[PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN]

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:54 pm

Lance watched the small group carefully, even as Layla kept her head down, paying attention to Dragonair. Her concern over the Pokemon over her own was a rather touching thing to see but Lance didn't exactly need her fussing about when she still needed to heal as well.

"Hey, it's really no problem. Right, Happiny?" Sam answered, waving his hand dismissively at Layla's thanks.

Happiny agreed wholeheartedly to this, hopping up and down and smiling brightly at Layla.

"I should be off before someone comes finding me. Happiny and I still need a lot of training done."

With that said he was off, waving briefly at Layla as they left, heading back to the large training area. Happiny had to hurry after, her short legs making it hard to keep up with her trainer. Lance waited until Sam was gone, disappearing around a corner, before he spoke up again.

"What's on your mind?" he prodded, gesturing for her to come inside. Dragonair slithered around behind her, nudging her in as well.

At least for the moment, until Layla's confidence recovered, they could keep her nearby yet again.

----[x]----

Blaire smiled at Benga, well aware that he was a little aggravated at having been prodded into napping. Still, he'd be a little more clear-headed once he had more sleep and they both knew that.

"Sounds like a plan, chief," she answered, turning to gesture to Cerberus to follow.

While Benga settled himself in she could check out the rest of the warehouse. While much of it had probably already been scavenged through that didn't mean something useful couldn't be found if she looked. Latias would stay behind, keeping an eye on the immediate area.

Occasionally a wild Pokemon that had taken up residence in the area would hurry on by. Their cries were quiet, not willing to draw attention to themselves and occasionally something dropping or being moved by one of them could be heard.

Blaire didn't let this deter her and continued on her search to pass the time.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:35 pm

Layla watched Sam go before being prodded into the room herself. She pushed herself back to her feet, suppressing a winch as her ribs complained again. The sooner the bruises healed, the better.

His question caught her a tad off guard. Than again, everything he did seemed to catch her off guard at one point or another. She mulled over the question for a moment, arm still wrapped around her as if trying to will the pain she felt away.

"A lot of things," she finally answered.

It was a rather vague answer and she wasn't even sure she could lay out the thoughts in her mind. There were many. She often did her best to ignore them. One thing lead to another. They always seemed to find a way to assailing her despite her best efforts.

She gave a simple shrug of her shoulders. "It's been a little bit of everything since this war started..."

Layla wasn't sure if that explained it or not. She knew it was more than that. Fixing herself would take time and patience, if she didn't land herself in a hospital by those within the ranks now.

"I'd like to reign in my confidence again." She finally conveyed. "It's become a rather difficult thing to do."

She recalled how panicked she had been to the point of irrationally throwing herself into the battle just to stop it. Layla hated how easily her confidence disappeared through some brute force by these Genesis members. In the past, it wouldn't have been that way.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:43 pm

Lance waited, sorting through the papers scattered over the desk he had been at before. Dragonair kept by Layla's side, as if afraid someone might come in and attack her right in front of Lance. They both knew no one would attempt something as cocky as that, however.

He was silent as Layla spoke. It almost sounded as if she was having a hard time picking out the words to answer or perhaps she did not wish to elaborate on the thoughts that ran through her head. Lance snorted softly at that, setting a neat stack of papers back down.

"Important things tend to be difficult to accomplish," he grunted after a moment, casting a glance towards Layla.

It was a wonder how she hadn't entirely given up, with how she acted now, after something so minor. It had been averted and thus Lance felt that it did not warrant this kind of a reaction from her. And yet here she was, visibly shaken. Lance was unsure how Layla would feel about 'fighting' for anything now, with what she had gone through, even if it meant fighting for personal victories.

"If you think otherwise than you're a fool."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:07 pm

Layla rubbed her side, averting her gaze. She knew it wasn't easy and she didn't need to be informed of it. It miffed her a little. While he acted kind, he didn't seem to have quite an understanding of her situation.

Had he ever been so broken or beaten down? She doubted that was the case.

Layla remained silent after that, finding no words to say. She rubbed her side, trying to turn her attention elsewhere and distract herself from her emotions. Her throat burned however and she had to swallow quite a few times before she managed to reign in what she could.

She wouldn't know how long the silence lasted between them nor did she quite care for the time being. Layla couldn't bring herself to talk, didn't want to in fact.

She locked her voice away for a time, waiting on a time when her negative emotions would pass.

----[x]----

Benga jolted up from his sleep. He pressed the heel of his palm against his eye, rubbing the sleep from them. Glancing about, he knew he'd slept for quite some time. Night would no doubt be drawing on them again soon.

Latias was still with him, hovering from one place to the next until she noticed him up. She drifted to his side, settling beside him. Benga wrapped one of his arms around the dragon and she smiled brightly in response. This made him smile as well.

His gaze drifted again. Blaire was missing. He assumed she took Cerberus to explore and hadn't returned yet.

At least, that's the outcome he hoped for.

Attempting to shake that thought from his mind, he pushed himself to his feet. They hadn't been discovered; not yet in the very least. That was a relief.

It was simply a matter of waiting for Blaire now.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:25 pm

Lance didn't mind the silence as Layla drew into herself. No doubt his words had a harsher meaning to her than to him. Since she had drawn quiet he did not prod at her. It would only push her deeper into herself. Through the time Dragonair stayed at Layla's side, cooing and trilling at the young woman on occasion.

Productively he continued to seek out Layla's Pokemon in that time. It seemed they had been scattered and would take more effort to locate each one than he had originally thought. None-the-less he kept at it as he had promised, despite Layla's soured mood.

