#[CHARIZARD IS CHARGING UP POWER!]

[otiksimr]

Poorly drawn Charmander line [redo]

[cherbexr]

"Then let's be lost together"

Leon x Trainer! Reader

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Warnings: none!

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"(Pokemon), return!"

You called back your partner as the wind and the rain continued to blow, not wanting to danger your partner in this weather. You tried to shield your eyes as you looked around to see where you were.

"I can't see anything..." You huffed and pulled out your rotom phone noticing it was low on battery, "can't even call for a taxi either."

You then put your phone away and trudged to an abandoned tower to get some cover from the weather. As you sat your stuff down in the dark room you sighed in relief and turned your flashlight on.

"At this rate, I'll be late to the tournament." You huffed in disappointment and sat down against a wall with your knees to your chest.

Some faint noises could be heard in the background, choosing to ignore it you called out your (electric type Pokemon of your choice!) and asked if they could lend their power to charge your phone.

You looked around in the dark, damp place and sighed again. You looked back at your Pokemon and they looked uneasy and were in a defensive stance.

"What is it?" you asked and looked in the direction your Pokemon was looking at. Your eyes widened when you saw a Pokemon emerge from a shadow. It was a wild Dusclops!

"Okay ready to fight (Pokemon name)? Oh wait you still have my phone in your mouth... Let's go!" You decided to bolt with your Pokemon closely behind you.

You managed to get far enough away from the tower and back in the pouring rain. "Great..."

"Heyy!!" A loud voice called from above you. You looked up and saw an outline of a Charizard with someone on top. "Hey! Are you lost?"

That's weird, flying taxis usually use Corviknights...

The Charizard and the man landed in front of you and your vision cleared....It was Champion Leon! The one you were dreaming of going up against if you weren't caught in this bloody rain...

Your eyes widened as you saw him jump off Charizard and walk up to you, towering over you.

"Sorry to startle you, I got lost trying to make my way to Wyndon. Then this storm kicked up, losing my way even more," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

You gotta admit, he looked delicious like this. All drenched, his clothes clinging to his body showing the outline of his muscles and- I'mma stop there.

"Uh yeah, same. I was also headed to Wyndon until I got caught in the rain," you said to him.

"So you're in the same boat I'm in! Haha, what a coincidence!" he laughed. "How about we set up camp together? I may not look like it but I can cook a pretty mean curry."

You smiled at him and approved as you both sat your stuff down and set up a campsite. You shared your ingredients but he opted to use whipped cream, sweet pecha berries, and...sausages?

"Um, are you sure that's going to be good?"

"Trust me," he replied, concentrating on making his curry. You shrugged and let your pokemon out so they could recharge.

Time passes as you're cracking jokes with Leon and talking and getting to know each other. He finally finishes his rancid curry and gives you a plate to have a try.

You looked at the plate that stood in your hands suspiciously. It was bubbling and gurgling.

"eat up! I promise it's as good as it looks," he says with a mouthful.

You looked at him and back at your plate and decide to lick the tip of the spoon. To much surprise it was pretty good. Your pokemon seemed to enjoy it judging from the food around their mouths.

As your two finish up dinner, you notice the rain stopped but it was dark outside. Leon was gathering up the dirty dishes while you were getting your phone to work again after having a little water damage and a bite mark from your Pokemon.

"Hey, how about we get some sleep and tomorrow morning we can travel to Wyndon together?" Leon suggests.

"Sounds like a plan, hopefully we don't get lost," you joked.

"If we did, let's get lost together"

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[hiddentrails7]

I gave the BG3 origin characters Pokémon teams and put way too much thought into it, so I thought I'd share my nerdish thoughts. Maybe I'll do non-origin characters at some point, but eh, we'll see.

Oh, and there's some spoilers for the character stories, so read at your own risk.

(Teams under the cut!)

Lae'zel

(I couldn't not use this gif, sorry girlie)

Kommo-o

"When it spots enemies, it threatens them by jingling the scales on its tail. Weak opponents will crack and flee in panic." (Pokémon Sun)

An intimidating, armored warrior, just like Lae! Its shiny also reminds me of her, haha.

Zangoose

"It has feuded with SEVIPER for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons." (Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl)

Just like the Githyanki's fued with Mindflayers, it has a big issue with Seviper's mere existence. They also give the same attitude vibes.

Scizor

"SCIZOR has a body with the hardness of steel. It is not easily fazed by ordinary sorts of attacks. This POKéMON flaps its wings to regulate its body temperature." (Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire)

They're both well-armored! It is,, also just her vibe.

Bisharp

This pitiless Pokémon commands a group of Pawniard to hound prey into immobility. It then moves in to finish the prey off." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2)

A hardened warrior, like the rest of the team. It not only plays into the fact that she likes to take charge, but I don't think she'd ever evolve it into Kingambit due to her whole awakening with Vlaakith and learning about the prince in the prism, lmao. She's content with Bisharp.

Falinks

"The six of them work together as one Pokémon. Teamwork is also their battle strategy, and they constantly change their formation as they fight." (Pokémon Shield)

The ultimate unit. She doesn't care if they're little guys, they're forces of nature! Not to be trifled with!

Charizard

"CHARIZARD flies around the sky in search of powerful opponents. It breathes fire of such great heat that it melts anything. However, it never turns its fiery breath on any opponent weaker than itself." (Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire)

Even if she doesn't agree to become Vlaakith's chosen, she seems like the type to get a dragon herself just to spite Vlaakith.

☆

Shadowheart

(Oh my beloved Shart)

Umbreon

"When exposed to the moon's aura, the rings on its body glow faintly and it gains a mysterious power." (Pokémon Platinum)

It is so she coded. She worships the moon/darkness, no matter what path you go down with her, so Umbreon is perfect!

Absol

"Although it’s said to bring disaster, in actuality, this Pokémon possesses a calm disposition and warns people of any crises that loom." (Pokémon Moon)

Another dark, kind-of moon-esk vibe Pokémon. They also have similar haircuts!

Trevenant

"Trevenant is very kind to Pokémon living in the forest. It doesn't even care if these Pokémon take up residence in the greenery on its head." (Pokémon Violet)

A Pokémon I just think she'd like. I like to think it'd try to protect her from wolves in the forest, but when she came into contact with Sharr for the first time it was only a Phantump.

Hatterene

"This Pokémon can read the emotions of creatures over 30 miles away. The minute it senses hostility, it goes on the attack." (Pokémon Sword, G-Max form)

I think it's a really funny image. Shadowheart wouldn't mind watching with a wine glass in-hand as her Hatterene beats the shit out of someone that won't leave her alone. Its interaction potiental with Astarion is peak.

Mawile

"It chomps with its gaping mouth. Its huge jaws are actually steel horns that have been transformed." (Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver)

Has her vibes. Good for both versions of her. Has her ponytail (kind of). Makes sense to me!

Zoroark

"Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery." (Pokémon White)

While kind of leaning toward Sharr, it works for Selune as well! Shadowheart is also naturally a Trickster Domain Cleric, so a Pokémon known for tricks is great!

☆

Astarion

(My personal favorite character. I love him. He's soggy.)

Hisuian Zoroark

"With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark’s own body." (Pokémon Legends Arceus)

Its a very Astarion Pokémon. It not only has wonderful hair, just like him, the entry above sounds a bit too similar to the start of the Cazador fight... heh.

Gliscor

"It dances silently through the sky. When it approaches prey, it can land a critical hit in an instant." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2)

Of course, it's vampire coded, and it also just has Astarion's smug, rogueish vibes.

Thievul

"It secretly marks potential targets with a scent. By following the scent, it stalks its targets and steals from them when they least expect it." (Pokémon Sword)

Astarion is a fancy man! Former magistrate! Thievul fits the high-class vibe and, of course, the thief aesthetic.

Froslass

"A Pokémon inhabited by the soul of a woman who died bearing a grudge in the snowy mountains. Legends of Froslass placing deathly curses on misbehaving men send shivers down my spine." (Pokémon Legends Arceus)

I think it'd be funny, if this Pokémon saw Astarion and related. Like. It feels empathy for this poor mf and just kinda sticks around. It REALLY wants to kill Cazador, but doesn't for Astarion's sake. It's cute.

Crobat

"The transformation of its legs into wings made it better at flying, but more clumsy at walking." (Pokémon Platinum)

Ugh the thought of Astarion befriending a Zubat in Cazador's palace and getting it to evolve via friendship is so nice. Also another vampire-esk mon.

Liepard

"Their beautiful form comes from the muscles they have developed. They run silently in the night." (Pokémon Black 2 & Pokèmon White 2)

It's him. As a purple and yellow cat. What do you want me to say.

☆

Gale

(My favorite boot-eater)

Alakazam

"While it has strong psychic abilities and high intelligence, an ALAKAZAM's muscles are very weak. It uses psychic power to move its body." (Pokémon Emerald)

Okay, Mr. 45 Defense 135 Special Attack. The og wizard Pokémon. Of course Gale has one.

