Pokémon Legends: Liberation (Open)

[Marsuru]

"Just destroying the gym leader. He even tried to use Aura against me, but I had his number. Went away without a scratch," Wayne said with a prideful tone, "Though I think the cave we were in collapsed because of the battle. That gym leader was out of his mind. And a little bit drunk."

He paused. "You know it really isn't safe these days. Just 'cause you think you're fine doesn't mean you are. Want me to stick around and keep an eye out? It'll probably take a while to catch some fish in the middle of a field."

---

"Ah always like to come out here durin' ma downtime." Clay said. There were arena markings painted on the ground by the edge of the cliff. The paint had long since worn, and was now only really visible through stubborn speckles of white atop the dirt.

Grass stretched out beyond the arena except for the one edge closest to the cliff face. The sudden drop was only a few feet away from the battle arena, with sharp, jagged rocks clustered below, the ocean waves ebbing around them and generating surf. Being so close to the sea made the air salty, with a strong wind blowing the grass to the side; even though the cold air would chill anyone who had just been swimming, Clay seemed to be enjoying it.

"Ah say, ah don't much believe in those official gym dy-ag-nosers. Ah like to think ah'm a good enough judge a' character ta figure out the best pokémon fer yer challenge. From the look a' that there Blastoise, ah'd say yer pretty darn experienced fer a lady."

Clay pulled a pokéball from his belt. "Ah think this ought'a do nicely."

Seismitoad emerged from the ball, landing on the dirt arena opposite Bastion. The two pokémon were of similar size, though the frog-like pokémon seemed to be bigger when it tipped its head back and let out a croaking battle cry. It finished, lowering its body into a ready stance, eyes locked upon its opponent.

The match started a moment later. Seismitoad lurched forward and spat out a glob of Mud Shot; the ground type special attack was sent hurtling forward at high pressure, aiming to splatter Bastion's eyes and blind him.  

[Avalite]

"I wonder if they recruit gym leaders from the psych ward," Azucena mused. She smiled at Wayne's offer. "Yeah, that would be pretty cool. You know how to fish?"

She reached into her pack and pulled out a sack. Of money. "It's not a whole lot, but this is for you guys. I already gave Henrietta her share." She held the sack out to him. "I'll earn some more today."

***

For a lady? Henrietta gave Clay a flat look as they stood across from each other. She radiated her aura, ready to aid Bastion in the coming conflict with their bond.

"Bastion." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "We should get some lunch when this is over." She took a few steps away as the battle commenced.

Bastion dropped into a similar stance as a quarter back, the Mud Shot passing over head. He lined up a cannon with Seismitoad and fired a Water Pulse, aiming to confuse the Pokemon.  

[Marsuru]

Wayne gave the money an odd look. Who used physical cash any more? He'd been handling transactions digitally for as long as he could remember.

"Better hang onto that," he said, waving his arms out to the side slightly, "I don't even have a backpack."

The trainer rested his hands on his waist. "I do sort of know how to fish. I used to get my Politoed to hunt in rivers. Wouldn't have the first clue otherwise. I can't imagine that it's difficult. Besides," he held his hand up and allowed Aura to radiate through it, causing it to manifest as thin crackles of light dancing between his fingertips, "I'm a fast learner."

---

The bumps on Seismitoad's flesh began to bubble and vibrate. It shifted forwards, throwing its arms out to the side and unleashing a devastating Hyper Voice. The air shook under the power of the toad's vibrations, rocks bursting off the cliff face and falling into the sea below, the attack slamming into Water Pulse and blowing it apart into spray.

As the water was tinged with Bastion and Henrietta's Aura, it still inflicted damage to Seismitoad as he rushed forwards, but it was the difference between a cremation and a singe.

He closed in on his opponent, bringing a fist back, the bumps down his arm vibrating, generating enough power to shatter a rock. Keeping his guard up with his off-hand, Seismitoad aimed to bring this fight into close range, where it was too awkward for Bastion to use his outwards-facing cannons accurately, and send a Drain Punch crashing into the shellfish pokémon's flank.  

[Avalite]

"Where do you keep your extra clothes?" Azucena gave Wayne an odd look before quietly snickering and leading them in the direction of the ocean.

