Chaos reigned; attacks were flying every which way, and so were some high-velocity coins! A few pelted into El, a couple into Artio - drawing yelps from the both of them. But though they were both left aching with welts that were sure to remain the morning after, they were otherwise okay.

And almost as quickly as the chaos ensued, it had ended with the defeat of the formerly-disguised megalopolans and their Nihilego. Everyone was free and okay - or at least, as okay as one could be after the prior storm that Shred Zeppelin and howard slayte had brought forth.

Adrenaline distracting El from the pain of their knee, they immediately run up to and wrap their arms around Isaac Merlo - pulling him close and tight. "'m glad you're okay.." They'd murmur - anything could've happened to him, even in that brief moment of time that it had taken for the rescue group to arrive. The hug would maintain for a good few moments...

... But when they stepped back, they'd almost stagger - hissing and leaning heavily into their cane. Ow, ow - okay... Maybe they should be using their cane more - between the swim down here, and putting a lot of weight on it flipping that table, their knee was aching up a storm.

TLDR:
- Choosing disadvantage; El and Artio are hit by a few coins but are otherwise fine
- El immediately goes to hug Isaac Merlo
- Already feeling the consequences of straining their knee.

nikola is unable to see the chaos happening. luna's snarl doesn't seem to do much damage, and their mouth is full of the taste of alien tentacle. they gag, still trying to wriggle free. the two of them, caked in mud and holding onto each other, lose morale as they realize the reality of their situation. nikola visibly wilts, though they still keep their arms protectively around their pokemon. "maybe we're not cut out to be adventurers," they whisper sadly. they haven't been able to help anyone today...

that's when the coins hit them. the nihilego holding them takes the brunt of the blow, but several coins still ping into nikola and luna, knocking both of them out. the nihilego, defeated, frees nikola, who sags to the floor. for an extended moment, it seems as if they're not going to wake up.

then they stir, and sit up. luna is still unconscious in their arms, so their first thought is to return her to her ball so she can rest. their second thought is: "ow." they look around. now that they're free, they remove their muddy glasses and look around, squinting. uh... is everyone freed and walking away? where are they going? it seems like they're splitting into two groups again... the nihilego burst without warning, and nikola lets out a shriek as the tera crystals rain down. they scramble to their feet, suddenly wanting to be anywhere but here.

but which way to go, when their blurry vision is obscuring both paths? they lean down and pick up a coin, flipping it. it lands on heads, so they go down PATH 1, stumbling over bodies and crags in the rock along the way. limping slightly, they catch up with the rest of the group, trying to act like they've been there the whole time. if anybody looks back, they'll see just how downtrodden and beaten nikola is, with a bruise forming on the side of their head where the coin hit.

As the Murder Roulette winds down, you break your pose to turn around and look at the results, and they're undeniable. Megalopalan and Nihilego alike lay defeated, their corpses decorated by the same bloodstained coins that brought about their end. You have dealt your foe a definitive and decisive defeat. Not a single enemy remains to dispute what you've won. This can only be called an absolute victory.

"Jackpot."

A pause, mostly to let the cheers roll in. Unsurprisingly, they don't. A sigh escapes your lips as you crouch down, scrounging around the floor to find wherever your sunglasses ended up. Of course, you wouldn't expect these people to understand the greatness of a well-executed combo attack. They're too busy complaining about getting smacked by a few coins, as though getting a few nicks and bruises is a worse fate than being eaten alive by bloodthirsty alien zombies. Seriously, how privileged can you possibly be? What a pain in the ass...

"...Ah, there they are." You murmur, plucking your sunglasses from the sod and wiping them on your shirt, before returning them to their rightful place on your face. It feels immediately gross, and you're sure this is going to end with some kind of eye infection, but that's a problem for tomorrow Shred. Right now, present Shred has more pressing matters to attend to. "Hey, Greg, GREG!"

You quickly return to the side of your unwilling cameraman, peering over his shoulder as you try and get a glimpse of the footage of your attack. Granted, you don't think the enforcer is going to be the most thrilling cinematography, but that's fine with you. After all, your franchise is rapidly evolving before your eyes. Hoenn's Deadliest Hunts with Shred Zeppelin? That's old and tired. Shred Zeppelin: Defender of the Infinite Cosmos? Now THAT'S the future of your brand.

"How did it look? Was it good? Did we look good? Did you get me and Howard in? Nice wide shot? Good close ups? What about the reaction shots? Was she impressed? Do you think she likes me? Do I have a shot!? Come on man, this is MONEY! We got MONEY here! Show me the MONEY!"

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TL;DR - Shred Zeppelin is too busy gassing himself up to pay attention to all the valid criticism levied at him. Goes to harass Grigori Sokolov on the behalf of himself and howard slayte .