Mod note: Originally I said there would be five parts, with a "final confrontation" planned for the 29th-30th of this month. But, since I've been running behind on posting these, I decided to include the final confrontation in this post so people would be able to take it on at their own pace. It's probably a good idea to take a break between the rest of this post and the "final confrontation," though!
Acerola's ready to go the moment the Celesteela vanishes from sight. "Come on! We have to find Uncle Nanu!" she shouts, and then she's off, headed straight out into the desert.
You could hope for better weather. The sandstorm you could hear over Nanu's message rages on, which does a bit to obscure the blistering sun but isn't exactly easy to get through. Acerola's almost vanished up ahead, obscured by the swirling sand--you'd better get going if you don't want to lose her!
- Write 100 words
OR
- Read a one-shot or a single chapter of a chaptered story
to catch up with Acerola!
It takes some doing, but you manage to catch Acerola while she's standing in the middle of a clearing, where breaks in the wind-rounded rocks create two separate paths, and considering a small stack of rocks. "We should split up," she says. "I'll call you on the Ultra Radar if I find anything. You go left here, okay? I'll take the right." And without waiting for an answer, she dashes off to the right, into the space between a couple of boulders, and is gone.
It looks as though you're going left, then...
- Write 200 words
OR
- Does this story remind you of any other stories that you've read? In what way? Or if not, what makes it feel so different to you? Write at least three sentences about this.
while you explore the Haina Desert.
It can't have been more than ten minutes before your Ultra Radar goes off. Acerola already? That was fast! But when you activate the device, it turns out to be someone else entirely.
"Another ultra wormhole opened near your location," Sophocles says from the safety of his lab, where he's presumably not getting pummeled by sand. "Keep your eyes open for more ultra beasts! I've been working on the ones you've sent back so far--we'll have them all back where they belong in no time! Actually, I was thinking we might be able to use their energy signatures to map what part of Ultra Space they came from. If they're all coming from one location, maybe we can send someone there to figure out how to blah blah blah, blah blah..."
Oh no. There he goes again...
- Write 150 words
OR
- What was your favorite aspect of this story or chapter? Write at least two sentences about it. (150 points)
while you endure Sophocles' chatter.
At last you manage to beg off on account of needing to find Nanu, and you're left on your own again.
Well, there's another ultra beast around here somewhere, and supposedly the Ultra Radar will clue you in when it gets close. This is probably your last opportunity to catch a pokémon before that fight, so you might as well take advantage.
- Write for 10 minutes
OR
- In 10 minutes, pick out as many quotes from the story that stood out to you as you can. (300 points)
while you hunt down one last pokémon!
How did you do? Check the spoiler below to see what you caught!
With a new pokémon by your side, it's time to get moving again. It seems you've hardly gone five steps before you're ambushed by a hiker. No amount of explanation will deter him--nothing about how you need to find someone who might need your help, or the threat of an ultra beast, or anything at all will deter him. Really, dude? It looks like you've got a battle on your hands, whether you want it or not.
- Write 150 words
OR
- Comment on the quotes you selected. Why did you pick them? What made them stand out to you? After that, you're done! Go ahead and post your review. (250 points)
to send that hiker packing!
With that distraction dealt with, you hopefully won't have to face anything further before you find Nanu. You wander deeper into the desert. It's easy to see how someone could get lost in all the blowing sand and the monotonous, rock-strewn scenery. You're not lost yourself, of course... right?
The Haina desert is a test of endurance, for you as well as your pokémon. There are plenty of wild pokémon that call the place home, and they're none too keen about you trampling all over it. Your pokémon get a real workout as you press on into the desert, and before long, another one of them begins to glow.
- Write 250 words
OR
- Something a bit different this time! Choose a chapterfic, and then read at least three chapters of it! (300 points)
while you wander the Haina desert.
You may evolve one of your pokémon.
Much to your surprise, the Ultra Radar actually begins to react, its alert nearly drowned out by the noise of the sandstorm, but definitely, unmistakably there. It's detected an ultra beast, and while the monster isn't close, it can't be too far away, either. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out which direction the signal's coming from, and still more to figure out how to follow it, when the insistent northeasterly urging of the Ultra Radar brings you up against a solid wall of rock.
