Claressa Nissa
Allearth Forest/Kalos
Affected RPers: None
I’m a doctor, Jim, not a battler!

Well, this was a lot harder than she had thought it would be. Legendary really didn’t do Yveltal justice, considering he was batting away ill timed attacks with a swipe of his massive wing. He still took damage, however, and it was beginning to show after repeated streams of fire from Circus. Herby played the role of support, putting up screens and healing when necessary, as well as crippling the opponent. He had extreme difficulty dodging Air Slashes, however, and was bleeding from several wounds. Circus was not much better but the repeated healing had him considerably less damaged, although his energy was flagging.

Yveltal was both burned and poisoned, and badly at that. Herby had gotten a lucky Toxic in and through the opens wounds it had taken effect quickly. It was a losing battle on both ends, but Claressa had more Pokemon to call upon if needed. Yveltal would receive no such add from his brother in this battle. Claressa couldn’t believe they were even still going, frankly – the odds had been so unanimously stacked against her that the fact both of her Pokémon were still standing was simply astounding.

And yet, something felt horribly off. There was a sensation in the air, tense and threatening, that said horrors were about to unfold. Nothing good could come from it, and it seemed the others had caught on as well. Yveltal, having been charging up what appeared to be a rather focused attack, suddenly stopped and let it dwindle to nothing as his head turned. Xerneas did the same, and with some mental prodding, Claressa did as well. In the distance, a bright light shone, a beacon for all to see. It hadn’t always been there – it couldn’t have – but it was encouraging to see all the same.

Then, quite suddenly, dark tendrils wrapped around it and consumed it.

<Oh my my… Seems Arceus…met his untimely demise.> Yveltal’s speech was exhausted, yet cold and calculating. Claressa choked a bit at those words, suddenly realizing that…perhaps not all was as it seemed. That light had been Arceus? Then what had…devoured him? What was so powerful to kill a god?

<That, Claressa, would be Diabora.> She turned her head as Xerneas spoke, stepping forth as he turned his head toward her. Evidently, they knew she would be wondering that. <It is sad to see Arceus go…but as time ebbs and flows, situations change. One life is exchanged for another.>

“You aren’t sad that you lost your father? Your creator?”

<Ooooh, hahahaha, that is what humans think of us? Children of Arceus? No, we are not. We were born from the energy of death and life itself. In some ways, we are even stronger than Arceus, for you cannot kill death, and life can constantly revive itself. Zygarde is the third, who keeps the balance in check. Balance is eternal. We three used to be one, you know.>

Well, that was new. “Right, so Arceus didn’t create you. Got it.” Glancing up, red streaks were filling the sky from the source of darkness, and the feeling of dread escalated. “…Those…can’t be good. What is going on?” She didn’t have to wait long before one crashed down before them, sending up a flurry of smoke. What crawled forth could only be described as an armored centipede, bones jutting out to form the claws and mandibles… and several red eyes gleaming as it clacked its jaws together.

<Ahahaha, prey… The end is here, for your pitiful “god” has fallen. The reign of Diabora and Dae…eh…?> It froze at it seemed to finally observe Yveltal and Xerneas, and began to jitter nervously. <What? WHAT?! WHAAAAAAAT?! They are already awake?! This was not part of the plan!>

“And what would that be, Icky?”

It rattled a bit as Claressa spoke up, cackling. <…Oh, wouldn’t YOU like to know? No matter! One is already severely weakened… It will be easy enough to infect. Get ready, for the end is nigh!> Claressa rolled her eyes. What was it about evil creatures and their monologues?

She crossed her arms. "Sorry Yveltal, but it seems the battle is over. I don't think I need to prove my worth to you anymore, all things considered." Now she addressed the giant centipede, snorting. "I'm a doctor, so there isn't going to be any infection happening around here. That being said, you're being rather rude, so maybe a bit of tough love is in order. I promise to patch you up afterward."

It clicked in amusement, preparing for fight, although she could tell there was a hint of nervousness. Even injured, Yveltal was a force to be reckoned with, and Xerneas wasn't even hurt. It would be a tough fight, that was for sure... but Claressa made sure to tell them - somehow through telepathy, but they were connected - to not kill Icky, as she dubbed him.

No, she wanted him alive, because they needed answers.