Let's Play Pokemon Dark Rising! Chapter 4

[Rainbow Chara X]

The game is starting to bare its fangs... as if it hasn't already.

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Spoiler:

You ever wonder why Pokemon cities are called cities when they barely constitute as - oh hey, a new chapter.

Let's not waste any more time.

"Luckily, Fiery, our Gym Leader, saved us all."

Ooooh, so she's a hero around these parts? Interesting. I want to fight her a bit more now.

Wasn't Monica's dad called Blake? This could be important.

"You're Jean Blake's child!"

: "How did you know?!"

: "Please come with me..."

: "Hey mister, you seem to know about my father. Do you have any idea where he is?"

: "No, I'm afraid not. But..."

: "But what?! If you know anything, please let me know..."

Poor Monica.

: "I made a promise to your father years ago to never speak of this with any of the children."

: "The children? Is my father alright or not?! And what's going on in the Core Region?!"

"Very well. If you can prove to me that you're strong enough, I will tell you!"

Why do we have to fight? Why can't you just tell her if you know anything?

: "Now you're speaking my language! Let's do this!"

Never change, you huge dork.

Even though he's trying to test your skills, Cole is super easy. If you lose to him, then you're obviously not prepared for the Gym Leader ahead.

His first Pokemon is this Slowpoke that Corin chomps on for a bit. I don't think he even realized what happened until the last second.

Sigurd pops a balloon.

[Sigurd used Shadow Claw!]

: ("Uh-oh...")

Cole's final Pokemon is this Absol that would have been much more terrifying if it weren't for all of the bug Pokemon around here.

... Bad idea. Really bad idea.

: ("Oh, you asked for it! Come here, you little punk!")

[Arthur used X-Scissor!]

Finally, Monica gets some respect. This needs to happen more often.

[Theme I would use for this scene: Time Circuits]

: "Alright..."

: "Years ago when your father was the same age as you, he joined a group. A group of remarkable people-"

: "What, the Avengers?!"

Really?

[Cole lets out a sigh of disappointment - I do too]

: "A group of remarkable people that defeated one of the most evil creations that the world has ever known."

: "Sooooo.... Avengers?!"

god damn it monica

"People never speak its name anymore."

: "What's the name?"

: "Darugis..."

: "Hm, I heard some thugs talking about it..."

: "Then it is true. I'm afraid Darugis has somehow broken the seal and returned. He must have captured your father because he was the only one strong enough to seal him away. If this is true, the Core region... No, the entire world is in grave danger."

: ("Bit of an understatement there.")

: ("Then I'll do it. This time I'll seal Darugis away.")

Monica, sweetie, I appreciate the bravado but maybe this is way out of your league.

Yeah, listen to him. He's not kidding.

: "I must contact Professor Oak on this matter. Only one trainer can stop him..."

"You know, aside from your father. Who is currently rotting away in some hellish prison."

: "Who?"

: "Ash Ketchum... The Pokemon League Champion."

How did that dink become Champion? Also, wow. We're really doing this? Bringing in characters from the anime?

This game is going to be longer than I thought.

: "But that's my father out there! I'm not just going to sit around here waiting for him to be rescued! I'm also going to save him! I'll train as hard as I can just to save my dad."

Monica, you truly are a sweetheart. Bonus points for not being "omg ash ketchup" when he was brought up.

: "Very well... I admire your bravery, young one. So what are you still doing here? Get out there and save your father."

You made the right choice.

: ("Hmm... Maybe I should tell them now before anything else happens.")

: ("But how will they react...?")

: ("Hey Monica? Do you mind if we talk outside? It's important.")

: "Huh? Okay, Sigurd."

: "So what's going on?"

: ("You see... There's been something heavy that I've wanted to tell you for a while now.")

: ("And if we're going to be friends, I have to be completely honest.")

: "Uh... sure. Shoot."

[Theme I would use here: Requiem of Shield Knight]

: ("I've... technically been lying about not knowing about Darugis other than his name and some bad memories. It goes deeper than that.")

: ("How so?")

: ("See... The more relevant Darugis becomes, the more dangerous things get. You guys are smart. I know you've already figured out something based on every encounter we've had with the dark thugs.")

: ("Well, of course. We were going to leave it alone because you seemed like a nice enough person. That's why we hadn't said anything about that encounter with V's Golett. Why lie, though? Is it really that incriminating?")

: ("There were... a lot of reasons holding me back from telling the truth from now. For one, the way me and Monica met was so terrifying that it may have shook me a bit. I... apologize for that.")

: ("Understandable. But it's all in the past. You don't have to worry, Sigurd.")

: ("I know, but... Let me put it like this.")

: ("What happens when you spell Darugis backwards without the A?")

: "... No way."

: ("I friggin' called it!")

