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[Oh god, the talking.]

[It was a rough trip, and almost as if Archie had pent up so much unused conversation that he started dumping it on Nanu at the first opportunity. He doesn't get many replies that aren't sidelong glances or bewildered looks, so Archie's really just lucky that Nanu didn't subtly start hanging back and escaping. Doesn't the guy have Jill or someone to talk to? Any ~~other~~ friends?]

[(it's not so bad)]

[Finally, the lake gloriously comes into view, and Nanu can only hope the pirate doesn't talk as much during battle.]

Five. The Meowth back home's too young. [He reaches into his pocket, but doesn't take out a pokémon yet.] You starting with Sharpedo?

[........... he doesn't think too hard about that. he just nods in understanding.]

I get that. I got a Wailmer back home that's of age, but she just don't like it, so we just let her chill out on the sidelines instead. She's plenty happy to just watch.

[archie thinks for a moment, then shakes his head.]

Nah, think I just want him to get some water. [he takes out his own ball, tossing it forward. out comes electrode with a happy buzzing. it certainly looks a lot more confident than nanu might've seen it in the past.] This is our first proper battle together, Electrode! I hope you're lookin' forward to it as I am!!

[Well...the Meowth's also only level 5. It would probably end very badly.]

[Electrode comes out and its's still just as baffling that it's on Archie's team as ever. Nanu nods and clicks an ultra ball, and to no one's surprise, it's Krookodile. He chomps his teeth in the air and stamps his feet on the ground. The two don't even need to look at each other; Krookodile knows what's coming, and both have wordless full trust in each other.]

[He's ready, and more importantly, his ability is Intimidate.]

[to archie] Call it.

[he kind of expected to see krookodile-- he won't change out electrode just yet.]

Light Screen!

[might as well get that out, even if he expects krook to mostly be a physical attacker.]

[Nanu's not nearly as enthusiastic a battler, as Archie must have already guessed. At least not until things ramp up; he barely moves when he calls out the attack.]

Earthquake.

[Krookodile slams itself to the ground on all-fours, and sets off the quake. Nanu silently hopes there wasn't anybody in the quake's vicinity, even if they're seemingly alone out here...]

Do what you can to avoid it, Electrode!

[the poor ball pokémon bounces around through the vibrations while archie also... tries not to fall on his ass. it's probably not a surprise to nanu that archie is... animated, while he battles. the ground splinters and breaks from the earthquake and electrode does a good job of ping-ponging around the damaging quake... right up until it accidentally ramps off a piece of upturned ground and lands ass-first on another crack. it buzzes as it cries out and despite being a seasoned battler, archie can't help but wince a little at its cry of pain.

somehow, electrode doesn't fucking DIE from the super effective attack but it's clearly very beat up, so archie returns it back to its ball. he would like to throw out muk and let the swamp boys commune for fun, but that ground typing... sigh. there's a clear hesitation as he decides how to deal with this (or maybe he's just making up for sharpedo already being out), eventually deciding on the shark. he grabs his mega anchor dramatically-- sharpedo already knows what's up. it dives down into the water and jumps up as the mega evolution energy encapsulates it to release it into its new form. it roars as it breaks through the barrier while archie laughs loudly, clearly enjoying this.]

Waterfall!

Edited 2019-04-28 13:56 (UTC)

[That the oversized ball managed to dodge a large part of the quake is impressive, Nanu admits, though its ultimate fate was unfortunate. He expected Archie to switch out because of the type disadvantage—what he didn't expect was using mega evolution this early on.]

[Krookodile didn't, either. It watches Sharpedo's transformation with clear intrigue, as Archie's keystone and Sharpedo's body emit a dazzling bright light. The water-type pokémon dramatically breaks out of its energy shell and emerges looking twice as dangerous, and twice as edgy. The roar doesn't make Krookodile flinch, but both he and Nanu know there's no avoiding this super-effective attack.]

Brace yourself, Krookodile!

[With little he can do, Krookodile both braces himself and tries to miss the worst of the mega-evolved Waterfall. Coming straight out of the lake like that, it's a straight shot as the water pushed forward by Sharpedo hits the ground-type with all the force of a real waterfall. The newly pointed, ragged spikes on the shark's nose jam into Krookodile's middle as the rushing water propels them upwards.]

[Nanu takes out his ultra ball, fully expecting to switch out a fainted pokémon when Krookodile smacks harshly on the ground...when instead, the croc shakily gets to its feet, bruised and beaten. He turns to his trainer with a big Krookodile grin, having endured the hit just for Nanu. In a real battle, it would've been a big comeback. Here, with limited supplies, they take it as much as a KO as Electrode's.]

