[CYOA] You Are a Rock

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

"Cobble," Millie says. "Do you think there's anything I can do? I just feel it. I know I'll be able to do something more useful if I come with you!"

She knows, huh?

I'm inclined to see if that's true or not - and especially to see if Lily's new shadow powers help out here. I'm curious how long they'll last, but I suppose we won't figure out until they actually disappear. As he made very clear, even Dark Matter has no idea

What about the Prism Knights? you wonder, but then feel from Weavile that they must still be back in the overtaken city, being watched over by the police or others. Even if they were with you... No. It would be too much of a risk, considering their emotionless fealty. It isn't like Weavile, who had been freed from that spell with his death and acquisition.

What about the Prism Knights? you wonder, but then feel from Weavile that they must still be back in the overtaken city, being watched over by the police or others. Even if they were with you... No. It would be too much of a risk, considering their emotionless fealty. It isn't like Weavile, who had been freed from that spell with his death and acquisition.

That makes sense - that's the left place we left them after all, and indeed, we haven't done anything special to free them of their curse. And even if we somehow managed that, especially considering we're approaching Xerneas directly, there's the chance they could relapse again, which could be extremely problematic.

You absently wonder if Kyurem would have been broken off, too... but something about Kyurem felt different. Perhaps not.

Yeah, I'm very curious what the alternate timeline would've looked like had we actually abandoned Weavile and possessed Kyurem! Something I'd love to hear about once the story concludes

In the meantime, I wonder if something like that might trigger for Dark Matter as well? Dark Matter's range of emotions are presumably a lot more limited than ours, so I could see where that wouldn't happen... and like, Dark Matter has zero interest in his host gaining any kind of sentience or affecting his own actions, he'd probably try to stamp that out quickly even if he did feel Kyurem's soul release from a curse like that.

On the other hand though, Kyurem is a legendary being, and I could see that while Kyurem might be easy to initially possess, as its spirit awakens, Dark Matter might find it less and less compliant... (if it actually has a suppressed soul and isn't just a blank copy of the real Kyurem)

-------------------------------

Okay, time for our decisions! These look to be pretty consequential for our final arc in the story...


N: Approve - Between his super useful illusion abilities, his proven quick thinking and perceptive problem solving skills, and that we owe him the chance to undo his father's actions, N is 100% coming with us.

Millie: Approve - It could definitely be dangerous for Millie, no denying that... she's not an elite battler or anything, but she might still be able to stand her own against the weaker enemies we might encounter, and she seems determined to come with us.

Shauntal: Approve - having a Ghost specialist could be handy considering that we'll likely be going up against many corrupted Pokemon.

Caitlin: Approve - we'll have to watch out for her narcolepsy, but she and Darach have excellent synergy together, and I get the feeling there's a lot of power she hasn't shown us yet.

Darach: Approve - I want Darach for many of the same reasons I want N. He's really good at quick thinking and doesn't lose his cool easily, which I think will be very helpful considering the insane shit we're probably about to run into. Plus, he synergizes especially well with Caitlin, and I think it makes sense to have both if we have one.

 

[Negrek]

Interesting that the narration implies that Ghetsis is no longer involved in all this, and we're just dealing with the aftermath. Given that Namo's used Rainbow Rocket as antagonists in at least one other RP, I wonder if that means he's off causing trouble for some other group of players (or will be soon), lol.

In any case... decision time! I think I'm actually going to vote to leave a couple of the E4 at home. That might be kind of insane, because they're the most powerful allies in conventional terms, but I'm not 100% willing to discount Dark Matter/Weavile's comments about reducing the involvement of the locals. (I kind of have a suspicion that we may end up fighting against at least some of the characters that we choose to bring along!)

Really hard to decide which, though! Shauntal is a lot of fun, and Gengar is great; Caitlin is probably the one with the most raw power; and Darach is hilarious and an absolute champion under pressure. It's ultimately reeeeally close between Darach and Shauntal in the end... I flipped a coin, and it came up Darach, so I guess that's my final vote.

Sorry, Weavile. I totally get his perspective of "what the FUCK is it with you and this goddamn waitress??", but there's no way I'm voting to leave her behind at this point.

Approve of Millie
Approve of N
Disapprove of Shauntal
Disapprove of Caitlin
Approve of Darach

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Approved: Millie, N, Darach.
Not enough: Caitlin, Shauntal

Considerations:
- ()
- ()
- (∞) Xerneas...
- (5%) ...

Yes, You think you have a good idea on who should be coming for this, and who should stay behind. They still had things they could do in Unova to try to keep things stable here, after all. Bringing all of them would be risky, right? Not to mention you are still not sure how dangerous it will be for everyone. Bringing all of them means you won't be able to guard those in trouble.

"...All right, Millie," you relent. "But you must stay near me. Understand?"

"Yes. I know it's dangerous..." She beamed. "Okay. I'll do what I can!"

"I think we'll also need N to help us," you add. "But there's no way he wasn't coming with us... Hmm..."

And, briefly, you head over to Darach and the others and explain a strategy. While Darach seems nervous at first of not being there for Caitlin, she recognizes the need for a Unova representative of sorts, and that Caitlin and Shauntal would be needed as Elites in Unova to get things stable here again. In the end, you manage to land Darach coming with you, and once N returns with supplies, the four of you are ready to go with this Skyla gym leader to Kalos.

<><><>​

This is it. Unova is behind you, now, and Kalos is ahead. Unfortunately, with Dark Matter ahead with Kyurem, you feel that you may have missed out on a major surge of power. In its place, you have allies to pick up the slack.

There is no more getting stronger. No more accumulating of allies and help. What you have now is the most you'll get, and you can only hope it will be enough for your confrontation with Xerneas in Kalos.

You're in a cabin with your allies, Skyla just within earshot as she flies the plane forward. The constant hum of the engine, insulated by the plane's chambers, rumbles your head and your stone heart. Darach is staring out the window into the open ocean, looking thoughtful. N is closing his eyes, perhaps trying to get some sleep.

It is going to be a long flight. But you know, from Weavile's thoughts, that once you arrive in Kalos, there will be no breaks. The whole region will likely be hostile, at least from Xerneas' presence and her forces. If there is any time to strategize in a quiet, controlled environment, it is now.

You also know, from Weavile, that while Xerneas' life force is great, she is still vulnerable to Yveltal's powers, and by extension yours. She will be stronger than anything you have faced, but her influence is vast enough that perhaps even striking her forces will weaken her as a whole... though attacking her main body is best.

Unfortunately, you do not know the full extent of Kalos' influence. Weavile had never been deep inside and was part of the Unovan investigation divisions tracking... well, you.

