[Coolshaymin]

Ah, the lush grassy fields of Star Piece Meadow. It is truly a calming and tranquil place compared to the rest of the wastelands... Unless the infected were there but hey, not even the Life Sphere is perfect. Shaymin walked through the grasses, blending in perfectly with the grasses and it's small height. Shaymin sniffed the air, looking for the weird thing.

The small jade hedgehog eventually found what pt was sensing. A strange golden hoop with a purple vortex in the middle. It was definitely a very strange object... yet... somehow familiar. It has no idea where he would of seen such a thing though. Shaymin knew he should wait for his allies to find him, but it seemed to draw it towards it. It walked slowly until suddenly it kneeled and the Hedgehog gave a cry in pain as it's flower glowed purple again and pain rushed through the Chia Pet's body. There was no doubt his friends would find him if they were near. Between the purple glowing flower on their sides and the cry, it was bound to attract attention.

@multiplex @fortis Mission may begin

[Deleted]

The ex- wielder of the Dark Stone stood silent, looking over the serene grassfields with not a care in the world. There was a calming presence in the air, even with the plague. He tried to detect the two allies accompanying him on this mission, Shaymin and Shovel Knight. But nothing responded to his concentrated senses.

Antasma sighed; he knew coming here was a waste of time. He was about to turn back and head for the Life Sphere, when all of a sudden, a sharp cry of pain cut through the air. Immediately, his eyes scanned through the grassy fields, when all of a sudden, a purple flower caught his eye, not at all unlike Antasma's skin.

Immediately upon coming into contact with the flower, Antasma found the legendary Pokemon, in pain and near a weird ring object. The ring in question was golden, along with a strange vortex in the middle of it.

Instinctively, Antasma kneeled down to Shaymin's level and began coaxing it, trying to ease him from the pain, though it was clear Antasma didn't have experience with it.

"Shaymin! Shaymin! SKRONK! Explain vat is going on!"

[Deleted]

The world that hosted the shadow plague was a strange one indeed. The land looked like patchwork, as if some mad god had stitched together a ramshackle quilt out of bits and pieces of various worlds. The only sign of a living civilization was the city of Life Sphere, and even that was strange too. They used machines and devices that boggled the mind, that would put even the best of Tinker Knight's works to shame. But there was good people there too, struggling to survive against the shadow plague, or 'Starvia' as they called it. And where there was good people in need, Shovel Knight would be among the first to stand up and help, as was a knight's duty.

This particular plea for aid came from an odd, yet intelligent creature named Shaymin, one of the 'Pokemon' if he remembered correctly. The little thing appeared like an adorable little hedgehog, bearing what looked like grass or leaves upon it's back rather than spines. It had already gone on ahead to investigate the presence it had mentioned, out in the Star Piece Meadow. It would be up to Shovel Knight himself to catch up.

And catch up he would. Shovel Knight walked through the meadow, his armor making a soft clank with each step. Few areas of peace were to be had in this infected world, but this realm seemed relatively untouched by the shadow plague. Or at least so it seemed. Despite the serene feeling of the plains about him, Shovel Knight kept his guard up, and his trusty shovel blade ready. He gazed about himself, both to keep an eye out for his partners for this mission, and any dangers that might be hiding under the idyllic beauty of the place.

Before long, he would find them. He heard a cry of pain, and the strange accent of Antasma asking about Shaymin's health. Running for the source of the noise, he came upon the two of them. The pokemon acted if something was paining it, while nearby a ring containing some sort of vortex. To Shovel Knight, it had a similar look to the shadow plague that was corrupting the land. He wagered it was trying to corrupt the pokemon as well. Rushing up to the scene, he reached out with the shovel to hook the ring on it, and fling it away from Shaymin. “Faith! That ring, twas working some devilry upon it. Art thou injured, Shaymin?” Shovel Knight asked, kneeling by the pokemon's side.

[Coolshaymin]

As Shovel Knight tried to hook the ring with his shovel, the shovel just went into the ring as if it was some kind of portal. Pulling it out would be a simple task however so it was not too much to worry of as  it would just slide back out. Shaymin tried to focus as two strange beings approached it. There was a knight with a shovel... probably Shovel Knight. A guess would say the other is Antasma.

Shaymin focused through the pain as they tried to answer the question... which would be easier if they spoke English. Vat? Screee? Twas? Thou? What does that even mean? "No, it is not the ring..." Shaymin muttered telepathically through the pain. "It is the air. This place looks better but it is still contaminated. That is why I called you two here. I am looking for ways to help with my reaction to the Contamination. I sensed the air through this ring was much more clean," Shaymin explained through a bit of a struggle. His flowers began to cool down and return to their default peach color.