Meowscarada

"This Pokémon uses the reflective fur lining its cape to camouflage the stem of its flower, creating the illusion that the flower is floating." (Pokémon Scarlet)

While, yes, it's a Magician, not a Wizard, I still think it works. Gale has a sassier side, which I thoroughly enjoy, and it reminds me of Tara in a weird way.

Delphox

"Using psychic power, it generates a fiery vortex of 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit, incinerating foes swept into this whirl of flame." (Pokémon Y)

Literally a wizard. Gale would love a little Fennakin.

...also, uh, Fireball.

Ditto

"With its astonishing capacity for metamorphosis, it can get along with anything. It does not get along well with its fellow Ditto." (Pokémon Moon)

Gale loves his duplicates: no need for spell slots if you have a Ditto!

...unless he needs Ditto to speak, of course, but Ditto can probably write instead!

Meowstic (Male)

"When in danger, it raises its ears and releases enough psychic power to grind a 10-ton truck into dust."

Another lovely Psychic type! It's also cat-shaped so that's a bonus for Gale. Simply a little guy.

Chandelure

"This Pokémon haunts dilapidated mansions. It sways its arms to hypnotize opponents with the ominous dancing of its flames." (Pokémon Sword)

I wanted a magic item reference, and I think he'd think it's cool! There's quite a few myths surrounding it.

☆

Wyll

(My first romance. He has a special lil place in my heart.)

Gallade

"A master of courtesy and swordsmanship, it fights using extending swords on its elbows." (Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl)

THE BLADE OF FRONTIERS—

Aegislash

"Apparently, it can detect innate qualities of leadership. According to legend, whoever it recognizes is destined to become king." (Pokémon Y)

THE BLADE OF FRONTIERS PART 2—

Oh, and I also think he got his from his father.

Corviknight

"This Pokémon reigns supreme in the skies of the Galar region. The black luster of its steel body could drive terror into the heart of any foe." (Pokémon Sword)

Haha. Ravengard. Get it.

It's also another knight aesthetic. Yippee.

Sirfetch'd

"Only Farfetch'd that have survived many battles can attain this evolution. When this Pokémon's leek withers, it will retire from combat." (Pokémon Sword)

Oh, another knight! What do you know.

...Blade of Frontiers part 3.

Lucario

"Not only does it perceive auras, but it has also gained the power to control them. It employs them in battle." (Pokémon Sun)

It's very him coded. I also really like the jokes where people compare him to a puppy. Lucario is a bipedal puppy.

The thought of a younger Wyll with a Riolu also brings me joy.

Ceruledge

"The fiery blades on its arms burn fiercely with the lingering resentment of a sword wielder who fell before accomplishing their goal." (Pokémon Scarlet)

Ah, finally. The Warlock pact Pokémon. It really fits him after getting his pact, imo. I like to think Mizora didn't give him a chance to evolve it into Armarouge instead, which upset Wyll at first, but he gets attached to Ceruledge. It's still his, after all.

☆

Karlach

(My favorite female character! She brings me such joy)

Emboar

"It can throw a fire punch by setting its fists on fire with its fiery chin. It cares deeply about its friends." (Pokémon Black)

She'd love this fucker, especially as a Tepig! They're both bulky as shit and deserve the world.

Haxorus

"While usually kindhearted, it can be terrifying if angered. Tusks that can slice through steel beams are how Haxorus deals with its adversaries." (Pokémon Shield)

Haha big axe. Haxorus is just very Barbarian coded.

...Also Karlach with an Axew <3.

Tinkaton

"The hammer tops 220 pounds, yet it gets swung around easily by Tinkaton as it steals whatever it pleases and carries its plunder back home." (Pokémon Violet)

Another big-weapon Pokémon, but I think she'd also just think it's silly.

Imagine Wyll meeting her with this little menace, since he has a Corviknight.

(Yes, I might've done that on purpose)

Arcanine

"Arcanine is known for its high speed. It is said to be capable of running over 6,200 miles in a single day and night. The fire that blazes wildly within this Pokémon's body is its source of power." (Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire)

Loyal fire puppy. Essentially Karlach.

Bewear

"This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug." (Pokémon Moon)

THEY CAN TAKE EACHOTHER'S BACKBREAKING HUGS. THEY DESERVE EACHOTHER.

I also just really had a fun time running Bear-Rage Barbarian Karlach.

Darmanitan

"Its internal fire burns at 2,500° F, making enough power that it can destroy a dump truck with one punch." (Pokémon Black)

A very Karlach mon, in my opinion. She appreciates how angry it can be. She is also quite angry.

[teehee-vibes]

In the Pokémon XY(Z) anime, I think that Tierno should have been the Pokémon performer out of the Kalos friends. I think he should have been Serena’s rival, instead of or with Shauna.

On one hand, Shauna’s great and fine, ya know? She was alright! But just Fine. I would like her more if she was there more.

On the other hand, Tierno’s personality is dancer. He is literally a DANCERRRRR. His Pokémon are DANCERS. It was his entire thing in the games (the source material) and even in the anime because of his battling style. And I get it, girl power and stuff. I loved the female solidarity in the master class, ya know? Girls supporting girls, even when competing, which is why I sorta would still like Shauna there (or give the other girls attention, god bless /lh). But as far fetched and/or impossible as it is for the anipoke writers (/lh again), I would have adored seeing a boy in that setting. A boy unabashedly passionate about performing in a sphere that’s female dominated and being just as supportive and positive. Being totally unashamed. I think that would be so cool.

It would have made his crush make more sense too, honestly, or just add some more charm to it. It wasn’t hindering the show because it didn’t come up often, just hindered his character because it came up when he was there. But imagine it developed as she grew into being a confident performer. Don’t even make the crush reciprocated, it still could have been cuter this way.

AND WHILE IM AT IT, because I just thought of this while writing, if I were in charge of the writing with my current mindset and understanding: Change up the counterparts for the trios.

Make Tierno and Serena each others’ counterparts, and change the others along with it.

I think it’s safe to say Trevor and Clemont were kinda~ counterparts, just the least developed of them (brainiacs, both seem to have some type of anxiety, not neurotypical IN THE SLIGHTEST, etc.). I think that Trevor and Ash could have been fun. Trevor was the member of the Kalos rival trio to master Mega Evolution, and he also battled in the League. In the games, he has a crisis about his own strength and doubts his abilities as a trainer because he has end goals different from other trainers. I just KNOW Ash would have been the best rival and friend to help him through that. Trevor has an affinity for taking photographs of Pokémon, pointing out the differences and rarities in them, and seeking out the legendaries Ash has met and battled before. And Ash, mister nomad with such love for the world around him, I think, would find a lot of interest in that and support it. Plus, Trevor has Charizard. Ash’s ace used to be Charizard. They could have bonded, they could have been incredible.

And that leaves Clemont and Shauna. And what do ya know?? Clemont and Shauna are EXPLICITLY FRIENDS in the games! It didn’t click with me until I started ranting about Tierno and Serena, but CLEMONT AND SHAUNA ARE CANONICALLY BUDDY BUDDY IN THE SOURCE MATERIAL (I get that Shauna is super friendly with Serena in the games as well, but you know what I mean). The device Shauna uses to break into the final chamber of Team Flare’s secret lab was a gift from Clemont. In the beginning of the game, Shauna knows little to nothing about being a trainer, but when she gets to Lumiose City and sees the gym leader and his little sister outside the gym, she recognizes them by face and exclaims “Those two are my friends! :D” It would have been fun seeing an unlikely friendship develop between the scientist who thinks he’s got his future figured out and the trainer with no set path who’s striving to love life as it is in the present.

Do you see the vision?

[pokemon-card-of-the-day]

Pokemon Card of the Day Schedule: Expedition

Expedition was meant to bring in a new era of Pokemon Cards. On the surface, the main new thing was that you could scan cards with the e-reader attachment, often to access minigames on the Game Boy Advance. For players, the main addition to the game was the Supporter card. These were more powerful than normal Trainer cards but were limited to 1 per turn, and have become a staple of the game since. Copycat was a particularly popular one in this batch, with some use for things like Professor Oak's Research, Professor Elm's Training Method, and Pokemon Nurse as well.

The Pokemon side was a little awkward. They re-balanced things a bit here, and then decided the shift to Ruby & Sapphire needed to bring back power creep. The result was that most of the cards in this 3-set era (it was 5 in Japan, but Wizards condensed them to release them all before their contract expired) were underpowered in any formats with cards either before or after. Some still got a few results, like Feraligatr doing well at a major tournament, Ninetales seeing a bit of early RS-era play, and Vileplume becoming a tech option in decks running a later Bellossom.

Many of these cards were ignored until much later, when people looked back and went "hey, these cards were just meant to be played with each other" and decided to just do that, ignoring old formats. A lot of the cards in this set held up well in that context, with fan favorites like Venusaur, Charizard, and Typhlosion all being near the top of the game. Sure, it may not have been official, but it's 2024 now and we can look at that sort of format too if we want to. Under slightly different circumstances, we'd have probably had a format like that, and doing so gave use to some pretty interesting cards.

