[ti]worldevent[/ti]WORLD EVENT: NOONLIGHT RAID

There was an iciness to Fairytale's expression as they commanded their pokemon. "Aries. Moonblast and Hurricane," They ordered first to the anxious Whimiscott. Then they turned their regard to their vicious Sawsbuck. Then they smiled, but it was not even the mockery of friendliness they usually displayed. Just sheer danger. "Bacchus, Double Kick and Mega Horn." Both pokemon obeyed, as was the only acceptable response in this situation.

Fairy, Flying, Fighting, and Bug. Fairytale was looking for weaknesses to prey upon. There was no way they were defeating this Briar Beast if they couldn't find any weaknesses. As it was, they might not be able to defeat the Briar Beast regardless. They resisted the urge to growl at that thought. Even if they didn't win, they would go down fighting at the very least.

In the corner of their eye, they saw a familiar player spawn in, the surprisingly endearing Derk_TheJerk and Fairytale decided to be nice for a given value of nice. They had two knives at the moment, after all, and they likely only needed one. "You," They called out, direct and blunt in a way they never were as they talked to Derk_TheJerk at the moment. "Take this." And with that, they offered the other player one of their two knives stolen from the kitchen they had spawned it.

INTERACT WITH ANOTHER PLAYER +10

SPOILER: Click to show

{BREAKDOWN}

BULBASAUR (300/300) Corrupted
Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)

Damaged by (action) for (x HP)

Other



WHIMSICOTT (180/200) Active

Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)

Damaged by Fast Attack x2 for 20 HP
Other



SAWSBUCK (180/200) Active

Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)

Damaged by Fast Attack x2 for 20 HP
Other

Laguna was crashed into by Allotta Bambooga, and it was her first instinct to blush at the sight of the large-chested woman. She must look like a mess, red cheeks, her nose bruising, and blood still dripping from it. "H-hey!" She shouted in response, "Careful! You don't want blood on you too." She didn't even want to think about how virtual blood worked, really.

Shadows collided with Light Screens, and she couldn't help but feel at least a little proud of their work at setting up defenses. It wouldn't last forever, however. The Corrupted Pokemon would be here in no time at all, and she was anxiously anticipating the worst. They could use all the help they could get. Idly wondering where her French friend went, she sent h0lyn3v1l a quick message.

"On a besoin d'aide dans le jardin ! Le raid est terrifiant ! Vous êtes occupés?"

Cygnus revealed his G.A.Y Beam, and even she couldn't help but giggle at the sound of it. Oh, developers. They knew what they were doing and totally had fun with that. And sure enough as if on queue, the corrupted pokemon slam into the barrier and it's go time. Laguna grabbed the handles of the cannon and immediately fired the technicolor G.A.Y Beam at her Bergmite, a rainbow-like glow pulsing.

"Alright gang, let's squash some-" Her words instantly died in her throat as she saw the UI popup invade her vision.

Pray or Sacrifice.

Her whole body tensed, suddenly looking at the egg. The Moltres Core. It wasn't a shrine, but it was the very presence of a legendary Pokemon. And it was hurting. The corruption was leaking into it, trying to take over. It was in pain.

Her Pokemon were valiantly defending their charges, Onix had its frozen frame wrapped around Cygnus to protect, and ended up becoming part of the barrier. Cryogonal's Light Screens prove instrumental in defending against the incoming threat.

But her Bergmite stood staring at the Moltres Core. Its tv-static ice spines flicker with soft light in the glow of the core and the G.A.Y. energy.

"... No." It was the only thing Laguna could croak out at first. She knew exactly what was going on inside Glacia's head. That Pokemon had already sacrificed herself once to save them all during the High Tide Raid, and she had fought tooth and nail to bring her back. She had never been in so much pain before in her life, and she swore she'd never let Glacia come into harm's way again.

And yet the Bergmite continued to stare, regardless of their trainer's command. "Berg-"

"I s-said no! No, you're not doing this! I don't care, forget what I said. I said to protect it with your life, but I didn't mean-"

"Berg! Bergmite!" Glacia retorted, now staring down their trainer. Their stubborn expression refused to budge.

Laguna clenched her fist as she spoke, trying to get it through to them. They were stubborn, rash, and above all, weren't even a year old. They deserved better. But Bergmite kept shouting, kept raising its voice, over and over. And she didn't understand them. Growing frustrated beyond all belief, Laguna finally opened up her UI and slammed her first down on one specific setting.

