friendshipfirst | when saviors must be saved

[Shootie stood outside, studying the premises with a sharp and discerning gaze, ice water in his veins. Since the moment his rival's Snivy reached him, battered and alone and requesting help in a way so uncharacteristic of her species and of her in particular, his mind was blank save for one thought: "Where is he?"

She led him to the place and despite Serperior's lingering distaste for her, he swiftly carried his trainer where she needed him to be.

Now, all he had to do was get in undetected and find the boy... he returned Serperior, so as not to draw attention and for future back-up (he had no idea what waited for them inside), then knelt and cupped his hands in front of Snivy, offering to carry her; there was no warmth or concern in his expression, just a steely, calculating gaze. She was injured, no help in battle, but she could still serve as a guide. His mind was focused on getting in, on finding his rival, on what kind of sick criminal would target the other boy— but thinking of how to make them pay would break his focus, so he begrudgingly pushed it to the back of his mind. Later.

[What sort of criminal would do this? It would take someone without empathy, the kind of person who only notices suffering so far as it amuses him or is his own. Unfortunately Gold is just such a person.

He's had Satoshi locked in this old warehouse for a couple of days now without food, and only giving him water that most Poison-types wouldn't touch. He's left him without his Pokemon, though he's only really taken the time to secure Pikachu. Unfortunately for Satoshi, the Rocket heir bores easily.

A flashlight shines in the trainer's eyes, from where Gold is sitting on a stack of boxes. He's got a small pile of candybars and chips next to him.] Can't go any further, huh? Talk about pathetic. You gonna start crying for mommy now?

[ When Snivy first reached Shootie there wasn't even a brief moment of relief just urgency. The quicker they all get back to where she escaped the better. If he did this to [i]the Pokemon[/i] then what could have possibly happened to her trainer...

She pushes the thought back as she leads them back to the warehouse. Once they reached she accepts the offer from Shootie. She was tired and the trip to Shootie and back to the warehouse exhausted her more than she would ever like to admit. But she was still focused quickly pointing to the open she was able to slip though. It's small, but it should be big enough for Shootie to slip through.

Meanwhile Satoshi shields his eyes the best he could from the light. After being in the dark warehouse for so long that light was blinding. He heard Gold before he could see and he could feel shivers go down his spine as he listens. ]

I... I can go further. [ He hasn't given up yet. He's still standing. Barely. ] Where's Pikachu? Where's my Pokemon?

[ A way out isn't even what he wants. Not without his Pokemon. When he finally looks at Gold he sees the small pile of candybars and chips and instantly his stomach growls. He holds it but doesn't say anything. He knows that Gold isn't going to give him anything and there's no point in asking.

... But he's really hungry. It's easy to tell through his exhausted eyes. ]

[He carries her until she leads him to an inlet, then, he tucks her into the hood of his clothes to free his hands.

After taking all he needed (namely pokeballs, camera, Xtransceiver, antiseptic and antidote sprays) he left his jacket and backpack behind and hidden out of view, to make it easier to pass through, but couldn't part with the hoodie ( he figured he'd be harder to spot in black and grey than bright orange).

Well, if there was ever going to be a time where he ever grateful for his small frame, this'd be it, because he just might fit through. Crawling was humiliating and he couldn't help looking disgusted by the feeling of dirt caking onto his palms and knees, but he would just have to bear it. Satoshi's in danger, the odds are stacked against him— he can't just sit here lamenting his injured pride or dirty clothes.

But, hopefully, no one's discovered that inlet and made a trap of it or is guarding wherever he's crawling into, but if they are, he's not going to be caught off-guard.]

[Shootie will be able to get through without incident. If Gold didn't notice Snivy slipping off, he's not going to notice someone slipping in. At least, not yet.]

They're around. [Is his non-answer. He unwraps one of his candy bars, taking a big bite.] Why? Can't do anything without your little pets to save you? [His laughter rings through the building.]

I'd worry more about yourself if I were you. You're not getting out of here.

[ Snivy rides in Shootie's hoodie as he makes his way through the hole. All while doing her best to stay focused and on guard herself.

It was right when they finished going through the inlet when Gold's laugh resonated through the building. Snivy tenses and tightens her grip on Shootie's hoodie before shaking her head and focusing on where it might have come from. That direction behind the door at the end of the hallway, maybe?

The hunger pain in Satoshi's stomach only seemed to get worse as he watches Gold eat his candy bar. His hand instintantly holds his stomach but he tries to ignore it and focus on what Gold was saying. ]

I'm not goin' anywhere 'til I find 'em. I'll find 'em no... no matter what.