Soon you don't even need the device's increasingly shrill alerts. The sounds of battle ring out even above the howling wind, and they're drawing closer every second. Looks like you're late to the ultra beast fight--better hurry up and help out whoever's trying to beat the thing back!
- Write 200 words
OR
- How was the pacing of this section? Did you feel compelled to read on to each new chapter, or were there lulls where you got bored? Write at least three sentences about this. (200 points)
while you follow the Ultra Radar's signal.
Rounding another broad rock outcropping brings the ultra beast into sight at last. It's a bloated creature, a huge mouth gaping across its massive lower body, more mouthlike pincers snapping at the ends of snaking limbs. The guzzlord towers over the pokémon fighting against it, a pack of dark-types that have it bound up in a web of dark energy, resolutely keeping it away from--well, it's clear why Nanu hasn't been returning your calls, at least.
The kahuna's team have the ultra beast tied down for the moment, at least. You rush over to check on Nanu, at the same time trying to call up Acerola on the Ultra Radar. Hopefully she's already heard all the snarling and is already on her way, but you can't leave that up to chance.
- Write 150 words
OR
- What was one thing you were surprised to find in this section? Write at least two sentences about it. (150 points)
and call Acerola for help!
Nanu's scowling more furiously than ever now, bleeding from a head wound and apparently in no fit state to stand up, but at least he's alive and appears to be in no immediate danger--well, no immediate danger aside from the guzzlord straining against its bonds a few meters away. You send your own pokémon out to help, and Nanu watches the fight unfold with his usual lack of enthusiasm. "Not bad for a rookie," he admits. "It's strange. All the fallers I've seen have turned out to be good trainers. Much better than I'd expect."
No time to contemplate that now. You need to keep that guzzlord occupied so it doesn't eat you both!
- Write for 5 minutes
OR
- Did you notice any setups or payoffs that happened over the course of these chapters? Any foreshadowing early on that paid off later? Write at least two sentences about it.
to keep Guzzlord in check until help can arrive!
It's hard to say how long it takes Acerola to arrive--every minute seems dilated by danger and the agony of waiting. Then she's there, emerging from the sandstorm in the company of her ghosts, and you can relax, at least a little bit.
Guzzlord strains against its bonds, pincers snapping and huge mouth gaping hungrily. Every now and then some thread of darkness snaps, and the beast surges forward eagerly, but thus far Nanu's team always manages to restore the restraint before it can truly set off on a rampage. Acerola's ghosts, tired from their trek through the desert and earlier battle against Celesteela, nonetheless step in to help, bringing forth more shadow bindings and pummeling the guzzlord with attacks when it tries to break them.
Acerola herself kneels next to Nanu, who appears less than pleased at the attention. "This is too much for us to handle alone," she says. "I'll stay here with Nanu. You, keep going to the Ruins of Abundance! Tapu Bulu must have sensed the wormhole opening already. It will expect someone to come seeking its aid. Such a lazy pokémon--it just needs someone to motivate it to fight. Quick! We aren't going to be able to hold this monster off forever!"[/font]
- Write to the next multiple of 500 words
OR
- How did things change over the course of these chapters? Were there any surprising reversals or twists, or did it go pretty much as you were expecting? Write at least two sentences about this. (200 points)
while you dash to the Ruins of Abundance!
The inside of the Ruins of Abundance are quiet despite the sandstorm roaring outside, and dim, lit only by light-shafts bored through the ceiling. Frowning totems watch while you approach the altar, which is draped in leis and heaped with offerings of food, money, and intricate figurines. Everything in the room seems designed to make you feel small, to remind you that you stand in the presence of real power. Who are you to call on the aid of the land spirits, after all? If it had any intent of defending its kahuna, wouldn't Tapu Bulu have done so already?
The grim pokémon that appears in response to your earnest prayer hardly does much to lighten the atmosphere. Aid you? A nobody who literally fell out of the sky this morning? The bell on Tapu Bulu's tail clanks faintly while it regards you, but the moment of peaceful, if unfriendly, watchfulness can't last. You would have the guardian's aid? First, you must prove you have the strength to commands its wrath!
