[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]The silence is comfortable. It is not like the maddening, bone-crushing void of solitary. Around him there is life. A Zubat flitting between crystal formations above. The steady breathing of the assassin beside him. And, of course, the antics of Natsu as he stumbles through the cavern. His thoughts are mostly taken up by the alien landscape around him.
[break][break]
Fortunately, the group scattered before the thing could crush them beneath its feet. As the dust cleared, the air around them crackled with ozone. It glimmered silver—gold accents standing out in this land of crystals. The Metagross’s arms were disconnected from its main body. These floating appendages provided it a swarm with which to hold its position. In the distance, you could make out the research camp beyond it. Intelligent eyes stared down the assortment of people before it.
[break][break]

“Hold.” A device on it buzzed. The Metagross’s mouth closed with an annoyed snap. It didn’t trust these interlopers. They did not wear insignia, and they smelt of sweat and dirt, not the camp behind him. Though the people before it were masked, the trainer knew many on their side were the same. Beyond it, one could see the boundaries of a camp. The man behind the speaker spoke again, obviously reluctant to attack unprovoked. “State your business.” The tension could be cut with a knife. Kazuya swept an arm back toward Natsu.
[break][break]

The bear was ready to pounce. But, when asked, he drew up short. Would Ryker do the same?

IjZW|7wW
[break][break]
NOTES[break]
Down into the deep, deep, deep, deep hole!

[attr="class","kazu3"][attr="class","rouxcredit"]♠

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[attr="class","kazu2"]The poisonous sludge washes over the fox and her companion. Though it splatters the Genesect’s exoskeleton, it cannot penetrate the steel. Instead, it falls harmlessly to the ground below. “Good,” Kazuya murmurs into his mask. This rare bit of praise helps lift the Wooper’s spirits.
[break][break]
Or, at least, it does until the human insults her. “Woop?” Big, vacant eyes turned to its trainer. She didn’t want to be dirty. The ground type wanted to be a hero! “You are fine, Misa. Continue.” Not as certain as before, the tinny water-type stared down the incoming fire attack. ”They struck first.” Its tiny legs weren’t made to dodge. As the heat grew, he made a slashing gesture. “Cut the blow!” Her tail coated itself in water as it burst into steam, the Aqua Tail aiming to slap the Braixen aside.
[break][break]

A large hand grabbed Mint’s shoulder, aiming to steady him. Knowing Misa would not act unless prompted, his thin lips pressed into an even thinner line. Is the cavern unstable? As if to answer his question, the ground rolled beneath him again. He needed to end this quickly. Any further fighting could bring the entire place down on their heads. Allegiances did not matter when both sides were dead.
[break][break]

Thus a simple bit of bait and switch. Though he would not hurt the boy, League officials were quick to assume no sin outside of Rocket’s purview. He’d use that blind devotion to his advantage. Just like the League did.

Just as he reached the boy, an ostrich appeared before him. “Hm.” Golden eyes narrowed to slits as he plucked a Pokeball from his belt. It dropped to the ground. From it emerged another tiny Pokemon—an electric squirrel that barely reached his ankles.
[break][break]

Two fingers curved inward in a gesture for attack. “Do you even know what you're fighting for?” Cheeks sparking, the flying rodent launched itself at the Espathra in a Nuzzle.

VwsBOBRw
[break][break]
NOTES[break]
Everybody was Pokemon fighting!

