ITT: We Have All Become Pokémon

Meanwhile, the Onix has been following carefully through the earth, picking up what it can from the conversation before intervening. However, the Onix isn't the first individual the two would meet, as a familiar Krokorok turns around the nearest corner and stares down the two of them.

Well, you two are about to have a very bad day. You're not supposed to be here.

He advances menacingly, and at the same time a crashing can be heard behind them as the Onix tunnels through the ceiling and cuts off their escape from behind.

Lilly, Lilly, Lilly. You just had to let your curiousity get the better of you. There's a reason why these tunnels are cut off, you know. Should have listened to mother.

Koss waves to the others when they spot him, and he floats over as he notices the new addition to their group.

So, what've you been up ta while I've been mullin' things over? Seems like ya found a new friend?

edited 28th Sep '17 1:08:16 PM by Cabe_Bedlam

Andy sighs. Look, we just want the Raichu, and we'll be on our way. We won't tell the police about this whole thing you've got going on, we just want the Raichu.

Yah! Y-y-you're that g-g-guy from the bar!! *even before the Onix rose up, Lilly was already trembling. She then says* S-s-sorry, we'll be on our w-w-way...

*then the Onix pops up as she turns around. Every bit of confidence she had is swiftly expelled from her soul, as she can't even properly utter what she says next* P-p-please d-d-don't. I d-d-didn't...d-didn't see anyth-th-thin'...

*at this point she's starting to cry. Her trembling is so strong that it might even unsettle Andy a little. She's involuntarily setting off an ultra-weak quake...a sort of weak Power Incontinence that comes nowhere close to "damage" levels. She's even forgotten to try to dig her way out*

edited 28th Sep '17 1:12:37 PM by sarysa

You could say that. Her name is Dinah, and she...saw the Onix.

(I stop here, not wanting to upset Marsha again.)

Little one, do you really think you're in a position to bargain? You have nothing, not even a way out of here. Enjoy the tunnels, friend, you're stuck here.

The Onix barely takes note of Lilly's panic, and simply slithers over to her and encircles her with a few inches of space to move around. The Onix doesn't attack either of the two, but seems to be attempting to separate Andy from the Diglett.

You do not have to be injured, as long as you do not try to escape. I have no use for a corpse. That doesn't mean I won't use lethal force if I must, bug. Run while I'm busy.

Saw it, ya say? Where exactly?

Koss gets the sense that something bad may have happened, but he doesn't want to push the issue too hard. Instead, he just plays along as though he doesn't get the subtext.

edited 28th Sep '17 1:18:19 PM by Cabe_Bedlam

Y-Yes I did... (Dinah says nervously. She gives a nervous look to Marsha (who has a tighter grip on Marlon's arm) before continuing.) I saw him take someone else...

Yeah...they took my brother while he was disguised as an Electric-type... (Marsha says, despondently.)

It was a little ways up the street...not too far from the Able Sister's tailor shop. (Dinah continues.)

edited 28th Sep '17 1:20:27 PM by kablammin45

Andy scoffed. Whatever you think you're doing to the mayor's daughter is useless. If she finds out you did anything to her, she'll have your head on a spike.

He walks forward, inspecting the room. He's specifically looking for possible storage units of electricity.

edited 28th Sep '17 1:22:21 PM by TacoBadger

(I pull myself closer to Marsha in spite of her tight grip on my arm to try and give her another hug, while also rubbing her back.)

edited 28th Sep '17 1:29:32 PM by Team42Larson

*no second wind, no heroic drive. The sheltered neophyte who has been taught everything about diplomacy (most of which leaked out in the process) and nothing about combat suddenly got a harsh dose of reality. She can faintly be heard uttering* Y-y-yes s-s-sir... *as well as* Milly...Tilly...please save me... *before sheer terror causes her to pass out, ceasing the tremors in the process*

edited 28th Sep '17 1:29:14 PM by sarysa

As Andy walks forwards, the Onix's tail slams down just inches in front of him, sending dust flying everywhere as well as emphasizing the Onix's previous point about the usage of force. The Krokorok, meanwhile, is still standing by the path further into the caves, watching Andy.

Do not try to play hero here. You will die, alone. I have no qualms about this.

The Onix then reorients itself to get a better look at Lilly, before pushing her into the hideout with her tail, making sure not to injure her in the process. They can't just leave her here, but it's not in their interest to keep hostages at the moment.

Koss looks over the others after hearing the news, and takes a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. His tone is regretful, but not surprised.

I was afraid somethin' like this might happen. But if we can find one a' them, we can find all a' them. We ain't leavin' till they're all back. Now let's get to that meetin'.

Andy sighed. I'm the world's smallest Pokémon. Don't feel the need to intimidate me, man. He needs a distraction of some kind. Lookv if we're not getting the girl back, fine, we can make back the money, but can I at least buy some of that elecricity from you gentleman? This place is a wet towel for sparks man, and I don't want to come out of this joint with no gain.

Is that my cue?

Yeppers

Right. (I say.) Let's go.

(Delilah and I continue ahead. Marsha walks alongside Marlon, and Dinah continues walking behind us.)

"Hello? Excuse me?" an Areodactyl asks Andy. "Sorry, this is probably a bad time, but I'm feeling a bit disoriented."

(I follow onward, staying by Marsha's side.)

Andy turned surprisingly to the Aerodactyl.

Huh. A distraction.

Andy sped to him. Hey, buddy, listen, I'm gonna need you to distract these two. Think you can do that? I'll pay you.

edited 28th Sep '17 1:52:34 PM by TacoBadger

This is Deus Ex AF...

"Distraction? Oh yes, I majored in Distraction. Just say when."

It would be if Tropes didn't actually just join. Roll with it

Uh... When.

edited 28th Sep '17 1:55:04 PM by TacoBadger

Brakes time...seriously Discord's erupting and frankly when I got them to toss you this bone, I'd hope you'd play along to the hopeless scenario.

I start flapping around madly.

"HEY! look over here! It's important! Look, the, meaning of life! You're missing out on all this cosmic wisdom! Hey! Hey!"

Look, we're going to have to discuss this later. Anyways, if it wasn't clear, no getting into the hideout right now. Please consider working with the rest of the group.

The Krokorok seems shocked by the Aerodactyl that's suddenly popped into existence, and he turns his head slightly to call back while still keeping an eye on the two.

Uhh, boss? I don't know what's going on, but we've got company!

If you can't handle them, you know what to do.

R-right!

The Krokorok seems worried, but he quickly retreats and puts his hands on the nearest wall, clearly focusing his energy on something. Moments later, the ceiling in front of him begins shaking, and collapses slightly building up a pile of rubble between the two pokemon and himself. It's quickly filling the passageway, and the sound of bits of technology being ground to dust can be heard.

"Well, that didn't seem to help at all."

I could not be more stereotypically newbie at this.

Just join the discord, we'll help you work through this better.

(As we get ever closer to the Town Hall, I ask Koss:)

Any idea as to how this meeting will go? Besides pinning down the suspects, of course.

edited 28th Sep '17 2:09:20 PM by Team42Larson