TEST DRIVE MEME ( 001 )

[lifeaftr_mods]

Test Drive Meme #1

Hello, and welcome to our very first test drive! We’re pleased that you’re expressing an interest in the game. Here, you can test the waters, gauge how your character may fare in the world of LifeAftr, and even gain some in-game incentives, if you so choose.

Remember that Reserves will open on July 17th and that Applications will open on July 24th, in preparation for the game’s official opening on August 3rd!

But first, two important notes!

1. The island of Mu exists apart from the real world and possesses a dream-like quality that characters are innately aware of from the moment they appear on its shores. No need to panic or fret. Dreams are odd things, after all - and anything can happen in them. Why would anyone question where their mind chooses to wander in its sleep?

2. Due to the nature of Mu, threads in our test drive can not only be accepted as thread samples in your application, but can be accepted as game canon as well. In fact, certain choices your character makes in Mu have the potential to bear in-game consequences.

Shipwrecked
The white sand of the beach ridges the island’s edge, even if the clear water soon becomes murky the further out you look across the horizon until the turquoise gleam of the tide disappears in a coil of surrounding fog. Indeed, your best prospects may very well be to strike out among the trees or the crags looming out over the foam-capped waves. There’s lumber to be found and made from the palm-like trees, potentially fruit or edible tubers of some kind if you forage about some. The further you travel, however, the more of your surroundings will reveal themselves in a steady unspooling of curiosities.

One corner of Mu’s current construct drops away into a sheer cliff, initially too dangerous to brave for all but the more daredevilish, but if one starts to scan the sharp rocks below, you might catch sight of what appears to be sodden planks of wood - a wreckage tossed up against the rocks. And a little further...a bobbing, shattered wreck of a lifeboat’s remains, potentially bearing supplies that might yet be salvageable.

Fashion what you can from the wood and stone around you or scavenge from the ruin of the land, if you like. But you can’t simply stand around and wait forever. It’s going to get dark sometime - and if a creature of unknown terror doesn’t catch you, the elements surely will.

Storytime

There’s a sense of camaraderie in this cove, you think. As the sun hangs low over the horizon, the world cast into orange hues, long shadows dispersed by roaring fires that dot across the beach.

That’s right, folks: it’s storytime.

There’s no one to preside over this meeting of the minds in Mu. Call it a vague recreation of things to come, if you like, some vaguely fatidic dreamlike state where you may find yourself drawn to the heat and company that awaits you by the fire. And from there, compelled to default to that old instinct that most of intelligent civilization has revered since they were advanced enough to paint geometric shapes on cave walls.

You tell a story.

Perhaps it’s a tragedy, a tale of woe and of personal loss. Perhaps it’s the sort of thing you’d break out after a few rounds of your alcoholic beverage of choice, clapping hands to your knees as you try to bite back your mirth long enough to spill the punchline. Perhaps it’s an adventure of some sort, some unbelievable rendition of your past exploits. The only common thread to be had, as those gathered around the fire share their tales, is the fundamental rule of a ritualistic sharing of stories such as this: its truth.

But how one chooses to define "truth" is, in its own way, another story entirely...

Dance, Sucker, Dance!
The beat of your heart in your chest is difficult to ignore. It judders with a pulsing, rhythmic quality. If you’re one of those that lacks a heart, the beat is still omnipresent and all-encompassing, until your entire body is unwittingly bobbing in time to a metronomic tune that seems ingrained into your very soul. It’s inescapable. You can’t seem to move unless it’s in time to the rhythm that’s now singing in every atom of your being.

But rest assured, you’re not alone in this musical curse. Everything, from the swaying trees to the waves against the beach, jumps in time to the music. And so do the monsters approaching you, that - wait a minute.

Monsters?

Oh, yes. Did we mention those?


It seems you’ve encountered the wrath of the Boogieman, who curses you to only dance to his infernal beat. If you wish to best him, you’ll have to either evade or destroy the blobs of greenish slime that serve as his minions, all in time to the hard beat of the tune in your head. Clear the radius of his curse or risk an open confrontation, if you dare. Don’t worry if you look foolish; chances are anyone else caught in the Boogieman’s thrall feels just the same.