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[attr="class","kazu2"]Beneath him, the stool looks like doll furniture. A small push from his foot sent it lazily spinning in Eddy’s direction. Nothing creaked or bent, so the conversation could continue unimpeded. From his new angle, he could watch the snow idly fall. “Let me be the first to welcome you then.” Though digital, the voice manages to convey warmth. Computers could do some cool stuff these days.
[break][break]
It was nice to talk to somebody without them shrinking in fear. It probably helped that both of them were built like brick houses. “Kazuya.” A clink followed as the mercenary set his cup on the counter. The older man murmured. “Friends call me Kazu.” [break][break]


Whether this man considered him a friend was completely up to him. A hand was extended into the air between them, ready to shake. “And truer words were never spoken, my friend.” When he was in that pit it wasn’t the cheering and fans he thought about. It was Yuletide dinners and quiet nights like this. Friends sitting beside you and the only war was over what came next on the jukebox.
[break][break]

At the talk of drinks, golden eyes slid to his own. While he used to be a hard liquor guy, Kazuya never managed to acquire the taste. Honestly, he figured people just pretended to enjoy the stuff. Now that he was out, he was damned if he’d waste time drinking rubbing alcohol. “Bertie calls it Sapphire Alpine.” A finger traced the edge of the glass as he contemplated its flavors. “It's pretty peachy."
[break][break]

The berry name came out garbled. Apparently, he didn’t talk much about fruits on the circuit. Too busy threatening to beat people’s asses, he supposed.

The bigger man nodded toward the other glass. Sure, it was clear, but lots of alcohol was. But did this guy prefer gin or tequila?

[attr="class","kazu3"][attr="class","rouxcredit"]♠

[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]If he closed his eyes, Kazuya could almost remember the sensation of snow on his tongue. The way even his younger self stared out at his first snowstorm in a child-like daze almost sprang to mind. But there was a lot of trauma between then and now. It sanded those bright spots to monochrome grey. “They may keep it.” That region needed some claim to fame.
[break][break]
At the offer, Kazuya shook his head. His scarf shifted to reveal a bright line across his throat. “I appreciate the offer.” From here, he could watch the sea just fine. A pink dot appeared on the horizon before vanishing beneath the water. A small school of Corsola in search of a safe, poison-free place to rest? “But another Pokemon will not replace him, and it’d be wrong of me to try.” He planned to get his friend back, by any means necessary.
[break][break]

At the talk of Sokolov Investigations, the silver-haired man laughs. “Hah! That old hound?” He’d written to him in prison before communications were cut off. Those letters were ignored. No detective rushed to his rescue. These so-called bastions of justice were content to turn a blind eye, just like everyone else. "Doubt it’s interesting enough for him." A Cramorant’s silhouette dapples the man’s face in shadow. “I will just have to hope fate is kind.” Or, at least, it had been kind to them.
[break][break]

The Wooper’s excitement ended with a dizzy spell. With a noise of delight, it falls on its paddled tail. It turns to Kazuya and grins, revealing a toothless void of a mouth. "Wooooop!" Her trainer’s indulgent gaze slips back to the lion. “You must have quite the space.” After a moment of struggling, the water-ground type stumbled back to its feet.

NOTES
SKIPPING

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[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]The state of his partner coaxed a concerned frown from the mute man. What has happened here? While he is no stranger to pain, it is the first time he’s been partnered with someone in such a state. “Hm.” With a frown, he immediately undoes his windbreaker. He offers it to Xenon with an insistent push. While it would not heal her injuries, the jacket might provide some protection against further scratches.
[break][break]
Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do for the woman’s stalwart companions. To each of them, he offers a single, respectful nod. Whether the jacket is taken or not, he will listen to her in typical silence. Golden eyes slid toward the target location. After a momentary hesitation, Kazuya ‘speaks’. His lips, however, are pressed into a tight frown. “It is a DRK Triad base.” As something he never said in real life, the acronym is stilted and static. He does not know much of these people, only that they stood against his allegiance.
[break][break]
Then, the young woman eradicates his first impression. She is not some tired, limping young lady. It is a predator who displays those scars with pride. A person who fought through hell itself to stand before this place. Perhaps a bit of a fanatic who hungered for blood as much as the creatures beside her.
[break][break]
There are many questions he wishes to ask. Perhaps to clarify the circumstances of this young woman’s stance. Had these people destroyed her homeland? Committed some unspeakable act? Instead, he settles for a single, powerful question. “Why?” There were ways to neutralize enemies without spilling blood. That sort of indiscriminate slaughter only served to extend the cycle of violence.
[break][break]
Beside him, even the normally gregarious Bewear looks unnerved. The pair share a wordless glance as Kazuya rearranges the pack upon his back.

