[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Achilles draws a generous line in the sand, knowing skilled battlers often have gigantic moves at their disposal.

Achilles requests a 4v4 battle, using a Hawlucha that kicks up a lot of dust, a Machamp that uses Kommo-o scales like Captain America's shield, a foreign Empirilla, and his long-awaited ace, Kommo-o.

He doesn't usually bother with potions but held items are OK. Battle til fainting, of course.

Been awhile since we've heard this track, so let's get started!

Battle VS a Gym Leader!: VS Gym Leader by Emdasche - Pokemon Uranium

"Expecting big pokemon and attacks, huh?  Well, you're technically right in one sense.  Orthros, you're up!  One last push!"

With his trademark sphere of darkness revealing only the glowing purple brain, Orthros takes the field!  And Achilles's first pokemon: that Hawlucha!  Orthros barks nonchalantly, excited to have a chance to play!

In Orthos's mouth, however, isn't his usual hold item, but a sphere containing swirling purple and red colors.  It's unmistakably a Mega Stone.  Achilles probably raises an eyebrow while Nathan smiles.  "We're close to being able to use that.  So, so close.  He's been growing ever since I first met him, and we're almost there, I can feel it!  We've adventured across almost the whole region, deep underground, through time itself...it can't be long now!  I'm counting on you to help my friend finally reach his full potential, Achilles!"

Battle ensues, and Hawlucha attempts to hide its actions and make itself a difficult target by using its environment.  The whole battlefield becomes obscured by the sheer amount of particles in the air.  A long, deep Howl cuts through the dust, though.

*awoooooooooooooooo!!*

"We don't have to see you to hit you!  Orthros, use Extrasensory!"

A blast of psychic energy cuts through the dust, seeking its target.  Hawlucha clutches its head as it staggers, Flinched, as the dust around it clears.  "Now we've got you.  Finish them off, buddy!"  One more Extrasensory, and Hawlucha faints.

Orthros shakes off the dust, but still, no evolution has been triggered.  Nathan frowns.  "...still not enough.  I never imagined it would take so long for a Delta Houndour to evolve...we're so close, though!  We have to be!  We're staying in, Achilles!"

A Machamp steps forth, crouching down with a shield of Kommo-o scales bared.  Psychic energies do not phase one such as he.  His stalwart shield shall protect him!

Nathan analyzes the situation carefully.  His pokemon is still faster, clearly.  Those defenses, though...how to get around them...?

Simple problem, simple solution.  Why make this any more complicated than it needs to be?  "Alright, if they aren't scared, let's give them a reason to be, Orthros.  Leer, then take 'em down!"

Orthros immediately responds, as he crouches low to the ground and growls.  His exposed brain pulses creepily as he glares at the large Machamp in front of him.  A wave of psychic energy washes over Machamp, who tries to block it with his shield.

But unfortunately for the four armed pokemon, this is no simple Leer.  This is an attack on his mind, too!  Delta Houndour and Houndoom have power over dreams and nightmares, and Orthros is using that to his advantage to almost literally get inside the Machamp's head, forcing him to lower his guard.  Machamp throws the shield at Orthros.  The dog anticipated the attack, however, and nimbly dodges.  Nathan sees it bouncing off of the floor and walls, about to boomerang back to the Machamp.  "Orthros, fetch!"

Orthros didn't need to told twice.  Ooh, a Frisbee!  Yay!  He leaps after the shield, catching it before Machamp can get it back!  Orthros then brings it to Nathan, who pets the dog enthusiastically.  "Good boy!  Now let's finish this!  Extrasensory, one more time!"

With no shield to protect him, it's child's play to take down the Machamp.  Orthros hasn't sustained a single hit so far, and he's downed two tough foes with minimal effort.

And still, he hasn't evolved.  Still, Nathan hasn't given up on Orthros evolving in this fight.

"One more!  We're almost there!  Come on, Achilles, bring it on!"