"I feel like I know these hoops from somewhere but I don't remember. Whatever it is, I am guessing a fellow Legendary is responsible. They may have a key to healing my flower's contamination though. It may be dangerous. Sorry I did not explain everything on the board. I am scared of what may happen if they found out I have a strange reaction to the contamination," Shaymin finished.... Half wondering if they understood real English.

[Deleted]

"Hmmmmm..."

Antasma stood silent, the Bat King wondering just what on Li could be wrong. A fellow legendary Pokemon, responsible for hoops that had portals in the middle of them...

He tried to concentrate, focusing back on when he was studying on Pokemon mythology, trying to weigh his options as to what could cause these. But, of course, he had to work quickly, unless he wanted the air to hinder his combat capabilities.

Unfortunately, nothing came to mind as to what on Li could be causing the hoops, though Antasma hoped Shaymin had an idea of what legendary could cause this.

"And... vat legendary has caused zis? SCREEEK!"

Antasma dared another look at the ring, noticing Shovel Knight's shovel passing right into the vortex.

"Also, if you don't mind me asking... vat are we to do with ze rings?"

[Deleted]

“The rings art pure? I thought they possessed some foul airs about them.” Shovel Knight said, after he saw his own shovel passing through them. Yet this world was strange, and he knew he could very easily err given his inexperience in this new land. He stood once more as the pokemon's flower returned to it's original color. “Even if they art pure, they risk beckoning this blight unto their own realms. But very well, thine knowledge of this strange realm exceeds mine. I shalt trust thee.” Shovel Knight said. “And fret not for thine secrets, I forgive thee. Telleth us what thy needeth done, and I shalt see it wrought.”

With Shaymin seemingly recovering, if for the time being, Shovel Knight spared a moment to study the other one that responded to the pokemon's mission. This one had the air of sorcery and dark magic about himself, though a tendency to half screech and half honk did mar the sorcerer impression some. After his experiences with the enchantress, it gave him pause, but he was willing to give this odd being the benefit of the doubt. “And who art thou, shadowy one? If we are to aideth one another upon this quest, introductions are in order, methinks. Shovel Knight, at thy service,” Shovel knight said.

[Coolshaymin]

... Shaymin did not understand a word of that but it might include a question about what Shaymin wanted to do exactly. Antasma was easier to understand with his questions, the only oddity being the loud noises and letter subs he tended to do. What Legendary was known for making rings again?... Nothing comes to mind at the moment. "Honestly I forget who creates these... I also forgot their purpose as well. The Legendary that does it comes from another region from me if I remember right."

"Thank you for being so kind Mr. Shovel Knight. Our mission will be to enter the portals and find the legendary that controls them. I need to talk with them as soon as possible. Not sure if they will take kindly to it though. Not all legendaries are nice," Shaymin said before letting off a jade glow before converting to the 1'4" tall Sky Forme and flying above the Knight's head. Shaymin then reverted to Land Forme and landed on the Knight's head. "Now go, my minions! To the lands unknown!" Shaymin declared.

[Deleted]

"Ze name iz Antasma, Bat King, now reformed." Antasma gave a slight bow, trying to behave and act politely. The air around Shovel Knight did give him an... orderly feeling, not at all unlike Prince Dreambert. But, at least he hoped, that no one has seen the pillowy Prince.

Upon hearing Shaymin call Antasma his 'minion,' Antasma gave a heavy sigh. He might as well have been a minion for Bowser after he back-stabbed Antasma back at Neo Bowser Castle, leaving him to die to the trio of Mario, Luigi, and Dreambert. He didn't say anything however, lest he dip into a more... aggravated mood. With that, Antasma hopped into the portal inside the hoop, and hoped for the best.

[Deleted]

"Reformed? Tis good that thou hast found the path of righteousness. Well met Antasma." Shovel Knight said. He was partially right in his assessment it seemed, concerning the feel of dark magic. But it was just a remnant of a past life, or perhaps this Antasma simply turned the dark magics towards noble goals. Either way, Shovel Knight looked forward to seeing Antasma in action, should the three of them be made to fight. Of course, he would have to be wary as well. Shovel Knight applauded Antasma's efforts to reform, successful efforts it seemed as the Bat King was helping out one of the pokemon, but the risk of falling back into old habits would be present too. Still, Shovel Knight stood by his initial decision, and would give Antasma the benefit of the doubt.