E-mails were sent out, his typing slow and careful. He was not one who very much enjoyed technology. He only knew just enough to use what he needed and nothing more. Likewise Lance had to endure many telephone calls as well, dealing with any number of people.

He wasn't sure how many hours had passed before he had a good word, setting the phone back down.

Lance glanced over at Layla at that point, well aware that while she was still silent he would need to prod at her so she would know.

"It seems I've managed to locate at least one of your Pokemon. If they don't slack off you could see it again anywhere between tonight or tomorrow."

He drew quiet then, sending a scathing look to the stack of printed out papers. That still left locating her other Pokemon, of course.

----[x]----

Blaire had to move carefully, having recalled Cerberus. It wasn't like the enemy Pokemon knew that they were there. The way it acted and moved suggested that it was only going about its rounds as any other day.

She moved carefully, thankful again that the clothes Benga had gotten her were looser. It made it easier to climb. It was how she was staying a step ahead of the Pokemon, taking to climbing along boxes and railings and the like. The Granbul patrolling below had a sharp nose and would no doubt pick up on the fact that their were newer human scents around the place. Blaire had to wonder how long it would be before it tripped over one of her makeshift alarms.

Biting her lip, Blaire moved to slowly lower herself back onto the pavement. She had to skirt between the warehouses and make it back to Benga. She hoped there wasn't more than one Pokemon about on patrol.

The movements she made were swift and precise. She didn't have room for error. Because of this she was a little happier than usual that she was so scrawny and could easily slip through the crack in the warehouse door. No noise was made to alert the enemy.

Now she just had to get to Benga and let him know what was up. It wouldn't be long, just a few minutes at most through this old building. That was assuming none of the wild Pokemon suddenly grew vicious.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:56 pm

Layla hadn't been sure how much time passed. She'd occasionally stroke Dragonair but the majority of the time, she was lost within herself. This was a time she felt the most vulnerable and rather alone.

When he spoke up again, she flinched, her heart leaping before she settled herself down again. She watched him for a moment. She was glad to hear that she would be able to see one of her Pokemon, relieved for the moment. It wouldn't be until she saw that one would she completely be alright.

"Thank you," She muttered in response. Her voice was rather soft as if she'd forgotten how to use it.

She watched his expression sour as he turned to the stack of papers. Guilt settled on her. She wanted to know the well being of her Pokemon but she he seemed to be taking part of this at a slower pace. She didn't want to trouble him too much.

Layla shifted uncomfortably. "If this is too much..." She muttered before lifting her gaze again. "I can type for you...Just tell me what to say."

It was the least she could do, she figured. He was putting himself through all this work for her, just so she could remain reassured. While she hadn't cared for his comment earlier, she couldn't bring herself to hate him for it. He'd done nothing to her but remain blunt. Her feelings had been damaged. She'd take time to pick the pieces back up and try again.

She scoffed a little, sparring a rather small smile. "You're not very good at it."

It was a minor attempt to smooth things over. She simply hoped it worked.

----[x]----

Benga had listened to the noises around him. Some he had expected. The building settling, smaller wild Pokemon taking up residence here moving about. Still, others had unsettled him. They simply seemed to precise.

He called back Latias for the moment. Something didn't seem right about the place. Had he chosen wrong to come here? Had it really been as safe as he assumed?

He berated himself for not taking a better look before deciding this would be a good place to take up residence, even for a short time.

Benga's heart pounded a little more, searching for anything that seemed unnatural to the building. He wondered where Blaire had gone off to and if she was alright. As capable as she was, would she be able to outrun anything here that might attack her.

He scoffed at himself for doubting her. She knew several trick of survival. There was no way she'd let herself get caught or hurt.

Shifting carefully, he pressed his back against the pillar, watching and waiting. The only thing he could manage was to wait on Blaire for the moment. If he took off now, he doubted they'd find each other again within or outside the city. Not for quite sometime.

Still, he knew if it came to that, they'd find each other at the base again. He didn't like the thought of it but tried not to fret so much on something that hadn't happened yet.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:26 pm

Lance watched Layla, observing her. She still seemed far too fragile, too nervous to step out of her shell. He snorted at that. Lance still saw no reason for it though he had never allowed himself to be in that sort of a position as well.

Finally he gestured to the computer, his nose wrinkling at the reminder that he was not a very fast typer. He didn't care for it to be mentioned even if Lance was well aware of this. He wondered how long she had sat there, listening to the slow clacking of the keyboard keys.

"If you wish to," he invited, moving from the chair. He would allow her the seat. He had been sitting far too much today as it stood. Lance's legs needed a little pacing for the time being.

He would wait until Layla was settled before directing her. It would be something that would take Layla's mind off of her own problems, at least for the time being. Lance saw nothing wrong with this.

Dragonair settled on a small couch nearby, dozing off for the time being.

----[x]----

It took a little longer to reach Benga than Blaire had hoped. A few stray Voltorb had been attempting to bar her path, sparking whenever she would try to sneak by. Blaire was forced to hunker down and wait for them to lose interest before she had been able to pass. By that time several minutes had passed and she had to wonder where the Granbul outside had paced off to.

When she grew closer she risked scratching her nails lightly over a piece of metal to announce her presence without words. With any luck anyone hearing it without seeing her would think it was merely a Pokemon skittering over something.

Blaire waited only as long as it took for Latias to spot her and point her out to Benga before she approached. She was quick to indicate to be silent before he spoke and she would only risk speaking once she was right next to him.

Cupping her hands around his ear Blaire whispered "there's a Granbul patrolling around the area. It's got one of those Genesis sashes but I don't think it's aware we're here. Not yet anyways."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 7:10 pm

She spared a small smile toward him, glad that he'd allow her to take care of the typing for him. They were her Pokemon after all. She wanted to at least help in attempts to tracking them down.

