[BATTLE] STEFAN VS SURGE

[lou]

ROUND 1
STEFAN VS. SURGE
BATTLE COMMENCE

[surge]

The crisp, salty smell of Kanto ocean water did little to ease the sailor upon his return home. This wasn’t the homecoming he had been hoping for but that was to be expected in such times. Words had a malicious way of traveling quickly and even the little cove of Cianwood heard of the gossip concerning Kanto. Nox had made their move-- a big one. They were actually mobilizing troops outside of the shithole that was Cinnabar. Fan-fucking-tastic.

But that wasn’t any of his concern, right? Things were different now. Whatever sentiments Surge had when he left Kanto had changed. He had changed. His journey had taught him patience and the value of life. Life that he hated to see squandered on petty squabbles between political strife. So why was he here now? Really-- what could Nox do?

He couldn’t tell you. Couldn’t even process a damn thought over the rumbling of the motorboat’s engine. Only thing Surge was conscious of was the familiar buzz that churned inside of him. The days of being a pacifist vagabond did his spirit well-- put his mind to peace. His body? Not so much. Surge had the flesh of a warrior, trained to be a burly beast that thrived in carnage. Not the primitive act of ripping flesh from flesh but displaying a show of skill and ability in being able to not only outmaneuver but outperform his opponent.

Who would he face today?

The Kanto Armada.

An impossible task for any single man but if there was anyone with balls to do it, it was Surge. The seasoned sailor would literally be taking the front line, coasting several kilometers out of range of artillery fire while setting up for a barrage of his own. Just enough to slow the Lux cruisers and battleships down. All he needed to do was bide time. The longer he kept Lux forces away from Seafoam shore the better.

“Bring us up to speed with a rain dance. We’ll show’em what we got.”

Straggling behind the speeding motorboat was the bulk of his naval team. Upon command the trailing Blastoise ascended from the water, both of it’s cannons peaking out from underneath the water’s surface.

Boom!

Boom!

Each cannon fired several blast of concentrated water into the air, the successful attack disappearing into the skyline within moments. With a satisfied grumble, the Blastoise dived once again as the weather began to darken. The cloudy sky began to twist into that of a terrible storm, drizzle starting to pour in response as the cloud continued to shift in to a menacing grey.

Nothing primed the Lieutenant more than a dogfight by sea.

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[redoxstate]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#eee; border:1px solid #ccc;] tide out, tide in [/style][style=font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:7.5px; color:#bbb; font-weight:800; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;]a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams At Fuschia, Stefan has taken his congratulations with a pleasant smile and a grain of salt. What more could the citizenry of Kanto, its politicians, and its military force ask of him? Briefly, as he surveys the briny sea from a Kanto warship, he wonders if Thalia De Lucas came from the same vein. He is not sure if he has ever appreciated how easily she had done it, but all he knows is that it feels unsettling to be looked at for more than five minutes. If Columbus or Alexander had felt the same, then he can’t tell. There have been more and more secrets that the Absol and Honchkrow have been hiding from him lately, and those two are probably the only living beings that he would never consider forcing answers out of. (he loves sparingly, and for good reason) The Champion pulls on his waterproof gloves and a full-facial mask. He is no Xander Cromwell. Stefan will trust that the Kanto forces have been trained to fight adeptly without a figurehead. Red’s championhood should have more than adequately prepared them for that. There are more pressing things at stake - namely, President Blaine. He has been instrumental to the office of the presidency for the past three years. He has seen two of them fall. Stefan is determined to not see another. Getting to his side is paramount in priority. Fighting the enemy is primarily a soldier’s job. Stefan has not been a soldier in a long time. Maybe it’s time to be one once again. Unfortunately, the Seafoam coast is a place for soldiers. It doesn’t take a naval expert to tell Stefan that braving the seas upon Cancer’s or Carlos’ back would be risky, at best. The Champion has taken plenty of courses on military maneuvers himself at the Viridian military academy since his appointment, but nothing quite trumps real time experience. In real time, however, he doesn’t like what he sees. The ocean is too boundless, too open, too free for him to trust. Stefan realizes that his Absol is gone from his sight as usual, and he is instantly snapped out of his reverie. A sailor helpfully points him in the right direction. Columbus gazes at the Seafoam shore, and Stefan is quick to notice exactly what he is drawing notice to. A boat in a wash of blue. He evaluates its sole occupant coolly. Whatever he was expecting, the presence of Vermillion’s ex-gym leader wasn’t it. Not that it makes much of a difference. Stefan doesn’t need to take another look at his file to realize that Surge is a traitor. A difficult traitor, even. Rain starts drizzling onto his face, and Stefan realizes the danger in allowing an electric-type specialist to have his downpour. His sharp eyes didn’t miss the disappearing water cannons, either. He doesn’t know if his opponent plans to drown or electrocute them, but the Champion will not allow either. Stefan had hesitated in bringing the Andes along, knowing his destructive power, but now he can say that he has made the right choice. The Tyranitar appears in a burst of white light. “I would advise everyone to take cover. Andes, Sandstorm”. The Tyranitar snarls and releases a blast of sand particles from the holes in his chest. Within minutes, a hurricane of sand swallows the sky. Stefan doesn’t allow his sight to be compromised, however. A pair of goggles resolves the problem of getting particles in his eyes. He’ll be sure to sneak onto the shore during the confusion. If Surge is better than he thinks, then... The sand occasionally cuts painfully into his cheeks, but he is fairly heavily-dressed for the brunt of the weather. It is November, after all. Stefan lets out his Bisharp and murmurs: “Gearfried, Stealth Rock” Great stones from the bottom of the ocean rise and hover ominously above the water. If he will be denied land here, then he will simply simulate its conditions. Regardless of bird or fish, nothing will catch them unawares. Stefan takes a step back in a gesture of irony. “Forward.” what wordcount & spiral & imma kick yo sissy ass

MADE BY RIVER! OF GS

[surge]

His return to Kanto was suppose to be his redemption for leaving his home to rot over the last few years. The rain would cleanse him of his sins and his valor would bring salvation. But someone had to close the grace of the heavens with a murky cloud of earth. Even from afar Surge could understand the grave consequences of letting the haze of sand expand. For now it encompassed the navy with a protective layer, obscuring them from the rain and grating the area with pelts of sand.

