Once these future paradox Pokemon got started, they really left mercy behind. Spited by that super-effective attack, Iron Hands flung itself at Jiangjun with astonishing speed. The metal fairy blipped in what sounded like alarm, and a blitz of steel-laced blows smothered it. If Jiangjun were made of blood and bone, it wouldn't have stood a chance, but being inorganic had its benefits too. Somehow, it crawled out of that melee explosion dented but alive.

Now, it was Jiangjun's turn to get angry. Electricity danced across its blades - blades that it detached and formed into a spear-like, double-bladed weapon.

Oh god. This was fearsome, but also really cool.

Finn was getting really into this.

"You're doing great! See if you can get back in -" - and the Iron Valiant improvised on that theme, like a maestro and his instruments of pain. Jiangjun danced around Iron Fist, looking for a blind spot, and then shot inwards, its blades glowing purple - Jiangjun used Psycho Cut!

noah faber

Finn saw many would-be students wander in and out of the school's gates, and most of them got what they wanted - some kind of self-defence, fitness and mindfulness. But what Finn really wanted to see was someone who saw not just power, but power for others; using the blade as an extension of the heart.

Did this guy have that potential?

Finn chuckled mildly. This newcomer didn't look like he had any problems protecting himself at all. The guy was built well, and clearly had at least some knowledge of how to wield a sword. Finn imagined he probably had some strong Pokemon too.

So...

"Why the sword?" Finn asked, curious. He wiped a smattering of apple juice off his chin. "Why not Pokemon - heck, even a gun. What about the sword attracts you?"

"I'm Finnegan, by the way. And you are?" Finn tossed his apple into his left hand and offered his right forward.

Kazimir Wynter

Noah's Iron Hands moved much faster than a Hariyama would, so blistering quick that Finn almost recoiled instinctively. But if the mecha Hariyama was fast, Jiangjun was almost faster - the cyborg fairy stepped to the side so cleanly, elegantly - a cold algorithm that calculated, like scissors over paper, the optimum distance to avoid compromise.

But what happens when you get two killing programs pitted against each other? Iron Hands managed to land a blow after all, leaving a blemish on Jiangjun's shoulder. From its new position, Jiangjun's red gaze zoomed in on Iron Hands. Electricity crackled around his blades.

As much as Finn was wary of the Paradox Pokemon's merciless nature, he had to admit it... when paired up with a partner so finely tuned for battle, he did feel the cogs of battle grind inside his gut.

"Keep your distance!"

Finn could feel that same electric energy spinning inside him.

Jiangjun took his advice. It kept a careful distance from Iron Hands, but that didn't limit its options. The engine in his chest glowed an explosive pink and unleashed a radiant blast - Jiangjun used Dazzling Gleam!

noah faber

Finn crunched on an apple as he sat on the steps of the main hall - a small snack as one of his trainers took the students for drills somewhere else in the village. It was a rare moment of silence... until a swashbuckler showed up. Quite a few of these types had been showing up recently - walking in through the gates of the school seeking adventure.

Finn shifted his weight, unfolding his legs and resting his arms on his knees. He eyed the man like a Sceptile perched atop a tree as he strode into the main square - a large open space surrounded by walkways covered with red-roofed terraces.

"Lost?"

Finn stood up and dusted himself off. He was dressed simply - a white tank top, black workout trousers, his crown. His eyes were welcoming, sharp and dangerous all at the same time. This newcomer looks like he's wielded a sword before. But what drew him to this place?

Finn took another bite of his apple.

Kazimir Wynter

Replacement. Finn's lips tightened. Was that what these Paradox Pokemon were trying to do? A future where all organic life has died out, and the only spark of sentience comes from the buzzing of a cyborg's brain. Finn noticed the resentment in Noah's Hariyama as Iron Hands took a cold, measured step forward.

Maybe the robot takeover was inevitable. Or maybe they could find a way to live together.

Finn turned his attention to his Iron Valiant. They met on a night when Finn's demons crept up on him, and Finn had to conquer them to end this threat to him and his school. Fittingly, Finn named him Jiangjun - a classical name for a mighty general, conquering the battle outside and inside.

"Alright, buddy. Let's see what you're made of."

Jiangjun brushed off Finn's apprehension with a cool, sleek step forward. His arms rotated inwards, its gears priming for combat. And before Finn could even think of what to do, Jiangjun moved first - sparks showered off Jiangjun's armour, charging the ground with an odd power. Jiangjun used Electric Terrain! His feet sizzled where they touched the ground, as if drawing power up into his engine.

Jiangjun's Attack increased!

Stunned, Finn met Noah's gaze.