: ("But... But how? What does it mean?")

: ("It means we're closer than you could ever imagine. You could even say that we're brothers. Don't get me wrong - I've been fighting him for as long as I remember. He's hatred incarnate and has the power to back it up. The reason I've been so nervous this entire time is because I don't want you to mistake me as being the same as him.")

: ("All I want to do is gather some help to stop him. Hence why I approached you, Monica.")

: "Wow, that's crazy..."

: ("But why would the voice in Monica's dreams want you dead if we're all after the same guy?")

: ("Now that I don't know. They're likely another force that also has a grudge against me.")

: ("But yeah. This must all sound pretty insane. I don't blame you if you can't believe me.")

: "To be fair, kinda. But at the same time, the way you act and the way you talk... You're definitely not a bad person. Plus, you're so cute."

[Monica tugs on his white fur buns - theme changes over to Jolly Ol' Spekkio]

: ("H-huh?! What's the deal?")

: ("Monica's right, you know. If you need any help to take down Darugis, we're always there for you.")

: ("Yeah! Besides, the team needs heavy hitters like you around. I'm pretty sure I'd miss you if we kicked you out.")

: ("Same. I'll admit that you had me going, but if Monica and the others trust you, I will too.")

: ("I share the same opinion as everybody else.")

: ("You guys really care that much about me? That's... that's...")

: ("... D-damn it! Why am I crying all of a sudden?")

: ("Haha! It's natural to get emotional when people say that kind of stuff to you.")

: "So that's all taken care of. Don't worry, Sigurd. We'll beat Darugis once and for all."

: ("Hmmm.... You do realize he's powerful beyond human comprehension? This Riolu form I've taken on isn't a disguise - I've lost almost all of my strength from the last time I fought him. Monica, I don't want anybody here getting hurt.")

: "Still, I'm not scared. We can do anything as long as we're a team. Besides, I want to save my dad and become famous for defeating Darugis. So I guess you're stuck with me."

: ("Ha, I guess you're right. It's not like I mind.")

: "Glad to hear that. So let's stop standing around here and get stuff done."

[The team erupts in a synchronized cheer]

Alright, with all of that out of the way, let's tackle the gym.

... Is that Lorelei?

: "What? Who are you? (I'm really getting sick of asking people that.)"

Not Lorelei: "Will you accept my service?"

Let's humor her and say yes.

... Tarea is the spanish word for homework, by the way. Clever.

Basically, she tells you that you lack Water Pokemon but your Dragon should be good enough. Honestly, even if we did have a Water Pokemon, it wouldn't help at all.

"My queen doesn't have to waste her time with you!"

I think this dude is trying too hard to win her affection.

His setup is not threatening in the slightest. Do I even like the Magmortar line? I guess I do, considering I tried to get them twice in the real games.

Darumaka and Darmanitan are honestly one of the coolest Gen 5 Pokemon. Not just because of them being a fire gorilla, but also because of their Zen Mode form that turns them into a

/

type. I dunno, I find that really neat.

Now, don't be fooled. This guy is incredibly easy, but Fiery is the gym leader for a reason. This calls for a grinding session.

Everybody's now just a bit more badass, but this is the most important change.

Corin swaps out Mud Slap for the admittedly blistering Dig. Hey, at least we can get out of caves without having to use an escape rope now.

"I see this is your first Gym Battle."

Don't tell me, she's a recolored Flannery.

: "Yeah! Don't think I'm weak just because I'm new! I've seen your battles and tactics on TV."

Fiery: "Well, well, you seem like a bright beginner. However, you are too weak to win against me. My fire burns with desire and passion, but also with the power of ten infernos! You will not be able to defeat me."

This woman is a complete cheeseball, but at the same time she's not lying. I had to prepare for a reason.

: "Let's do this! Bring on all you got because the one that's going to be defeated is you!"

Fiery: "Strong words from a young trainer. But are you ready to eat them?"

[Theme I would use for gym leaders: Great Battlers]

I don't think the sprite was even changed. For shame, Dark Rising Girl.

Despite all of the issues I have with the presentation of this fight, she's by far the most powerful opponent yet.

This is one of the reasons why. A Fire team that has Drought on their side.

Be afraid.

The Vulpix themselves are not very threatening, but they don't need to be considering all they needed to do was set things up.

Sigurd doesn't even look at the Houndour to shoot them with an Aura Sphere.

OH BOY HERE WE GO

Heatmor here is the most brutal Pokemon the team will have to face in a long time. Not only is the sun doubling their fire attacks, but they're fast and relentless. They also have perfect coverage, as they have Thunder Punch to shut down any water type you could conceivably have at this point.

Dark Rising Girl knew what she was doing when it came to the fights.

(I should also mention that this is the shiny sprite of Heatmor, but it's not counted as shiny here. Oh well.)