Mu isn’t pulling any punches to start with. It is a flighty creation, after all, and seems to revel in displacing people into new and uncomfortable situations.

---

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

DA DA DEE DOO - JUST DANCE

[yallstupid]

Well damn, it's about time a bro knew how to dance in this place. Count on it to be the equally weird as heck, uh...that is a person, right? Honestly, Guzma can't even tell with how brightly colored that outfit is (isn't he hot??). Whatever the case though, the beat sinks down into him as well, again son of a fuck, and he gives a loud groan of resigned anguish. Really? Again? Well, at least he knows now those goopy things aren't actually Grimer. That way, he can actually knock them around without 1.) getting his skin practically melted off, and 2.) feel deeply concerned they're getting diced like fresh produce.

That's not a Doublade, and it's actually a little frightening that this weirdo actually might an actual weapon on him - though pokemon themselves are potentially very dangerous in the wild and with a psychopathic trainer (he knows firsthand) - Guzma snorts loudly.

"Bro, what kinda music you rocking to? This deadbeat's swinging with the geezer's, lemme mix it up." Guzma clicks his tongue, purses his lips, and begins to beatbox. Flamenco? Hell nah, that's not the jive he grooves to. If he has to make a fool of himself in front of the giant twizzler over here, he's going to at least bust a move in the best way he knows how.

C'mon, man, he's giving you a beat - show him you've got move than just a few hip waggles and leg kicks. Get loose, get wild, because Guzma intends to breakdance after a string of beats, and with his legs going every which way, he could easily send one of those slimes flying out toward the shallows.

[ishotyouuu]

Well, at least he didn't decide to switch to dubstep. Thank god for small favors. Fixing the kid with a glare-- god forbid he decide to make this stupid dance battle classy or anything-- Wade foregoes the flamenco for now and segues into an absolutely vicious pop and lock, allowing Guzma's admittedly passable beatboxing to take him through the motions. A slime suddenly lunges toward him; Wade drops into a roll away from it, twisting his body into a tight air flare while lashing out with his sword arm to bisect whatever slimes are in his reach.

Wade keeps up his momentum, twisting around and around on his forearms, a veritable whirlwind of red and black fabric and steel, dodging the slimes' advances while slicing and dicing any poor blobs that are unlucky enough to be within stabbing range. Impressed yet, Guzma? It only took him a few tries to perfect this move, and he's only cut his limbs off three times in the process.

[yallstupid]

Guzma has had enough 'class' (and flamenco/tango) for one day, thanks. And let's face it, Guzma probably has as much class as he has etiquette. Thankfully, the Red Hoenn Ranger over there can actually bust a move, and he raises a brow with a slow nod of appreciation - not bad, weirdo, not bad at all...especially that living blender move there. He has to admit, that is sick as all hell, though Guzma winces as the swords cut through the slimes. He still half thinks they're just a much stranger looking Alolan Grimer, and he leans back a bit, put off. Does that hurt them? I mean, they're literally made up of goop, so maybe not, but--

"Yo, homie, don't actually do them pokemon any real harm, yeah? Just knock 'em out, they'll usually run away..." It doesn't sit right with him to hurt a pokemon - irreparably hurt them, anyway - and he would never kill one. He may do bad things like steal and sell them for a quick buck, but he's not bloodthirsty or cruel enough to do anything worse.

[ishotyouuu]

Wade springs to his feet with surprising agility, shifting his grip on his blades and admiring the work they'd done on the slimes, when Guzma's warning suddenly registers in his brain. He chances a glance back at the man, foot still tapping with the beat even as his gaze turns skeptical.

"Wait-- these are Pokemon? For real?"

Forgive his ignorance, Guzma-- the only Pokemon he can recognize by sight is that Pikachu thing.

[yallstupid]

"Well, I mean...they the freakiest Alolan Grimer I ever sighted - and I'm a native, yeah - but, bro, what else could they be?!"

Lord, but is he glad someone else here knows what Pokemon are at last. It seemed everyone prior to this that he's run into hasn't heard of or seen a pokemon before in the slightest. Go figure the one who does is the Hoenn Ranger here, but whatever. This guy is pretty rad - Guzma's just concerned about how much damage he's doing.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out Golisopod's Ultra Ball, head bopping to the beat that's still going strong in his soul. "I can clear you a path, I think, you head for the ringerleader." Guzma doesn't really care what happens to them.

