Dark Dreams

Pokémon [15]

1 — Darkrai EX — BREAKpoint (74/122)
2 — Darkrai EX — Dark Explorers (63/108)

2 — Darkrai — Mythical Pokémon Collection Darkrai (XY114)
2 — Sableye — Dark Explorers (62/108)
4 — Yveltal — XY (78/146)

2 — Eevee — Furious Fists (80/111)
2 — Umbreon — Dark Explorers (61/108)

Trainers [28]

1 — Computer Search — Boundaries Crossed (137/149)
4 — Dark Patch — Dark Explorers (93/108)
4 — Ultra Ball — Flashfire (99/106)

1 — N — Noble Victories (101/101)
1 — Skyla — BREAKpoint (122/122)
1 — Colress — Plasma Storm (135/135)
2 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Freeze (116/116)
3 — Steven — Ancient Origins (95/98)
4 — Cheren — Boundaries Crossed (149/149)

3 — Reverse Valley — BREAKpoint (110/122)

2 — Dark Claw — Dark Explorers (92/108)
2 — Fighting Fury Belt — BREAKpoint (99/122)

Energy [17]

4 — Dangerous Energy
13 — Darkness Energy

Epilogue

Ever have one of those chilling experience where you're trapped in the wake of dream? Or where your trying to run away from someone, but it feels like you're not going to make it? How about one of those dreams where you're encountered by a wild animal that threatens to tear you apart? Or possibly worst of all—that dream where you have this awesome collection of Pokémon cards—only to wake up and find all them gone! Our deck here is a tribute to chilling experiences like these.

Whether your intention is to wake your opponent up from their own dreaming, or force them to experience the nightmare first hand, the potential is here to do either as you wish. Yet we must all be reminded that every action begets a reaction, and in the reality of these physics, each of us effectively decide our fate in every choice that we make. For this reason, one should always be mindful to choose wisely, lest by their choices they're forced into a grim fate they cannot escape.

Such a fate—is like that of the [Abyssal Sleep]—a brutally powerful attack wielded by the Mythical Pokémon Collection Darkrai. The power of this attack is nearly unprecedented in the world of the Pokémon TCG, and therefore makes an amazing centerpiece for an intensely competitive deck.

At three energy, gathering the power for this attack can be somewhat of a challenge—yet in the hands of this Dark Patch deck engine—the power of [Abyssal Sleep] can be put at our fingertips in as little as a single turn. Naturally, the power of [Abyssal Sleep] is our primary resource, so we don't want to lose this potential by foolishly leaving Darkrai out there as our Active Pokémon. We want to hit our opponent's with [Abyssal Sleep]—then swing out to finish them off with Yveltal or Darkrai EX.

[Dark Pulse] Darkrai is one of our most adaptable resources by the combination of its power and availability—naturally making it one best follow ups to [Abyssal Sleep]—but don't lead with it if you can finish the job with something else. Reserve that power for a greater threat, so you can effectively take it out with lots of open range in your HP, in the event you have to make a heavy exchange.

Supplementary to this, the exclusive Dark energy base here helps to ensure that the power of [Dark Pulse] does not get watered down any, and the extra turns with Yveltal (or anything else) help to further this potential.

I've been through experiment extensively—and came to conclude that attempting to hotfix the [Dark Pulse] Darkrai card with the use of Double Colorless Energy—ultimately only adulterated its power. Using Double Colorless Energy, the power of [Dark Pulse] often fell miserably short when it was desperately needed, effectively proving it to be more consequential than anything else.

That is why it's not included here, and don't consider adding any to it, or you're likely be the one getting put to sleep. There are so many energy adaptable resources here, that it should be no problem to amounting all the dark energy you need. Let's use our head for what it's there for—and try not to hold on too closely to our dreams—for they could be someone else's haunting reality.

