The knife is wrenched from Makoto's hands - and Yujin's words are like white noise to them. They are acting mostly on instinct and reflex, to survive, which didn't necessarily mean the decision that they made here would be smart. But all the same, they act - advancing to slam their forehead against hers in a headbutt, and reaching for her holstered gun!

But, as pain lances up their other arm, they shout - though the Aurora Veil softens the blow, the bullet nonetheless hits into their upper arm.

And Kuro reacts, snarling with rage. Through Detect, it is able to avoid danger thus far - jumping from Tsukiko's shadow to Matsu's, though maintaining its Illusion thus far. As it emerges from the first, however, ghostly flames of Bitter Malice come Niola's way!

However, even if Kuro is safe, Tsukiko isn't. The Zap Cannon that was meant for Kuro strikes her instead - drawing a yelp. Though she attempts to use the snow as cover to get away, the resulting paralysis renders her unable to avoid the followup Fire Fang from the Pyroar. Though the Aurora Veil softens both strikes, they hurt all the same.

Finally amongst the incoking attacks, there is Matsu; and when the Mega Glalie Crunches down on them, the shell creaks and groans underneath the pressure. In an attempt to force it back, they begin to Rapid Spin - trying to send the ice-type flying!

Makoto stumbles, bleeding, heart hammering hard. They have to fight back - and against so many foes... They pull out a Tera Orb with their injured arm. "Springtide!"

In a flash of pink and crystals, Tsukiko becomes pure Fairy-type, as she unleashes a howling storm of pink frosted petals in a Springtide Storm; hoping to strike as many enemies at once, and give her trainer some breathing room!

TLDR: Makoto goes a bit monkey brain; attempts to headbutt Yujin in the face, whilst reaching for her holstered gun. Opposite arm is shot by Niola - which pisses Kuro off. Kuro - from the prior Detect - avoids damage and changes from Tsukiko's shadow to Matsu's, but fires off a Bitter Malice at Niola as it moves between them. Tsukiko is caught in Zap Cannon's crossfire, which paralyzes her and leaves her vulnerable to Pyroar's Fire Fang, ow! Tsukiko teras into pure-Fairy and uses Springtide Storm on enemies present, partly to force everyone away from Makoto. Matsu's defense is being lowered by Crunch, uses Rapid Spin to try and fling Glalie off of it.

MP Log:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Posted x6 (60 MP)
- Showcase Strengths (50 MP)
- Showcase other's strengths (50 MP)
- Past Thread (50 MP)
- Antagonistic dialogue (50 MP)
- Experience Relief (50 MP)
- Experience Fear (50 MP)
- Gimmick (10 MP)

Niola Winchester Yujin Ha

And here, things begin to become tricky.

In the resulting slash, Makoto feels the knife cut into their side, drawing a yelp from them. But, they have no time to assess it before they have to duck behind a computer desk to try and shelter themself from the Blizzard that howls around them. But, that doesn't fully protect them - ice shards biting into their skin.

Tsukiko and Matsu do not have the luxury of any cover, on the other hand, as they're battered by the icy winds. The terastallized fox's new pure Fairy typing is doing her no favors here.

And though Tsukiko is able to use the snow as a cover with Snow Cloak to avoid the Hyper Beam that shoots across the room - that only means that it strikes Matsu instead! And with the one-two punch of powerful moves and a weakened shell, is it of any surprise when the Forretress is knocked out, when it slams into some computer equipment?

Makoto curses. Of course. One pokemon down, and the other on her last legs, they can't risk having Tsukiko out of commission too. They recall both pokemon - quickly feeling along their belt for their other options.

Kuro wasn't meant to fight. It could, sure, but it was trained more for its illusions and being another pair of eyes to watch their back.

Ryuu could feasibly fight; but when they were on an island, that felt like a good way to get stranded if Kuro and a certain someone else ended up KO'd as well.

And Tamamo... They were reluctant to. That was just asking for her to kill someone just for the hell of it - the last thing they wanted.

But they had to choose someone, and--

PROTECT.

-- Their choice would, ultimately, be made for them.

Erebus emerges on its own, as Yujin begins to near. The alien virus's cloudy core glows as it moves to seize her with Psychic, so as to throw her into her own pokemon - a powerful desire to protect being communicated to all who hear.

Quick to follow up though, it would aim a Thunderbolt towards Niola's Pyroar, electricity lancing up the lengths of its tentacles.

TLDR: Makoto is a bit stabbied after headbutting Yujin, and though they take cover a lil cut up by Glalie's Blizzard as well. Ninetales and Forretress take damage from the Blizzard - and though Ninetales can dodge the Hyper Beam w/ Snow Cloak, it strikes Forretress instead as a result, KO-ing them. Ninetales is standing, but is recalled along Forretress to avoid being KO'd. Makoto has decision paralysis at the worst time ever on who to replace them with.