[ishotyouuu]

"I'unno, maybe they're some weird generic enemy from one of those D&D-style games Weasel's always screaming about over Skype with his little nerd posse."

Not that Guzma has a single clue of what he's talking about, probably. Still, quite the gracious (and presumptuous) gent he's run into, offering to clear a path as if Wade had actually asked for his help. Wade cants his head slightly at Guzma, turning back once again to look at the slimy creatures who are inching closer and closer to them with every passing second. If he's right, though, and they are Pokemon...

Wade sheathes his sword once more, digging around in his pockets for a small round object that Guzma will instantly recognize. He rolls the Pokeball around in his fingers, his gaze fixated on their targets.

"Mind if my girl lends a hand in moppin' up? She could probably use the practice."

[yallstupid]

Yeah, uh...you lost him, Wade. Guzma stares, dumbfounded, then shares a look with his Golisopod, who wriggles his antennae and shifts his posture. Nope, no idea, boss. Sorry. Shaking his head, Guzma files through his mind for which of Golisopod's moves would be best suited for this. Maybe a Swords Dance first, get his attack up to hit a little harder...oh! Snapped from his thought, because he never dreamed to actually see another trainer here where no one thus far knew what the beasties even were, Guzma's eyes widen.

"Yo, y'all actually got a Pokémon?!" He did not really expect that. I mean, the Hoenn Ranger here was doing pretty good on his own, so it never occurred he'd be an actual trainer. Now Guzma is curious, looking at the ball he holds intently. Wonder what he's got... If it matches that red theme, then maybe a Blaziken or some other fire type. Maybe a--

"Shi--Goli, on your right! Sucker Punch!" Oops, almost lost his concentration there. A slime launched itself at the big bug, but a quick, hard jab with those claws splatters it. "Well, if you got some backup, homie, I suggest you call the cavalry already!"

[ishotyouuu]

Oof, okay-- so this guy's creature is kinda huge and intimidating. Wade's starting to have second thoughts about letting Tibia out to play. Not that he's embarrassed of his little darling, of course not-- but she is very tiny and hasn't actually been in a real battle before. Still, he's not about to deprive her of what she's apparently been born to do, and honestly, there's really no better way of learning than just jumping in feet first.

Ultimately, it's Tibia who makes the decision for him. She pops out of the Pokeball as if she's been waiting for this opportunity all her life, her claw gripping her bone club and her eyes bright with eagerness and determination as she stares down her opponents. She doesn't cut nearly as imposing a figure as Guzma's Golisopod, especially not with that cute little red scarf around her neck, but there's something rather breathtaking about her posture nevertheless. Watching her, Wade doesn't bother to hide his smile of pride-- she truly is his little girl.

[yallstupid]

Golisopod is indeed very huge and intimidating, but it's all outward looks, truly. The big isopod is truly one of Guzma's more calm and friendly pokemon when outside of battle, quiet and rather gentle. He's very aware of how big he is, and how very strong he is, opting to take it slow and easy with others - especially his smaller, more delicate comrades.

His antennae twitch when the sound of a ball snapping open alerts him to another pokemon coming out, and while Golisopod isn't entirely used to a double battle, he's a team player through and through. He waits to see what emerges, standing ready to swat away anything that tries to ambush his battle partner.

"Yooo, a Cubone!" Guzma seems excited, and why shouldn't he be? Even if she's a tiny thing, Cubone have a huge type advantage against a poison-type like Alolan Grimer! And he's pretty confident his owner pokemon could tank up a Bulldoze, easy. "Nice, this gon' be a cinch now!"

[ishotyouuu]

Wade didn't understand what you said, but was encouraged anyway.

Guzma's enthusiasm is infectious to say the least, and Tibia seems galvanized by it. She squares her tiny shoulders, tightening her grip on her bone club and casting one glance back at Wade-- not out of uncertainty, but with the sharp-eyed demeanor of someone prepared to follow orders.