Stand Alone Complex

 

Pokémon [17]

3 — Yveltal EX — XY (79/146)
2 — Malamar EX — Phantom Forces (115/119)
2 — Darkrai EX — Dark Explorers (63/108)

2 — Sableye — Dark Explorers (62/108)

2 — Malamar — Ancient Origins (46/98)
2 — Malamar — XY (77/146)
4 — Inkay — XY (74/146)

Trainers [27]

1 — Computer Search — Boundaries Crossed (137/149)
4 — Hypnotoxic Laser — Plasma Storm (123/135)

1 — N — Noble Victories (101/101)
1 — Skyla — BREAKpoint (122/122)
1 — Xerosic — Phantom Forces (119/119)
1 — Giovanni's Scheme — BREAKthrough (162/162)
1 — Pokémon Center Lady — Flashfire (105/106)
2 — Lysandre — Flashfire (104/106)
3 — Professor Birch's Observations — Primal Clash (159/160)
3 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Freeze (116/116)

1 — Shadow Circle — XY (126/146)
3 — Virbank City Gym — Plasma Storm (126/135)

2 — Trick Coin — Phantom Forces (108/119)
3 — Head Ringer — Phantom Forces (97/119)

Energy [16]

4 — Dangerous Energy — Ancient Origins (82/98)
4 — Double Colorless Energy
8 — Darkness Energy

Epilogue

This one is for all the hardcore Ghost in the Shell fans. Stand Alone Complex is an intensely combative deck with a strategy that involves overwhelming the opponent in hard tactics. The core of this deck begins with the diverse Supporter array—representing the members of Section 9—alongside some of the most prominent Ghost in the Shell characters ever.

From left to right, we have the Individual Eleven, the Chief Aramaki, the Laughing Man, Sano (the undercover assassin), Batou, the Major (at ease and in action)—and lastly Borma (the explosives specialist). Altogether, they make a very diverse array of Supporters, yet the combination aims to take full advantage of the tactical potential provided by one very special card in particular.

Our lady of the evening is none other than {Upside-down Evolution} Inkay, who's ability is a tribute to the HentaiKey game released back in the day featuring Batou & Motoko. The edge of this card is sure to put the pressure on 100%. With [Confuse Wave] leaving our opponent's Active confused, we can hit them with a Hypnotoxic Laser first, and begin to rack up the damage from Virbank City Gym. On our next turn, {Upside-down Evolution} enables us to instantly evolve Inkay into Malamar, freeing up the resource dependency that traditionally coincides with Stage 1 Pokémon, and thus effectively helping to enable a more tactical spread of Supporters.

From there we have two options between Malamar, each of which specifically suit positions where we either inherently possess the high ground—or we do not.

In positions where the high ground is ours, we can evolve to [Entangling Control] Malamar, and use its second attack to sweetly recycle our tactical content from the discard pile, while our opponent is at their disadvantage. We can also use [Entangling Control] from there to further manipulate their Active Pokémon and quickly flush out anything threats that they might suddenly drop on the bench.

In positions where we face an uphill battle, we can reach for [Mental Panic] Malamar instead, and attempt to put our opponent at a very distinct disadvantage with the combination of effects between Virbank City Gym, Confusion, and [Mental Panic]. This combination of tactical effects will force our opponent to flip two successful coins just to attack, and rack up 120 damage on their Active Pokémon between the full course of our turn and theirs (potentially turning the tides completely).

Finishing things up, Darkrai and Sableye provide us with the backup tactics, Yveltal provides the raw power—while Malamar provides a little of both—along with symbolizing that unforgettable moment where the Major answers the sex question popped on her by saying,

"You care to find out?"

Definitely a sweet finish to all that we have here.

If anything—the only way to finish at all.