If that’s how they want to play then so be it. Surge doesn’t mind entertaining them while Nox takes their time fortifying the island. He welcomes it, calling upon his Blastoise once again to soak the field with the blessings of rain. The behemoth’s resurfacing bring about a change in the clouds, filtering them and causing the downpour to start once again. It’s not the first time Surge has struggled with keeping the weather on his side and with the looks of it, it won’t be the last.

But a stalemate will only do so much good. Instead, Surge opts to take the offensive and make use of his advantage. With at least a kilometers between the two the battle will be decided by who gets sunk first. Fortunately, Surge sports a puny motorboat; swift and incredibly mobile while being near impossible to hit with a ranged attack. The glaring downside is that the vessel’s size make it impossible to house any weaponry that’ll make a dent in the opposing ships. But that’s a sacrifice Surge is willing to make seeing as anything bigger will make it too difficult to maneuver.

The lack of weaponry isn’t a major problem since Surge has all the firepower he needs nestled on his belt. With the resurgence of fresh rain, Surge allows his powerhouses to come out; Magnezone and Dragonite. The two serve as his only chance at toppling any of Lux’s larger ships as the weather transitions from a shower of sand into one of water.

“Bring up some cover while we pick them off, Dragonite”

Satisfied with the rather vague order, the Dragonite coats them in a SAFEGUARD before ascending into the sky and approach the stationary ring of aerial ledges. The wary dragon is wise enough to keep a distance from the set of stealth rocks and any surprises the rocks might hide. But it doesn’t stop the titan from attacking. Vicious flaps of it’s wings starts to bring about a TWISTER which grows as it engulfs more water, wind, and sand. The Dragonite doesn’t take too long as the attack is far too obvious to miss. The moment the cyclone is stabilized it’s released, sent to make a beeline for the Lux navy. If Surge is lucky, the attack will disrupt their movement and pluck the less fortunate sailors off their decks.

And if he’s not so lucky?

Surge isn’t a man to take a chance on luck. There’s nothing he believes more in than molding results with your own bare hands. That’s how he was raised-- conditioned. And if he wanted to sink those ships then he’d have to tear right through them. Which is exactly where the Magnezone came into play. Even from a distance, Magnezone could LOCK-ON to a target and blow it up with a well place ZAP CANNON. All the pokemon needed was some time and protection. The only question was which ship to target first?

The closest-- the leader of the pack.

Surge felt his boat jerk as Magnezone let loose a menacing ZAP CANNON. This would be the shot heard around the world. Nox was making its stand. Come forward if you dare, Lux; Surge is ready.

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[redoxstate]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#eee; border:1px solid #ccc;] tide out, tide in [/style][style=font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:7.5px; color:#bbb; font-weight:800; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;]a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams Stefan is only mildly bothered when Andes’ handiwork is undone, but he doesn’t show it. The enemy seems to have no intention for the Sandstorm to last long enough to deliver long-term benefits, but the Champion knows better. It’s not about intention - it’s about one’s ability to carry it out that matters in the end. Before the Blastoise can submerge, Stefan summons Etelle - a female Hydreigon in her beastly prime - and commands a Hyper Voice. She lets loose several rings of flesh-tearing sound as soon as her trainer pushes his earplugs into his ears. Distance is not a problem for sound, and if the enemy decided to submerge...well, the attack would only travel faster underwater. Even if the Hydreigon missed, the ripples that the attack would cause would displace them for long enough for the ship to gain more distance towards Seafoam. Besides, the Sandstorm that Stefan allows Andes to create in frustration reins once more. The sailors who have stayed above deck scramble for cover at the sight of the approaching Twister, but Stefan stands firm at the forecastle deck. He does not blame the men for wavering - surviving is their responsibility. If anyone wanted to play the hero now, then there would be a tribunal waiting for them back home. There are no heroes here, except for any soldiers who are blinded by their idealism. Stefan thinks that maybe that is why he was never meant to be a soldier. He doesn’t think himself as a leader either, but those words will never escape his lips. Gerfried is sent back to his ball, his purpose served. (the deception must continue) If he does not stand firm, then who will? They are the same words that he has repeated to himself every night as a sentinel, yet they never seem to lose relevance. Not as he slits the throat of some Nox propagandist as his child watches, and not as he prepares to drown a sailor (the old guard) under the furtive waves. (his sins, he thinks, are infinitely preferable) How different it is, to have to care about human life. To stand above the deck with a hundred eyes on your back. Stefan wonders how long it will take for him to care about their wellbeing, rather than their talents as they relate to his objectives. Right now, he is utterly unperturbed to their terror. Everyone who came to sail with him today should have been prepared to fall into the ocean’s grasp. A few of them, like their Champion, have brought Pokemon who know Protect. Those who don’t have to contend with being dropped into the sea. Of course, everyone who was conscripted was ready to go under - standard safety procedures mandated that at least one water Pokemon was on every sailor, if they did not have one already. The distance that the enemy’s attack must travel allows for Stefan to send out his Crawdaunt with a few seconds to spare. The green force field is large enough to allow Stefan to avoid the attack unscathed, although the others aren’t so lucky. Andes’ tough hide and sheer bulk help him withstand the Twister, and the Hydreigon’s ragged wings ensure that he avoids the brunt of the attack dead-on. Stefan doesn’t even have to look behind him to realize where Columbus went. Since his teens, the Absol had always disappeared during the most inopportune times whenever he predicted danger of the natural disaster kind. He doesn’t believe that the Absol is weak of will. He is anything but weak of will, be he does lack in transparency. Thankfully, the naval battle does not. The blast of electricity comes for them, but the Crawdaunt did not, and still doesn’t flinch from its Protect. Despite its natural aversion to electricity, he has been carefully trained to stand his ground in the face of bullets, shocks, and aerial assault. The force field was created to last, after all. After the blast dissipates, Cancer instinctively performs a Dragon Dance in anticipation of what could come. Stefan leaves him to it. Better to be over-prepared than under. As the warship approaches the lone trainer and his Pokemon in the ocean, the time that it would take an attack to reach them is reduced. Speed is the priority, but they have already made significant gains. The Champion makes a gesture to the remaining sailors on the deck, signaling for an increase in speed. The men don’t like it, but they obey. Just as they should. Long range is hardly Stefan’s specialty, but as long as the distance is closed, their advantage increases. Even then, drowning the enemy is not their priority, no, Stefan has more important aims. It’s only a pity that Nox never does learn. what wordcount & spiral & imma kick yo sissy ass