Third is a very regal, stern looking Empirilla.  This is the first one Nathan has ever seen in Creshire.  He whistles.  "Niiiice.  Where'd ya find a Jungle Crown?  Well, no matter.  Besting the king of the jungle might just be enough, I think!  Ready, boy?"

*bark!*

Gorilla and dog circle each other on the battlefield, neither fearing the other.  One a powerful monarch, the other the embodiment of fear itself in some sense.  For a moment, both are waiting for the other to make a move...

...and then it happens almost too quickly to see.  More dust gets kicked up as Orhtros leaps onto the primate with fangs bared.  Barks and grunts can be heard from within the cloud as the two pokemon wrestle for control.  The battle seems to last for an eternity...

...and when the dust clears, Orthros is standing over the unconscious Empirilla, hurt, but conscious.  He Howls in victory!

*awooooooooooooo!*

But still, no evolution.

Nathan closes his eyes and sighs.  When he reopens them, he has that determined look in his eyes that shows up whenever he puts his mind to finishing something.  "Alright, last chance.  It's now or never.  Let's see what you've got up your metaphorical sleeve, Achilles."

The room goes silent as Achilles calls upon his most powerful pokemon.  A pokemon so rare in Creshire, that its mere presence is awe inspiring.  The clanging of its scales herald its arrival as it steps onto the battlefield.

Kommo-o, the scaled soundbringer.  Its armor as tough as the shield Machamp wielded earlier, its muscles as powerful as any Empirilla's, its favored terrain as dusty as the earlier Hawlucha's ideal battlefield.  It's a pokemon to be looked at in awe.

And Orthros, even as injured as he is from fighting Empirilla earlier, is bravely standing against it.

"Same strategy, Orthros.  We have to get past those scales first before we can hurt it effectively."  Orthros barks in confirmation, and begins Leering once more.

Kommo-o stands stalwartly against the showing, arms crossed as the dog tries to get into his head.  A battle of wills ensues.  This dragon is no mere Fighting type, but one of the most powerful pokemon to ever live in the Alola region.  It will take more than that to Intimidate him.

Kommo-o roars back, staggering Orthros.  He reaches out and grabs the small dog pokemon, throwing him out of the arena.  Orthros hits a wall, falling to the ground.  He tries to stand back up, but collapses.  Nathan runs over to make sure his friend is okay.  Achilles shakes his head.  A shame.  So close, yet so far...

"...are you okay, Orthros?  Come on, tell me you're okay.  You're not going to let that big dragon one up you like that, right?"

Orthros weakly looks at Nathan, barely conscious.  He licks his trainer's face.  Nathan tried, and he appreciates it, but he's not sure if he can beat that Kommo-o.

"One more try, Orthros.  I want you to try Leer one more time.  Please?  Put everything you have into it.  The mind is your territory.  We just have to overpower Kommo-o there, alright?  They may be stronger physically, but we have the edge psychically.  You trust me on this, right?"

Orthros looks back at Nathan, looks into his eyes...sees those fires of determination...then he licks Nathan's face, weakly stands, and makes his way back to the battlefield.

Nathan takes his place on the battlefield again as well.  "One more try, Orthros.  Leer, and give it everything you have!  You've got my back, and I've got yours!  Dreams and nightmares, light and darkness...we'll be together through it all!  We won't give in, and we won't give up!"

Kommo-o stands with arms crossed again as Orthros once again tries to Leer, his brain pulsing with Psychic energy.  The battle one of Wills once again.  Orthros stares straight at the unflinching Kommo-o, putting every last bit of his willpower into making this work...

The Leader's Last!: Gym Leader's Last Pokemon - Pokemon Origins

...and then the Mega Stone he's holding begins to glow, as does the Key Stone hung around Nathan's neck.  Kommo-o staggers slightly as Orthros begins getting an edge over the dragon's mind, the sheer willpower behind the attack starting to become difficult to resist.  Orthros begins to glow as well, with rainbow colored light...it becomes brighter and brighter, forming a sphere of energy that completely surrounds Orthros...

