016. [Anonymous Text + Images]

[explosivecombat]

[And tonight, with no fanfare, a text hits the network. Completely anonymous, as always; those who have done their homework would recognize the 'Gear number as the one ascribed to the device that's been showing off several other attacks that have been broadcast to the network.]

Good evening, Johto.

The last few times we've spoken have been a bit unbalanced, wouldn't you agree?

[Ah, there are the pictures. Still images from the attack on the square in front of the Goldenrod Department Store, along with a few other images - the attack on the Kimono Girls and against a few random civilians, the Goldenrod Pokémon Center being destroyed. Little unpleasantries like that. Scroll past them and the text will pick back up, don't worry.]

You've told me so much about yourselves, during those attacks. I've gotten to know several of you quite well, actually.

For the time being, I would like to even the playing field a little. It will keep things interesting, I think.

From the time that you contact me onward, you have an hour to ask me anything you like. I can't guarantee you'll like or be satisfied with the answers, but it'll be better than nothing, I imagine; anything is up for discussion, short of my current location.

And don't worry - I'll introduce myself, just to spare you some time.

[There's one more image after the text ends; it's the sort of picture that usually closes out these transmissions to the network - a shot of the Rocket agent in question from the chest down to about the waist. The room behind him is dark, though it appears to be a meeting room of some sort, if you squint; the Rocket insignia emblazoned across his shirt is clearly visible above his hands, which are obscured by the pale gloves that come with the uniform. Instead of the usual Pokéballs clasped in his hands, however, there's a white card with a few words written on it in thick, blocky writing, as though someone had written the letters and gone over them repeatedly, rendering them unidentifiable through handwriting alone. The words are highly visible, standing out against the stark, glaring white of the card in the flash of the camera:

MY NAME IS SETH.

PLEASED TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE.]

Comments

[TEXT]

[glaciates]

[Isaac doesn't believe it. He can understand that the man wants to conceal his face and voice, but why the hell would he give a name then? It's obviously not the man's real name. So why bother giving one at all? Who's going to be stupid enough to fall for that?

He doesn't respond right away, instead stepping away from the 'Gear to take out his anger in a couple of sparring matches with Bellatrix. Thankfully he doesn't get cut up this time and finally returns to the 'Gear to return the text. He knows he won't use the full hour with this man anyway - he'll get irritated and stop replying soon enough.]

What are you playing at? What are you gaining from baiting us like this? What are you gaining from the attacks?

[He stops himself there though there are so many other questions he could ask.]

[TEXT]

[explosivecombat]

[...oh, Isaac.]

There are many things that I'm gaining from these attacks. Monetary gain and recognition from the organization, just to mention two of them.

As for baiting you tonight, again, this is just an exercise that I decided would be interesting. Nothing more, nothing else.

I suppose, in the end, my reasons for doing all of this are rather personal. I don't expect you to understand, and I suspect this is one of the answers that you won't find satisfying.

[TEXT]

[glaciates]

You're right about that. Do you really think anyone is going to fall for that "name" of yours? Why even bother giving one?

[video]

[enjoymyatelier]

[Ah.

He's been waiting for an opportunity like this.]

Making a public appearance, are you? Very well-I'll take you up on your offer.

Where were you the night I faced your Pokemon in Goldenrod City?

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

I was wondering if you would ask me about that someday.

There are many stores in the neighboring area. I was on the rooftop of one of those - not the department store, but more than close enough to see what was happening and to attack from my own position, should I so desire.

[Video forever]

[enjoymyatelier]

I see... I thought that may have been the case, but I wasn't quite sure how wide the range of your Pokemon's telepathy was.

I'll keep it in mind for next time.

[Private Text]

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

[Cobra's not sure whether it's Kimblee or Archer on the line, but this saves him from having to contact one of them.]

Sorry to interrupt your fun, but we have a problem. Whoever's using that Gear, please respond once you receive this message.

[Private Text/Anonymous]

[explosivecombat]

[...oh, that sounds lovely.]

Define "problem", Commander.

[cobraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Did you happen to see the other anonymous message sent out the other day? With some nonsense about stopping the world from burning?

[Text] I can't let ALL of his influences be good ones, now can I? ;) Let's see how this goes.

[beforethedarkness]

[This is the first time he's seen or heard any of this. It's likely because he's too new, but somehow he just didn't think that things like this happened here. It's unsettling in a way, to know that war-like activity is happening here too. And this guy... He's part of the destruction, somehow.

He has to know more about what's going on.

The man is playing an untrustworthy gambit, though. He's revealing his name and part of himself, and although normally that low light would be enough for Sasuke to discern his appearance in detail... He just couldn't do that now. Not without his Sharingan.

Eventually he does come up with his first questions, frowning down at the pokégear and pondering leaving out his identity. This man won't know who he is though; in this world, he has no reputation. Contacting this man won't give away his location or anything other than his name, if what he knows about the pokégear is right. It's worth the risk just to know what the answers are, for even false information could be valuable.]

Why did you attack those areas? And why give out information so freely?

