[BATTLE] NATALIE VS N

[lou]

ROUND 2
NATALIE VS. N
BATTLE COMMENCE

[natalie]

[atrb=valign, top] ❝ like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins ❞ Mercy was long gone, Karen had made sure of that. All that was left of Natalie was a berserk predator, stalking the caves for her Nox prey. I'm going to find them for you honey. A hand clutched her shoulder wound. It stung and hurt, even though the solider's Slowbro had sealed the wound. The constant physical pain was only a reminder as to why Natalie fought. Slowly she made her way through Victory Road, Levius at her side. With no light to aid her, the woman blindly stumbled about. The mother knew she would find Nox, they always came to take her happiness away. Eventually Natalie reached a vital intersection. Realizing where she was, the solider nudged her psychic pokemon. Levius nodded. Twisting his fingers about, a spinning orb of psychic energy formed within the intersection. It's soft pink glow giving an eerie illumination to the passageway. Taking a few steps back, Natalie and Levius hid within the shadows. Just beyond the reach of the psychic's light they waited together. Someone would be here soon. And I'm going to rip out their throats. MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable] ❝ N ❞ ❝ 178 words ❞ [/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤

[N]

KYRIE, IGNIS DIVINE, ELEISON

He cannot carry Shelby. She is too heavy for them. It pains him to leave her there, but he must.

Swoop brought the tunnel down just in time for the rest of them to escape. He isn't sure if Ghetsis made it out alive, but when he opens his mouth to make his worries verbal, Swoop laughs at him.

"Bastard is better off dead," the bird says bluntly. "Now let Nadia out. She can navigate in the dark better than us both."

N swallows hard, then obeys the Archeops. He returns Swoop, as much as he hates confining his friends. But the empty Pokeball on his belt seems to weigh more than all the others combined, and he knows now why he began this process in the first place.

Shelby is dead.

She and Swoop always used to argue. Swoop has always been a pessimist; Shelby saw the brighter side of things. They would constantly bicker, even before they evolved, and N could have to break up fights sometimes. But when Swoop spoke earlier, even through all they'd been through as a team, he had heard it.

Swoop feels the same pain that N does.

Nadia is not an old friend. She is part of the pack, a gleaming vixen of entrancing beauty and almost ethereal grace. She moves like a shadow against the ground, glancing back at N, rarely speaking. But she can sense the sorrow in the air. It's as thick as the smell of blood and death permeating from the walls. It looms over them as they walk, and Nadia, usually a creature of silence, turns back and speaks a few words.

"Her days of hiding are over."

N stares at Nadia for a moment, then nods. She reaches up and nuzzles his face. The two move on, though neither is sure of the destination anymore.

Ever since the Triad dragged N aside, he has been lost. But light catches his eye and he finds himself pacing towards it. Nadia is less trusting. She reaches forward and grabs the back of his jacket in her claws. "Never trust the light."

N freezes. More Zoroark superstition? Normally he'd obey, flee to the shadows with the pack, but this is not Lostlorn Forest. Humans can handle things civilly, can't they?

He adjusts the orange armband of his too-big Lux uniform, then glances at Nadia. "We need to take this chance." It may yet end in a bullet, but a medic could be captured. And N stole the uniform from Thalia's personal guard; maybe they'll think he's someone important. He can name-drop Thalia... He can say he'll help either side (which is true; he's here to help the innocent, get whatever he can out alive)...

"Keep to the shadows, just in case." Nadia growls again, but illusions herself a shroud as black as the cave around her. She remains invisible as N paces carefully into the light.

And then his resolve breaks as he notices the blood spattered on his once brilliant white uniform. He freezes, staring down at his jacket as he begins to hyperventilate.

TAGGED NATALIE NOTES ACK, LONG

TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND

[natalie]

[atrb=valign, top] ❝ like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins ❞ It made the hunter excited, to hear the breathing in the distance. A twisted smile spread across her face as Natalie just listened for a few seconds. Soon, oh very soon, she would silence that breathing forever. It made her giddy. The solider could feel the psychic reach into it's mind. The creature clawed it's way into Natalie's mind, searching for orders. Without hesitating Natalie gave them. Move the orb forward. Lurking within the shadows, the solider watched the orb lazily float forward towards the sound of breathing. Eyes watched in glee as the orb would drift closer and closer to N. Soon Natalie would have her prey. MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable] ❝ N ❞ ❝ 107 words ❞ [/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤

[N]

KYRIE, IGNIS DIVINE, ELEISON

And the light crosses him, and he finds himself turning pale. The light moves. It could very well be an enemy. He tightens his hands on his gun, shaking--

And then he aims into the darkness, trying to stand firm, because this is what Thalia does. Thalia is brave. He will be brave, too.

"Out, or I'll shoot."

He doesn't sound brave.

In the darkness, Nadia growls.