Dark Skies

Pokémon [17]

3 — Yveltal EX — XY (79/146)
2 — Darkrai EX — Dark Explorers (63/108)

4 — Yveltal — XY (78/146)
3 — Sableye — Dark Explorers (62/108)

2 — Zorua — Dark Explorers (69/108)
2 — Zoroark — Dark Explorers (71/108)
1 — Zoroark BREAK — BREAKthrough (92/162)

Trainers [26]

1 — Computer  Search — Boundaries Crossed (137/149)
3 — Professor's Letter — XY (123/146)
4 — Ultra Ball — Flashfire (99/106)
4 — Dark Patch — Dark Explorers (93/108)

1 — N — Noble Victories (101/101)
2 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Freeze (116/116)
3 — Cheren — Boundaries Crossed (149/149)
4 — Steven — Ancient Origins (95/98)

4 — Dark Claw — Dark Explorers (92/108)

Energy [17]

4 — Double Colorless Energy
13 — Darkness Energy

Epilogue

"Dark skies fill the air and thunder cracks the sky;
the dark bird is approaching to bid us all goodbye."

Despite the captivating flavor text, there isn't much more to the flavor of this deck. The reason for this, is because it was apart of a bottom-up design, for a Dark Patch deck engine I had an idea for. Being a bottom-up design, you start from the synergy in the cards first, then hope to top off the flavor of the deck later. At the end of the development, the deck engine turned out to be not only immensely powerful, but entirely universal for any assortment of Dark Pokémon EX (even despite its simplicity).

All of the decks in this series utilize the same combination of Supporters for this reason, so there isn't much fancy theatrics between the array of Supporter cards. Naturally, that's a big aspect of the flavor, which is very important to the creative potential of your deck. But I also don't believe that every great deck is going to be a top-down design either—and so I'm content with this on that fact. The flavor is mostly focused in the array of Pokémon, which I think does a pretty great job bringing everything to life.

As for the deck engine, it revolves around hyper-accelerating your Dark energy, by utilizing a number of key cards that are all very synergistic to one another. Dark type specifically has been recently development with all kinds of amazing potential for this, and tapping into that greatest potential was the initial concept for this deck engine.

The primary strategy here involves leading with Yveltal, then using the combination of your Item cards, Supporter cards—and the surplus of energy—to bring everything together and power-up your primary offensive Pokémon in a single turn. Then retreating for free through Darkrai, and finshing your opponent off as quickly as possible.

Now, Ultra Ball is conventionally somewhat of an expense, but the combination of synergy here between the surplus of energy (and the utility of [Oblivion Wing] and Dark Patch)—I believe perfectly tap into Ultra Ball's greatest potential.

Cheren and Professor Juniper keep the cards flowing in a straight motion—a technique intended to provide a potency in the flow of the cards—especially alongside the heavy deck thinning that the other cards provide. You'll generally only need one or the other, and Steven makes for a really great transition between the two. [Junk Hunt] Sableye is another great transitional resource, enabling you to fetch two item cards from your discard pile—where in this deck (between the offensive power of Yveltal EX and mobility power of Darkrai)—just two Dark Patch can be absolutely game-breaking.

Zoroark wasn't apart of the initial design, but was added later as a bracer against abilities like {Intimidating Mane} and {Safeguard}. And although I've never seen the game scenario, I think that it also makes a great far-alternative to your starting Pokémon—specifically through the power of [Ascension] and [Dark Rush]. With that said, you're probably going to want to always play second if you can—this deck engine quite possibly suites that style of play best.

Dark Claw on the other hand has always been a staple to this deck—as it was a staple to every Dark Patch deck back in its day. I personally feel like it's still the best option, and the extra power it provides definitely boast potential leagues ahead of other options (even Fighting Fury Belt). The most recent additions were Computer Search and a single copy of N, which are intended to further increase the synergy potential between the cards and promote the flow the cards as well. This deck tends to run out of cards really fast, even energy cards (despite the immense surplus), so that one N is intended to dial back on the flow of the cards and provide some dark space to comfortably rest in.