It isn't a lot of information to go by, but it's the best you have. What are your broad plans?

Current Status

On your ride, you recover fully. It is your final chance to rest...
Your battle against Kyurem and Dark Matter grant you a slight boost in power, and that is the final extent of your growth. +2 HP, +2 Energy, +1 Offense, +1 Defense​

HP: 20/15+5
Energy: 15/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!)
- (!)
- (∞) In the end, you must face Xerneas directly. She is in the center of the region. We could fly there directly, but... I'm not sure what the others should do.
- (5%) ...

 

[Mirage]

Alright, looks like we have our final team! I'm not gonna lie, the fight with Xerneas kind of scares me. If Dark Matter winds up helping us, that would be gamechanging - heck, he might even be able to wield Kyurem more effectively than we can, as I suspect he's probably stronger than us one on one. I'm still worried about what he plans to do after we defeat Xerneas, but I think we'll need to cross that bridge when we get there.

If we doesn't wind up helping us though, this'll probably be a very tense match, assuming she doesn't just wipe the floor with us right away. Here's taking a shot at seeing if we can maybe find a master ball or any other device to assist us, even if we can't get directly stronger or make new allies anymore.

Also thought I'd take the time to get Weavile's input on what he thinks might be useful for traveling through the mystery dungeons and/or fighting Xerneas. I'll have to review our inventory later, but utilizing items might be another way to overcome our lower power level, should we stumble on any!

Sorry, Weavile. I totally get his perspective of "what the FUCK is it with you and this goddamn waitress??", but there's no way I'm voting to leave her behind at this point.

Weavile 🤝 Dark Matter: "what the FUCK is it with you and this goddamn waitress??"

--------------------------

Consider: Let's head to Laverre City, and from there, to the PokeBall factory. Maybe we can find something there to assist us against Xerneas?

Telepathy (target is Weavile): "Given that Kalos is one giant mystery dungeon we'll need to travel through... Do you have any suggestions on supplies we may want to stock up on, if we get an opportunity?"

 

[Negrek]

Alright, looks like we have our final team! I'm not gonna lie, the fight with Xerneas kind of scares me.

Yeah, I think us giving Kyurem to Dark Matter is a big wild card. It could really pay off, or it could be the Worst Decision Ever. I await with great anticipation finding out which!

Speak @ Darach: "If Xerneas is in the center of Kalos, in Lumiose, we might not want to go there directly. If we landed at the Kalos pokéball factory, do you think we might find anything there or nearby that could help us when we encounter Xerneas? Maybe an especially powerful pokéball?"

Consider: What attacks does Weavile actually... know? Do we have an opportunity to swap our moveset out before we get to Kalos?

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Considerations:
- (1) Let's head to Laverre City, and from there, to the PokeBall factory. Maybe we can find something there to assist us against Xerneas?
- (1) What attacks does Weavile actually... know? Do we have an opportunity to swap our moveset out before we get to Kalos?
- (∞) In the end, you must face Xerneas directly. She is in the center of the region. We could fly there directly, but... I'm not sure what the others should do.
- (5%) ...

There's a lot to think about and the flight, while long, feels like such a fleeting moment. Agonizingly long in anticipation, yet too short to get anything done. It's all speculation and planning. They could relax, or try to, but...

Preparation helps. You quietly converse with Weavile on your best moves to channel in this body, considering Xerneas' nature. It occurs to you that the Dark nature of your body could lead to... complications against a Fairy. Nothing to do there; Kyurem would've been at a similar disadvantage.

A few moves cross your mind from Weavile. Poison Jab stands out; you're quick to tune yourself into using that move faster. You feel things in a cosmic sense click and shift within your body, like shifting your weight in an old stance. You figure Ice Shard is always useful. It's fast, even if it's weak. Icicle Crash, you sense Weavile is unwilling to part with it. And Swords Dance... Setting up in an environment like this feels dangerous, but perhaps it could pay off.

Along with your other arsenal, perhaps this could be useful...

As for items, you glance at N and ask what he'd managed to acquire already. It wasn't much in such a rush--and you quietly wonder how N acquired these things, since it smells vaguely like trash... But you see two Hyper Potions, nice and full. You see a little yellow rhombus--a Revive, which is quite valuable. And you also see a strange potion that N explains is an X Speed, a curious powder that gives a Pokemon a short burst of "eXtra speed."

Very... miscellaneous. But better than nothing. You sense from Weavile that safely finding items while in Kalos will be difficult; Xerneas has eyes everywhere... whatever that means. Weavile seems unsure himself, only that it was a "feeling" he had while in Kalos.

"Given that Kalos is one giant mystery dungeon we'll need to travel through... Do you have any suggestions on supplies we may want to stock up on, if we get an opportunity?" you ask N.

"If we get the chance then something that can heal us or distract Xerneas would be best," N says.

"Hmm, distract..."

"Hmm, Smoke Bombs come to mind," says Darach, hands gently in his lap with his eyes closed. "I suppose if we found some way to capture Xerneas... Hmm."

"If Xerneas is in the center of Kalos, in Lumiose, we might not want to go there directly. If we landed at the Kalos pokéball factory, do you think we might find anything there or nearby that could help us when we encounter Xerneas? Maybe an especially powerful pokéball?"

"There's the Master Ball," Darach said. "However, those are extraordinarily precious items, highly regulated, and difficult to manufacture. The nature of the materials are very specific. We don't have the technology to mass-produce them yet. Really, I fear the day we do... But if any place would have one, it'd be there."

You nod thoughtfully.

"I'll inform our pilot," Darach said.

<><><>
​

Day bleeds into night. You're feeling a little tired, yet the anxiety keeps you up. Along with that, you sense it's not really nighttime in your internal clock just yet. The flight must be making the sun set faster than usual. Much of that time was spent in a power nap. Or... maybe a longer one. You can't tell now that you're awake and seeing the sunrise the next time you open your eyes.

"Hey, you're awake!"

"Huh?" You sit up. The strange human with bird-like attire is next to you. Something about that feels strange. You stare at her for a while longer...

"...Aren't you supposed to be flying the plane?" you ask.

"Oh, I took a break for now and had a nap. But I guess we happened to wake up at the same time!"

This does not answer your question. You lean to the side to look down the aisle, not recalling a copilot...

A Swanna is in the pilot's seat. Flying the plane. Okay.

"I heard about the plan. We'll be making a landing right by the Pokeball factory. I just have to get in range of their towers to coordinate a landing. That should be very soon!"

You nod. That sounds well and good. If you could just get some assistance from the Kalos elites, fighting Xerneas would be all the easier.