However, as Yujin comes close to stab Makoto again, Deoxys emerges expressing protective intent - attempting to throw her back into her own pokemon with Psychic. It follows up by aiming a Thunderbolt at Niola's Pyroar.

MP Log:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Posted x7 (70 MP)
- Showcase Strengths (50 MP)
- Showcase other's strengths (50 MP)
- Past Thread (50 MP)
- Antagonistic dialogue (50 MP)
- Experience Relief (50 MP)
- Experience Fear (50 MP)
- Gimmick (10 MP)
- Injured by pokemon (50 MP)
- Own Pokemon KO'd (50 MP)

Niola Winchester Yujin Ha

Erebus sees only enemies. The pokemon, enemies. Their two trainers, enemies. Even the employees here - unknown and unfamiliar - are potential enemies. Anything that it cannot recognize as a Rocket is an enemy.

However, the Deoxys understands priorities. There are some enemies more threatening than others. As Niola fires upon Makoto, the bullets suddenly halt in place inches from their intended target - seized by Erebus' Psychic. It affixes the agent with a stare - before flinging the bullets back in her direction.

But this distraction serves its purpose; as dragon and snowball alike sink their teeth into Erebus, it lets out a telepathic shriek - was it pained? Surprised? Angry? It was hard to say, in the moment. But, it lashes out in response - tentacles lighting aflame in a Fire Punch as it seizes the Glalie with them, to scorch him and fling him into Aunteanna and Takisha both!

Makoto can only take a step back from all the chaos - clutching to the gunshot wound and the gash in

TLDR: Deoxys catches the bullets and throws them back at Niola with Psychic. After getting double-Crunch'd, it lashes out - using Fire Punch and grabbing Glalie to both scorch it and throw it into Frigibax and Pyroar.

MP Log:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Posted x7 (70 MP)
- Showcase Strengths (50 MP)
- Showcase other's strengths (50 MP)
- Past Thread (50 MP)
- Antagonistic dialogue (50 MP)
- Experience Relief (50 MP)
- Experience Fear (50 MP)
- Gimmick (10 MP)
- Injured by pokemon (50 MP)
- Own Pokemon KO'd (50 MP)

Niola Winchester Yujin Ha

Makoto has half the mind to call for them to leave. What could they gain from staying here, after all? Whilst most other League personnel were locked in combat elsewhere, all it took was someone else joining in for things to quickly go more awry than it already was.

But, at the same time, it was hard to find an opening to call Erebus back for that quick getaway...

Initially, Erebus' attention turns to PorygonZ and Duraludon both - recognizing the threat inherent in the both of them. It turns to face them, prepared to deal with them now... But amidst the distraction, the Pyroar's teeth sink into the Deoxys - which draws forth a hiss, this one not quite as loud but no less a reaction.

Danger. It's in danger. It is outnumbered - the Crunches wearing away at its ability to protect itself. It has to recover - and to do so, it attempts to absorb the lion by striking at it with a Drain Punch..!

As soon as it's able to free itself from the Pyroar's grip, it turns to face the Archaludon and PorygonZ again - but it's too late. Dual electrical strikes slam into it, causing it to shriek once more. Too much. Too much all at once. It cannot handle this much, like this.

Makoto pulls out Erebus' pokeball - seeing the hole blown into the wall, and the opportunity inherent to it. They're prepared to recall it - to prepare a quick getaway to tend to their bleeding injuries, but--

No.

-- Erebus is not done. It desires to survive - for Makoto to survive - and it desires to remain, to learn. It has another option, that it can take - both to remove these enemies, and ensure the duo's survival. It turns its gaze to Makoto - and something in its eyes freezes them in place - which is perfect.

It advances on them - reaches forward...

Erebus..?

... And losing its shape, it begins to envelop them..!

Makoto barely has any time to shout out. Before they know it, their mouth is full of Erebus. Their nostrils are full of Erebus. Their tear ducts, their ears, their throat, their very pores were full of Erebus. They cannot breathe past it, as it forces its way in. They want to scream - it hurts, it feels wrong, they can feel something crawling underneath their skin, a second heart beating in their chest...

... They are scared.

Kuro is, too - the Zorua emerging. He wants to do something about it - to stop this process - but how does he do it, without hurting Makoto in the process?

From an outside perspective, it passes in but a few seconds. For Makoto, it feels like an excruciating eternity. But all the same, it isn't long before Erebus is - for all intents and purposes - no longer visible. Makoto coughs - gags and heaves, bent over themself - as they are suddenly able to breathe again, a hand pressed to their chest. Two hearts pump blood and ichor through their body - blood and ichor that no longer is being spilt, as the bullet and knife wound both begin to Recover.

A bullet - pushed out from the wound - clatters onto the ground.

Makoto looks at themself briefly - and from the surface, they still look like themself... For but a moment. But suddenly, their muscles seize - gaze forcefully turned towards the Archaludon.