[Nanu nods to Krookodile in thanks...] Good job. [...and receives a proud, but exhaustedly broken call in return; before recalling him into his ball.]

...Hmh. Didn't expect you to pull that card so early. [Just like he doesn't want to pull his Z-Move card so early. Sorry, Archie; he still doesn't look impressed... but he does look appreciative of the ability. Mega evolution takes a strong bond, after all. Regardless, Nanu thinks a moment before grabbing another ultra ball, and out comes Honchkrow. It leers down at Mega Sharpedo, though otherwise doesn't seem phased, much like its trainer.] Aerial Ace.

[The mob-bird pokémon barely takes time to consider the attack before performing. With lightning speed, Honchkrow dash-flies in and out of sight, circling Sharpedo in the blink of an eye, and finally dives in to strike.]

[likewise, archie's clearly amazed at krookodile getting back up, but he breaks out into a big grin when the croc does. maybe it's weird, but he's happy for the perseverance and he's happy that it's not hurt too badly. they're really giving it their all for nanu, huh? ah! such a thing could bring a tear to his eye. arcues, he loves pokémon so much.

he barely gets time to react before honchkrow is out and using aerial ace-- archie can practically tell it's a critical hit from the force of it throwing sharpedo back into the lake. it takes a moment to right itself and unable to tell how much damage it's done from the distance, archie just... wades into the lake until he's waist deep in it.]

You good? [it bobs in the water in a nod.] Alright.

[he backs up. retakes his position. clears his throat.]

Okay. Poison Fang!

[Honchkrow puffs out its chest, clearly and smugly gloating at the critical hit. Nanu's too busy trying to judge the damage done to Sharpedo, much as Archie does. When Archie wades into the water, though, he can tell the other trainer's assessing the pokémon properly just by how much he cares. It's an assessment Nanu can trust.]

[Battling all these years as an Island Kahuna, he knows how to hold back properly for the kids on their trials; and of course, follow the basic rules in battles where he doesn't have to hold back. But he'd be lying if he said his days as a dark-type Interpol agent still don't give him a tiny itch to break the rules and strike when an enemy is down. A reminder of the good-cop bad-cop days.]

[Poison Fang: not the norm for a Sharpedo, but a great strategy. The shark aims at Honchkrow like a Golbat out of hell. There's no use in telling him to dodge. Nanu watches with sharp eyes to gauge his own pokémon's damage, and this time it's easy to see. Sharpedo clamps down on one of Honchkrow's wings, and the bird makes a distressed and angry caw. He can see the venom leaking from the mega pokémon's fangs, draining into the crow.]

[Once unclenched, Sharpedo's fangs takes more than a few feathers with him. Honchkrow lands haphazardly, on his feet but leaning heavily on the side that wasn't bitten. As Nanu watches for signs of poisoning, Honchkrow unsteadily shakes his injured wing, and turns to his trainer.] No? [is all he needs to ask; if the status effect can't be seen from the outside, only Honchkrow would know. The bird, still smug despite the hard hit, confirms: no poison.]

Good. [said out of relief, honestly; not that they don't have antidotes, but it's be a larger blow. Nanu grins.] Sucker Punch.

[The bird looks like he was expecting that command—with a mighty caw, he uses that same super speed in making a fast combeeline directly for the shark. With its uninjured wing, Honchkrow rams Sharpedo's nose.]

[archie gasps softly when the feathers come away in sharpedo's jaw.]

I'm sorry, Honchkrow!! They'll grow back!! [he calls out. sharpedo just looks like its rolling its eyes as it spits out the feathers. archie... doesn't find himself relieved one way or the other that the mob bird isn't poisoned. he wouldn't have used it if he didn't expect something like that, so... it's the sucker punch he can deal with instead. it smacks directly into sharpedo hard enough that the poor thing does a backflip in the water, then... stays... floating upside down. archie watches him, fists clenched, then looks to nanu. back to sharpedo. the ???!!? is almost literally visible above his head.

his poor shark is belly up, white skin towards the sky. archie doesn't hesitate to jump forward into the water-- he doesn't expect anything dramatic but he has to make sure!!! he ducks down underwater for a moment and after a solid minute of them both being under... sharpedo rolls back over and archie pops up next to him. drama queen... he pats sharpedo instead of recalling it and it floats to the side in the water, mega evolution slowly fading as it basks in the water.

evidently just deciding to stay in the fucking water this time, archie throws out muk's ball. it materialises near honchkrow with a joyful MUUUUUUK and a raise of its arms.]

Sludge Wave!

[Nanu's grin and both of their smugness intensifies when Sharpedo goes flying. Of course the shark will be alright; as Archie wades frantically toward his prized pal, Nanu just waits. It was an exceptional hit, and he takes the time to give Honchkrow a good skritch under the beak. The vain bird is still miffed about its feathers, but it'll live. It's not like Persian and her precious fur.]

