026. [Audio/Action for Route 35, just outside Goldenrod City]

[explosivecombat]

[AUDIO]

Goodness, it's only getting worse out there...

[Audio posts from Kimblee are reasonably rare, unless he's on...ah, "official business"; however, tonight he clearly feels like addressing the network as a whole for once. His voice is tight, though it's remaining controlled; there's a sort of quietness to the feed, as though he's indoors for the time being - god only knows exactly where, though, because judging by the BGM, he could be anywhere in Goldenrod.]

I've seen a few swarms in my time here, but I don't recall them being this bad in quite a while, much less this angry...perhaps this place is finally starting to strike back. I can't imagine the world being terribly pleased with how frequently the "foreigners" find their way here, after all; upset the balance too far in one way or another and the world will take notice, I've found, and if you think that will result in anything but a battlefield in one way or another, you're either idealistic or very, very sheltered.

[There's a clatter of movement in the background, a vague quickening of his breath as he speaks - heading down stairs, maybe?]

I've always enjoyed the notion that this world is built around conflict and the culture bred by the battleground; perhaps it's finally living up to its potential. Time will tell, I'm sure; while I suppose now is when it would be relevant to ask what sort of thing you're fighting for back home, I'll spare you the tedium - after all, the answer to that, when such times are upon us, is always obvious.

[A heavier thud then, and quickly-paced steps on even ground; whatever stairwell he's on, he seems to have seen fit to jump the last few steps, and his words are picking up speed a bit as he continues.

Those that are familiar with the way he is when he speaks will likely recognize overstimulation when they hear it; those who aren't...well, he sounds excited, at any rate. Excitement is good, isn't it?]

But for now, the hour grows late, and there's a battle to be had; perhaps I'd like to hear about some of your battles, myself. Not the reasons behind them - again, those are usually obvious and boring, really. But what victories you've won, if any. What victories you're seeking.

I'd prefer they be true, but you're more than welcome to make something up if you'd like. After all, it's not like I'll know the difference, right?


[ACTION]

[So. It's hideous o'clock at night, it's raining, and things are getting loud just past the northern borders of Goldenrod tonight. And not, like rampaging-Pokémon loud, though that's likely also pretty loud.

More like "shit blowing up" loud.

It seems Kimblee's finally taking the time to properly, uh. Bond. With his murderball of an Electrode. After all, if there's one thing they both can agree upon, it's that destroying things is ridiculously fun if you do it properly. Right now he's enjoying terrorizing the living hell out of the newly-local population of Anorith; this likely isn't going to make them any less mad about the state of the world, just saying.]

Comments

[ACTION]

[sadisticwarfare]

[There are times when Archer gets so stressed he can do nothing but stop functioning entirely or lose himself in his work. This is one of those times. It's not because of Kimblee, but rather because of something happening in the immediate future. Needless to say, he's not pleased that he doesn't have his full team listening to him at this point. They need to make their way to Blackthorn as soon as possible to defeat Clair. He can't stand having his Psychic-types ignore their commands.

He's out tonight even though it is late, still training. His Gallade is by his side, trying to keep up with Archer's commands. Since Gallade is the only Psychic-type he has at the moment that listens to him, the poor Pokémon is being worked to death while Archer tries to see if there's any difference between psychic attacks on these ancient Pokémon in comparison to the other Pokémon they battle on a regular basis. There doesn't seem to be any differences. This just frustrates Archer. If there were differences he could look into those and write up a report - it would give him something to do and focus on instead of worrying incessantly.

It's about at that point when the explosions start, though it does take Archer quite a bit to locate the source of them. Gallade isn't as skilled as Alekhine at picking out Kimblee's location, much to Archer's displeasure.

The two of them finally arrive on the scene though and Archer watches for a moment before he raises his voice enough to be heard.]

What are you doing out here this late?