Your head jerks to the corner of the plane cabin and strongly downward. Dark Matter. You sense him. Finally, you're caught up. He's too far away to communicate, but you sense his presence all the same. The reverse may also be true.

Eventually, Skyla and Swanna swap places, the latter withdrawing into a Poke Ball to rest. N, who had been quietly asleep and leaning against the wall of the cabin, is awake again. Darach is admiring the sunrise through the plane window.

"Hello, this is Unova Air 093," Skyla says into a communication device of some kind. "We have a 405 situation here, uh, top priority. Can we get clearance for special landing in the nearest landing area for Laverre City?"

You wait with held breath.

And there's no reply.

"Hello, this is Unova Air 093," Skyla says again.

Something's wrong. You feel it in your cobblestone heart.

"Permission granted."

"...Where's the landing site? Can you send the path?"

Something pings your mind. Weavile. He recognizes that voice. Images flash in your mind of a kind Floatzel in a different division of the Knights. A nervous guy who wasn't sure about the whole hollow mind thing, but eventually, as they all did, settled into it. Forever.

"Coordinates are sent. You may land at any time. The runway is clear."

"Great, thanks!" Skyla says, looking back. "Guess they were a little surprised, but we've got coordinates to land!"

Current Status​

HP: 20/15+5
Energy: 15/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!) Let's head to Laverre City, and from there, to the PokeBall factory. Maybe we can find something there to assist us against Xerneas?
- (!) What attacks does Weavile actually... know? Do we have an opportunity to swap our moveset out before we get to Kalos?
- (∞) We weren't to meddle with human affairs like this... why is...?
- (5%) ...

 

[Negrek]

Xerneas has eyes everywhere... whatever that means.

With Xerneas having gone all eldritch and corrupted, I can only hope this doesn't turn out to be literal.

A Swanna is in the pilot's seat. Flying the plane. Okay.

GO SWANNA GO

So! We are absolutely running headfirst into a trap here, but I doubt we'd find an easy landing pretty much anywhere in Kalos. At least the delay in anyone answering us probably means we caught them off guard by showing up here. Let's go!

Telepathy @ Weavile: Do you know who Floatzel used to work with? Any thoughts on who might be down there with them, or did they usually work alone?

Consider: I'll keep an eye out for any sign of deception once we get off the plane. I'd better be ready to move fast if this is an ambush!

 

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

Poison Jab stands out; you're quick to tune yourself into using that move faster.

Oh, hello? I think I might be completely derping on us using it earlier, but that's either new info, or I'm completely derping from an earlier encounter. Thaaaaaat definitely might get some use against Xerneas

A Swanna is in the pilot's seat. Flying the plane. Okay.

I'm 100% imagining the expression from the ":ohyeah:" Swanna emote from PMD United here. Same exact energy

Your head jerks to the corner of the plane cabin and strongly downward. Dark Matter. You sense him. Finally, you're caught up. He's too far away to communicate, but you sense his presence all the same. The reverse may also be true.

Fascinating, I thought Dark Matter was too far away when we decided to head for the Pokeball factory? i wonder if he was still able to figure out we were headed there, like if he's more sensitive to us than we are to him, or if we somehow wound up picking the same exact place? Might he know something we don't? Curious what he'll have to say...

"Great, thanks!" Skyla says, looking back. "Guess they were a little surprised, but we've got coordinates to land!"

Yeaaaah that's definitely sus lol. I feel so sorry for that poor floatzel - he's about to have all of us and Dark Matter drop on him out of nowhere.

------------------------------

Actions! We'll want to warn Skyla about what we felt, maybe we can avoid some damage to the plane?

Speak (target is Skyla): "Something's wrong here - be careful Skyla! We might be attacked!"

Consider: We need to protect the plane from damage as best we can!

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Considerations:
- (1) I'll keep an eye out for any sign of deception once we get off the plane. I'd better be ready to move fast if this is an ambush!
- (1) We need to protect the plane from damage as best we can!
- (∞) We weren't to meddle with human affairs like this... why is...?
- (5%) ...

Something about this makes you nervous. Quietly, you ask Weavile, Do you know who Floatzel used to work with? Any thoughts on who might be down there with them, or did they usually work alone?

You're answered with uncertainty. Weavile has no idea. Different divisions, and separated by a lot of time in those divisions. For all you know, Floatzel was reassigned since then, too.

You're left with your instincts and anything that seems suspicious as you make your way down. You quietly warn the others, "Something isn't right. Once we land... be on guard, okay?"

This earns a few knowing nods from the others. Perhaps they had suspicions as well, though you sharing the same thing confirms it to them. Everyone's more on guard.

The plane rocks as you land, wheels and wings slowing the plane to a total stop. Briefly, you all sit there, waiting for something else to happen, yet nothing does. Not for now, at least.

The plane door opens and a stairway helps you down onto the strange concrete field that planes land on. Around, you can see fields of grass and buildings poking out from seemingly perpetually autumn forests. The coast is not far west of your spot.

Yet something felt wrong the moment you had stepped on Kalos ground. It rattles you to your core.

"Something's wrong here - be careful Skyla! We might be attacked!"

"Huh?" Skyla asks. "Seems totally empty to me..."

"Don't underestimate Cobble's instincts," Darach says, standing neutrally as he studies the landscape.

"Well, we didn't really get instructions on what to do from here. Kinda weird that there's no sky traffic or air traffic control to help us land. There was just nothing at all," Skyla remarks. "Weird, huh?"

You and Darach exchange a knowing look. You look for N, who hands you your supplies for the time being. Millie emerges from the plane last, her eyes focused on a seemingly empty part of the field. You follow her gaze and feel it gravitating to the same spot. Something is there, but not. A spirit? No, it's... underground, beneath the slabs of artificial stone that make up the airport's driveways.

N's claws tap your shoulder. He points at the plane's back wheel.

There's a sapling growing around it, breaking through the road to do so.

Your cautious mindset pays off. Without thinking, without hesitating, you fire a shard of ice at the little sapling and crush your grip in the air when it touches the root. The ice pops, emitting a corrosive, life-draining energy that rots the root instantly.

...So far, that is all you see of the plane's strike.

"What was that?" Skyla asks.

Swanna is in the sky, looking for a sign of anyone to retrieve them or escort their plane, but there's nobody. There's nobody.

"This is spooky," Millie says. "Why does it feel so... empty?"

"Hmm." Darach summons Houndoom.

The hound sniffs the air. Sniffs a while longer... Then, Houndoom barks something at Darach.

"I thought as much," Darach said. "Everyone. Houndoom's sense for flesh and blood--that is, potential prey--is incredibly strong. And despite this, he cannot sense anything whatsoever. All the trees, all the life around us, and yet... there seems to be not a single Pokemon within a mile radius."