...and then it bursts!  Dark shadows and rainbow colored energy scatter in a blinding dance of power!

Orthros, however, is nowhere to be seen.  Kommo-o is suddenly holding its head, trying to fight off some invisible force that's attacking his mind.  The dragon thrashes around, knocking over equipment, bashing walls, and nearly hitting a few of the gym trainers who had been spectating.

Nathan acts quickly.  "Terra, Achilles, get everyone to stand back!  This is getting dangerous!  Let me deal with this!  Gallade, we need to keep Kommo-o pinned down!"

Gallade nods, and uses his Telekinesis to hover Kommo-o just slightly enough that it can't move around easily.  Nathan and Gallade each grab one of Kommo-o's arms and try to hold it in place as best as they can.  "Come on, Orthros, buddy...get your power under control...you can do it!  Don't let the Eye win!  You've won already!"

Slowly, Kommo-o stops thrashing wildly and resisting being restrained.  Nathan and Gallade have to keep a tight grip on the dragon the entire time, but eventually, the dragon stops, breathing heavily.

And then a large Mega Houndoom with purple spikes and rings and crystalline horns suddenly appears out of thin air in the middle of the arena.  He stares at Nathan, an intense look in his eyes...

Nathan lets go of Kommo-o, leaving the dragon for Gallade to deal with, and slowly approaches the Mega Delta Houndoom.  "Orthros?  You okay, buddy?"

Everything is silent as trainer and hound simply stare at each other for the longest time...

...only for Orthros to run at Nathan, bowl him over, and begin licking the trainer's face in happiness!  Nathan can't help but laugh!  "Ahahahaha!  Calm down, calm down!  Yeah, ya did great, Orthros!  Ahahahaha!  Come on, let me stand up, please!"

Victory against the Leader!: Victory against the Leader! - Pokemon Firered and Leafgreen

Gallade lets go of Kommo-o once the dragon's fully calm, and Nathan's standing next to Orthros, rubbing the hound's back appreciatively.  "He had me worried there for a moment, but I think Orthros has shown how good of a team we make, wouldn't ya say, Achilles?  I couldn't be prouder of him, honestly."  Once the battle's over, Orthros begins turning back into a normal Delta Houndoom (which we don't actually have a description of yet, so do you mind providing one, Iron?)

Well, that turned into quite the show at the end, didn't it?  What does Achilles think of all that?  A showing worthy of a Gym Badge?

I also have one question about Mega Delta Houndoom's appearance: when Orthros Mega Evolves, does he have that same Eye on his chest that the leader of the Delta Houndoor pack in Corsage did?  Because if not...

[Iron]

Shiva may be surprised to find that news from Creshire hasn't reached other regions yet, at least not to the general populace. Your mother has heard a few rumors, but you'll have to talk late into the night catching her up!
Transmissions from Creshire aren't reliable, with all the storms and the great distance they have to cross - as you've discovered before when trying to video-call your folks.


Primal Espeon seems to have no hangups about chilling with a Dark type. In his day, Dark was just another type. Something for the scattered, defenseless humans to fear, not a master predator like himself. (Bug Pokemon, of course, were ten feet long and covered in armor, so that fear definitely holds up!)

You observe that they live quite naturally together, a remnant from a time when day followed night without being carved up into any lesser time increments. Primal Pokemon had long lives, if they weren't slain, and hadn't learned from humans to count each day as it went by. So Primal Espeon and Primal Umbreon had an even more natural relationship then than they do now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbAcYezL1Xw
Related song.

[Iron]

Frisbee Orthros is adorrrrabbbbbbbbbbbbble.

It's obvious as the fight goes on that Nathan is much stronger than Achilles, but the strain of using just one Pokemon against four almost took its toll.

