#just takes the wind right out of your crafty sails

[undercityrezident]

So I just got finished watching the first episode of the semi-finals match between Ash and Cynthia, and I’m certainly glad it’s the first of at least two episodes, because I would’ve been gobsmacked if they’d try to cram a 6v6 of this magnitude into one episode. I’m still personally hoping for three episodes, but with the pace at which pokemon are getting knocked out (even if it’s mostly been Ash’s so far), I’m going to imagine that they’ll go at an even more breakneck pace next episode. Even so, I really hope they’ll push it to three episodes so that they can get a good dive into some tense mid-battle match-ups. It looks intense based on the previews for next week, but it would really suck the wind right out of my sails if all the matches went so quickly.

If Paul and Ash got to have a three episode match, I can’t see why Ash’s match against the ultimate opponent Sinnoh has to offer can’t be given the same courtesy.

As to the actual battles, I’m a touch sad that Dragonite didn’t get to shine a bit more in this battle, but it does help show two very important things. Firstly, that Cynthia is not messing around. And thank god we’ve managed to establish that. I would be very disappointed if this was a slam-dunk battle for Ash and proper dues were not paid to Cynthia’s reputation as a champion and exceptional battler. The second point Dragonite’s quick knockout illustrates that I feel is really important is the concept that “Ash believing in his pokemon” alone will not be enough to win this battle. Even his calling out to Dragonite, even as I was in my seat quietly pleading with him to not be a goof and swap them out, failed to awaken the dragon-type before dream eater got the best of them. The regret in Ash’s admission of his mistake is a great way to show this realization. Further, it’s a great blow to the usual strength of Ash in his battles, making it all the more tense to watch this battle. Sure, we probably know as smart audience members that Ash will probably win, but these two demonstrations through one act very much help to show the scale of the mountain that Ash will have to climb to overcome Cynthia, and maybe even sneaks in a lingering doubt that the plot armour tropes might not be as effective as we imagine... if only for a few moments.

Spiritomb rarely gets time to shine in the anime and seems to be a member of Cynthia’s team that doesn’t get a lot of attention, despite being her opener in-game (thanks a lot for hogging the spotlight, Garchomp... I’m kidding, I kidding, kind of...). It’s great to see it really messing Ash up here. It also seems like a great way to exposit Cynthia’s flexible battle style that doesn’t just rely on brute strength. She’s also quite crafty, and Spiritomb, in all three appearances it makes in the match already, is shown to be exceptionally devious, not to mention unsettling, bringing in another level to the battle: a mental aspect.

These mind-games are most aptly demonstrated when we get to see the very seldom used move in the anime: Destiny Bond. Not only does Cynthia know that Ash is going to try and turn the tide with his partner, she turns his own momentum against him by using that dastardly move to take Pikachu out too, setting the stage for what should surely be Ash’s decline into defeat. It’s a brilliant manuever worthy of Cynthia and her title, and something that really has made Spiritomb the standout of the match so far. We can only hope this standard continues as the match goes forward.

We didn’t get to see much of Roserade so far, but we know that burn is going to come back to haunt them, surely. Meanwhile, Togekiss’ air superiority bodes ill for the rest of the match against Ash, so we’re in for a rough fight for sure on both sides. Gengar played into its usual silly motif before collapsing after a comical delay, though I have to say that it did take a few good hits, including a ghostly shadow sneak; so kudos for toughing it out as long as you did you silly ghoul. Let’s hope your Will-O-Wisp pays dividends later.

Pikachu was clearly Ash’s best performing pokemon thus far, and even with the blow that was Pikachu’s sudden knockout via Destiny Bond (man, that move really brings back some nuzlocke pains doesn’t it?), he gave a good showing. We knew countershield was coming back thanks to the previews, but I’m always glad when some of the pokeani’s history is actually acknowledged. I would’ve just hoped we got a little cutaway to Dawn watching, given she helped pioneer the concept, or even from Paul since he even usurped it from Ash in their league battle. What might’ve been even more appropriate would’ve been if Cynthia, who actually did admit to remembering it, had something up her sleeve to counter it. Maybe she did, though not with Spiritomb. If Ash plans to use the countershield again with another of his mons in another form, maybe we’ll get to see Cynthia overcome it and put Ash on the rocks.