"Excuse me?" Skyla asks. "Then who called us on the radio? That was definitely coming from the airport!"

Your eyes trail to the airport. You can't see quite that far from here, but... are those vines crawling over the building? They'd been there for a while.

"Your caution makes me suspect," Darach said, "that if we leave the plane here, we will not be returning to it."

You agree. That sapling alone is clear.

"I still need to refuel," Skyla hums. "There's only enough in the tank for maybe crossing half the region at most..."

"We came here for Poke Balls, right?" Millie asks. "Maybe we can get those and... um..."

"Kyurem may be able to fly us," N proposes. "Is he coming?"

You nod. You sense Dark Matter coming closer at a high speed, probably finally catching up after realizing where you landed.

"Whatever we do," Millie says, "can we do it quickly?"

"Hm? What's wrong?" Skyla asks. "I know it's important, but we just landed. We can rest, can't we?"

Millie looks concerned, which only confirms your intuition. Millie must, somehow, have acquired a sense for whatever strange force you're also sensing in the very ground beneath your feet. And that presence is getting stronger. Millie's eyes trail to the horizon again, looking directly at where Lumiose City is.

"Cobble?" Millie asks. "It's... there. Isn't it?"

You aren't sure. But this time, Millie seems more confident than you. You choose to believe her: your goal is at, or near, Lumiose City.

Soon, everyone will be regrouped. You can't help but feel like something is wrong... but you need a brief moment to consider what action to take next.

DECISION

Where do you go now? You only have time for one.

1. Head into the city and find some Poke Balls.
2. Head into the airport to investigate what's wrong.
3. Get back on the plane and fly somewhere else.
4. Stand your ground until Dark Matter arrives​

Current Status​

HP: 20/15+5
Energy: 15/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!) I'll keep an eye out for any sign of deception once we get off the plane. I'd better be ready to move fast if this is an ambush!
- (!) We need to protect the plane from damage as best we can!
- (∞) It... wasn't like this before...
- (5%) ...

 

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

The plane rocks as you land, wheels and wings slowing the plane to a total stop. Briefly, you all sit there, waiting for something else to happen, yet nothing does. Not for now, at least.

Daaang, I definitely expected an ambush, the emptyiness caught me off guard! Definitely figured that there'd me more life here... it's not like Xerneas is trying to kill everyone after all, quite the opposite in fact. I wonder if they're fleeing due to Dark Matter's approaching presence...?

Your cautious mindset pays off. Without thinking, without hesitating, you fire a shard of ice at the little sapling and crush your grip in the air when it touches the root. The ice pops, emitting a corrosive, life-draining energy that rots the root instantly.

Oooh, the Tree of Life! That definitely spells out that we're on Xerneas' territory now. I suspect that as Xerneas becomes aware of our presence, these roots are going to become more aggressive and possibly more powerful, so we've only got a limited time to act, and we'll probably need to keep on the move.

"Excuse me?" Skyla asks. "Then who called us on the radio? That was definitely coming from the airport!"

Yeah... even if the Floatzel is hiding from us now after realizing who we are, Houndoom would at least know he's in this area. I wonder if it either somehow fled or teleported away, or if instead, it's still here, but isn't actually a living, breathing creature? Maybe kind of like how at the beginning of the story, our spirit was alive, but was stuck inside the rock, so we appeared as just a plain pebble to everyone. Or perhaps Xerneas is able to project illusions against us, sort of like N's, but more physical? That would be scary if we get swarmed!

You can't help but feel like something is wrong...

100%. Something's definitely off here, and I'm kind of scared to stick around...

----------

For our actions... I'm not super confident about our choices here, but to recap:

Spoiler: Quick thoughts on each choice

- Pokeball factory is what we came for and might have an amazing payoff if we can actually find a Master Ball, that might be our trump card against Xerneas if we run out of other options.

- But, it might also not work against a being as powerful as her. Checking out the airport might let us figure out where all the life is, and that could potentially give us a clue to Xerneas' weaknesses... but we might also just trigger something akin to a monster house and be forced to flee without gaining anything significant.

- Fleeing to a new area like the League could allow us to get some extra advice, but we're also running out of time, and it would take us further from our goal of Lumiose.

- Staying in place probably minimizes our losses since we'll only have to defend ourselves against the saplings, but I also think it has the lowest potential upside. It might just literally stall out our time, and then we're forced to hurry to Lumiose.

I think I'm going to try the split approach as mentioned in the discussion post. It's risky, but it might less us gain part of the benefits of two options, and might be even safer for Skyla depending on what we encounter ahead.


Decision: Head into the city and find some Poke Balls

Speak (target is Skyla): "If I can ask a favor Skyla... While we go search for a master ball or some other such item, could you take the plane to the Pokemon League and see if you're able to find any of Kalos' Elite Four? Even if they're unable to return with you, if you can find out whether they've discovered anything about combating Xerneas or the dungeon here, that could potentially give us the edge we need!"

Consider: What did this place look like before, and how has it changed?

 

[Negrek]

Mmmm... spooky

From the way everyone is reacting, I kind of wonder that the idea that life is going on as somewhat normal in Kalos is just an illusion... someone/something conjuring voices/images like the one we heard from the control tower. Maybe everyone's been subsumed by Xerneas' will, and Xerneas is just keeping up appearances until they can expand into other regions... Not good at all, one way or another!

> Head into the city and find some Poke Balls

Speak @ Skyla: "Is there any way for us to communicate with you once you've left, or with the Elite Four if you find them? Do you have an Xtransceiver?"

> Consider: What's in that spot Millie was staring at? Can we dig up the ground a little?

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Decision: Head into the city and find some Poke Balls.

Considerations:
- (1) What's in that spot Millie was staring at? Can we dig up the ground a little?
- (1) What did this place look like before, and how has it changed?
- (∞) It... wasn't like this before...
- (5%) ...

Things are getting strange. Creepy, even. And apparently you are the amalgamation of dead spirits and the literal god of death... and this is creepy!

"Millie," you say. "What were you staring at? Should we check underground?"

"No... I think it's... the roots," Millie replies. "I guess I had a feeling they were there."

"Mm." Well, you already know what the roots are like...

Standing around doesn't appeal to you. Instead, you turn to your pilot. "If I can ask a favor, Skyla... While we go search for a master ball or some other such item, could you take the plane to the Pokemon League and see if you're able to find any of Kalos' Elite Four? Even if they're unable to return with you, if you can find out whether they've discovered anything about combating Xerneas or the dungeon here, that could potentially give us the edge we need!"