"Does yours do this too?"

noah faber

It was often said that students learn from teachers, but a teacher's best teachers are his students. Finn smiled sheepishly, although he hid it well. Zev's bemused response taught Finn something valuable. Ironically, it was the same lesson he just tried to convey. One outfit won't work in every situation - Finn couldn't approach Zev like he would someone younger.

"You're right."

Zev was an older student. In fact, he was older than Finn himself. What experience could Finn convey that Zev might not have experienced?

Not that of love, heartbreak, and loss. But certainly, Finn knew what it was like to meditate and find that the true blade is not the sword in your hands but your mind.

"You've been through much more than many other students. But the more you believe you know who you are, the less you allow yourself to change. Shift. Discover."

A light wind coursed through the slabs of stone.

"The swordsman who shifts like the breeze wins. The one who insists he is right where he needs to be will not."

Finn's eyes were open and clear like the sky.

Zev Harcourt

Hey, that sounds good! I'm excited to explore how their relationship develops. Could you please start?

Kazimir Wynter

Finn's green fringe dipped over his brow in thought. Noah was right; he'd wondered that about his Iron Valiant too. Its red eyes glowed not like suns or stars - not in a way that reflected the spark of life that you would see in an organic being - but like the infrared glare of a screen.

Yet, something whirred in the mechanical creature's head. But was it thought, or the focusing lens of a hunting camera?

"One way to find out, man."

Finn looked curious. Curious but also playful.

"Wanna battle?"

The Gardevoir-Gallade hybrid robot's ears perked up. Its eyes glowed even brighter.

noah faber

An interesting question - even if Zev might not have meant it that way.

Finn spun about smartly, like a Swellow making a turn.

"Sometimes I dress like this." Finn gestured to his outfit - a snugly fit black combat kimono top, athletic trousers and green-streaked running shoes. "And, sometimes I wear my dress kimono. It all depends on situation. Time of day, social context..."

"...who I'm with."

From straight and formal to sweet and casual, Finn liked each taste in equal measure.

A quizzical bird - if it could even be called a bird - floated from behind a stone pillar, beeping and glowing. A Sigilyph! Finn had the space to admire such an unusual Pokemon too. The Sigilyph screeched like an ancient computer glitching as Finn's Skarmory swiped a sharp wing at it.

Finn tilted his head up into the air, feeling it lighten as they ascended the Pillar.

"Flying Sword School is about more than just the swords. Use the time to figure out your tastes and likes. Who you are - what your desires are, and how to get there."

Zev Harcourt

Catches the Sigilyph!

Finn was relieved to hear he wasn't alone - and that his kindred soul was Noah. If even a Gym Leader was still figuring out how to deal with a Paradox Pokemon, that validated his own feelings of disorientation. Also, Finn really liked the guy. He was affable and earnest - totally no airs about him.

Of course Finn would say --

"Oh, yeah!"

Finn released Jiangjun, his Iron Valiant, and Ran's stance stiffened when the robot fairy appeared in a metallic flash. Things between Jiangjun and Finn's real-life Pokemon had been... difficult. Sometimes, it felt like Finn was training his other Pokemon by getting them to gang up on Jiangjun and put him to sleep.

But for a creation so close to life, surely there had to be a spark of the real thing somewhere.

Jiangjun's eyes stared onwards like blank screens, but a soft whirring in his head signalled that he was computing, observing, analysing.

Finn nodded at Noah. This was unknown territory, but he was glad he was jumping into it with a new friend.

noah faber

BLOOD MUD & IRON SIGN-UP

ON THE HUNT!

CHARACTER: Finnegan Yang [break]

PKMN TEAM (3 MAX): Decidueye, Lucario, Braviary. Moves coming soon!
[break]

WHAT IS THE IC REASON FOR YOUR CHARACTER'S PARTICIPATION?: If there's a monster roaming in the wild, I want to take it down before it gets to my school. (Flying Sword School is on the border of a forest)

Ran sizes the Hariyama and snorts respectfully. Finn grins proudly at Noah's compliment and how Ran carries himself so gracefully - Ran really glows with the radiance of his teaching. Unlike many Primeape, Ran sees his wrath as a source of grounding and power.

"Thanks, man!" Finn blushes.

And speaking of raising Pokemon...

"By the way, since you're a Fighting-type expert and all, I wanna ask if you have any advice. Do you have any experience with... Paradox Pokemon?" Finn asks, lowering his voice. He knows the public knows they exist, but they are shrouded in so much mystery. And Finn is having a really, really difficult time getting his new Iron Valiant to behave.

"Because if you do, I'd love to learn from you."

Meanwhile, a Hawlucha swoops past, and Ran unleashes a grunt so fearsome that the Hawlucha squawks and crashes into a bench.

noah faber

Captures the Hawlucha!