She moved around the desk before seating herself. It had been a little bit of time since she's last used a keyboard but she doubted the 'art' had really left her. She waited until he spoke, relying the message he wanted another to read.

Layla typed as quickly as her fingers would allow, her eyes barely ever leaving the screen unless she hit a wrong key and had to re-position her fingers again. She'd only pause if she needed to ask Lance to repeat a line.

It was a simple task, in her mind, and she found that the work was getting done quicker this way.Part of her enjoyed it, a slight smile on her lips. It was an old hobby that re-surfaced from times when she wrote.

For her, it was comforting to listen to the clack of the keys and she visibly relaxed after a little time.

----[x]----

Benga tensed at the mention of Genesis patrolling the area. He scowled soon afterward, berating himself. He should have been more careful before deciding on this place.

Leaning closer toward Blaire, he spoke as softly as he could manage. "Do we have a way out?"

Between them, Blaire did quite a bit of climbing and slipping through tight spaces. If anyone could find an escape route, it would be her. His frown only seemed to grow harder however.

Would they be outside as well? Genesis were obviously staking out the building because they believed he and Blaire were here. They were suspicious. Would they be running right into a trap if they even managed to get themselves out of here.

He gnawed at the inside of his lip, watching from the corner of his eye. While he didn't see anything yet, he couldn't put it passed them to try and manage some surprise attack at some point.

If they had to fight their way out, they would.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 7:46 pm

Lance didn't spare much of a glance towards Layla once they got to work. Occasionally she'd pause, having to wait for Lance as he made another call. He couldn't deny that things were getting done quicker, however, with Layla doing all of the typing for him.

It wasn't for awhile that Lance actively observed Layla as she worked at the computer. She looked far more relaxed than he had seen her in the last day. He figured giving her something to do would help push her towards her forgotten confidence, if this was how she acted once in a more familiar setting of sorts.

Not until his own stomach rumbled did he become aware of how late it had become.

Placing a hand on Layla's shoulder he waited until he was sure that he had her full attention again.

"We should break for something to eat," he notified, a little worried for Layla's health. She needed the food if she was to get healthy.

Nearby Dragonair cooed in her sleep, shifting and nearly sliding right off the couch she had coiled up on.

----[x]----

Blaire had to resist telling Benga to calm down. The Granbul was not aware where they were and was most likely just following its daily order to patrol the area around here. Until they heard the telltale warning call from the Pokemon they still had a chance to slip out completely undetected.

She gestured to the area behind her, keeping her head close to Benga's. They couldn't afford to be overheard. "That way's out. I climbed up and over a lot of things out of Granbul's reach but it might still be able to sniff out whatever scent I left when I had to get back down to ground level."

Next she pointed to her right and Benga's front. Up high she had spotted a few things while waiting for wild Pokemon to let her pass without a ruckus.

"I saw a break in the metal siding over there. It might make a bit of noise but if we're careful we might be able to slip out and away."

Blaire paused, glancing up at Latias and gnawing at her lip. They couldn't afford to have their Pokemon out and about as they slipped away. As rare as Latias was she'd be a giant 'Follow Me' sign to any Genesis Pokemon or members who glimpsed her.

"I don't know if there's any other Pokemon of theirs out there though," she relented. They'd have to be quick because of this.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:31 pm

Layla blinked up at him. She hadn't noticed how fast the time had flown until he reached out to speak with her. Other than speaking for the messages she was meant to send, they hadn't really conversed until now.

She pushed herself up from her seat, suppressing a wince. Her hand passed her left side, her ribs aching again. She averted her gaze for a moment before glancing at him again.

"I don't think some of my injuries have healed correctly," She finally admitted. "It's not like anyone was keen on rushing me to a doctor. I could only manage so much on my own."

Layla wondered if he had noticed this before. Even walking with him yesterday was troublesome and he had to slow his pace for her. If he was concerned for her health, she was more concerned about the fact that little movements hurt her rather than her hunger.

Hunger pains had long passed her. She barely felt those anymore. She knew she had to eat however.

----[x]----

Benga gave a brief nod in response as he took note of where they needed to go. Latias had been called back to her Pokeball and he tucked her away for the moment. Their Pokemon would remain unneeded unless they got into any real trouble.

"I'll pry it open for you," He mused. "You'll be able to slip through first and I'll follow afterward."

Whether she cared for this plan or not, he didn't give her time to protest. He moved to the point she had pointed out, ducking around carefully just in case a wild Pokemon or portals were near.

It didn't take them too long to find the spot. Thankfully, some old crates blocked them from view. That alone could give them some leeway for a time.

The break in the siding was wide enough. He tugged at it carefully and painfully slow. Making too much noise at this point could spell disaster on their end. It was coming free slowly however and he hoped that the hole would be wide enough for Blaire to slip through.

He nodded toward it when he felt they would be alright. Listening carefully, he heard the Granbull sniffing about. His heart pounded. Had it picked up their scent? He hoped it didn't carry just yet. They were almost out. It was only a matter of time.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:48 pm

"If that's what you think you should have spoken up sooner," Lance chastised, turning and leading the way for them. He paused only to rouse Dragonair so that she might follow at Layla's side as bodyguard yet again.

"After you get something in you then we'll locate a doctor."

He didn't want Layla crippled as badly as she might be if left to heal improperly. Rebels, though lower in number, seemed to be growing more desperate and attacking strongholds outright. If it came to that Layla could be injured in the crossfire if she was unable to move properly.

As they walked down the hallways, back down the cafeteria Lance spared a glance outside. It would be an hour or so before sunset. He could spy a few Pidgey scattering from a nearby rooftop. While not up top they were still rather high up. Genesis loved to show off their power through tall and large buildings.