[explosivecombat]

[Well, Archer's timing is decent; Ayanami's exhausted herself again, and Kimblee's kneeling over her with a Revive prepped when Archer's voice gets his attention. He glances back down at Ayanami before thinking better of Reviving her just yet - after all, she's just as easily overstimulated as he is and she'll want to have another go at the Anorith colony he's got backed up over there - and standing up, slicking his ponytail back where it had slid forward over his shoulder, heavy with rain.

He sends out Ariadne; the Nidoqueen is one he knows for a fact will listen to him, and she's high enough in terms of levels to serve as decent defense if the Anorith decide to strike at him. Or, he doesn't know, attempt to carry off Ayanami for some sort of ritual sacrifice...or whatever it is that ancient undead things do.]

I could ask you the same question, you know.

[sadisticwarfare]

Studying.

[The Gallade is standing far enough behind Archer to roll his eyes upward, as if seeking patience from some higher Poké-deity. Clearly someone's not happy with Archer's idea of "studying."]

I take it you've been having fun.

[There sure are a lot of fainted Anorith around here...]

[Audio]

[francia]

[France is staying the hell away from as much of the current chaos as he can. He decides to respond to this message out of most of the rest, though, because Kimblee says he doesn't want reasons. It takes so long to explain any battle that France has been in if he was to need to delve into that.]

As one such as myself, I grew up and flourished through battles just as much as times of peace. Some victories were glorious and other decidedly inglorious; it all depends on how the next battle plays out.

At the moment, the only victory I seek is to avoid as much of this place's craziness as possible.

[Audio]

[explosivecombat]

[It'll take him a while to answer; no sense in getting this thing soaked, after all, he'll wait until he's actually in one of the Centers to deal with messages.

But the message does come; it's slightly calmer than the one he'd sent out before, but not by much - his breathing is still quick, and he sounds a bit exhilarated, but at the very least he's controlled.]

Well, I can't say I can argue with most of that; I wouldn't go so far as to say I grew up on the battlefield, but I certainly did grow up surrounded by one, and as such it was only natural that I join it eventually, myself.

A soldier of some sort, I'm assuming?

[Audio]

[francia]

[France doesn't mind the time between his transmission and the answer. He's learned over time to be patient. After all, carrier pigeons will always have a special place in his heart.]

Environment will do a lot to shape a person's disposition and desires.

[He makes an affirmative noise.]

Oh, a soldier among many other things. I'm the Republic of France, so I am a nation first and foremost. War and peace are the two basic descriptors for various points in my history. I guess I would say I'm less of a soldier of necessity and more one by the very nature of my being.

[France also loves to talk about himself. It is his favorite activity.]

[Video]

[radeonthecity]

This is wrecked! All of these animals are attacking everything! This is what every world needs to be like!

[Domri's excited and having the time of his life, despite a few fresh-looking bruises and cuts visible. He's practically bouncing. The only way he could be more excited is if there were ten-story-tall beasts running around.]

I even managed to catch one! See? [He turns the camera to show a Cranidos just as it headbutts a Kabuto hard enough to send it flying several feet into a tree. Now back to the barbarian kid's face, and Kimblee's question.]

The best victory I've won was when the Orzhov were trying to expand into the Rubblebelt where my turf was! I went and found a herd of ragebeasts and got them to stampede at the Orzhov! Almost all of them were trampled so much that there was hardly anything left of them, just broken armor and bones and guts! And then when Borborygmos found out that it was me who did that he made me an honorary member of the Gruul!

[So. Proud. Sure there were other victories where he'd done most of the fighting himself, but when you're this scrawny little twig that your heroes don't want to bother with and you do something to get the biggest, baddest, chieftain of them all to acknowledge you? That makes it the best victory.]

[Video]

[explosivecombat]

[It takes a short while for him to reply, simply because there's no sense in getting the device soaked; last he checked it hadn't taken well to water. However, that...

...that. That certainly was something he was witnessing, wasn't it. Though he certainly can't fault the guy for his enthusiasm; it's something he's fairly familiar with himself.