"We're splitting up, are we?" Skyla asks, looking unsure.

"Hmm. Perhaps I should accompany if this is a matter of the Kalos Elite Four," Darach suggests. "Millie?"

"Oh, um... I think I'll stay with Cobble. I'm not really... you know, I don't know a whole lot about Elite Four politics."

Darach nods, though he gives you a warding look that you should guard Millie carefully. She's the most vulnerable. You nod in kind.

"I will also remain with Cobble," N says. It's clear that he wants to go directly to the problem. You have a suspicion that his relation with Elite Four members is not the best. Perhaps he wants to avoid any repeats?

Still...

"Is there any way for us to communicate with you once you've left, or with the Elite Four if you find them? Do you have an Xtransceiver?" you ask Skyla.

"Way ahead of you!" Skyla winks. "Millie and I already exchanged contact information. If anything comes up, I'll let her know!"

Good enough.

You take some time to zap a few more roots and help Darach and Skyla back onto the plane. You hop out of the way with N once the plane starts moving, watching cautiously as it takes off. No flight traffic... Skyla must feel strange, you realize. You recall from Weavile's knowledge that these spaces are usually bustling. For it to be completely empty...

You sigh. "Let's check out the shops and factories."

<><><>​

So far, so good. In that while you don't find any people, you also don't find any hostiles. You and N navigate to the factory with Millie, going down empty streets and abandoned buildings left completely untouched for potentially days or weeks. What's particularly surreal is that there is no sign of panic, of tasks undone, of anything left in disarray. Everything is placed where it should be. It's like a display of what a town would be, without the people. A model presentation of a place to live, yet nobody lives there.

"I don't want to spend more time here than we have to," Millie comments nervously.

N's ear flicks but he says nothing.

"Oh."

But soon, you find what you're looking for. A factory... completely and utterly overgrown with vines, to the point where even the entrance is completely blocked. You could use some of your power to undo this--you sense this would be trivial--but the fact that it's sealed at all means you will certainly get Xerneas' attention if you break it open.

"...Maybe we can scavenge from some of the shops?" Millie asks with a nervous titter.

"I will do that," N says. "You can figure out what to do here."

He walks down the road. You're confident he'll know to flee if something comes up. This leaves you and Millie to figure out what to do about the factory. Millie glances to the right--she senses something again. Meanwhile, you glance left. You sense Dark Matter approaching.

Lots to consider... At least Skyla successfully took off.

Current Status​

HP: 20/15+5
Energy: 15/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!) What's in that spot Millie was staring at? Can we dig up the ground a little?
- (!) What did this place look like before, and how has it changed?
- (∞) Was it all a lie?
- (5%) You should hurry. It seems Xerneas is making her move. There is nobody here for you now.

 

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

You have a suspicion that his relation with Elite Four members is not the best.

Yeeeeeah, not the best history between them Must be pretty surreal from N's perspective, seeing the same people that he fought as a human, now on his side. I feel kind of similiar about Dark Matter - feels pretty trippy having such a normally malicious entity on our side for once. Though, who knows how long that's going to last...

"Way ahead of you!" Skyla winks. "Millie and I already exchanged contact information. If anything comes up, I'll let her know!"

Nice! Okay, that solves one problem - how to keep in contact. Hopefully, that also ensures their safety, until/unless we need assistance again.

You recall from Weavile's knowledge that these spaces are usually bustling. For it to be completely empty...
-------
You and N navigate to the factory with Millie, going down empty streets and abandoned buildings left completely untouched for potentially days or weeks. What's particularly surreal is that there is no sign of panic, of tasks undone, of anything left in disarray. Everything is placed where it should be. It's like a display of what a town would be, without the people. A model presentation of a place to live, yet nobody lives there.

The complete lack of any living beings is pretty spooky - it's almost like some kind of disease wiped out everyone. I'd definitely have thought that Xerneas going into overdrive with preventing death would lead to more, or at least the same number of people. We don't even see any stone status, if she was somehow sucking away their life or anything like that, though that would definitely be more our and Dark Matter's domain.

I almost wonder if she, or whatever corruption she's afflicted by, is transplanting human souls into Pokemon, perhaps? The randomly empty husk of Kyurem, without any kind of soul or life force, could be a hint in that direction. Maybe she can make similiar husks, and then animates them with souls that she controls, kind of like the Prism Knights. But then, we'd expect to see all these missing humans replaced with Pokemon, which so far we haven't...

You should hurry. It seems Xerneas is making her move. There is nobody here for you now.

...Or wait, is she perhaps setting a trap for us? Did she legit pull all of her forces back and wait for us to venture out on our own, and is about to attack us with all those people and Pokemon that we're not seeing!? If that's what her strategy is, we might be in serious trouble here.

------------------------

Time to think about our actions~

As mentioned in the discussion thread, there's a few things we could try here. We can try seeing if Lily happens to know Dig - if she does, that could allow us to tunnel under the factory and enter through the floor.

Biggest problem with this is, if Xerneas is attacking us with roots from the ground, then digging into said ground might actually be quite dangerous, though perhaps mitigatable if we can move fast.

We can also try using our claws and something like a rock or a piece of metal and setting the vines on fire, although that is probably still going to be noticable to Xerneas in at least some manner, and umm, could VERY easily burn out of control. And if we actually burn down the factory with the masterball we need to defeat Xerneas, Dark Matter will never let us hear the end of it

I think, honestly, the safest way forward might be to take a leaf out of Skyla's book and use our Catapult ability to fling ourselves and Millie onto the roof, and then see if there's an exposed access hatch or something like that. Plus, if Xerneas is planning an ambush, this at least gets us to higher ground where they'll have a harder time reaching us, and away from those vines. It has the lowest risk, though it will cost us some energy.

Speak (target is Millie): "Hey Millie, you're not scared of heights, right?"

Move: Catapult (target is the roof, launching both ourselves and Millie)

Consider: Let's Catapult us and Millie onto the roof, and then we'll search for a way into the factory from there.

 

[Negrek]

Welp. Adios, Darach. Let's have a look around here and then head for Lumiose, pronto!

...Or wait, is she perhaps setting a trap for us? Did she legit pull all of her forces back and wait for us to venture out on our own, and is about to attack us with all those people and Pokemon that we're not seeing!? If that's what her strategy is, we might be in serious trouble here.

This is kiiiind of what I've been expecting... not that Xerneas will necessarily attack us with all the people in the region (though that's certainly a possibility!), but that they've all been absorbed into/dominated by Xerneas somehow, and we'll find her either drawing power from them or otherwise using them against us.