"I can teach you to fish, yeah." Azucena held out a finger for him. "Just no weird catchphrases when you do it, okay?" She knew about all of their powers from a combination of spending time around the crew and Henrietta.

***

Bastion kept his stance. Seismitoad attacked and Bastion twisted himself around. Rapidly. A lot faster than one might expect his giant form to move, but Blastoise's held at least this much movement when used with Rapid Spin.

He kept the cannons out, aiming to deflect the attacking arm at its side before, unless Seismitoad escaped, crash into the other Pokemon, catch their body with the second cannon, and then fling them over the cliff.

The Hyper Voice had done its damage, as it was a sound based technique, utilizing vibrations. Aura kept both Bastion and Henrietta from bleeding out of their ears.  

[Marsuru]

"Extra clothes?" Wayne replied as he followed Azucena. He kept a sullen look as they walked. Azucena was easily the weakest member of their group, and Wayne had learned by now that the people targeting them didn't care whether or not they were attacking someone who could fight back.

"Are we going to the market after this?" Wayne asked, "You wanna help me track down a merchant? It's kind of important."

---

Seismitoad was caught unawares for a moment. His off-hand did its job and helped block the incoming cannon, forcing him to slide sideways, buckling slightly under Bastion's suddenly-stopped momentum. He had a moment's window in which to act. With the cannon pressed up against his raised arm, Seismitoad was safe from any attacks that might come from it.

Though the Drain Punch had been deflected, thrown off to the side, the toad was able to reclaim it quickly, balling its fingers and going in for another Drain Punch slug across Bastion's face. If it hit, the Blastoise would be pressured back towards the cliff face and Seismitoad would try to follow up with a powerful Bulldoze headbutt to send the tortoise careering over the edge.  

[Avalite]

"Yeah, that sounds easy enough. Unless this merchant is secretly a terrorist, then gimme a bit of warning first." The path down to the ocean wasn't too difficult, and they'd be able to get there in no time.

Azucena eyed the gathering clouds overhead. "Hey Wayne. Can I get your advice on something?"

***

Bastion could see the move coming. So he pulled his head into his shell, the drain punch would miss and either aim for one of his cannons to off-set him, or Seismitoad would stop and attempt to retract it.

Bastion shot out his head within this window, aiming for a Skull Bash. If it hit, it'd push Seismitoad upward and backward, taking away his footing and giving Bastion enough distance to try and aim a cannon at the Pokemon once more for a second attempt at Water Pulse.  

[Marsuru]

Wayne didn't really react when Azucena tried to make her little terrorist joke. It wasn't exactly in good taste at the best of times, and especially not now. Hopefully his silence would send her the message. He followed her gaze to spot the clouds. Looked like a storm was brewing. Unfortunately for them, the fields didn't have much in the way of shelter. They'd have to find something soon.

"My advice? What's this about?"

---

Before hitting the now-exposed cannon, Seismitoad quickly opened his hand and grabbed hold of it, gaining leverage over Bastion's movements. He would be able to quickly readjust the location of his arm and keep his opponent off balance. By bracing himself, he could remain at arm's length while staying out of the line of fire.

When the Skull Bash ejected out of the shell, it wouldn't have a target. Instead, it would be the target to Seismitoad's sudden Hyper Voice attack, the full brunt of which aimed at Bastion's emerging face. If it hit, then Seismitoad would let go, allowing the tortoise to be blown backwards towards the edge of the cliff.  

[Avalite]

"Well, I figured I'd stick around Driftveil and open up shop. We both know it's a dumb idea for me to go charging into the mouth of hell, so I figure what the hell? I'll earn you guys and myself some money."

Azucena turned to face Wayne as she walked. "So I was trying to come up with some food ideas. I know they can be cooked, I'm just wondering what should be on the menu. What do you think?"

***

Blastoise retracted the cannon. One of two things were likely to happen now - Blastoise could fire the retracted cannon, the open slot if Seismitoad had let go of it, repeating their previous exchange of blows.

Or, Seismitoad would be dragged toward Blastoise, whose Skull Bash would fly toward his open Hyper Voice mouth - he would get off the full of his attack but it was unlikely that he'd resist Blastoise's skull literally bashing his teeth in - or dislocating his jaw.  