He'll respond with video, then; he's soaked with rain and fair dirtier than he'd really like being under most circumstances, but tonight isn't most circumstances. Thankfully most of the actual bruising he's sustained is concealed by clothing.]

Singlehandedly defeating an army using nothing but strategy and knowledge of the area, then?

[Good lord, this one is excitable, verging on incomprehensibly so, but he likes him already just based on that information alone.]

Well, I can't say I disapprove of your style; it's one of the more satisfying ways to secure a win - I've done something similar once, myself.

Though it seems you're new around here, from the sounds - enjoy this while you can. This is the first time I've seen that something on quite this scale has happened; however, as much as I would prefer it if it lasted, this world has a way of righting itself eventually.

[Video]

[radeonthecity]

You don't need strategy when you have a herd of ragebeasts! The only way to stop them once they get angry is with a really thick wall!

[He's not as bad as the first time he found himself in another world. That time he just sat and babbled about whatever came to mind he was so excited. Hearing that this event is only temporary brings him down a little though.]

This isn't normal? That's too bad. I've only been here for a few days. This world isn't as amazing as the other world I've been to. That one didn't have any buildings anywhere, but at least the buildings here are all clumped together. If I can find a really big beast here I could have it smash a whole group of buildings and let the forest grow over the ruins!

[papshooshing]

The accuracy on your philosophy is surprisingly alarming, but not in the way that you think it would be.

[explosivecombat]

Is that so - care to elaborate any?

[audio]

[divinewind]

[Did someone mention battles and victories in battles? Because Temeraire loves talking about battles. He's rather bloodthirsty for someone so sweet.]

I helped to defeat Napoleon in a battle! He had all of his dragons carrying his army across the Channel in great boats, and we were outnumbered but I found a way to wreck the boats before they could get all the way across. All of his forces had to retreat in the end, which I think is fitting after using such sneaking methods to make sure that we were caught off guard.

[He sounds so very proud of this.]

Do you think that is really why all of these pokemon are attacking? I haven't done anything to them, but they don't seem to care about that. Although...this sort of fighting is more exciting than when the battles are organized...maybe it will happen more often.

[audio]

[explosivecombat]

[There's a bit of a delay between Temeraire's response and Kimblee's own; no sense in getting the device wet, and it'll give him some time to compose himself besides. And...honestly, it's very fortunate that he's unfamiliar with Earth history and what have you, because if he were to have at least a passing understanding of it he would have told the guy to at least make it a believable lie, if one's going to lie so barefacedly.

But as it stands, he doesn't recognize this "Napoleon" person, nor does he see why it may be a little odd that he apparently had dragons, and as such he can roll with this perfectly well, thank you.]

Meeting subterfuge with sabotage, then? I can't say that I disapprove...though you're also one of the first to call this particular incident "exciting", from what I've heard. I take it you prefer to improvise?

[VIDEO - LOCKED]

[greatestcool]

The victories I've won, huh? You make it sound like everyone's from a world where battles are a common occurrence!

[That would be Ryuunosuke. He's being filmed from an artsy angle that means that he's holding the 'Gear, and he's laughing. The sound is nearly breathless and obviously pleased.]

I would've told you that not all worlds are like that, but I guess I don't really have any right to say that, do I? After all, my world has magic, something I didn't even know until I accidentally summoned a demon! Such a shame, if only I'd known about magic earlier! I would have summoned Bluebeard much sooner!

[...Oh, but he's getting distracted, isn't he.]

So no, I haven't won any battles, but there's more to life than just battling, sir! I'm an artist after all!

[The emphasis on the word is almost enough to make it sarcastic. He's smirking at the device, eyes actually alive for once - but the expression isn't very sane.]

Why are you posting so late at night, sir? Is something up?

[VIDEO - LOCKED]

[explosivecombat]

[...well hello there, bbthing, what on earth are you doing.

It takes Kimblee a little while to respond, but that's more through habit of not wanting to get the damn 'Gear wet; let him take a break from exploding some literal rock-shrimp long enough to respond properly, hm?]