Alakazam Ampharos Arbok Blastoise #4 Butterfree Charizard #6 Clefable Cloyster Dragonite Feraligatr #12 Gengar Golem Machamp Meganium #18 Mewtwo Mew Ninetales Pidgeot Poliwrath Rapidash Typhlosion #28 Tyranitar Venusaur #30 Vileplume Charizard #39 Meganium #53 Bill's Maintenance Copycat Dual Ball Energy Charge Energy Removal 2 Energy Restore Multi Technical Machine 01 Pokemon Nurse Pokemon Reversal Power Charge Professor Elm's Training Method Professor Oak's Research Strength Charm

[wingshowdown]

Round One Match-Ups

I cannot find a 128 contestant bracket template that isn’t two pages long, so I’m only going to make a visual bracket for the second round. So, for now, here’s the match-ups. They were randomized via Random.org

1. Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle) vs. Tobias (Animorphs) 2. Aradia Megido (Homestuck) vs. Ridley (Metroid) 3. Charizard (Pokémon) vs. Tsunderplane (Undertale) 4. Crowley (Good Omens) vs. Spamton NEO (Deltarune) 5. Dahlia (Barbie: Fairytopia) vs. Yume (Mewkledreamy) 6. Megaera (Hades) vs. Terezi Pyrope (Homestuck) 7. Rufioh Nitram (Homestuck) vs. Ruby the Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic) 8. Asreil (Undertale) vs. Parakarry (Paper Mario) 9. Dark Pit (Kid Icarus: Uprising) vs. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy) 10. Philza (Origin SMP) vs. Little Bird Holding a Rat (Spirited Away) 11. Genesis Rhapsodos (Final Fantasy) vs. Mario (with wing cap) (Super Mario 64) 12. Ender Dragon (Minecraft) vs. Brietta (Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus) 13. Kushina Anna (K) vs. Duck (Princess Tutu) 14. Link's Loftwing (Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword) vs. Dragonite (Pokémon) 15. Max (Magical Boy) vs. Smaug (The Hobbit) 16. Lock (Go! Princess Precure) vs. Rem (Death Note) 17. Goddess Hylia (Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) vs. Lychee Dragon Cookie (Cookie Run) 18. Albedo (Overlord) vs. Pikario (Kira Kira Precure a la Mode) 19. Elina (Barbie: Fairytopia) vs. Butterfly (The Last Unicorn) 20. Toothiana (Rise of the Guardians vs. Ananas Dragon Cookie (Cookie Run) 21. Vex (Minecraft) vs. Giratina (Pokémon) 22. Dark Pretty Cure (Heartcatch Precure) vs. Tinker Bell (Peter Pan) 23. Spyro (Spyro the Dragon) vs. Bird That Carries You Over A Disproportionately Small Gap (Undertale) 24. Eda (The Owl House) vs. The Sorceress (He-Man) 25. Aroma (Go! Princess Precure) vs. Bird Person (Rick and Morty) 26. Monet (One Piece) vs. Yasha (Critical Role) 27. Grian (Hermitcraft/Evo) vs. Vriska Serket (Homestuck) 28. Royale Candy (Smile Precure) vs. Cyprin (Spyro the Dragon) 29. Star Butterfly (Star vs. the Forces of Evil) vs. Cure Princess (Happiness Charge Precure) 30. Untitled Goose (Untitled Goose Game) vs. Aziraphale (Good Omens) 31. Panty (Panty and Stocking) vs. Cheese (Sonic the Hedgehog) 32. Mariposa (Barbie: Mariposa) vs. Eternal Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon) 33. Angel Cookie (Cookie Run) vs. Aisha (Winx Club) 34. Prilla (Disney Fairies) vs. Cure Parfait (Kira Kira Precure a la Mode) 35. Meta Knight (Kirby) vs. Corvin D’Oro (Montress) 36. Palutena (Kid Icarus: Uprising) vs. Fairy Godmother (Shrek 2) 37. Tropius (Pokémon) vs. Penelope (Barbie as Rapunzel) TIE 38. Cure Felice (Mahoutsukai Precure) vs. Konan (Naruto) 39. Pit (Kid Icarus: Uprising) vs. Kaepora Gaebora (Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) 40. Aisa (One Piece) vs. Shantae (bat form) (Shantae: Half Genie Hero) 41. Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony) vs. Tank (Forever After) 42. Discord (My Little Pony) vs. Venger (Dungeons and Dragons) 43. Cure Infini (HUGtto Precure) vs. Fluttershy (My Little Pony) 44. Mew Mint (Tokyo Mew Mew) vs. Angel Cure Pine (Fresh Precure) 45. Joshua Kiryu (The World Ends With You) vs. Angel Cure Passion (Fresh Precure) 46. Sam (180° Angel) vs. Alata (Tensai Sentai Goseiger) 47. Winged Pikmin (Pikmin 3) vs. Irma (W.I.T.C.H.) 48. Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon) vs. Cthulu (The Call of Cthulu) 49. Beck (Disney Fairies) vs. Barbatos (Genshin Impact) 50. Emyr (The Witch King) vs. Raphaella La Cognizi (The Mechanisms) 51. Iridessa (Disney Fairies) vs. Sigrún (God of War: Ragnarok) 52. Angel Devil (Chainsaw Man) vs. Rouge the Bat (Sonic the Hedgehog) 53. Castiel (Supernatural) vs. Ryuk (Death Note) 54. Allay (Minecraft) vs. Vidia (Disney Fairies) 55. Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony) vs. Paarthurnax (Skyrim) 56. Blackjack (Percy Jackson) vs. Crona (Soul Eater) 57. Jake Long (American Dragon Jake Long) vs. Angel Cure Peach (Fresh Precure) 58. Stocking (Panty and Stocking) vs. Angella (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) 59. Colt (Hunter x Hunter) vs. Medli (Legend of Zelda: Windwaker) 60. Hawks (My Hero Academia) vs. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy) 61. Angel Cure Berry (Fresh Precure) vs. Hue (Barbie Fairytopia) 62. Fledge (The Chronicles of Narnia) vs. Cure Grace (Healin’Good style) (Healin’Good Precure) 63. Icarus (Greek mythology) vs. Junior Troopa (Paper Mario) 64. Happy (Fairy Tail) vs. Postman (Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass)

Round One will last for four days with sixteen polls posted per day. See you then!

[unmeisenshi]

LaPlante took the initiative, charging at Solaris with her claws wound back. Solaris would counter by thrusting his palms forward in an attempt to strike her stomach. Both palms made contact, sending LaPlante tumbling backwards. She skid to a halt, growling as she got back up. She blasted purple fire at the Charizard, and chuckled when the flames engulfed him.

Her chuckling was short lived, as Solaris walked out of the flames unharmed. His claws began to glow a brilliant silver, and he closed the distance between them and thrust his palms forward. As the attack connected, a strange purple energy shot out of LaPlante, and formed into an orb that was absorbed into Solaris..

“What was…” Solaris whispered to himself.

“That… Was Palkia…”

Solaris looked around. “Zappa…? Where are you?”

“I’m a part of your mind… For the time being. I will fade away over time. What you just did was knock Palkia’s soul out of LaPlante. She no longer has control over Space. Palkia took refuge within you.”

Solaris remained silent, as he turned his head back to see LaPlante begin to stand up. He noticed her left purple claw had faded. “So… If I use what I just did again, then…”

“... Then Dialga’s soul will be ejected as well. Then LaPlante will only have her own power. And you will have control of Infinity.”

LaPlante looked at her left claw and growled. “You… What did you do…?”

Solaris chuckled, and took on a looser fighting stance - his Zui Quan stance. “I just got one step closer to beating you. You should be worried.”

“You disgusting mortal! I do not fear you!” She shouted, charging once more at the Charizard. She swiped at him multiple times, but each swipe was dodged with ease. Solaris would counter with a swift strike with the heel of his palm, which connected with the bottom part of her jaw.

She recoiled back in pain, and growled once again. “Fine! Just try and dodge this, then!” She held her right claw up, becoming coated in a strange blue energy. She then disappeared, beginning to move quickly in an attempt to disorientate the Charizard. “Well, Solaris? Can you dodge all of this!? Or are your mortal eyes too slow to keep up!?”

Solaris closed his eye, and took several deep breaths. “Focus. Predict her movements. You know where she will be… And when the perfect time to strike is!”

His right claw was coated in silver flames, and began to grow the same brilliant silver from before. He waited patiently, then quickly opened his eye when he saw his chance. “... Red…” He wound his fist back, readying his punch. Then, as quickly as he wound his fist back, he brought it down.

“... BARCHETTA!” His punch landed true, knocking LaPlante into the moon’s surface. The strike was so powerful that it completely destroyed a quarter of the moon, sending debris upwards and leaving a permanent crater in the moon.