"Tell me what all you enjoyed doing before all of this aside from typing," Lance ventured. If he could get her to relax in some form by doing old hobbies it might benefit her fragile psyche.

----[x]----

Any arguments to Benga's plan died before they made it past her lips. He was already up and sneaking over to the area she had pointed out. Blaire heaved a sigh before following after. When he had his mind set on something it was nearly impossible to change.

Benga had to work slowly to stop the metal siding from creaking horribly and each little sound that emitted from it caused Blaire to glance around for a threat.

At his nod she returned the gesture before lying flat on the ground and pushing forward with her legs and pulling herself with her arms. Blaire was quickly through, keeping herself flat as she could and avoiding getting snagged on the sharp sides.

She glanced around. Her heart pounded at the sight of another Pokemon, quickly flattening herself against the side of the building. Several yards away she could spot a Growlithe meandering about. At his foreleg was that sash Genesis placed on their Pokemon that patrolled the cities and towns.

It hadn't looked her way yet but that didn't mean anything.

"You're going to have to move fast," she whispered near the hole to Benga. She couldn't risk ducking back into the building. Granbul was sniffing around in there. Likewise Benga couldn't remain inside because of that very reason. The two would have to make a break for it as quickly and silently as possible at this rate.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 9:24 pm

Layla didn't mind his chastising, not this time around. He seemed genuinely concerned over her health. Part of her was a little flattered over that fact. It had been quite some time since anyone felt the need to help her.

Layla followed him, patting Dragonair as she moved to her side. She kept to his left, further away from the windows. While he looked outside, she refused to. They were too high up for her comfort. She never cared for high places.

The question made her lift her head again. She'd taken more notice that she kept it ducked. Old habits, it seemed, would be dying hard.

"Umm," She began, scratching her cheek with her index finger. She was a little unsettled that she had forgotten some of the things she did before Genesis. "I read a lot and wrote," She explained. "I liked going to musicals when I could, have always had a deep appreciation for music. I believed more in music than some people did in fairytales."

She shook her head slightly at the thought. "But I liked just aimlessly wandering with my Pokemon more days than any other. You'd be amazed at what you can find when you're not looking."

These were things that had gotten her interested in legends. Once in a while, she'd stumble upon something that another might have left as a 'dead end'. She'd try to dig into these things, learn from them and solve the mystery herself.

Layla paused, mulling over it all a bit. She'd told him quite a bit without realizing it. She cleared her throat a little, ducking her head again. Her cheeks felt warmer all of a sudden.

"Though, some of that might sound a little boring."

----[x]----

Benga waited for her to get out before glancing over his shoulder. The Granbull was close by. They wouldn't have a lot of time. Now that she had mentioned another Pokemon nearby, his heart leapt in panic and frustration. He cursed under his breath.

The metal siding staying in place for the most part, he moved slowly as if the Granbull would be alert to his movements. Copying Blaire, he slid on his stomach, hoping that there would be enough room to pull himself out. Blaire was scrawnier than he was after all.

With a little effort, he managed to drag himself out of the warehouse. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Growlithe's back turned to them. He held his breath as it glanced about before carefully moving away again.

"Let's go," He muttered, grabbing Blaire's wrist before tugging her with him.

They'd have to make a run for it, as risky as that was now. He could only hope they could get out of the city once again unfollowed. Despite the 'fun' of the chase earlier, there was no doubt more patrols.

It would take time however, having to duck about any point in case a Genesis member or one of their Pokemon was seen. Slow processes like this always made him nervous.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 9:40 pm

Lance listened raptly, turning from the windows when the hallway branched off the way they needed to go. Just a flight of stairs down and a few doors away would net them the cafeteria.

"I see," he murmured. It was neutral answer, not allowing Layla any insight into what he may be thinking.

It would be no issue to find some books and the like for her to occupy herself with when he did not need her. She seemed to like being useful, so long as it was not for Genesis' overall purpose. Lance put those thoughts for later. He would make due with them after she had eaten and she was seen to by a doctor.

"You seem to fall back into old habits easily enough," he pointed out, observing her from the corner of her eye. Had Layla been aware as to how relaxed she had been just typing? Lance couldn't be sure.

Reaching the cafeteria's door he held it open for her. Dragonair slipped inside first, acting as buffer again for anyone who had it in their mind to target her. Not nearly as many raised their heads to glare or leer at her.

----[x]----

While Benga had wiggled his way out of the building Blaire had kept a keen eye on Growlithe, pokeball in hand. If she had to she would incapacitate it immediately before it could get a look at them.

She had to resist making any startled yelps, not ready for Benga to grab her wrist and tug her along. She was immensely glad that they ran over pavement and not gravel. Despite being unready to run right away Blaire kept up easily enough, attempting to keep her own footfalls light. It was a difficult feat in boots.

Rounding the corner and out of sight of the Growlithe she could hear the cry of the Granbul. It was loud and rang out, a gravelly sound. Growlithe's howl sounded out seconds later, ringing out far louder and longer in the air than the former's.

"Shit!" Blaire cursed, pushing herself faster.

Her heart raced in her chest, thundering loudly in her ears and she could swear adrenaline was making her run faster than she normally could.

"Benga, if we find the sewers we can slip inside and lose them there!"

With the mix of scents and the powerful stenches to hide their own the Pokemon would not be able to track them in the dark tunnels.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:05 pm

Layla lifted her head again as she walked into the cafeteria. She knew that she relaxed into these things a little bit better when it was an old hobby. She had always been one to relax into her hobbies. It cleared her head easier that way.