But the concussive use of Pikachu’s iron tail to bat parts of stone edge back at Gastrodon was definitely the standout maneuver on Ash’s part for the match so far. These are the kinds of things that Cynthia simply might not be able to account for, and it’s the only way Ash is going prevail against the sheer strength and clever mind-games that Cynthia is bringing to the table. As long as they’re not too absurd (this was just the right level of absurd for me), then I should be able to enjoy this match, I feel.

Overall, I think this is a great start to the match, properly showing each competitors strengths and... well... Ash’s weaknesses. Sure, Cynthia showed some measure of surprise at Gastrodon’s defeat, but overall, Cynthia’s barely shown any sort of drawbacks in how she’s managing this match. And believe me, with how she’s swapping pokemon in and out and almost toying with Ash at times, she’s definitely playing him like a finely tuned instrument. Let’s hope this standard continues through the next episode... and hopefully a third.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t address something from before the battle; namely, the conversation between Diantha and Cynthia. I love that the anime seems to be implying that they have a good familiarity and rapport with one another. Between Diantha’s earnest faith in Cynthia’s abilities and Cynthia’s light humour preceding her serious declaration of her impending retirement from battling, it definitely leaves me wanting to see more of how these two interact (got to love those phaesporia breadcrumbs). I’m also very happy that Diantha stuck around, even with Leon in the waiting room (what a good sport, I don’t know if I could feel secure enough to want to hang around the guy that just beat me 6-2) to watch the match and cheer Cynthia on as she promised

Now, I’ve theorized in previous posts that Cynthia is probably leaving battling to focus on her interest in archaeology. Sadly, we didn’t get much more info than was already displayed in the previews, so unfortunately, my theory is still hanging in limbo for now. I very much hope we’ll get to see Cynthia clarifying her reasoning, either in an announcement to the crowd at the conclusion of the match, or perhaps to the other competitors in private later on. This does seem like something odd and out of nowhere, and since it’s not even predicated on her winning or losing, but rather as something that’s happening at the conclusion of the tournament regardless of result, there has to be something additional that will be expanded upon, or else why bring it up at all?

The answer to this, and the progression of this match are things I’m looking forward to in next week’s episode.

And no, I’m not going to try and devise an alternate way this match could’ve gone until I see the whole thing, as much as I’m tempted to write this battle out myself already.

#Rez Rambles #/ #// #/// #//// #Pokemon #Pokeani #SwSh #Pokeani Spoilers #This got long again but there's two things I love writing a lot about on here: #My ships #And epic battles #So expect me to get a bit long-winded when either are involved XD

[ainarosewood]

Prompt 12 Crossing Fingers Plummeting

@sea-wolf-coast-to-coast

“We’re going to climb a little higher to get about that storm folks,” the hyur pilot stated as he steered the Bronco Class airship into a climb.  

On its deck were a few more passengers than normal. Ever since Ishgard had rejoined the Eorzean Alliance nobles from Ishgard were clamoring for passes so they could visit the other city states.  Tradesman also took advantage of the newly opened city as an opportunity to expand their clientele and sell their wares by taking regular trips, by both land and air, back and forth to the icy city.

Aina sat down on the deck. This was not her first ride between Gridania and Ishgard and this particular part of the flight path was always plagued with storms.  And she well knew, despite being a fast ship the Bronco was going to at least clip the storm before they rose above it.

“You might want to sit,” she said to the nearby noble family, “It’s going to be a bit bumpy while he gets her above the storm.”

The young son of the group immediately sat down. He had recognized the Savior of Ishgard from he moment they boarded and was in awe.  The mother awkwardly followed her sons example clearly uncomfortable with the idea of sitting on the deck instead of a chair. She tugged her husbands sleeve and he did as well the annoyance at the supposed indignity of it clear on his face.

Shortly however the Bronco showed them exactly what she had been taking about.  It began bucking and bouncing like an enraged chocobo. Rain lashed the deck soaking all of the passengers and the wind howled all around them.  Those who had been standing were thrown mercilessly to the deck.  Lightning began flashing all around them as the pilot tried desperately to steer them above the storm.  Its incandescent glow illuminated the frightened faces of the passengers and his grimly determined one.  Suddenly a bright bolt came close enough for all to feel the energy and slammed into the engine killing it with a burst of sparks.

“SHITE!”  the pilot shouted as the tiny airship plummeted into the raging storm spinning as it went.  The passengers began shouting in fear as Aina threw herself to the engine compartment.

The spin of the ship slammed her into the wall of it before she tore herself away to the engine itself.  Please let this work please let this work, she thought as she began frantically pulling wires and adjusting them hoping to bypass the smoking melted portion of the magitek engine.