Been a long time since we wandered any distance from our rocky home, but if we're still able to do that, I think it might come in handy here! If we can't find an easy way in from the roof, or we get inside but encounter some other form of blockage, then let's try to extend our consciousness outside of Weavile and take a look around incorporeally--if we can!

> Astral project into factory

> Consider: I need to keep Millie safe!

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Catapult (target is the roof, launching both ourselves and Millie)
Astral project into factory

Considerations:
- (1) Let's Catapult us and Millie onto the roof, and then we'll search for a way into the factory from there.
- (1) I need to keep Millie safe!
- (∞) Was it all a lie?
- (5%) You should hurry. It seems Xerneas is making her move. There is nobody here for you now.

Your first instinct is to hop to the roof and find an entrance there. Perhaps, as part of a flying god of death, the idea of taking an aerial approach comes naturally. Still, a second of consideration reminds you that Millie is still human... probably. You admit, her life aura feels slightly different, even if you're positive it's still her.

You decide to scout things out first. It had been a while, but perhaps you can project yourself into the wall... You focus. Harder. You lose your balance and Millie catches you, asking if you're alright, but part of you is already phasing through the wall. If there was ever protection against ghosts or other spirits trying to pass through, the general decay disabled it.

The inside is completely empty, save for the rampant overgrowth. That, in itself, poses a problem. It seems that the vast majority of the machines are ruined. In fact, compared to other parts of the city, the internals of the Pokeball Factory in particular are particularly ruined. You deduce with ease that Xerneas does not want Pokeballs operational in the region. You also suspect, with similar reasoning, that everything in the stores would also be in a similar state. Xerneas feared Pokeballs.

But you also notice that Xerneas' ruination of the factor was not thorough. You see a protected safe in the back that appears to be unopened. Still, you aren't sure how to get in yourself unless you use brute force or some other measure...

You return to Millie and open your eyes.

"Ah! you're awake!" Millie says. "What happened?"

"Sorry. Threw my spirit through the wall," you reply.

"What? All of them?"

"...Yes?" You admit you aren't sure. For the time being, you're more of an amalgam of spirits anyway... You wonder if Spiritomb would be more appropriate. "Listen, there's a safe. I think the last Pokeballs in the region are there. By the way, do you have spares?"

"Oh... no. I'm not really a trainer or anything, so..."

Right, true enough. Apparently reminded of this, Millie summons her wraith-like Lily and tells her to keep an eye out for anything strange. Lily seems on-edge, more than anyone else. She certainly senses the terrible aura of this place acutely.

Now was the matter of getting inside. "Hey Millie, you're not scared of heights, right?"

"Um? No?"

You grab Millie's hand.

"What do you--"

You haul her over your back despite the size difference and tap into your chest's core. Suddenly, you feel what might have been a heart attack, assuming you still have one, and then you're heaved skyward and onto the rooftop. You lose your footing and land through a weaker part of the roof just as fast. Lily, who had swiftly grabbed at one of your tail fathers, howls in panic at the same time as Millie.

You want to keep her safe, so you position to break her fall. You land on the ground of the factory floor after about a second of freefall, crushed under the human's weight. Thankfully, you have handled worse and get to your feet with ease.

"Are you okay?" she asks.

"Yes. Let's try to open that safe," you say.

"...A safe isn't that easy to open, Cobble," Millie says, frowning. "Oh! But it might have a code! Maybe Skyla knows. She's the authority here, right? I'll make a call..." She gets out her Xtransceiver.

While she does that, you approach the safe thoughtfully.

"...Skyla! good, we've got a connection still!"

"Barely. What's wrong?"

"We need the passcode to the factory safe! For Pokeballs!"

"What?" There's a crackle. "...Oh, I get it. Okay. Don't give this away, now! But it's . . ."

Skyla lists off some numbers. You realize, suddenly, that you have no idea how human safes work. Awkwardly, you turn around when you hear Lily growling at the plants, sighing. You're about to ask Millie to input the passcode...

And you see one of the vines approaching her ankle.

Without thinking, you snipe it with a shard of ice as if throwing a dagger. It withers and Millie jumps in surprise.

And suddenly, the entire factory erupts with activity.

Huge vines the size of cars erupt from the ground and shred machinery to the left. Conveyer belts fold like cardboard to a mangle of roots. The concrete of the floor gives way like dried mud to crawling, slithering thorns and brambles.

I F O U N D Y O U

In your mind's eye, you see the wide, maddened expression of the god of life. reddish black strings trace along her face and into her eyes. Something about her is twisting upward as if part of her torso is gone.

But as quickly as it arrives, it leaves. You're back in the factory as the vision fades. Millie had gotten out of harm's way, now behind you. But... you're surrounded. And now, Xerneas--this root system is an extension of her, part of her body--has closed in, rapidly covering all exits.

Roots of Kalos
HP: ???

The factory doors open. You see... in the light flooding in, shapes. Humanoid. Pokemon. You can't tell at a glance from so far away.

But you do notice that, even as they advance, their feet never leave the ground.

Current Status​

HP: 20/15+5
Energy: 13/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!) Let's Catapult us and Millie onto the roof, and then we'll search for a way into the factory from there.
- (!) I need to keep Millie safe!
- (∞) I... can't possibly face her...
- (5%) I'm not close enough! What are you DOING?

 

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

Still, a second of consideration reminds you that Millie is still human... probably. You admit, her life aura feels slightly different, even if you're positive it's still her.

Interesting that her aura is still changed! We know that Lily is still under the effects of being possessed by Dark Matter, so it's not too crazy to find out Millie's aura is still altered a bit as well. But I remember humans being more resistant than Pokemon to his corruption abilities, so that might be something to keep an eye on

You deduce with ease that Xerneas does not want Pokeballs operational in the region. You also suspect, with similar reasoning, that everything in the stores would also be in a similar state. Xerneas feared Pokeballs.

Hmm, that potentially spells trouble if everything's been trashed, but on the other hand, now we know that they could indeed be somewhat effective against her!

You wonder if Spiritomb would be more appropriate.

...Now there's some food for thought. There is indeed an awful lot of overlap between our current state and Spiritomb, right down to being a collection of souls and our rocky anchor. We haven't seen any evidence yet of Spiritomb's powers specifically, but that could also be because Yveltal is such a dominant soul and so much of our strength comes from him.

Lily, who had swiftly grabbed at one of your tail fathers, howls in panic at the same time as Millie.

"...Skjyla! good, we've got a connection still!"

The capitalization and spelling look a bit odd here - I'm not sure if it's because of the shaky call quality, or maybe just a typo?

"What?" There's a crackle. "...Oh, I get it. Okay. Don't give this away, now! But it's . . ."