Oh, and to punish physical attackers like Sigurd, they have Will-O-Wisp. No wonder why Fiery is the Gym Leader, god damn.

: ("It's... too hot...")

[Sigurd collapses]

Well shit, that's not good.

Gale fills in for Sigurd's spot, and yeah there's this too. It's not even like it matters - Fire and Thunder Punch are considered special in this generation, so lowering attack wouldn't do anything anyway.

[Gale used Quick Attack!]

Get toasted, you friggin' anteater.

"As proof of your victory, I confer this to you. The official Pokemon League Flame Badge!"

Well, what did you expect? People who boast "oh i'm so invincible" are bound to lose, no matter how strong they actually are.

Thank you kindly.

Now we can use Flash outside of battle. Man... I know it was her first game, but she could have been a bit creative. She changed the overworld tilesets and added in a new region, so you got me.

(Future Dan: You're gonna regret that statement about a new region in just a bit.)

Nice reward. I'll probably never use it, but it's the thought that counts.

Oh hey, more Dark Thugs and an evil redhead. This ought to be good.

[The grunts respond in an organized "YES SIR!" before marching away]

Waters Cavern? So we immediately hop from fire to water. Okay, you're the boss, game.

As we try to follow the dude with the red hair, we get jumped by a ton of trainers.

... No, there is no reason why they're all aligned like this and you're not rewarded if you beat them all.

This guy brings out a Growlithe while it's raining. Way to go, genius.

The Gliscor family is cool, but Corin is our primary Ground type.

Oh hey, it's the Cyndaquil I never caught...

I think I do regret it... just a little bit.

Monica doesn't roll that way, sister.

I do like how the game suddenly throws out Double Battles from time to time. It mixes things up.

Ah, yes. The infamous shorts kid. Good to know he lives in the Core Region too.

We still fry his team anyway.

Have we actually met this bug catcher before? I don't remember.

Fun fact: For the longest time I just assumed Pineco was just a pinecone as a Pokemon. Turns out they're based off of a bug that mimics pinecones called the bagworm, so that's neat.

Awkward. I bet your girlfriend is a way better trainer than you anyway.

Upon clearing that route of surprisingly unrelated trainers, we make our way to the DREAD SWAMP.

I don't see what's so dread-inducing about it - it looks like a parking lot.

There is a guy here that will give you a crappy Old Rod. I... appreciate it?

Good advice, I'll be sure to -

Damn, right on cue. At the very least she doesn't waste time.

"It's the kid I mistakenly thought to be nothing more than a vessel for an evil monster."

: "Who are you? Are you also trying to find out something about Darugis? If that's the case, we're on the same side, okay?"

: "Hmph! You know nothing about Darugis. You're only a kid. A curious kid. I seek revenge on Darugis."

: ("She's not the first person to do so, by the way...")

: "Revenge? Look, I don't know who the heck you are, but Darugis has my father and I'm going to rescue him!"

: "At least you still have a family. Last time I was merely testing you. Now let's see what you really got."

: ("... Ouch. Still, that came out of nowhere.")

: "Bring it!"

[Theme I would use for more "plot important" fights from now on: Megalomania (the boss theme to Live-A-Live)]

After Fiery, nothing scares me.

Volcarona is a great Pokemon and I wish we had one. Alas, all we have is a fire puppy.

[Parts of Gale's body are engulfed in flames]

: ("This is fine. Nothing is going wrong.")

Gale takes him out, but gets burned in the process. Don't worry, she'll shrug it off later.

Oh, this ought to be interesting.

: ("Y-you! Your aura... It's so thick and clouded by darkness. Just what are you?!")

: ("A Riolu just like you. Well, not exactly... but you get my point. I'd rather not fight you.")

: ("You can't fool me!")

: ("Sorry, but you leave me with no choice.")

[Sigurd used Aerial Ace!]

: ("I guess it couldn't be helped.")

The final mon is the Axew again, who tries to copy Corin and dig for some reason.

Corin comes out on top not only in battle, but as a better digger.

"Maybe Riolu was right..."

I find it surreal that she even has a Riolu while we have Sigurd. I didn't know that before putting him in the game.

Huh? Already?

Excellent. Now all we need is for her to evolve into Garchomp and everything will be set.

[Mystery lady walks away]

Of course we will, but I'm not worried. More free experience.

"Are you teamed up with that blue-haired woman?!"

: "Not really. Wait, you're one of Darugis's grunts!"

Grunt lady: "Yes, so what? Darugis has already infested all of the Tynamo in this area. You think you can stop us?"

Infested the Tynamo? Oh, that can't be good.

It's the same lady who tried to take over Tiki Village, and with the exact same Frillish.

They even expected me to hit them as I swapped out! History is repeating before my very eyes.

