is Cloudia." At this Cloudia climbs up Evelyn to get on her shoulder and be around face-level for the introduction.

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: --
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: --

Staring at Evelyn's offered hand for a moment, Bash coughed awkwardly. "I am. Not a fan of unnecessary physical contact, thanks. I'm Sebastian. People call me Bash because that's a mouthful. And that's, uh, my Solosis..?" Two pairs of bright innocent eyes stared at her. Oh hell they're two of a kind. Her senses weren't what they used to be but this girl was practically radiating sincerity.

Bash very much wanted to know why in the world Eevee Girl thought it was a good idea for someone like her to join a war. But this wasn't the time or place. Focus on the mission. "Let's do it then. Before someone else throws a wrench in things."

[Deadguy]

Moltres 43, 357 EL
The Trial of Courage

Even jumped at the pat on the back. "Uh... yeah, sure. Ladies first then." He stepped away from the rope to allow Evelyn the opportunity to go first.

Chantu paused once he was on the ground, looking up to the girl who had made the suggestion of talking. He held his shield and sword at the ready, giving her a safe place to descend to. "Then you should hurry and get down here, before she decides to strike."

Serge snorted and began moving toward a stack of eggs on his own, while Brawley seemed completely paralyzed by the choice to grab an egg on his own or wait on Evelyn.

The massive Charizard seemed to be lounging in the center of the three nests as the group made their way down the cliff face. Upon landing, drawing weapons, and making moves toward the eggs, the relaxed demeanor suddenly changed. Her eyes snapped open and she glared at the group menacingly.

---

Shikina used Leer!
- All opponents (except Evelyn and Cloudia) are -1 Defense.

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- Evelyn takes the hint that this is a "now or never" sort of thing and doesn't try to press the others further to get them to actually help her. She gives Chantu a pat on the arm and says, "Thanks, then I guess I will." and moves past the protection of his shield and apparently completely unfazed by Shikina's leer, walks right up to the big momma charizard with Cloudia still on her shoulder, also calm as can be like they were just going for a pleasant walk. She notices Solosis follows close by, true to Bash's word. Once she's basically within arm's reach of Shikina she says, "Greetings Shikina. My name is Evelyn Eievui and this little one is Cloudia." Cloudia gives a cute little noise in greeting at the prompt. "Your partner, Maddigan gave us permission to each have one of your eggs, if we dared face you to come get them. I don't know if he told you about this, though I surely hope so. I know I wouldn't promise any of Cloudia's eggs to anyone without discussing it with her." At this Cloudia makes a little "would-be protective momma" kind of face and an affirmative head nod. "So I thought the most respectful thing to do, would be to treat you with the respect a hero of our nation like you deserves and come talk to you face to face to make sure that this is ok with you. Afterall, I'm just some stranger and a new cadet. Why should I assume you'd approve of me raising one of your children without you knowing anything about me first?" "So let me introduce myself a bit. Like I said before, I'm Evelyn Eievui of the Eievui family. I'm not sure if you know about us, but we're a pretty large family who mostly research eevees and evolution. Like the kinds for helping with new evolutions of, well, specifically charizards like yourself and your babies there. We raise many new eevees each year, so I know a lot about caring for eggs and young pokemon. I even raised Cloudia here myself." At this Cloudia snuggles into Evelyn's neck and gives a little pleased noise. "So I can promise that if you place one of your eggs in my care, I will raise them with love and care. And as a knight I would raise them to do your legacy proud." At this she places her hands over her heart. Cloudia mimics the gesture. "So great Shikina, may I please take one of your eggs to be my companion?" she finishes. Spoiler Show Trying to convince Shikina to give Evelyn an egg. Cloudia uses Helping Hand on Evelyn. 3 successes

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: --
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: --

Despite herself Bash just kind of ended up staring gobsmacked at Evelyn's verbose performance. Psychic Pokemon were pretty smart, maybe, but did a beast like this one even understand a tenth of what she was saying!? The girl had guts, that was for sure, or she was as crazy as the Charizard's master. At least the long-winded speech about Consent (an alien notion) and Respect (something earned with power, not words) gave Bash plenty of time to work her way around the edges of the nest to the opposite side from where Evelyn held attention. She had her eye on one particular egg. It was hard to tell but she was fairly sure it looked smaller and maybe a little lopsided compared to others nearby? Hopefully it'd be easier for Bash to heft it and get out of dodge. It seemed any egg would be good enough to pass the challenge and she had practically zero interest in raising a Char herself, so she wasn't about to be picky. If it was a runt maybe it'd be easier to bring it in line quickly for whatever training the Knights demanded of her.

