Wishing Well Raid Battle 7: Vs. Gigantamax Venusaur

[Lil'twick]

Gigantamax Boss Venusaur
★★★★★
Health Gauge: 100%
Shields Up: 0
Status: N/A
Trainer Status: N/A

Raid Challengers:

• MM, Weedle: 600 HP [Shield Dust, Eviolite]
• Leo, Raichu: 600 HP [Static, High Voltage Scarf]
• Jaho, Shedinja: 375 HP [Wonder Guard, Slice of Pizza]
• Zelphy, Shadow Dragapult: 600 HP [Infiltrator, Shadowium-Z]
• Yuki, Ponyta: 600 HP [Flash Fire, Charcoal]
• ShadowDRGN, Galvantula: 500 HP [Compound Eyes, Big Root]
• myahoo, Sableye: 600 HP [Keen Eye]
• Median Dia, Araquanid: 500 HP [Water Bubble]

The gym leader in charge of overseeing the raid sees a group of eight registered trainers arrive. There were surely more on the way, and well that would be fine. He let the research team know to have them be escorted into the observatory. In his gut, he felt that something absolutely awful was going to happen during this raid. But, what it was, he knew not.

The Venusaur, on the other hand, let out a harrowing scream once the trainers were ready for battle. All of the sudden, the sky began to rapidly change, an eerie blood-red moon hanging over the scene. The ground began to shake, and four large vine stalks rose from the ground around the Pokemon. It eyes then began to glow an ethereal green, and a single phrase pierced the raiders' and their Pokemons' minds.



W̸̛̟̖͙͆͂̈́̌̽̽͋̅͆̎̿̂̚̚g̸̢̛̣̗͎̟̠͔̦̮̘̩͉̭̮͆̾͛á̷̌̓͆͌̀͠͝ ̱̗̖̪̳̦̄̿͠h̵̽́̾̋̆̉̆͆̈́̄͗́̎̕͜'̶̧̺̜̞̣̅͋̃̆̓͜n̷̋̈́̎̾̑̊̓̚͝ ̙̒̀͛̏̂̾a̶͕̼̰̪̙̹͕̘̟̖̖̖̿̆̑̀̋̄͊̏ͅg̴̙̜̼̲̝̮̟͉̃̀͛͛̀̃̌͊͗͝ ̦͍͍̠l̷͓͚̜̣͚̟͎̱̙̜̐̽́̕ͅ ̴̜̣̋͑̿f̷̡͈͈͉̣̯̯̩̈́́̋h̶̡̡̛̖͛̈́́̔̎̄͛͐̉̋͆̆͘͜͜͝t̷̏̃̏̒̑̍̕ ̲̜̞̥͛̓̌̈́ȁ̷̧̺͓͓͇̗̬̆̆́̉̊̄̽͜g̵̡̺͙͎̰̔́̓̉̀̈̾̉͒͊͗̄̕̚͠n̶ ̡̬̼̘̅̈́̚͝!̸̢̟͔̬͍̩̦̾̊̓͛͛̈́͝



"Sir, what the hell was that!?" One of the researchers screeched. Leo could feel his ears ringing and his mind starting to blur.

"I have no clue. Whatever the hell is going on, if this is a glitch, Nibiru, or some other entity... Hand me the mic!" he shouts after responding.

"Raiders, this is now designated as an EX RANK threat. Classification: Threat to Humanity. Do your best!" the gym leader shouts to the raiding party alone, watching as the Dynamax energy flows out of the well into the Shedinja below.

Dynamax Initiative: Jahosafits, Shedinja

• Trainers may only list 1 order per round. They are also permitted to using 1 item in lieu of an attack.
• Dynamax Initiative will select a trainer at random. If a trainer has initiative, they may choose to Dynamax their Pokemon for a duration of 3 turns. Dynamaxed Pokemon may only select a Max Attack of a corresponding type from their registered moveset, or Max Guard in place of status moves.
• If a hold item or ability’s effect is activated in the present round as a result of the previous round’s damage calculation or the present round’s orders, please state it clearly in your response.
• If a trainer’s Pokemon is rendered unconscious, they may choose to cheer on their allies; opting to either remove one shield from the raid boss or healing one ally’s Pokemon by 50% of their max health.
• Roleplaying your orders is optional, but up $500 may be collected for role played responses of equivalent words, per standard rules, and Bond will accumulate only for the trainer’s active Pokemon in battle.
• You have until Saturday, July 9th to place your order.