As Kommo-o thrashes against Gallade, Achilles barks a command - "Sleeper!" and Kommo-o locks up instantly. The scales almost fuse together as all his muscles contract at once, a move so practiced he can reach a safe state even through hated mental anguish.

"Using one Pokemon against all of mine proves your worth as a Gym Leader, when it comes to battling. Here is the Galena Badge!" As always, it is flecked with powerful MSC. It's very cubic, shiny, and gray - but not featureless.
"Your first thought being for the safety of the Gym also proves your worth as a Gym Leader." He hands you the ceremonial coins that are granted to a winner when betting pools are established. They can be cashed in for $1750 or kept as trophies.
"Your discovery of a rare and powerful Pokemon means you will fit in well with Tumbleweed Town and the barracks. I am satisfied! Satisfied, ho!"

Naturally, the Galena Badge boosts Strength.

Delta Houndoom is a bit less freakish than Delta Houndour in one crucial way - its exposed brain moves to a place of safety on its breast, becoming rimmed with a gemlike skull. It is concentrated into one dense mass, twisting through many dimensions for hyperefficient processing. Staring too long at that gem can drive an unprepared trainer mad.

The ram's horns are sweeping and tinged with purple. The long tail ends in a serpent's head. And a Delta Houndoom is capable of regrowing any teeth it loses, which is fortunate - that mouth has a LOT of teeth. It shows great gentleness when licking Nathan, though.

Mega Houndoom's spiky skull breastplate can move to cover the brain even more, hiding it from sight entirely like a Squirtle withdrawing into its shell.


Of course, Houndoom gains that final point of Happiness when reaching victory over a Gym Leader and seeing how Nathan eyes that new position of honor. This lets him Mega Evolve with perfect safety.

As for the now-familiar symbol of the Eye, it is entirely absent from your calm Delta Houndoom. That Eye radiated an entirely different hostile energy when you saw it in Corsage Port than what Orthros's plain fur coat radiates.

[Dragonstrike]

"Thank you, Achilles.  Once again, it's an honor.  I'm still not sure if I'll accept the position, but I'll definitely think it over.  And it was really no big deal, trying to keep everyone safe.  I've seen what Mega Delta Houndoom are capable of first hand..."

Nathan frowns as he thinks back on Orthros's appearance again, though...

...there was no Eye.  Which means...

That's the final piece of the puzzle.  Nathan has all the proof he needs.

Now isn't the time to worry about it, however.  It can wait for the time being.

"...and there's no way I'm just going to let something like what I saw happen again if I can help it.  And with Orthros's help, I'm sure we can manage that somehow."  Nathan smiles again, petting Orthros.

"We've still got a lot of training to do if we hope to compare to the Elite 4, though.  They only need 1 pokemon to beat 6 'weaker' ones, yeah?  I think I need to come up with some other ideas for training if we're going to try and compete with that...hmmm..."

Nathan then remembers there was something he wanted to ask Achilles.  "Oh, right!  You haven't happened to have seen or heard of a young woman who's missing a hand hanging around this area recently, have you?  I'm, uh....trying to find her, and last I saw, she was headed in the direction of this corner of the region."

Nathan also has another, unrelated question for the gym leader. "Do you happen to know where I might find someone specialized in Flying types? There's a particular move I wanted to teach one of my pokemon, but I'm having difficulty finding time to teach it to them myself."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva may be surprised to find that news from Creshire hasn't reached other regions yet, at least not to the general populace. Your mother has heard a few rumors, but you'll have to talk late into the night catching her up!
Transmissions from Creshire aren't reliable, with all the storms and the great distance they have to cross - as you've discovered before when trying to video-call your folks.