Her fingers fair flew as she gave a silent thanks to Sezul and the Ixal of the Ehcatl Nine for their training in making an airship and Cid for all his ramblings about airship engines.

After a few heartstopping moments of the ship spiraling towards the ground she finished what she hoped would be the repairs as she rushed back out of the engine compartment to the helm slamming on the engine ignition button.  The abused engine screamed to life and she grabbed the wheel an helps the pilot get the airship back under control.

“It wont work for long,” she told him grimly, “We best set her down,”

He nodded and steered the ship to a near by flat expanse asking, “How did...?”

“Sheer luck and thanking the twelve that I think to listen to those who know what they’re taking about.” she replied

Once the Bronco touched down all of the other passengers made a mad dash for solid ground.  The pilot looked at her and said, “Thank you if you hadn’t done..whatever you did to save the engine...”

She shrugged, “It was as much to save my own skin as everyone else’s.  I really am not that familiar with magitek.  I worked with the Ehcatl Nine to help them get their airship in the air and...well when the Chief of the Garlond Ironworks talks about engines I trust his knowledge.”

He just smiled then stepped off the ship himself asking, “Is everyone alright?” 

All of the passengers murmured they’re assurances to him as he continued, “ Pray for give me for the horrifying flight. I shall try to contact the company and see about getting help.”

He stepped to the side then contacting his employers. Aina could hear most of the conversation.  We don't have any engineers that we can send at present Rile and we have no way of determining your exact location....is there any indication as to where you might be?

“Not that I know of,” he murmured, “I have a ship full of passengers bound for Ishgard and they are relieved for the moment that they survived but....we are somewhere between the Twelves Wood and Coerthas aside from that I can’t really give a location.”

Aina strode over to him and said, “I could try contacting the Ironworks.”

He blinked at her for a moment then said, “Right you did say listening to the chief of.....please if you think he can find us.”

She smiled, “Cid is a very crafty man if anyone can find our location its him and I think I have a way.”

She then used her own linkshell activating the line that was directly to the Ironworks.

Garlond Ironworks Cid speaking. a distracted voice answered the sounds of machinery humming in the backround.

“Cid,  its Aina is there anyway you can track m location from my link pearl?” she replied

I should be able to just what fryer am I pulling you from this time? 

“Nothing serious just a near airship crash between the Shroud and Coerthas. Due to a lightning struck engine” she replied cheerfully, “No where near as dangerous as you've done in the past.

The other end was silent for a moment then he replied ruefully Never a dull moment for you eh? 

“Nope” she responded with a grin, “Oh and there are several other passengers as well.”

Not to worry I’ll have the Enterprise ready and grab Biggs and Wedge as well as materials.  

“See you when you get her Cid,” Aina said, “Oh and Cid, thank you”

Eh just another day you've pulled us outta more trouble then I can count 

She laughed, “That's not what Im thanking you for though I am grateful.  I’ll explain when you get here.”

Understood, got your location we should be there in a few bells.

“See you soon,” she then toggled of her linkshell and turned to Rile, “Cid will be here with the Enterprise and two of his engineers shortly.  They’ll have the Bronco fixed in no time.”

“Thank you so much,” Rile said, “I don't know what would have happened had you....”

“I did what I always do, help people in need,” she deflected 

He just shook his head at her then turned to the assembled passengers, “Help is on the way folks from the Ironworks.  So we should be back aloft within a few bells, On behalf of the Highwinds Skyways I apologize once again for this harrowing flight.  Rest assured the company will be happy to compensate you for any inconvenience this has caused.”

I should stop by the Ehcatl Nine and thank Sezul as well, Aina thought as she turned and looked toward the now clearing sky waiting for the all too familiar blue sail to appear. 

#FFxivWrite2019 #OC Aina Rosewood

[suntiger745]

Draecember #6 - On a mission

Tolaan reined his talbuk in and patted her neck. He looked back at Dee'atal and Mon'meer with a frown. “Kiva is skittish. I don't like it. She's usually very calm and we have had no reports of any hazards on this patrol route for a month.” The other two rode up to the summit of the low hill and looked out over the vast, rolling grasslands of the Laree plains. Both Dee and Mon'meer's mounts also stamped their cloven hooves and shook their heads, nostrils flaring. Mon'meer patted his mount too, looking around. “I see no signs of trouble, but the talbuks have keener senses than we do. Maybe they sense something we don't. Or maybe it's the weather that makes them uneasy.” While the three draenei sat in sunlight there were dark thunderclouds on the horizon in the east, with rain-veils underneath and flashes of lightning occasionally visible. There was even a bank of darker clouds lower to the ground that-

