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

[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.

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course. I believe we'd have no issue with it. I certainly don't mind taking her on first...

[...Wait...]

A date, Kimblee?

[Goodness lawd.]

After I've obtained the badge, Alekhine should listen with no problems. What would you like me to do? Attack the Gym and steal what Pokémon I can?

[explosivecombat]

[ARCHER WHAT THE HELL]

Nothing nearly that forward just yet. Just see what you can find out about the place; I wouldn't ask you to take the most powerful gym in Johto on by yourself, after all.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer laughs at that, settling back into the usual smirk almost immediately.]

What threat would the trainers pose without their Gym Leader? I do agree that it would be better to wait on an attack of that magnitude; at the very least I need to ensure that Alekhine and the others will listen to my commands again. I wouldn't want anything to go wrong at a critical moment.

[As for finding out what he can about the Gym? That's easy.]

I shouldn't have any issues with that. You can count on me.

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee tilts his head for a moment before he seems to relax, returning to tousling his hair dry with that towel; while he doesn't laugh, he's clearly very, very amused.]

My, my. Usually I'm the one positing reckless ideas, while you tell me to slow down and offer alternatives. Next thing we know, I'll be issuing orders at this rate.

[sadisticwarfare]

It would certainly be an interesting change.

[Archer doesn't seem bothered by that at all though. Things have changed since his previous stay in Johto, whether he likes it or not. Archer has never been a reckless person, but losing half your body does give you some perspective. Admittedly "perspective" in this case is "why worry about the consequences when the worst they can do is shove you in jail for a few weeks?"]

[explosivecombat]

[oh well that's kind of]

...Indeed?

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course. I do have to wonder how things would have worked out if you had been giving orders all along.

[He probably would have been incredibly bitter. ...He probably wouldn't have stayed with Kimblee, had Kimblee been bossing him around.]

[explosivecombat]

You say that as though you would have allowed it.

[sadisticwarfare]

You know me far too well.

[explosivecombat]

Mm, I'm well aware, believe me.

[He does seem genuinely pleased by the conversation, however, in a way that he usually isn't; he's aware that they're just saying things, not genuinely implementing them, but for some reason it's nice regardless.]

Perhaps I'll try it sometime, should you not feel like overseeing something.

[sadisticwarfare]

[That gets Archer to pause for a moment. It takes him far longer than he would have liked to answer.]

No, no, it's quite alright, I can handle it.

[The words are flat, without any sort of conviction behind them. It's not so much that he wants Kimblee to take over, as he's not entirely sure he's as capable of commanding as he was before... Well, that's hardly important now. He glances away, studying his nails instead.]

While I do appreciate the offer, I can handle this.

[His pride simply won't allow him to admit otherwise.]

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee's expression flickers a little - don't think he didn't notice that pause, Archer - before he relaxes again, the usual placidity returning to his features.]

I don't doubt you can, Archer.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer is glad that Kimblee didn't point that out, and he relaxes a bit.]

Of course. I'm pleased to hear that.

[explosivecombat]

[...Kimblee tips his head a bit, studying Archer for a second; he's not entirely sure why Archer seems rather content with that - and he can tell that Archer is content with it - and for a moment he still seems calm, just a bit confused.

After a moment, however, something seems to click; he seems pleased with it, at any rate, before moving on.]

I've seen no reason to doubt you all this time; I still see no reason to doubt you now. And as far as following your orders goes, I have nothing in Johto holding me back anymore.

[That's about the closest he's gotten to discussing Isaac with Archer since this last time; he doesn't seem too eager to start now, either, though the statement is even.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Nothing holding him back--? Ah, right. Archer glances down at his hands again before nodding, forcing himself to look back at Kimblee. It's obvious that Kimblee doesn't seem very bothered by this, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel anything about it.]

Of course. We have our work cut out for us, but we'll continue working our way up through the ranks.

[After all, they have a takeover to pull off.]