http://pokeball-afro.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] pokeball-afro.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] united_one2011-12-03 08:20 pm

[ action ] The Heinous Plot part 3

Miror B. paced along the edge of a campsite tucked away in the trees of Lostlorn Forest. He lacked his usual rhythm, and appeared to be deep in a rather annoying line of thought. A Combusken followed behind him, occasionally stopping to glare off into the woods and raise his claws menacingly whenever a Pidove or other equally harmless woodland creature made a noise. This wasn't helping Miror's mood. He rolled his eyes at the overeager Pokemon and turned randomly back towards the tents, leaving Combusken scrambling to catch up.

Kidnapping Paprika had been a stroke of genius, he thought, grinning a bit as he remembered his increasingly amusing conversations with N. Treating her like a guest rather than a hostage had been laziness. He didn't have to keep her locked up or extend any energy to prevent escapes; all he had to do was lie, which was as easy as breathing, really. The problem was, he realized as he stood tapping his foot impatiently near his tent; the problem was, no one was taking him seriously! N was taking far, far too long to comply, and why shouldn't he? Paprika was doing fine. There was no hurry.

Well, then! Today would be the day. Today he'd make sure everyone knew he was oh-so-serious. Putting his hands on his hips, he smiled deviously and called out: "Paprika! Get over here. Resix, you, too."


((I only realized I wrote this in prose after I finished so I HOPE YOU GUYS DON'T MIND PROSE LOL. This will in all probability be the final part of the Heinous Plot -- aka feel free to jump in any time, N and co.))

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[In all her travels she'd never seen a Pokemon like that - completely on the rampage, attacking on its own. Sure, Cheren had overworked his Serperior, but it had never looked quite like that. Hilda cringed - it was hard not to feel really sorry for it.]

…Wait, what do you mean, an experiment? That's awful!

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-20 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[N probably would have answered Paprika's question about the rain, but he's too busy looking on in horror at the Serperior. Darmanitan tried to leap back out of range of the Grass-type's tail, but still winces as it lashes at her side. She moves away as far as she can, back closer to N. She looks him over with concern; he looks both horribly saddened... and startlingly angry.]

You're repulsive...! People like you give reason for Pokemon liberation-- I despise people like you! [For a moment, it seems he's reverted back to the king he used to be. Before him, Darmanitan has already started to charge up her next attack, her fur blazing brightly in the returning sunlight.] We shall have to crush your ideals here. [He gestures to the battlefield with a sweep of his hand.] Flare Blitz!

[With a roar, Darmanitan rushes forward, hurtling toward Serperior like a comet. N's expression is uncharacteristically cold as he watches. For a moment, his pacifist nature falters. While Darmanitan's target is clear, it isn't the Serperior that N wants to see injured. Should Miror B. get burned a bit by the attack's aftermath, he decides... so be it.]

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 10:38 am (UTC)(link)
[A wide grin spreads across Paprika's face, and she lets out a little cheer.]

Dang, N! That was so legit!

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 02:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[That twisting, wildly coiling Serperior was really unsettling to Hilda. Everything suddenly seems a little quiet at the end of the battle. Paprika's cheer breaks it to her, though. This means they won! She gives a big, relieved sigh.]

Ah, we did it! [Still, some caution can't hurt.] Zekr– er, I mean, Ditto. Make sure the bad guy won't get away now.

[And her Claydol nearby uses Stealth Rock, summoning pointed stones just like Miror's had. They swivel around in circles, and come to enclose the man in question within them. It's looser and more merciful than Paprika's cage had been, but it's enough that escaping would be difficult.]

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 04:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Darmanitan huffs and back away a little from Miror. As if she was going to attack the guy when he's still got Paprika's Pokeballs in his possession.

N's anger mostly fades as he gives a relieved sigh of his own. He watches as the Ditto sets up the Stealth Rock, then makes his way over to Miror.]


Now, you will release Paprika and return her Pokemon. As was decided. [And then he's going to liberate Miror's Pokemon, part of the deal or not.]

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Uh, thanks, I guess.

[This is to the Claydol. Stretching out a bit tentatively, Paprika takes off her hood and glances at N and whatsername, Hilda. The one that looks like Rose, even if she sure doesn't act it. Not quite sure how do go about all of this, Paprika turns back to Miror B and shrugs.]

Who, me? Nah, not really. But, like, what if you just run off and stuff? I mean, we all kinda know for sure now you're a total douchebag, so wouldn't really put it past you.

[When the Claydol hovers a little closer to her, Paprika gets one of those things that pop into her head every once in a blue moon--which is to say, a good idea.]

Hold up, what if we did a trade or something? So she gets rid of the pointy rock cage, you gimme my Pokemon, and then I give you back this guy.