- Write 300 words
OR
- Taken as a whole, what sort of impression did this section make on you? How did the plot or characters develop during this time? Do you think these chapters progressed the story effectively? Write at least three sentences on this topic. (300 points)
to show Tapu Bulu your strength!
The island guardian is hardly cowed by your attacks--it would hardly be any match for an ultra beast if one trainer's team could take it down. Nevertheless, it must have been impressed enough, because after a few rounds it shoulders past your pokémon, shrugging off their attacks and floating briskly for the exit. It turns to you, bell chiming, and seems to be expecting something. For a mighty legendary pokémon, it certainly seems to expect you to do a lot of the work!
- Write 200 words
OR
while you lead Tapu Bulu to the ultra wormhole.
The sandstorm stills where the guardian passes, and tiny green shoots and sprouts fan out across the dunes in its wake. Tapu Bulu's bell clangs and rattles as it goes along, each note seeming to send another pulse of energy through the air. You have an audience as you hurry back to the wormhole--wild pokémon watch from a respectful distance, a few turning to flee or burying themselves in sand when Tapu Bulu's gaze falls on them.
When the guardian catches sight of the wormhole ahead, and Guzzlord, straining against its dark bonds, it speeds up, sending clamorous bell-chimes ringing across the sand. Energy gathers in the air around the guardian, turning it heavy with potential, but Tapu Bulu doesn't attack, at least not yet. It's waiting for you to command it. It's time to step up and send the ultra beast packing, once and for all!
It all comes down to this, the final ultra beast and the way home. Good luck, trainer!
Part 4: Guzz-lord of the Desert
Guzzlord HP: 2153/15000
Guzzlord HP: 2153/15000
Acerola's ready to go the moment the Celesteela vanishes from sight. "Come on! We have to find Uncle Nanu!" she shouts, and then she's off, headed straight out into the desert.
You could hope for better weather. The sandstorm you could hear over Nanu's message rages on, which does a bit to obscure the blistering sun but isn't exactly easy to get through. Acerola's almost vanished up ahead, obscured by the swirling sand--you'd better get going if you don't want to lose her!
- Write 100 words
OR
- Read a one-shot or a single chapter of a chaptered story
to catch up with Acerola!
It takes some doing, but you manage to catch Acerola while she's standing in the middle of a clearing, where breaks in the wind-rounded rocks create two separate paths, and considering a small stack of rocks. "We should split up," she says. "I'll call you on the Ultra Radar if I find anything. You go left here, okay? I'll take the right." And without waiting for an answer, she dashes off to the right, into the space between a couple of boulders, and is gone.
It looks as though you're going left, then...
- Write 200 words
OR
- Does this story remind you of any other stories that you've read? In what way? Or if not, what makes it feel so different to you? Write at least three sentences about this.
while you explore the Haina Desert.
It can't have been more than ten minutes before your Ultra Radar goes off. Acerola already? That was fast! But when you activate the device, it turns out to be someone else entirely.
"Another ultra wormhole opened near your location," Sophocles says from the safety of his lab, where he's presumably not getting pummeled by sand. "Keep your eyes open for more ultra beasts! I've been working on the ones you've sent back so far--we'll have them all back where they belong in no time! Actually, I was thinking we might be able to use their energy signatures to map what part of Ultra Space they came from. If they're all coming from one location, maybe we can send someone there to figure out how to blah blah blah, blah blah..."
Oh no. There he goes again...
- Write 150 words
OR
- What was your favorite aspect of this story or chapter? Write at least two sentences about it. (150 points)
while you endure Sophocles' chatter.
At last you manage to beg off on account of needing to find Nanu, and you're left on your own again.
Well, there's another ultra beast around here somewhere, and supposedly the Ultra Radar will clue you in when it gets close. This is probably your last opportunity to catch a pokémon before that fight, so you might as well take advantage.
- Write for 10 minutes
OR
- In 10 minutes, pick out as many quotes from the story that stood out to you as you can. (300 points)
while you hunt down one last pokémon!
