The lie would've been in the fact that everything was alright. truthfully in all time spent isolated by the rest of the world, alex was uneasy by the true nature of what surrounded them.

slateport is festered by rocket like pesky insects. there is no recuperation in their violent presence.

this is what they have sought since the beginning. control over the weak and a change for the "better". the voice of stone shifts him from that regard. he smiles ever-so softly.

"unfortunately not but...i'm pretty sure i've recognized these parts enough to at least get them out safely." being a quick learner certainly had its perks in their daunting situation. three companions kept contained in their red capsules were not currently present.

it was best not to gather any attention after all. later they would come in handy. for now alex keeps pace with the other gym leader and a distant friend. watchful for potential danger.

ALEXANDER STONE

amber settles onto the motion of the present pokemon, watching it scribble distinct lines into the loose earth. fifteen, he thinks, listening to stone speak before a question is poised. the hum resounds through his lips, mulling over the general idea before it has already been spoken. alex nods his head. 

"i was thinking that," pausing to examine the tall structure,  there isn't exactly a given to the nature of who is inside. "it might be better to get a closer look." risky, but, well worth the audacity if those within were truly in need of help. 

the large beast is withdrawn from the safety of her capsule, gathering her surroundings quickly enough not to misjudge. two flickering ears and bright blue eyes cast momentarily to the other pair. "i'll let you lead the way." alex trusted stone just a little bit more in this situation. following in the eventual movement.

ALEXANDER STONE

he does not like the idea yet it still lingers close by. 

persistent and clear like the residue of a reminder engraved into his very mind. no matter how much he sought a way around it; the same thought came back.

surprisingly the inside is much quieter. he anticipates loitering grunts of rocket ready to lunge at the next unexpected guest. however there is nothing.

iz feels the itch of a premonition in the scents which reach her poised nose. yes there are people above but are they all truly good? he shares a glance with his companion, recognizing the concern.  

"it might be our best option." alex says, doubting that notion simply on the fact the risk was involved. then again just some things needed that risk. absolute and aimlessly idiocy in these types of missions was not the context of such. 

the pair were smarter than that. 

"if it's not just captives up there, we need a signal before going in," he looks towards the beast, "i can have her howl, loud enough it would prove as a distraction and at least give you and gallade a chance to move within." those warm eyes glimpse towards stone, smiling as always, "it's better than nothing." if the other agreed, they'd move out. 

ALEXANDER STONE

sure enough — the caution had been justified.

bound innocents are huddled together on the dirty floor. the few moving rocket grunts standing aimlessly; muttering to themselves in the bore. surely not finding enjoyment in their current situation.

'but work was work.'

the sickening feeling of hearing those words, someplace before in another time, have him lost in thought. iz prodding her snout gently into his rib cage ensure that the daze does not last very long.

alex catches stone on the other end before facing his companion. she repeats the swords dance shortly after the other before letting out an intense howl. within the captives and the grunts jolt in startle, staring towards the nearby door.

'did a wild one get in?' he overhears one of them say, shuffling movement coming closer. the worn structure shrills against the floors as one man peeks out, two curiously loitering behind him. 

"crunch!" alex shouts, iz jerking forward. her fangs come into display and with no room for reaction, sink into the leg of the unsuspecting grunt. she yanks on the man, forcing him to slip downwards as her terrifying grasp resounds a distinct crack!

clearly a bone had been broken.

ALEXANDER STONE

gunfire clamors. feeble shells descending against the cement flooring in a deafening repetition. the threat of being subdued by simple weaponry has his nerves rattled in a state of sudden adrenaline.  

iz rears backwards, her finely lush coat smeared by the slightest of blood. the frantic pair are throttled backwards by the might of an iron tail and she takes quick regard of gallade in the opening. 

"crush the gun!" he shouts, the beast snagged by the sliver of a counter before her teeth sink into the metal. breaking into the object alongside the entangled hand. her left ear rings, all sound drowned out by the blast before throttling the rocket into the ground with a bitter growl. 

thankfully — her swiftness had been their relief.

alex approaches his companion, taking note of the tear in her face. she was lucky, he thinks, relieved though slightly burdened for placing her in this situation. one gentle hand offers a momentary pat. 

"thank you," just as quickly, he rotates towards the captives, "we need to hurry," alex says to stone, supporting one dreary individual upon their feet, "if that gunfire was not a clear enough sign for trouble...i'm not sure what would bring them here." while the continuation is hasty, the guard for their well being glares down the still conscious threat. empty handed and groveling in pain. 

he begins moving — assuming the other will follow. 

ALEXANDER STONE

they move quickly. steady in those that have not shifted for some time. hindered by weakened joints and the fatigue of no food or water. rocket had but offered them scraps. nothing more — nothing less.

reaching the outside is only a fragment of relief. he stops for a moment, glimpsing over the group before the voice of stone urges him to continue forward. 

a simple nod and he leads the rest through the shadowy route they had taken prior to entering the building. iz creeps behind with the opposing gym leader, her instinct for protecting the group just as great as his own. the lining of the fence reaches forth.

it is a slight gap that leads into the outskirts of slateport city — tall lush trees standing on the other end offer them further shelter for the time being. 

he steps to the side. two hands firmly tug on the torn side, allowing the opening to widen just a bit more. "this way," he says, gesturing for the innocents to hurry through, "watch your head." the civility of advice slips by his lips. curled into a gentle smile.

ALEXANDER STONE