united_one | 004 ♖ [audio to Dragonite and Thomas/action for Nimbasa City]

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Current Location: Nimbasa City

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004 ♖ [audio to Dragonite and Thomas/action for Nimbasa City]

[N is having a bad day. Well, he's been having a bad week, really.

When his Xtransceiver crackles to life, there is none of the usual video recordings he makes-- just audio... And said audio is, at first, just a cacophony of Pokemon voices: growling, chattering, chiming, and-- loudest-- barking. They seem to be a empathic to their trainer's discontent, which is apparent when he begins speaking.]

Dragonite? Thomas? Are you there? [Months in Unova or not, he's still not entirely sure how to use all the Xtransceiver's functions. He sounds tentative, and his voice is a bit gruff.]

... I need to talk to you both. As soon as possible. If either of you are in Nimbasa City already, find me. [He debates adding more to explain himself, but decides against it by cutting the feed. For all he knows, Miror B. has some way of hacking into his Xtransceiver. This is all frustrating; he doesn't like not having a plan, nor does he like turning to the pair for help. But he doesn't have much choice.

He waits outside Nimbasa's Musical Theater, watching trainers walk in and out of the doors, and occasionally glancing at the amusement park's ferris wheel, just barely visible from his people-watching spot. His Pokemon continue to squabble. Apparently, his Snivy, Nidorino, and Absol are debating over which of them is the strongest, while Darumaka and Zoroark try in vain to calm them. Meanwhile, Growlithe is just shouting about the magnificent bed he's made out of N's clothing. N rubs at his temples.]

I... have to think.

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[Thomas had been having a bad time of it, as well. On the plus side, he now appreciated the fact that he had thumbs more than he ever thought possible, and he'd gotten to know his Pokemon rather well. Overall, though, his time spent as a Persian was miserable and humiliating -- easily the worst experience of his life -- and his mood was stormy and brooding ever since changing back.

Hearing N's voice on the Xtransceiver brings a mixed reaction. Thomas had been quite ready to be angry with him for disappearing so thoroughly after they'd all been cast out of the Relic Castle, but after realizing that he hadn't wanted anyone to see him as a cat he couldn't really hold a grudge against N or the others for staying away. He'd actually been rather excited to show how Dodger and Harpy had evolved, and to marvel at the fact that just as quickly as the ability had come to him, he couldn't converse with his Pokemon anymore. Not that they'd been the best conversation partners, but he had enjoyed their company when they were all holed up in the half-constructed buildings on the edge of the Desert Resort.

At any rate, he senses that N was upset about something, and so it is with some amount of trepidation that he taps the reply button on his Xtransceiver.] Hello, N. Are you quite all right? I'm afraid I'm not in Nimbasa City, but... I think I can be quite quickly, if you'd like. I spent a lot of time reading the manual for this contraption while I was, er... not myself, and, do you know, they're connected to those 'teleport' things back at the Entralink? And those go to Nimbasa, so...! Sorry, what did you need to speak to me about?

Ah. [He'd nearly forgotten that everyone had transformed after that expedition... He is regretful for his essential abandonment of his traveling companions, but, at the time, his instinctual response was to run as far away as he could.] Maybe I should have asked if you were alright.

[But there are some more pressing matters, he supposes.]
I'm fine, but I am concerned about Paprika. Have you seen her since the expedition?

Mm. Yes, I'm fine. Well, I am now. I'm afraid that if I ever have to look at a substantial amount of sand ever again I may go mad, but other than that, no harm done. Anyway, the sooner I forget about that little episode, the better.

[He drops the self-pitying tone when N mentions Paprika.] I have not seen her since before the expedition; she managed to get separated astonishingly quickly. I... suppose I assumed she had found you afterward. But she didn't? Good lord, I hope she's alright.

[He would have chuckled at that, but all he can manage is a slight smile-- one that can't be seen.] I suppose that is good, then. Nimbasa is relatively free of sand.

[He sighs somewhat shakily. Still no leads.]
No. And I have reason to believe she's been captured. There was a man, he... He claims to be holding her hostage-- threatened to hurt her and her Pokemon if I do not comply with his demands. [His own Pokemon's voices in the background grow a bit louder at that-- especially the Darumaka's.]

What!? [Thomas is stunned. He'd been finding this world so peaceful -- in fact, he and Paprika had been discussing that very thing, not long before the expedition. Crime seemed fairly non-existent, and if the news programs were anything to go by there weren't any global conflicts going on. Compared to the worlds they came from, it seemed to be a veritable utopia.] Who -- What is he demanding? Shouldn't we notify the police? [Suddenly, he rather wished he still had a working firearm.] Do you know this man?

No. [He almost sounds surprised. Since when did anything ever get solved by the police?] The police are unreliable-- I don't trust them. [He pauses ashamedly.] Nor do I know how to contact them, even if I wanted to.