Poke-Speech: Enabled.

"I'm telling you! You're not-"

"I'll be okay Momma, I know you'll come for me."

Laguna's heart instantly broke. It shattered into a million pieces that she could never recover from. Tears instantly began spilling down her bruised and bloody face. "I, wha-"

"I can do this! I've done it before! It's not as scary the second time. I want to help!" Her voice was so sweet, the voice of a loving child, so full of love and endlessly optimistic hope.

Laguna couldn't find it in her to say no, not anymore. She just stood there, broken. The tears continued to pour down her cheeks, heartbroken.

"Madame, I hate to intrude, but the forces of darkness are ever approaching. If we seek to combat this threat, we must strike now before this blight chokes out all life.." A gentlemanly voice suddenly spoke from behind her, startling her as she turned around.

Sir Hail floated behind, its presence now seemingly much more refined with an actual voice to pair with its nature. She wanted to just sob, to scream at Glacia to tell her to not even think about it. But Sir Hail was right, there wasn't any time for this. "I- we, but- Okay."

"But we're going out in style," Laguna spoke up trying to be as confident as possible, and all three of her Pokemon nodded. "Sir Hail, Protect inari 's Chikorita, and lay down an Ice Beam barrage of epic proportions."

"Yes, Ma'am. One frozen laser show, as commanded." He spun off in a flash, beams of ice firing off into the crowd of Corrupted Pokemon as it attempted to draw the heat away from the Chikorita healing the core.

"Roxanne!" Laguna called out, and the massive Onix tilted her head down to look at their trainer.

"Yes, Auntie?" She spoke with an almost sultry tone, smooth and seductive naturally. It was such a strange fit for the Onix.

What happened to her Pokemon, that they all treated her like some extended family? She'd have to ask them questions about it later when their life wasn't in danger. "Protect althaea 's Gothita and Dragon Breath the enemy! Show them we mean business."

The Onix roared in response, body coiling and uncoiling as it stretched, a terrifying gust attempted to shred into the corrupted Pokemon.

"And Glacia-" She paused, tearful eyes glancing down at the Bergmite. Standing tall and proud, practically beaming. "Go and fight while I pray. Ice Ball. I'll call for you." The Bergmite nodded their head, quickly sliding between their legs, and began flinging balls of ice into the crowd.

For her sake, Laguna shuddered as she stared at the core. It took every ounce of her willpower to actually do this. She didn't want to. But what choice did she have? Glacia was willing, she wanted to. She didn't bother hiding the tears that spilled down her broken face as she began.

"Moltres, Hallowed be thy Flame.

May thine own Roaring Judgment purge the world of this Corruption.

Let your Phoenix Wings spread and become Anew, let not our Sacrifices be in vain."

"Glacia!" Laguna suddenly called out, the Bergmite quickly slipping and sliding back through the crowd to clamber up to her side. She immediately picked up the Bergmite, arms shaking from pure fear at what she was about to do.

"Let this Heroic Soul empower you, and join you in Spirit to protect the land. May it burn just as bright."

Her hand shook as she reached out for the Sacrifice button, eventually freezing. She just, couldn't do it. Glacia just nuzzled against the arm that was carrying her, understanding and as sweet as ever, a soft voice coming from her. "It's okay Momma. I'll be waiting for you. I love you."

Her eyes squeezed shut, unable to even look at herself do it as she slammed the Sacrifice Button and felt the glowing presence in her arm fade.

"... Please, we need you."

INVITE A PLAYER (IC OR OOC) TO THE RAID +10
INTERACT WITH ANOTHER PLAYER (Alotta) +10

SPOILER: Click to show

{BREAKDOWN}Bergmite 490/500 Sacrificed
Damaged by (opponent) for N/A
Damaged by (action) for (10 HP)
SACRIFICE

Cryogonal 490/500 Active
Damaged by (opponent) for N/A
Damaged by (action) for (10 HP)
Guarding inari 's Chikorita

Onix 490/500 Active
Damaged by (opponent) for N/A
Damaged by (action) for (10 HP)
Guarding althaea 's Gothita

Look, Manish yelling that he was going to help was all well and good, but he didn’t actually know what was going on. There was a…thing that looked like it was kicking up a storm in the greenhouse and a bunch of keg? Things? Around? He really didn’t know what was going on with all of this. Before he could fully charge in, Sarah Lee and Morgana greeted him.