"I'm fully aware," she noted, shooting a small smile in his direction. "Helps me clear my head...It's been quite some time though."

Since Genesis had first attacked, she had not indulged in those hobbies. They were a form of escape for her. When she had no way to escape, she was miserable. This become so apparent to her that she often worried for her mental health. Still, it had worked in the past. She figured it may work now as well.

Layla noticed that there were fewer glares shot her way. An occasional member would scowl but it was far less than it had been before. Part of her was unnerved by it. Most of these people had it out for her not twenty four hours ago.

What had calmed them?

She tried to put her mind off it, focusing instead on getting something to eat. If she didn't, she knew she'd pay for it later, much less hear Lance berate her about it.

----[x]----

Benga cursed again. The howls still echoed and others would be alerted by their presence in a matter of minutes. At the mention of the sewers, his eyes began to dart, attempting to find a place they might be able to duck into. He hated to admit it but they were at least handy in situations like this.

Coming to a halt, he had no time to catch his breath as he slipped his fingers into a man hole cover. Pulling the top off was no easy feat but he eventually managed to move it. He motioned to Blaire, urging her to move first.

When she had safely gotten a ways down was the only point Benga slipped in as well. Balancing on the metal bars, the excuse of a ladder, he slipped the cover back on. It settled with a clang.

He heaved a heavy sigh as he began to descend with Blaire. Eventually, their feet touched the ground. Benga shook his head, clapping his hands together as if to wipe off any lingering dust.

"That was too close." He finally spoke up, shaking his head again.

Benga scrunched his nose, attempting to dismiss the foul odor here. It was the only thing really masking them at this point and the only way they were going to get out of the city safe now.

"I hate resorting to this," he muttered. "And yes, I will complain about it."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:18 pm

Lance hummed shortly, allowing a silence to fall between the two. He glanced at Layla as they grabbed something to eat again, Dragonair at their side the entire time. She was casting curiously looks back at those in the room discreetly. She must have been confused.

"Word gets around fast," he murmured lowly for her to hear. "I have no doubts that the situation earlier has already passed around."

No one would want to tangle with Dragonair if they could manage it. The battle earlier carried a message behind it, one that said that Dragonair was not just there to look pretty and that she did, in fact, have orders to guard over Layla.

"They must have doubted Dragonair's appearance before."

It wasn't hard to read people like this, especially after being around them for so long. Most of them were rather simple people who just liked the perks of being in power. Still, there were some with more hidden agendas like himself.

He lead Layla to an empty table again. It was often that Lance spent his time on his own. Occasionally one of the former Elite Four of Kanto would seek him out though Bruno was always reluctant with their plans.

----[x]----

Blaire had gone down the ladder as quickly as she could, getting out of the way for Benga to descend safely. The sounds echoed to them but with the man cover back in place above it would mask their sounds. She did her best to ignore the stench though it made her gag a little occasionally when a particularly strong smell would assault her nose.

"Tell me about it," Blaire gusted out, catching her breath as best she could. It was hard in such an environment.

As Benga carried on, a note of bitter disgust in his voice, Blaire took to rooting through the small bag attached to her belt. She had a couple of little flashlights for situations like these and they couldn't exactly continue on in the dark anyways. It was a fumbling search, unable to see anything and having to rely on touch.

Blaire scoffed at Benga's complaints. She had heard them before. She didn't reply right away, instead turning on the flashlight she had found and biting it to dig for the other one.

"Yeah, yeah. Complain too much and I might start a fee for it," she jested a little, attempting to improve Benga's mood.

Finding the other metal flashlight she held it out for Benga. With that they could get moving away from this ladder in case someone decided to remove the cover and peer down into the sewer for signs of them.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:41 pm

Layla allowed Lance to lead her to a table. She listened, sitting down carefully. It had been better that Dragonair fought, it seemed. Even Layla's concern for the Pokemon seemed a little wasted. Lance had expected this to happen.

She cast a glance on the Dragonair, taking notice of how healthy she looked, not like before. She had been scratched up a bit. Those scratches, even if they were minor, had disappeared. She had only gone to Lance. What had happened in between before he had opened the door?

"I'm still worried," She admitted before casting a glance at Lance again. "About the two from before..."

Despite the warning that had been shot in their direction time and time again from Dragonair, neither had stopped. She knew their type. They didn't give up. There was no reasoning with them. When they had their minds set on something, they followed through with it.

Whether that was ill intent or not, it was entirely up to them.

In the silence that feel briefly, she took the time to eat a little. If she did not start, she would most likely be prodded into it. She was catching onto some of the patterns, at least.

----[x]----

Benga grunted a little as he took the flashlight from her. He had to suppress a few gags himself. There was no getting used to things like this, no matter how often they'd relied on the sewers in the past. It all resulted in the same manner. Nearly suffocating over the smell.

He flipped on the flash light, allowing Blaire to take up the lead. She had the map after all. It was a narrow walk way as well. They couldn't exactly stand side by side in here.

"The sooner we get out of this, the better," he attempted to jest back. "I swear, everything we come into these things, I always wonder if I might die."

He grunted a little at that. "What a way to go, right?"

It was often they had to speak just to ignore the smell and damp feeling around them. As long as they were careful, they had a little less to worry about. Occasionally, he'd catch sight of a Rattata moving about. He couldn't believe Pokemon actually lived down here.

Benga tried to shake the thought away. "Where's the nearest way out?" He prodded. "I'd rather not be stuck down here over night."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:55 pm

"If that's the case then you should put more faith in Dragonair," Lance answered a little shortly.

He had no doubt that his Pokemon would be able to handle whatever two had up their sleeves. If he had to ease Layla's nerves he would even allow the other Dragonair he had to guard over her if it was the tag-team method that unnerved her.