[Anonymous Text] I should certainly say not, haha. (And don't worry about the edits; I do it too.)

[explosivecombat]

I'm giving out information because I like to keep things interesting, really. Holding all the cards is a way to win, yes, but it's not very satisfying for anyone involved, including the victor.

As for why...I have many reasons, although I suppose most are personal. Part of it is for monetary gain and recognition within my organization of employ; part of it is because this is, quite simply, what I do and what I'm good at. Among other things.

No one ever has just one reason for doing things, I've found. I'm no exception.

[text]

[darkenedgales]

[Way to ruin Crow's otherwise perfect mood, anon... or rather, "Seth". Whatever, he doesn't buy that Great Reveal™ anyway -- nor does he believe whatever conversation is about to follow could actually bring something relevant to the light -- but it's a chance he'd regret missing, so fine. He'll bite.]

feeling talkative all of sudden?

[Anonymous Text]

[explosivecombat]

Apparently so, though how long that lasts is up to you.

[text]

[soggypastry]

[This again? Great. She feels like she's walking into Orphan's Cradle all over again, right into the hands of the enemy. But when they have so little to go on, what other choice is there? Time to jump.]

Are you going to tell us the truth when we ask a question? That's more important than any name you give us.

[Anonymous Text]

[explosivecombat]

[...well, hello there, Lightning. It's been a little while.]

There's no point in doing this otherwise.

I reserve the right to not answer fully, but the answers you receive will be honest; I'll try not to abuse technicalities, should that be to your liking.

[text]

[chosen_light_child]

Why are you even doing any of this stuff in the first place? What does Team Rocket have to gain by destroying Pokémon Centers?!

[Anonymous Text]

[explosivecombat]

I have my own reasons, the organization has theirs; sometimes they coincide, but not always. Unfortunately, I can't give you answers for the group as a whole, as that isn't my place; your second question will have to remain unanswered for now.

As for the first, I have many reasons for what I do. Some are professional - monetary gain, and recognition and advancement within the organization, for example. Some are more personal - this is what I'm good at, for one, and this is simply what I choose to do, for another. There are definite ends when it comes to what I want; this is a means, as I'm sure you've worked out already.

[TEXT- AND WE CAN JUST ASSUME IT'LL STAY THAT WAY]

[anignorantfool]

[Well, this sort of attitude sure strikes him familiar. Although he's actually not jumping to conclusions, just yet...]

What do you get out of all this? What do you gain from such useless discussion?

[ANONYMOUS TEXT AND LIKEWISE]

[explosivecombat]

[Oh, well, just look who it is. Long time no see, Fullmetal.]

I wouldn't call it useless on either side, actually. But if you really must know, the idea of playing with a perfectly stacked deck has never appealed to me - there's no challenge in it.

[Audio]

[canthearyou]

[Gordon’s still not used to his phone, so he’s a bit surprised to see the text and pictures come through. And then he frowns once he sees what the pictures are. He wasn’t naïve enough to believe that this area was crime free, otherwise why would there be a local police force? But he wasn’t really expecting anything like this. After a few failed attempts to respond, he finally gets through on the proper channel.]

SETH, YOU APPEAR TO BE A HIGHLY DISTURBED INDIVIDUAL. AS AN AGENT OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, I FEEL THAT IT IS MY DUTY TO INFORM YOU THAT THE ACTIVITIES ON THOSE PHOTOS RANGE FROM ASSAULT TO WHAT COULD BE CONSIDERED DOMESTIC TERRORISM. ARE YOU AWARE THAT THOSE CRIMES COULD LAND YOU IN PRISON FOR A VERY LONG TIME?

[Anonymous Text forever] holy shit I am laughing so hard

[explosivecombat]

[LETO TAKE THE WHEEL

OH MY GOD LET HIM TRY TO FIND SOME WAY TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN BECAUSE OW, SIR

HE WORKS AROUND EXPLOSIONS AND HE FINDS YOU LOUD

LOOK AT WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT YOU]

Believe me, I'm well aware, and I'm familiar with both assault and domestic terrorism charges. I've never heard of this "Federal Bureau of Investigation," however - is this something I should be aware of?

[text] ...late

[impulsives]

I'll get you, one of these fucking days.

[No he doesn't seem amused at this at all, Seth. Not at all.]

[Anonymous Text forever] Don't worry, the last few days have been bad on the tagging front

[explosivecombat]

How original of you. You aren't the first to make that threat in my direction, nor are you the last; what makes you so certain you'll succeed where others have not?

[text]

[snapandscoot]

[[When she sees this new text, Emmy feels a familiar stab of fear, of discomfort, but the intensity has waned somewhat. Now that she's actually faced this person in battle, she's got a figure to connect to the (admittedly still) faceless texts.

She doesn't hesitate when the opportunity is given, starting off with what feels like the most pressing of the dozens of questions floating through her mind.]]

How did you summon those lightning attacks?

[Anonymous Text forever]

[explosivecombat]

Many people were capable of doing things like that in the week following that attack. I'm not sure how or why; I just know that I was one of the first affected by it, and I used it to my advantage.