Solaris floated just above the crater, glaring at LaPlante, who was knocked out deep within it. Zappa would break the Charizard’s focus. “Solaris… Infinity! Destroy it now!”

Solaris nodded, and turned to face the giant planet. He held his two claws out, seeming to grasp the celestial body with an invisible force. The planet began to shrink in size, and began to stretch and warp as it shrunk, and Solaris’ claws grew closer together. After some time, Solaris’ claws shook as he struggled to keep his grip on the planet. With one final push, his hands came together as a loud clap echoed through space.

Infinity closed on itself completely, and blue energy spread out throughout the solar system and beyond. Silver particles also traveled outwards, with a majority returning to the nebula created by Zane.

Louis watched on entranced from a distance, not noticing that Ann had come to and was also watching. She looked around. “What… Where’s dad…? And what just happened…?”

Louis pointed directly at Solaris. “That’s your Dad… Having absorbed Zappa’s power… And I think we just witnessed the Big Bang…”

-

Solaris began to bring the rock holding the rest of the team back down to the moon, and began to expand the air bubble around them so they could move around more. “Dad… You did it…” Ann said.

“Good to see you okay, Ann.” Solaris replied, smiling at her. “You aren’t hurting too bad, are you?”

Ann stepped off of the chunk of rock, being helped by Louis. “I’m good. Just a bit sore…” She looked down at Louis. “Dude, I’m okay.”

“I’m not letting my little sis out of my site after the stunt that LaPlante pulled.” Louis said, giving her a smile back.

The Charizard could do nothing but smile back. “Well… We can breathe a little easier now that Infinity is gone. What happened to LaPlante?”

“About to end all of your lives…”

Solaris turned to see LaPlante shuffling out of the crater, growling in frustration. “You… You filthy, insignificant worms! You… Destroyed my creation!”

Solaris smirked. “Do you believe I’m not a mortal now? Your powers of Time and Space are gone. Infinity is gone. You’re through.”

“No… I am not through! I will be done when all of you are dead!” LaPlante put her fists up. “The beautiful power of a God will not be trounced by sinful mortals like you!”

Solaris looked on, when Louis drew his blade. “Let me help. You’ve done a lot of heavy work.”

Ann then also stepped up. “Me too. I want to get some pay back.”

“Ann… Are you well enough to fight?” Solaris asked.

“Yeah, I’m good. It hurts a little, but it isn’t uncomfortable or hard to move.”

“What are you blabbering about? Come on!” LaPlante shouted.

“Yeah, yeah,” Solaris assumed the fighting stance he learned from his master Ben those years ago. “Let’s show her how Team Destiny handles things!”

[redlegend-a]

What People Think Happened…

When people think of The Trainer Red, the inevitable thing that crops up is the savant boy who at fourteen years old took on the equivalent of the Yakuza and used his unheard of pokemon prowess to chase Team Rocket out of Kanto. Trainer Red is a pop culture icon and Kanto’s pride, joy, and personal legend.

To the region, he represents the epitome of talent and power. He’s the “Kanto Flag Bearer” because in the public perspective, he saved the region.

He took on an impossible fight and he won. Since that point, and since his involvement, Red’s legend pushed the envelope of competitive battling, battling theory, and personal philosophies for trainers, despite the only real involvement he had in these things being “existing”. In the public perspective, Team Rocket was defeated because Giovanni was humiliated at the feet of a child.

To this day, Red’s upbringing, influences, and almost everything about his personal life has been embellished to the point of him not being so much a person anymore, and instead being a living idea. And people use him for that idea.

What Actually Happened…

Trainer Red’s takedown of Team Rocket started with a newspaper and watching Rocket owned police beat someone down with batons outside Mt. Moon. He charged the group with abject violence, only honoring standard battle rules when his opponent honored them. If any Rocket member threatened violence against him, he beat them down and sent them to the hospital. His pokemon were absolutely ruthless.

He caused incredible amounts of property damage, disrupted operations, and very narrowly killed members several times. Why? It began as a seed of revenge for what he witnessed in Pewter, and escalated more and more until it erupted in the Lavender Town incident with Marowak’s death. Red attacked Celadon Game Corner, and destroyed the entire operation in a brutal assault, culminating in a battle with Giovanni. Several dozen Rockets were hospitalized in the attack. Giovanni was defeated fairly and honored the rules of battle, escaping Red’s violence through diplomacy over luck.

Giovanni misinterpreted the stakes though, and left to Silph Co. The entire city of Saffron was taken hostage and Red detoured through Fuschia City in the meantime, thinking of what to do about this.

Eventually he decided to take Saffron back even if it meant his life, his resolve being to execute Giovanni himself, so no one else bore the burden. He attacked Silph Co. This is no exaggeration.

Red’s invasion of Silph was absolutely terrifying and with no holds barred. He beat every single operative in Silph without regard for traditional battle rules (as the orders to stop him negated the rules), and nearly killed several people. He came at Giovanni ready to die and without exaggeration kill the leader of Team Rocket.

The only thing that stopped him was the realization that to kill was the kinder and easier path, and although he was fully willing to kill Giovanni, he could not give him the excuse of being killed. Giovanni’s Nidoqueen tackled him out the top floor of Silph Co, and Red plummeted with Charizard in full view of thousands upon thousands of people.

Red had, in one fell swoop, shredded the reputation of Team Rocket. The public fully turned on them. He called the absolute wrath of the public eye and international police down on everyone involved. Team Rocket was defeated… at least, for the time being.

This violence is largely unknown to most people. But it’s there in the background. The real shocker was the age of the man committing it.

[kokorowoutsu]

-- RP: @pkmn-spira

pkmn-spira:

Interesting. Her husband is the Champion of Galar? This woman sure is full of surprises, that's for sure. Pity. One SYM Asset is going down today, just because of this chance encounter, and to add more insult to injury, A Celestial Admin helped take it down. This'll put a bit of a hurdle in Team Celestial's plans... But its negligible at best. And this combat would give Team Celestial an insight on how they'd further improve the remaining, still active SYM Assets. So, SYM-01 is up against quite the strong adversaries. A Charizard, a Primarina, whose size was larger than those of its same kind, and an Azumarill that was native to Cryptid Isle. While the Primarina was already prepping up Sparkling Aria, SYM-01 knew well to avoid the Ancient Powers, even using Flame Charge to cut it close, but it did took several hits from the Dragon Tails. Receiving more damage from earlier ago already drove it to a corner, and the fact that it had to face three targets at once basically backed it against a figurative wall. Hence, SYM-01 would use Smack Down, upheaving a huge chunk of the earth, and lobbed it at Bahamut, before then using Earthquake, its lower body thrashing about underground.

"Jump." And as such, her Azumarill did leapt off the ground as to avoid the damaging tremors SYM-01 had caused. "Now, Belly Drum, and go for Aqua Jet, Asrai." And such, Asrai pounded on its stomach several times. Sure, this'd hurt it considerably, but it would maximize its attack potential. And while still off the ground, the Azumarill started blitzing forward as it used Aqua Jet, crashing down on SYM-01 full force, causing it to crash against a set of trees. Yet the SYM Asset is still not out of it yet, Morgan knew. Its symbiosis with SYM-09's virulent DNA caused it to adapt the defensive properties of one of SYM-09's available forms, as well as mutate out Filter as an ability, too. While true, its Ground/Fire typing meant it was immensely weak towards Water types regardless, however.

With Saoirse still prepping that Sparkling Aria, her bubble getting ever bigger and the creature retaliating, Ashe acted fast. Lucky kept the ground steady with fae energy for Kumiko and Willow, allowing Ashe to act as Leon and Bahamut came crashing down by sending out a pokemon in the form of a figure who cast Ice Beam like a slide to twirl in and around the creature, catching Leon and giving him enough time to call back Bahamut before he hit the ground. Knowing his partner was exhausted, he chose to hang onto the Lapras as it cast Hydro Pump to help boost Asrai's Aqua Jet before sliding the Ice Beam to Ashe's side. Sliding off, Leon laid a hand to his wife's shoulder who returned her Lapras with thanks.

"Ready?" "Ready as i'll ever be."

Both called out a pokemon each then; a Absol with many scars and ruffled fur as well as a mechanical leg, a Absolite glimmering in the rain and a Ampharos who wore a band around his neck that also glimmered in the rain. Activating Mega Evolution, the two pokemon waiting for Saoirse to finally fire off her Sparkling Aria before they acted at their trainer's commands.

"Swords Dance and then Night Slash!"

"Dragon Pulse at full blast!"

Using the attacks to form the Sparkling Aria into what could only be described as a beam instead of a orb of water, the 'kaiju' before them was hit with multiple attacks all while standing their ground for their daughter's sake, unafraid and in unison. In the last year... well, six years if you count the time distortion, they had come a very long way.

Dare Ashe tell her new found acquaintance about the old her some time ago -- a nervous wreck who barely knew who she was and with Lucky being but an Eevee, not finding his purpose until Area Zero... but those were stories best left for another time.