MADE BY RIVER! OF GS

[surge]

The weather is brought to a horrific standstill, mother nature tipsying between sand and rain as the Tyranitar tries to blot out the downpour. For a moment, Surge considers allowing the sandstorm to maintain itself. Surely the vicious grains of whirling sand would do more damage chipping away at the skin of the exposed Lux soldier than to himself but rain hold too much potential. Only under the guise of darkened clouds does the electric master show just how frightening he is.

“Bring the rain up once more! Then go directly for the fleet. Bring them down!”

His command can barely be heard over the terrible screeching coming from Lux’s only aerial pokemon. Even from afar Surge can make out the figure of something more fearsome than a simple bird. The distance makes it hard to discern just what type of pokemon it is, but he’s sure it isn’t one he’s familiar with. His journey has a hermit had brought him to places far and wide but not to the corners of the earth. Perhaps some things were better off left unknown. Luckily, his pokemon are more than competent to know what to do against an unidentified opponent.

To think electricity is Surge’s only specialty is fatal mistake. As an electrician with both Magnetons and Electrodes, Surge knows just how lethal audio based attacks can be. With an arsenal of SUPER SONIC, METAL NOISE, and SCREECH, Surge is just as prepared as Stefan for the advent of Hydreigon’s roar. The earplugs do little to stop the noise from giving him a steady migraine, his head throbbing from the attack, but Surge will survive. Long enough for his Magnezone to counter attack with its own SUPER SONIC. The ear-piercing vibrations travel quickly, meshing with the HYPER VOICE and slackening both sounds as they make their way toward Lux forces. Dragonite is sparred from the friendly fire due to its earlier SAFEGUARD while Blastoise can safely ignore both attacks with a well placed PROTECT.

While most see a simple clash of sound waves, Surge spots an opportunity. With the water saturated with abundant sound waves of SUPER SONIC and HYPER VOICE Surge figures that whatever sonar the enemy ships are using will be rendered useless until the sea calms down. Blastoise provides cover for his trainer as he rises once more, hiding the ship behind its large body and the distraction of firing yet another RAIN DANCE into the air. All the while, Surge allows two of his pokeballs release their pokemon, sending two obscure flashes of white light in to the water below. Once both pokemon settle in the ocean’s currents the Blastoise begins its advance, shooting forward and making obvious ripples as it submerges. Not too far behind is Surge’s private vessel, trailing the pokemon as Magnezone continues to fire periodical volleys of ZAP CANNON. The quicker Surge renders the fleet incapacitated the better, by the looks of it they only have two hours before they reach landfall. The Lux commander isn’t an idiot, they know they can sacrifice a few ships as long as they advance. If Surge doesn’t end this soon enough then the island will be overran by Lux, something Nox can’t afford.


With what looks like a full front assualt from Surge his Dragonite begins to settle in, still keeping its distance as the rain returns. Once the water settles in the Dragonite is free to unleash its full assault. With a mighty stretch, the Dragonite called upon the sky to deliver Surge’s punishment. Darken clouds open up to let Zeus rain his THUNDER on the ships below. The sheer power of bolts of pure energy are usually offset with their tendency to have wild trajectories, hard to aim and impossible control. But the rain changes that—life isn’t the only byproduct of water. The loud roar of THUNDER promises a painful death for those struck. Good thing large ships make easy targets. It’s unfortunate that those hit directly by the attack will probably die but Surge can’t spare any remorse. Not now, not until the fighting stops. The only thing that comforts him is that Lightning only strikes once. Should the thunder hit the sailors still alive should have more than ample time to jump ship. The only blood Surge is out for is the oil of the battleships that threaten his stronghold.

The Thunder serves as a menacing testament to Surge’s strength but he doesn’t believe that such an attack will stop them alone. Leave nothing to chance. Underneath the murky ocean water, underneath the ongoing chaos, is his backup plan. The aftermath of two scrambling auditory attacks leave the Sharpedo naked in the stead of sonar. A quick TRANSFORM has allowed Surge to turn his Ditto into a secondary missile as the two close in with an AQUA JET. There’s a very terrifying truth in Sharpedo’s namesake; with the fearsome torpedo named after the “bully of the sea”, if all else fails, Surge will have to depend on the twin predators to crush the ships from their most venerable point: their hull.

Ignorance is bliss and what Lux can’t see can’t hurt them.