Lance made short work of his food. He wasn't one to indulge in too much. He found it rather wasteful if he did. After all the pollution he had seen wreak havoc on Pokemon and their habitat because of humans indulging Lance tried to avoid doing it himself.

"When we locate the doctor I will double-check your Pokemon's status in the meantime."

It would probably help Layla's confidence if she had a Pokemon she was familiar with at her side. If that was the case than Lance wanted the one they had found to arrive as soon as they could manage.

----[x]----

It took a few minutes longer to tug out the map from her pack. Blaire did not want to risk tearing it. With that she unfolded it, flashlight still in her mouth so as to keep her hands free. With how large the map was she needed it for the time being.

When she spoke, her words were muffled. "Oh, geez, tell me about it. I do not want that on my headstone. It'd be right up there with 'death by yarn.'"

She picked up an even pace after that, getting them away from the ladder. She had to glance back and forth ahead of her and to the map. It took her a few moments to pick out where they were in relation to the map, the warehouse area not exactly being marked off.

"That depends," Blaire answered from around the flashlight, taking a turn as they came to it. She turned the map as they did so, indicating her turn on the map. It was her way of keeping track of where they were as they traveled though Benga liked to pick at her for it in lighter times.

"Anything nearby is too close to a main road. We'd be spotted crawling out and no doubt have them on our tail again."

A pause ensued as she studied it more closely. Blaire was growing frustrated, not being able to see any viable hiding spots above the sewers just from the map alone. Overhead a couple of Zubat flew by.

"There might be something further out, some of the manholes marked are in back alleys, but that's a gamble."

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:32 pm

Layla cast a glance on the dragon Pokemon again. It wasn't like she doubted Dragonair. Not after she had seen what the dragon Pokemon could do. No, she was more nervous of when she wouldn't be by her side.

She could only hope that one of her own Pokemon would arrive. If she had to spend another night alone in that room, she wasn't sure if she'd handle it well.

Layla pondered in silence as she finished the rest of her meal. It wasn't much. She didn't want to overdo it and she hadn't been all too hungry to begin with. Taking the time to work herself back into a schedule, she figured that would be the best step.

All the while, she wondered why he was doing so much for her. Any wouldn't have glanced at her twice. Did he have his own means involved? What were those if that was true?

They were questions that wouldn't be answered, she figured.

"I just hope they're alright," she mused out loud.

Layla pushed herself up from her seat, her side aching again. She hated the thought of this not being an easy fix. She wondered what any doctor would think. She tried to put it in the back of her mind, running a hand down Dragonair's scaly skin. It wasn't something she needed to worry about. She'd find out soon enough.

----[x]----

Benga snickered a little at the joke. They were bother rather sad ways to go. Keeping a lighter atmosphere despite their given situation actually helped a little. Than again, it was something they fell back on in situations like this.

He listened as she plowed on. Indeed, it was a gamble. It wasn't like they hadn't taken those kinds of risks before however. Some were much worse.

"I don't see why we can't give it a go," he relented. "If anything, it's an option."

Slipping out of the city would be the only issue remaining after that. It would take a lot of time and no doubt, nightfall would be long upon them when they pushed their way out of the sewer. Part of him didn't mind that. It was easier to get passed tired guards rather than active ones.

"We'll be alright, I think," he reassured. "We've taken worse gambles and come out alive."

Benga couldn't count the number of times they'd nearly gotten themselves severally hurt or worse. It wasn't just from Genesis' time either. As kids, they'd been a reckless pair, taking on anything in their way.

This situation was no different. They'd made it out of worse. He simply kept telling himself that.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:56 pm

Lance did not answer. He had no ready answer for Layla as it was. They would only know the condition of her Pokemon once they were sent over to them. Instead he pushed himself up, finishing his meal. He would lead Layla to the doctor safely enough.

"We'll take the elevator," he informed, a hand at the small of her back. His touch was light, to avoid agitating any hidden wounds she did not mention.

The doctors were located nearer to the ground floor in case of emergencies that had to be rushed in from the streets. They were too far up for Lance to want to trek down the stairs as it was and he figured Layla was not up for the task either.

Dragonair trilled, raising up to nudge her snout against Layla's cheek reassuringly.

It was a short trip down once they located the elevators. It didn't take more than ten minutes until Lance had located someone to contact a doctor. The wait was surprisingly short though with rebels low on numbers and being more cautious now-a-days there were less injuries to deal with anymore.

"Layla? The doctor will see you now."

At the nurse's call Lance prodded Layla forward, leaving Dragonair. With a mention that he would go check on her Pokemon's progress he left, the cape he adorned trailing after him as always.

----[x]----

Blaire nodded, hearing a Rattata rushing through some low-level sewage. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at this, trying not to think of the number of diseases they could catch just from some of it getting into an injury of some sort.

"Gamble it is!" she agreed. "I'll find us one nearer to the city's edge."

While they would have to suffer through the stink further, possibly have to find some way to wash it out later as well, they would at least have less of their travel spent worrying about who might catch them. It was a lesser of two evils option in Blaire's opinion.

At least down here they could pass the time with conversation without worrying too much about being caught or overheard.

"To tell the truth, I'm so looking forward to a bath when this mission is all over with."

Out of the rebel bases - as crude as their baths and showers ended up being, having to improvise without water pipes - they did not get that luxury often enough. It was something that many took for granted. They couldn't very well stop at a hotel or Pokemon Center long enough before getting caught by someone from Genesis.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 12:20 am

Layla was a little unsure of being left again but tried not to worry about it. Dragonair was still with her. That much sent warning enough now. The Pokemon was good company, she found, and she was grateful that she remained by her.