Wade offers her a nod of affirmation. "Floor's yours, baby girl. Just like we practiced." And Tibia doesn't need any more encouragement than that. She quickly makes her way over to the nearest slime in a way that can only be described as dancing, ducking out of the way as the creature throws a thick gob of itself at the little Pokemon. Tibia retaliates before it even has a chance to recover, viciously swiping with her weapon and reducing the ooze to a viscous paste on the sand.

The little Cubone is trembling now as she sets her sights on her next target, and Wade doesn't have to see her face to know that she's shaking with pure excitement. This is what she was born to do. She glances over at Golisopod, her eyes bright and shining with exhilaration.

Care to dance with her, Goli?

[yallstupid]

Tibia moves with the grace and elegance of her kind, and Guzma's almost sure she'd do her Alolan kin proud. The Boneclub was pretty good to make mashed potatoes out of one of those Slimes, and Guzma can't help but applaud the little lady. I mean, she is still a lady, even if she's young and very tiny. It's perhaps for that reason that Golisopod lowers himself into an almost bow, and saunters over with a bit of a hop to his usual lumbering gait.

His partner here is a little too close to the line of Slimes, so with a slow twirl, his claws cut through them like the gelatinous masses they are. Flicking off goop from those glistening, dagger-like claws, he offers one very slowly and politely to his partner with a quiet rumble. It would be an honor.

And like a proud parent, Guzma double fucking fist-pumps the air. HELL YEAH, MY BOY IS A GODDAMN GENTLEMAN. "Treat 'er nice, Goli!"

[ishotyouuu]

Goli is still very large, larger than even Wade and Guzma, which means he positively dwarfs the diminutive dinosaur at his side. Tibia pays no heed-- the thirst for battle runs strong in her veins at this point, and anyone willing to fight by her side despite her diminutive size is a more than welcome ally. She doesn't shrink from him when he extends his claw, merely grasps it gently in her tiny hand with an eye-smile before dancing off towards her next quarry, her feet still keeping the beat still in the air, counting on him to follow closely behind.

You don't mind if a lady leads, do you Goli?

On the sidelines, Wade grins widely at his little girl's antics. She's not much for talking yet, but clearly she's learned the enjoyment of a battle from her daddy. He turns proudly to Guzma, inclining his head toward the little Cubone currently smashing another slime into the sand with an expression of pure glee on her face.

"Quite the little firecracker, ain't she?"

[yallstupid]

The eye smile is returned with a very careful, gentle tickle of his claw over the little lady's tummy. Golisopod are very tender pokemon by nature, despite their fierce looks, though they are also fierce warriors when bid to fight. He cares not that the small Cubone is leading, and lumbers slowly after, spinning around in places and lifting his claws up slowly as they cut through the bodies of a few slimes getting a bit too close to his partner. Don't worry, Tibs, he's got your back.

Guzma matches that grin, his nearly eating up his face. She might not be anything to sneeze at in the ways of size and roughness, but even Guzma has to admit she's got that sort of flair that is inherent of her kind - or at least the ones he knows from back in Alola.

"Definitely. Does she know anymore moves, bro? A Bonemeraang should deal some heck'a damage and take out a few of them things at once. Or a Bulldoze? I mean, gonna hurt a bit, but Golisopod can take it no problem."

Heck, her dancing is top-notch, too! She's making her Alolan ancestors proud, and may grow up to be one hell of a Marowak one day. And a true firecracker, considering the typing.

[ishotyouuu]

This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The grin Guzma gives to Wade might be bigger than even Wade's as he watches Tibia thrash another one of the green slimes, and Wade finds himself warming to the brash albino almost instantly. The way to a mercenary's heart is through his daughter, apparently, and Wade can't help feeling like a proud soccer dad as he watches his little girl work.

The fun is kind of mitigated, however, by Guzma's questions about Tibia's moves. Wade's smile fades a little, his brow furrowing in confusion as Guzma lists off a series of maneuvers as if Wade's supposed to be catching what he's throwing.

"Uhh..." There's absolutely no way to bluff this without sounding like an idiot. "I gotta level with ya, bro-- got no idea what the hell you're talking about."