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[redoxstate]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#eee; border:1px solid #ccc;] tide out, tide in [/style][style=font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:7.5px; color:#bbb; font-weight:800; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;]a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams The incoming Supersonic proves to be a spot of difficulty. With a Hydreigon and a Tyranitar at Stefan’s side (especially on an enclosed boat), any resulting confusion could prove fatal. Stefan grits his teeth and prepares to withdraw, but Columbus reappears at his side. The Champion blinks - he is all too unfamiliar with the Absol fighting at his side. There are decades-old memories of a young boy from Goldenrod, a shiny Absol, and wild Nidoran, buried beneath the surface of their peril, but they have long been buried. Burned, if Stefan can help it, but he cannot. For that, he faults himself. Faults himself for not allowing colorless ash to scatter into the winds. Faults himself for not washing his hands of childhood grace. Faults himself for allowing Columbus to protect him once again. Regardless, his mission comes first. Stefan does not stop the Absol from saving them all. The sight of the Magic Coat is a familiar one, at least. Columbus had been born with more than just unusual coloring. The barrier of light sends the Supersonic waves back at the enemy, turning the attack into another advantage. That had always been the team specialty. Magic Coat, Counter, Reversal, Foul Play, Swagger. The foundations upon which his technique had been built upon. Because he refuses to be overpowered, Stefan wills each of his Pokemon to become Loki incarnate. Stefan does have his own tricks, however. As an ex-sentinel who was often required to go into the depths of Nox dens, often with minimal Lux support, Stefan is no stranger to making do with what he has. Although Stefan realizes all his disadvantages, he will admit that his championhood has afforded him a new set of resources. Namely, this warship that parries the ocean like a butcher’s knife. He understands knives very well, so he will use this expertise to create his opportunities. What the warship has sacrificed in maneuverability, she has gained in force. The sludge of sand that has formed from the alternation of two weather conditions prove to be negligible in terms of their ship’s advancement. For a motorboat, Stefan would guess that there would be more difficulty. Or perhaps guessing is the wrong word? The champion has never been much of a gambler. Calmly, the Kanto Champion evaluates the situation that pans out before him. For all the electricity that threatens to fry them, nothing productive will come out of panicking. The Crawdaunt is already set to Protect his trainer from the incoming thunder. That too, calms him enough to facilitate a rational decision. “Sandstorm, again” The Tyranitar is only too glad to obey - Andes has never been fond of water. The sand that results smooths over his skin, making it less permeable to the elements (sandstorms help rock types become considerably more resilient to fire and shock, the trainer remembers - Canalave had served him well). Stefan is not so lucky. Like vultures, the particles of grit claw at his cheeks, eager to gouge out whatever flesh that it can amidst the depravity. It stings, but Stefan has never been averse to sacrifice his own comforts for tactical advantages. Gains without sacrifice is no true gain at all, whether it be power, emotion, or ethics. Although Stefan had assumed that electricity would not be so effective in a hurricane of sand, the blast of electricity that manages to find its way to the Tyranitar’s side angers the creature immensely. He roars, claiming his rightful place as the king who moves mountains. This helplessness does not suit him, even if he is a vital part of the team’s support. Even in his anger, Andes makes eye contact with his trainer. There are things that even a king must submit to. Stefan gives him a curt nod. The Tyranitar has been patient enough and the sandstorm would have served its purpose by this time. That is all the hesitation that Andes is willing to endure before letting loose his Hyper Beam, a blast that consumes everything in its path. With any luck, the beam would disrupt the enemies, even if it doesn't hit. Andes was not the only casualty. A stray ball from the Zap Cannon strikes Etelle on her left head, and she roars bloodcurdlingly as she falls onto the deck, the paralysis setting in. Acting quickly before the Hydreigon decides to kill them all with Dragon Pulse or something equally as nasty, Stefan finally lets Lunette out of her ball. Despite the bloodlust that Etelle radiates, the Umbreon dares to approach her. Pokemon such as Romulus intend to hurt her - this Hydreigon is only like this out of instinct. That fact in itself makes the dragon approachable. A Wish is made for the dragon, and a Heal Bell is layered with it, just in case. The action itself calms the Hydreigon, and she flies upward to look in the direction of her real enemy. She lets loose a Hyper Voice with even less remorse than before, and it shows in the intensity of her attack. Columbus nudges Stefan in the leg, and he does not turn in time to see the Ditto disappear into the sea with its companion, but Stefan has long learned not to doubt the Absol’s instincts when it came to sensing danger. Or seeing them, for that matter. The Absol always seemed to have a different agenda, and for once, it is a blessing. “Gearfried,” The Bisharp is called upon once more to defend the will, the pride of its master. “Stealth Rock, and then Magnet Rise”. If there is any danger, then jagged stones will meet it head-on once it arrives. They are children of the earth, and that much shall stay. what wordcount & spiral & i feel like this is magma vs aqua

MADE BY RIVER! OF GS

[surge]

The distance between the two combatants is closing but still no where near close enough for Surge to get a grasp of what’s happening. Columbus is rendered near invisible from his sight range, a mere speckle of white on the enemy vessel. There’s nothing he can do to prevent the SUPER SONIC from being reflected back at him until it’s too late. Surge doesn't even notice it until the droning buzzing washes over him. But that’s all it is, a mere buzz thanks to the Dragonite’s SAFE GUARD from earlier. It’ll take more than simple tricks to stop the inevitable assault. Something more than a meager annoyance.

It doesn't come as a surprise that the sand is beginning to start up again. The last half an hour has been spent with both sides trying to manipulate the weather, forcing the sky to be their support. Blastoise is slow to make his move, too busy on gaining ground and approaching the foremost battleship. Cutting through the worst of the thick layer of mud that coats the ocean’s surface allows for Surge to follow with ease, using the tailwind of his Blastoise to gain easy ground. Outside of their wake is a thick, solid layer of sand that lies afloat, blotting out the sea from privy eyes. Perfect cover for the Sharpedo that easily overtake their trainer.