[Though it might get worse, as Nanu tunes back in upon the release of Muk. The goopy monster gets a look of disdain from Honchkrow, though he turns to it with the same amount of resolve.]

[The sludge wave is horrific. The putrid smell, the poisonous sewage... Nanu holds back a sneer, but Honchkrow's is prominent.]

Fly up—try and get over it.

[The wave of questionable fluids and slop rears up like a miniature tsunami, and Honchkrow isn't the only one trying to dodge. Nanu rushes to the side and out of the way of the wave's intended trajectory. He looks to poor Honchkrow...and smirks as he sees his bird swing upwards, directly out of the path of the poison sludge. It manages to scrape his talons, but there's so little damage done that it's negligible.]

Heh... [Nanu chuckles, both of them knowing what move's next.] Psychic.

[Another proud screech. Honchkrow glares down at Muk, concentrating its telekinetic energy and releasing a powerful wave directly for the pile of slop.]

H-- [muk takes the psychic full on and pretty much goes down instantly thanks to the super effective hit. archie is...

it's quite comical actually. he's standing there wide eyed and with his arms apart.]

HOW DOES IT KNOW PSYCHIC?!

[It's hilarious. Though he doesn't laugh, that grin on his face tells Archie all he needs to know about Nanu's enjoyment of his utter, dumbfounded, dramatic bewilderment.]

What can I say? He's an over-achiever. [how does any pokémon learn any move, archie??]

[Honchkrow puffs up once again. That's right! Over-achiever...not over-a-cheater. (Most of the time.)]

[Nanu has a hold on another ultra ball in his pocket, thinking about the next switch-out. If there is one.] Well? Was that all you got?

YOU'RE SO TALENTED, HONCHKROW!!! Oh, Muk...

[archie sighs as he recalls the poor sluge, considering who to send out. he knows nanu has persian and sableye, but...

he decides to toss out crobat. might as well get the fliers a good fight. save mightyena for persian-- dark type cat on dark type dog. how fun!]

Air Cutter!

[Both trainer and pokémon grimace at the shout. Noisy. Loud noisy pirate man.]

[With another poison-type, Honchkrow readies the same move again. Nanu's ready with his next pokémon choice just in case, with Honchkrow being closer to fainting than full health. Depends on this next round, he supposes; and he suspects that Archie knows he's saving Persian for the finale.]

[Honchkrow readies himself to dodge without Nanu's input. Air Cutter would certainly put him over the edge... but it turns out the crow still has some speed left in him, ducking the razor-sharp wind from Crobat's wings with a few feathers shaved off of its hat-like plume.]

[Perfect.]

Again. Psychic.

[With a sharp upturn to face Crobat, Honchkrow concentrates its mind and releases a second wave of psychic energy.]

[he had guessed that was going to happen. why does he have to be so dramatic... he really should've brought mighyena out to finish off honchkrow. ah, poor crobat. it cries out as the psychic sinks into it, archie ducking his head in brief matched distress with his pokémon.

crobat's looking rough, but he holds on.] Air Cutter again! Watch out for its Sucker Punch!

Edited 2019-04-30 20:19 (UTC)

[Strong little sucker. Nanu guesses it's because Archie's running out of pokémon, that he doesn't pull Crobat out because of its critical health. It works; the second Air Cuttter just barely grazes Honchkrow's side as he tries to make another speedy dodge. It's enough to send him over the edge. He recalls the dutiful bird in mid-air.]

You did good. [he murmurs to the ultra ball; Honchkrow really did the brunt of the work.]

[But, instead of the pokémon he intended to send out next, he changes his mind. Once Crobat's down, Archie's only got one left, after all. Nanu throws the different ultra ball without comment, and Persian gracefully lands on the ground. Her tail flits back and forth in anticipation.]

Finish him off. Thunderbolt.

[If Honchkrow was smug, Persian's a hundred times worse. Just like her trainer. The crackle of electricity grows around the feline, firing off like a shot into a lightning bolt aimed directly for Crobat.]

Shit!

[he doesn't get a chance to call out for crobat to dodge the attack-- not that doing so would've made a difference. they know to dodge; nobody wants to get hit.

crobat shrieks as it flies up to avoid the attack, only to get hit. archie swears and instead of recalling it like a normal fucking person, he runs forward into the field and skids along the ground so when the unconscious crobat lands, it's on him instead of the rocky grass. he's winded from it, of course, but he gathers crobat up in his arms and easily lifts the bat pokémon up to take him back and place him next to the shore. sharpedo bobs over floats next to the crobat, grumbling to it and waiting for it to come back around.

on his last already... at least he's learned a lot about nanu's team moves.

archie throws out his last ball. mightyena materializes with a loud bark and a growl at persian. he's tried to befriend the panther before, but this is the battlefield!]