“Oh! Hello! It’s good to uh, I mean, nice to see you both. Again. Yes. That. Hi.” He gave Sarah Lee an awkward wave before Bergamot Gristleborg ’s words registered. “Wait, Larvitar? Like my Larvitar? I don’t uh, no I’m pretty sure Larvitar isn’t there. I mean, uh, see here’s the thing I…” he took a moment to dig through his pockets and found the pokeball with Larvitar hastily scribbled on it, “...no see, yeah Larvitar’s right um, here. But thank you! For uh, for thinking about her! That’s really really nice of um, of you. It means a lot that you care about my pokemon.”

Before he could continue going on about how much Morgana caring about his pokemon meant to him, someone new spoke to him and Manish stumbled even more over his words. “Fight…fighting? Oh I don’t really, I mean, I guess I do fight. Um. But I mean, I don’t really uh. Know? It’s, uh, I think it’s that,” Manish pointed at the Briar Beast behind him, “...thing? But I don’t know what it um, I’m not really a fighter. I mean, I can! I will. It’s just um. Hi. I’m Manish.” Manish stuck out his hand for Bronze to shake, but it faltered when he saw a chunk of glass sticking out of the back of his hand.

It was then he realized that he definitely still had shards of glass covering him, a couple stuck into his coat and in his hands. His eyes widened in fear and there was a lurch in his stomach. He should feel those, right? Or should feel them less than he did? He didn’t have realistic pain on, but actually seeing the shards that littered his body sent his brain in a spiral. That wasn’t right. There was something in his skin that wasn’t supposed to be there. Everything in his body screamed at him to start ripping out the glass. But that was bad, right? He shouldn’t do that? That would be weird, and there were still people standing near him. He needed to go away and get the glass out of his body before he cried. Or threw up all over his shoes.

“Oh jeez. I’m going to uh, go. Now. Fight. Yes. That. Oh heck, yep. Haha yep, I know what’s going on and this is totally normal. Yep. I’m not freaking out at all.” Manish really hoped they couldn't pick up on his mounting panic.

Before he could fully freak out, another awful noise came from the Greenhouse and he remembered what was happening. There was a monster and it was hurting people. Maybe other pokemon, maybe Amanita! His hands were shaking and he still felt light on his feet, but he shoved that all into the back of his mind; the part of his mind that held all the bad memories of getting hurt and other things. Things like all the nights spent alone in his giant, empty house, watching his parents leave and leave and leave, the sounds of gunshots, and falling down stairs. It would be selfish to focus on his own hurts when others could have it worse. He knew better, he knew that they came first. He took a shaky breath and faced the Greenhouse.

Whatever the thing was everyone was fighting, it was gross. Like the unicorn and that sick Bulbasaur. There were already quite a few people fighting it, but the Briar Beast looked like it was really holding its own against them.

Manish looked at Ryan and Lucy, who both nodded at him. He glanced down at his hand again, vision going dark around the edges as he stared at the glass. He was fine. He was totally fine. This wasn’t anything to worry about. There were bigger issues to deal with and the faster he dealt with them, the faster he could let himself completely freak out.

Manish quickly made a few taps on his UI, “Ready, Ryan?”

<Born ready!>

“Lucy?”

<Just waiting on you, bossman.>

“Let’s do this.”

The change was instant. A flash of light, Ryan disappeared into a pokeball that then started to grow and grow. Distantly Manish was glad that he had already done this before and knew what to expect. As soon as he threw the pokeball towards the greenhouse, Ryan appeared again, larger than normal and still growing.

In a feat of physical prowess Manish wasn’t sure he actually possessed, he ran and jumped on Ryan’s shoulders before he got too big and Lucy scrambled after him. The two rode on Ryan as he transformed, towering over those around him. Mushrooms sprouted all over his body and the bloom on his back fully opened, fungal petals reaching their full potential.