Bullies rarely play by the rules and these menaces are no different. A peak of sixty miles per hours puts them well under the world record but still good enough to make it to the actual ships before they’re detected. Primed teeth are eager to clash against steel hulls, tearing holes into the cruisers in an attempt to find a tasty treat hidden on the other side. Most of their bites turn up empty, leaving various ships to take on water. By the time any of the sailors find out it’ll already be too late. The sharks are fast and don’t have to worry about damaging their jaws. Lost teeth will be replace almost immediately but the same cannot be said for the damaged hulls. Stefan’s ship is amongst those spared. The Sharpedo do good work, making short work of anything they see, but they are only two in number. Hours will pass before they can decimate the fleet by themselves. Still, they work, ever so eager to please their trainer and do their damage during their CRUNCH time.

Time seems to slow as the Tyranitar rears its ugly head. All Surge can make out is the faint glow of energy from the ship’s balcony, assuming the worst and predicting the all too common HYPER BEAM. Such a straight forward attack like that will never work but the Lux commander tries it anyway. Blastoise doesn't need an order to know what must be done. The tortoise launches itself into the air, glittered in a heap of MIRROR COAT as the attack lands. The hard shell proves too much for the attack, sending the HYPER BEAM right back at its source. But the trajectory is altered due to the angle at which Blastoise intercepted it with. Instead of being sent straight back, the beam is aimed a bit lower from its point of origin. Even better. Whereas the HYPER BEAM would have done little against the sturdy rock pokemon, Surge is more than satisfied with it ripping through the front of the ship, taking with it the platform that keep the opponent afloat.

If it didn’t work the first time then why would it the second time? The HYPER VOICE is an annoyance, one that cannot be ignored, but fades with time. Another SUPER SONIC is the only remedy to try and cancel out the harsh sound waves. The only difference this time around is that Blastoise no longer has the courtesy of a PROTECT. Still, the tanky behemoth can take a hit along with the rest of Surge’s exposed team. If the Lux soldiers can bear the friendly fire then so can they. Instead of deploying another defensive move, the Blastoise aims it cannons toward the sky once more. Blasts of RAIN DANCE blot out their entry into the enemy’s range of vision as both combatants can now make each other out without the aid of binoculars. Surge is still a dotting spot on the sea, but the enemy can tell it’s him.

Another layer of STEALTH ROCKS signal their entry as the stones serve as the fleet’s aerial support. Surge only needs to get close enough to hit the ships with his ranged attacks. It would be stupid to come in too close and get pelted by the floating stones. So he doesn’t. Dragonite however, is a different story. The dragon ignores the rocks that pass by, scraping his wings while he closes in on the fleet. From above, the dragon begins to summon something worst than the THUNDER or the mild TWISTER from before.

A storm is brewing and there is little Lux can do about it. Everything up until now has been in preparation for this vicious attack. Rain gives Dragonite an undeniable edge, whirling winds whipping around the beast as the pot is stirred. Sand, water, wind, stones, sludge, fear, soldiers; no ingredients are wasted as a puny maelstorm forms underneath the dragon. It does little to disturb the ships as they have something much more dangerous to worry about.

For only the slightest moment, everything is calm. The calm before the storm is nature’s way of teasing the doomed. Satisfied with the culminated attack, the Dragonite unleashes the hungry HURRICANE. Turbulent winds wash over the area and threaten to throw aboard all but the most grounded and experienced. The very elements they had used are now pelting them as the water bucks from underneath. The ocean is anything but calm and the HURRICANE will confuse anyone it catches-- if it doesn’t outright kill them.

Nothing can pierce the howls of the wind except for the ZAP CANNON blast that tear through the battle ground. Concentrated blasts of pure electric energy are the only things strong enough to rip through the ferocious winds. His attack is unrelenting and Surge can do nothing but cringe at what Lux has to face. As an experienced sailor, Surge knows that there’s nothing worst that sailing through a HURRICANE.

Absolutely nothing.