Crouched in cover near her target, sweating in the sunlight, Bash awaited Mamazard's response to diplomatic overtures. As soon as it reacted one way or another, if there was an opening, she would make her move.

[Deadguy]

The Trial of Courage

Shikina tilted her head as the tiny girl made her plea. It wasn't immediately obvious if the beast even understood her words. Once Evelyn had asked her question, the Charizard huffed and leaned down. It drew a deep breath in through the massive nostrils right next to Evelyn's hair. There was a grumbling in it's chest, not a growl or a snarl, more relaxed. The tail slid over toward the nearest nest and wrapped around a dusty colored mottled egg, drawing it toward the girl's feet.

At that very moment there was a thud behind her. "Ow ow ow..." Even had been attempting to go down the rope and had fallen the last several feet, landing right on his backside. Shikina's head snapped up and she looked around, suddenly noticing both Serge and Bash all be ready to leap on eggs. She loosed a might roar, quite deafening for Evelyn who was so close.

As she bellowed, the tattoos on her body seemed to twitch and move, coming alive. They shot out from her feet suddenly, racing over the ground and making contact with the recruit's own shadows. They were stuck, bound to the Charizard. All except Even. He stood up and dusted off his bottom, covering his ears and running for cover toward the rocks that encircled the nearest nest.

---

Shikina used Shadow Tag!
- All opponents (except Even, Evelyn and Cloudia) are blocked.

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- As Evelyn's hair blows back from the roar she has to grip tightly onto Cloudia to prevent her from being blown off of her. Then, not able to really tell if she could be heard, because she can't even really hear herself, she says (rather loudly since she's not super clear on her volume), "Thank you Shikina!" as she scoops up the egg she was gifted and books it. On her way to safety (or at least cover) she shouts out an encouraging, "Thanks and good luck!" to Bash and as they pass by Solosis, Cloudia gives them an adorable little wave. Spoiler Show Running with egg! Evelyn uses Helping Hand on Bash: (4d6)[5][5][3][3](16) Cloudia multiaction uses Helping Hand on Solosis: (3d6)[5][3][6](14)

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Will: 4/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: Blocked
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: Blocked, Helped

The crazy plan actually... worked? Of course, as predicted everything immediately went to crap. Eevee Girl took off with her negotiated prize before Shikina could take it back, and Bash didn't blame her. She hadn't expected any help beyond the huge glaring distraction Evelyn provided just by existing, and in the end it'd been her clueless cousin who set the disaster train in motion. Though seeing her succeed somehow made Bash feel... more confident about her own chances? That was a weird thought she immediately suppressed. Hope was for suckers. She needed results.

Without hesitation Bash grabbed her target and levitated straight up, but she had to cut short a shocked yelp of pain as something jerked hard on her leg. The weird tattoos had lunged out of her own shadow, wrapping around her foot like tangible objects and tethering her to it. She could move around, but she doubted it would let her leave the Charizard's sight.

Well, fine then. Escape wasn't an option, and she had no illusions about subduing Shikina. With a mental nudge she sent Solosis circling around to join her position, then drew a raspy breath.

Standing her ground instead of running for cover, silver hair became a writhing mass of strands as she pushed every ounce of power she could muster into her aura. Psychedelic tendrils arced and snapped into the air around her as she rose as far off the rocky terrain as the shadows would let her, straining against their pull until her joints felt about to tear, eyes twin pulsars strobing. Blood trickled from her nose and ears but she pushed past the pain, glaring at the enraged mother Pokemon as she clutched the egg. She might not be up to snuff anymore, but she could sure as hell still put on a show.