[attr="class","notes"]NOTES[break]
Xenon Antheil

[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]The white-haired man offers a nod of greeting. An oversized hand lifts in a gentle wave. “I do not.” After years of being alone, there is something peaceful about human company. Even an irritable, nasty rat is superior to days locked alone. “It is not my island.” They had come for the same reason, after all. And, he has no intention of putting a flag in the sand.
[break][break]
After a moment, Kazuya lowers himself into the sand. He stirs the warm soil with one hand, savoring the way it runs through his fingers. Not too long ago, he thought he would die never touching grass again. Now, he could recline on the beach as he chose. “You are a long way from civilization,” Kazuya observed with an easygoing smile.
[break][break]
Tracing the outlines of a buried shell, the mercenary takes a moment to just enjoy. When done, he tosses the little shell aside. To his surprise, a figure bursts from the trees to dive upon it, as if it was a tennis ball. A hand dropped to his knife, expecting a threat. Instead, he saw a bag of bones with a dog’s head. “Hm.” His lips press tightly together as he feels his hand clench. It appears that someone had come here and forgot their dog.
[break][break]
Reaching into his pocket, Kazuya offers the only snack he has on hand. The little piece of jerky draws the dog in.


NOTES
Catching Bolthund

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[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]The white-haired man’s laugh sounds like the real deal mixed with status. “Born and raised.” It shocked him how much younger him had shunned the place. The kindling work seen as some relic of a bygone era. All he wanted was something else. Which honestly was kind of the whole damned point of the human condition. “Take it you aren’t?” The guy seemed too used to cold for that. Probably hailed from somewhere left of Kyurem’s frozen arsehole.
[break][break]
As the little device began to move, Kazuya peered down at it. Though he had zero idea why he bothered. It wasn’t like he knew how to read them. A lot of his friends joked that they were shocked he could read at all. Which was ironic since jail had turned him into a poetry and literature nut. After a moment of trying to decipher something the mercenary turned away with a shrug. Natsu didn’t wait as long. This human stuff wasn’t fun—he couldn’t punch it.
[break][break]
The little man reminded him of a Shinx for some reason. Fluffy and at home in the cold, full of vim and vigor. He was also tiny. It made him want to pat his head. “No problem.” At the comment, Kazuya laughed. But he took the futility of what they did in stride. “Haha! It took all that equipment to tell you that?” He’d have just stuck his tongue out and tasted the stuff. If he had one, anyway.
[break][break]
And, just like that, it was time to play muscle. “Natsu! Go.” The Bewear’s flat expression lit up as he jogged clumsily toward the nearest line. With a look at his trainer—hoping to impress—he got to work. Left hook! Right hook! Oh, man, he was kicking that one. Amused by the young bear’s actions, Kazuya took a moment to answer Mint. “I’m fine.” Even if his fingers ached and tingled. “It’s better to get it over with.”
[break][break]
Squaring his shoulders, he went to work on the line opposite. His muscles punched as a large piece snapped off with a crack. “Hopefully, we get something out of all—” His left hand swept at the landscape before him as he approached the next chunk. “---this.” Honestly, this job wasn’t bad. At least he wasn’t killing anybody.
[break][break]

NOTES
Character evolution and shifting may be happening.

