Space. He had never been there, and after feeling this simulated approximation of it, then he would rather it stayed like that. If it weren’t for the giant serpentine godlike figure of Rayquaza looming overhead, he might’ve let the discomfort of simulated space get to him. But for now he had something to focus on.

He listened to the voice-over as it provided them with the intelligence needed for this ‘mission’ Unfortunately he left his thinking-cap back on ‘earth’ and so there was but only a simple idea to be found.

“Let’s be realistic about this. If that thing - “ He gestured toward their opponent. “- is as strong as they claim, chances are that we can’t get away without sacrificing someone.”

He figured Neutralizing it would be an impossible task, and getting defeated by it, well that was just a certainty.

He didn’t like to acknowledge it, but Ruby Garcia and Makoto Kurumi probably had the better chances of getting away.

“So, I figure, out of the three of us you two have the best chances of getting away. So, I’ll provide the distraction, and hopefully that will give you two a shot at getting away.” Gerald stated matter of factly. “Sounds good?”

What else could they really do?

TAGS: Makoto Kurumi / Ruby Garcia
TLDR:
- Gerald decides he does not like space.
- Gerald offers an idea to the group

Space - even if Makoto was nowhere near the heavens beyond, the simulation made a convincing fascimile of this place. Above, the distant stars twinkled - nebulas and galaxies faintly visible to the naked eye, when so distant from the artificial lights that one becomes used to in city life. They could even make out the distant moon.

It was beautiful.

It was dangerous.

Because not far from where the trio stood, a great emerald dragon loomed - and as the bracer's tinny voice oh-so-helpfully filled in, Rayquaza was not a beast that could be easily dealt with. They were on a meteor hurtling to earth - stuck with a dragon who had every intention of preying upon the group. Air swirled about the meteor - likely only present thanks to Rayquaza's own presence - whipping one's hair.

Gerald's idea was to act as a distraction for the two's sakes. Ruby, however, was quick to shoot down that idea - and to take charge.

Upon being told to snipe, Makoto blinked, but nodded, reaching for the ball on their belt. "Kingdra will want a chance to-" They began speaking once Ruby was done giving orders - intending to tell her to give the Kingdra a chance to use Focus Energy...

... But right as they started speaking, Ruby let out a war cry, Delphi was off! Which, of course, left a somewhat unprepared and bewildered Makoto as the dragon charged into engaging Rayquaza head-on!

They'd mutter a soft curse to themself as they moved more hurriedly - pulling a ball from their belt to call out Ryuu. "Focus Energy." They called to their 'mon - hoping that if they were fast enough, they could provide some powerful supporting fire before the draconic titan could cause too much trouble.

And the Kingdra that came out was eager to oblige, Ryuu breathing in deeply as he centered himself.

But next came Tsukiko; and in the ninetales' wake, Snow Warning brought snow down upon the meteor, the flakes sent darting about by the wind. Initially, the fox was immediately ready to use Aurora Veil, so as to protect the team. However... Even though Tsukiko attempted to summon forth an aurora, it did not linger like it should. Instead, it was as if the wind itself was snatching away the wisps of light that came off of her, scattering it and preventing it from forming or solidifying.

Rayquaza's Air Lock would not allow Tsukiko's usual strategy of support to work; which, while the fox was hardly a one-trick pony, it still posed a bit of a problem...

Rayquaza controlling the wind/weather + a lil bit of Makoto's personal prompt filled =w=

Gerald Kaiser , Ruby Garcia

Gerald had thought the day would never come where he would look upon a fight and say, maybe some other time. And yet here he was, being the sole realist in the group or at least the only one who made it known.

Oh well. Can’t say I didn’t warn them…

Gerald finally gave in as Ruby took charge. “Alright. Just don’t get in the way.” Was the only warning Gerald would speak to both Ruby and Makoto.

From a Pokéball he summoned his Decidueye. “Get that thing's attention. Don’t hold back.”

Decidueye nodded and caught a gust of wind which bore it high up into the air. Then as it floated in the air for a short moment, with the Rayquaza a fair distance away, it plucked a feathery arrow notched it on its bow and fired off a Powerful Z-Move.

