If you have 8M and a trigger in chain, with Ahri Legend, Smoke, and Gust available, can you Gust a Deadbloom Predator that was buffed by Whiteflame Protector's Aurora trigger?

Ruling: You cannot Gust the Deadbloom Predator in this scenario. Ahri, Nine Tailed Fox's ability does not trigger because you are not actually in combat yet while resolving the Whiteflame Protector trigger - combat is only staged at that point. You would need a Stupefy or a second Smokescreen to reduce the Predator's might low enough to Gust it.

Sequence:

• Both Aurora triggers resolve fully before combat begins
• You cannot start a staged combat with an active chain
• Whiteflame Protector's trigger goes on the chain like any other trigger
• While resolving the trigger, combat is staged but not yet begun
• Ahri's ability requires you to be attacked, which hasn't happened yet

Nuances:

• You can react before Whiteflame's effect resolves and use effects like -5 might reduction
• However, Ahri's specific ability won't trigger because the attack hasn't technically begun during trigger resolution