["This guy" being the Claydol, who has some sort of comment that Paprika doesn't understand in the slightest.]

Or, er, this gal? Whichever.

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 09:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[N's friend - Paprika, right? - Is so nonchalant at having been captured and released. In spite of it all, it makes Hilda smile a little to see her safe.

She's not going to order her Ditto to drop the Stealth Rock just yet, though, at least not until there's a consensus. And there's something else that's bothering her. She walks to where everyone is, her expression becoming worried as she addresses Miror.]


Uh, and first, I also want to ask something. What exactly were you doing with that Serperior?

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-21 11:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ex-criminal? N looks oddly affronted by that comparison. Did Miror know something about Team Plasma? He doesn't say anything in protest; only scowls when Miror tauntingly shows off the Pokeballs. He doesn't even spare more than a glance in Paprika's direction, more preoccupied with reclaiming her Pokemon.

He is, however, ready to speak about the Serperior.]
A cruel, unnatural process. It seems you meant to strip away everything but violence. You intended to turn her into a soldier-- a weapon, didn't you? [His gaze drops briefly to the ground as he reflects on the battle.] I've seen countless Pokemon mistreated by humans-- but I have never seen such an aura as that Serperior has. I... could not read her. As if she was... closed off by something-- a shadow. Pokemon are not meant to contain such darkness. [He frowns, apparently very disturbed by the concept.

He looks back up and takes a small step forward, bringing himself as close as he can get to Miror without cutting himself on the Stealth Rock. His eyes are back on the Pokeballs, and he's tensed, ready to reach out and grab them if Miror tries something funny.]
... Paprika's plan sounds reasonable. However... I cannot allow that Serperior to go much longer in your care, either, Miror B. What you've done to her is wrong, I... I will not allow it.

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
[Stumbling, Paprika actually manages to catch it, not particularly caring that she kind of looks like a moron. Cautiously, she presses the button, and out comes Old Man, looking a little drowsy but otherwise no worse for the wear. Taking in his surroundings, he blinks slowly and plods over to Paprika's side, lipping at her hand in what seems to be either concern or reassurance. In spite of the tension, she can't help but smile at her weird midget camel for not wanting to shoot fire in her face and go off on account of her being a pretty awful Trainer.]

So, wait, could you say that again in English or Pokemon-ese or whatever we're all speaking?

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
I don't really understand, either. Shadows…? Cipher? You want to turn Pokemon into weapons?

[Hilda cringes. In another reality, in another land, there were people who did that in larger scales?]

Why would you do something like that? Aren't they good enough as they are?

[She looks at N, who seems about ready to just forcibly take the kidnapper's Pokemon. Hilda wasn't sure she approved of that, but if all of this about experiments and shadows was true… She wasn't sure she would feel like stopping him. So as a last resort, she tries to get through to the afro guy somehow.]

Unlike N, I can't see auras or darkness or anything. But even I could still tell that Serperior was restless and hurt. Don't you care that this process is hurting it?

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 06:50 am (UTC)(link)
Shadow Pokemon... [He repeats it to himself, additionally making note of the other terms. Orre. Cipher. Snag Machine. N has never heard of Cipher, or of a "Snag Machine", but that's not surprising. He has, however, heard of Orre-- some distant memory from a book back in his castle. A desert, barely any wild Pokemon; it repelled him. Now, he wonders, how many Shadow Pokemon are there in such a region?

He flinches when one of the Pokeballs is thrown, but follows it with his eyes, making sure it gets to its trainer. He glances over the familiar Numel with some relief, but redevelops his careworn stare when Hilda speaks.]


To some people, Pokemon are never good enough as they are. You remember it, don't you, Hilda? What I stood for? Some do not care at all for Pokemon-- they only care that they have prime tools for their own gain, and they will do whatever is necessary to achieve that. Even if it means causing such pain. After all, it's not as if they can see it like you can, or hear it as I do. People like that do not even try to understand. [He glances back at Paprika briefly; this is a lecture he wants her to hear as well. Getting through to Miror? Apparently, N has given up on that.

He turns his attention back to Miror.]
Reasoning with people such as you is pointless. Should I allow you to leave, you will replace Paprika's Pokemon with others. And even if you do not, you would still be forcing that Serperior to suffer. [Perhaps he could gain leverage with threats if Miror decided to warp any more Pokemon, but, as Miror said, threats really don't suit him.] Unless there is some goodness in your heart, I do not see any reason to simply let you be. Even if you escaped, I would have to find you again. And I have yet to see any good come from you. Am I wrong?