And as the arrow flew glowing petals would descend in its wake. The moment they touched anything, whether it be the ground, friendlies or anything in between they would cause a powerful explosion to happen.

And for a short moment Gerald wondered whether this simulation could sustain his penchant for destruction.

TAGS: Makoto Kurumi / Ruby Garcia
TLDR:
- Gerald gives in to Ruby's charge taking.
- Gerald Summons a Decidueye.
- Gerald Z-moves the hell out of Rayquaza. Or at least tries to.

Makoto winced - both at seeing the Aurora Veil not take hold, and Ruby's chiding. Of course. Cause they were expected to know every single thing that a dragon - one that they'd never seen in the flesh (even if it was technically a fascimile) until now - could do. Frustration bubbled - made visible in the furrow of their brows, even if they remained silent. Perhaps if she knew so much, she should've shared it with the class before she sent her dragon into the fray...

But, any more thoughts of frustration would be interrupted by a series of explosions; ones that rocked the meteor, and shattered Rayquaza's defense. The resulting tremors startled Makoto and their pokemon - and left the surface of the meteor between the group and Rayquaza riddled with little craters. They couldn't help but agree with Ruby's shout - having noticed Delphi be struck by one of the explosions.

However, with the opening offered by the Z-Move, the Garchomp would Mega Evolve to strike the emerald dragon... To seemingly not much effect. In fact, it seemed that this - at best - had only drawn Rayquaza's attention; for it would let loose a hissing snarl, swinging an Iron Tail at Delphi in an attempt to knock her away and into the aircurrents forming the barrier!

Hit or miss, it would follow up with an attack towards Gerald's Decidueye, breathing out a bright and searing Flamethrower in the bird's direction, in retaliation for the prior Z-Move!

Makoto would not be idle in this space of time, though. "Kingdra, pepper it with Dragon Pulse!" They spoke - and as they did, their gaze shifted towards the spaceships. If Delphi and that Decidueye were keeping the dragon's attentions, maybe they could sneak off to figure something out with those crafts. Maybe see if they could get them working?

Thus, as Makoto recalled Tsukiko and slipped away in the direction of the spaceships, Ryuu would turn his attention upon the Rayquaza. Attempting to take advantage of the break in the titan's guard, the Kingdra would let loose a burst of violet energy - aimed at Rayquaza's face, in the hopes of a critical hit!

TLDR/NOTES:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Makoto is honestly frustrated over Ruby's snark, but keeps it to themself. (Though they do agree that Gerald should be more careful.)

- Rayquaza attempts to smacc Delphi into the air currents that formed the barrier with Iron Tail, then targets Gerald's Decidueye with Flamethrower

- Ryuu the Kingdra fires a Dragon Pulse at Rayquaza, hoping for a Sniper-boosted crit from the prior Focus Energy

- Makoto recalls Tsukiko and starts moving for the spaceships, to try and investigate them while everyone else has Rayquaza's attention.

Gerald Kaiser , Ruby Garcia

“I warned you.”

His tone was bordering between neutrality, coldness, and a looming aggressiveness.

Which was the same approach the Decidueye had when the Garchomp looked its way, only to realize the power it had expended and the effect it had had, teammates and surroundings be damned.

Gerald noticed Makoto sneak away to one of the space shuttles. Gerald found himself mildly surprised. Mostly because it seemed Makoto had agreed with Ruby’s idea, and now turned tail? If only they both had listened to begin with.

Anyhow, while his trainer was having a bit of internal dialogue, it dodged out of the way of the fire as quickly as its wings permitted. Still, it felt the searing heat lick at its feathers. In between beats, it would send arrows of SPIRIT SHACKLE flying, aiming at the Dragon’s shadow, hoping to limit the beast's mobility if only a little bit.

Though the strong winds that soared at the behest of the Rayquaza made it near impossible to aim proper.


TAGS: Makoto Kurumi / Ruby Garcia
TLDR:
- Gerald has a bit of a "Told you so" moment.
- Meanwhile Decidueye dodges the fire
- Decidueye tries to lock down the Rayquaza's movement by aiming SPIRIT SHACKLE arrows at its Shadow. (But the winds are difficult for normal arrows to navigate through.)