[ Even if it meant having to withstand this even more if it means eventually getting out.... ]

[The tightening grip is registered in his mind only superficially, as an action, separate from the emotional reaction inspiring it, fear or anger or whatever it was. Although it sounded heartless, he simply didn't care. In the state he was in, all that mattered was finding Satoshi and his kidnapper. He approached this as any task, recognizing only his goal and what needed to be done to accomplish it—

But the laughter, it rung in his mind, reverberating like the echo of a gunshot. His head turned towards the sound on instinct, to push towards it, but for just a moment, he felt a chill run down his spine. He almost worried Snivy felt it; what kind of help would he be if a mere laugh sent chills down his spine?

He'd best ignore it. Keep moving, before the owner of the voice leaves.]

'No matter what', huh? But just that is gonna be boring! [The hand not holding his candy trails along the hilt of the knife peeking from his pocket. Let's see, let's see, how can we liven things up?] Honestly I'm surprised you haven't keeled over yet. So props to you, yadda yadda, tougher than I thought. Time to up the ante.

[His hand grabs one of his own pokeballs, twirling it on the tip of one finger. Yes... This will be suitable. A labyrinth is no fun without a minotaur. He thinks he heard Silver blabber about some story like that once. Gold was only interested in the monster.] Game's changed, loser. Don't stop now, the hunt is on!

[With that, he tosses his pokeball - it's Houndoom, crouched and ready to attack.]

[ Snivy couldn't care less that Shootie didn't react to hers. The only thing on her mind was finding her trainer, make it back to the other Pokemon with him, and getting out if here. Spending time on her takes away from all that.

So in return she didn't care about the chill she felt go down Shootie's spine. The fact still stands that he's here and pressing forward. That's what matters. ]

Snivy. Snivy sni.

[ She stretches a vine to the door and jiggles the handle. It's locked but that must mean something is behind it. Should they bust it? ]

Game....? Hunt...?

[ He didn't get it at first. Not until Houndoom was released from its Pokeball. Then he understands, and in turn he musters up all the energy he possibly could in that moment to turn around and run . He does not want to be caught by that Houndoom and he needs to find a way out. No more standing around.

But everything hurts. It doesn't take long before he tries to hide to catch his breath and stop his vision getting ou of focus so he can continue. ]

[There being something behind it is a possibility, but so is a trap. Shootie reaches for a pokeball when he hears noise on the other end. Running?

It doesn't matter to him much if it's a trap right now, because it sounds like they stand to lose more by not interfering. He selects a pokeball and quietly releases Conkeldurr with an urgent whisper:] Stone Edge! Bring the door down.

[Conkeldurr emerges and dutifully obeys, although he's no master of subtlety or precision really, and summons up shards of sharpened stone that fly into every part of the door and even some of the surrounding wall in an attempt to make a path in.]

[Shootie will find the door comes down pretty easily, it wasn't especially reinforced and Gold saw no reason to arm it. What is on the other side is a Mismagius, chanting quietly as she starts to fade from view. She's got to tell her master that a little rat has snuck in.

Houndoom's first pounce misses, and he howls his challenge loud. Pause for one....two....three... And then he's off after Satoshi, claws clicking on the hard cement floor. Gold stays on top of his box, munching away and laughing. He hits a button on a remote, causing a metal panel to slide up from in front of a pane of glass - a window into a very well-reinforced observation office, where he's kept Pikachu locked up.

The mouse can watch the games too, why not.]

[ Oh good, the door is down. The Mismagnius leaving is not. But what's worse is the howl that resonates in the room followed by the sound of the creature running... no... chasing something.

And that laugh...

Snivy gives Shootie a voice of urgency. They need to hurry. At least when the metal wall opens they can see where Pikachu is. Where Snivy was and where the other Pokemon are. But compared to what's happening in the room the Pokemon are safe where they are.

Satoshi continues to run as much as he can before stopping, getting a quick breath, and continuing. But despite his attempts to keep going eventually he stumbles giving Houndoom time and opening to catch up.

And Pikachu, who was awake enough to notice the metal opening, looks into the room and sees whats happening. He calls put Satoshi's name, even though he's not even sure if he can be heard. ]

[Great. A Ghost Type.

Fortunately, Shootie had two. He recalls Conkeldurr once his job is done and calls out Frillish. It'll be best suited for fighting in the darkness. He'll try and see if he can keep the Mismagius from leaving:]

Night Shade!