Oh, that's indeed somewhat suprising - and, on the other hand, kinda relieving as that means that her parents did NOT go through massive worry and fear for their daughter venturing into a place brimming with dangerous Ghost Types and ghosts itself and then facing a very invader from space told about in legends and lore. Shiva wouldn't want that! (>_< ;)

And so it's appearantly enough to explain and tell where she got that beautiful and important-looking Shield from. At one point during doing so Shiva lights up and becomes VERY eager and excited before rummaging in her stuff all suddenly! "Oh, I brought something along, yes I did, something that I've kept on purpose that I SOOOO wanted to show you the moment I saw it, it's so cool, so nice, so... AAAHHH so GREAT !" (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ It's the very newspaper-issue covering and available in whole Chreshire that tells about those brave people with the Ancient Weapons that successfully fought of Deoxys Prime, making them local heros.... This issue has become somewhat of a personal treasure to Shiva, just looking at it now as she presents it her parents makes her blush massively out of joy and delight.

"Oh, and the LEAGUE of Chresire rewarded us generously, we've been... We've been trusted with REAL and AUTHENTIC and FUNCTIONING KEEEEYYYSTONES !! Look how beautifully mine sparkles, such a pretty shade of green it has..." And then Shiva becomes timid, meek and even a little bit sad... ( ._.) ...but she quickly caughts herself again and expresses hopefulness. "I... I don't have any Megastones to use yet.... YET, YET !! T-tomorrow me and some others will go to a heavily guarded island of the region, we've got the permission to do so, and a trustworthy source has been tweeting to me that one for... For my most beloved and dearest fluffball here *she closely and tenderly cuddles Whimsicott at this point* can be found RIGHT THERE.



I'm... I'm... Aaaahhh so excited!! I sooooo want to see how you look in Mega, Whimsi, perhaps even fluffier and more hugable?!~" *more fond cuddling*

Shiva comfortably rests her chin and head in her Whimsicott's fluff as she calms down from that joy and excitement, then adds something in a more quiet and serious voice, one that also has some audible worry within it. "I...also really really hope that I'll make it to rescue an exemplar of a somewhat unfortunate Eeveelution from a facility there... Those... those poor ones, certainly suffering from health issues and urging for proper care. It's of the ominous- and eerie-sounding NUCLEAR Type... D-dad, have you ever heard of that or of a species of Pokemon called 'Nucleon'...?" Being a certified Breeder and owner of some Pokemon from far off regions (FanGame-regions), maybe he has? (GM's discretion?)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Primal Espeon seems to have no hangups about chilling with a Dark type. In his day, Dark was just another type. Something for the scattered, defenseless humans to fear, not a master predator like himself. (Bug Pokemon, of course, were ten feet long and covered in armor, so that fear definitely holds up!)

You observe that they live quite naturally together, a remnant from a time when day followed night without being carved up into any lesser time increments. Primal Pokemon had long lives, if they weren't slain, and hadn't learned from humans to count each day as it went by. So Primal Espeon and Primal Umbreon had an even more natural relationship then than they do now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbAcYezL1Xw
Related song.

Waaaaayyyy too cute (with a great song awwww), Shiva absolutely LOVES this and is overjoyed that her much-beloved pet-Umbreon and her very special Primal-Eeveelution are getting along so well with one another. She just HAS to take a few photos to add to her report, and some for personal enjoyment.

How very interesting this also is... The Psychic's distrust towards Dark Types must have developed over time, with a unique exception being the bond between an Espeon and an Umbreon. She wonders why, and therefor quickly gets lost in thoughts and speculations that she's quick to write up as she just dwells here with her two special Eeveelutions close to her, pampering them with pets and treats. A Primal UMBREON - how would that look like...?? Would its sweat released in situations of danger be even more poisonous? Would it be of a partial Poison Type? Would its fur be of a just as pretty black like modern Umbreon? Shiva's set she wishes for a Primal Jolteon already though...

She finds herself dreaming about a whole SET of Primal Eeveelutions soon. If that wouldn't make her an accepted and praised Pokemon Breeder and honorary member of the Eeveelution-Fanclub, she doesn't know what does...~~


+++++++


There's more!!~ Vaporeon also gets introduced to Spectral, Shiva's excited how the mischivous and playful nature of Vapo and the calm and elegant nature of Umbre would get along.