[Jahotsafits]

Bobert looked upon the floral salientian kaiju before him and the other trainer with fear, awe, and determination. Its vines are thicker than trees, pollen coating the battlefield like thick snow by its mere presence and its petals covering its body as if they were a blanket keeping it snug and warm. This was his first outing into such an environment.

A surge of energy swirls around the Shedinja flowing into it but is quickly dismissed as an option. Young Bobert may be green to battles but he recalls that these toads are well known for draining life from the sun and those unfortunate enough to be around them. Bobert takes a deep breath knowing what he needs to do.
He calls out to Nōka "We need to prune this beast use Heal Block!"

[ShadowDRGN]

I'll start this off by ordering Screech (0 BP, -2 Def). Let's soften them up and see what they're made of.

[Missingno. Master]

There was a great screeching of tires as the Channel 110 news van pulled up on the scene at the Wishing Well. As one could expect from this sight, Diana Macks and Marv Liss exited the van, though it became clear they had additional passengers as well, for Eddie and ZZLZZ Starmie both exited the van as well, the latter's body visibly glitching as she walked behind her older brother. That said, while Diana and Marv stayed back, preparing for their news broadcast, Eddie and his little sister cautiously approached the massive beast. "Incredible," Eddie breathed, snapping a few quick photos with his PokéGear, before whipping a tape recorder out of his pocket. "I have just arrived at the Wishing Well, where a Gigantamax Venusaur has appeared. A Gigantamax Form I had not yet become familiar with, so it came as a considerable surprise to learn that Gigiantamax Venusaur is in fact nearly identical in appearance to the Poké God Sapusaur! Upon learning this, I hastened over to assist in the subduing of this rogue Gigantamaxed foe. Perhaps in doing so we will uncover more secrets of the Dynamax phenomeon, particularly as it relates to cryptopokology- already there have been parallels drawn between the two, of particular being the altering of one's perceived appearance, and now there is a Gigantamax form that looks like a Poké God. Certainly there is much more research to be conducted in this." WIth that, he stopped the recording, and threw a Poké Ball. "Go, Hermione!" he declared.

In a flash of light, Eddie's chosen Pokémon appeared. The Weedle was large for her kind, but she was still very much dwarfed by the colossus before her. Still, she stood at the ready, eyeing her adversary fearlessly the red glow of Dynamax Energy reflecting off her shiny head stinger.

"...where a Gigantamax Venusaur has appeared, ready to do battle!" Diana was saying, looking into the camera, clutching her microphone, as Marv held said camera nice and steady. She and everyone else present winced as the incomprehensible message sounded in everyone's ears. She opened her mouth to say something, but paused as the Gym Leader took his own microphone and made his announcement. "...moments ago, an incomprehensible message was beamed into my head, and judging by general reactions, not just mine," reported Diana. "Following this, the Gym Leader made an announcement classifying this as an EX Rank threat, a threat to humanity. Exactly how much truth there is to this remains to be seen, but whatever the case will be, we at Channel 110 news will be on the scene to give you this story as it develops!"

"Th-threat to humanity?" ZZLZZ murmured fearfully. "Eddie, what..."

Eddie shook his head. "It's more of the same," he said distastefully. "People fear that which they don't understand. That being said, for it to be transmitting eldritch messages such as this... perhaps we are in fact on the right track," he mused. "And in any case, don't worry, ZZLZZ," he added. "I won't let anything happen to you," he promised.

ZZLZZ managed a small smile, as nervous as the whole situation was making her. "Th-thanks, Eddie," she murmured. "S-so... I- I can tell just by looking- Hermione's gotta be stronger than any Weedle I've ever seen before in my life," she said. "But is she really strong enough for- for this?"

"Oh, for sure," Eddie nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Worry not- this isn't even our first time taking on a Gigantamax Pokémon. Hermione, are you ready?" he called out.

"Weedle! Weedle!" Hermione nodded boldly, her head stinger catching the light as she did so.

Eddie grinned, light refracting off of his glasses. "Then start strong! Use Megahorn!" he commanded.