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[attr="class","kazu2"]
Thud! Kaz’s fist sinks into the fighting type’s gut. “!!” Beneath all that fur is a wall of pure, solid muscle. A grunt follows as the bear’s foot slides a few inches back. His head tilted as Natsu stared down at the hand at his side. It’d stung a little.
[break][break]
The Bewear grinned, revealing a row of needle-like teeth. That docile expression vanishes as he takes a step forward. Satisfied this guy wasn’t some pansy, the bear shoved back. Notably, he kept his claws to himself, the blunt digits curled inward to avoid injuring the weirdo in front of him. But there was no holding back as he dug his feet in and attempted to push the vigilante out of the imaginary ring.
[break][break]

If he is injured, it is his fault. Kazuya reminds himself as the other pair crash into one another like mad bulls. The Urshifu’s gesture draws a singular nod. But, unlike Kazimir, Kazuya does not immediately charge. Once upon a time, he might have. Hell, he might have even gone right for the bear’s eyes. Instead, the man prowls around the other like a tiger. He is appraising the Pokemon, noting its musculature and the way it stands. It was truly a beautiful creature. “Hm,” There is a nod an instant before the white-haired man charges.
[break][break]

As he moves to wrap muscular arms around the fighting type’s waist, one leg tries to sweep the mythical off its feet. In doing so, Kazuya aims to bring it crashing down over his head.

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[attr="class","kazu2"]The admission receives a warm rumble of assent. He knows he is the same with his daughters. “It means he cares.” The device at his side broadcasts as the white-haired man smiles to himself. Though inconvenient, such behavior could be harnessed in a way that made it useful. That urge to protect was far more motivating than blows and stones to many. Feeling a bit left out by the conversation—wondering if hs lack of reaction means he doesn’t care—Natsu turns to give the Joltik a parting glare.
[break][break]
Kazuya shakes his head and laughs. Or, at least, his mouth opens as if to do so. The bear’s youth and inexperience are charming in many ways. Though the same cannot be said of battle. This moment of levity makes his crossing a modicum easier. A reminder that light still existed in tight, dark places such as these. As he catches his breath, golden eyes lift to meet Ryker’s gaze. His hands still shake like leaves in a storm.
[break][break]

This young man had a stick up his as, and it’s not the fun kind. The soft smile he tosses Ryker’s way is humoring. One punctuated by a failed attempt to lick his lips. That is an easy to conclusion to reach. “I plan to.” The sound of a distant cry draws up a brow. But any wondering ends as his Bewear stiffens beside him. “Natsu?” A few pebbles skitter from somewhere above, shards of crystals brushing the ground.
[break][break]

“Move!” Kazuya shouts as he shoves Ryker out of the way just as somethign far bigger and darker than a Joltik drops on them from above.

K3foBFF4
[break][break]
NOTES[break]
Down into the deep, deep, deep, deep hole!

[attr="class","kazu3"][attr="class","rouxcredit"]♠

[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]“It will not take much!” In truth, returning to this world after so long away was not so different from one of the invaders below. In his time under key, flip phones had become smart ones. Cable had been replaced with streaming. And, his daughters—barely babies—were now young ladies. So, the sudden incursion of strange mechanical gods and monstrosities from the past did not shock him as they might others.
[break][break]

It was a gorgeous place. The crystals cast the entire area in a kaleidoscope of colors. Even the puddle was glittering with unseen minerals. “Iron Leaves?”
[break][break]

Content to allow the young woman to go first, Kazuya fell into line behind her. It takes him a moment to realize he’s unaccompanied. “?” His Bewear still stood at the edge of the crevasse. His blunt claws worried at the chandelier that’d sprouted upon his hair. Kazuya’s laugh echoes through the cavern. “Come now, Natsu!” With a slow blink of befuddlement, the bear moves to do as asked. His off-center gait draws a smile to his trainer’s face.
[break][break]

Dropping his paw from his crystal hat for a moment, the bear waves farewell to the Espathra.
[break][break]

Each of the mercenary’s steps leaves behind a pinkish glow. This he soon ignores, deciding it is a boon in this labyrinthine place. At the discussion, Kazuya turns introspective. “Maybe their needs are different?” Creatures lived where they felt comfortable. For some that was a cave. For others, the darkness of unfathomable seas.[break][break]


Maybe these aliens relied on these crystals to live?