How did you do? Check the spoiler below to see what you caught!
| Tier One | Fewer than five quotes or fewer than 300 words |
|---|---|
| Sandile | Baltoy |
| Alolan Dugtrio | Golett |
| Tier Two | Five or more quotes or at least 300 words |
| Trapinch | Castform |
| Krokorok | Gabite |
With a new pokémon by your side, it's time to get moving again. It seems you've hardly gone five steps before you're ambushed by a hiker. No amount of explanation will deter him--nothing about how you need to find someone who might need your help, or the threat of an ultra beast, or anything at all will deter him. Really, dude? It looks like you've got a battle on your hands, whether you want it or not.
- Write 150 words
OR
- Comment on the quotes you selected. Why did you pick them? What made them stand out to you? After that, you're done! Go ahead and post your review. (250 points)
to send that hiker packing!
With that distraction dealt with, you hopefully won't have to face anything further before you find Nanu. You wander deeper into the desert. It's easy to see how someone could get lost in all the blowing sand and the monotonous, rock-strewn scenery. You're not lost yourself, of course... right?
The Haina desert is a test of endurance, for you as well as your pokémon. There are plenty of wild pokémon that call the place home, and they're none too keen about you trampling all over it. Your pokémon get a real workout as you press on into the desert, and before long, another one of them begins to glow.
- Write 250 words
OR
- Something a bit different this time! Choose a chapterfic, and then read at least three chapters of it! (300 points)
while you wander the Haina desert.
You may evolve one of your pokémon.
Much to your surprise, the Ultra Radar actually begins to react, its alert nearly drowned out by the noise of the sandstorm, but definitely, unmistakably there. It's detected an ultra beast, and while the monster isn't close, it can't be too far away, either. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out which direction the signal's coming from, and still more to figure out how to follow it, when the insistent northeasterly urging of the Ultra Radar brings you up against a solid wall of rock.
Soon you don't even need the device's increasingly shrill alerts. The sounds of battle ring out even above the howling wind, and they're drawing closer every second. Looks like you're late to the ultra beast fight--better hurry up and help out whoever's trying to beat the thing back!
- Write 200 words
OR
- How was the pacing of this section? Did you feel compelled to read on to each new chapter, or were there lulls where you got bored? Write at least three sentences about this. (200 points)
while you follow the Ultra Radar's signal.
Rounding another broad rock outcropping brings the ultra beast into sight at last. It's a bloated creature, a huge mouth gaping across its massive lower body, more mouthlike pincers snapping at the ends of snaking limbs. The guzzlord towers over the pokémon fighting against it, a pack of dark-types that have it bound up in a web of dark energy, resolutely keeping it away from--well, it's clear why Nanu hasn't been returning your calls, at least.
The kahuna's team have the ultra beast tied down for the moment, at least. You rush over to check on Nanu, at the same time trying to call up Acerola on the Ultra Radar. Hopefully she's already heard all the snarling and is already on her way, but you can't leave that up to chance.
- Write 150 words
OR
- What was one thing you were surprised to find in this section? Write at least two sentences about it. (150 points)
and call Acerola for help!
Nanu's scowling more furiously than ever now, bleeding from a head wound and apparently in no fit state to stand up, but at least he's alive and appears to be in no immediate danger--well, no immediate danger aside from the guzzlord straining against its bonds a few meters away. You send your own pokémon out to help, and Nanu watches the fight unfold with his usual lack of enthusiasm. "Not bad for a rookie," he admits. "It's strange. All the fallers I've seen have turned out to be good trainers. Much better than I'd expect."
No time to contemplate that now. You need to keep that guzzlord occupied so it doesn't eat you both!
- Write for 5 minutes
OR
- Did you notice any setups or payoffs that happened over the course of these chapters? Any foreshadowing early on that paid off later? Write at least two sentences about it.
to keep Guzzlord in check until help can arrive!
It's hard to say how long it takes Acerola to arrive--every minute seems dilated by danger and the agony of waiting. Then she's there, emerging from the sandstorm in the company of her ghosts, and you can relax, at least a little bit.