Furthermore, Spectral is a bred Pokemon by her dad, so of course she knows the eggmove Wish. If Shiva were to take the time to tutor this move to Vaporeon with Spectral's help now and in the morning before departing to Chresire, would that suffice for Vaporeon to master this move?

[Iron]

"Thank you, Achilles.  Once again, it's an honor.  I'm still not sure if I'll accept the position, but I'll definitely think it over.  And it was really no big deal, trying to keep everyone safe.  I've seen what Mega Delta Houndoom are capable of first hand..."

Nathan frowns as he thinks back on Orthros's appearance again, though...

...there was no Eye.  Which means...

That's the final piece of the puzzle.  Nathan has all the proof he needs.

Now isn't the time to worry about it, however.  It can wait for the time being.

"...and there's no way I'm just going to let something like what I saw happen again if I can help it.  And with Orthros's help, I'm sure we can manage that somehow."  Nathan smiles again, petting Orthros.

"We've still got a lot of training to do if we hope to compare to the Elite 4, though.  They only need 1 pokemon to beat 6 'weaker' ones, yeah?  I think I need to come up with some other ideas for training if we're going to try and compete with that...hmmm..."

Nathan then remembers there was something he wanted to ask Achilles.  "Oh, right!  You haven't happened to have seen or heard of a young woman who's missing a hand hanging around this area recently, have you?  I'm, uh....trying to find her, and last I saw, she was headed in the direction of this corner of the region."

Nathan also has another, unrelated question for the gym leader.  "Do you happen to know where I might find someone specialized in Flying types? There's a particular move I wanted to teach one of my pokemon, but I'm having difficulty finding time to teach it to them myself."

Achilles hasn't seen Kelda. She must not have drawn any attention to herself, or the Gym Leader would have heard about it.

Achilles smiles when you ask about the Flying type. "I know of two. One lives halfway up Borealis Road, training aerial beauties such as Braviary. The other is a rival of mine, living in Earthstar Forest, where his bird Pokemon feast on Grass and Bug types and become big and versatile. His name is Zest and he lives in the tallest oak."

[Iron]

Your dad has probably heard of Nucleon, and could tell you a little about its supposed appearance, but that's about it. He doesn't know about Hyper Voice shenanigans or anything like that.

Yes, you can tutor Wish onto Vaporeon from Spectral.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Your dad has probably heard of Nucleon, and could tell you a little about its supposed appearance, but that's about it. He doesn't know about Hyper Voice shenanigans or anything like that.

That's enough for Shiva to know, any information she can get is appreciated and valued. Now she knows a little more what to look out for!~ Dad receives another loving hug for that.


Hooray! Wish is a move Shiva soft-promised Vaporeon to teach her at some point as she was trying to get the waterly Eeveelution to join her, so obviously she (Shiva) is very delighted over being able to keep her word. And Vaporeon is too as one she has mastered this particular move, she quickly runs up to Shiva, teasingly tackle her in an affectionate way and eagerly lick over her face in thanks before she runs back to Spectral again for playing. Or if Spectral isn't up for playing, Vapo will just opt to entertain herself by chasing her mermaid tail and running in circles.

Shiva's Vaporeon's usage of Wish is kinda different from Spectral's: While the Umbreon, when making a wish, summons a stream of tiny tiny stars to fly overhead - even INDOORS, though they'll sparkle and shine less intense - and fall down to the ground where they pop like soap bubbles, Vaporeon instead summons a little stream of water, one that seems to come from several underground fountains. If used outdoors under the clear sky, sometimes this stream would cause a faint rainbow to appear overhead for the time in between the wish made and the wish granted!~ Shiva absolutely loooves this, that'd be such a cool show for a Pokemon Contest!~ Whenever she's having some downtime, she'd train with Vaporeon to hone that skill until she's able to maintain that rainbow longer and longer.