[attr="class","notes"]NOTES[break]
ameena abadi

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[attr="class","kazu2"]Leaving the sickly tree behind, Kazuya continues his exploration of the forest. Occasionally, the mercenary just pauses, eager to enjoy the warmth of a fresh breeze. Above them, small bird Pokemon flit from branch to branch. Occasionally, a nut or seed finds its way to the ground beside them. These little piles Kazuya avoids.
[break][break]
The ground beneath them inclines as they step off the more worn parts of the path. At the divergence, an old marker sits. Its service is snugly wrapped in vines and vegetation. A little bug crawls slowly across its worn metal top. After shifting the bug out of the way, Kazuya grabs one of the stubborn vines and pulls. With a ri, the vines give up their tenuous post. They drop to the ground as the mercenary wipes his hands free. Now, a few numbers can be read. Hopefully, it’ll keep some poor souls from getting lost.
[break][break]
Soon after taking this path, a movement in the trees catches the ex-Champion’s eyes. The Ledian turns to face them, its little fists poised for combat. Kazuya’s lips twist into an eager grin. His bear takes a step forward. “Hey!” The device calls out into the trees. Dark eyes meet beady ones as the trio scrutinize one another. “Whaddaya say to a battle?” His lips peel back to expose bright teeth.
[break][break]
Its wings buzz like an angry hornet. The trainer gestures him forward. Let’s go. The Double Edge slams into the Bewear like a freight train, his fur and bulk deadening the damage as the insect bounces back. A punch of sparks follows as the pair begin a fast-paced dance. It ends with the Ledian lying on the forest floor, its inscrutable eyes showing nothing but injured pride. “You lost, friend.” A red-white ball appears in Kazuya's hand and rolls toward the bug-lying type. “But you tried.”
[break][break]
But now the piper had to be paid. Its fist brushed the Pokeball, and the Ledian disappeared from view.

[attr="class","kazu1"]

[attr="class","kazu2"]The older man flashed a nostalgic smile. Not that long ago, he would have said the same. But he hadn’t been. Not by a long shot. “That is a lofty assertion,” Kazuya’s voice modulator cautioned the younger man. But he did not offer any other form of correction. Some lessons were best learned through pain. Content to follow, the mercenary trailed a yard or two behind Ryker. His Bewear, meanwhile, took point—occasionally circling back to hop excitedly in front of them. [break][break]

At the Spnarak’s intrusion, Kazuya couldn’t stop a snort. Though amused, he did stiffen as the Charizard turned its ire upon the bug. Muscular hands curled into fists as the dragon shifted, Dancing ahead—seemingly unbothered by the dim lighting—Natsu did not notice the tension. Fortunately, Ryker’s call to stand down was heeded. “Mm.” The mercenary’s steps stalled as he lifted his eyes to ensure the arachnid made it safely into the canopy above.[break][break]


As they pushed through the final hurdle, Kazuya found himself boxed in on all sides. Two stone walls squeezed him tight as he tried to will his frame through the small tunnel. Rough rock scraped muscular arms as his mask was pushed up his nose. Normally calm breaths turned frantic as the world turned black. Suddenly, this was not a chasm but a cell--one where he could never fully stand or stretch out. “Nngh!” With a gasp, a plate-sized hand managed to find the edge of the tunnel.[break][break]


With a heave, the mercenary pulled himself from his claustrophobic nightmare. As he caught his breath, Kazuya locked his eyes on the research station. His face ran with fear and sweat. His mask was still twisted off to one side, as if someone had snapped the neck of the Shiftry it portrayed. Gold eyes flicked up to the station before them. “It’s quiet.” Kazuya finally managed to gasp between clenched teeth.. Too quiet. [break]

dfzJlbOp
[break][break]
NOTES[break]
Down into the deep, deep, deep, deep hole!

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