[attr="class","spiral"]The master of the dream reveals itself and Fernando reacts accordingly. Forget the warning or foreboding declaration of war, a menace presents one thing: a battle. The chance to tangle with a Pokemon unknown means another avenue for Fernando to further prove himself. The advent of Legendary Pokemon means another caliber of enemies and Hoopa is no different. He ignores the added implication that Hoopa has done nothing wrong — that the shadow is at fault — other than defend itself and responds with bringing out what Pokemon he has left.

Tapu Fini will prove to be the centerpiece of his formation. The Legendary Pokemon is his ace in the hole and it adjusts to the supernatural change in scenery by steeling itself with CALM MIND. The lack of facial expressions doesn't do the Pokemon's apathy justice and it resolves itself for one thing: retribution.

Smeagle is the most flexible Pokemon and serves as a buffer between Fernando, Tapu Fini, and everything that stands before them. The Pokemon's small stature may not be impressive but the PROTECTIVE barrier it can emit will prove enough to hold still against most normal attacks. The Pokemon doesn't dare attack, too prone on reacting and preparing to hold against whatever comes their way.

Fernando is no longer a mere trainer. The position of avatar has elevated him into a piece on the game board. The MISTY TERRAIN that he and Tapu Fini emit spread his influence among those nearby. Traditionally, they'll prove safe from the negative effects of status moves and find their own attack boosted. Those that end up leaving his sphere of influence will lose its effects, delineated by the fuzzy haze that settles underneath them.

Is is his Golurk and Aegislash that serve as his front line and his first means of defense. And, for those familiar with Silph, unless it's a premeditated defensive measure, the best defense is an absolute offense. Rather than rely on STANCE CHANGE, Aegislash shines with a sheen that promises to cleave through any adversary. The SWORD DANCE glimmers, tracing out a path as the slash flutters in a practiced pattern.

The Golurk serves as the legs for the Aegislash who cannot manuever mid SWORDS DANCE. While the sword can attack on its own it lacks the same momentum that an object being swung has. The golem pokemon will allow it to overcome that weakness, large enough to shoulder the burden of brandishing the weapon while lacking the organic life force vulnerable to the ghost pokemon's natural affinity to drain its wielder. In a charging start, the Pokemon takes off at full speed using its HIGH HORSE POWER. The velocity of the attack shows no mercy as it disregards any attempts at breaking or pivoting in return for maximizing its momentum. It relies on its own IRON DEFENSE to make up for its lack of dexterity, losing any sense of nimbleness and hoping that its sheer durability and strength will allow it to sustain through any attacks.



Fortunately, it doesn't look like the combination of Pokemon will require any sort of hoping. While the full motion of HIGH HORSE POWER carries a tremendous speed the wind up shuffles with a slow start. This is exemplified by Thomas Benoit's Pokemon proving both faster and already in the middle of combating the zombified remains of @altmight. When the husk makes an attempt to manhandle both of Thomas' Pokemon is the moment that the Aegislash comes down with a mighty SACRED SWORD. The tempered steel looks to sever flesh and free the Pokemon from being crushed and otherwise further abuse. The Golurk doesn't stop and speeds right past the zombie, still holding onto the Aegislash to add its momentum to the strike's power and push to saw the appendage off, or come to a complete stop due to the Aegislash's inability to cut through.

"Buy me some time and protect Tapu Fini at all costs."

There's little time for words and Fernando trust in Cait's ability to follow through. A surge of energy manifests in the palm of his hand and he mentally grasps at it, looking to gather enough of it to follow up with his own offensive.


— brings out aegislash, golurk, smeargle, tapu fini.
— tapu fini uses CALM MIND.
— smeagle prepares to PROTECT fernando and tapu fini.
— MISTY TERRAIN spreads to nearby allies. pokemon nearby have their power increased.
— aegislash uses SWORD DANCE.
— golurk grabs aegislash and uses HIGH HORSE POWER with IRON DEFENSE.
— aegislash is used as a SACRED SWORD to cut off arthur's arms specifically when he is attacking Thomas Benoit's pokemon.
— asks cait alfric to buy him some time. channels something.