united_one | [ action ] The Heinous Plot part 3

Current Mood: annoyed

Entry tags:

[ 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.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.]

[Miror watches furiously as the Stealth Rocks encircle him. Of all the nerve! The Lombre that still uncertainly stands guard behind Miror hops away from the pointed stones and peers nervously through them, wondering if it was expected to do something about this particular situation.

Miror ignores the Lombre in favor of glaring at N as he makes his way towards him.] Now, really; all these theatrics! You two are the most ruthless little heroes I've ever seen. And that's counting an ex-criminal -- interesting story, that one! You and Wes are actually -- ah. [The stones shift ominously, causing Miror to find them a bit more interesting than reminiscing about the past. He gives a sharp sigh of resentment and tilts his head towards Claydol.] Let her go.

[The Pokemon chimes, its tone as unreadable as always, but it wastes no time banishing the Stealth Rocks. They fall towards the ground, fading away before making an impact. Claydol floats back a few feet from Paprika, its many eyes watching her with what could be construed as curiosity.

Miror turns back to N. He slowly pulls Paprika's Pokeballs from his pocket, lifting them near his face and showing them somewhat tauntingly to N.] If you want these, darling, you'll have Hilda over there drop these rocks and then you'll let me go. Threats really don't suit you, you know that?

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.

[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?

[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.

[He laughs dismissively at Paprika's idea.] Claydol isn't yours to give, though; it's my Pokemon. It follows my orders. I could simply recall it. [That is, if he wasn't in danger of slicing his arm open on Stealth Rocks in order to get at Claydol's Pokeball.

But he sounds less confident as he notes N's reaction to being compared to the traitor, Wes. Had he touched on something? That is a bit unnerving. Wes had, after all, planted a bomb in Team Snagem's headquarters and completely destroyed it. He'd just been amusing himself, comparing N to Wes. Hmm.

He rolls his eyes at N's little lecture, but he can't help but smile a bit when the word 'shadow' is actually used.] Oh, you noticed that? That's interesting! Usually you need a Snag Machine to actually see the shadow. Fuhoho! Oh, oh; fine, you Unovans are so out of the loop. I'm trying to remember the whole Shadow Pokemon process. Cipher invented it, back in Orre. Incredibly useful. It's not easy when you don't have a lab to work in, but I've been making do. Not exactly perfect yet, but if you could see a shadow I must be close!

[His smugness fades and he narrows his eyes when N steps forward and starts blathering about what he will and will not allow.] Well, that's just too bad, darling. Look, take this silly thing. [He tosses one of Paprika's Pokeballs through the barrier at random.] I can give you the rest and be on my merry way.

[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?

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?

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?

[Miror keeps a steady glare focused on N throughout his speech, feeling an odd mix of deep-seated amusement at the naivete of the outlook, and a foreboding sense of deja vu. It's as if he's heard this all before! Although there's a slightly different note to this one: carefully veiled references to some kind of personal history. Maybe N really is an ex-criminal! Why, if only Miror had known; he would have tried to dig up more dirt on him before starting this little escapade.

He crosses his arms -- carefully, to avoid the rocks -- when N readdresses him. Taking care to appear flippant, he tries to figure out just how far this little hero on a power trip is willing to go when he has the upper hand.] Are you wrong? Well it's hardly my fault if you feel you have to trail me like a hungry Poochyena. But, I'm curious, darling; just what is it you plan to do to me, if not let me be? Hmm?

[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.]

[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.]

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.]

[Miror doesn't say anything about that for a while. He appears mildly concerned about the threat of being turned in to the police, actually -- he'd been in jail before, and getting out was not as easy as he occasionally bragged about. His gaze moves to the rocks surrounding him, idly taking note of their sharp edges and close proximity. As dismissive as he is trying to appear, it is undeniable that he is in a thoroughly compromising situation here. But it had taken months and months to approach even a vague similarity to a Shadow Pokemon with Serperior! The idea of losing all that work is infuriating.

But he can't see any way out of this without submitting to the demands -- not when the other two options are getting arrested and gambling that someone he'd already misjudged wouldn't actually move on to more violent methods. Quietly seething, he looks back to N.] Now, see; I'm impressed! I underestimated you! Such a devious little mind you have! Yes, you have beaten me through and through and thoroughly, too. I'll give you back Paprika's Pokemon, and Serperior, too, you greedy thing.

[He laughs bitterly as he retrieves Serperior's Pokeball and adds it to the others in his hand. Taking a small step toward N, he reaches toward him through a gap in the Stealth Rocks with the Pokeballs sitting in the palm of his hand. He watches N carefully, his expression grimly sardonic.] Why, it's almost as if this isn't the first time you've coerced someone into giving you their Pokemon.

[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.]

[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?

[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.

[Miror continues to watch N, smiling bitterly when Paprika mentions that he had done the same thing.] Well, that's oh-so-true, but I'm the criminal here, aren't I? Champions don't usually... what was it? Liberate other peoples' Pokemon?