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 10:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Paprika's...just going to pretend she understands what's going on. She gets that it's bad, but the rest is pretty beyond her. For now, she figures it's probably best to hang tight and let N and Miror B duke out their liberation thing. Absently, she starts scratching behind Old Man's ears, which seems to satisfy him.]

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[After listening through N's lecture and Miror's cool dismissal of it, Hilda finds her mouth acting mostly on its own.]

We'll stop you. As many times as it takes! We won't let you go, now, either... Until you've returned all of Paprika's Pokemon, and that Serperior too.

[She disregards completely the ideological implications of liberation, or whatever. The right thing to do is relative to the situation, and her kneejerk reaction to take this particular stance is guided by her gut. Her mind isn't catching up until well after she's spoken. Ah, oops.]

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-22 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know. Jail you, perhaps-- that seemed the most logical. [But he looks a bit unwilling to do that. N didn't trust the police. He knew Ghetsis had been taken away to jail, but he hardly doubted that the imprisonment lasted long enough. Spoilers: he's entirely correct in that assumption; Ghetsis never even went to jail at all. Nice try though, guys!]

Either way, Hilda is correct. [He pauses, glancing at the others, should they have any additional ideas.] Paprika's Pokemon will be returned, and the Serperior given to me... or we will take you to the police. [He tilts his head, watching for Miror's reaction.]

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-23 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[Not entirely sure if she's supposed to be getting her own Pokemon or leaving the serious business standoff to N, Paprika glances down at Old Man, who merely whuffles in return.]

Well, I mean, didn't you kinda do the same thing? 'Cause you were all like, "Yeah you'd better give me your Pokemon and stuff or I'm gonna go all 'SAW' on your ass!" and stuff.

[Actually, it was pretty terrifying, but it doesn't seem too bad when she puts a humourous spin on it.]

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-23 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Paprika's comment makes Hilda huff. She folds her arms at Miror and looks up at him, pulling a face.] Yeah, really. Threatening a girl... You're the worst. What N has or hasn't done before, means nothing to you. [But the Pokeballs are safely in N's hands, and the bargain has been fulfilled. So Hilda nods at her Ditto.] ...That's good, you can let him go.

[As the rocks loosen and fall softly to the ground, Hilda turns to Paprika.]

He didn't actually do anything to you, did he? Are you alright?

[identity profile] the-nth-power.livejournal.com 2011-12-23 07:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[N doesn't say anything in response to Miror's suggestion, instead just letting the girls speak for him. He checks over the Pokeballs for a moment, then takes a small step back. He nods vaguely in the direction of the forest's exit.]
Go. [Darmanitan follows the backward step N took, and Sigilyph moves aside a bit. Still, she remains hovering nearby, staring silently at Miror with those three eyes of hers. JUDGING YOU SO HARD.

Turning his attention to the Pokeballs again, N cautiously plucks one from the group and looks it over solemnly. He's not sure how to get rid of that shadow, but he's definitely going to try. He pockets the one Pokeball and turns to Paprika.]


He had me believe that you'd been killed... [Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, N! But he does look very relieved, even if a voice in the back of his mind reminds him that he should be angry about what essentially was betrayal on Paprika's part. Hesitantly, he offers her the rest of her Pokeballs.] I only wish I had found you sooner.

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com 2011-12-24 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Watching Miror B go, Paprika does have to think it's not exactly the coolest exit. Still, she's unbelievably relieved to have all this craziness behind her. Trotting over to N, she takes the Pokeballs from him, Old Man plodding along behind her at her own pace.]

Thanks, uh...

[Oh, oops. That kind of reminds her that she was the one who told Miror B that N used to be the Champion--whatever that meant, it was obviously pretty important.]

I... I'm really sorry, man.

[identity profile] cuteponytail.livejournal.com 2011-12-24 06:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Hilda spares Miror's back another harrumph as he leaves. She's about to cheerfully interrupt, maybe fuss over Paprika or congratulate N, but something... about Paprika's tone, and the way she's looking at N, feels a little off. It doesn't feel like she's apologizing just for the kidnapping situation. So for once Hilda reads the mood and decides to step back for a moment, and let them sort out whatever they may need to.

Thankfully her attention is seized by her Ditto anyway, which is just now morphing back into its real form - and then immediately back to a Zekrom.]


Ah, you like being one of those, don't you?

[It gives a friendly sort of nod, and she pats its head. She can reach - it's only barely taller than she is. She takes to offering it some suggestions, enthusiastically for someone caked in mud and drenched from rain.]

Hum, do you think you'd like to be smaller? N's Reshiram was really tiny. Maybe you can get the face right if you try going smaller.

yes good

[identity profile] noplaidshirt.livejournal.com - 2011-12-24 22:52 (UTC) - Expand