[1358456]

Pokemon Yellow "Free to Play" Run Part 1

Here we go. Rules are pretty straight forward. Only use gift Pokemon, no beneficial glitches allowed.

Here we go again.

Now. Where did I leave off the last time I played this thing? According to my last save state...

Oh, that's right. This was a Pikachu and a Mew merged together. So this was a Pikachu shaped Mew so it has Surf and Fly to test the Pikachu sprites. And apparently, since it's a Pikachu shaped Mew, it couldn't refuse a Thunderstone. ... So it's not a Pikachu anymore, huh? That means...

Get the f*ck out of here. Finally, I got rid of that thing once and for all.

Now I can start a brand new run with no regrets.

Unfortunately, I don't have enough space nor do I have access to numbers, so I can't name myself as "F2P" or "Free2Play" or anything like that. So FTP, or Free To Play.

So then my asshead rival has to be...

Pay To Win. Or at least, he's going to pay to try to win. What a shmuck.

If I recall, the first fight against this guy and the second optional fight determines what his Eevee becomes. Lose both to get Vaporeon, the easiest of the three. Win one for Flareon, and win both for him to get Jolteon, the hardest of the three.

Hmm... So I guess I should throw this fight?

... Nah. What's the worst that could happen?

Since I'm not allowed to catch anything, I only have Pikachu for a while. So how do I beat Brock? ... It's cheese time. Spam Double Team, Tail Whip, and then smack around his stones... er... Rock types.

... I somehow forgot that these guys existed. I still only have Pikachu here. Spam Double Team!

Who needs Thunderbolt? Even Misty's Starmie is no match for this finely aged filthy cheddar.

... The perp is literally one square away from this screen. He's right there. You guys aren't trying too hard are you? Of course the police force has "trouble". As in, they only bother with the low ranking grunts, as arresting the higher ups create a power imbalance, which may instead result in a massive gang war.

... Ever wonder WHY this international police agent is on this cruise ship, on the trail of Team Rocket? ... Does Team Rocket own or run the harbor? ... Maybe this is why Lt. Surge is a Team Rocket admin in Pokemon Special.

This old captain, who must've spent decades traveling by ship, got seasick on a cruise ship that hadn't even left the harbor yet. ... Are you like... just pretending to be a ship captain? Are you actually a Team Rocket executive? You are the Cut Master. ... An odd thing for a ship captain, but not so odd for a dagger wielding yakuza...

Is it really a gift if I just barge in here and take this Eevee without getting permission from this beefed up "teacher" who has no students? ... There is a single table for one. So this is like a private tutor for a student whose Eevee I'm just taking.

Well, it's mine now. Time to get a Thunderstone and...

... Is it now? Do I have to merge this with a Magikarp or something to get it to obey?

Jolteon has 1 lower level, has no stat experience, and yet has higher stats across the board. Pikachu also only has Thunderbolt and Quick Attack as offense. Jolteon gets Thunderbolt (TM 24), Pin Missile, Double Kick, AND Quick Attack! ... Which means...

Get the f*ck out of here. ... Also, Jolteon's Pokedex number is 135, so obviously I'm going to use that instead.

So far, I'm only really using Charizard and Jolteon. I need access to Cinnabar Island to get two more team additions.

So this is a blatantly public Rocket Clan subsidiary that's in charge of the gambling hall. This old patriarch here doesn't bother to hide what he's doing either. And there are Rocket grunts just walking around in public! What's Erika doing about this? ... Oh that's right. She's basically high off of the "fumes" of Grass types. I'm surprised that Erika wasn't a Rocket admin in Pokemon Special too, in charge of dru- I mean, aromatherapy.

Sheesh. Rocket thugs are everywhere in Celadon City. You'd think this is where the Clan HQ is. Maybe Erika should've been another Rocket admin.

Which would make over half of the Kanto Gym Leaders a part of Rocket. They truly are the yakuza of the Pokemon world.

... Ever wonder why this guy locked the access gates to Saffron City? You don't just lock down a city for no reason. It's not like there's a massive construction or anything. The only thing happening in Saffron City is a Rocket invasion of Silph Co, which isn't a reason to lock the city. Curious. Even more curious that this guy will let you go through when you bribe him with water. It implies that he hasn't been told to lock the city by "proper" authority...

Bump and scam? "Ow, I think you broke my shoulder! I'm going to need 100 000 P for hospital fees!" Also, why are Rocket grunts blocking access to Sabrina's Gym? ... That's probably the reason why she's a Rocket admin in Pokemon Special.

Hey, punk. ... Hey, didn't you have a Spearow and a Raticate?

... Did you know that you could access the PC in the president's room of Silph Co? Because I didn't until now. How many years have I...

... Why aren't you looking at me when talking to me? ... Why does no one look at me when talking to me in this generation?

Also, ever wonder WHY and HOW the chairman of the Rocket Clan is a Gym Leader, an official title? To the point where the Victory Road guards won't let you pass until you got this guy's acknowledgement? So the Pokemon League is deliberately not bothering with Team Rocket activities. The entire Pokemon League structure involves the head of Team Rocket. No wonder the Elite Four were bad guys in Pokemon Special.

So here's my team so far. I'm right before Victory Road, and... Why is my team either critically weak to Jolteon, or is Jolteon? Lapras, Charizard, Aerodactyl, and Omastar are weak to Electric. Hitmonlee has base 35 Special, and Jolteon has base 110 Special, so Hitmonlee will get blasted into shreds by a single Sp. Atk. Hmm... I don't have other options though. ... Why, oh why, did I not throw two fights against the street punk rival at the start? Why do I keep doing this to myself? Why is it that in all my Yellow version runs that do not involve Mew, my team is critically weak to Jolteon? My last glitch-free run utilized Starmie and Charizard and I got blasted by the level 65 Jolteon at the end.

Now, you could say "why not use Venusaur since it resists Thunder", but... did you know? Venusaur is 4x weak to Bug in Generation I (Grass is weak to Bug, and Poison is weak to Bug in Generation I). And the strongest and only real Bug type move that exists in Generation I is Pin Missile, which Jolteon gets. The other two being Twinneedle (Beedril exclusive) and Leech Life which does about 4 damage until SM. So Venusaur would get shredded by Pin Missile. Which means, all three Kanto starters are critically weak to Jolteon.

I could try leveling Aerodactyl since it's the one thing that has a hope to outrun Jolteon. But... did you know? In Generation I, Aerodactyl can't learn Rock Slide or Earthquake. ... I guess I'll give it Hyper Beam and just try to blast Jolteon before it inevitably dies in a single hit. And then I'll just have to out-Jolteon the Jolteon with Jolteon.

Welp. That's a future me problem. ... Future me as in like... 2 days.

[ultraericthered]

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Season 2 Missing Chapter: Reshiram VS Zekrom!

With so much buzz going around about the lost chapter(s) of the Best Wishes! series having been uncovered, I felt in the mood to do a post about the missing chapter(s) of the Unova Saga, and I call these  “missing” because unlike Team Rocket VS Team Plasma!, they never existed. They were never planned, never written, never animated, voiced, or scored, straight up never concieved as episodes even when they would’ve been a natural fit for the originally intended longer runtime for Unova’s Post-League arc, and could’ve served as an extended grand finale for not just that arc but for the entire Unova Saga. I already wrote about it a bit here, but I felt like this warranted further elaboration on how such an event would play out, in the style of an authentic PokeAni two-parter penned by Atsuhiro Tomioka!

Oh, and this is just fast-going cliff notes, so you’re probably going to want to read this in Johnny Bravo’s voice.

PREVIOUSLY ON POKEMON BEST WISHES SEASON 2:

So in the previous episode, Charizard was fighting Reshiram at the White Ruins when Reshiram was under the effect of the Pokemon Control Device, making it a mindless slave to the evil Team Plasma.

Colress put Pikachu under the device’s control for the third time, but this time Pikachu’s heart didn’t waver even while under mind control, and its heart and Reshiram’s had an exchange via Pikachu’s shocks.

So Pikachu used Electro Ball at the same time Reshiram launched a Fusion Flare, both attacks directed at the Pokemon Control Device.

The device went KABLOOIE and got all busted up!

Colress was mortified, like how could this have happened?

But when Reshiram shook off the mind control, it was furious!

And Colress realized it was surpassing what he’d believed was its maximum strength potential that had been raised by the device.

Reshiram then fired a bunch of blue fire blasts down upon the ruins!

And then it took off into the sky, headed towards Dragonspiral Tower!

That episode ended with Reshiram perching at the top of the tower, with N believing that it was readying to raze the whole dang region!

TRUTH & IDEALS MEET! RESHIRAM VS ZEKROM! PART 1:

So that Ghetsis guy starts laughing madly at the turn of events, and he says he’d already prepared for this possible eventuality. He raises up his staff-cane thingy and it glows, sending some kind of signal.

From the east comes a flying sail barge, the result of Team Plasma’s  “Project F” - the Flying Freeze Frigate! A cannon at the bow of the ship is loaded with Never-Melt Ice from East Unova’s Frozen Ruins.