[As the Stealth Rocks fall, Miror takes a step back, halfway expecting something else to happen to him. When nothing does, and N dismisses him, he finally recalls Claydol and gives a quick nod towards his Lombre.] Well, darlings, it's been fun. 'Til next time! [He flashes a sarcastic grin at the group which fades to a grim scowl as he turns and makes his way towards the forest exit. Lombre hurries behind him, glancing nervously over its shoulder at N and company as they leave. Not his most graceful exit, but it'll have to do.]

[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.

[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.

[N shoots a glare in Miror's direction at his comment, but looks a bit dejected once the man has gone. He frowns at Paprika. Mini-lecture time!] I explained to you how highly esteemed the position of Champion is, didn't I? I trusted that you would not reveal what I told you. [Then again, he didn't really expect it to be used against him in the way it was.] You put your Pokemon-- and yourself-- in danger, while putting my own safety at risk. [He probably shouldn't have spoken of it to begin with, but it's obviously too late for that.] I'm glad that you are unharmed, but what if we had not found you in time? What if I had lost?

[He sighs heavily and averts his attention to Hilda, glancing at her from over his shoulder.] Your help was much appreciated, Hilda. As was yours... Zekrom. [He offers the pair a small smile, but it's gone again when he turns back to Paprika. He nods at her Pokeballs.] Let them out. Make sure they haven't been harmed either.

[At his feet, the Plusle and Minun regroup as well, quickly clambering up onto Darmanitan's head. N regards the two with some curiosity; when did that Plusle show up? They chatter away protestingly at N (judging by his uncertainly stubborn expression, it's something about how he needs to cheer up and be happy that he won).]

[Well, shit. This is kind of like getting sent to the principal's office in elementary school, only a million times worse because she's actually done something wrong. Sheepish, she lets out all her Pokemon, who all seem a little confused, but no worse for the wear. Robin resumes her habitual post on Paprika's shoulder and instantly begins to sift through her hair with her beak, preening. Still looking guiltily at N, Paprika reaches a finger up to stroke the top of Robin's head, eliciting a satisfied peep.]

Uh. I guess I can't just be like, "my bad" or whatever.

[Apparently the Ditto hadn't noticed there was anything wanting in its rendition of Zekrom's face, but it seems to ponder the idea and finds it worth trying anyway. Its form changes again, and it ends up the size of a toy. Ah, cute. Hilda picks it up into her palm.]

I think you got it! Well, you can go back to being tall if you feel like it later. It's a free country. [She pokes it idly, and it reacts by biting her finger, almost like a parrot.

A few paces away from her, it sounds like N has said what he needed to Paprika, so at her second apology Hilda decides to chime in. She walks back closer to them, and gives Paprika's Pokemon a quick survey.]

Ah, well... in the end, the one who's really at fault was that guy, wasn't it? I think we should be happy we're all safe. [She smiles and pushes her graceless, sopping bangs out of her eyes somewhat sheepishly, juggling Oshawott and pet-Zekrom in one arm.] I'm glad I could help. Sorry for suggesting you put your Pokemon on the line, though.

Hmm. [So he says in response to Paprika. "Her bad", perhaps, but her Pokemon do look equally unharmed. His Darmanitan immediately seeks out Paprika's Darumaka, giving cheerful greetings and chiding, "Geez, be more careful next time! You had me all worried, fatty!"

Surrounded by happier Pokemon, N can't help but loosen up a bit, managing a small smile. He glances at the mini-Zekrom with some amusement. He'd let out his sham of a Reshiram to greet its counterpart now, but he exchanged it back in Nimbasa in favor of the more experienced Sigilyph. The Psychic-type hovers a bit closer, its job as a guard accomplished. N places a hand appreciatively on the Pokemon's side.] Mm, it's alright. Even if I had failed, they wouldn't have obeyed him. Though I would have preferred other means, it seems such a compromise was necessary--

[He trails off abruptly, and sneezes. Sigilyph flutters her wings, startled, and N pulls back a little, looking just as surprised and a little dismayed.] Oh... [Guess who's going to have a royal cold!

He sniffles, ignoring the minor setback, and looks at Paprika again. He sounds a bit less scolding.] Your Pokemon are fond of you. You're their trainer-- they trust in you. You've been in this Unova just as long as I have. I believe it's about time you learned to understand its ways.

Its ways? Like, the ways of the Force?

[Okay, he was asking for that one. Still, she's glad to see that N isn't too mad at her, even though she probably deserves it. Seeing Hilda up close, Paprika can tell she doesn't look quite as much like Rose as it'd seemed like before, but there's enough of a similarity to really make her homesick for the first time. The downside to being the dumb one, she realizes, is that you're a heckuva lot more likely to get yourself in trouble. Somehow, she doubts that Rose would've bothered with Miror B at all. All things considered, though, there's nothing for it but to put a good face on.]

Okay, yeah, that one was really bad.

[ action ] The Heinous Plot part 3

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Time for an order change? N --> Paprika --> Hilda!

sounds good to me! also ohay subject lines

no subject

Subject lines came back-- It's a Christmas miracle!!

yes good

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)