TAGGED NATALIE NOTES AND THE MOD JUDGING THIS CAME IN GLORY

TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND

[natalie]

[atrb=valign, top] ❝ like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins ❞ The sight of the trembling N caused what ever predatory sense Natalie had within her to die down. Maybe, just maybe, things would be different if he was Nox. No... That didn't matter. Motherly instincts kicking in, Natalie took a few long steps forward, Levius trotting just behind her. The psychic light washed over her. "It's okay honey, I'm not going to hurt you." Her voice was softer then it had been in a long time. "We're on the same team." Eyes looked over the uniform the other was wearing. It was much nicer then Natalie's own, and clearly he held a higher rank then the solider. A soft smile spread on Natalie's face. There was so many wrinkles and creases on the over sized uniform.Maybe he st- No... That couldn't be it. He was just a sweet innocent kid, or at least he was to Natalie. Part of her even wanted to make N go up to his room, so that she could iron his uniform and make him cookies. Daniel loved my oatmeal cookies... The gentle smile was almost shattered at the thought. Fighting back the tears she tried to rip her mind out of the past. "Now if you put down the gun, maybe we could work together." Even if the other held a higher rank, Natalie didn't seem him as her superior or equal. She saw him as a scared kid who she longed to look after. MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable] ❝ N ❞ ❝ 107 words ❞ [/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤

[N]

KYRIE, IGNIS DIVINE, ELEISON

"Don't trust the sunlight."

He doesn't allow himself to fully relax. Even the sight of the uniform doesn't make him stop tensing. He lowers the gun and holsters it, but doesn't get too close. Zoro-kin have long since known to distrust those that bear tricks of light.

And because he listens to Nadia so willingly, he doesn't believe himself to be truly human for it.

His silver-green eyes remain locked on Natalie, watching her every movement. She seems warm, motherly, and welcoming.

This is not what he needs on the battlefield.

"You're a soldier, too? Do you... Do you have your papers?" He needs that identification. "If you have those, I can heal your Pokemon."

TAGGED NATALIE NOTES AND THE MOD JUDGING THIS CAME IN GLORY

TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND

[natalie]

Shifting her body, so that she would not upset her wound, Natalie reached into her bland uniform. Taking out a small packet of papers the solider presented them to the other. Carefully she unfolded them. They were wrinkled, folded one to many times, and one corner was torn off. They had not had an easy time within Natalie's pocket.

"Natalie Volkov, seventh infantry." She simply stated, presenting the papers to N. They were unimportant to her. Pieces of paper and ink could never show how truly dedicated she was to the Lux military. If N took them she wouldn't care, all that mattered to her was the battle.

"Can I see yours?" The mother asked softly. It would be an easy way to see if the other was... Was... Shaking her head slightly, Natalie's good hand moved to cradle her wound. The last thing the mother wanted to do was fight someone so innocent.

[N]

N looks over her papers and finds that it checks out. His grip on his gun shifts to his Leafeon's Pokeball. But she asks for his papers first and a bubble of dread fills his stomach.

"...I'm not actually supposed to be here," he says as he pulls out his own identification. Signed by Thalia de Luca herself, he's registered as a Citizen with rights to carry Pokemon-- rights usually reserved for those closest to those in power. "But... But I can't leave. I need to help the injured and get the civilians out. If Miss Thalia knew I was here..."

Miss Thalia would throw a fit. And N would probably be put under a stricter watch.

"...I can't let people die. Now hold still, Leaf will help you get better." He releases the Leafeon and she lands on the cave floor, glancing up at the bleeding woman. "Leaf, Wish." The Leafeon glows, trying to help close the wound in Natalie's side.

The blood reminds him of Shelby.

He bites his lip and looks down. "...I've already lost a friend here, though." Because he has to tell someone. Even if she won't understand how much Shelby's meant to him over the years, he has to talk about her. "I'm... I'm not sure if I'm going to lose more. There's so much death..."

And N could have stopped it.

Or so he believes.

[natalie]

[atrb=valign, top] ❝ like some child possessed, the beast howls in my veins ❞ There was a smile on Natalie's face. She looked down at the little piece of plastic was in her hand while she listened. "N Harmonia." The mother whispered to herself. Her arm felt warm as the wound began to heal. Eyes turned up to look at N as the energy washed over her. "It's difficult." Natalie simply replied. "I already lost a... A friend today as well." It was difficult to think of Hektor, to picture his dead body. "I knew him since I was a teenager." No that's not what she wanted to say. Natalie shook her head. She wanted to be happy. "I..." It was difficult to think of the proper words. She tried to think about what she could say. Some bullshit about how both their loved ones were in a better place was the only thing that came to mind. Reaching out, Natalie attempted to gently grab N's shoulder to reassure him, to make him feel better. Words of encouragement began to form in her throat, but when she opened her mouth something very different came out. "Don't worry about fighting." He was innocent, pure. "I will fight for you." Natalie wanted to protect him, to preserve him. "I will keep you safe." MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable] ❝ N ❞ ❝ 205 words ❞ [/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤

[N]

He winces at the name Harmonia. It stings now; he'll have it removed. He no longer wants that name, no longer wishes to hear it be said from any pair of lips in this world. The man he once called "Daddy" has disowned him, and N has finally accepted this as his new reality.