OOC: Hermione used Megahorn (120 BP; RP to be edited in tonight)

[Lil'twick]

Ethan landed and immediately returned his Dragonite, his Raichu his designated fighter. Things were more than likely going to turn to shit... about immediately as the battle begins. He could see what was happening around him, as those untouched experienced first contact. So, that was that... There could be a few things behind this at this point, the phrase being quite common.

"Wgah'nagl Fhtagn, 'The Dead Wait Dreaming'. Well, shit," Ethan mutters to himself, the aberrant words lingering on his mind, and he was sure others too.

In the whirlwind over everything happening, and the chaos unfolding, he listened to Leo make an announcement. Considering all the unknown variables behind this, then it makes sense that it would be classified as such. Well, no matter, he'll take it down the best he can. For, well, all he needed to do was beat this thing up. Now that, they could easily do.

"Lucas, let's show everyone your new power! Bolt Strike!" he orders, electricity soon surrounding him and his Pokemon before the Raichu lunges forward, ready to strike.

----

Bolt Strike (130 BP, High Voltage Scarf)

[Zelphon]

From darkest depths of our shackled hearts we do hereby pull forth the symbol of our strength...

Soulstained Penumbra! (190 BP, used off Shadow End)

[lilboocorsola]

FIRE SPIN (35 BP) me right round baby (Boosted by Charcoal)

[myahoo]

Alright, let's start this off with an Assurance (60 BP, x2 for prior damage).

[Median Dia]

Hmm. There's probably no need to get fancy quite yet, so I'm gonna keep it simple here. Skitter Smack (70 BP; lowers Sp. Atk.)!

[Lil'twick]

Gigantamax Boss Venusaur
★★★★★
Health Gauge: 82%
Shields Up: 0
Status: -2 Def, - 1 Sp. Atk, Grassy Terrain (4 Turns Remaining), Fire Spin (4 Turns Remaining), Heal Blocked
Trainer Status: N/A

Attack 1: Worry Seed (0 BP)

Jahosafits, Shedinja: A strange seed has started to make Shedinja worry!
Shedinja's Wonder Guard has changed into Insomnia!

Attack 2: Grassy Terrain (0 BP)

The battlefield got grassy!

Attack 3: G-Max Vinelash (140 BP)

MM, Weedle: 491 HP
Strange vines have started to lash at Weedle, Ponyta, Galvantula, and Araquanid!

Raid Challengers:

• MM, Weedle: 429 HP [Shield Dust, Eviolite](Vine Lashed, 4 Turns)
• Leo, Raichu: 571 HP [Static, High Voltage Scarf]
• Jaho, Shedinja: 375 HP [Insomnia, Slice of Pizza]
• Zelphy, Shadow Dragapult: 600 HP [Infiltrator, Shadowium-Z]
• Yuki, Ponyta: 500 HP [Flash Fire, Charcoal] (Vine Lashed, 4 Turns)
• ShadowDRGN, Galvantula: 417 HP [Compound Eyes, Big Root] (Vine Lashed, 4 Turns)
• myahoo, Sableye: 600 HP [Keen Eye]
• Median Dia, Araquanid: 417 HP [Water Bubble] (Vine Lashed, 4 Turns)

The trainers quickly strategize before firing off their opening barrage against their foe. The Gigantamax Venusaur takes the hits, waiting for the right time to strike. For, it looked to be sizing up its foes at this point and had a safer round.

With a stroke of luck, the Pokemon nails the Shedinja with a Worry Seed. The Shedinja starts to buzz around, Insomnia taking over... and it losing its most important defense. Though, that is quickly eclipsed by the grassy terrain. everyone watches as an ethereal light green mist swirls around, the blood-red moon piercing through the veil. Whatever summoned this thing... well it must have a strong connection with plants and nature.

Then, the Pokemon lets out a horrifying, ear-shattering scream as it draws in the energy of the well. This was not a scream of pain. No, it was a scream of hunger. Its giant vines then lash out at the Weedle, who takes the G-Max Vinelash like a champ. Though, a giant root pillar soon sprouts behind it, as well as the Ponyta, Galvantula, and Araquanid. The raiding party feels rejuvenated by the terrain, something their foe isn't before the giant roots smack the four Pokemon for a serious amount of damage... as the Venusaur erupts into flames from the fire spin.