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[redoxstate]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#eee; border:1px solid #ccc;] tide out, tide in [/style][style=font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:7.5px; color:#bbb; font-weight:800; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;]a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams The sea seems to play by a different set of rules, and no rulebook could have ceded mastery over it to Stefan so easily. He does not need a sailor to remind him of how poorly the battle is progressing; Stefan is all too aware of the danger, both known and unknown. The speedy Crawdaunt before him readies another Protect, but the action does not calm his trainer much, if any. There is more to lose here than just some limb. It’s only when the Supersonic dissipates that Stefan realizes the presence of the Safeguard. He grits his teeth, realizing the full gravity of the situation. He had hoped to take care of the enemies before they closed the distance between them, but it is obvious that distance is nothing but the enemy’s advantage. Half-heartedness is not something that Stefan would ever accuse himself of, but now, he is berating himself for it. Distance is the enemy. This shouldn’t have changed, but somehow, in the midst of battle, the Champion had allowed it. The distance between the two ships are close enough for Stefan to see the glow of Mirror Coat, but far enough for him to order everyone to fall back, especially as the attack lingered on the Blastoise’s shell. No one is caught in the Hyper Beam’s range, but the ship is definitely not going to be fit for service for a while. The sudden stop confirms his evaluation, but engines aren't the only thing that Lux will provide its navy. No matter. As long as the ship is afloat,it serves its purpose. Perhaps the naval officers would care to disagree, but they are not the ones who are leading the fleet. To survive war, one must not look at how much they can protect. Instead, one must look at how much they can do without. When everyone aboard the ship is a trainer who masters either sky or sea, the ship itself is fairly (if expensively) expendable. Already, the officers start deploying the backup water Pokemon. No navy is complete without them, and they have been trained for emergency situations such as these. They are released into the water, and they put forth their collective effort to push the ship forward. It's not quite as smooth as having an engine, nor as fast, but the difference isn't that perceptible. (and if it came down to it...well, the true ‘expendable’ threshold might be well below healthy ethical standards) (why else would lux have chosen him to lead) Behind him, several sailors run onto deck, their expressions moving faster than their mouths in their attempt to give more data on the situation. Their technology and their technician crew (read: a squad of psychic Pokemon that have been assigned to ship diagnostics) had reported a sizable amount of ship damage below the sea’s surface. Stefan bites the inside of his cheek - whatever is down there, he has no doubt that it is sentient. Sabotage is a technique that he has claimed proficiency at, but to expect nothing before this has been his own failing. Still, there is nothing within Stefan’s repertoire to deal with the problem except for the Crawdaunt that is the only thing that has prevented Kanto from losing its supreme leader. That much, he cannot compromise. He has already compromised the Sandstorm from before, and Stefan has learned his lesson from it. “Full speed.” Stefan silently signals with his left arm, and a sailor scrambles to inform the Pokemon handlers. Those who lack the physical strength turn around and start blasting water against the current, freeing up the area that is covered in sediment and providing the reactive force that is needed to accelerate the ship. They have everything to lose by keeping their distance. If they were closer, then more of Stefan’s options will become open, at least. The sudden change in acceleration would also have the added advantage of possibly ramming into the saboteurs who have decided to have their own fun. Fully healed by the Umbreon’s earlier Wish, the Hydreigon instinctively flies forward to meet its destined foe, but a sharp roar from an Absol forces him to pause - if not Stefan, then a disaster Pokemon’s orders are paramount. That much, Stefan has ingrained into their training. However, the instinct in a Hydreigon is far more difficult to suppress, especially in an aerial match against another dragon. The Dragon Pulse that tears through the air is nothing short of devastating, but so is the Hurricane that follows. Etelle is blown back - onto the ship, thankfully - with Stefan in no doubt that her training ought to be redoubled. What the Hydreigon had ignored, everyone else had taken to heart. While the Tyranitar is too exhausted to move, the Bisharp magnetizes itself to the steel parts of the ship. The Umbreon takes cover behind the mountainesque body of the Tyranitar, letting loose its Heal Bell to secure whatever sanity that might be lost during the onslaught of the storm. Thankfully, half of the team boasts some resistance to air-based attacks, or impressive defenses that keep them standing, at the very least. Zap Cannon dissapates against the Crawdaunt’s Protect, but not without considerable fanfare. The Hurricane ends its rampage, and everyone takes a few seconds to collect their bearings. What remained of Lunette’s move lingers through the air, calming the atmosphere around her. (nothing gold can stay) More importantly (to some of them, at the very least - Lunette pauses to layer another Wish upon the Hydreigon), the onslaught could not be forgiven. The enemy is within range - he would have to be in order to be hit by Gearfried’s stones. Short distance is their game, and that much, the Dragonite will learn. The Absol sets a Future Sight in order to knock the dragon out of the air - the Bisharp compliments the setup with an Iron Head, although that name might be a tad generous when a Guillotine sits upon his head, its wicked gleam hidden by the rain. The enemies approach each other, and each is giving the other a taste of what is to come. Stefan cares little for their display, but the distraction could buy them precious seconds that he is not about to waste. The time for them to bare their fangs has come. what wordcount & spiral & WHAT PLATFORM GOOGLE DIDN'T SAY EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS IDK MANG

MADE BY RIVER! OF GS

[surge]

Modesty is a trait saved for the reserved, those who know their place on Darwin’s ladder. Surge can’t afford a relapse of arrogance on the battlefield, regardless of how he’s doing. This might be his domain but the enemy won’t let that dissuade them. They’re vicious, unrelenting, eager to prove that they can overcome. Clashes like these, matches between indomitable wills, never end pretty. The prelude to Seafoam is turning into a spectacle of carnage and spirit, a place where mettle is tested and regret surfaces.

No one has the audacity to admit it but everyone knows: today is a good day to die.

With how the skirmish has been progressing, it’s more than obvious that Surge knows what he’s doing. The ocean is his mistress and he knows her fantasies, her desires, and how to please her most carnal needs. His familiarity brings him an undisputable supremacy. So why would he give that up, throw away his only advantage, and close in on the enemy fleet?

Because he can read the tides of the battle as well as he does the ocean. The enemy commander is far from stupid. Stefan knows he must advance at all cost. Getting his troops onto Seafoam is his biggest priority. The Lux Armada is an unstoppable force and Surge has to do his best to make this stand. Can the Lieutenant become an unmovable object? Logic says no. The quelled instinct rumbling inside his chest says no. The waves, rippling from the ships tearing them apart, affirmed the notion that no, he cannot stop them. Not all of them.

Each of his pokemon are more than mere weapons. They’re soldiers cultivated by one of the most militarized denizens of the pokemon world. Warfare is still relatively new to this land. In a place between Orre and Unova, war is a way of life. Surge was born using his hands, a rifle, and a litter lead; pokemon were a luxury saved for the best. Each of his pokemon have been raised under the principle of being an independent machine. Their feral instincts, bred from their time in the wilderness, allows them to operate where his commands cannot reach. Orders aren’t something that need to be said. They know this and this is why Surge must come forward.

Mission accomplished. Time has been bought and the hour that Nox had is growing by the minute. A ship without an engine is nothing more than a sled. Metal is heavy and water pokemon don’t boast that much power. It’ll take a team effort if they want to progress, their momentum slowed thanks to a foolish HYPER BEAM.