Manish placed his injured hand on Ryan’s back and felt his skin move. Against his better judgment he glanced down and watched in horror and fascination as the glass shard started to wiggle before it began to move out of his skin. It was being pushed out. Manish stopped breathing as a mushroom grew out of his skin, pushing the glass shard out. Going by the weird feelings all over his arms and back, he was fairly certain it was happening in all the spots where he was hurt. Whatever weird Gardner thing he had going on was replacing the glass with mushrooms; it was the first time they grew somewhere other than in his hair. A distant, quiet part of him wondered if amanita would think it was gross. But at least the glass was gone and he could deal with mushrooms, he liked mushrooms. It was time to focus up.

Ryan had achieved his full, Gigantamaxed size and Manish really hoped no one was emotionally attached to the Greenhouse. “Ryan! G-Max Vine Lash! Lucy, Leaf Blade!”

His pokemon wasted no time. Ryan raised up his giant vines and began to slam them into the Briar Beast over and over and over. There was the distant sound of glass shattering, but Manish did his best to block that out and focus on the mushrooms sprouting out of his and his pokemon’s skin. A glance at Lucy confirmed that she was also sporting a few more mushrooms than normal. “Oh jeez I hope that greenhouse isn't a world heritage site, I don't need to break another one of those” Manish muttered as another window was broken by Ryan’s attack.

As the lashing vines began to slow, Lucy took her turn. She dashed off of Ryan’s head, leaped into the air, did a very sick flip before landing on a vine and using that as her path to the Briar beast. She summoned her strongest leaves and produced a blade to attack with. She let out a scream as she got closer to the Briar Beast and let out a barrage of attacks. Her leaf blade cut into the beast, but each attack was harder to pull back. She realized too late that the black goo was sticking to her, pulling her in. But Manish didn’t raise no quitter. <You want me? Then you get me.> She hissed as she took one final stab into the Briar Beast, sinking in deep enough into the black goo to let herself be taken.

On top of Ryan’s back Manish was unable to help and could only watch as Lucy sunk into the Briar Beast’s side, ichor coating her completely, before she was nothing but a ball of slime dripping off of the Briar Beast.

INTERACT WITH ANOTHER PLAYER +10

SPOILER: Click to show

{BREAKDOWN}VENUSAUR 690/700 Active
Damaged by Charge Attack for 10 HP


SCEPTILE 210/250 Corrupted
Damaged by Fast Attack for 40 HP


ZORUA 250/250 Corrupted

Ezra had tears pooling in his eyes as he gazed at the Zubat. How had they ended up here? What had gone wrong? Ezra had just wanted to help. Instead, someone else was getting hurt.

It had started out fine, if fine was a fiery apocalypse full of corruption. Ezra had spawned into an empty mansion and managed to get out to the garden. Virgil had attacked the Corrupted Pokemon there. His Zubat had healed the Moltres Core a bit. <<This isn't enough,>> The Zubat had spoken, solemn as he gazed at the Moltres Core.

And Ezra had frozen. Why had he frozen? If he had just stayed calm this wouldn't be happened. But Zubat could tell Ezra knew something. Had demanded the knowledge that would heal the Moltres Core. Why did he confess? If he had stayed quiet-

PRAY OR SACRIFICE

But prayer had never been enough, not for anything, and it wouldn't be enough here. Zubat had seemed to know it too. <<Let it take me,>> The Zubat had declared. <<I won't last long here anyway, not like this.>> And then the Zubat had paused, sensing Ezra's trembling and hearing his denials. <<You are kind. But I will heal the Core. Cease your weeping, I have not even a name to grieve over.>>

So here Ezra was, tears welling up in his eyes. "Just because you don't have a name yet, doesn't mean you don't matter! Please-"

But the Zubat cut him off. <<Healing is my job. And I will do my job. Let me be the sacrifice. Respect my choice.>>

And what else could he do when faced with those words? So Ezra began to speak stumbling words pulled out of him. "Please- Please accept this willing sacrifice. He is brave, the bravest, and- and he wishes to see you healed. Please-" He choked on saying more than that, but that alone was enough, it seemed. The Core swallowed the Zubat in glow.

A glow and then nothing. No sign that Zubat had ever been here. He ducked his head to hide his quiet tears. This was a game, he reminded himself. But, it didn't feel like a game. This hurt, of someone else hurting for the sake of another, it was all too familiar.

SPOILER: Click to show

{BREAKDOWN}
ROWLET (290/300) Active

Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)

Damaged by Charge Attack for 10 HP





ZUBAT (120/150) SACRIFICED

Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)

Damaged by Healing x 3 for 30

... .- ...- . / -- --- .-.. - .-. . ...