N steps back when she reaches for him, not quite trusting the hands of strangers. He looks up at her for once, studying her face for a few moments before looking away.

"...I can... I can understand Pokemon," he says softly. "I heard her call out for me as she died. I heard--"

"I hear footsteps."

Leaf's chirp seemed friendly, but N tenses as soon as the Leafeon speaks. He glances down at her and her tail twitches. N shakes his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I cannot let more people die on my behalf. And it seems we have company. Leaf can hear them."

"I can smell them," says Nadia, as she steps from the shadows, taking the form of a pale girl with long purple hair and a loose white dress. The Zoroark's violet eyes don't leave Natalie, though her nose twitches every so often. "They have Pokemon out."

"...And they're armed." N turns, lifting his gun again (and ignoring Nadia's silent hiss to keep his face turned to Natalie at all times). "If you'll fight beside me, I'll allow it. I just-- I just can't let you fight for me."

He's a hero, after all. Heroes don't hide behind others. N's spent enough time hiding. This time, he'll make them see the strength that won Reshiram to his cause.

The footsteps grow closer, and then there comes the sound of bullets from the shadows. Nadia reaches forward and shoves N out of the way, the steel striking her mane and causing the illusion to fade away. The indigo-maned Zoroark growls, then begins to dig, the small tunnel she forms protecting her from the bullets. Leaf follows.

N glances for Natalie, who's hopefully taken cover and shut off the sphere of light. The darkness would make it hard to see, but their position wouldn't be so obvious.

The gun he carries is useless now, though, and he can hear the voices of Mightyena trying to communicate. N's stomach drops; their scent has been found, and even if the light is gone, they only have a few moments until the dogs reach them.

He doubts his words can sway these hounds.

He reaches for the last Pokeball on his belt. In a flash of red, Icy appears. The Vanilluxe gives his position away, but N doesn't need to hide now. He murmurs, "Hail, then Blizzard."

The temperature cools. The enemy's pokemon draw closer, their screams howling for blood. The water vapor in the air freezes, and chunks of ice begin forming. N's breath comes out in hot white clouds and he begins to shiver.

That's nothing compared to the sudden wind that rips through the cave. Those closest to N and Icy are thrown back as the ice in the air comes together and pelts mercilessly against anything in its way. The Blizzard is in full force, and N hopes that this will be enough.

He hopes they'll fall back.

Despite his resolve and purpose in being here, he doesn't quite want blood on his hands.

[ADMINISTRATION]

VICTOR: N

+ 500 to Nox

guys this was really hard to judge
u both suck
Just kidding, this thread was actually really great and gave Kane and me feels.

[natalie]

[atrb=valign, top] ❝ i'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side ❞ She is slow to react. It hard to transition from the mortherly figure to theatblood lusting creature. Her mind is scattered, it's hard to focus. It feels like she just started fighting again. Her body freezes, the mouth freezes. She can't order Levius. Natalie can't do anything but think the same thing over and over. Protect N. Protect N. Protect N. Goosebums spread across her body as the blizzard sets it. The solider shakes, the uniform barely protecting her from the harsh storm. She watches Levius step back, the psychic light dimming. The hermit crab looks at Natalie, desperate for guidance. The thoughts in her mind change, transform. Protect N, protect the kid, protect my baby. Finally Natalie is able to move mouth. Weekly, the rage forgotten, she mouths a few words. "Protect him." It's all she can do, a torrent of emotions over taking her. Levius nods, he knows what he has to do. He isn't afraid when he steps forward, nor when a bright pink light encompasses his body. The psychic energy was like the beam of a lighthouse piercing through the flurry of ice. It lifts him up, hanging him in the air. He's a beacon for attacks. They come without hesitation, jumping on the easy prey. First a bright and prismatic signal beam shoots through the storm, knocking the Slowbro back. Levius's body is screaming in pain, he bits his lip knowing he must go on. He lifts himself back up into the air, the glow growing brighter. A shadow ball comes next, slamming into the psychic's body. He can't take anymore, everything starts to fade to black. The psychic energy wavers for a few seconds. Then it dies. The hermit crab falls to the ground, body limp. Natalie watches in horror. Tears form in her eyes as the psychic connection between the two start to fade away. "L-Levius." She sobs. The Slowbro was her first pokemon, the faithful companion that had stuck by her side since she was a child. And now he was... Then she hears it, the last words of her pokemon echoing in her head. oo(( Mommy, I love you. ))oo The words cut deep. It was the last thing that her beloved Daniel said to her. She falls to her knees screaming. She snaps. The scream becomes a blood curdling scream, demanding blood. Nothing would stop her rage anymore. MADE BY CYANIDE CANDY ✖

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=valign, top][atrb=style, width:300px, btable] ❝ N ❞ ❝ 392 words ❞ [/style][STYLE= color: #373737; font-size: 80px; margin-top: -43px; margin-left: -09px;]◤