And no, I don't. Not entirely. I encountered him over the Xtransceiver a month ago-- I disapproved of his plans and told him so. Now, he seems to want revenge on me for that. He demanded I give him my Pokemon... and I cannot do that.

[He pauses again, suddenly tense.] What information I had told Paprika about myself was used against me. For all I know, you could be collecting knowledge for him as well... [He's inwardly starting to panic. Can't trust humans, can't trust anyone, but he can't do this on his own...] I-- Will you meet me in person?

[Thomas isn't sure how to react to distrusting the police. It was no secret that there was corruption in the police force of his own time, but he hardly thought the same could be said for this world. Unless he was missing some underlying hotbed of criminal activity, which he doubted. He was rather good at traversing the seedy parts of London, and the cities he'd visited so far here simply didn't have them. He sighs, assuming, for better or worse, that N knows best.]

Collecting knowledge for him? No, I...! [He pauses, stopping himself before overreacting to that accusation.] No. That is ridiculous. [He inhales sharply, starting to feel a sense of unease, himself.] But... yes, I'll be there shortly. Don't worry, N; we'll figure this out.

[He hangs up and starts the process of teleporting to Nimbasa. When he finally arrives, near the Pokemon Center, he calls up N again.] I... think I am here. This place is... colorful. [He sounds somewhat overwhelmed: it's mostly all the colored electric lights that are getting to him. He'd been to Venice during Carnival, an event that put Nimbasa's simple daily routine to shame, and London was hardly a quiet city.] I'm by the Pokemon Center. Where are you?

Mm... [And that's his only response to the first part: an uncertain, childish sort of whine.

Thankfully, he sounds a bit more collected when the second message comes.] Outside the Musical Theater-- Don't leave, I'll come find you. [He cuts the feed abruptly, and instantly makes his way for the Pokemon Center.

He still knows his way around Nimbasa rather well, and it doesn't take him long to arrive at the Center. Most of his Pokemon have been returned to their Pokeballs (for N's paranoia that someone will appear and snatch them away), save for Sigilyph and Growlithe, who have taken it upon themselves to serve as lookouts. Sigilyph hovers behind N, but Growlithe takes off ahead, dashing fearlessly up to Thomas and yapping away excitedly. What he says is something along the lines of, "Master N, I found the well-dressed man! I did, I found him, look, see, look!"

N smiles as he approaches.] Yes, you did. You did well, comrade. [Some of N's apparent worry is reflected by his appearance: careworn bags under his eyes, his hair and clothes disheveled... though that's not entirely odd, considering it's N. The oddest thing is what he's wearing around his neck: what appears to be a red dog collar alongside his usual pendant. He looks up at Thomas with a frown.]

Thomas... [He feels very guilty for an amount of reasons, and he seems to not be able to think of anything other to say than that. Meanwhile, Growlithe sits back and stares up at Thomas with adoration. ~~I HAVE JUST MET YOU AND I LOVE YOU. ALSO YOU SMELL KIND OF LIKE PERSIAN.~~]

[Thomas regards Growlithe's enthusiastic approach with a small, cautious smile -- he'd never been much of an animal person, but his family had always kept hounds and this one's behavior was highly reminiscent of them. As he often had to do with his own Herdier, he reminds himself that this is a Pokemon and not actually a dog. It was easier now that he'd actually had somewhat intelligent conversations with his Herdier while in Persian form.] Hello, there. I'm afraid I don't know your species or I'd address you by name.

[He looks up at N's voice, his smile fading to a slight frown. His own appearance is somewhat less groomed than he preferred, but he can tell that N is affected by more than just lack of access to a proper mirror. He eyes the new collar for a few curious seconds before glancing back to his friend's face.] N. It is good to see you again -- although I do wish it were in less dire circumstances.

[Growlithe tries to give a bark in answer, but it comes out more as, "Growrror" than his actual name. So N decides to answer for him.]
That is Growlithe. [He steps forward a bit so he can pat the Pokemon's head. Growlithe stays where he is, panting and wagging his tail like any other happy dog would.

N keeps his eyes downcast for a moment, looking at Growlithe's mane instead of Thomas.]
... Mm. [Hesitantly, he looks back up.] ... You as well, Thomas.

[A moment later, he lets himself open up a bit.] I... don't know what to do. I did not mean to say anything to provoke the man-- I only meant to communicate what was best. ["The power will drive you mad", he remembers saying. Well, it seems now that Miror B. was mad enough to begin with.] It is my job to protect Unova. I discouraged his plans, but... I didn't expect... [He trails off there, furrowing his brow.]

[Thomas glances away uncomfortably, idly tugging at the end of his sleeve. He is still a bit sore about being accused of working for the enemy, so to speak. Recognizing this as petty, he sighs and shakes his head, giving N a reassuring look.] It is not your fault. Clearly this man is a criminal of the lowest sort. There's no way you could have anticipated this kind of reaction.