Thankfully, Sathala shows him up.

By the way, I checked. There is no female Frillish in this game for some odd reason. I guess they just didn't want to go through the effort of hacking them in.

Ha, you get it? We're in a cave where it's raining?

... Yeah, that was stupid, I know.

"There's two fossils deep within these caverns that Darugis is after. Don't even bother getting them!"

Thanks for telling me. I'll be sure to get them now.

[Theme I would use for Waters Cavern: Waterfall]

I had to. So I have to ask - how is it raining inside of the cave? Is that possible in real life?

Science questions aside, Tynamo is the Pokemon she sends out. It's an Electric Pokemon that has Levitate as an ability, which essentially means it has no weaknesses no matter which generation it appears in.

That is, unless they introduce something that allows Ground moves to hit Levitating/Flying Pokemon... Which I know isn't going to happen soon. (cough thousand arrows cough)

Say hello to Wave the Buizel. She'll be our primary Water type for the time being.

(Future Dan: Scratch that. She'll be our primary Water type period.)

: ("You and your team look strong. Nice to meet y'all.")

Sorry, Cinder. You have to stay in the box for a bit.

: ("It's okay, Monica. I need a rest anyway.")

[Cinder curls up next to Lumis]

Back in Waters Cavern, we immediately put Wave to work. The rain here gives her a nice boost.

... Isn't this the same team that beat up Gale when she was just a Starly? Oh, I didn't even think of the revenge value.

Over here is Bullet Seed and a Paralyze Heal.

One is more valuable than the other, and I don't have to say which one it is.

Arthur gets the TM anyway just to add more variety to his moveset, even if it's practically useless.

Do these guys make all of their Mechachus or do they buy them from a store or something?

Despite Bullet Seed being absolutely useless (due to being Special and only having 10 power), Arthur still manages to one shot a Geodude with it. Fancy that.

Aw, snap. That's actually really good.

I don't care about effort values in fan games, if you've probably noticed. Besides, we fight so much anyway that it doesn't matter.

Whoa, that's a fucked up looking Tynamo. Is this what the grunt meant when she said Darugis infected the Tynamo here?

... Believe it or not, I know the real reason why they have pepperoni spots on their skin: Tynamo replaces the spot for Spinda, complete with the neat little side effect of spots appearing over their body.

I like how Dark Rising Girl actually wrote around that. We give her crap, but she knows what she's doing.

(Future Dan: Good lord, I was naive back then. That or I was in heavy denial.

)

You can talk to this guy, but he only speaks in exclamation bubbles. I don't know why he's here.

Maybe he was a trainer that was never coded in properly.

Yes, I came in "too" show off.

Awwww snap. Gale is gonna kick ass with the best of 'em.

: "Well, you got to show off to one. So way to go, pal." [Monica pats him on the back]

This wasn't a wild encounter - there was a Hiker around here and he had Geodude. I do like how they're the punching bags of this episode.

Sweet. Now we can evolve Lumis if we really wanted to.

... Not just yet, though.

Three exits, huh? Let's take the right.

Thief is situational at best unless you're trying to steal rare items off of wild Pokemon.

... That said, I'm sure to get some money selling the Thief TM.

Speaking of shady individuals...

I don't even have to show what the team does to this guy.

Ooh, he did have a Sandile though.

People give Gen 5 crap for its monster designs, but there's a lot of them I thought were pretty cool. Krookodile was one of them.

Given what's up ahead, he's not joking. He's seen some shit.

Anyway, if this place is exactly what I think it is...

Yep. This place is pretty much just a flooded Mount Moon.

Woman, you ain't slick. Thanks for leaving the Ether in the same place, though.

With that said, that's the end of the chapter. Next time on Pokemon Dark Rising, we get more wet. See you next time.

(by the way, I don't know what keeps happening but there's been some force that's been stopping me from uploading this damn chapter. Thank god it's done)

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Team setup:

(Corin, level 25,

,

/

) - "I like the rain in here. It's so calming."

(Sigurd, level 23,

,

/

) - "That fight against Fiery was intense. Maybe I should take a swim around here."

(Sathala, level 18,

,

) - "That sounds nice, Sigurd. Mind if I join you?"

(Gale, level 23,

,

/

) - [Demonstrates how sharp her new Aerial Ace is by creating a gash in a nearby rock]

(Arthur, level 21,

,

) - "How is it raining inside of the cave anyway? Nature is weird."

(Wave, level 20,

,

) - "Ey! Red Riolu kid! I wouldn't go into the water if I were you. What with all of those Tynamo swimming about."

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Back up team:

(Lumis, level 7,

,

) - "Aww, he's so cute. I wonder how the team is doing."

(Cinder, level 18,

,

) - [Comfortably sleeping next to Lumis]