She followed a nurse into a room where the doctor would begin to examine her. There was a lot of fussing, the woman prodding her to take off her jacket and shirt so she might examine the wounds better. Layla was a little reluctant but eventually did.

Bruises and scars were visible to her now. She listened as the woman rattled on about hair line fractures, which took quite some time to heal as well as bruised bones. Both of which took a lot of time and patience to deal with.

It was a matter of 'not pushing herself', she had explained. The most she could manage was pain killers for a time and informing her that she should be eating regular meals, which Layla had already planned on doing.

Really, the doctor had looked more disappointed with her condition than impatient as Layla had expected. She was a doctor however. These people had learned how to heal, not see to patience who had been beaten. In a way, Layla felt bad for those on staff here.

She tugged her shirt on and buttoned it before pulling on her coat again, pocketing the pills she'd been given. It was simply a matter of healing. As long as she didn't run into trouble, Layla figured she'd be alright.

"Suppose we should head out," she mused toward the Dragonair, smiling down a little at her.

She really had grown attached to this Pokemon. Her company and affection were helping her through quite a few situations, she found.

----[x]----

"Tell me about it," He agreed, ruffling his own hair. "Washing this stink out is going to take some time."

It always seemed to be the case, in his opinion. Every time they had to use this method, the stink always seemed to linger despite their best efforts. It was one of the many reasons they tried to avoid this method when they could.

"Hope the others will be able to stomach this," He jested a moment after. "They'll be in for a surprise, if they've got a weak stomach."

Some rebels refused to take certain routes because of this. If they couldn't stomach it, they wouldn't push themselves. He hoped that those withing the strong hold didn't worry too much about this. If they wanted to be free, that was, or as free as they could manage in the rebel bases.

Still, seeing those few that always gagged made him feel a little better.

Benga took the time to glance about, scrunching his nose at the sight of Pokemon moving around. He shook his head at this. It never ceased to amaze him.

"You know, you'd figure these guys would start actually looking in the sewers," he began. "Though, I guess they don't want to end up throwing up. Poor babies."

Benga resisted a snicker at that. Despite how some Genesis members acted, a lot of them were cowards. Stripe them of their power and they were just sniveling, normal people. They might have gotten their hands dirty but not like the rebels, not like this. In the time they started using this method, they had never once seen someone from Genesis crawling around in the sewers.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 12:35 am

Dragonair faithfully stayed at Layla's side, even as the doctor took to examining Layla. It was all nonsense to the Pokemon and she frequently looked to Layla for confirmation of whatever the doctor had to say. Dragonair was thankful that Layla seemed happier, pills in pocket and gesturing for them to head out.

A coo was issued before Dragonair kept at Layla's side as she had done so loyally the last day.

She couldn't begin to say where Layla would want to go. Perhaps she'd want to go back to Lance or maybe brave more of the base on her own. Dragonair would wait patiently, allowing the woman to wander without judgement.

Dragonair wondered how the night would go. Layla had seemed worried but unless she said anything to Lance nothing to help Layla's worries could be done.

----[x]----

Blaire hummed in agreement, stopping only to glance down each path in the four-way they had run across. She took a moment to study the map. Blaire did not want to mix up directions and get them too far off-track. Only after she lead them further did she speak up.

"I'm still debating on what smells worst; Skuntank spray, Muk or these sewers."

She chuckled, glancing back at Benga briefly. He seemed to like prodding at others who couldn't take the stench as well as he could. Blaire suspected it made him feel a little better about his own limitation with it.

"Yes, but that would be intelligent and they can't have that now can they?" she jested. Blaire was still thankful that Genesis members avoiding places such as this still persisted. They would be out of an advantage if that wasn't the case.

Blaire paused, a thought in mind. Usually missions involving sewer crawling for stealth were done swiftly and they were in and out before anyone knew any better. Unless there was a mistake made or situations reversed around on them the stink never became a factor.

That had been for smaller buildings, however, and in much more open areas.

"Hey, Benga, I had a thought... What if this sewer stink ends up drawing attention tomorrow when we break in?"

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:07 am

Layla had no set place in mind. She didn't yet want to return to Lance, finding she needed some time away from him. For whatever reason, he seemed emotionally crippled toward people, or as far as she could tell.

She wasn't sure what it was about but she didn't care to pry either.

"I'd like to trust him," she mused, glancing down at the Dragonair. Even if this was simply thoughtless ramblings, she knew the Pokemon would be listening in. "I'd like to trust a lot of people...much less myself. It's hard."

Layla found reigning in her emotions when she no longer understood them as well as difficult. She was sensitive to words or touch, took things the wrong way, was constantly apologizing when there was no need. Everyone of these things, she'd noticed over time but was unable to put a stop to them.

"I've always found it difficult to talk and relate to people," she plowed on. "It's only gotten worse since all of this happened. I just can't trust any one of them like I had before..."

She gave a simple shrug of her shoulders. "Than again, maybe that's the problem."

Layla at least gave herself credit for being self aware of these issues.

----[x]----

He chuckled a bit as she continued to jest with him. It at least lightened the mood, kept their minds off of other things. A lot of people had taken up unhealthy routes to deal with the stress. Blaire and Benga had never needed to do as such, though, they had not lost as much either.

They still had each other, despite not admitting that fact out loud.

At her question, he paused a little, frowning. He hadn't thought of that. Neither had in fact. Why she thought of it now was both a little odd but possibility for the best as well.

"That's actually a good question..." He responded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Unless they figure somethings backed up, we'd be a tad out of luck if they started poking around..."