Achilles Last Stand

Pokémon [16]

2 — Darkrai EX — Dark Explorers (63/108)
2 — Darkrai EX — BREAKpoint (74/122)
1 — Yveltal EX — XY (144/146)
1 — Mewtwo EX — Next Destinies (98/99)

4 — Sableye — Dark Explorers (62/108)

2 — Zorua — Dark Explorers (69/108)
2 — Zoroark — Dark Explorers (71/108)
2 — Zoroark BREAK — BREAKthrough (92/162)

Trainers [27]

1 — Master Ball — Plasma Blast (94/101)
2 — Ultra Ball — Flashfire (99/106)
3 — Level Ball — Next Destinies (89/99)
4 — Max Elixir — BREAKpoint (102/122)

3 — Professor Juniper — Dark Explorers (98/108)
4 — Shauna — XY (127/146)
4 — N — Noble Victories (92/101)

3 — Shadow Circle — XY (126/146)

3 — Fighting Fury Belt — BREAKpoint (99/122)

Energy [17]

3 — Double Colorless Energy
14 — Darkness Energy

Epilogue

According to Greek legend, the Nereid Thetis attempted to make her son immortal by dipping him in the river Styx as an infant. It's further stated, that the child was made totally invulnerable, with the exception of one place—the heel tendon—where Thetis had held Achilles to dip him in the river.

However, the story shouldn't seem very realistic for one big reason. It's far too improbable that Thetis (a mythical entity) would be so dense not to simply turn the child around, and dip him for a second time (feet first) to complete the task. By all reason, we could conclude that much of legend surrounding Achilles must be greatly falsified—most likely done by the vengeful Poseidon—who was previously a contender for the heart of his mother Thetis before Achilles was born.

Now, I'd propose that Thetis got the job done right—and in her endeavor—made Achilles truly invulnerable from head to toe. But it's not to say that Achilles didn't have a weakness of some kind, because it's far too unlikely that anyone (even the demigod Hercules) could be submerged in the river of the Underworld without some darkness enveloping them. In Achilles case, I would image his true weakness was his heart, which was likely overshadowed by darkness and gloom by the grim waters of the underworld. And so, it was this spiritual aspect that would serve as his only true weakness—haunting him in secret throughout the course of his life.

In being made physically invulnerable though, Achilles (who was said to have been a hero) would become the Archon of the people's grief—living up to the meaning of his name—and taking up the redemption of the people for his own (who had long suffered the merciless rule of dictators at the time). Nothing less than this, could be a worthy reputation to paint Achilles as a true hero. And so this is the Achilles we have here for this deck.

Wield some of the mightiest weapons of the world, and overcome the darkness that envelops you—to ascend yourself into the ranks of godliness—and truly remain the last man standing.

Shaolin Tiger Style

 

 

Pokémon [17]

3 — Raikou EX — Dark Explorers (38/108)
1 — Pikachu EX — Pikachu EX Legendary Collection (XY84)
1 — Mewtwo EX — Next Destinies (98/99)

2 — Victini — V for Victini Tin (BW32)

4 — Tynamo — Noble Victories (38/101)
4 — Eeletrik — Noble Victories (40/101)
2 — Eelektross — Primal Clash (65/160)

Trainers [27]

1 — Master Ball — Plasma Blast (94/101)
2 — Ultra Ball — Dark Explorers (102/108)
3 — Level Ball — Next Destines (89/99)

2 — Steven — Roaring Skies (90/108)
2 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Blast (84/101)
2 — Giovanni's Scheme — BREAKthrough (138/162)
3 — Cheren — Dark Explorers (91/108)
4 — N — Dark Explorers (96/101)

2 — Rough Seas — Primal Clash (137/160)
2 — Shadow Circle — XY (126/146)

4 — Fighting Fury Belt — BREAKpoint (99/122)

Energy [16]

2 — Double Colorless Energy
4 — Dark Energy
10 — Lightning Energy

Epilogue

Welcome to the Lotus Kai Academy of Martial Arts and Shaolin Temple. Today, we begin our training in the art of Shaolin Tiger Style. This is a very fierce style of battle—taking root from the philosophy of the "Thorny Rose". This philosophy dictates—that even a peaceful flower of great beauty and magnetism, should have thorns that bring pain, and drive away those who draw too near. For the thorn defends the rose—and harms only those who would steal the blossom.