A gust of wind from the east caught Dee's nose and she inhaled the scent even as the three talbuks all danced in nervousness under them. Then she identified the faint smell. Burning grass. On the horizon a faint line of orange crested a hill. “Grass fire!” she exclaimed. She turned her talbuk around with her knees, grabbing the crystal transponder on its launching rod from Lok's harness. She held it aloft and activated it, the enchantment shooting it up into the air while flashing a red light as well as an arcane message. It would hover at around 200 meter's height for about an hour, until the stored magic in it was expended. She hoped it was in range of the beacons. “Felspawn!” Tolaan cursed and turned Kiva around too. They spurred the talbuks back down the hill. “The Gleek river!” Dee yelled as they began galloping back the way they had come. “Will we make it!? It's pretty far!” Mon'meer yelled back. “It's our only chance!” Tolaan replied and then there were no time for words.

The vast grasslands on the southern continent of Ruanar were often beautiful and allowed excellent grazing for the talbuk herds. It had allowed them to breed more of the horned animals than on any previous planet they had been on. One of its hazards however, aside from snakes and the huge Hathra birds, were the occasional grass fires. The plains were always windy and grass fires could travel vast distances before they burned out or were quenched by rain. They were also fast, very fast.

An hour later, all the talbuks were breathing heavily and so were the riders. The Gleek river was still maybe fifteen to twenty minutes away and they could see the black clouds of smoke rising closer behind them now and felt the smell of burning vegetation on the gusts of wind that the fire pushed ahead of itself. Then Kiva stumbled with a harsh cry, spilling Tolaan over the side of her neck. Mon'meer started to slow but Dee snarled at him. “Keep going!” “But-” “He's dead! Keep going!” Behind them Kiva made whining pain noises, indicating a broken leg. No chance of them catching up, and Tolaan was too heavy for any of them to ride double. She closed her eyes briefly in pain over the loss. Tolaan had been a good friend for over three millennia, yet there was no time to mourn now. They heard Kiva's death cry a few moments later. Tolaan had chosen to kill her rather than let her suffer before the fire got to them.

The last hill before the shallow river valley rose ahead of them, and behind the fire roared, the heat now a physical thing felt on their backs. Both Dee and Mon'meer were drenched in sweat, both from the rising heat and exertion, and their talbuks were showing signs of blood in their nostrils, driving themselves to the utmost. They crested the hill and raced towards the river. Small, only ten meters wide, but deep enough to save them if they could reach it before the fire. Dee placed a hand on Lok's flank, channeling her gift of the Naaru into him in an effort to give him that extra ounce of speed and energy. Beside her Jiol stumbled, then recovered with a wheeze of breath. Mon'meer was lean for a male draenei, but he was still heavier than Dee and a few steps later Jiol stumbled again and went down. He was prepared though and vaulted free even as the talbuk fell, rolled twice and then came up running. Dee reached the river and Lok jumped, sailing four meters through the air before splashing down heavily into the green-brown water. Dee slid off and pulled on the reins as the talbuk started to frantically swim towards the opposite shore. “Hai Lok! Hai!” she yelled. He stopped, treading water instead as the fire reached the shore, sparks and embers flying overhead in a gust of wind. If Lok hadn't been so exhausted she doubted she could have stopped him, and then he would have died when the fire- Another gust of wind and more embers and flaming grass was swept almost in a sheet over the water's surface, and the grass on the other bank caught fire, the flames roaring up and driving westward again. Dee ducked her head under the surface as it happened, pulling Lok down too briefly and then pushing his head up. There were still embers and some wisps of burning grass flying overhead, and the east bank was still on fire but it was already smaller than the raging inferno it had been a few moments ago. She heard splashing and saw Mon'meer's head break the surface two meters away. “Mon! You made it!” she exclaimed, grinning despite the ache in her muscles. His hair looked singed in the back and he grimaced as he swam closer. “Yeah... Singed, but alive.” he panted, treading water beside her and Lok. “Probably have a few blisters on the back. Light, that was close...”

They tread water in the river for another ten minutes, the slow current carrying them south-west. Dee and Mon'meer ended up having to support Lok as best they could before they finally came to a bend in the river with a small sand bank where they waded ashore and then collapsed for a while, all three of them exhausted.

