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Post by DataNinja on Oct 29, 2017 3:10:49 GMT
Bree's answer comes from their guide instead. "If she can, I've never heard her. Occasionally sounds, but nothing like speech. Probably because she doesn't have the vocal cords." Abruptly, he sticks his hand into the cage, and waves it through the girl-Pokémon. The girl flickers, before immediately being replaced by the small black Pokémon again. There's an awkward silence, before the girl reappears, looking sulky and petulant. "She's been here for... probably about six weeks? Gotten a lot bolder and more energetic since the first time I saw her."
"Seryn?" the caretaker asks, with some interest. "Is that her name? I know that I'd seen someone similar occasionally when they were delivering Pokémon, but I've always had to stay out of their way. So, I'd never actually talked to her. Haven't seen her for a while, either..."
"There's only, like... fiiiive sealed off?" he says, after thinking a moment, "Generally they're kept for a bit more excitement, since they've got some ranged capability. But, yeah, anytime these things need to be moved, I don't want to be anywhere near. In fact, we'll probably want to clear out before too too long. Staci and Peter'll have to come down here to transfer whatever's being a fighter tonight."
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Post by Moriya on Oct 31, 2017 2:33:22 GMT
Silas turns back to the man, ready to talk business. That last bit of info means that they won't be making a deal now, and they finally have a direct lead on the arena. "Well, our employer is definitely interested in what you have. We might need to report back and prepare before picking up anything though. What do you usually do for capture and transport?"
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 31, 2017 3:35:33 GMT
The boy's face falls. "Ah. Employer. So, I guess you're not really interested in this stuff." He looks around at the different Pokémon, before turning back. "As for capture and transport, it's usually a group of people, backed up by Peter, Staci, or both." he shrugs, voice not really enthusiastic any more. "I'm sure they're upstairs right now, wrapping up preparations for the night, if you want to go talk to them."
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Post by ThRevanchist on Oct 31, 2017 4:39:09 GMT
While Thoron considered asking how frequent those gladiatorial fights were, and furthermore figuring out attendance on such things, Silas was pursuing their primary goal.
As the boy...? The boy listened, one could feel the previous enthusiasm drain away. It wasn't exactly mission-critical to be in this young man's good graces, but Thoron still interjected, "'Really interested'? Are you so haphazard in your Pokemon analyses, too? I sincerely hope not... No, we have our own circumstances, much as you should. You must be well aware by now, for as fascinating as these creatures are, only fools would ignore their destructive potential."
Less snappish now, Thoron continued, "I can attest that my associates are no fools, and I struggle to imagine you as one, either. Try using that head to think of why else someone might get into our profession, hmm?" Ostensibly letting the boy think, he turned part-way back to his group a moment later to ask, "And what do we think, report back or meet with the movers now?"
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Post by Moriya on Nov 1, 2017 2:49:01 GMT
Silas is a bit disappointed with himself and his gaffe. After Thoron's reaction, there's not really much repair he can do. Best to move on and take note. Mentioning that he works for someone is a good way to lose someone's opinion of his authority. "Let's meet with the movers; we should learn as much as we can before reporting back." Turning back to the still-unnamed man, Silas asks another question. "Is the arena something we could see? It'd be good for us to see them in action."
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Post by Seya on Nov 2, 2017 16:06:53 GMT
"Not interested? Hey now, don't be so eager to analyze a few words here and there. And don't lump us all together!" Bree adds playfully, stepping a bit closer to the black pokemon's cage. "Personally I find them absolutely captivating, and not just for their battling."
When Thoron pulls them aside, she bites her lip and considers it. "Meeting with them seems smart, yeah. Sooner we can get these little guys outta here, the better. May even win the kid over to our side if we make it clear we're trying to keep his caged friends healthy."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 2, 2017 20:20:31 GMT
The boy mostly ignores Thoron, just giving him a look, but answers Silas. "Yeah, I can take you to meet with them there. It's literally just upstairs. Should be fine to step away for a moment." He does smile a little bit at Bree's comments, though.
He leads you through another corridor, past a few other cages - including a small black and white bird, and a little sleek yellow humanoid doing what seems to me some martial arts practice - and up a flight of stairs. As you approach the top, it gets a lot nosier, like there's some kind of hubbub.