(The next that Shiva will do I'll write up at some later point.)

[Dragonstrike]

Achilles hasn't seen Kelda. She must not have drawn any attention to herself, or the Gym Leader would have heard about it.

Achilles smiles when you ask about the Flying type. "I know of two. One lives halfway up Borealis Road, training aerial beauties such as Braviary. The other is a rival of mine, living in Earthstar Forest, where his bird Pokemon feast on Grass and Bug types and become big and versatile. His name is Zest and he lives in the tallest oak."

"I plan to do a little searching for her around Charring Cross after our trip to Garlicburg tomorrow, but if you catch wind of her before I do, please let me know as soon as you can.  I...want to make sure she's doing okay, and properly thank her for her help."

Nothing much else to say about the info on the Flying specialists other than thanks!  That'll be real handy later!

And finally: "I think Terra wants to have a go at your gym too, so I hope you're ready for him.  He's one tough cookie, so get ready for a heck of a fight."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Afterwards, Nathan will want to FLY to Botanville next, the location of the 8th and final Gym he needs to claim a Gym Badge from.

Botanville: Bherna Village - Monster Hunter Generations (the description of Botanville reminded me a bit of Bherna, another village with an academic focused area.  'Course, Botanville is a LOT bigger than sleepy little Bherna...)

Spira had the badge from this gym already, but it was from 1925's Gym Leader.  In modern times, the gym is run by Mason, an alumni from Telperion University.

One of the largest cities in modern day Creshire, the source of much of the region's higher education...the group had skipped over this marvel of a town that can almost be called a city in their rush to get to Arrowroot to stop the vines, but today's the day when Nathan finally pays it a visit (with Terra maybe in tow)!

So, step one: look around the town, see what sights there may be, and find the Gym and Gym Leader!

Step two: challenge him and get that Gym Badge!

Should be pretty simple, right?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Quote @Dragonstrike:
(…)
Nathan acts quickly.  "Terra, Achilles, get everyone to stand back!  This is getting dangerous!  Let me deal with this!  Gallade, we need to keep Kommo-o pinned down!"

Gallade nods, and uses his Telekinesis to hover Kommo-o just slightly enough that it can't move around easily.  Nathan and Gallade each grab one of Kommo-o's arms and try to hold it in place as best as they can.  "Come on, Orthros, buddy...get your power under control...you can do it!  Don't let the Eye win!  You've won already!"

Slowly, Kommo-o stops thrashing wildly and resisting being restrained.  Nathan and Gallade have to keep a tight grip on the dragon the entire time, but eventually, the dragon stops, breathing heavily.

And then a large Mega Houndoom with purple spikes and rings and crystalline horns suddenly appears out of thin air in the middle of the arena.  He stares at Nathan, an intense look in his eyes...

Nathan lets go of Kommo-o, leaving the dragon for Gallade to deal with, and slowly approaches the Mega Delta Houndoom.  "Orthros?  You okay, buddy?"

Everything is silent as trainer and hound simply stare at each other for the longest time...

...only for Orthros to run at Nathan, bowl him over, and begin licking the trainer's face in happiness!  Nathan can't help but laugh!  "Ahahahaha!  Calm down, calm down!  Yeah, ya did great, Orthros!  Ahahahaha!  Come on, let me stand up, please!"

Terra was quite pleased to see Orthros being Nathan’s first Pokemon to challenge Achilles, a tiny smile on his face as he stood by the side of the area with arms crossed. While most would be put off by the freakish appearance of the pooch, this man sees past it and can only find a loving, caring, and most Loyal companion to his friend. Now, he watched both them and their master with great expectation, waiting to witness their test of mettle against the Fighting Guru of Cheshire….

He was not disappointed. The deceptively friendly doggo practically tore through all of the Leader’s top notch Fighters in quick order, until they were force to bring ace Pokemon Kommo-o to face off against Orthors. Such an expedient solo-streak was exactly what the mountain of a man was expecting from the boy and dog, his smile even wider as continue to judge them.