Take Down!

[Persian watches with pride as Crobat falls from the sky. This is Archie at his most dramatic, of course, but it also shows his immense love for his pokémon; hard for Nanu to truly judge when it comes from that. So, he lets Archie have his little funeral dirge that ends up just being a nice lay in the warm sun and sand instead of a viking send-off.]

[The only things he hasn't learned of Nanu's team are Absol and Sableye, who never had a chance to battle. He figures afterwards, he'll let them out to run off some energy while the rest of the pokémon recover...]

[Archie's last, Mightyena, comes out with a vengeance; and his first move emphasizes that. Immediately, the canine is a blur, rushing for Persian. She holds her ground until the last second, strafing with a leap to the side. It was a gamble, and a close call at that—the move just barely misses, scraping by Persian's back leg by literal hairs. She's thrown off balance, but recovers with grace. Nanu suspects it might have done a sliver of damage, but whatever it is, it's negligible.]

[Mightyena keeps going, and Nanu actually has to dodge in a similar manner. He backs away to a better, safer position while Persian slowly circles the canine.]

Hm... [Nanu raises a hand as he thinks, grasping the crystal on his necklace.] Fake Out.

[Persian darts forward, zig-zagging back and forth. She jumps for Mightyena with her claws at the ready... until faking out. She lands front feet-first, whipping her hind legs around and striking him with her tail instead.]

[mightyena yelps as the fake out hits it, flinching as it runs back around to archie's side of the field. the poor dog pokémon trips and goes barrelling across the grass, rolling and getting up. minimal damage. good.]

Embargo when you can, Mightyena!

[hopefully whatever item that persian has, they'll be able to negate it, though god knows how it'll work with the flinch...]

Alright, Persian. Let's finish this, already. [He figures he's waited long enough. Hopefully the small amount of damage will be enough to help knock out Mightyena, despite both pokémon being dark types.]

[He breaks the diamond-shaped black crystal off his necklace. It's been such a long time since they've used it, Nanu actually feels a jolt of excitement. Persian's is much more obvious, her smile becoming legitimately menacing, and bracing her legs in an attack stance. He first holds the crystal between two fingers, showing it to Archie, as if to say do you know what this is?, before clicking it into position in the Z-Ring on his left wrist.]

[And then he starts that dumbass dance. He's aware of how stupid it looks, particularly his because of course his is the one that's the worst, but as long as he does it quickly but correctly, Nanu doesn't care about Archie's reaction. Cross arms in front of his face. Arms at sides. Cross in front. Bend forward as though with claws; climb arms up and out, feet apart, reverse pelvic thrust...!!]

[The energy building and surrounding him is almost like an emotional effect of its own. It can be seen and tangibly felt in the air as it transfers from Nanu to Persian.]

Black Hole Eclipse.

[Persian yowls as the dark energy fills the area, pulsing into the red-tinted sky and turning it black. The void above them swirls, pulling from their battle area (only, thankfully), sand and water and tree branches sucked into the sky: but its main target, of course, is Mightyena.]

Shit! Shit! SHIT!

[archie doesn't even get a chance to laugh at the dance. there's a lot here he doesn't understand and he's never seen a move so powerful. archie's clearly pretty uncomfortable with the whole thing and quickly returns sharpedo and crobat to keep them safe (as much as he wants to return mightyena...) and almost can't watch as the attack meets its target.

when it's over, mightyena is pretty thoroughly fainted. he returns the poor dog then looks around, frowning.]

You broke the trees, asshole!

[Nanu doesn't even try to hide his grin, or brief bark of laughter at Archie's reaction. As the energy dissipates, he surveys the damage—actually less than he anticipated. Persian nearly sparkles with pride at her win.]

They'll live. [Like he'd have done the move if it ruined wildlife, Archie, honestly!! With a final smug huff, he unlatches the Darkinium Z from his Z-Ring and returns it to its place on his necklace.] Good work, Persian.

[Persian stretches her legs. Damn right I did good work.]

Not a bad team of yours. [Actually not sarcasm? Of course, they didn't get much battle time... but Archie should be well-aware of the bad luck brought on by dark-type trainers.]

[archie grumbles silently, looking over the damaged area, small as it is-- given the power of the move. he recalls mightyena, trudging over to give persian a pat and better talk to nanu.]

Z-move, huh?

[Yes, good. Praise Persian in all her glory.]

[Nanu's already reaching into his pockets for berries and a couple potions he'd stashed before they left.]

Yeah. Dark-type. It was overkill, but hey.

[......................no that's it that's his explanation]

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