Makoto froze in place when Ruby's voice called to them - and when they glanced back to her... For a moment, it was clear to see that they weren't pleased with her bringing them to attention - eyes narrowed, lips curled in the slightest snarl, as their frustration came to the forefront.

But just as quickly as the expression showed, it disappeared under a mask of polite neutrality as they sucked in a deep breath. "The briefing from the bracelet- we won't win a head-on fight, and Kingdra can fight independently - so I'm preparing the ships." They spoke - as quickly as they reasonably could, without becoming incoherent. Their tone was careful and diplomatic, as if in the hopes that sound logic would appease Ruby enough for them to continue with their plan. "If you can keep Rayquaza distracted, I-"

Too late - as soon as Makoto's gaze turned towards the emerald dragon, they knew that the jig was up, its golden eyes having settled upon them. They tensed - already considering fight or flight in that moment... But before the dragon could attack, the Dragon Pulse and Spirit Shackle had struck it, giving Delphi the chance to interfere.

Makoto took this as their chance, as well - and glancing to Ryuu, they decided to make one deviation from his script. "Hide us!"

At their call, the Kingdra would let loose a Smokescreen - one that would quickly spread across the surface of the meteor. Which was good timing, given the Draco Meteors bearing down on the group! The winds would rise to a howl as Rayquaza made to blow away the smoke - but by the time it fully cleared...

... It was as if Makoto had disappeared completely - or more accurately, that they had gone into hiding. The smokescreen was never meant to linger - they just needed enough time to avoid the meteors and send out their zoroark, Tsume, unnoticed. His Illusions wrapped around fox and trainer both, attempting to camouflage themselves against the surface of the meteor to become functionally invisible, and avoid Rayquaza's gaze.

Ryuu, however, was not quite as quick on land - and would be struck by the shockwaves of one of the meteors impacting, sending the Kingdra tumbling against the ground. Though he was still conscious, it was clear to see he was hurting a bit.

TLDR/NOTES:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Makoto is Not Happy at Ruby, but puts on a figurative mask to try and hide that.
- Explains that since Rayquaza isn't meant to be defeated, that they need to prepare the spaceships.
- Woops, the dragon noticed us while we be chitchatting.
- Makoto has Kingdra use Smokescreen whilst Delphi is giving the Rayquaza a smacc, uses smoke to avoid Draco Meteor + bring out Tsume the Zoroark to hide with Illusion.
- Ryuu can't avoid the meteors quite as effectively, is owie.
- Rayquaza is quick to use the wind to blow away the smoke, but Tsume's Illusion has allowed Makoto to make a disappearing act.

Gerald Kaiser , Ruby Garcia

Ruby’s little remark was not lost on him. But it did not matter in the grand scheme of things. He had paved the way and the battle continued.

Makoto tried to sneak toward the shuttles, but Ruby called attention to her. This little situation ending in Rayquaza’s attention turning toward them.

Had it not been for the timely intervention of the combined might of Decidueye and Mega-Garchomp, they would’ve been fodder. Unfortunate timely intervention were the name of the game, as Makoto was quick to provide them all with more cover. Cover which Gerald promptly put to good use before Rayquaza had an opportunity to blow it away.

Gerald found a hiding spot.

Meanwhile Decidueye was getting a pretty good idea of the strength disparity between it and Rayquaza. No attacks seemed to provide lasting damage save for the Z-move. Garchomp however seemed to manage alright.

Decidueye turned its attention away from the actual Legendary and toward the Meteors hurtling their way. LEAF STORM empowered arrows flew from its string quickly. Aimed at the rocks flying toward them,

With the power of a veritable leafy storm in each they aimed to destroy or misdirect them from the Garchomp or the group.


TAGS: Makoto Kurumi / Ruby Garcia
TLDR:
- Gerald tries to hide as well when Makoto provides the Smokescreen
- Decidueye realizes it ain't dealing any damage to Rayquaza
- Decidueye takes a support role, and starts blasting DRACO METEOR's with its LEAF STORM empowered arrows. Hopefully keeping the group and Mega-Garchomp safe.