Skyla lists off some numbers.

I'm actually quite surprised she knows that off the top of her head! I thought we'd need the Kalos E4 for that type of info, I definitely underestimated her familiarity with Kalos! Makes sense given her background as a pilot though - if she travels here regularly for work, she'd be in a better position than anyone else in Unova to know stuff like this.

Huge vines the size of cars erupt from the ground and shred machinery to the left. Conveyer belts fold like cardboard to a mangle of roots. The concrete of the floor gives way like dried mud to crawling, slithering thorns and brambles.

Oh nooooo! There's the ambush, isn't it?

I F O U N D Y O U

(I did mention this earlier, but - I adore the music! For the Kingdom Hearts tracks especially, not only are they thematically appropriate, but I'm not familiar with Kingdom Hearts at all, so it's been really nice discovering some new tunes. Especially "Dive into the Heart", my favorite so far!)

In your mind's eye, you see the wide, maddened expression of the god of life. reddish black strings trace along her face and into her eyes. Something about her is twisting upward as if part of her torso is gone.

Oh that is a narly mental image, missing part of her torso almost makes her sound like some sort of reanimated zombie. "Reddish black strings" bears a striking familiarly to our own colorscheme, although we know the type of corruption afflicting Xerneas is separate from what we see Dark Matter use. The red around the eyes especially is reminiscent of Ghetsis - I suspect we may have found what he did while he was here

The factory doors open. You see... in the light flooding in, shapes. Humanoid. Pokemon. You can't tell at a glance from so far away.

But you do notice that, even as they advance, their feet never leave the ground.

This is pretty neat - rather than describe the movement directly ("the bodies slowly shuffled forward"), you provide a specific detail (the feet never leaving the ground), and then the reader deduces the movement from that when they visualize it! (since you can't walk or run forward without lifting your feet).

(5%) I'm not close enough! What are you DOING?

"Look, it was either this, or arson, Dark Matter! "

Though if that safe is fireproof, embracing our inner pyromaniac (or at least trying) might've actually been the play

-----
Action time! And wow do we have some actions to consider

Looking at everything, we're told that the vines cut off all the exits, so I'm guessing that jumping back out the way we came in won't be an option. We don't have a ready way to tunnel out that we know of, unless Lily happens to know Dig, but even then we'd be risking the roots underground.

I think at this point, our best play is to stall for time. The zombie hoard is too far away at the moment to threaten us, so it's just us and the roots. Hopefully we can occupy Xerneas long enough for Millie to open the safe and potentially for Dark Matter and/or N to bail us out.

Speak (target is Millie): "Just focus on entering the passcode! I'll keep you safe!"

Consider: I need to distract Xerneas so that she doesn't attack Millie... but if she does anyway, protecting Millie is my #1 goal!

Attack: Poison Jab (target is as many different Xerneas roots as possible, to spread the poison)

 

[Negrek]

Why hello, C R E E P Y Xerneas! I approve. :)

I'm so glad that XTransceiver actually works, lol. Seems like the communication systems are still up to some extent... maybe just to keep up appearances to the outside world that the people in Kalos are at least semi-okay, or maybe Xerneas uses them somehow as well?

For now, though--battle time!

Enervate @ Roots

Consider: Is there any higher ground we might be able to get to? A catwalk, space on top of some big cabinets, something? Or a weakened area where we might be able to make a new exit?

Telepathy @ Weavile: "We're not fighting Xerneas, we're fighting the corruption that's controlling her! You saw that vision, didn't you? We have to get rid of whatever those creepy strings are that are growing into her!"

 

[Namohysip]

RESULTS​

Enervate!
Poison Jab!

Considerations:
- (1) I need to distract Xerneas so that she doesn't attack Millie... but if she does anyway, protecting Millie is my #1 goal!
- (1) Is there any higher ground we might be able to get to? A catwalk, space on top of some big cabinets, something? Or a weakened area where we might be able to make a new exit?
- (∞) I... can't possibly face her...
- (5%) I'm not close enough! What are you DOING?

"Just focus on entering the passcode! I'll keep you safe!" you call.

"Easier said that done!" Millie cries, sprinting for the safe as Lily hops out of Millie's purse. She fires several volleys of Shadow attacks, which seem to keep the roots away briefly, but they're nothing compared to your attacks--negligible against whatever Xerneas had become.

And that's all the time you have before the roots slam onto you. Swiftly, you jump out of the way, finding a few openings, thankful for your much more nimble form. You suspect that with Kyurem's body, you would have had to pivot to enduring blows directly rather than dodging them...

You find some high ground temporarily, but the roots collapse it just as fast. You think you see an exit, but the shuffling of roots and their shadows imply that exiting is just another trap. You're completely walled in. You have to endure, at least until Millie opens the safe. Hopefully something good is inside. Otherwise... it would be time for another escape plan, perhaps even brute force once Dark Matter arrives.

You point at one of the thickest roots near you, which had been the source of several more as it rampages through machinery like a toddler through a crumbling sand castle.

You Enervate the roots... It has little effect on the whole body, but at least some of the attacks are easier to dodge!

You entirely avoid a pummeling!

At least that part is slowed. "Hey!" you roar. "Forget the human! It's me you want, isn't it? Yveltal?!"

Poison coats your claws. You radiate your deathly aura. Certainly... you must get Xerneas' attention, even if it means taking a few stray blows. The slowed root is no longer your concern; instead, you jab into another seemingly endless plant. All the while, the shambling creatures at the entrance drag themselves closer.

"We're not fighting Xerneas," you plead to Weavile within, "we're fighting the corruption that's controlling her! You saw that vision, didn't you? We have to get rid of whatever those creepy strings are that are growing into her!"

The poison reaches its apex. Weavile is cooperating. Perhaps he's convinced, at least when it's just the roots.

Poison Jabbing the roots deals substantial damage... Seems to be Grass-Fairy after all! You deal a staggering 4+2 damage! Bonus damage for maximum effectiveness!

But its energy supply seems endless...

It seems using Weavile's attacks at full power only requires 1 Energy, though Enervation cancels that out for now!

Your attack easily carves through a main root. More importantly, when you do, everything shudders as you channel deathly energy through the roots. That crimson-black wave of energy trails all the way out of your sight, perhaps to the main body somewhere far away. Many of the shambling creatures stagger, but they are crawled over by more that did not.

And now that they're closer, you can see in detail what they are.

People. Pokemon. It did not discriminate. Their eyes are expressionless, roots crawling under their skin and through their bodies. Their feet are mangled into roots ingrained in the soil, their elements, if they had any, discarded in favor of the energy of Life. Human skin had turned a sickly greenish-pink. Fur had become moss; feathers, leaves. It could have been beautiful, had it not mangled their bodies in the process. Are they already too far gone? Is there a way to reverse this, or...?