DOES HE LOOK LIKE AN ACTUAL TRAINER TO YOU, GUZMA.

[yallstupid]

...You've got to be kidding. Guzma's face goes from delighted to plain horrified as the realization sinks in that he's dealing with a total newbie. He glances back from Wade to his pokemon then back and slaps his face with one hand. She...she really must only be a baby. Low-level and not at all battle ready like Golisopod, who has over a decade's worth experience in competitions and normal battles under his belt. Guzma drags his hands down his face and--don't get mad, don't get mad, don't get--

"Moves, man!! Her moves?! Boneclub, Bonemeraang, False Swipe, Focus Energy, Headbutt?!" He lists them swiftly, counting on his fingers. "You threw her into a battle without knowing what moves she's got?! Has she ever fought before?"

He's already expecting the answer to he a hard 'no', and double-battles are a hell of a lot more difficult to strategize and choreograph, too. This is...this went from good to bad real fast. He may have to dictate this brawl right away to keep the little thing safe from harm, if she's really that weak. Lord.

"Golisopod! Swords Dance again, then Sucker Punch anything that gets too close to the lit'lun!" He's only got five of those in him, though, and a Waterfall is dangerous to use with a ground type around...UGHHH!!

[ishotyouuu]

Y'know what, Guzma? Wade's not 100% in love with your tone right now. The mood of the encounter seems to change on a dime, and the white-haired punk immediately switches from singing Tibia's praises to acting like Wade's some kind of wet-behind-the-ears jackoff. Which is incredibly unfair-- Wade's damp behind the ears at worst.

"Okay, Number A? You don't have to shout. Two, stop actin' like I just crawled out the womb, and D, of course this ain't her first rodeo! D'you honestly think I'd just toss her in there without knowin' she had at least a little bit of experience? Give me a little bit of credit, dude! 'Sides, she's doin' great so far, ain't she?"

He throws his arm out in the direction of the scuffle to indicate just how well his little darling is doing while Tibia, oblivious, launches herself at another slime with the excited bloodlust of a seasoned warrior.

[yallstupid]

Wade, don't escalate, he's already frustrated with the way this has petered out, and Guzma doesn't take people getting up in his face too well. His brows turn down, knotting together as he regards this red-suited weirdo. The only people he doesn't mouth off is probably because he's still, uh, armed, and makes a decent enough point. He narrows his eyes and shoots a glance out toward the fight. The Cubone is doing...okay. Not great, but okay.

"Listen, bro, she's doing a'ight, but she could be better is all I'm saying. She's got moves that, if she knew 'em would end this in a second. If y'all wanna wait to waste each and every one of these things until the sun burns out, be my guest, but I don't got time to be wasting here.

A pokemon battle ain't just about throwing your critter out there and letting 'er whack things to a pulp. Y'all strategize - know her moves, her typing, her strengths and weaknesses... Golisopod is a water type. If I had him use Waterfall right now, he'd waste a huge chunk of these things, drown 'em out, yeah? But I'm not gonna do that since your girl there would take the brunt of it, too. She's weak as to water, bro.

Now, I can probably handle this if y'all get the heck out of my face and lemme think a little. And lemme command the lady a sec."

[ishotyouuu]

As much as Wade hates being told what to do, the conciliatory tone in the other man's voice ebbs his rancor somewhat. Wade huffs sullenly as he backs away, redirecting his attention to the fight a few feet away from them. Tibia's still holding her own despite her age and inexperience, giving the larger insectoid Pokemon one hell of a time trying to catch up with her enough to keep her out of danger. Despite everything, Wade finds himself biting back a smile-- she really takes after her father.

"Don't know how well she's gonna take to listenin' to someone who's not me," he replies in a rather sullen voice. "But you're welcome to try. S'not like I wasn't gonna call her back if things started lookin' too hairy, y'know."

[yallstupid]

"I know," Guzma mutters while chewing his lip, thinking hard on what a Cunbone's moves might be. Bone Club, obviously, and he knows there's Headbutt in there, but...what else? He's not a ground type user and never once considered a Cubone as a contender for his sixth party member, so it's...hard. Damn but he wishes he had a pokedex handy right about now... A quick scan of the little monster and he'd have her details right in front of him. "She's got a lot left in 'er, but I don't them the odds in numbers...but I got an idea.