The Magnemite hovering right by her side keeps light zapping her with electricity. It’s harmless, sure, a mild annoyance more than anything else, but considering that she’s already aching and covered in scratches from her fall, Domino would really like it to stop.

“Okay, seriously… What the hell?”

.-- . / -. . . -.. / - --- / ... .- ...- . / -- --- .-.. - .-. . …

Wait, is that like… Morse code?

Good god, is this another ancient, forgotten, remnant from Clanwar: Worldstorm?

Domino may be smart, but she sure as hell isn’t smart enough to just decipher morse code on the spot. As such, she’s left with only one choice:

POKÉ-SPEECH: ON

<'I am dread and I am terror! Fear me, for I am the sco–'>

“Balerion, not now. I’m trying to talk to Magnemite. You’re a SUPPORT, go support someone.” Domino’s multicoloured eyes roll at the Charmander’s antics, her attention then turning to the Magnemite in question as if she weren’t fully aware that Balerion is throwing a tantrum only a metre away. “Alright, sup?”

<'Miss Domino, we need to save Moltres!'>

“Well yeah, but I think people here kinda already got that covered, little bud.”

<'No, Miss Domino! Keep healing the core! I’ll help deal with the corrupt pokémon!'>

“Wow, you’re real demanding, huh? Fine, fine, let’s have it your way… Alright, dread and terror, you heard Fodder Two.”

<'I will burn all our enemies to ashes!'>

“No, Balerion. Go heal the core.”

<'Ugh. You’re no fun. I am dread and I am terror. I am destruction and immolation. Fear my flame, for it shall scorch everything!'>

Warm, gentle, healing flames are shot at the core, Domino can’t help but chuckle lightly, especially as she adds the colourful light of the G.A.Y Beam to the mix. Balerion still takes it all very seriously.

But, it’s then that her attention turns to those around her. She notices Alice! in particular, witnessing her sacrifice. In respect, there’s a nod; as much as she may name some pokémon fodder, that’s a strategy to distance herself from them more than anything else. Sacrificing her own pokémon had never even crossed her mind. Much less praying. Religion has never suited her, honestly.

“You go too, Fodder One.”

<'Yes, Miss Domino. Whatever you wish!'>

See? Now she feels bad. With a sigh, Domino watches as Magnemite’s THUNDER WAVES attempt to fend off corrupt pokémon after corrupt pokémon, and also as Gothita and Balerion do their best to help heal the core. She opens her UI, considering for a moment, and then, a message is sent in UNOVR world chat, likely to be lost among a plethora of trade spam:

RAID?

INVITE A PLAYER (IC OR OOC) TO THE RAID +10
INTERACT WITH ANOTHER PLAYER +10

SPOILER: Click to show

{BREAKDOWN}
CHARMANDER (110/150) Active
Damaged by HEALING for -40 HP

GOTHITA (120/150) Active
Damaged by HEALING for -30 HP

MAGNEMITE (130/150) Active
Damaged by ATTACKING for -20 HP

Treecko entered into a world of chaos.

The terrifying BRIAR BEAST was unleashing itself upon the world, and pokemon trainers from all over UNOVR were doing everything in their power to stop it.

She looked around, trying to get some kind of read on the situation. The first thing she did was assess her companions.

The Drilbur she'd summoned was stretching his drills.

"Always gotta limber up before the grind," he said when he saw her looking.

"Very good," Treecko said. She glanced at Kath and Psyduck.

The two of them looked like twins, both cradling their heads and occaisionally glancing up at the world with an anxious paranoia.

"Ah fuck," said Kath.

"Psyduck," said Psyduck.

"Get it together," Treecko said. "We have to take action, NOW."

Next, she assessed the battlefield. It wasn't… TOO bad.

For one, a group of pokemon trainers had already successfully healed the molten core.

Even better, it looked like the corrupted pokemon were being kept at bay by UNOVR's combat specialists.

She cringed as she watched Grookey was BURNT TO A CRISP by Moon Bunny 's pokemon, Sunkist. He rolled on the ground.
"Ow ow ow, baby! Yowsers!"

Meanwhile, Bulby had been neutralised althaea 's pokemon, Cael. He was silent as he flew through the air, blasted by a thunder attack.