"Mamazard!" she screamed, an unearthly hiss of static behind her words. "You want your kids to grow up tough like you? You want 'em to fight and grow? I'm throwing myself headfirst into the flames of this war and I might not be the best but no one here is gonna struggle more desperately than me. I will drag this Charmander through the crucible till we're hard enough it will break against us and I dare you to stop us."

Sensing its trainer's feelings, Solosis came up beside Bash, puffing itself up as much as possible and scrunching its beady little eyes up as colorful lights pulsed across its membrane. Though the effect turned out more adorable than intended.

[Deadguy]

The Trial of Courage

Shikina roared again, this time out of frustration that the weak-looking boy in Even could simply ignore her ability. The bellow drifted down to a rumble as Bast did her best to make her own case. The Charizard might not have been able to speak, but there appeared to be some manner of smirk? on her fanged maw, with a look that could only be interpreted as "Prove it."

The tattoos that remained on the lizard's body came alive and shot out to the nests themselves. Soon the rocks that surrounding the eggs began to move, pulled together by the shadowy tattoo-stuff. Standing before the initiates were three human-sized stone golems, ready for combat.

---

Combat Begins!
Round 1 - PC actions (Please include evade / clash rolls for your team. The current enemies will do neither.)

Enemies
Statue (3) - Rock

HP: 4/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 4/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 4/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1

[Ramsus]

Evelyn Eievui Evolution Expert HP: 7/7 Defense: 4 Special Defense: 1 Conditions: -- Pokemon Out: Cloudia Spoiler: Pokemon Stats Show Cloudia: HP: 5/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: -- As the others begin engaging in combat, Evelyn realizes there's even a slight possibility her egg might get damaged and places it into a pokeball. She gives a little sigh of relief over that quickly passing moment of worry, and then makes her way back up to the knights. She doesn't go very fast however, since she keeps an eye on the fight to make sure nobody is in any serious danger.

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Will: 4/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: Blocked, Reflect
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: Blocked, Reflect

Bash glared at the animated stones, wiping a trickle of blood off her upper lip as she willed them to stop existing, or at least make sense. She'd heard Charizards here were weird, but this went beyond what she'd seen even natural Rock types do. Then again, in her day Bash had been a poster child for what most civilians would call "impossible." In any case a chance to prove her mettle was better than fiery annihilation.

Alright. Just like the ol' training robots. Create an unassailable position from which to strike with impunity. The bizarreness of the situation aside, she found it easy to settle back into a familiar mission mindset. It was hard to forget lessons that had been, sometimes literally, drilled into her head. "Solosis, Reflect." An empathic footnote to the curt command directed it to shield the other combatants as well. Bash had no desire to get tag-teamed by the golems if she could help it, not in her current state.

As a rockman approached her, Bash tried to put it off balance with a mental shove, but after her draining "performance" there was little force behind it.

[Deadguy]

The Trial of Courage

The Charizard seems to take no further actions. In fact, she begins to circle around, getting comfortable enough to lay in the center of the melee.

The statues lumber forward and the squires leap into action along with their companions. While Even backpedaled from the awakened nest, Chantu stepped in front of him and clashed with the stone being. They seemed to be evenly matched in the exchange.

The statue that awakened near Bash was blasted with water by both Brawley and his spider. The attacks exploited the weakness of the rock, and it barely remained intact. Still, it relentlessly pursued Bash, who carried the egg. It slammed into her painfully. Thankfully, the shield that Solosis had raised did much to dampen the blow.

At the third nest, Serge and the final statue traded heavy blows. Neither gave an inch, but Serge came out of the trade worse off.

---

Statue 1 used Tackle! Chantu clashed with Metal Claw!

Statue 1 receives 2 damage.
Chantu receives 1 damage.

Brawley and Dewpider use Water Gun! It's Super Effective!

Statue 2 receives 3 damage.

Statue 2 used Tackle! Some damage was blocked by Reflect!

Bash receives 1 damage.

Statue 3 used Tackle!

Serge receives 2 damage.

Serge used Feint Attack!

Statue 3 receives 1 damage.

Enemies
Statue (3) - Rock

HP: 2/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 1/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 3/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1

Round 2 - PC Actions!