"Cubone, use Focus Energy - Golisopod, guard 'er while she's charging up. Anything gets too close, you pummel it to a darned paste, got it?" The affirming rumble means Golisopod heard loud and clear. Guma's eyes scan the battle field, and the asshole commanding his slimes. There's really no other way to do this, is there? Ah, he doesn't like the idea, but it may be their best shot. Hopefully she does listen to him though, otherwise it's plan B or plan Flee...and the latter is not an option Guzma usually takes.

[ishotyouuu]

"Tibia," Wade mutters, by way of a correction, but it doesn't really make a difference either way. The little Cubone hears the commands addressed to her, but unfortunately for Guzma, Focus Energy is way beyond her capabilities at this point. She's only a level 7, after all, and for her to attain that level in Sol Raveh had been a challenge in and of itself.

So she merely stares at the white haired man, cocking her head slightly in puzzlement, and it's then that Golisopod takes the opportunity to dice a slime that had been in her sights. Tibia snaps her head back at the larger Pokemon as he makes quick work of the creature, stomping her foot in reproach and letting out a few scolding "Cubone"s in response.

Way to take the opportunity to kill-steal, Goli.

[yallstupid]

"Tibia," Guzma grunts, muttering a not-so-sincerely sorry in there at the end. He's not really one for nicknames, after all, only calling his own pokemon slight abbreviations of their given, species name from time to time. Anyway, he really doesn't have the time to be thinking on that. When the pokemon and Trainer share glances, Guzma feels the remnants of his soul begin to wither and die, slowly.

"You're killing me, man..." What level even is she?! If she hasn't learned Focus Energy, then...hoo. Hoo, man, he's praying she's not some sort of hatchling or something because... Because Guzma will have words. "Try, uh...Leer? No, shoot--Tail Whip, I guess."

You're not giving him much to work with here, and Guzma's scratching his head to think, chewing his lip and shooting a grim look to the sideshow host as he plays a sad violin tune for a second when Guzma rubs his face. Why you gotta be like that, asshole? Man, what he wouldn't give if he could--...wait. He glances first at the scene, then Wade, and chews his lip. Lord, he's gonna get shit on if this doesn't work.

"Golisopod, once the lady is done...pitch a fastball, man. We looking a home run, too, y'dig?" Golisopod looks over his shoulder, antennae twitching, then back at Tibia and rumbles, nodding his head slowly. If you say so, dude......he trusts you, at least.

[ishotyouuu]

It might not have purely been for her, but Tibia knows a taunt when she sees one. She glares daggers at the puppetmaster controlling the slimes-- not exactly as powerful as a Leer attack, but it's as fearsome as a baby Cubone can make it-- before twirling expertly on one foot, lashing her tail out to deal a hefty blow to a slime that has taken the opportunity to creep up on her.

She turns toward Guzma, cocking her head quizzically at the man's instructions to his Pokemon. She might not know what Guzma's talking about, but Wade does, and his worry over Tibia's well-being is momentarily drowned out by a growing excitement. If she could pull this off...

Wade cups his hands around his mouth and shouts to his baby Cubone. "Fastball Special, Tibs!"

It's like a light going on in her head. Tibia's confused expression snaps into something hard and determined. She turns to Goli and offers him a nod, raising her arms in very much the same way a child would to indicate they wanted to be picked up. Ready when you are, bug friend.

[yallstupid]

You know what's great about status moves like Leer, Growl, and Tail Whip? They effect all opponents on the battlefield. The slime Tibia took out takes that blow and the others seem to lose a bit of their nerve as well - a good defense drop, one stage is still something, and it may work in their favor... Guzma does wish she had Focus Energy, that'd make his plan so much better, a critical hit Bone Club, even from a tiny thing like her, can do some work, but alas...he'll bring it up later.

For now, it's time to play ball, and Golisopod scoops up the darling Cubone into one of his shovel-like arms, cupping her carefully like a pitcher would a well-loved baseball. His meaty claws are like any glove, and when Guzma gives the instruction to toss, he hurls the little pokemon right at...not a slime, but the conductor of this crazy orchestra.