Xerneas had gone too far. No matter what their fate was, this had to be stopped before it spread to more than just Kalos.

Your resolve and horror momentarily distracts you. A shadow obscures the sunlight. When you look up, the roots have already slammed you into the earth, leaving Weavile-shaped imprints in the concrete that go deeper and deeper until you hit soil.

Ouch! The roots pummel you into the ground with basic strikes. Your decent defenses ward off the worst of it... but you still sustain 2 damage!

You've had worse. Your body is a lot sturdier now. Yveltal's raw strength surges through you.

"Got it!" Millie shouts. You hear a heavy metallic shudder. The safe is open! "Hey," Millie calls, "what's a ball with a big M on it mean?!"

...Is it getting colder?

Roots of Kalos
HP: ???-6
Base Def: 5
Base Atk: 10

Current Status​

HP: 18/15+5
Energy: 13/15
Offense: 6+2
Defense: 7+1
Shadow: 5%

Considerations:
- (!) I need to distract Xerneas so that she doesn't attack Millie... but if she does anyway, protecting Millie is my #1 goal!
- (!) Is there any higher ground we might be able to get to? A catwalk, space on top of some big cabinets, something? Or a weakened area where we might be able to make a new exit?
- (∞) ...I must... see her in person. If we can draw her main body... Are the roots connected to it? If so, then a Ball would...
- (5%) Disgusting things. I'm blowing up the entrance. Move. (He sounds annoyed.)

 

[Mirage]

Spoiler: line-by-line

You Enervate the roots... It has little effect on the whole body, but at least some of the attacks are easier to dodge!

You entirely avoid a pummeling!

Nice work Negrek! Enervate really is our MVP of skills, it's so good

Poison Jabbing the roots deals substantial damage... Seems to be Grass-Fairy after all! You deal a staggering 4+2 damage! Bonus damage for maximum effectiveness!

Woah, that would be a 3rd of our own maximum HP in one attack looks like Poison Jab is definitely the way to go, at least so far as dealing damage is concerned!

People. Pokemon. It did not discriminate. Their eyes are expressionless, roots crawling under their skin and through their bodies. Their feet are mangled into roots ingrained in the soil, their elements, if they had any, discarded in favor of the energy of Life. Human skin had turned a sickly greenish-pink. Fur had become moss; feathers, leaves. It could have been beautiful, had it not mangled their bodies in the process. Are they already too far gone? Is there a way to reverse this, or...?

Ooh, that makes sense, this is sort of like Xerneas' version of when we claim a being! Just that rather than turning into a stone sculpture, their bodies become overtaken by plants instead. If these powers are opposite of each other, then indeed, we might be able to reverse the effects by sucking out Xerneas' life energy...?

"Hey," Millie calls, "what's a ball with a big M on it mean?!"

Amazing! We've now got a trump card up our sleeve though I imagine we'll almost certainly need to convince Weavile if we end up trying to use it, and I'm not sure if it'll actually do anything about the corruption affecting her... but still! If we can land it, guaranteed incapacitation!

...Is it getting colder?

Looks like a certain someone is about to show up... about time!

Disgusting things. I'm blowing up the entrance. Move.

As always, love the deadpan

I will say, seeing these leaf zombies, I'm kiiiiiind of starting to appreciate where Dark Matter's sentiments from earlier come from. With Xerneas turning the knights into mindless slaves, or these humans and Pokemon into literal plant puppets now... like, can you even call these things alive at all? They don't appear to have any sense of agency or will beyond her own. She's essentially killed them, but refuses to acknowledge that while also taking away Yveltal (and I guess Dark Matter's?) share of this balance.

Overall, this is going really well so far! We sustained only relatively minor injuries, neither Millie nor Lily got hurt, we've discovered the Masterball, and Dark Matter's almost here to help us in this fight. I thought for sure we'd lose someone

If Dark Matter's planning to betray us, I think I'm starting to see how it might happen. If we manage to subdue Xerneas, Dark Matter could leave Kyurem's husk and claim her, in order to remove the corruption. He'd then have all of Xerneas' powers, combined with his own, combined with whatever remnants he's got from Yveltal. He'd be an extremely formidable opponent, especially since we might not be able to claim the Kyurem husk if it turns to stone after Dark Matter leaves
----------------

Actions! Well, our first priority definitely is getting away from the entrance, I suspect we're about to witness some major carnage there. Weavile wants to see if we can draw Xerneas' body here directly - I'm rather curious what we might see if Xerneas and Weavile were to talk directly to each other? Though in her current state, I wonder if she'd even remember him

Attack: Poison Jab (primary target is any vine that approaches Mille or Lily)

Consider: I need to continue to draw Xerneas' attacks and shield Millie and Lily!

Speak (target is Millie): "It means we've got what we need! Now let's move away from the entrance - I have a feeling those plant enemies are about to chill out!"

 

[Negrek]

Yeah, now that Blitz is over, let's get this done!

Their feet are mangled into roots ingrained in the soil, their elements, if they had any, discarded in favor of the energy of Life. Human skin had turned a sickly greenish-pink. Fur had become moss; feathers, leaves.

Uh-oh, we've landed ourselves in one of love's fics.

Overall, this is going really well so far! We sustained only relatively minor injuries, neither Millie nor Lily got hurt, we've discovered the Masterball, and Dark Matter's almost here to help us in this fight. I thought for sure we'd lose someone

don't jinx it aaaaaa

He'd then have all of Xerneas' powers, combined with his own, combined with whatever remnants he's got from Yveltal. He'd be an extremely formidable opponent, especially since we might not be able to claim the Kyurem husk if it turns to stone after Dark Matter leaves

Ooh, that'd be nasty. And I could see it happening, yeah. What will the crankiest guy in the universe do if given the power of life and death combined? I guess we might find out, lol.

Weavile wants to see if we can draw Xerneas' body here directly - I'm rather curious what we might see if Xerneas and Weavile were to talk directly to each other?

Big same! It seems likely that we'll have some kind of confrontation between them, but I have no idea at this point how it might go.

Okay... mostly I think we want to see what Dark Matter gets up to this round. For now...

> Swords Dance to dance around as many attacks as we can and raise our offensive strength

> Consider: Let's do our best to dodge Dark Matter's attack and avoid his corrupting aura if we can. We don't want to take more shadow corruption if we can help it!

> Telepathy @ Weavile: "Do you know how we might be able to draw Xerneas' main body here? Or, could we enter the roots, or follow their tunnels, to reach her?"