Lux’s answer to their predicament? Get all hands off deck and start shoving. Their determination is admirable, if not futile. But the presence of numerous water pokemon breed a fear in the Sharpedo. The movement of the vessels around them is disregarded, irrelevant when compared to their superior mobility. Their worries lie elsewhere. They can fight but they cannot win against this many pokemon. Tearing through a fleet of ships is hard enough, trying to do the same against something that can bite back is pure idiocy. But, at the very least, they can impede their progress even more. Together, the twin sharks begin to expel a TOXIC poison from their skin. Black venom begins to mesh with the water, threatening to taint anything it touches. Tentacruel are the only pokemon sparred from the pollutants. Even now, Lux has no warning of what’s brewing on underneath them. If they’re lucky, their pokemon will scream, pleading to be recalled before they’re too badly contaminated. If not, then at least they’ll die serving Stefan’s lost cause.

The Sharpedo are driven back, retreating toward their master’s ship, thoroughly satisfied with their work. Surge doesn’t have to worry about them. Agile fish tend to be the least prone to sustaining any serious injuries in battles like these. His eyes are elsewhere.

His eyes are where they’re needed most. Dragonite becomes the apple of his eye, if only for a moment. Serving as the front line is never an easy task. No one’s quite sure whether it’s an honor or a burden, but Dragonite doesn’t refuse. Dragonite can’t refuse. The dragon has to cast away the impression of being a creature of benevolence. Discard the very nature it’s born with, all for a chance to prove itself to its commander. There’s a stubbornness behind every action. It is here, on the battlefield, that Dragonite will prove its worth.

But the distinction between Hydregion and Dragonite is as clear as day. Not even the murky clouds above can overshadow Stefan’s superiority. It they dragons are to duel then Surge will lose, that much is clear. But this isn’t a duel. This is the struggle of a discipline solder, struggling, sacrificing, preserving the bite of a rabid beast in order to carry out his objective. The DRAGON PULSE rips through the HURRICANE but stops short of ripping the Dragonite apart. The pain is there and it hurts, but Dragonite will endure. The soldier will stand tall. Sturdiness is a benevolence that the dragon can tolerate.

Bearing the sight of a soldier succumbing to enemy fire is never an easy thing. Surge has to bear through it. He knows that the pokemon is dead set on proving itself. But if things continue then the only thing Dragonite will prove was that it was stupid, recklessly giving away its life for a chance at the spotlight. Sitting outside the STEALTH ROCKS prevents the menacing entry hazard from demolishing his ship but it prevents him from rendering aid to the damaged dragon. All he can do is call upon his Glaceon and WISH for the best. The feline sparkles with the brilliance of powdered snow, settling on the boat as the pokemon tries to grab its bearings. A quick glance around tells her everything she needs to know.

I WISH—I I WISH upon a star.

The heavy downpour brings about a dark sky but it pales in comparison to the grace of the night sky. Even so, there’s a twinkle in the sky. No one notices it with the battle at hand. Everyone’s too concerned with what’s happening around them. Only the Glaceon acknowledges the beauty of the Northern Star. It serves as a beacon of hope, a glimmer of the good to come. Only fitting that the Northern Star, a tool used by sailors to guide them to their heart’s desires, would be the one to bless the dragon. If only Dragonite can hold out long enough.

Holding out is the last of Dragonite’s priorities. It’s nigh impossible to tell a FUTURE SIGHT has been set. It doesn’t matter, not at this point. All that matters is getting through the more immediate threats. The only problem is that there aren’t any. Bisharp is quick, lethal, dangerous, but out of its field. MAGNET RISE allows it to disregard the laws of gravity but that doesn’t mean it can fly. Physical attacks from a grounded creature are simply disregarded as the Dragonite soars higher. Dragonite won’t be touched, not until the it finishes the job.

Lux will be stopped here and now.

Minutes pass by and the Dragonite is still climbing, threatening to disappear from view if it continues. It simply watches the Lux armada while the ships press forward. The entirety of its focus is spent on concentrating; the enemy is irrelevant. Whatever energy is left is bundled, bottled in the back of its throat until it fires off a small beam of energy into the sky.

Glaceon had prayed for relief, for a blessing from the Northern Star.

Dragonite had wished for the opposite, summoning an envoy of annihilation.

The sky divulges another twinkle, a teasing wink of what’s to come before everything goes to hell. The skyline is set alit, red streaks of energy hurtling downward. The shower almost seems serene until you realize it marks the dawn of a DRACO METEOR. One last attack to settle the Seafoam dispute.

The cluster of comets soon break rank. Each one tears giant holes from the storming clouds above. Their trajectory is as wild as their brilliance, spreading out and threatening to blanket the Lux ships with death and carnage. They’re not too big— they’re a result of a pokemon attack, after all—but they promise to prove lethal if they hit. Their shadows grow bigger as they approach. Now is the time to pray.

Surge has already turned around, speeding off and toward the islands in an attempt to escape his own attack. He’ll be fine for the most part. Blastoise’s MIRROR COAT will shield him from any stray rocks. His only concern is the fate of his bravest soldier: the heart of his attack and the core of his forces.

The pokemon is spent, exhausted, left to fend for itself as the attack passes it entirely. Tired wings barely keep to afloat. Barely. But even they give out with due time. Duty over everything, this is a soldier’s creed.

Today is a good day to die.

There’s another twinkle in the sky but this time it isn’t a star. It’s the body of his Dragonite, plummeting from the sky and back into his view. Surge knows war well, better than most. Every soldier knows there’s a commitment to the job. Sacrifices are made every day and soldiers die. It’s what sets them free.

But Surge doesn’t care about truths or lies. All he knows is that his soldier has done a damned good job. He’s proud. The smirk plastered on his face affirms it.

Good job, Dragonite.

His boat makes a swift turn, altering its course and making a beeline for the falling dragon.

Today, Surge leaves no man behind.