Putting the question from his mind, Shovel Knight studied the portal, even as the pokemon flew up to perch on his head. He didn't react when Shaymin landed on top of his helmet, the pokemon's weight was miniscule compared to the armor after all. Shovel Knight didn't mind it. Nor did he take issue at being called 'minion', aside from a soft, amused chuckle. "So... yon large rings art doorways to other realms? Tis a powerful sorcery." Shovel Knight said. "Let us hope we can parlay, rather than fight." Holding his shovel at the ready, Shovel Knight strode forward through the portal within the ring.

[Coolshaymin]

Shaymin tried to ignore the weird speech of the knight this time and waited as he and the Bat King entered the ring and immediately ended up on the other side. Shaymin could feel it in the air. This realm felt more clean that was for sure... But there was something off about it. The Contamination did not seem to exist yet there was still something off in the atmosphere. Shaymin held the worry at the edge of his mind as the location on the other side showed itself.

Everything was drastically different from Li's version of this place. Everything was black and white for some strange reason. In fact, it seemed now Shovel Knight, Antasma and Shaymin himself were now monochrome. This was strange to the legendary hedgehog, seeing nothing like this before. The area itself seemed similar in that it was a grassy plain with some trees. Shaymin looked around from atop Knight Man's head at the strangeness.

"Hmmm... I sense a strong natural force down this path. I think we should go see what it is," Shaymin said. As soon as Shaymin said this, a few creatures popped up from around the trio with spears. Well, there goes the idea of a warm welcome... they had a strange golden glow in their eyes though that was unsettling.

"The master did not ask for visitors. Turn back or face punishment," The cute creatures attempted to threaten.



Waddle Dee X 3
Damage: 0%
Weapons: Spear
Status: None
Abilities: None

[Deleted]

The first thing Antasma noticed about this world was that he could breathe normally. A large grin was placed on his face, for the facts that he would not succumb to the infection, or, rather, at least not today, and that Shaymin's intel about the new world was a success.

"'Tiz good to breathe fresh air again. SKRONK!" Antasma said to his fellow comrades for the mission, only to realize something...

The second thing Antasma noticed about this world was that everything was monochrome.

"What ze?" he cried as he noticed that he himself was monochrome.

A minor difference, however. After a major sigh, he realized that being painted in black and white wouldn't change his ability to fight.

Speaking of opponents, Antasma found that some good subjects to work out his anger were right in front of him: three black and white and adorable Waddle Dees.

Immediately getting ready for a confrontation, Antasma summoned two Antasmunchies. Normally they would glow the specific color he requested, but for this mission, he would have to rely on memory for which ones he asked for.

For this occasion, he wanted a green Antasmunchie, which would heighten magical senses (A.K.A. Wisdom), and a yellow Antasmunchie, which would increase the ability to take hits (A.K.A. Constitution).

Antasma quickly grabbed what he hoped was the yellow Antasmunchie, and gave it to Shovel Knight.

"It iz inevitable, ve are to fight. As such, do vatever you vill vith zis Antasmunchie. It vill increase your ability to take hits, should you vish to eat it. SCREEONK!"

With what was hopefully the yellow Antasmunchie given to Shovel Knight, Antasma quickly ate what he hoped was the green Antasmunchie.

(Antasmunchie Wis Boost: p8HU1p4sp_1d20+3: Additional +2 modifier)

With that out of the way, Antasma quickly fired a Dark Electrical Orb at the Waddle Dee who spoke.

(Wis Roll: p_1d20+5: Critical Dark Electrical Orb!)1d20+3·1d20+5

[Deleted]

“Faith, what magic tis this?” Shovel Knight murmured, as he found himself within the colorless realm. He looked down at his armored hands. The familiar blue sheen of his gauntlets was gone, replaced by a silvery grey instead. Antasma's purple coloring was absent as well. “How odd. But it doth not seemeth harmful at least. What addled mind would desire to vanquish color?” Shovel Knight said. Shrugging, he set forth down the path that Shaymin directed him, wondering what sort of natural force the little creature was detecting. Maybe it had something to do with the monochrome aspect of the area.

He didn't get far before the odd trio of little creatures obstructed his way, brandishing spears at them. “Put away thine weapons, and hindereth not mine quest. Tis of vital import. Away with thee!” Shovel knight commanded, holding his shovel up and pointing the blade at the three of them. Before he could say more, or the little creatures respond, Antasma was already in action. Shovel Knight felt the little antasmunchie being pushed into his hands, before Antasma himself went on the offensive with an orb of dark lightning.