Guzzlord strains against its bonds, pincers snapping and huge mouth gaping hungrily. Every now and then some thread of darkness snaps, and the beast surges forward eagerly, but thus far Nanu's team always manages to restore the restraint before it can truly set off on a rampage. Acerola's ghosts, tired from their trek through the desert and earlier battle against Celesteela, nonetheless step in to help, bringing forth more shadow bindings and pummeling the guzzlord with attacks when it tries to break them.
Acerola herself kneels next to Nanu, who appears less than pleased at the attention. "This is too much for us to handle alone," she says. "I'll stay here with Nanu. You, keep going to the Ruins of Abundance! Tapu Bulu must have sensed the wormhole opening already. It will expect someone to come seeking its aid. Such a lazy pokémon--it just needs someone to motivate it to fight. Quick! We aren't going to be able to hold this monster off forever!"[/font]
- Write to the next multiple of 500 words
OR
- How did things change over the course of these chapters? Were there any surprising reversals or twists, or did it go pretty much as you were expecting? Write at least two sentences about this. (200 points)
while you dash to the Ruins of Abundance!
The inside of the Ruins of Abundance are quiet despite the sandstorm roaring outside, and dim, lit only by light-shafts bored through the ceiling. Frowning totems watch while you approach the altar, which is draped in leis and heaped with offerings of food, money, and intricate figurines. Everything in the room seems designed to make you feel small, to remind you that you stand in the presence of real power. Who are you to call on the aid of the land spirits, after all? If it had any intent of defending its kahuna, wouldn't Tapu Bulu have done so already?
The grim pokémon that appears in response to your earnest prayer hardly does much to lighten the atmosphere. Aid you? A nobody who literally fell out of the sky this morning? The bell on Tapu Bulu's tail clanks faintly while it regards you, but the moment of peaceful, if unfriendly, watchfulness can't last. You would have the guardian's aid? First, you must prove you have the strength to commands its wrath!
- Write 300 words
OR
- Taken as a whole, what sort of impression did this section make on you? How did the plot or characters develop during this time? Do you think these chapters progressed the story effectively? Write at least three sentences on this topic. (300 points)
to show Tapu Bulu your strength!
The island guardian is hardly cowed by your attacks--it would hardly be any match for an ultra beast if one trainer's team could take it down. Nevertheless, it must have been impressed enough, because after a few rounds it shoulders past your pokémon, shrugging off their attacks and floating briskly for the exit. It turns to you, bell chiming, and seems to be expecting something. For a mighty legendary pokémon, it certainly seems to expect you to do a lot of the work!
- Write 200 words
OR
while you lead Tapu Bulu to the ultra wormhole.
The sandstorm stills where the guardian passes, and tiny green shoots and sprouts fan out across the dunes in its wake. Tapu Bulu's bell clangs and rattles as it goes along, each note seeming to send another pulse of energy through the air. You have an audience as you hurry back to the wormhole--wild pokémon watch from a respectful distance, a few turning to flee or burying themselves in sand when Tapu Bulu's gaze falls on them.
When the guardian catches sight of the wormhole ahead, and Guzzlord, straining against its dark bonds, it speeds up, sending clamorous bell-chimes ringing across the sand. Energy gathers in the air around the guardian, turning it heavy with potential, but Tapu Bulu doesn't attack, at least not yet. It's waiting for you to command it. It's time to step up and send the ultra beast packing, once and for all!
Your path through Alola finally leads to this! All you can do is trust in your pokémon to see you through. One by one, call their names... May your words give them the strength to finish this fight!
- If you caught a pokémon in Haina desert, it's their turn to do battle! Call them forward! Write words equal to that pokémon's Pokédex number! (Dugtrio = 72, Golett = 128, Castform = 181, Sandile = 232, Trapinch = 235, Gabite = 239, Baltoy = 343)
- If you caught a pokémon near Tapu Village, send them in now! If this is a native Alolan pokémon, write 50 words for each of Alola's four islands (200 words)! If not, write 100 words times the generation this pokémon first appeared in!