And with that, this is where our training begins—with the thorn and the rose—Raikou and Victini.

At the start of our training, we open up with the tiger's roar, and begin with the prayer of {Victory Star}—spoken over the strike of our [Thunder Fang]. Like the bite of the thorn which draws blood from the hand, the fang of the tiger sinks down deep inside—paralyzing its pray and preventing it from making a move. This combination is our lead technique, and so long as our [Thunder Fang] continues to successfully strike down and hit the spot, our opponent won't be going anywhere.

In our next movement, we follow up our training with the tiger's nature. The tiger is not only fierce and graceful—it is swift and exacting. Unlike the house cat, which is known to play childish games with its prey. The tiger is a true predator, which makes its killing blow without hesitation. And so, in the style of the tiger, we must also deliver the killing blow, and take out our prey without any hesitation.

[Volt Bolt] is our primary technique for this, and just like the roots of the rose bush, reaching across the earth both far and wide—so can this technique strike our opponent's down both near and far.

As taught to us by the Grandmaster Giovanni, this technique is best performed in freestyle—which is enraptured here by the presence of Dark energy—whose color represents the Tao element of water. Water symbolizes that which is formless, shapeless, and adaptable—and akin to the nature of water—the freestyle of this technique will enables us to adapt to our environment however we need in the wake of our most powerful attack.

For the tiger can be just as swift to evade—as it can be to strike again. So can we, with our Dark energy always remaining—make a quick retreat—or follow up with a quick attack, stunning our opponent with another strike of the [Thunder Fang] by attaching just a single energy more.

As our training progresses, our perfection of the Tiger Style can be mastered in one of two zones. First is in the midst of Shadow Circle, where our Dark energy will be the Yin to the Yang of our weaknesses, removing them entirely so that we can adapt to even the harshest conditions. Like the tiger and its killer instinct, the tiger fights just as fiercely to survive, no matter what the conditions are that surround it.

For the second, we have Rough Seas, which exists to us as a natural habitat—like a tiger that takes to the water. The sea and the storm exist as the strongest form water can take. So powerful, that it can potentially consume all things despite their nature—both earth and fire—metal or wood.

Its perfection can be found in the philosophy of Master N, who once said that it is only by the beauty of world—that the void of pain can be destroyed in the cycle of Tao. For it is the beauty of the world that makes life worth living—while the void of pain (the very absence of reason, of compassion, or devotion) that detracts from the meaning of life itself. It is a philosophy that all Shaolin hold dear to their heart—from the novice Cheren—to the adept Steven Stone.

And therein can the perfection of Rough Seas be found—in its ability to wash away the damage of our harshest training and our fiercest battles (just like the beauty of the world in all its power).

Here we approach the most pivotal movement of our training, to embrace the art of nurturing care. As the tiger cares for its only cub, so must we learn to care with such instinct and tenderness, veering far from the habits of neglect and cruelty. Our little tiger cub here is symbolized by Pikachu-EX, who is new and vulnerable to the world, just as every cub begins. Great power might stir within, yet this power will surely go wasted if it is not cared for. Naturally, the perfect way to care for our cub is by teaching it strict discipline—for nothing else prevails greater above the world and its challenges. This discipline begins on the path of Shaolin—symbolized by the Shaolin Robe—Fighting Fury Band.

By the discipline of Shaolin, our well-being is boosted to great measures, and our power soars to new heights. The levels of Shaolin are represented here in the belts of Tynamo, Eelektrik, and Eelektross—whose ranks are climbed through the grades of Level Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball.

These belts in question do not represent techniques—but disciplines—and each holds a distinct key to unlock an even greater potential in the power our greatest techniques.

The first of these disciplines is {Dynomotor}—quickly returning our energy to us. This discipline enables our tigers to hunt like a pack and strike together with the force of many. Taking the power of one and making it all.