“Well, so much for parlay,” Shovel knight said, eating the antasmunchie, somehow managing it without removing his helmet. He could feel it's magic taking prompt effect, strengthening him and making him more durable. “Hmm... tasteth like bananas." He murmured, before returning his attention to the armed creatures. "I give thee warning, it seems Antasma doth not have the same patience that I possesseth. Quit this place at once!” He didn't attack just yet, holding his shovel at the ready. However, power was accumulating in it, causing the blade of the shovel to glow white with energy.

QJwpV2qR1d20p_1d20 +2 Constitution for Shovel Knight, from the antasmunchie.
1d20·1d20

[Coolshaymin]

Shaymin looked down at the Waddle Dees atop Shovel Knight's Helmet. These creatures had something... off about them. Everything else in this place was black and white yet their eyes glowed yellow. Something was definitely up here and Shaymin needed to find out. "I agree with the Knight. I will not destroy you if necessary," Shaymin said. "I just need a word with your... master."

Despite the other two, the bat king threw his shocking attack at the Waddle Dee that spoke. Quickly he tried to leap out of the way from the strike.

NVg4PQvzp_1d20+3
p_1d100-3
p_1d20-3
Unfortunately he was not fast enough to dodge and worst yet he felt a shock go through his body. The shock was not too bad though, his body taking it surprisingly well. It was doubtful the shock would last long.
(Waddle Dee 1 paralyzed for 3 turns)

"You are not permitted to see the master! Your time is up! Now we use force! Waddle Formation 1!" The Waddle Dee said as the Waddle Dees gathered into two groups. 2 stood staring at Antasma including the leader and charged their spears back before throwing 3 spears at Antasma. 6 spears in total.

The other stood away from Shovel Knight before charging at him and attempting to stab him with it's spear.

p_1d20+1(Waddle 1's amazing Triple Spear Throw at Anatasma)
p_1d20+3(Waddle 2's not quite as amazing Triple Spear Throw at Antasma)
p_1d20+2(Waddle 3's amazing thrust at Shovel Knight)

Waddle Dee x 3
Damage: 7%
Status: Waddle Dee 1=Paralyzed, rest=Normal
1d20+3·1d100-3·1d20-3·1d20+1·1d20+3·1d20+2

[Deleted]

(Dex Roll #1: DopmwL9vp_1d20-1: That is going to hurt)

(Dex Roll #2: p_1d20-1: Just able to dodge)

WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!

The first Triple Spear throw hammered itself into Antasma's body, shattering the Bat King, though he didn't let it shake his composure, and was able to recover quite nicely.

In fact, Antasma was even able to recover quick enough to see the second Triple Spear Throw, and was just able to dodge it.

A small huff escaped Antasma's mouth, before looking at his opposition. He then summoned two more Antasmunchies, this time both red Antasmunchies, which would increase Antasma's strength.

Antasma proceeded to eat one Antasmunchie.

(Str Roll: p_1d20: Additional +1 modifier)

Admittedly, the Antasmunchie didn't provide much of a boost. But, it was a boost nonetheless, one Antasma would gladly take.

The Bat King then took his other Antasmunchie, and fired an Antasmunchie Grenade at the two Waddle Dees.

(Str Roll: p_1d20+1: Good God, kill me now haha)

Unfortunately, the attack was abysmal. It was highly likely the two Waddle Dees would dodge the attack, leaving Antasma to lower his head in shame.1d20-1·1d20-1·1d20·1d20+1

[Deleted]

The strange little creatures didn't back down. Shovel Knight respected their adherence to their duty, but their insistence on fighting rather than accepting an offer of parlay was most irritating. Then again, Antasma had already begun the attack, which might have angered them. Either way, it didn't matter. The battle was joined, and demanded his attention. He held up his shovel to shield himself from the oncoming spear, trusting his stout armor to protect himself from the blow.

(Con Roll eGyEHWOMp_1d20+4) Hit: 7% damage

Despite his durable armor, the spear blow managed to do a little damage to him, but hardly enough to worth fretting over. Shovel Knight grunted as he took the impact, rapidly recovering. "Thy arm art strong, to pierceth mine armor. I commend thee." Shovel Knight said, respectfully. "But if battle art what thou desires, then so be it! Steeleth thyself!" Targeting the Waddle Dee who had managed to stab him, Shovel knight lunged forward, swinging his shovel blade. The shovel blade was amplified with the stored energy Shovel Knight had been accumulating, making the slash all the more deadly.

(Str Roll: Knightly Slash! p_1d20+5)
1d20+4·1d20+5