Team Plasma boards the Frigate, declaring they’ll get Reshiram yet!

Colress and his grunt squad are in charge of manning the cannon, while above deck Ghetsis is steering the thing with his cane-wheel.

Those two surrogate sisters of N’s are worried about Reshiram, while Looker and Team Rocket are more concerned with the Plasma guys.

Our heroes split up, with Ash, Cilan, Iris, N, and Papa Juniper taking higher ground in order to reach that tower as fast as they can!

Reshiram is powering up on top of the tower, but hasn’t attacked yet.

As Hero of Truth, N tries to talk Reshiram down. Seems to be wor…

OOF! Reshiram is zapped from behind by Team Plasma’s flying ship!

That evil Lord Ghetsis guy smugly proclaims that the last remnant of Colress’ Pokemon mind control technology is embedded in his cane!

Unfortunately it’s the prototype tech that just sends Reshiram into a wild frenzy as it takes off from the tower at full speed and strength!

This don’t seem to bother Colress, who says he’ll enjoy the hunt.

So Team Plasma pursues Reshiram, hoping to freeze it in place!

But back on the tower, Papa Juniper remembers oh yeah, he got the Golden Dark Stone and just so happened to be carrying it with him!

After collapses and uproars, the Golden Dark Stone’s given to Ash.

The stone recognizes Ash and Pikachu as Heroes with ideals worthy of Zekrom’s presence, so it summons Zekrom to their location!

[Cut to commercials]

We see this dark dragon with glowing blue eye gradually emerging from the storm clouds as lightning flashes like in BW01.

And there it is! It’s the one and only bona-fide Zekrom!

With a mighty roar, Zekrom charges up and takes off after Reshiram!

Ghetsis can tell from the lightning storm that Zekrom has appeared.

Oh! Zekrom caught up with Reshiram and is now trying to steer it right again. They’re over the Moor of Icirrus right now, by the way.

Uh oh! Team Plasma’s flying ship comes in and is firing its freeze ray!

Ash, Pikachu, and N are on Charizard while Iris, Cilan, and Papa Juniper are on Dragonite, and they fly over to the Frigate to stop it!

But it looks like those Plasma grunts on deck were ready for them!

And once again, the Plasma Liepards go on the offensive!

They even bring out the big guns, like this Metagross!

Team Rocket shows up on their jet packs, looking to settle the score!

Colress notes that Reshiram and Zekrom seem unable to come to any sort of compromise, and so they’ve started duking it out!

An uncreasingly unhinged Ghetsis vows that both Legendary Dragon Pokemon will be his, and with them, so shall the Unova region!

And here’s where we end Part 1, with the big fight in full swing!

TRUTH & IDEALS MEET! RESHIRAM VS ZEKROM! PART 2:

So Team Plasma’s Pokemon are engaged in all-out warfare!

And there are lots of EXPLOSIONS! BA-KOOM!

Back with the Dragon battle, Zekrom raises its power to the max!

Distressingly, Reshiram’s fire power and Zekrom’s lightning go together like flames to gasoline, creating randomized destruction!

Over in the Village of Dragons, the Elder and Drayden can feel it.

And so can Champion Alder and his new protege in the nearby city.

Back at the flying Frigate, Ghetsis opens up a hatch door to release his trump card - a Hydreigon with enhanced strength and brutality!

Iris’ Dragonite recognizes this particular Hydreigon and is enraged!

Dragonite and Charizard tag team against the enhanced Hydreigon.

Team Rocket has Woobat and Yamask come in to help them out!

But of course, it’s Dragonite who ends up landing the finishing blow!

[Cut to commercials]

At this point, Reshiram and Zekrom’s fight has moved further down from Iccirus, somewhere close to Entralink.

Colress is tired and frustrated now, wanting to put out all the stops!

The moment of Truth and Ideals arrives - Pikachu can feel Zekrom’s power resonating with it once again, so it sends some of its own super-charged electrical energy back to Zekrom!

Embued with extra strength, Zekrom lets out a large burst of power!

Which not only strikes down Reshiram but hurtles right towards Team Plasma’s Frigate just as all our heroes have gotten out of dodge!

Team Plasma ain’t so lucky, as they get hit by it at full force!

Ghetsis furiously raves about how all his plans are shot, literally!

So Team Plasma goes down with their ship.

And considering its work done, Zekrom departs above the clouds.

But Reshiram is still around, and from the look of it, still angry!

But what’s this? N steps forward to give Reshiram a good talking to!

And Reshiram actually seems willing to hear him out.

Team Plasma emerges from the wreckage of their Frigate. Ghetsis tries to use his cane, but the tech inside it has gone totally defective.

Ghetsis is breaking down as his loyal grunts say they need to retreat!

But Ash, Iris, and Cilan don’t allow them the chance to do so!

With Team Plasma out of the way, N continues his heart to heart.

He passionately says big words to convey the truth he’s found.

And Reshiram responds with approval. He is the Hero of Truth!

With that, Reshiram too departs back above the clouds.

N tells his sisters he wants to continue travelling Unova with them.

Later that afternoon, the police come take Team Plasma into custody.

Looker gives Ash and Pikachu his thanks for another job well done.

Papa Juniper is distraught over the loss of the Light Stone.

Until his team find him and tell him of new discoveries elsewhere.

Team Rocket flees the scene, glad to have once again witnessed what makes Ash’s Pikachu such a special Pikachu for them to nab.

Before he leaves with his sisters, N says his goodbye to Ash, Iris, and Cilan, precious and important friends who’ve changed his life.

Through a meeting of Truth and Ideals, Unova has been protected.

As the journey continues and stuff! Oh wow, that was something!

[transienturl]

this is somewhat academic, because pokemon go raid bosses are frequently dual type and always have off-type charge moves, and raid attackers vary in power and are also often dual type and the types can cover each other's weaknesses. sometimes the best attacker isn't the obvious type. nevertheless…

types by what is both super effective against and resistant to them:

grass: bug, fire, flying, poison, ice+grass rock: fighting, ground, steel, water+ground, grass+steel fighting: fairy, psychic, flying fire: rock, water, ground+(dragon/fire/rock/water) steel: fire, fighting+(steel/fire), ground+(steel/water) ground: grass, water+flying, ice+flying bug: fire, flying dark: fairy, fighting fairy: poison, steel flying: electric, rock ice: fire, steel, fighting+fire poison: ground, psychic+steel water: grass, electric+dragon dragon: fairy, dragon+fairy electric: ground ghost: dark psychic: dark normal: fighting (well, close enough)

note: ground+(steel/water) in the steel entry, for example, indicates that ground isn't resistant to steel, but a ground-move excadrill or mega swampert is, and is thus at least equally as good as mono fire. in this case fire+steel heatran is even better but at that point look at a chart with your actual situation in mind.

the reverse table is arguably the more interesting one, though:

corollary: types by what they're both super effective against and resistant to:

fire: bug, grass, ice, steel ground: electric*, poison, rock, (steel if +water/steel), (fire if +dragon/fire/rock/water) fighting: normal*, dark, rock, (steel if +steel/fire, ice if +fire) flying: bug, fighting, grass fairy: dragon*, dark, fighting steel: fairy, ice, rock poison: fairy, grass rock: fire, flying dark: ghost*, psychic* grass: ground, water, (rock if +steel) psychic: fighting, (poison if +steel) water: fire (ground if +flying, rock if +ground) electric: flying, (water if +dragon) bug: grass ice: --- (ground if +flying, grass if +grass) ghost: --- dragon: --- (dragon if dragon+fairy) normal: ---

*the only strong option, in a sense

notably, ghost is always worse than dark, dragon is always worse than fairy (dragon+steel dialgia only helps a little), and ice is always worse than another attacker type because it has zero resistances. also bug is pretty useless but that was well-established already.

it is more complicated in practice but this does bring the utility of certain raid attackers into question. I can't think of a scenario where giratina could possibly be the best choice, for example, much as I love it. both ice megas would only be interesting if boosting many mamoswine or arcticuno. pure dragon pokemon like haxorus also don't seem to have any use at all (dragon+useful secondary type is still relevant for fighting dragons in practice since fairy is just okay and its only worthwhile mega is gardevoir.)

and, possibly more importantly, certain dual type pokemon are much more useful as one type than the other. for example, psychic-move mega gardevoir is completely unnecessary (against fighting you could use its fairy moveset; it is weak to poison so you would use a ground type or metagross there instead). dragon-move garchomp seems mostly pointless since the things it resists better than mega charizard x/palkia/zekrom are also the things you would use ground on. dragon-move latios/latias don't really have a niche if you have other dragons. mega heracross is better off fighting, and mega scizor is better off steel, unless you run out of other grass counters somehow. (meanwhile, mega gyarados is relevant on dark, psychic, fire, and ground raids if you have both movesets, which is way more than I expected.)

this is also relevant when considering powering up/tming a primal or instead using those resources elsewhere (as neither makes any difference when you're just putting the primal in the 6th slot for the passive boost). roughly, then, the types one would actually consider battling with the primal itself against would be:

groudon: electric, poison, rock, fire, steel rayquaza: bug, fighting, grass, dragon kyogre: fire, ground… maybe rock (but groudon and ground types are better so not so likely)

[monterraverde]

PWT Deadpool: Rika V. Koga

(Theme for maximum immersion)

When you have everything to lose, put into a corner, desperation drives a person to do miraculous things.