He tried to mull over it silently, gnawing at the inside of his mouth. This could prove to be a problem, especially knowing that this building was not small like the others. There would be more members able to pin point the issue and discover them.

"What if we create a diversion toward the other end of the building?" He suggested. "An explosion, something. I could sneak in through one entrance and you could slip in through other another given, slipping around those responding toward the diversion?"

It was merely a suggestion. Genesis would be quick to react if they believed they were being attacked, after all.If they took to two or three areas even, creating diversions, they wouldn't know what to do with themselves until they had slipped some of the captives out and left themselves.

"That's all in theory, though." He added after a few moments.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:18 am

Dragonair relished in the silence. Many were out of the halls, either in offices, training, or in lounge rooms. Some may have wandered out into the city as well for various reasons. When Layla broke that silence, her voice low but just enough for Dragonair to hear, she listened raptly.

Several times Dragonair's head tilted to the side, curious of the woman. She wanted to trust Lance? That was good! Dragonair felt many had no reason to distrust Lance. He had Pokemon's benefits and well-being in mind, after all. That was certainly important!

Reassuringly Dragonair nudged her hand, calling out to the young woman. She must have felt alone here, with no one to turn to. With Lance it was at least a start but it could only do so much.

Dragonair certainly hoped Layla wouldn't feel that way anymore as the time passed.

----[x]----

Blaire was grateful for Benga being at her side in times like this. If she hadn't had him to bounce jokes and taunts off of in stressful times she felt she might not have been able to combat depression as she had. Even at times, with nothing to distract her, it crept up on her, souring her mood until Benga came along with something new to say or do.

She liked to think that she was just as important to Benga, even though neither ever mentioned it out loud.

Still, despite all that, they knew when to take it seriously. This problem that had come up definitely qualified.

Mulling over the idea he put forth she didn't see the harm in it. They had no explosives, rebels had very little to work with other than stolen goods, their own abilities and their Pokemon. They'd have to rely on their Pokemon for something like that though she felt Benga was already well aware of that.

"Sounds reasonable. It would leave them in a panic as well, at least a majority of them, leaving openings and mistakes for us to use against them."

It was quiet again. A flock of Zubat fluttering through the tunnels could be heard. Their wings flapping swiftly could be heard, echoing about, as well as their high-pitched screeches.

"We'll have to use Shiva and Latias for the diversions. If they stay close they should be fine until we need to regroup."

Still, it was risky. But it was as Benga had said earlier, it wasn't as if they hadn't done risky things in the past. Blaire just hopped this risk wouldn't end up worse than any of the others.

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:43 am

Layla smiled down at Dragonair. She seemed rather pleased with the confessions though, Layla could only assume. It wasn't like she could understand Pokemon. There were days she desperately wished that was a possibility however.

"I just don't want to get hurt anymore," She managed to finish off, stroking the Dragonair's scales.

It was that pain that sent her into a panic, those who would willingly attempt to harm her. She'd never been one for aggression in the past, despite the rumors. When she openly protested, it was only because she believed the other party to be wrong.

"I was never as rebellious as everyone seems to believe," she continued. "I only did what I had to to protect my Pokemon and myself."

She sighed slightly, glancing out the window. The sun had long since set. Layla had little inkling of what time it actually was. She was a little wary but didn't voice it for the moment. Pouring out her feelings, she found, was actually helping.

----[x]----

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to see how it all works out in the end," He jested back.

It wouldn't be long before they launched their attack. Within the next day, provided they set up things correctly and their diversions would work out. It would be a waiting game in the end. The day would drag on, both of them anxious and unsure of what to expect until it actually happened.

This was how it always was and he expected the same every time.

Even having a straight forward plan, they both knew it could go desperately wrong. He simply hoped that wouldn't be the case, as always. They often times were able to slip through these things with minor injuries at best.

It was hard to tell when that track record would change, however.

"Wish we knew the time," he broke the brief silence. "Hard to tell when everything's so dark."

The least they needed to manage was some rest. He might have napped through the day but that didn't mean either would be prepared with minor sleep. It could prevent a major slip up in the end.

"How far off do you think we are?"

Subject: Re: [PKMN Rp] Bring us Home [OPEN] Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:56 am

A long trill left Dragonair at Layla's words. No one wanted to be hurt, it was how it was in the world. It wasn't a surprise that she felt that way though Dragonair wished it wasn't so.

Dragonair would have to relay Layla's feelings back to Lance later, when things had settled down. He would be interested in knowing these things and with it would perhaps help Layla long in healing. He had a knack for that, after all, even if he had closed himself off from his own kind.

Outside the windows the sun was setting. Darkness was settling in over Kanto and the night life in the city would be rising. Thugs and their Pokemon were more likely to come out around this time. Even some Hoothoot and Noctowl that had migrated from Johto were waking for the night.

The dragon Pokemon hoped that nothing bad would happen throughout the night. Layla seemed as if she needed a night of calm.

----[x]----

"I hate waiting about," Blaire grumbled, huffing a little afterwards. She had never been one of the most patient people on the planet, after all.

At Benga's question Blaire really studied the map, attempting to gauge how much distance they would have to travel still. She had never been good at judging distances. She had no eye for it.

"There's a few more turns and we should reach a ladder to take us up street-level," she answered after a moment of failing to discern how many miles it was. She liked to think it wasn't more than two but she could be wrong.

"You know how I am with these things," muttered Blaire again. She turned them down another pathway, the map turning in her hands to mark this. "I can't figure out six inches without a ruler what makes you think I'll be able to determine how many inches on this map is how many miles?"

Though she was complaining about it, it would at least continue to keep them occupied. Silence stretched time out longer it seemed. Filling it up with conversation would hopefully make the trek seem shorter.