The max energy then jumps from the Shedinja to the Araquanid, as the Venusaur's assault stops for now.

Dynamax Initiative: Median Dia, Araquanid

• Trainers may only list 1 order per round. They are also permitted to using 1 item in lieu of an attack.
• Dynamax Initiative will select a trainer at random. If a trainer has initiative, they may choose to Dynamax their Pokemon for a duration of 3 turns. Dynamaxed Pokemon may only select a Max Attack of a corresponding type from their registered moveset, or Max Guard in place of status moves.
• If a hold item or ability’s effect is activated in the present round as a result of the previous round’s damage calculation or the present round’s orders, please state it clearly in your response.
• If a trainer’s Pokemon is rendered unconscious, they may choose to cheer on their allies; opting to either remove one shield from the raid boss or healing one ally’s Pokemon by 50% of their max health.
• Roleplaying your orders is optional, but up $500 may be collected for role played responses of equivalent words, per standard rules, and Bond will accumulate only for the trainer’s active Pokemon in battle.
• You have until Tuesday, July 12th to place your order.

[Zelphon]

Let none question the flames of our ambition, Ember Resonance (90 BP)!

[Lil'twick]

Another Bolt Strike (130 BP; High Voltage Scarf. RP to be added)

[myahoo]

And another Assurance (60 BP, x2 for prior damage).

[Missingno. Master]

After Hermione landed a powerful blow on the Gigantamax Venusaur, Eddie and ZZLZZ looked around as the other Trainers issued their commands. To mild surprise, the Raichu issued an Electric attack; to less-than-mild surprise, the attack actually did really well against the Venusaur. But then, to surprise that was the exact opposite of mild, another Trainer made movements to activate a sinister Z-Crystal, which in turn allowed her Dragapult to let loose a powerful Z-Move on their enemy. "Wh-what Z-Move was that?" ZZLZZ wondered out loud.

"The Shadow Z-Move," Eddie said gravely. "Soulstained Penumbra. You remember what I told you about Shadow Pokémon and Shadow moves, yes?"

"Yeah," murmured ZZLZZ. "But I didn't know there was a Z-Move for them as well..."

"Indeed, my understanding is that it was a relatively recent discovery," Eddie stated. "Though I must register my surprise that it's being used this early on- typically, people in these raid battles save any Z-Moves for later in the fight, rather than make it their first attack, when the adversary is worn down all the more..."

Not long after that, Venusaur began to actually attack... or, well, use moves, anyway. It fired a seed straight at the Shedinja, which seemed to perturb the Shed Pokémon greatly. "O-oh, no," murmured ZZLZZ, who had seen this. "The Worry Seed is one of very few moves that can rob a Shedinja of its Wonder Guard!"

"I wasn't even aware that would work for it," Eddie commented, eyebrows aloft in surprise. "Though you knowing it doesn't surprise me nearly as much," he added, with a small smile to his little sister. "You really know your Bug-types."

"Eheheh, thanks, I- I try," ZZLZZ replied, her smile visible in the few seconds her body wasn't visually glitching out. "Back in Kanto, when I wasn't looking for them in Viridian Forest, I was reading about them like all the time." As she said this, a ripple of energy shot through the area, starting from underneath the Gigantamax Venusaur. As the ripple moved, fresh grass grew in its wake.

"Grassy Terrain," Eddie murmured, his attention drawn back to Venusaur. "Everyone standing on this gets gradually healed, but Grass moves used are going to be far stronger. Not a boost we especially needed it to have..."

And then came some giant vines! The vines came brutally crashing down right onto Hermione, but as they retreated, they left the Hairy Bug Pokémon looking remarkably unbothered! However, giant roots erupted from the ground behind Hermione and several of the other Pokémon present, smacking them around for considerable damage.

"And that was surely G-Max Vine Lash," Eddie frowned. "I was reading up on Gigantamax Venusaur on the ride over- that's its signature move. Those roots that sprouted will continue to inflict damage for a while."

It was at this point one of ZZLZZ's Net Balls opened up on its own accord, and as the flash of light formed itself into a solid mass, it sparkled with a swirl of sapphire stars, for Dusty, ZZLZZ's Shiny Bulbasaur, had emerged from her ball. "Bulba?" murmured Dusty, looking up at the Gigantamax Venusaur. "Saaaaur..." she murmured fretfully.