As Orthros Extrasensory prowess clashed against the near indomitable Will of the armor draco brawler and seemingly failed as the later ringed them out in a most dominating fashion, the sagely monk didn’t react in the slightest, his expression unchanging like the craggy face of a cliff. When Achille shook his head in dismal at the good doggo, though, Terra turned just enough to face the Leader to shake his head at them. Why, to both his reactions?
Simple: Terra had complete faith that Orthros was not out of the Fight yet.

“Winner has not been decided yet, Achilles.”

He calmly rebuked the Fighting Guru, before refocusing his attention on Nathan and their doggo dream come true, looking more expectant than ever as watched the former successfully rally the later to continue the good Fight. Come, Orthros, Canine of Nightmares. Fight with all your might, until you can not.

Again, Terra was not disappointed. One moment, he saw Orthros was staring down Kommo-o once more, imposing his Psychic mastery upon their Weak mind with all his defiance. The next, the unmistakable burst of prismatic light that could only come from Mega Evolution came from them, signaling to him that not only had they Evolved into a Delta Houndoom, but they became a Mega Delta Houndoom, before the flash died down and the grim canine has seemingly vanished. The Steely brawler was at first surprised then excited by this monumental event (especially when it happened at such a momentous time as a Gym Battle!), then he grew confused with their sudden absence from the battlefield.

‘Huh, where did Orthros go….?’

He didn’t have long to dwell on that, though, for quick as a Mach Punch the True Dracofighter started to thrash about in agony, Pain and maddened by some unseen force, and he knew then what had happened. In an instant Terra expression hardened, and he was about ready to uncross his arms and summon O-inari (In her default Illusion of Rocky Genesect for maximum Intimidation factor, naturely) to swiftly resolve Orthros seemingly going berserk, but Nathan’s firm warning/command bade him to belay that action, think about it, and then nod back to them, deciding to let them handle this situation. It would make for a fine test for the young historian, to see how truly capable he and his own was when the drastic and/or unexpected happened.

Contrary to the adolescent’s wishes, though, the rugged wanderer didn’t back away from the arena. In part because he wanted to remain close just in case he did need to intervene, but also because he was confidant that Nathan had things handle, so there was no need for him to move. That, and he was unafraid of getting a splitting headache from Orthros. He suffered worse from DEOXYS Prime. Much worse.

Yet again, Terra was not disappointed. Nathan and Gallade successfully subdued the almost rampaging Dragon, and Othros had regained control of themselves with much enthusiasm, the sight of which made his smile grow wider and chuckle to himself.

“It is done. Match….is over. Winner is Othros.”

He declared that mostly to himself, but anyone could hear him if they payed attention.

From there on, the sagely monk remained standing on the arena’s sidelines as he did throughout the match, letting the Lore Master finish his remaining business with Achilles. He frowned when they brought up the rouge Scimitar woman, but he quickly hid it away before the boy could take notice. Things were already tense enough between them after the most dishonorable stunt he and his father pulled, and he didn’t want to make things worse by them taking offense to his opinion of that flighty traitor.

Once Nathan was finished, only then did Terra unroot himself from his spot and walk over to them, staring the boy down stoically for a moment….before he smiled and nodded.

“Good fight, Nathan. Very good. Solo fought a Gym Leader of your own. Not many can do that. But you did.”

When the young hero suggested to Achilles that he too wanted to test his mettle against them, Terra nodded again, turning to face them and crossing his arms.

“Yes. Want to face you in battle….soon as I can. Want to see how mighty I have become. If I have grown truly strong from…..my fight with Deoxys.”

Finally, whether or not Terra does Fight Achilles today, he would indeed join Nathan on his trip to Botanville after he would ask what else they were planning on doing today. He too would like to challenge the city’s Gym Leader to earn their badge, and he had some business of his own to do in one Cheshire education capitals.