[Marsuru]

"I have no idea," Wayne said, stifling a yawn. "That's more Robby's domain. Dude's all about food. He'd know."

The air started to feel heavy as the clouds darkened overhead. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Wayne stood still and stared directly up at the sky.

"Welp. This does not look good at all."

---

Seismitoad let go of the cannon, letting his hand get hit by the burst of water, taking it out of action. It was a small price to pay for being able to maintain his distance with his off-hand, which was still blocking the other cannon that apparently hadn't retracted yet. His position was weaker now, but he'd be able to push Bastion back and keep the Blastoise from throwing himself into the Skull Bash, stopping it from reaching him.

And it would also allow him to strike with the full force of his Hyper Voice which, at this range and intensity, would likely render Bastion unconscious. If it didn't quite finish the pokémon off, Seismitoad would drop his off-hand and charge Bastion with a flared Bulldoze shoulder bash that would send the pokémon hurtling over the cliff.  

[Avalite]

"We better hurry up then," Azucena said as she picked up her pace toward the water.

***

Hyper Voice was a move that hit in a wide area, so even hitting Seismitoad's hand to off-set its balance wouldn't save Bastion from the damage.

However it would give Bastion the window of opportunity to avoid the Bulldoze, instead jumping back off the cliff. There'd be an easier fight for the pure water type in the water.  

[Marsuru]

Wayne pulled out the item ball for his jacket and pinched the release mechanism before tossing it into the air. The ball split open in a burst of blue light as the green and black coat materialised, caught the wind, and fell into his hand.

"Yo, there's a big house right over there," the trainer said as he pulled the jacket on and flipped up the green hood to cover his head against the rain. The 'big house' was actually a mansion. Not quite as big as Clay's, but then few things were, it sat in the open amidst the fields. If one were to look closely, they'd see signs of pokémon living near the mansion; footprints, stiles covered in claw marks, great big piles of...

The tall grass was tough to wade through, making it difficult to even see the ground. Wayne managed it without complaint, but felt suddenly aware of how dangerous tall grass could be. He heard a faint rustling coming from behind, sure that he would have missed it if he hadn't obtained the power of Aura.

"Look out!" he shouted to Azucena, turning around and pointing to the Emolga that launched itself from the thicket and unleashed a Shockwave towards the two trainers.

---

Bastion threw itself off the cliff. It would still be somewhat dazed for a while, and was probably hoping to catch its breath in the water. It didn't really have that luxury. Instead of following the pokémon in, Seismitoad allowed his Aura to come down from the flare by standing in place and letting the bumps on its skin vibrate.

The vibrations soon caused an Earthquake, which caused large rocks to loose themself from the cliff before Bastion could reach the water's surface. With Bastion jumping out of Henrietta's vision, it would be unlikely that she could realise what was going on in time to relay effective orders over the Aura link. Even if she did work out what Seismitoad had done, the Earthquake was designed to distract her by suddenly making it very difficult for her to stand up or even properly see.

Seismitoad's true attack would be to bury Bastion between the sand bed, cliff-side rocks, and the huge boulders being dropped by the improvised Rock Slide. He counted on Bastion still being staggered from taking an Aura-powered Hyper Voice to the head, preventing him from having a clear view of the situation, and a lack of orders from Henrietta to ensure that the attack connected.

He stood in place. The sky broke and the rain fell.  

[Avalite]

Azucena followed after Wayne on their detour to the mansion. The falling rain wasn't really a problem unless you were stuck outside pretty far away from safety from said rain.

Like they were. Except for the mansion.

It wasn't exactly how she wanted to spend the day but she wouldn't complain. Her life since leaving home had been a series of one adventure after another. If she kept a diary it would be filled with enough of them that people would likely claim she was making it all up.

Especially recent events. So when the Emolga emerged Azucena wasn't caught offguard. She released K-Rok in front of her, allowing the Pokemon to take the attack without being injured and her being behind him kept her safe. She turned her head, expecting Wayne to be fine but she couldn't help but worry that he might not be.

"You okay, dude?"