Treecko nodded. As much as it hurt her to see her friends get hurt, this was good. She held out her webbed hands. Was it time to heal the folks in need?

Suddenly a message popped up on Kath's screen. Treecko ran over and read it.

NOONLIGHT RAID. WE NEED BACK UP. COME RN.

It was from Tuesday , the original target of the corrupted pokemon's ire. If anyone knew what to do, it was her. Treecko looked over at the Greenhouse where Tuesday was now GOADIN THE BRIAR BEAST. It seemed in line with her other actions thus far.

”EVERYONE! LISTEN! THAT THING’S AFTER ME. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT BEING DISTRACTED TO HIT IT AS HARD AS YOU CAN.”

That was it then. Treecko had her objective.

"Psyduck," She said.

"Psyduck?"

"Try to get inside that thing's mind. Give it a beastly headache."

"Psyduck," Psyduck replied with a HINT of confidence. He put his hands over his temples and narrowed his eyes, focusing all of his problematic brain power into causing mental harm to the rampaging monster.

"Drilbur," Treecko said.

"Call me Drill," he said, staring at the Briar Beast with determination.

"Drill," Treecko identified him and commanded him at the same time.

"You got it," Drill grinned.

He drilled into the GROUND. It took Treecko a second to realise what was happening. Then it clicked for her:

He was going to attack it from beneath.

She frowned. A Briar Beast? What was that weak to? Didn't it start out as a Shinx? Would a ground attack…

Treecko clasped her hands together.

Long, spindly vines stretched out from her feet. They charged down Drill's underground path, walling the sides so it wouldn't collapse, and strengthening the power of his attack!

Treecko buffed Drilbur's attacks!

"This is way messed up," said Kath. She got to her feet, and fumbled through her bag for pokeballs. "Come on Treecko, we gotta get the hell out of here."

"Hell will only follow us," Treecko replied without even looking at her. She glanced over at Tuesday , who was causing a ruckus.

"HEY, FUCKER! COME AND GET ME, YOU PIECE OF SHIT! I SWEAR I’LL BURN ALL YOUR CREEPY LITTLE BABIES."

"Tuesday!" Treecko called. "Let me know if you need a heal!"

"Let me know," Kath yelled as well, suddenly feeling her ego as threatened by Treecko as her physical body was by the violence around her. "I'll get my pokemon, Treecko, to heal you!"

"You just let me know," Treecko said, ignoring Kath.

Psyduck tried so damn hard to mess up with Briar Beast's mind. He projected a mind prison for the Briar Beast, one where each time the Briar Beast tried to leave a public bathroom another person would come in, and the Briar Beast would have to step aside. Psyduck HATED when that happened.

Psyduck deals 75 Psychic Damage!

Drill BURST from beneath the ground, limbs whirring with dangerous efficiency. Treecko's thorny vines wrapped around his weapons as he struck at the underbelly of the Briar Beast!

"I got a liscence to DRILL!" He quipped as he landed his hits!

Drillbur deals 116 Ground Damage!

"Great!" Treecko said, proud of her team. "Good work, Psyduck - Psyduck?"

She looked in horror as Psyduck's eyes grew completely black. Deep in his irises, Treecko could see that the taps inside the mind-palace-bathroom were so close to the sink that you had to touch the ceramic bowl in order to get the water on your hands.
Turns out the psychic attack had gone both ways, and now Psyduck's anxiety had enabled the corruption to take hold.

"Dammit," she said. "It's you and me, Drill!" She yelled to her remaining pokemon.

"And me," said Kath, but Treecko ignored her again.

Sarah raced after Bergamot Gristleborg and manish, having flashbacks to the Battle of Beta Beach. From what she could see on her minimap almost all of the original crew were there too. They were just missing Lucky Guy.

Her arm was scratched to hell, covered in blood and chunks of glass, and a surprising amount of dirt. It looked suspiciously like she’d been through some middle-eastern war zone. What was going to happen next? Were the edges of her vision going to blur red, reducing her sight to a pinprick? Was her hearing going to go, drowned out by artillery tinnitus. She’d played a bit of Clanwar: Worldstorm in preparation for UNOVR, and it was honestly quite impressive just how well the mechanics translated.
Grenade tossing animations were repurposed for throwing Pokeballs, ambient gunfire had been replaced by trainer shouts, and the unmanned combat drone model and AI had probably been used for C0D13.