Taking the pitch again for the deadpool round, she found herself face to face with the Ninja she'd spent so much time reading about back home. Atticus' spitting image... or was it the other way around? Regardless, hands in her pockets, she stood firm, planting her feet on her side of the field.

The sight of this place still left a sour taste in her mouth, that visage of Fafnir falling to the blue flames of the mega charizard riding heavy on her heart... But she steels her expression, levelling Koga with a look of sheer determination, and enough gusto to not let herself falter a second time.

One of an ego scarred, and a lesson learned.

"Koga, yeah? I was hoping to meet you in happier circumstances, you're quite the talk of the academy over in Paldea. But I don't intend to lose here- Not again. I didn't come all the way here just to crumble under the weight of the world on my shoulders. So forgive me, but I'm taking the gloves off."

And she does take the gloves off- Literally, the black gloves with the Paldea leagues logo on it are taken off and pocketed. After that, she stomps her foot down, the Stadium rocking and a harsh wind blowing upward, tossing her hair around in a wild, playful whip as rocks and dirt appeared beneath her... Endless badlands... A desert.

Oh, she summoned home.

A light sandstorm kicked up across the battlefield, one could swear they were hearing the faint guitar twangs of an orrean saloon to accentuate to setting… But she’d never felt more at home- More in touch with the earth then she did right now. If she lost here, she’d never forgive herself…

Time to act.

The battle begins, and Gliscor and Victreebel are out first, Gremlin cackling as it zoomed ahead, flying circles around the plant and slashing at it with its thin yet sturdy wings. They come to blows multiple times, to the point they reset back on their sides of the field, and then charge at each other a second time, bashing their heads together as Gremlin kicked up some sand and tossed it into Victreebells eyes before delivering a harsh final blow. The gliscor cackled with glee before returning to Rikas side, proud that it managed to claim a victory finally, and the excitement on her face matched her pokemons infections smile.

Next was Fafnir against Blissey. The Tyranitar- and Rika herself- Were incredibly surprised to see such a pink and fluffy pokemon on such a hardened ninjas team... And it quickly proved why it had earned its place there, double slapping the snot out of the poor Tyranitar, much to her dismay... Oh, Fafnir, you young adorable fool, one day you'll get a win under your belt.

Next was Kamina against Kogas Scizor, a powerful steel type that Kamina was glad to engage with. It's a close match, both pokemons claws clashing with loud 'clangs' and sparks flying with every strike. Despite how close the battle was, the Scizor proved stronger, dropping Kamina after a hard fought battle.

After that was Gastrodon vs. Krookodile. The squishy slug took the Krookodiles strikes like a champ, slapping back with Surfs and Muddy waters until it forced a reset, both pokemon returning to their respective sides of the field, only for the Krookodile to rush back in and try to crunch down on the Gastrodons back- “SMUDGE! HARDEN!” She cries, and the Gastrodon draws in its head, steeling itself for the hit as the Krookodiles teeth sunk into its rubbery flesh… and making use of its long neck, it buried itself in the Krookodiles core and let loose a furious Hydro pump, blasting the creature back to its own side of the field and into the arms of a Total Knock out.

Out next was a battle of the aces, Clodsire and Crobat- What a battle hardened creature the other had, the sign of a pokemon well loved and trained. But her best friend was just as wild, pure and free, and with a quick tap of the keystone, the rainbow light erupted again, Bappy’s spines growing into a literal crown of barbs as it roared, and the battle commenced. Claws clashed with gnashing teeth, trying desperately to get a hit on one another, and just when she thought all was lost, Bappy noticed the other about to swoop right over his head, and thrust his head back, pushing his body up with all his newly acquired might to shove the largest barb into the crobats wing, injuring it quite heavily as it brought the Crobat back down for a quick poison jab to finish it. She was almost shocked at the intense and vicious anger that Bappy was showing, but they were no longer on the back foot, and her eyes focused down Koga once more. Bappy’s mega evolution faded, and he was quickly returned to his ball.

The finale was Adniel against Kogas Dragalge… A welcome sight- a Pokemon she actually knew… Until it wasn’t. That same Rainbow light she had just used now used against her as the thing Mega evolved… Beautiful, in all the terrifyingly awful ways. Adniel looked back at her, the look of determination on his face steeling her own resolve… She’d never felt this in sync with him, so much so their movements almost mirrored each other, Rika issuing only one command- Punching her fist down toward the ground as Adniel roared and leapt into battle. The clash of the titans was felt with every strike causing shockwaves to rock the arena, Adniel snarling as he made every attempt possible to land his dragon claws, but the Dragalges lithe and wispy body made such a feat difficult… Until he managed to find the soft underbelly, and wasted no time and thrusting his claw upward in a harsh uppercut to destabilize it.

“We cant lose, Adniel! Stay strong and finish it!! EARTHQUAKE!!” Rika commands while thrustjng her fists down at her side, practically screaming to the heavens.

Suffering from poison, it cried out in a desperate rage as an earthquake rocked the pitch, threatening to bury the Dragalge if it continued… But as soon as Adniel noticed the transformation cease, and the pokemon returned, he paused, the roar of the crowd now the only thing either he or Rika could hear.

And she gasped when she saw it go down, her lip quirking in a smile of disbelief, and she heard the Paldeans start to chant in the stands- That familiar song that she heard at every sanctioned gym battle… It’d been a long few years since she heard it being sung for her. Rushing out onto the court, she jumped onto her Garchomp with an excited laugh, hugging the pokemon close- And immediately regretting the action because of its rough skin, her cheek now bleeding a little from the scrape- But it was fine! She had bigger things to think about! They won!! THEY FINALLY WON!!

Returning Adniel to his ball, She turns, approaching Koga as she extended her hand to shake. “Thank you for that absolute thrill of a battle, you’re absolutely as tough as they say. Maybe we could battle again sometime? Next time im in Kanto, at least.” She smiles, laughing faintly…

Oh she was going to be riding high for a WHILE after this one- Wait… This meant she had to fight Duo next…

Oh no…

[inkdsythe]

Monstrous Showdown: Godzilla vs. Mega Charizard Y - A Battle of Titans!

Hey there, Tumblr peeps! Get ready for an earth-shaking, fire-breathing showdown between two colossal creatures: Godzilla and Mega Charizard Y! It's time for an epic clash that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Brace yourselves for a battle filled with incredible abilities!!!!

🐲 Godzilla: The King of the Monsters 🐲

Atomic Breath: Godzilla harnesses the power of his iconic atomic breath, a devastating beam of energy that can level entire cities and incinerate his foes. This fiery blast is as awe-inspiring as it is destructive.

Immense Strength and Durability: Godzilla's massive size and muscular build grant him unmatched strength and resilience. He can withstand the most ferocious attacks and deliver bone-crushing blows to his opponents.

Nuclear Pulse: When pushed to the limit, Godzilla releases a mighty nuclear pulse, unleashing a shockwave of raw energy that can repel and disorient his adversaries.

🔥 Mega Charizard Y: The Blazing Dragon 🔥

Flamethrower: Mega Charizard Y unleashes intense flames from its mouth, engulfing its opponents in a scorching inferno. Its fiery breath can reduce anything in its path to ashes.

Solar Beam: Harnessing the power of the sun, Mega Charizard Y can generate a concentrated beam of solar energy. This devastating attack can blast through obstacles and deal massive damage.

Wings of Fury: With its colossal wings, Mega Charizard Y can create powerful gusts of wind, propelling it through the sky with incredible agility. It uses its aerial prowess to outmaneuver opponents and launch surprise attacks.

💥 The Monstrous Melee and the Clear Victor ���

As the battle commences, Godzilla's thunderous footsteps shake the ground, while Mega Charizard Y takes to the sky, soaring with blistering speed. Godzilla charges forward, unleashing his atomic breath in a blaze of destruction. But Mega Charizard Y swiftly dodges the attack, countering with a scorching Flamethrower.

The battle escalates into a fierce exchange of blows, with Godzilla relying on his immense strength to deliver bone-crushing punches. Meanwhile, Mega Charizard Y dazzles with its aerial agility, launching Solar Beams from above and swooping down to claw at Godzilla's armored hide.

In a hilarious twist, Godzilla, frustrated by Mega Charizard Y's relentless assaults, attempts to step on its fiery foe. But Mega Charizard Y evades with a nimble backflip, leaving Godzilla stomping the ground in comedic frustration. 