[Frillish's eyes glow and it draws the darkness into itself, before sending out a glowing energy in pulsing waves, waving its frilled tentacles in a hypnotic motion. Night Shade usually hits its mark, let's hope at least one of the rapidly pulsing rings catch Mismagius before she leaves...

Snivy's concern is met with a curt "I know."

Knowing Pikachu is alive and where it is is a small comfort, but they weren't out of the woods just yet— rather, they were just about to breach the heart of it.

The clattering of claws on the floor is loud enough to hear, so Trip wants to push onwards, after the sound, but not until Night Shade hits its target or the rings have spread all throughout without binding to anyone— either way, he wants to make sure the course is clear first.]

[The attack will stop Mismagius from leaving, she'll tank it so it doesn't mess with her master's plans. It hurts - but it's not like she hasn't trained for this. And then she fights back - with Magical Leaf. But she isn't targeting Frillish, she can deal with it later - instead, the leaves she spews chase Shootie himself. There's no hiding from this, boy.

Houndoom stays in hot pursuit of Satoshi, not letting up. Eventually his prey falls and he wastes no time pouncing and pinning him down. Fire builds around his teeth as he growls.]

Aw, what happened to 'no matter what'? Is this all you can muster for your precious Pokemon? Man, I feel bad for them.

[ Snivy musters up just enough energy to jump from Shootie's hoodie and counter with a Leaf Storm. It looks that its all she can really do to help though, not even able to stand once she finishes her attack.

A pained yell from Satoshi will ring when Houndoom jumps and pins him down. Pikachu gives another cry from the room above and Snivy looks in said direction. They need to hurry. And fast. ]

Gh! I... I'll.. ngh

[ The weight on him is heavy in his condition, making it hard to speak. But he doesn't want to give up despite all this. ]

S-stupid! What was the point of that?

[While turning on his heel to run, he scoops her back up again, cutting a haphazard, messy trail to the other wall, half-stumbling, but it doesn't make a difference and he knows it won't. None of it will, not his running or Snivy's attack. Frillish doesn't even attempt Protect. Trip doesn't bother getting up when he does drop down, huddling in the corner to try and make himself as small as possible, back to the wall, crossing his arms over Snivy to shield her and burying his face into his arms, but that still leaves the rest of him exposed to the sharp, deeply-cutting leaves. They slice through cloth, skin, locks of hair, relentlessly and undiscerningly.

He might be backed into a corner, huddling like a cornered beast, but he'd rather bite down on his own lip and bleed, smothering a scream into little more than short, sharp little gasps, then let Mismagius have the satisfaction of hearing him cry out. It's a petty thing, but his pride is important to him.

The pained yell and bodily thud he hears from the other room isn't doing him any favours in terms of resolve, he's guilt-stricken that he might be too late and scared and he's starting to feel he's walked willingly to his own death.]

[Mismagius snickers - the prideful ones, the ones who don't give in easily, they're the best - then starts chanting louder. She's gearing up a Thunder, not only because it's a powerful move, but it'll also let her trainer know she's found something. Whether it hits or not.

Houndoom's going for the bite. He won't kill Satoshi so quickly, though. The fun's only beginning. In fact, after one heated bite, he'll let Satoshi go, so the hunt can begin again.

Gold, though, sees the lightning.] Take care of him, Houndoom. Looks like Mismagius found a new toy. Might be one of his friends, wouldn't that be fun~? [With that, he's running and jumping over the walls of boxes, heading Shootie's way.]

[ Snivy gives him a short scoff. She did what she could so he didn't get as much damage as he did. It may not have been much but it was better than nothing. Though since he's carrying her she leaves it up to him to avoid the Thunder.

When Houndoom bites down Satoshi can't hold back a pained scream. For a moment he doesn't move to make a run for it the pain almost taking him out. But the moment the flash of light is seen and Gold runs up he looks up.

If that is someone he knows then-- ]

No! Don't hurt 'em!

[ He pushes himself to stand, biting back the pain that shoots through his body. He almost fails, but he manages to stand and starts getting away from Houndoom. All while heading in the direction Gold went. ]

[He'd only just begun to recover, taking less shallow, shaky breaths now, when she prepares the second attack. Fantastic.

Just for Snivy's scoff, he very briefly considers making some comment about replacing his torn belt with one made of Snivy skin, but thinks better of it (for his own Serperior's sake, of course, it has nothing to do with Snivy herself).

Frillish, thinking it might have a chance this time, decides to use Protect, building up enough of a force field to shield the three of them from the coming Thunder attack, but the scream jolts Trip before the Thunder has any chance to; he's up and running, clean out of the protective field, despite the multitude of cuts in his legs. It's not like he's feeling them right now anyway, running on a rush of adrenaline and a touch of mortal fear.