[/size][/justify]

[redoxstate]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width:400px; background-color:#eee; border:1px solid #ccc;] tide out, tide in [/style][style=font-family:verdana, sans-serif; font-size:7.5px; color:#bbb; font-weight:800; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;]a flood of blood to the heart and the fear slipstreams Stefan had been sure to refrain from giving the sailors any expectations when they had set sail for the Seafoam Islands. There had been no doubt in his mind that they were going to advance past the Nox calvary, but the costs of doing so is something that a politician should take care to never disclose. No one ever reads the fine print when they sign up for Kanto Lux. Or rather, they do. It’s in bold, red print in the form of newspapers and radio, but few understand what the letters mean. The Champion has come to the island with the presumption that everything that they could possibly give would be paid in full. It is no fault of his if his men had any delusions over what they were giving their minds and body for when they had signed their names in dark ink. Stefan fights a war of objectives, and he can only trust that Hector Grimoire has impressed that fact upon these sailors. He can finally sight his enemy with good clarity from this distance. Stefan’s eyes narrow and he knows that their time is approaching. It’s the darkest before the dawn, and they will make sure that the dawn never comes. Not for Surge and his fighters, at least. Time is the only thing that denies them their victory - and not for long. As a champion, Stefan’s sole priority is to advance the fleet, but as an ex-sentinel, something within him growls with a kind of primal hunger. The will to see Surge sink with his Pokemon is strong within him, but Stefan is plenty strong enough to contain the desire. Except he chooses not to. He’ll be dammed if he will spare a Nox guerilla in a place like this. If not here, then somewhere else. Perhaps at the coasts of Johto or the beaches of Sinnoh. As much as he pretends to care little for the affairs of other regions, Stefan isn’t quite so lax as to allow an international terrorist escape his grip. He refuses to bargain with such stakes, even for life. Especially not life, regardless of how worthy his opponent has been. The Tyranitar finally raises its fearsome head, giving a mighty roar at the opponent, the human who has dared to move the earth. There is a certain autonomy in the beast’s actions, but every move has been postulated by their trainer.He has studied thier natures and their motivations thoroughly in both training and combat. Stefan will allow himself to be impressed by his opponent. His Pokemon are another matter entirely. The beasts fight with fire and fang, but it is the trainer who brings all of the competitors together; it is the trainer who will pit them together to assert their will. The feudal knight will fight for another’s honor. These dark Pokemon are not quite intoxicated with such an outdated concept. These Pokemon fight for tangible outcomes that are born of conditioning. These are the modern soldiers who will lay the ancien régime to rest. Their revolution is coming, and blood isn’t quite enough to pay the fee. If only it was. (what is honor, but bondage?) Stefan had come with a crew, not a single motorboat with a single man abroad. An officer runs up to him to inform of the situation below, which will worsen with every passing second. The champion wastes no time in signaling for a Heal Bell from Lunette, who allows the restorative chime resonate to the sound of the waves. As long as the Umbreon is here, nothing is truly lost. Even without her good nature, Lunette is fighting just as hard as everyone else - her concern for her team’s wellbeing is a war by itself. She cannot save everyone, but she will save as many as she can. Stefan can only account for the amount of time that they have sacrificed the Pokemon were serving under less than full efficiency, but he says nothing. In the meantime, the Umbreon makes another Wish for the Hydreigon, who lays awkwardly against the ship. However, Estelle hates relenting against her enemy, and her stubbornness draws a Hyper Voice from the hydra before the side heads go limp in fatigue. The middle head hangs on, if only barely. Although the Wish promises a recovery, Estelle’s time is long past. Stefan plans to end this quickly - the obstacles that have protected Surge and his motley crew in the past are falling, one by one. Had he been a different man, then the Kanto Champion might have applauded his opponent for effort. Stefan holds his ground, looking at the Tyranitar intently. Everyone is exhausted, but Andes is not the one to show it. Like his trainer, he is not the kind to fear the sky. What is the sky but a layer of ozone that considers the earth its liege? Rocks are deadly for their compliance with the Third Law of Motion, and Andes’ Stone Edge is no exception. He summons the remainder of his strength to summon a legion of stone from the sea’s bottom, willing for them to slam into the meteors. Chunks of stone fly everywhere, but the Crawdaunt’s Protect leaves Stefan relatively unworried. It is the startling ripples that tear through the water that should concern the Pokemon that linger in the water. As an added bonus, the Blastoise’s Mirror Coat isn’t meant for certain projectiles such as Stone Edge. Only at close range does Stefan’s team show its full potential. This much, Surge should not be quick to forget. Blessings come without cost. Stefan has never subscribed to that sort of illogical reasoning. If Surge plans to pay no price, then Stefan is more than willing to serve as the tax collector. The Champion is about to fulfil that promise, but something makes him pause. The Nox guerilla is moving into Stone Edge territory with abandon, all for a fallen Dragonite. A couple of sailors also pause at the sight, except theirs is much longer. An advantage is an advantage, no matter what ethics men impose to eliminate it. Stefan nods at the hovering Gearfried, who scurries to claim his prey, especially after being offered the previous offense by the flying Dragonite. Gravity is only an ally here as the Bisharp aims an uppercut at the dragon with his Metal Claw, seeking to tear through his thick hide. The combination of both gravitational force and upward force threaten to deliver a carcass to the expecting trainer below. That is, if the incoming Stealth Rock doesn’t claim Surge first. The stones hurtle at the victim that has been denied for so long. Regardless of whether the clashing rocks hit steel and flesh or not, the ship has finally passed the motorboat, with more of the fleet following on its heels. The Champion turns around, satisfied with his work. Lunette will still have to heal the rest of the team, but she can do that while they move onto the island. Stefan calls for the evacuation boat and ‘advises’ the sailors to stay put until the rest of the fleet may arrive with paramedics. Making haste to Seafoam takes priority, and none of the Lux navy should forget that. He doubts that any of the sailors would. Not after today. what wordcount & spiral & time to post other shit

MADE BY RIVER! OF GS

[lou]

VICTOR: SURGE

+ 500 to Nox