"Bone Club, now!" The timing has to be perfect. If she misses, or doesn't clobber that asshole right between the eyes, then they have to try again, an strategy like this will be near impossible. Thankfully, Guzma's got years of tournament practice under his belt, and Tibia is a good, gutsy pokemon. He has the utmost faith in her.

[ishotyouuu]

There can be no margin for error here. If Goli's aim is just the slightest bit off, if Tibia falters for just a split second-- the plan won't work, and the little Cubone stands a chance of being grievously hurt or worse. Despite all appearances, Wade's heart is in his throat even as his hand strays to the holster at his belt, ready to pop the conductor in the eyes if anything goes awry. It's cheating, but when it comes to his little girl, he's willing to sell his soul if it'd ensure her safety.

Fortunately, he doesn't have to do a thing. Guzma's faith in the plucky little Pokemon is entirely well-founded.

Tibia bunches up her legs within Goli's gigantic claw, and when he's given the order to toss, she increases the momentum by pushing just at the right moment, sailing gracefully through the air as if she'd been born with wings. The puppetmaster, entranced in the chaos of his own making, has enough time to glance over at the tiny brown blur of death rocketing toward him, and although his expression is obscured by the mask, everyone present has the pleasure of seeing his body go slack with shock.

Her eyes shining with exhilaration, Tibia raises her bone club above her head with both arms as she closes the distance to her quarry, letting out a loud battle cry as she brings her weapon down:

"Cu-BONE!"

The club strikes the conductor between the eyes with brutal, punishing force, amplified by the velocity of Tibia's flight. A violent shiver runs through his body, and if this had been a cartoon, Wade's sure he would be able to see the creature's eyes crossed out with comical Xs. The Boogieman remains standing for only a few seconds more before sinking to the ground like a sack of wet cement, his power over the slimes fading along with his consciousness. Freed from their thrall, the slimes lose cohesion as well, melting slowly into the sands before disappearing altogether.

Wade doesn't realize he's shouting with excitement until he finds himself gripping Guzma's shoulders, his eyes riveted to the sight of his tiny warrior as she picks herself up from where she's fallen awkwardly onto the beach.

"YES! Holy shit did you see that? Motherfucker got iced! Ahahahaha!"

[yallstupid]

The scene unfolds in a matter of seconds, and Guzma's holding his breath the whole time. He, too, was reaching for his second pokeball, to up the odds by bringing in Ariados if all else fails - a third member of the party may even the odds a bit - but it's not even necessary. Everything falls into place, and he's so damn proud of the little thing. It was all her, all them, and his heart soars when that satisfying crack echoes over the open air, the force of her hit sending tiny shards of bone and bits of the dude's mask flying. What a hit, what a great hit.

The slimes are gone, they've won, and Guzma would be astonished if the tiny thing didn't gain a boatload of experience from all that, but who the hell cares right now? He's held back from racing to the two pokemon to congratulate them - how could he not after such a great finish to a tough fight like that? They deserve all the praise he could lavish on them. Maybe even a rare rainbow pokebean each for being so darn awesome.

But Guzma doesn't move other than to swing an arm around Wade's shoulders and cackle loudly, the wide grin on his face triumphant and massive.

"My man, your Cubone was lit! Never seen a li'l thing put the beat down on anyone like that! Yo, you gotta let me train with her again, for real!" He punches Wade affectionately in the arm, then releases him to go on over to the two pokemon, clapping Golisopod - who was helping Tibia up from her spill, and picking off the sand from her fur - on his hard shell and hugging his this neck. "Brooo!! Nice toss, Goli, you were sick as, hahaha! C'mere, both of you, I got a treat to celebrate."

TREAT?? +__+ Golisopod suddenly perks up, his antennae twitching as his tongue slithers out from his mouth and he swallows hard. At soon as his trainer begins reaching into his hoodie pocket, and he can hear the familiar crinkle of the bag of pokebeans, Golisopod rumbles loudly, spindly arms reaching and gripping at Guzma's clothes to get to the bag of snacks.

"Hey, no--c'mon!! LADIES FIRST, HOMEBOY!"