- If you caught a pokémon on Mount Hokulani, it's their turn! Your writing is what they need to finish this fight. Did you evolve this pokémon? If not, write for five minutes. If so, write for ten minutes.
And, finally, the one who's been with you through everything... Who is your starter? It's time for them to make a final stand!
- If you chose the laid-back meowth, write for a final five minutes
- If you chose the fiery meowth, write 400 words
- If you chose the gentle meowth, write until you finish the end of your current paragraph
- If you caught a pokémon in Haina desert, it's their turn to do battle! Call them forward! Write words equal to that pokémon's Pokédex number! (Dugtrio = 72, Golett = 128, Castform = 181, Sandile = 232, Trapinch = 235, Gabite = 239, Baltoy = 343)
- If you caught a pokémon near Tapu Village, send them in now! If this is a native Alolan pokémon, write 50 words for each of Alola's four islands (200 words)! If not, write 100 words times the generation this pokémon first appeared in!
- If you caught a pokémon on Mount Hokulani, it's their turn! Your writing is what they need to finish this fight. Did you evolve this pokémon? If not, write for five minutes. If so, write for ten minutes.
And, finally, the one who's been with you through everything... Who is your starter? It's time for them to make a final stand!
- If you chose the laid-back meowth, write for a final five minutes
- If you chose the fiery meowth, write 400 words
- If you chose the gentle meowth, write until you finish the end of your current paragraph
Your path through Alola finally leads to this! All you can do is trust in your pokémon to see you through. One by one, call their names... May your words give them the strength to finish this fight!
- If you caught a pokémon in Haina desert, it's their turn to do battle! Call them forward! If this is an evolved or single-stage pokémon, read a funny or upbeat one-shot or a chapter from a lighthearted story! If not, read a sad or tragic one-shot or a chapter from a melancholy story. (100 points)
- If you caught a pokémon near Tapu Village, send them in now! If this is an Alola-form pokémon, write at least three sentences about what you think of the story's mood or atmosphere. If not, write at least three sentences about the characters. (200 points)
- If you caught a pokémon on Mount Hokulani, it's their turn! Tell them about what you've read, and inspire them to greater heights! If this is a psychic-type pokémon, write at least two sentences about a smart choice the author made. If this is a flying-type pokémon, write at least two sentences about something you thought the author could improve. If it's a different type, write two sentences about your opinion on the story or chapter's end. (200 points)
And, finally, the one who's been with you through everything... Who is your starter? It's time for them to make a final stand! (300 points)
- If you chose the laid-back meowth, write at least three sentences about whatever you like
- If you chose the fiery meowth, write at least three sentences about what you think this work's author should be most proud of in it
- If you chose the gentle meowth, write at least three sentences of encouragement for the author
- If you caught a pokémon in Haina desert, it's their turn to do battle! Call them forward! If this is an evolved or single-stage pokémon, read a funny or upbeat one-shot or a chapter from a lighthearted story! If not, read a sad or tragic one-shot or a chapter from a melancholy story. (100 points)
- If you caught a pokémon near Tapu Village, send them in now! If this is an Alola-form pokémon, write at least three sentences about what you think of the story's mood or atmosphere. If not, write at least three sentences about the characters. (200 points)
- If you caught a pokémon on Mount Hokulani, it's their turn! Tell them about what you've read, and inspire them to greater heights! If this is a psychic-type pokémon, write at least two sentences about a smart choice the author made. If this is a flying-type pokémon, write at least two sentences about something you thought the author could improve. If it's a different type, write two sentences about your opinion on the story or chapter's end. (200 points)
And, finally, the one who's been with you through everything... Who is your starter? It's time for them to make a final stand! (300 points)
- If you chose the laid-back meowth, write at least three sentences about whatever you like
- If you chose the fiery meowth, write at least three sentences about what you think this work's author should be most proud of in it
- If you chose the gentle meowth, write at least three sentences of encouragement for the author
It all comes down to this, the final ultra beast and the way home. Good luck, trainer!
Battle! Vs Guzzlord
Guzzlord - HP 11375
Guzzlord - HP 11375
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