Good evening, Mr Uryuu, and my apologies if you disliked the question; however, not all battles are physical, mind you, nor are they all fought on some sort of designated field. You'd be surprised as to what some consider a victory.

As for myself...nothing to concern yourself with. However, I see no need to let such a good training opportunity to go to waste - and besides, I could ask you a similar question, couldn't I? Is there a reason you're around at this hour?

[Video]

[hawksandbullets]

[Well fuck. Riza would have liked to know that you were waltzing around a little sooner than this, Kimblee.]

It seems there are more people from Amestris here than I thought. How long have you been here, Crimson Alchemist?

[audio]

[explosivecombat]

[Fortunately enough, you manage to catch him on his way back inside. You'll get video in a moment; however, he's less than presentable right now.

That doesn't mean his voice has calmed down any; if anything, he's rather interested in seeing exactly what he's returned to, as transmissions go.]

Well, well - this is unexpected, isn't it? You have my apologies for failing to greet you properly on your way in; as for myself, I've been here about twenty months or so by now in total.

Quite a while, but I can't complain any.

video

[godaime]

I have a couple of war stories for you, if you want them. But I guess I should begin with the more interesting one. [ She sits down. ] The Second Great Shinobi War, one of the most bloodiest conflicts in our world's history, was ended solely because of me and my skill in battle and medicine. [ why yes kimblee she'll take this opportunity to gloat carelessly. ]

audio

[explosivecombat]

[You'll get video in a moment, Tsunade, but for the time being audio will have to suffice; he's had a grand time blasting the hell out of some Anoriths out there, but unfortunately it's left him looking a bit...unpresentable, for the time being. He's more than capable of talking while he fixes that, however.]

Is that so...? Well, I won't try to tell you that's disinteresting, believe me - do go on, I'd like to hear this one.

[audio]

[enjoymyatelier]

Honestly, I feel like if this world deemed us a legitimate threat and really wanted us gone, it would throw practically every legendary Pokemon imaginable at us rather than some extinct Pokemon brought back by a failed seance.

[oh, you're no fun, Kayneth.]

[audio]

[explosivecombat]

And is that an actual line of reasoning, or just wishful thinking? You seem a bit interested in the idea of these Legendary Pokémon; you mention them often.

I wouldn't fault you either way, admittedly, as that would be decidedly more interesting than the...ah, whatever these things are; at the same time, I never said this world deemed us a legitimate threat, nor that it necessarily wants us gone.

[audio]

[exeggutorhead]

I might agree with you about the world striking back if this particular incident hadn't been caused by the natives.

[Envy has been staying the hell inside and away from the murderous fossils. After being lost in the woods for most of June, being chased by Gyarados and glitch Bidoof, he's not too interested in fending off a dinosaur attack.]

As for victories...I don't usually finish fights, I just start them. But I could tell you about a few of those starts, if you're interested.

[audio]

[explosivecombat]

[Well, you'll get a response in reasonably short order, at least; come now, Envy, Anorith are great fun to blow up.]

That depends on whether you're of the opinion that the natives have the proper power to cause something like this in the first place, or whether the seance itself should have failed entirely; I'm going to wait and see where this goes, personally, and see what I think of the answers provided.

But you're more than welcome to tell me whatever you like; believe me, I'm interested.

audio / gosh I'm late 8(

[saxsongs]

[Ren doesn't really want to go out and fight with the fossil swarms. So instead he's taking some time to himself and finding other things to do. Having an interesting conversation might be one way to pass some time.]

Hmm... I think I can safely say I've won a few meaningful battles while I've been here. Life changing ones.

[Not saying anything directly of course.]

audio | that makes both of us, then, sorry about that

[explosivecombat]

[...ah, it's you again. At least you've caught him at a decent time, given that he seems to have deemed himself either done with or bored by the Anorith out there; his speech is still a little out of it, but at least he's a bit more coherent this time around.]

Is that so? Are you going to clarify, or do you really plan on making me ask?