Greenhouse was a terrible name for the bullshit that Sarah walked into.

There was little to no ‘green’, and only the crushed remnants of a ‘house’ remained, and what little was left standing was a creaking frame to a noxious mass that now engulfed the veggie patch. Where once there had been prize-winning Chrysanthemums, now there were spurs of thick, chitinous xylem that pulsed ominously, pumping slime across the battlefield.

And it was a battlefield. The location pin that Tuesday had dropped was smack-dab in the middle of a pit of sizzling embers and venomous brambles. And right on the other side of the pit was Tuesday herself.

The roaring flames from the battle should have reduced the garden nuisance to ashes by now. But instead, it had done nothing. The fire licked away pitifully at the tangled hide of the beast, not even blackening its thorny exoskeleton, and as it did a thousand tiny damage pings popped up above the creature. Immune! Immune! Immune! Immune!

Sarah slumped. “Sometimes, firepower just isn’t the answer,” she said, shaking her head. “Just like in Iraq.”

So it couldn’t be obliterated with fire. What were the other options?

Sarah dug deep in her mind and went down the Presidential checklist for interacting with hostile foreign powers.

It didn’t have any nukes (that she could see), but then again all her bombs were fire, and that was about as useful as the ‘bulletproof’ glass on her motorcade had been.

Could they set up a trade embargo? Starve it of resources?

What about a show of force? Rattle some sabers?

What did it want? To turn the Birchwild into its nest? Could they just give it the Birchwild Grove? Or maybe they could pull a scorched-earth and burn the forest down to prevent it from being taken over? Wait, shit. That was a war crime, wasn’t it.

It couldn’t be reasoned with. The thing didn’t have eyes, let alone a head to focus on.

It had no tail to chop off, or glowing weak point….yet.

In video games each boss is REQUIRED to have something that is strong against it. Some combination of attacks, or an element, or a strategy that takes advantage of some innate weakness. “Okay. Well we know fire doesn’t work, so let’s just throw everything in the cabinet at it and see what sticks! Hell, throw the whole lower house at it too! Chell!”

The boar was by her side, ready to raise hell. “Give it a bit of everything. But no fire. It’s ‘immune’ to it.” Sarah rolled her eyes.

Chell charged at the Briar Beast, slamming into it with every technique, every type, every option it had available.

Hammer Arm , Take Down , Head Smash , Smog , Assurance

“Ron. You too. But first,” she opened her UI, tapping through her party menu and selecting the Charmeleon. “It’s time for an upgrade.”

Nubs formed on Ron’s shoulders, sprouting swiftly into wings. His head elongated, and he arched his long, magnificent neck to let out a challenging roar to the Briar Beast. No fire? No fucking fire? Well that’s just fine. She had a thousand other options and one of them was going to work.

Sarah handed Charizard the Gilded Lily, which opened up to play a haunting melody, the little gilded Lilligant twirling gracefully in place and spraying out a Petal Blizzard . “Everything.” Sarah repeated. She looked over at the remnants of the flames, now just ashes on the ground. Sure, they're tried fire before, but it hadn't been her fire. "Give it a little Fire too, just in case," she whispered, and Charizard took to the skies. 

Dragon Rage , Shadow Claw , Air Slash , Slash , Inferno (because you can never be too sure)

11 types. Everything Sarah had on hand. She found herself really missing Bernie, but it would have to be enough.

INVITE A PLAYER (IC OR OOC) TO THE RAID +10
INTERACT WITH ANOTHER PLAYER +10

SPOILER: Click to show

{breakdown}CHELL THE EMBOAR (250/300) Active
Damaged by (Recoil) for (50 HP)
Other

RON THE CHARMELEON (250/300) Active
Damaged by (Recoil) for (50 HP)
Other

B̶̳͐̂E̵͎͝R̵̤͚͗N̴̯̯̽I̴̮͎͆E̸̱͙͐ ̶̧̛͓̍T̸̯̍͝Ḫ̷̼͐̒È̸̩ ̷̮̏ΙD̷̨̒͝U̷͉͋N̵̙͙̄S̷̹̆̅P̶͍̰͛̊A̶̛̗̞͆R̵͖̽͝C̵̖͚̓͐E̶͙͒ (400/400) Active
Damaged by (opponent) for (x HP)
Damaged by (action) for (x HP)
CORRUPTED