Defeat. Learn more.

Erebus looks through Makoto's eyes - and as an arm is enveloped in teal and crimson, it forces them to rush forth. To reel back a fist, and attempt to strike at the steely dragon with another Drain Punch..!

TLDR: Deoxys is distracted from Pyroar by seeing Archaludon + PorygonZ charging up - but is Crunch'd before it can interfere. It attempts to (flavor) absorb the Pyroar with a Drain Punch and manages to pull away from it... But gets zap'd by PorygonZ + Archaludon before it can do anything about the two.

Having taken heavy damage, but not wanting to fall back quite yet, Deoxys proceeds to symbiosis w/ Makoto in a disturbing/horrifying process. Zorua is scared for its trainer but doesn't know what it can do to stop Deoxys w/o hurting Makoto.

Once the process finishes, Makoto's left feeling sick + spooked, but their wounds visibly regenerate with Recover. Deoxys puppets them a little to charge Archaludon w/ Drain Punch.

MP Log:

SPOILER: Click to show

- Posted x9 (90 MP)
- Showcase Strengths (50 MP)
- Showcase other's strengths (50 MP)
- Past Thread (50 MP)
- Antagonistic dialogue (50 MP)
- Experience Relief (50 MP)
- Experience Fear (50 MP)
- Gimmick (10 MP)
- Injured by pokemon (50 MP)
- Own Pokemon KO'd (50 MP)
- x2 Enemy KO (50 MP)
- Meaningful Moment w/ Pokemon (50 MP) meaningful doesn't mean wholesome /obliterated

Niola Winchester Yujin Ha

Chaos is all Makoto knows, in the moment, as Erebus - through their body - clashes against the pokemon in the control room.

The Archaludon's weight presses into them. Were it just Makoto, bones would be broken. They would've quicky become paste on the floor. But here, Erebus stands its ground - able to force the dragon back with a burst of psychic powers before they could be crushed completely.

Blasts that would've scorched away Makoto's skin and flesh simply leave red and teal in their wake - that quickly shifts back to what they hope is human flesh - as Erebus regenerates it for them, before retaliating with a blazing fist and electrical arcs.

Even as the Noivern's howl leaves their head ringing, it doesn't last long - and for a moment Makoto can't help but wonder if their hearing is keener than ever, with the Deoxys' regenerative abilities. All the same, an icy strike is sent the wyvern's way.

And when webs cling to them, root them to the ground, and they are helpless for but a moment...--

-- Makoto's stomach lurches, as they're suddenly elsewhere. Perched atop a desk that the computers had been thrown from amidst the madness. Staring down the combatants with the blank gaze of an alien who knows naught of making expressions, before electricity arcs outwards through their arm.

But all the while, Makoto is but a passenger in their body. A passenger made to endure it all, as Erebus puppeteers them. Stop. They want to say, to beg. I'm scared. They witness each clash, and can only feel the desire to flight - as their human mind can only expect for their body to break underneath the strength of other pokemon.

But even if they couldn't voice it, Erebus heard all the same. I will protect you. It responded with certainty, in some semblance of comfort. They will be defeated. There was nothing to be scared of, for it knew how much this body would take. It had done something like this before, after all.

We will learn more. They would turn the unknown into known. And once it was known, there would be nothing to fear. Once the unknown was known, Erebus would become stronger. And in becoming stronger, there would be even fewer things to fear.

Nothing for either of them to fear, in this world, where rule is made by strength.

But, the fight would not last forever; for a thundering boom would be heard, from a far distance... From Sootopolis, in fact. And in that moment, there was but one thing on Erebus' mind, as the symbiote's gaze snapped towards the hole in the wall.

Home. Something was happening. Something that was, perhaps, far more important than anything happening in the moment. It had to know what was happening.

Makoto, though reluctant to dive into yet further danger, concurred - a sense of worry for peers, particularly Tempest Quinn , briefly filling their mind.

So - with but one last glance to Yujin and Niola both... Erebus would reach out Makoto's arm - to scoop Kuro up. And with one more lurch of Makoto's stomach, they would be gone as it Teleported away - leaving the horrid mess that the control room had become behind.

MP Log (Final Count; 1010) :

SPOILER: Click to show

- Posted x10 (100 MP)
- Showcase Strengths (50 MP)
- Showcase other's strengths (50 MP)
- Past Thread (50 MP)
- Antagonistic dialogue (50 MP)
- Experience Relief (50 MP)
- Experience Fear (50 MP)
- Gimmick (10 MP)
- Injured by pokemon (50 MP)
- Own Pokemon KO'd (50 MP)
- x2 Enemy KO (50 MP)
- Meaningful Moment w/ Pokemon (50 MP) meaningful doesn't mean wholesome /obliterated
- Symbolized by Pokemon (50 MP)
- Complete Thread (100 MP)
- Draw (250 MP)

Niola Winchester Yujin Ha