A few hours later they got up. Both of them had tossed their packs in an effort to lighten the burden on the talbuks during the ride so they had only four soggy ration bars between them from the pouches on their armor, as well as one canteen of water each. Lok was still shaky and in no condition to be ridden and it was at least three days by foot to the nearest outpost, which might get burned down if the winds held and they didn't prepare quickly enough. After weighing their options they decided to start walking towards the outpost anyway. Even if it turned out it had burned down there should be some salvageable things there.

On the second day, walking across the burned grass they spotted three mana rays in the sky. The trio banked and dove towards them, two of them landing beside the two dirty, scruffy rangari and the equally dirty and scruffy talbuk, the third staying aloft and keeping an eye on the surroundings. Dee was surprised to see them since they were rarely used. The mana rays did not like Ruanar since the planet had less ambient mana than they preferred and the big Hathra birds saw them as a tasty snack. As a result the draenei had kept their population small and mostly confined to their biosphere on the Genedar.

Two female draenei jumped off, one short and lithe, the other medium height and lithe. The short one Dee didn't recognize more than vaguely, a youngster less than 200 years old named Jaari or Jaara or something. The other was Pelavi, an anchorite focused on healing that she'd met a couple of times. The priestess gave her a nod and then went to Mon'meer, looking him over and clicking her tongue over his blistered back and singed hair. “Weaponmaster! It's good to see you!” the younger female said, clasping wrists with Dee. “I'm Jiaani, technically with the rangari but I'm mostly handling rays. Your flare saved Outpost Four's asses there.” “Oh they were in range of the signal? Good.” Dee said, a wave of relief washing over her. “Yeah, they were testing their beacons when the emergency signal came in. Gave them time to shield the whole compound. Nasty grass fire though. Ran right over them.” “I'm glad to see you, that's for sure. Surprised though. I didn't expect the rays to get used for something like this.” Beside them, Pelavi was done tending to Mon'meer and approached Lok, the talbuk tiredly putting his head forward a bit to sniff her hand. The young rangari grinned. “Had to race to pick up Tolaan. He was in a rough spot when we scryed for you three.” Unexpected hope bloomed in Dee's chest. “He's alive?!” “Yep! Dug himself a shallow ditch and pulled the sod on top of himself. He might need some skin graft on the left arm and his lungs were a bit damaged by the smoke, but he's alive. Pelavi got him stable and sleeping and he should be back on the Genedar about now.” Jiaani said with a grin. “Crafty little bastard...” Dee said in admiration, a tired grin spreading over her face too. “Yeah, so we thought we should stop by you on the way back too. Can't take you with us, but we have packs with supplies for you, and outpost four is ready to welcome you back.”

Jiaani turned to Pelavi who stood stroking Lok's forehead. The talbuk still looked scruffy but not as tired as he had been. “Hey Pelavi, are we ready to go?” the young rangari asked. “In a moment, dear.” the healer replied and then turned to Dee. Jiaani moved over to the rays who flapped languidly half a meter above the ground or so, untying two rangari-style packs that were fastened behind the rider's packs. “How are you doing, Dee'atal? Any injuries? Smoke damage?” she asked, looking Dee up and down measuringly. “I'm mostly fine, just tired and hungry.” she replied. Pelavi put two fingers at each of Dee's temples and a wave of warmth went through her as the priestess channeled the Light. “Indeed, nothing major. You were fortunate.” Dee nodded, feeling a bit less sore. “Thank you, Pelavi. I'm glad you could come.” “As am I. Perhaps we can have a drink together when you return to the Genedar next time and catch up.” Dee chuckled. “Sure, you can fill me in on what all your children and their cousins are doing. How many are there now?” The healer smiled. “Ten. Eleven if the Light favors us when I return and get my hands on Orthol again.” Shaking her head and grinning she said goodbye to Pelavi and then Jiaani as the two mounted their rays and began climbing up to meet up with the third.

The two of them watched the rays bank towards the southwest and then Dee shouldered the new pack. “Well, a day, a day and a half walk suddenly doesn't sound so bad.” she said with a little smile. Mon'meer smiled back. “No indeed. I guess our patrol is very much canceled, but damn if the Light wasn't with us in that mess. I'll burn some incense for Jiol, and Kiva, when we get to the outpost but... I'm very glad I don't have to burn some for Tolaan too. Or you for both of us.” Dee nodded and put a hand on his shoulder, then they set out westwards, towards outpost four.

#World of Warcraft #WoW #Draenei #Draecember #Draecember2017