The door itself leads into a fairly large room - it looks like the ceiling of this level was removed to give more room into the next level up from the looks of it - with a caged in large square in the center. Judging by the small square in the center, and spatial positioning, that's probably where the 'lift' comes out. There's a fair amount of people who're present, mostly talking, spread out amongst the area around the large cage as well as constructed balconies on the upper balconies. Even without it being jam packed, there's an aura of palpable excitement in the air.
You don't need to go very far past the door to your destination, though. It's only about a minute of pushing past people, before you see the man and woman that your guide's leading you towards, who would clearly stand out from the crowd even if their clear disinterest in the surroundings was the only thing they had going for them.
They're more than a little bit memorable, though. The woman is even more thin and pale than Leslie was, if such a thing was possible, with long raven hair cascading down her shoulders. The man that she's talking to is a severe contrast. He's of average build, but looks like a giant compared to her, with near-ebony skin.
Approaching, the boy nervously stands nearby, clearly not wanting to interrupt. The woman notices you all quickly, though, and turns to look with some disapproval in her eyes. Immediately she starts bombarding with questions. "Why are you not watching the Pokémon, boy? Who are these people, and why have you brought them to us? What do you think we pay you for?" They only end when she's cut off by her compatriot. "Stace, how about you go get that dog ready? I don't think you need me. We have to start soon, anyways. I'll deal with this." The last bit is much more stern, which causes some audible gulping from the boy.
"Fine, whatever." the tone is dismissive, and the woman heads back the way that you'd all come from. As soon as she disappears, the man sighs, and addresses the boy. "Ethan, why do you keep doing this? Don't get on her bad side. One of these days, she'll actually take it upon herself to dole out something herself, and best case scenario, you'll find yourself not working here. I appreciate your enthusiasm, kid, but don't let it interfere with your job. Anyways, what are you doing up here?"
"Uh, these four came by when I, uh, offered to show people Pokémon..." Ethan gets rather sheepish, as the man shakes his head and sighs. "Anyways, they, uh, seem to be interested in procuring some sort of Pokémon transport services, or something."
That seems to cause some surprise to cross the man's face. "Oh, really?" He looks more closely at each of the group. "So, uh, who exactly are you, and can you tell me exactly what you're wanting, here? 'Cause I have to say, this is the first time anyone's ever approached me with something like this." He gives a bit of a chuckle.
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Post by Moriya on Nov 3, 2017 1:19:34 GMT
Silas steps forward to answer Peter's questions. Well, the second one, at least. He'll let the man draw his own conclusions about their precise identities. "We heard that you're overstocked on Pokemon. Our employer is interested in acquiring them, perhaps with a long-term agreement. We could probably handle transportation ourselves, but depending on the cost and difficulty, perhaps we should leave it to a professional."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 4, 2017 1:51:08 GMT
There's a little bit of a skeptical look crossing the other's face. "And just how did you hear that, I wonder? While, yes, there have been more appearing recently, that just gives us more choice here." He shrugs. "Less worry if one dies. And, I do wonder why someone else'd want Pokémon. Unless you're trying to muscle in on this here... in which case, word of advice. You probably don't want to do that, if you plan to keep on living." He gives a chuckle, but there's a clear air of severity beneath it.
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Post by Moriya on Nov 10, 2017 3:51:23 GMT
Ordinarily, the man would be quite imposing, even with his expected and generic threat. However, Silas entered the building expect to fight the place's muscle anyway. As such, he doesn't actually plan on answering most of the man's questions. "Given what happened to the last group you all competed with, I think I'll pass. Anything we acquire will eventually go up and out of this district, and that's all you need to know. But the details can wait for now. You have work to do, and we'd like an opportunity to see them in action."
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Post by Seya on Nov 10, 2017 15:43:58 GMT
Bree frowns as she hears the man's threat. "We aren't lookin to snag any of your turf, economical or otherwise, sir. No worries on that." Then she looks at Ethan, giving the younger boy what she hopes to be a reassuring smile. "Thanks for your help... Ethan, was it? We should be able to handle our business talk from here."