He's hoping to reach Satoshi, the other boy's voice reaching him (idiot, when will he learn to worry about himself first?!), but he runs into Gold instead.]

[The attack didn't hit, no matter. It served its purpose. Gold's smile fills up his whole face - someone actually came to rescue the idiot, that's hilarious!] Well, well! Came to crash the party, did you? Don't worry, we've got room for you, too!

[One hand forms the classic finger gun, and he cocks his wrist to point somewhere over Shootie's shoulder. Mismagius understands, and fires off another Magical Leaf.] His legs, aim for his legs!

[Gold, meanwhile, leans forward to examine-- ah. So that's how this happened.] Looks like we had a sneaky little snake.

[ Snivy has nothing but a cold glare at Gold when they run into him. Yeah, she's a sneaky snake, and although Shootie is risking his life they will succeed. Somehow, anyway. She doesn't like the fact that she can't stop these Magical Leafs like she could have if she wasn't exhausted, but as long as they have faith.

As long as he doesn't lose it. And he shouldn't, especially now that Shootie is there too.

Satoshi continues to make his way towards Gold and Shootie. He's make it around the corner and spots the group right as he hears Gold's words. ]

Stop! Don't--!

[ That's all he could say before he find himself collapsing onto the floor. His legs had finally given in again, as much as Satoshi didn't want them too. But he's quick in moving back onto his feet the adrenaline still pushing him forward.

And as much as Pikachu hates to see him this way he watches his trainer carefully. Hoping that he'll be okay. That everyone will be okay. ]

[His eyes go wide when he sees that motion, legs suddenly weighing like lead, and grits his teeth when Gold looms over him, breath catching in his throat, blood flowing freely from his torn-up lip.

There's no running away, he's rooted to the spot, so he does the first thing that comes to mind— he sharply brings up his open hand to jab Gold in the neck, right under the chin, it didn't matter, he just wanted to hurt the older boy and get him away from him.

He whips his head around when he hears Satoshi's cries. He's here. They're in the same room, he caught a glimpse of white and blue within the darkness before the boy fell. It's too early for relief, but he feels emboldened by it, he can't help shouting out, voice high and thin:] Satoshi! Satoshi!!

[Aren't we forgetting something, Satoshi? Houndoom isn't far behind, growling low and prepared to strike again. Gold's nearby, though, so he'll wait for a signal--

But he doesn't need one, as Shootie catches Gold in the throat. He backs up instantly, hands to his neck and coughing. His two active Pokemon, Mismagius and Houndoom, instantly react to his distress - Houndoom spitting an overheated ball of fire at Satoshi and Mismagius firing off another Thunder at Shootie with a screech.

Playtime is over. One of Gold's hands lowers to draw his knife from his pocket.] Damn you... You'll pay for that.

[ Satoshi didn't see who it was that came when he first came around the corner, but the moment he heard Shootie's voice he looks up and just manages to make out the figure. As well as everything else in front of him. ]

S-Shootie! Sni-- AAH!

[ Cut short as the overheated ball of fire hits him dead on in the back. Any progress he made from getting back up fails and he's back on the ground, just barely hanging on by managing to at least stay on one knee.

Snivy nearly tried to jump to try and reach Satoshi, but instead notices Gold's hands and attempts to bat them away from the knife with a vine whip. She hopes to at least give Shootie enough time to react to anything. ]

Water Pulse, followed by Protect!

[Frillish will quickly send a ball of turning, raging waves meant for Houndoom (seeing as the blast already hit Satoshi, maybe this will buy him more time too...), then cut in to build up another protective field in preparation for the next attack.

Trip wasted too much time giving orders to get away very quickly, but Snivy buys him enough time to select a pokeball (it's your old, ah, temporarily infatuated, but forever begrudging friend, Serperior), but the thunder still hits him in waves. His legs give out from all the electricity pulsing through his body and he crashes to his knees, withdrawing into himself on instinct, arms curling in, head dropping, trying to escape it by disappearing into himself, but of course, he just shudders violently, thrashing around until it subsides.

As soon as it does, he's raising his head to glaring at Gold, even though his vision's still blurred from the pain. Even on his knees, he keeps his chin high and looks at him with such dignified defiance. Misplaced, really.]

[Japanese names for characters, English terms for Pokemon and objects, for ease? ]

[Sounds good!]

[ yeeee ♥ ]

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