However, despite Mega Charizard Y's impressive firepower and evasive maneuvers, Godzilla's sheer size and durability prove too much to handle. With an earth-shattering roar, Godzilla summons his Nuclear Pulse, engulfing Mega Charizard Y in a cataclysmic explosion of nuclear energy.

💥 The Clear Winner: Godzilla Reigns Supreme! 💥

In this monumental clash, Godzilla emerges as the undisputed champion, overpowering Mega Charizard Y with his devastating strength, atomic breath, and nuclear pulse. While Mega Charizard Y puts up an admirable fight, it simply can't match the raw power and resilience of the King of the Monsters.

[thenixkat]

Pokemon games that I became Champion in

Kalos Region

Starter: Zira the Hydregon (F)

Ability: Levitate

Nature: Jolly- somewhat vain

Item: Leftovers

Moves:

Hyper Voice

Crunch

Rock Smash

Dragon Pulse

Draco the Charizard (M)

Ability: Blaze- powers up fire moves when hp low

Nature: Lax- very curious

Item: Charizardite Y

Moves:

Fly

Slash

Fire Pledge

Heat Wave

Buck the Gogoat (M) (MVP)

Ability: Sap Sipper- boosts attack when hit by grass moves

Nature: Adamant- quick tempered

Item: Miracle Seed

Moves:

Strength

Horn Leech

Leaf Blade

Earthquake

Nazca the Sigilyph (F)

Ability: Magic Guard- only takes damage from attacks

Nature: Hardy- alert to sounds

Item: Amulet Coin

Moves:

Air SLash

Psychic

Sky Attack

Dazzling Gleam

Zoro the Aegislash (F)(MVP)

Ability: STance Change- changes forms depending on what moves used

Nature: Serious- hates to lose

Item: Black Belt

Moves:

Iron Head

Cut

Night SLash

Sacred Sword

Toxic the Dragalge (M)

Ability: Poison Touch- may poison if touched by physical attack

Nature: Hasty - quick tempered

Item: N/A

Moves:

Surf

Thunderbolt

Dragon Pulse

Waterfall

Sinnoh Region

Gondwanna the Torterra(F) (partner)

Ability: Overgrow

Nature: Calm

Item: Soft Sand

Moves:

Giga Drain

Cut

Leaf Storm

Earthquake

Ducky the Golduck (M)

Ability: Damp- prevents self destructs

Nature: Modest

Item: Amulet Coin

Moves:

Psychic

Rock Smash

Surf

Waterfall

Kur the Giratina

Ability: Pressure- raises PP usage of foes

Nature: Rash

Item: Soothe Bell

Moves:

Fly

Dark Pulse

Dragon Pulse

Shadow Force

Bird?Yes the Porygon (MVP)

Ability: Download- adjusts power according to foe’s ability

Nature: Impish

Item: Razor Fang

Moves:

Tri Attack

Signal Beam

Discharge

Thunder

Champ the Machoke (F)

Ability: No Guard- all attacks always land for everyone

Nature: Quirky

Item: King’s Rock

Moves:

Rock Climb

DynamicPunch

Cross Chop

Wake-up Slap

Carcaridon the Garchomp (F)

Ability: Sand Veil- boosts evasion in a sandstorm

Nature: Serious

Item: Quick Claw

Moves:

Rock Slide

Strength

Dragon Claw

Dig

Hoenn Region

Tyson the Blaziken (M)(partner)

Ability: Blaze

Nature: Lax- highly curious

Item: Blazikenite

Moves:

Cut

Blaze Kick

Brave Bird

Sky Uppercut

Lobobo the Lombre (M)(MVP)

Ability: Rain Dish- gains hp in rain

Nature: Timid- highly curious

Item: Eviolite

Moves:

Surf

Nature Power

Dive

Grass Knot

Shout the Exploud (F)

Ability: Soundproof- immune to all sound based moves

Nature: Quiet- thoroughly cunning

Item: Silk Scarf

Moves:

Rock Smash

Boomburst

Strength

Crunch

Zapp the Eelektrik (F)

Ability: Levitate

Nature: Sassy- capable of taking hits

Item: Bright Powder

Moves:

Wild Charge

Thunderbolt

Flash

Crunch

Skitch the Sableye (M)

Ability: Keen Eye- no one can reduce accuracy

Nature: Quiet- likes to fight

Item: Sablenite

Moves:

Will-OWisp

Night Shade

Shadow Ball

Foul Play

Eo the Latias (F)

Ability: Levitate

Nature: Naughty- somewhat vain

Item: Latiasite

Moves:

Fly

Dragon Pulse

Psychic

Waterfall

Alola Region

Strix the Decidueye (F) (partner)

Ability: Overgrow- powers up grass type attacks when hp is low

Nature: Modest

Item: Grassium Z

Moves:

Leaf Blade

Grass Pledge

Spirit Shackle

Sucker Punch

Krakatoa the Toucannon (F) (MVP)

Ability: Skill Link- maximizes number of hits from multi hit moves

Nature: Bold

Item: Fightinium Z

Moves:

Hyper Voice

Brick Break

Bullet Seed

Beak Blast

Ex the Vikavolt (F) (MVP)

Ability: Levitate- immune to ground type moves

Nature: Naughty

Item: Electrium Z

Moves:

Charge Beam

X-Scissor

Thunderbolt

Dig

The Mistress the Salazzle (F)

Ability: Corrosion- can poison anything regardless of type

Nature: Naughty

Item: Firium Z

Moves:

Flamethrower

Leech Life

Dragon Pulse

Venoshock

Kaiju the Wishiwashi (M)

Ability: Schooling- in schooling form when hp is high; solitary form if low hp

Nature: Jolly

Item: Waterium Z

Moves:

Hydro Pump

Scald

Beat Up

Feint Attack

Danny the Darkrai (gift)

Ability: Bad Dreams- reduces hp of sleeping enemies

Nature: Careful

Item: Dragonium Z

Moves:

Psychic

Spatial Rend

Dark Pulse

Dark Void

[wingshowdown]

Round Two Line Up/Masterlist

Because there was a tie on Day Three (Tropius and Penelope), I’m not sure how I would make a graphic again. So, once again, here’s the line up! This time, it’ll be eight polls for four days.

DAY ONE

1. Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle) vs. Ridley (Metroid)

2. Charizard (Pokémon) vs. Crowley (Good Omens)

3. Dahlia (Barbie: Fairytopia) vs. Megaera (Hades)

4. Ruby the Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic) vs. Asriel (Undertale)

5. Dark Pit (Kid Icarus: Uprising) vs. Little Bird Holding a Rat (Spirited Away)

6. Mario (w/ wing cap) (Super Mario 64) vs. Brietta (Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus)

7. Duck (Princess Tutu) vs. Dragonite (Pokémon)

8. Smaug (The Hobbit) vs. Rem (Death Note)

DAY TWO

1. Goddess Hylia (Legend of Zelda) vs. Pikario (KiraKira Precure á la Mode)

2. Elina (Barbie: Fairytopia) vs. Toothiana (Rise of the Guardians)

3. Giratina (Pokémon) vs. Tinker Bell (Peter Pan)

4. Bird That Carries You Over A Disproportionately Small Gap (Undertale) vs Eda (The Owl House)

5. Aroma (Go! Princess Precure) vs. Yasha (Critical Role)

6. Grian (Hermitcraft/Evo) vs. Royale Candy (Smile Precure)

7. Cure Princess (Happiness Charge Precure) vs. Untitled Goose (Untitled Goose Game)

8. Cheese (Sonic the Hedgehog) vs. Mariposa (Barbie: Mariposa)

DAY THREE

1. Aisha (Winx Club) vs. Prilla (Disney Fairies) 

2. Meta Knight (Kirby) vs. Fairy Godmother (Shrek 2)

3. Tropius (Pokémon) vs. Penelope (Barbie as Rapunzel) vs. Cure Felice (Mahoutsukai Precure)

4. Pit (Kid Icarus: Uprising) vs. Shantae (bat form) (Shantae: Half Genie Hero)

5. Rainbow Dash (My Little Pony) vs. Discord (My Little Pony)

6. Fluttershy (My Little Pony) vs. Mew Mint (Tokyo Mew Mew)

7. Joshua Kiryu (The World Ends With You) vs. Sam Heavenwood (180° Angel)

8. Irma (W.I.T.C.H.) vs. Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon)

DAY FOUR

1. Beck (Disney Fairies) vs. Raphaella La Cognizi (The Mechanisms)

2. Iridessa (Disney Fairies) vs. Rouge the Bat (Sonic the Hedgehog)

3. Ryuk (Death Note) vs. Vidia (Disney Fairies)

4. Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony) vs. Blackjack (Percy Jackson)

5. Jake Long (American Dragon: Jake Long) vs. Angella (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)

6. Medli (Legend of Zelda: Windwaker) vs. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)

7. Hue (Barbie: Fairytopia) vs. Special Healin’ Good Cure Grace (Healin’ Good Precure)

8. Icarus (Greek mythology) vs. Happy (Fairy Tail)