***

Bastion had been training. All of their failures had been to lead up to the moment of utilizing the technique in actual combat. This was not how he would have wanted to do it, but it would work.

Bastion had never intended to reach the water or to recover. To allow an enemy that much time to prepare was suicide. The water blasted from is cannons as he pushed himself upward and away from the falling cliffs.

He only wanted to create a distance that Seismitoad could not cross.

Bastion could not fly. This, however, was enough to put himself at a great distance and Seismitoad within his range. The enemy was likely still recovering from the Flare as his attack began and the cliff gave away.

Blastoise used the jet of water he'd been training to use. The force of it wasn't aimed at Seismitoad - originally he had intended that but now he had a different idea. The newly combat ready Hydro Pump would instead hit the cliff as it fell away, blasting everything upward and toward Seismitoad with a powerful blast of Aura Infused water.

With the vibrations he was giving off, coupled with the exhaustion from the use of his Flare it was unlikely that he'd entirely avoid this one given the width born from hitting the now loose rock and dirt.

That was before factoring in Torrent. The real boost that gave him the power to accomplish all of this was born from the heavy blow he'd taken - one that would normally be inconsequential if his head hand't been inside of his shell allowing the reverberation of the Hyper Voice.

Henrietta made the effort to gain a bit of distance between herself and the falling cliff. Everything had gone about almost entirely according to their shared intentions. She observed the improvising and recalled her subway battle.

The Flare that she had done then had been a boost, as she recognized it. She had realized enough from it, not to be able to replicate it on demand, but she had her theories about performing another boost like that. One she had concluded had to be the result of Aura.

All they needed now was the opening.  

[Marsuru]

Wayne answered with a flash of light, Eukarya materialising, speeding through the rain. K-Rok and Azucena had shielded them from the Shockwave, so now it was their turn to go on the offensive.

"Psyshock!" Wayne shouted, and the Duosion generated a harsh jolt of psychic energy, striking Emolga like a purple bolt of lightning. Emolga was knocked down, but not out of the air. Wayne stepped forward and Eukarya kept it up, crashing into Emolga so that it was pinned, violently striking it with another Psycho Shock, and another. The trainer watched on as if in a trance as the wild pokémon was beaten, each strike ending with a wet thud, its body limp, defeated.

He recalled Eukarya, paused, then threw a pokéball to capture the flying rodent.

"Well that's done," he said, picking the ball up off the floor and putting it in his pocket. "We should keep moving."

---

((Flaring doesn't exhaust you unless you use it twice in a row. It's called burning out when you do that))

With the rain falling, Seismitoad was able to activate his Swift Swim and back away from the cliff as Bastion prepared his Hydro Pump attack. The Blastoise being able to shoot water from his cannons to fly was a surprise, but it didn't seem like the technique was all that practical. The same principle that allowed the water type to avoid the cliff's rocks would also mean that if it were to use Hydro Pump now, then the force, boosted by Torrent and Aura, would send it flying off into the ocean.

The water was easy enough to avoid at this range, especially with Swift Swim allowing faster movement. If Bastion somehow managed to readjust his aim in mid-air, the arc of the water jet would betray his trajectory. The rocks were a more pressing concern, but by spitting out a Sludge Bomb and detonating it amidst the flying rocks, Seismitoad was able to create an area that no rocks would land in, forcing them to fly off in other directions while he concentrated on avoiding the Hydro Pump.

Bastion's assault shouldn't last long either, as aiming upward at the cliff meant that the pokémon would be forced downwards, eventually hitting the ocean where his cannons were less effective after being submerged.

Clay cleared his throat to get Henrietta's attention. "Well now. Ah think that match is settled!"  

[Zamaku]

((So im back after a unexpected 4 month 29 day hiatus. truth be told, im having mixed feelings about the fact that there are only 4 pages of posts. on one hand, only 4 pages of homework! on the other hand, that's less than one page a month...
Everyone okay?))  

[Marsuru]

((Yeeeeeeeeeeep. I just had to finish uni and stuff. Now I'm waiting on Ava, who keeps promising me she'll post but never does. I can't complain since that's what I do most of the time razz

What kept you gone for so long, dude? :O ))