Test 2.

[azumods]

WILLPOWER The chamber at the back of the cave is not unlike the one before it - it's large and oppressively dark, with shallow pools of water puddled on the floor. However, it isn't entirely impossible to see; off in a far corner of the cavern, there's a dim light shining pale blue, the soft glow pulsing steadily like it's keeping time, like a heartbeat. It's likely, however, that you're not going to get a good look at whatever is causing it before a voice rings out from the entrance behind you, immediately setting the Spiritombs off with loud, ringing shrieks that indicate over half a thousand souls aren't pleased with what seems to be happening here, and as the words register, you'll realize it's probably for good reason. "In the name of Team Galactic, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. The Guardian is rightfully ours." It's immediately obvious that at the very least, the voice doesn't belong to Saturn - it's higher-pitched, belonging to a woman from the sound of it. Turning to face the source will reveal a woman in full Galactic grunt uniform; she seems young in the face and she's rather short, though she's built as though she's likely strong for her size. While she's clearly here to do a task, her eyes are noticeably just as devoid of spirit as the others that you've seen - she's just as heavily brainwashed as the rest. The Spiritombs you've encountered will do their jobs; they'll protect the Lake Guardian physically, promptly proceeding to get between it and...well, everyone else here. They aren't going to back down until the perceived threat is dealt with; they really, really don't like Team Galactic. What happens now is up to you.

Comments

[azumods]

My superior wouldn't send me here if she didn't believe so.

[hyruglyphics]

... I suppose so, if you knew there were here. But I meant your personal assessment.

[azumods]

I believe I have a chance, at least.

[hyruglyphics]

[ So like, RE:this . . . Wait, that's actually- "something to be learned from losing-" that doesn't sound like something...

Zelda steps forward, ]

... If I may confirm, in a battle between Pokemon, neither the Pokemon nor the trainers die, correct?

[azumods]

[...THE FUCK KIND OF BARBARIAN.]

Of course not.

[semistableman]

[Okay but what do you mean the bad guys don't kill the loser.]

[anythingforyou]

[honestly, mood? big mood]

[hyruglyphics]

[ Honestly, that's weird to her too. ]

[hyruglyphics]

[ Okay...

So she'd really like so - and she will continue to do talking. But right now, she can't help but be curious about that phrasing. About how this world even had children, as near as she can tell, participate in Pokemon battles.

And so she inhales, exhales, steeling herself...

And then in addition to the Beldum beside her, she activates the Lickitung's pokeball and sends her out as well. ]

K-82, was it? I realize this might not be helpful to your mission, but I would like to learn from your strength. Would you be willing to battle me and my companions?

[ She's not the strongest battler here by a longshot. Other people's have evolved, and Camilla and the others are far stronger, as are the Spiritombs? Having her be here to do it also serves a strategic purpose, if they accept. ]

[azumods]

[Well, everyone seems to be trying to convince Kayneth that this is a damn bad idea and for some reason people are okay with this one fighting, and while that is Weird, at least this one doesn't have Ignis and Nucky hanging around being the most obviously sketch people in existence.

So you know what? Fine.]

I still don't think I know what strength is myself. But if you're going to issue a proper challenge, then...

[She finds one of those Pokéballs at her belt, releasing the creature inside; it stands upright next to her, blank-eyed but firm, and like Saturn's Pokémon before, it seems to radiate the sort of strength that comes with being high-leveled and well-trained.]

In the name of Team Galactic - no, as the former Gym Leader of Veilstone City, I accept your challenge.

[eudaimonikos]

[From the peanut gallery over here, there's a somewhat dramatic gasp followed by:]

It's Liam's kid!

[discutio]

Shit.

[that's not very rated t for teen of you, ignis.]

[greydients]

That's a Lucario!

[Rey takes a moment to embrace the fact that her little Riolu will become one of those one day, before-]

Zelda, it's a Fighting-type combined with a Steel-type!

[hyruglyphics]

[ The former Gym Leader of Veilstone City? She's curious about that, but that's entirely beside the point and she knows it. Right now, what matters is the challenge. And so ... she has never been a warrior, she's never had any aptitude for battle. But Zelda's been around fights all her life. The champions. Link. They sparred and battled, and she isn't sure she can stand to their example, or even the examples of the others in the room here...

But she nods and, her green eyes focus with a distinct purpose.

She urges Beldum forward, who is honestly a little bit... eeeeh because of where they are and perhaps sensing the typings here because Zelda sure is doing this challenge with a steel/psychic and a normal type, but. ]

Very well! Thank you for accepting it, Gym Leader! [ Whatever that is- ] Miphanus, Lick-- Saber let's do our best!

[semistableman]

[I mean he's not surprised by who she is, but he is surprised by whatever the hell that thing is supposed to be, so.]

[anythingforyou]

[...ohhhhh this is likely not going to be good.]

[ventulus]

[ ..... Well. Dangarang.

He didn't see the whole "Gym Leader" thing coming -- former or no. ]

Former...?!

[anythingforyou]

--Zelda, are you certain this is wise?

[like, okay, she is literally the last one to talk here, but

she still doesn't trust this grunt as far as she could throw her]

[hyruglyphics]

I'm not, to be honest.

[ She ... shrugs though, showing Camilla the most reassuring smile she can under the circumstances. Honestly, she's still tense at the idea that they could fail here or that they could die or be brainwashed again... ]

[anythingforyou]

[Zelda, that is not a confidence inspiring answer...]

Sweetie, you're smart. Incredibly so.

[...Zelda isn't as irritated as Kayneth is, and honestly, she's kind of looking at the situation here and trying to decide if it's a good idea.]

Have you been practicing, at the very least...?

[let it be known she has more faith in the pacifistic princess than in the aggro noble]

[hyruglyphics]

Yes, Miphanus, Sa-- Lickitung and I have been working as best we're able! Yours and Ignis's insights were honestly quite helpful. [ She ... doesn't know how to respond to the idea that she's being called incredibly smart for something like this. Honestly, it was the sort of silly thing she'd have expected out of Daruk or Revali. However, by the same notion, the idea of being warriors...

She can't help but think that perhaps it's worth asking, at least? ]

[eudaimonikos]

[mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

This is a...one-on-one sort of thing, correct?

[hyruglyphics]

Based upon what I have read in the books, it is, yes.

[eudaimonikos]

Well, I don't like it, but if that's what you want to do. I'm sure we've got enough provisions for your Pokemon and possibly the god, if it comes to that. I believe the rules do allow for mid-battle first aid.

[hyruglyphics]

[ Gently, and more quietly for Michael, ]

Our provisions ought to prioritize the god regardless. If need be, I can nurse them both with berries I find on the road until we can return to Pastoria... if that's possible. Regardless, though, I am likely one of the weaker battlers here. It's better that I attempt this than the rest of you.