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 10, 2017 19:23:38 GMT
"I see," the man says. "Well, if there are no worries on that front, I am curious about what exactly you're wanting. But, I suppose that can wait until after. Shouldn't be too long now." He inclines his head towards someone entering the caged in area in the center. "If it's all the same," Ethan says, replying to Bree, "I think I'll wait to head back down until she comes up." "Probably wise. First wise thing that you've done all day." There's some dryness in Peter's voice, though he keeps looing at the arena. "Look, Ethan, I know you mean well, but, you need to remember. Just follow what people above you tell you. Unless you've got a gift of some sort, and are able to leverage that, that's how you get ahead in this world. If you take risks, you've got to accept that you might end up dead. Like, look at that guy in there." Peter points at the guy in the cage, who seems to be opening some capsules and chugging back their contents. "He's being ballsy tonight. I counted five doses of Boost. I feel sorry for him, because I know he brings fire. And the first thing on the rotation tonight is something that that won't work on." There's a bit of a crooked smile on Peter's face as he turns back to face you. "Either way, this match'll probably be over quick. Either he'll down the dog fast, or he's going to regret gambling on that. We can talk after that." There's a bit more of a pause, before Peter looks around. "I wonder what's taking Stace so long... she should have sent the thing up by now."
Ethan seems a bit distracted, tilting his head. "Hey," he asks, "Did anyone else hear something?"Make Perception and Survival checks, please.
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Post by Moriya on Nov 12, 2017 21:28:42 GMT
Silas glances down, listening. Maybe some extra noise is coming from the caged Pokemon? Nothing that means much to him. "I hear something, but it doesn't sound like much. It's not like the Pokemon will stay quiet on their way up anyway. Do you need us to go check on her?" If something has gone wrong, the team should be the first ones there. It'd be a good opportunity to capture a few things, and there's a chance Staci might actually need help.
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 13, 2017 3:17:30 GMT
Taking just a moment longer to process the sound (the boy had sharp senses, if nothing else...), Thoron reached a conclusion and shook his head slowly, "Yes he does. Boy, keep watch. Peter, I trust the supply doors are reinforced, so the only exit from the hold is that staircase and the lift?"
If he was going off anything more solid, Thoron might have ordered some other exits to watched, but... This was fine, too. All haste aside, he still waited for Peter's answer before mobilizing.
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Post by Seya on Nov 15, 2017 16:21:22 GMT
"Doesn't sound right good, at any rate," Bree supplied, shifting her stance and looking back towards the way they'd come. She listened to Thoron as he took control over the situation, nodding appreciatively at his grasp of command, and hoping Peter wouldn't react too badly to the three of them taking over as the... response team, she supposed, for whatever disaster had chosen to inflict itself upon the facility.
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 15, 2017 19:39:13 GMT
"Well, assuming it's not something that could use a door, yes..." Ethan says to Thoron, "Although, I don't think that any of the ones we have could do th-." He's cut off by a loud squealing sound that's emanating from the center of the caged-in area, where the lift would presumably rise. All of a sudden, a set of reptilian claws punch through the metal floor, and begin tearing a gash in it, the metal squealing in protest, yet ultimately yielding. The people around look concerned - the one preparing to fight most of all, a ball of flame beginning to form in his hand - as a sizeable gash is quickly torn in the floor. The large, white, crested almost-avian head that emerges seems to belong to a different creature entirely. It looks around, and lets out a cry that sounds like a mix between a roar and a screech. The end of its beak is stained red with what looks like blood. "What is that?" Ethan asks, a mix of awe and fear tinging his voice. "I've never seen anything like it."
Peter curses vehemently, before looking closer, and saying, "That's definitely not one of ours. Where the hell did it come from? And how did it get here?" He turns to the group of Technicians with suspicion. "Did you have anything to do with this?" He holds his gaze for a few moments, before turning away, back to the Pokémon head making its way up through the hole in the floor. "Not that it matters at this point."Austin slips his hand into one of his pockets - probably where he's keeping his blade - glancing over at Silas with a raised eyebrow. He seems to be looking to the Promethean Technician for a lead. Thoron feels a little vibration from his databracer, indicating an incoming signal. There's a message there reading, "Get me a visual on whatever made that noise just now. Just pointing the bracer at it should get it."