"O-oh, Dusty, there's no need to worry," ZZLZZ said, hastening to comfort her freaked-out starter. "Eddie and Hermione are battling that, th-they won't let anything happen to us. Y-you should've seen how well Hermione took the- took the G-Max Vine Lash, too," she said, smiling to try and keep the shaken Shiny at ease. "Y'know, Dusty, you... you'll evolve into a Venusaur someday," she ventured.

"Saaaaur..." sighed Dusty, looking down.

"I know," ZZLZZ nodded. "I- I know it's no Butterfree, b-but... m-maybe you should watch the battle with me," she suggested. "Maybe you'll get more of an idea of how you'll be able to battle moving forward."

"...bulba," considered Dusty. She was still rather freaked out by all this. The urge to use Explosion was rather high, but her Trainer's efforts were keeping her calm enough to not act on said urge. She still hadn't quite come to terms with all that had happened since that fateful day in Viridian Forest, still didn't like to think that she would never become a Butterfree, but there was no denying it, this Venusaur looked seriously powerful. And if she could someday become like that... Dusty sat on the ground beside her Trainer, looking up at the Gigantamax Venusaur. She still wasn't completely sure about all of this, but at the very least, her Trainer's suggestion that she watch the battle, it seemed to make sense to her.

ZZLZZ's smile widened as she glitched once again, her body flickering and distorting. Truth be told, she was worried that Dusty would have exploded at the mere sight of the Gigantamax Venusaur. But as of late, she'd been controlling that impulse better and better, so perhaps this outcome wasn't so surprising. Between this development and how well her older brother was doing so far, ZZLZZ found herself feeling more at ease with the situation.

In the meantime, Eddie called out to his own Pokémon. "Hermione, are you OK?" he called.

"...Weedle! Weedle Weedle!" Hermione nodded determinedly. The G-Max Vine Lash had stung, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. Indeed, she looked ready to fight back.

And Eddie was just as ready in that regard. "Attack using Gunk Shot!" he commanded, gesturing towards Venusaur.

OOC: Hermione used Gunk Shot (120 BP).

[lilboocorsola]

Let's see how those strange vines like some MYSTICAL FIRE (75 BP)! (Boosted by Charcoal)

[ShadowDRGN]

Hitting the frog with a Leech Life (80 BP)!

[Jahotsafits]

A screech booms into the room bashing into Bobert's ears who winces in pain as Noka becomes increasingly concerned, the area begins to pulse in a green hue and smell like grass. Vines Lash out at the other trainer's pokemon some becoming entangled in the encroaching foliage. it was clear this behemoth was out for blood or the equivalent in the cases of some of the opposition on the luscious battlefield. However, the last round should have bought just a little time.
Once the ringing had started to subside Bobert called out to his faithful Shedinja; "Try smacking them from behind with Shadow Sneak(40 BP) "

[Median Dia]

Alright, I think I'll take the risk here. Let's Dynamax and use Max Flutterby (based off Leech Life; 130 BP)!

[Lil'twick]

Gigantamax Boss Venusaur
★★★★★
Health Gauge: 72%
Shields Up: 4
Status: +3 Atk, -2 Def, - 1 Sp. Atk, Paralyzed, Grassy Terrain (3 Turns Remaining), Fire Spin (3 Turns Remaining), Heal Blocked (3 Turns Remaining)
Trainer Status: N/A
KOs: 1

Attack 1: Swords Dance (0 BP)

Gigantamax Venusaur's Attack Sharply Rose!

Attack 2: Max Knuckle (70 BP)

Shadow, Galvantula: 333 HP

Attack 3: Petal Blizzard (90 BP)

MM, Weedle: 253 HP
Zelphy, Shadow Dragapult: 106 HP
myahoo, Sableye: 73 HP
Median Dia, Araquanid: 57 HP

Raid Challengers:

• MM, Weedle: 191 HP [Shield Dust, Eviolite](Vine Lashed, 3 Turns)
• Leo, Raichu: 549 HP [Static, High Voltage Scarf]
• Jaho, Shedinja: 375 HP [Insomnia, Slice of Pizza]
• Zelphy, Shadow Dragapult: 144 HP [FEVER, Infiltrator, Shadowium-Z]
• Yuki, Ponyta: 438 HP [Flash Fire, Charcoal] (Vine Lashed, 3 Turns)
• ShadowDRGN, Galvantula: 365 HP [Compound Eyes, Big Root] (Vine Lashed, 3 Turns)
• myahoo, Sableye: 111 HP [Keen Eye]
• Median Dia, Araquanid: 0 HP (KO'd; Revives in 1 Round)[Water Bubble]

The raiders, feeling ready to go onto the offensive, go all out and manage to get shields up with Sableye's Assurance. While that means the Confuse Ray misses, five shields are taken out and the Bolt Strike manages to paralyze the Gigantamax foe. That's... when their raider's good luck runs out.

They can only watch as their foe does an ornate dance, sharpening their overgrown petals to dangerous degrees. They then summon a fist from the sky that plummets into the Galvantula. While it taking the resisted hit was good... The gym leader's heart sank, knowing what was about to happen.

"They're fucked," he muttered as the entire screen began to be filled with petals.

A Petal Blizzard, all-consuming. Each petal was as sharp as glass, flying at speeds only a Gigantax Pokemon could produce. No, there was something more hanging onto it... something unworldly. The entire raiding party gets lost within the blizzard, the Weedle, Shadow Dragapult, Sableye, and the now Dynamaxed Araquanid all let out their respective screams of pain. The Dragopult's, however, turns into a ferverous roar, now having entered its state of Fever. Yet, once the blizzard fades, they see the moon becoming a deeper red.

However, this is not all, as the Vines soon come crashing down after a brief reprive of healing. THis... squashes the Araquanid in its entirety, the Pokemon shrinking down and knocked out. What turned from a hopeful start turned into an extremely bad streak of luck.

Dynamax Initiative: EXPIRED

• Trainers may only list 1 order per round. They are also permitted to using 1 item in lieu of an attack.
• Dynamax Initiative will select a trainer at random. If a trainer has initiative, they may choose to Dynamax their Pokemon for a duration of 3 turns. Dynamaxed Pokemon may only select a Max Attack of a corresponding type from their registered moveset, or Max Guard in place of status moves.
• If a hold item or ability’s effect is activated in the present round as a result of the previous round’s damage calculation or the present round’s orders, please state it clearly in your response.
• If a trainer’s Pokemon is rendered unconscious, they may choose to cheer on their allies; opting to either remove one shield from the raid boss or healing one ally’s Pokemon by 50% of their max health.
• Roleplaying your orders is optional, but up $500 may be collected for role played responses of equivalent words, per standard rules, and Bond will accumulate only for the trainer’s active Pokemon in battle.
• You have until Friday, July 15th to place your order.

[Median Dia]

What in the Banished One's abyssal tendrils what that?! Egads! Guess I'm just gonna Cheer to Break a Shield, then...

[Jahotsafits]

As things rapidly go downhill Bobert decides to go for a preemptive strike so as to weaken the foe's defenses "Noka use False Swipe (BP 40)"

[Missingno. Master]

ZZLZZ watched, amazed, as the various Pokémon (including the freshly Dynamaxed Araquanid) brutally attacked their Gigantamaxed foe, even seeing the Venusaur erecting some sort of barrier before it. "That's... that's what you talked about, r-right, Eddie?" ZZLZZ asked as this happened. "The- the shield?"

Eddie nodded. "Yes, indeed," he confirmed. "They do this twice, and each time, it takes numerous attacks to break through. By and large, all moves are considered equal here- Sludge would do just as much as Sludge Bomb."

"Wow," whispered ZZLZZ. "How is it able to do that?"

"Our best guess is that it has to do with the intense overexposure to Dynamax Energy," Eddie explained. "This is not something that can be replicated by a Pokémon safely Dynamaxed with the aid of a Trainer, you see."

"Oh," nodded ZZLZZ. "You really know a lot about Dynamax," she added, smiling at her older brother.

"Eheheh, well, I do read up on it more than a little in my studies," Eddie chuckled sheepishly. "After all, part of what drove me to establish a laboratory here in Fizzytopia were the reports of the Dynamax phenomenon being possible here. Many in the cryptopokology community agree that a link must exist between Dynamax and cryptopokology, mainly due to the chaotic energy that can result in altering one's perceived appearance."