But... if you're sure we shouldn't notify the police... [He pauses, letting the statement float for a while in case N had changed his mind.] ...then I suppose it is up to us to rescue Paprika. And Dragonite, of course, if she's willing to help. [Seeing Dragonite in her true form had left an impression on him; he hadn't appreciated what Pokemon could truly be before that.

He hesitates for a moment, looking away guiltily.] I do still have my gun, you know...

[He just frowns. Apparently, he isn't going to change his mind about that.]
That's right. However, my leads to tracking the man down are limited--

[At the suggestion, he stops abruptly, looking horrified and angered by the very mention of the gun. He removes his hands from Growlithe's mane and takes a step away from Thomas.]
I will not return the bullets to you, if that is what you are suggesting.

[He winces when N takes a step back, but he sets his jaw and nods.] I would just give it to you, but you do not know how to use it!

[He closes his eyes and inhales deeply, making a vague gesture with his hands as he tries to make a case for himself. He is keenly aware that he is treading on dangerous ground here.] It's what the bloody thing is for -- protection from criminals! I -- [He stops, frowning, and drops his hands.] Fine. I'll leave that decision up to you.

[With a sigh, he tentatively tries to move on from what was likely a very bad topic to bring up.] ...Do you know anything about where he might have taken her?

[Of course N is going to stay rigid about that particular subject. As Thomas tries to make his case, N just watches him silently, his eyes narrowed.]
Perhaps that is what it was designed to do. However, I have seen it fire, and not hit a criminal, haven't I? [He sighs, and as he speaks again, his voice is a bit less harsh.] Understand this, Thomas-- It is not only you. I would not trust anyone with holding a gun. Humans cannot be trusted with such power.

[He glances down to see Growlithe staring up at him worriedly. Absentmindedly, he scratches behind the Pokemon's ears.]
I don't know. I don't... even know what he looks like. However, he doesn't know what I look like either. Just voices. [There's a little flicker of hope there; an inkling of a plan.] He has a very distinctive one.

[Thomas waves his hand sadly, feeling too guilty about that particular subject to argue further.

He looks up thoughtfully when N's tone changes.] Hmm. A distinctive voice? Well, I suppose it's not much to go on, but... Do you know a way to use that to our advantage? I wonder how we can smoke the bastard out... [He frowns and puzzles over that.] What are you thinking?

It isn't-- if I were the only one that heard, that is. Each time I spoke to him on the Xtransceiver, my Pokemon heard him as well. [He smiles slightly. Perhaps not a foolproof plan, but it's a start.] Their frequency range of hearing is much greater than my own-- especially Zoroark's. Should I describe the man to her again, there is a chance she may be able to pinpoint his location-- and Paprika's.

[His smile suddenly fades.] However... That is assuming he is still here in Nimbasa. Maybe he's moved on already... [He crosses his arms over his chest, scowling in frustration.]

[He grins a bit, recognizing this as a solution that he would never have thought of, or that would even have been practical in his own world.] That does have promise! Like using a scent hound, but... with sound. That's rather brilliant, really.

[He considers the second issue for a moment before shrugging.] Well, there's no harm in searching around this area, anyway. If he's trying to coerce you, I doubt he'd go too far off. [He looks a little unsure about that; his experience with criminals is admittedly limited to pickpockets, dishonest card players, and shady vendors... but he's read books! Surely that's enough to make guesses on how criminals might act.] Do not lose hope so quickly! This is a good plan. I could send Harpy out, as well; she is familiar with Paprika, of course, and her eyesight is remarkable. [Assuming Paprika isn't locked up somewhere, anyway. Thomas frowns at that thought and looks around at the surrounding buildings somewhat uncomfortably. Even when just considering Nimbasa, it seemed pretty hopeless to try and locate someone that likely didn't want to be found. He repeats himself less enthusiastically:] This is a good plan.

[N's smile returns-- still slight, but with growing confidence. He nods.]
Yes, she would be very helpful!

And I am glad you think so. [He glances around.] I have never had to deal with such a man before... I am not sure what to expect. [He pauses for a moment, and hesitantly takes out Zoroark's Pokeball. In a moment, she's standing beside him, shaking out her mane and exchanging quick greetings with Growlithe.

She looks up at N expectantly.] Miror B. You remember him, comrade? [Zoroark snorts and makes an attempt at imitating Miror's trademark laugh, which sounds like a "Zrrurororo" in her speech. N grins.] That's right. We are going to find him. But I need your help for that. Can you find him, Zoroark? [She offers an affirmative grin and nods. Hell yeah she's going to track down that jerk.

And so it begins!]

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004 ♖ [audio to Dragonite and Thomas/action for Nimbasa City]

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[action] Sorry for the late! ;o; I blame college applications ugh

[action] NO WORRIES :)

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