The second of these disciplines is {Energy Connect}—combining the chi that connects us all. This discipline, from one to the next, can transfer our energy to where it fits best. Taking the power of all and making it one. Be it the power of [Volt Bolt]—[Overspark]—or with a quick switch to Leopard style—the legendary [X Ball] technique.

Like the tigeress in heat who cannot wait her tiger any longer, a quick stray to Leopard style can be all it takes to finish off our prey and get the job done. A principal prominently expressed by Professor Juniper, who reminds us that the thorn does not hesitate to draw blood from the hand which draws near enough to steal the blossom. So must we never allow the hands of fate to draw near enough to us—for such a thing would invalidate the purpose of the thorny rose. So we must always stay true to the nature of the tiger.  Be fierce, yet graceful—be swift and exacting. Never hesitate to protect the blossoms of your life—be it from the hands of another—or the hands of time.

Digital Companion

 

Pokémon [17]

4 — Manectric EX — Phantom Forces (113/119)
3 — Mega Manectric EX — Phantom Forces (120/119)

1 — Thundurus EX — Roaring Skies (26/108)
1 — Shaymin EX — Roaring Skies (106/108)
1 — Mewtwo EX — Next Destinies (88/99)

4 — Voltorb — XY (44/146)
1 — Zekrom — Black & White Zekrom Box (BW24)
1 — Regigigas — Phantom Forces (86/119)
1 — Bouffalant — Dragons Exalted (110/124)

Trainers [26]

1 — Computer Search — Boundaries Crossed (137/149)
2 — VS Seeker — Roaring Skies (110/108)
4 — Ultra Ball — Plasma Blast (90/101)

1 — Colress — Plasma Storm (135/135)
1 — Lysandre — Flashfire (104/106)
1 — Xerosic — Phantom Forces (119/119)
2 — Professor Juniper — Plasma Freeze (116/116)
4 — N — Dark Explorers (96/108)

3 — Frozen City — Plasma Freeze (100/116)
1 — Rough Seas — Primal Clash (137/160)

3 — Muscle Band — XY (121/146)
3 — Head Ringer — Phantom Forces (97/119)

Energy [17]

3 — Flash Energy — Ancient Origins (83/98)
14 — Lightning Energy

Epilogue

This right here is a tribute to man's best friend—doggy. And to celebrate, Mega Manectric really wants to play some ball in the park. That's where we kick off the fun with Voltorb, who is our primary starter. Like a dog in the park, Voltorb's ability stacks really well with Frozen City, stacking up some damage on our opponent's Pokémon while we get Mega Manectric ready to play from the bench. We're using the leash here (Muscle Band), rather than Spirit Link, which is another reason we'll want to let Manectric get comfortable from the bench while we set up to play ball.

Mega Manectric can be really loud, so as a courtesy, we'll probably want to hand our a couple Head Ringer to whoever we can. An early play with this, alongside Frozen City, can leave some Pokémon EX just sitting around and enjoying their surroundings. Xerosic is loosely standing by to help with this as well, unless of course you'd enjoy hearing the sound of Mega Manectric going wild and slobbering all over the place. Which brings us to our next point, bring something for Rough Seas, the doggy drool. Slimy, icky, and likely to get all over the place. Great for Mega Manectric—who seems to absolutely love the thought of slobbering all over the place—but not good for anyone else.

Once we're all set up, it's time to play some ball. That's our queue as Thundurus, Mewtwo, or Zekrom, to let loose, and watch Mega Manectric back it up and bring it to us with the force of lightning. Like with [Turbo Bolt]—it's going to prime us for big finish with [Voltage Rush], [X Ball], or [Bolt Strike]—especially with Lysandre—who's animal magnetism can tame even the wildest beasts. After a few rounds of that, even Mega Manectric might be tuckered out, so it might be fair to call it a day. Just make sure to clean up your mess—and don't forget the sweet doggy treats when you get home. Man's best friend only deserves the best for its faithfulness.