"...altering one's perceived appearance," ZZLZZ repeated quietly, looking down at her body, which so helpfully drove the point home all the more by choosing that moment to glitch and flicker especially wildly. "S-so this could be related to- to my condition?" she asked.

"Potentially," Eddie stated. "Though Dynamax Energy tends to be a lot more... refined in how it works," he added. "I remember Dynamaxing Hermione that one time against the Gigantamax Appletun, and she reports that the experience felt like she was still the same size, but instead piloting a projection of a giant Weedle from within."

"Wow... there's really a lot we don't know about the world yet, isn't there?" asked ZZLZZ.

"So, so much," Eddie nodded firmly. "All the more reason for cryptopokologists to work at unraveling these mysteries, deepen humanity's understanding of- uh-oh," he murmured, for as he spoke, the Gigantamax Venusaur had started to make its move. Specifically, its dance move. Even more specifically, Swords Dance.

And then comes a giant fist.

Eddie winced as the massive meteor of a fist crashed into the Galvantula, then turned his attention warily back to the Venusaur. "...Oh, no," he murmured. "Swords Dance... Max Knuckle... this thing's just powered itself up massively, so if it has a powerful enough move that can hit multiple..." he trailed off, eyes widening behind his glasses, for at that moment, flower petals began to fly, razor sharp, at horrific speeds.

ZZLZZ shrieked as the Petal Blizzard raged, clutching Dusty tightly. The Shiny Bulbasaur, stressed beyond belief, repeatedly attempted Explosion, only to find that the move consistently failed for some reason.

"It's all right," Eddie murmured, moving his body to shield his younger sister from the all-consuming Petal Blizzard. He winced as a few stray petals grazed his arms, but ultimately, they were fine when the move died down.

"...th-th-that was scary," whimpered ZZLZZ, still shaking as she held Dusty close to her.

"Yeah," Eddie nodded, looking around. "It's over now, though, ZZLZZ, and nobody even fainted. Hermione, are you all right?" he called out to his Weedle.

"...Weedle! Weedle Weedle!" Hermione called back, nodding firmly. She had indeed taken considerable damage from the insanely boosted attack, but was still raring to go.

Eddie exhaled. "Good, good," he said. "Then use-"

But before he could issue a command, the vines from earlier continued their onslaught. Hermione took the damage fairly well, but the same could not be said for the Dynamaxed Araquanid, who explosively reverted back to normal size and re-entered its Poké Ball.

"...I thought Dynamaxing allowed a Pokémon to take attacks better?" squeaked ZZLZZ, looking aghast.

"It does," Eddie nodded, stunned at this development. "That Venusaur had powered up a lot- Petal Blizzard is a physical move, so Swords Dance and Max Knuckle both gave it tremendous power, and then there's the Grassy Terrain to consider.

"Ohhh..." whimpered ZZLZZ. "I- Eddie, I-"

"Hey. Listen," Eddie said calmly, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder, which got his body to start flickering and glitching just as hers was. "This isn't the greatest development, I'll admit. But it's far from insurmountable. Pokémon Trainers triumph over the seemingly impossible all the time, because we don't give up when the going gets tough. We have to adjust, adapt to whatever the battle throws our way."

"Adjust and adapt..." repeated ZZLZZ.

"Bulba..." murmured Dusty, likewise taking in Eddie's words.

Eddie nodded. "And don't you worry, little sister- me and Hermione are no slouches to adjusting or adapting," he grinned. "We'll win this." With that, he withdrew his hand (whereupon his body stopped glitching out), and turned his attention back to the battle. Already several of the others had started chipping away at the shield, and now, not only was it Eddie's turn to help with that, but he knew exactly what move to use for this. "Now, Hermione- use Chocolate Bomb!" he ordered.

OOC: Hermione used Chocolate Bomb (100 BP).

[ShadowDRGN]

Let's pierce through these shields with a Pin Missile (25 BP, hits 2-5x)!

[myahoo]

Ouch! I dunno if we want even 1 more stage so we can get some use out of Punishment, but before everyone else starts dropping that attack, let's squeeze in a little payback with a Foul Play (95 BP, uses Target's Attack stat in calculation)!

[Zelphon]

Unleash your fury with Hex (65 ---> 130 BP)