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Post by ThRevanchist on Nov 16, 2017 5:17:22 GMT
Well, of all the directions to suffer a breach, toward the fighters and inside a cage was, perhaps, the best outcome. Sparing a moment in the confusion to check the Bracer and then electing to fold his sleeves up for their Peter, Thoron waited a moment for a confirmatory buzz and proceeded to the next step: taking care of uncontrolled variables. Ethan had yet to make himself scarce, but was a noncombatant anyways. Carefully loud, he suggested, " Peter, go below to confirm Stace' condition, it is possible she drove it up here, and the two of you can cut this Pokemon off when it attempts to retreat." Not that he would, but an enforcer and Elementalist on top of an unknown Pokemon was a foolish fight at best. And now... Much like Austin was doing, now was time to see if Headquarters planned to weigh in, and then commence capture of the specimen... Speaking of, had he ever seen anything like this Pokemon? Pokemon Education, in case that's needed for an ID attempt. L4bwWRqN4d6+1
Chronicling the Boss Pokemon (whatever it might end up being), -1 AP 4d6+1
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Post by Moriya on Nov 17, 2017 5:19:04 GMT
Silas feels the pressure of authority when Austin looks back to him. A part of him wants to freeze, but decisive action is required. It helps that there's only one option. He pull a familiar red and white ball out of his jacket. "Alright team, we can't hide who we are anymore. That thing can't be allowed to leave. We capture it."
Just before Silas starts walking to the cage, he adds on the to instructions Thoron gave Peter. There's no guarantee the man will listen, but someone needs to run damage control. "Talk can wait. We'll handle this one, we've beaten bigger. Signal us somehow if any of the wounded down there need immediate care."
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Post by Seya on Nov 20, 2017 21:28:41 GMT
Bree falls back as that.... thing comes up through the floor. She looks, wide-eyed, between her teammates and the on-site ringleader of the operation, trying in her haste to figure out what on earth could be going on.
"Well if it ain't yours, and it aint ours, it's not likely to be much friendly," she laughs weakly, settling herself down into a half-crouch. She pulls out her blade, keeping the unusual weight of it in her palm for the time being, and lays her other on the red and white ball within which Mercenary lies waiting.
"F-following your lead," she says to the other two, looking a bit pale. She'd been asking for front-line duty for a while, and it was time to show that she and her partners could handle themselves come hell or high water.
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Post by DataNinja on Nov 21, 2017 5:05:39 GMT
"Like hell am I going down there," Peter laughs derisively, before that's cut short as the Technicians reveal their identity. "Well. I should have known." He grimaces. "I'm not going to complain if you deal with that, but you're out of your mind if you think I'm actually going to obey you." He begins cautiously making his way away from the Technicians. The people surrounding the cage are beginning to do much the same away from the creature, although at a rather... quicker pace.
The beast in the cage roar-screeches again, before the brave/foolish man in the cage launches a burst of fire at it. That strikes it right on the beak, the flames scorching and dying down... before flaring right back up again, as it lunches right for his chest, fire burning around its muzzle and searing the man. As the Pokémon leaps out, you notice that there's another one on its back, that was concealed from view until now. It's the blue armoured humanoid that took a swipe at you before, and it vaults off the chimeric creature.
Following through, via the now vacated hole, are another trio of Pokémon. The blue horned beetle from before slowly hovers up on wings, before thudding to the ground; a small purpleish sphere that crackles with electricity darts upward; and a humanoid silver bird soars up towards the top of the cage, before landing gracefully.
"Oh, that's not good," Ethan says, quietly, still close by, although pressing more against the walls. "Those other ones, they were all ours. It's not all the flying ones, though, so hopefully some of them didn't get out."
Thoron gets a quick verbal response from the bracer. "That large target has been identified as a previously-known type of creature, designated Silvally. Do not take it lightly, it is known to use a variety of elemental attacks - though is generally close ranged. You are to capture it if possible, but, in this instance, you have permission to destroy if required. Repeat, full permission to destroy the Silvally is granted. Do not let it escape into the city." Thoron's also able to tell that it doesn't seem to have any elemental affinity, despite the hodgepodge of parts that seem to make up the creature.
Austin looks at all the preparations being made, and draws his hilt, the psychic blade quickly crackling to life. Silently, he moves into a defensive posture next to Silas and Thoron, nodding at Bree.
As the Silvally looks up from ravaging its current prey, it scans around, sniffing, before locking eyes with the group of people clustering around the Technicians. There's a malicious intelligence visible behind the gaze.
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