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

[explosivecombat]

[Archer.]

Right, you don't have anything outside of two people who specialize in improvisation and getting out of difficult situations.

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm not with you two the entire time! What if something goes wrong while I'm on my own and I can't get word to you two? That's what I'm worried about.

[Really, Kimblee, he knows better than to underestimate you.]

[explosivecombat]

[Oh for the love of - ]

...Can your Gallade send telepathic messages or not?

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer glances at the Pokémon in question. His expression says plenty; he doesn't think he can rely on this one in a pinch. The Gallade, to his credit, didn't flinch or roll his eyes. He at least had the decency to wait until Archer had turned back to Kimblee before rolling his eyes.]

He can, yes. He has difficulty pinpointing your location, however, and he knows nothing about your friend.

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee's gaze flicks back to the Gallade; he doesn't know this one nearly as well as Alekhine, but he's familiar enough with how thoughts are...sent, for lack of a better term, to give it a shot anyway.

Believe me, I know.

Of course, he's smirking a little in the process, but that's fine, really.]

You would be surprised at what soldiers are capable of when it comes to defending their territory; I think he'll be fine, should it come to that.

[sadisticwarfare]

[The Gallade brightens up a bit at that - not just because he got that thought, but because Kimblee knows how to transmit thoughts as well. That will certainly make his work easier if he needs to contact Kimblee!]

I suppose...

[He doesn't sound entirely convinced, however.]

[explosivecombat]

[Ah, so this thing is one of those that's only a douche to you - got it.]

You trust me, don't you?

[sadisticwarfare]

[It seems to be a running theme with his Pokémon...]

Of course I do.

[The answer is immediate, and Archer relaxes a bit after that's out there, once again running a hand through his hair.]

Yes, of course I trust you. If you say everything will be fine, it will.

[explosivecombat]

Excellent.

[He moves forward a bit then, laying a hand on Archer's shoulder for a brief moment before allowing it to drop back down to his side; it's late and no one in their right minds is around, but there's still the general feeling that too much contact is off-limits in public.]

Just let me do my job, Archer; part of my orders do involve protecting you, after all, and I wouldn't want to damage my reputation for efficiency any.

[His tone is facetious, however; come on, Archer, lighten up.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer doesn't pull away, but he doesn't lean into Kimblee's touch either. Too much physical contact in public is awkward, after all. This is barely anything and it's not like there's anyone around, but it still feels awkward.]

Of course you wouldn't.

[That's almost sarcastic though; Archer knows that Kimblee is trying to get him to lighten up. While his expression doesn't change any, it's fairly obvious that Archer has relaxed quite a bit. He does trust Kimblee, after all.]

[explosivecombat]

[He just smirks a bit at that before moving on.]

Anything else on your mind, while we're here?

[sadisticwarfare]

No, nothing else.

[He hesitates for a moment before continuing.]

What about you? Surely you aren't here exploding all the ancient Pokémon because you can.

[Though he really wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly why Kimblee's out here.]

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee just looks at Archer then; that smirk doesn't fade entirely, but there's a sense of distance to his gaze. Not manic, just a bit closed-off.]

It's been a while since I've fought properly, for one thing. It's just...not a good night, for another. That's all.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer tips his head a bit before realizing what he's doing. He corrects it and instead folds his arms, absently tapping his fingers against his elbow.]

Do you want to talk about it?

[explosivecombat]

How much of a choice do I have?

[His words aren't bitter, however; just a question.]

[sadisticwarfare]

You don't have to talk about it if you really don't want to.

[Though judging by Archer's tone of voice, he'd prefer it if Kimblee talked about it.]

[explosivecombat]

It's nothing you need to concern yourself with, Archer; I've a few other things to talk about with you, anyway. That is, if it wouldn't be distracting from your, ah...

[He glances at that Gallade again.]

Studies.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer lifts an eyebrow, but his expression remains otherwise unchanged.]

Indeed? Would you prefer to head back to the room?

[Is this something they need to keep private?]

[explosivecombat]

[...he'll just. Look really pointedly at the Anorith, his passed out Electrode and...uh, Ariadne, who is having a grand time sending the abovementioned Anorith flying.]

...I would prefer not to be attacked by those hideous little creatures in the middle of the conversation, yes.

[Besides, it's wet out here.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer rolls his eyes, but he's smirking a bit.]

Of course not. Very well then.

[And without waiting, he starts toward the base, expecting Kimblee to follow along behind him.]

[explosivecombat]

[He's quick to do just that, actually, recalling both Ayanami and Ariadne as he does so; as soon as they return to the room, he's quick to shrug his coat off and then take his hair down, shaking it out a bit one-handed to separate it and locating a towel to dry it off. Thankfully it wasn't an utter deluge out there, but it's still wetter than he really prefers to be and he'd rather not have his ponytail sticking to him.]

I think we owe the Blackthorn gym a visit, don't we? And I think I'd like to return to Mahogany Town as well...it would be nice to have more private quarters, where we can have a conversation without the rest of our coworkers poking into it.

[And where they can discuss plans. If you get his drift.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer takes a seat at the desk, drumming his fingers on the table as Kimblee speaks.]

Yes, we do. It would have been preferable to have an Ice-type by now, but I believe we can make do with what we have.

[...Hopefully, at least. He might have to look into adopting something from the Adoption Center.]

I've almost missed Mahogany Town. It would be nice to get our old place back.

[That's said with a smirk; it's a bit difficult to tell if he's being serious or not.]

But yes, I understand completely. I'm getting sick of dealing with everyone here.

[explosivecombat]

Well, after this newest assignment of ours is over and done with, I think we ought to actually take the time to visit Ecruteak City on the way. As much as I hate the place, I've heard there's a lovely theatre there; it seems they received some...ah, new additions a few months back, shortly after we left.

[Let's get our goddamn Eeveelutions back, Archer.]

[sadisticwarfare]

...Did they now? Well that's certainly something worth looking into, isn't it?

[After all, it's about time someone attacked Ecruteak again! Things have been far too peaceful there!]

[explosivecombat]

[Ugh, tell him about it. It's been, what, at least a year since the city last exploded?]

I think it would be well worth a day's time to investigate, yes.

Of course, this will involve the routes again - but we've proven we can survive them before, and I'm decidedly less laid-up this time. By the time we get to Blackthorn City, we should have no trouble with Miss Clair.

...speaking of, I think I'll let her battle you first; I have a bit of a date to take her on after the fact, after all, and I think you could put Alekhine to good use while I do that.