united_one | 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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[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!]

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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