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 5/5 Will: 4/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: Blocked, Reflect
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

Show

Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: Blocked, Reflect

Bash did a double-take at the kid and his spider as she realized it wasn't just the Pokemon Water Gunning the golem, but couldn't spare the attention for the rest of the battlefield, stumbling back clumsily with barely any time to brace for the oncoming blow. The egg was heavy in her arms and her footwork was awkward even at her best, but she managed to turn so her shoulder took the brunt of it, the purloined egg safe. She cursed loudly for letting herself get surprised by something she should have been expecting from other squires. Reflect did its job but it still felt like it would leave a bruise. Blunt trauma she could deal with, though. Moreso than telekinesis, Bash made a stern mental note to work on building her situational awareness back up. That would do a lot more to keep her alive than throwing debris around.

"Psywave," she blurted as Solosis reoriented on the glorified stack of rocks. With a cry, the Pokemon shivered, releasing a rainbow burst of Psychic energy. Grunting as the effort made her headache bad enough that she was getting nauseous, Bash tried to time her own interference with the Pokemon's attack. Psywave was a reliable but limited move, and she was really banking on the Knights including a serious Pokemon training regimen in their curriculum if she was going to get Solosis to an acceptable state of combat readiness.

Not to mention whatever weird Charmander came out of the egg she still clutched to her chest.

[Deadguy]

The Trial of Courage

Bast pulled on the stones within the statue closest to her. It seemed to push the construct off balance enough for it to miss it's slamming into her again. While Solosis blast of psychic energy did nothing to hinder the lumbering stones, the stream of water sprayed from Brawley's spider knocked it apart. The Charizard looked up from her nap slightly, just enough to make note of the evolving situation.

With the opening, Brawley retrieved an egg of his own. Just as he picked one up, the combined effort of Even and Chantu disabled the closest statue to their nest. Even, already having an egg, made haste toward the rope to follow up Evelyn. Chantu eyed the Charizard warily, still holding his shield and sword before him as he moved toward an egg that caught his eye.

At the third nest, Serge was faltering. The mindless construct was unrelenting in it's attack. Bloody and confused, those looking on could see the rage building in the boy's eyes.

---

Chantu used Metal Claw! It's Super Effective!

Statue 1 received 2 damage.
Statue 1 fainted.

Statue 2 used Tackle!
Statue 2 missed!

Dewpider used Water Gun! It's Super Effective!

Statue 2 receives 2 damage.
Statue 2 fainted.

Statue 3 used Tackle!

Serge receives 1 damage.

Serge used Feint Attack!

Statue 3 receives 1 damage.

Enemies
Statue (3) - Rock

HP: 0/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 0/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1
HP: 2/4 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 1

Round 3 - PC Actions!

[technoRomancer]

Sebastian
Rocket Science Experiment
HP: 4/5 Will: 4/5 Defense: 2 Special Defense: 3
Conditions: Blocked, Reflect
Pokemon Out: Solosis

Spoiler: Pokemon Stats

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Solosis: HP: 4/4 Defense: 1 Special Defense: 2 Conditions: Blocked, Reflect

With the golem threatening her going to pieces, Bash licked thin lips that were cracked and dry from the heat and exertion. If only the spider had gotten her in the splash zone... then again, she'd just be wet and miserable instead of hot and miserable. Out of immediate danger (unless the Charizard woke up), she took stock of the situation as she carefully backpedaled, following the other retreating students. Hopefully Shikina would release her hold once she was satisfied with their performance. She couldn't help a small smirk as she spotted Serge's predicament. She knew he was unaccustomed to failure, and had ended most missions looking untouchable. Of course, at least part of that was due to her own efforts. It was a rare treat to see him lose his composure so much, and his bloody state was just a bonus. If he flunked out here, she wouldn't have to deal with his insufferable face for the rest of her career with the Knights.

On the other hand, it would royally piss him off to know he'd only gotten in with her help. He'd never admit it of course, but Bash would know, and that was what mattered.

With a jerk of her head, Bash directed Solosis to intervene. It must had picked up on her mood, because it somehow managed to look smug as it hovered over towards the last golem and let loose another Psywave. It was near the edge of her current effective range, but Bash didn't need precision to try and disrupt the golem's movements, tugging at its torso.