The second the chance arose, Makoto got right to work - slipping into one of the spaceshuttles to check the controls. While a number of them were - well - greek to them, the important details were labeled well enough for them to make sense of things. It wasn't very big inside - it did look as though each of them were intended to take their own ship.

Tsume immediately stepped forward to join them in assessing the controls - the fox's ears twitching as he heard Ruby's voice outside. Were this situation reality, he'd have half the mind to forget the other two Rockets and have Makoto leave. But, that wasn't quite an option, was it?

However, Rayquaza was not going to make this escape an easy one. Though the dragon was staggered, a rattling hiss of a growl would rise as the serpent eventually regained its senses, eyes settling upon the group's movements. Seeing that its targets were attempting an escape, it would bring the wind under its control to push Delphi away - and it, too, would make for the shuttles, its intentions likely quick to see.

Ryuu would have none of this - the Kingdra might be weakened, but was still able to fight as he fired off another Dragon Pulse upon Rayquaza. This would momentarily draw the emerald titan's attention - but not for long. For it would take but a sweeping Iron Tail from the beast to once more send the Kingdra tumbling - and this time, he would be knocked out from the strike.

Makoto cursed at this, recalling Ryuu - and seeing not only Rayquaza's approach, but also that Delphi's mega evolution might be coming to an end... "... Keep moving! I'll keep it distracted!" They'd shout to the others - stepping away from the shuttles and switching Tsume out for Tsukiko. "Ice Beam!"

At Makoto's call, the alolan ninetales would attempt to blast the dragon with icy energy - something that was sure to hurt, and sure to draw its attention.

This was a bit of an impulsive action - but in a world of simulation, Makoto felt they could stand to be a little bold. Besides, none of them could let Rayquaza destroy even one of the shuttles; else one of them might not be making it off this meteor. . .

TLDR/NOTES:

SPOILER: Click to show

- As it turns out, spaceship controls are confusing - but the important things appear to be labeled.
- Once Rayquaza has regained its bearings, it attempts to go after one of the ships with intentions of attacking/camping it to prevent escape.
- Along the way, Ryuu fires a Dragon Pulse at Rayquaza and gets KO'd by a driveby Iron Tail
- Ryuu is recalled, Tsume is switched out for Tsukiko
- Makoto calls for everyone to keep moving, attempts to cover them and draw Rayquaza's attention away from the shuttles with an Ice Beam from Tsukiko.

Gerald Kaiser , Ruby Garcia

Would you have listened? Gerald’s annoyance was very real as he heard Ruby’s remark. Still, he managed to keep his mouth shut.

They had to get to the ships. Earth was coming closer, and he didn’t want to stay on this rock when the meteor hit. Gerald moved quickly, straight for the shuttles, keeping himself as concealed as possible, yet he doubted it worked.

Still he made it to the shuttle in one-piece. But before he could enter either one of them. Makoto decided that it was their time to play the hero.

He sent a quick glance toward Decidueye, seeing how it was fighting to keep the Rayquaza distracted alongside the Ninetales and Garchomp. SPIRIT SHACKLE arrows fired as quickly as it could, continuously trying to hamper the dragon’s movements.

He gritted his teeth, right hand curling into a fist as he disliked the next words that were about to leave his mouth. “We should try to get away now. Leave the Pokémon. It’s our best shot.” He spoke, loud enough for both Makoto and Ruby to hear. The words soured his mouth as they were uttered.

Though he felt no particular connection to his Pokémon, the thought of leaving Decidueye behind still felt wrong. Almost as if it was a betrayal of some sort. But it couldn’t be. After all, you didn’t feel betrayed whenever you threw out a hammer when the handle broke.


TAGS: Makoto Kurumi / Ruby Garcia
TLDR:
- Gerald is a wee bit annoyed by Ruby.
- Gerald makes his way to the shuttles.
- Gerald suggests they leave behind the Pokémon and make their escape (Gerald is a bit conflicted)
- Decidueye keeps playing support, this time with another volley of Spirit Shackle arrows, hoping to hamper Rayquaza a bit.