Nimbasa City

The Scrafty's silence spoke volumes to Crimson and he shrugged in response.

"Not much of a talker, eh?" he grinned softly, "I get that. Or if you're not in the mood, I get that too."

Just then, the eyes of everyone turned to the sudden change of picture on the TV, broadcasting some Breaking News. The Chimchar's eyes turned with them and saw the queen, presenting herself in front of the people for the first time. Not a single murmur ripped through the crowd of people, a dead silence enveloping everyone as she gave her speech, a callous display of power and capability, but also...a promise to her subjects.

"Hmm," he hummed thoughtfully as he glanced towards the onlookers. Most of the people were confused and frightened, from what he could tell. Queen Melaine's terrifying rise into power had certainly done a number on so many of them. But it was the contradiction of words and body language that had many turning their heads, trying to comprehend what she was saying. But they continued to watch as the speech turned into a spectacle, setting the stage for an arena fight between her and the six powerful trainers she had spoken about.

"Welp. I'm gonna go and watch...maybe learn a thing or two on how to deal with this queen," Crimson stood up and gave the Scrafty a passing stare before walking towards one of the monitors broadcasting the fight, "Feel free to join me if ya want."

With that, he sat down and started studying, analyzing moves being presented on screen. While this Diancie's brash and stubborn nature seemed reliable enough, he wasn't sure if she would ever display her abilities again. So, he'd take the opportunity to learn.

Having been mostly dismissive of the small Chimp Pokemon, the Scrafy finally responded.

You know the words she speaks are empty. But many here... They will buy it. Scared people need someone to turn to, no matter who that is. But you know that already, don't you?

Looking up to the screen, he watched the fight occurring, watching as the Diancie began using its array of powers.

She's one of those? That ain't good. Not one bit. That'll make what I need to do a whole lot harder.

He had to admit...watching the torture on screen was proving difficult. As audible gasps of shock and horror emanated from the others in the room, Crimson's eyes narrowed and his temper flared slightly. The Scrafty would feel a little extra heat radiating from him. If he was keen enough, he would actually feel a strong aura hiding underneath it.

But with closed eyes, a smooth inhale, and a barely audible exhale, the heat died down and the Chimchar took his casual demeanor once more. He did recall one important detail out of that initial exchange, however.

"She knows Wonder Guard," he pointed out to the Scrafty, gesturing towards the screen, "Didja see those tiny particles that flew through the air after that Lucario's Aura Sphere disappeared? That only happens if you don't use a super strong move against a Shedinja. They have it, too. Watch for it on the next attack."

He couldn't bring up Wonder Guard knowledge without recalling his battle against Obelisk, the Shedinja that proved to be a tiny terror for the Isle Defenders a few years back. While he wasn't a Psychic Rebellion associate, he definitely had his own brutal lifestyle and wasn't letting anyone control him. And so talks turned to blows and Crimson learned the lesson of Wonder Guard the hard way. He had Tag and Maya to thank for ending up victorious in that little skirmish.

"So..." he tapped his knee as he turned towards the Scrafty, recalling his last comment, "What's your plan then, Mr...?"

Tommelise Leef has left the area, heading south into Castelia City.

But he got no response. The Scrafty was either too transfixed on the fight to talk or simply didn't want to talk to him. That was fine, Crimson decided. He wasn't about making enemies unless they pronounced themselves as the enemy first. More specifically, he didn't want to appear annoying. With a dismissive shrug, his attention turned back to the fight.

The battle raged on and as he watched, he learned more and more about the Diancie. The effect of the weather around them that slowly wore down on the competitors, both physically and mentally. The ineffective use of Status Conditions that seemed to reflect off her and back towards the one who cast it. The high-power attacks she dished out in return. She had no real defensive capabilities herself, but given her conditions, she didn't really need to pour her efforts into defense. Whatever Dr. Nendal had done to her, she could now wipe out most Pokemon before a single one could land a significant hit on her. But she wasn't unstoppable. She had weak points. She could be defeated.

And as he was figuring this out, an idea began to hatch in his mind. One that was a bit crazy, even for his taste. But if all went well and he could do what he needed to, he could tie up several loose ends along the way. He just needed to put on his biggest Zane impression.

A cold shiver went down his spine at the thought of that. He was not Zane. He would never be.

But he grinned in a friendly manner as he gave a wave to the Scrafty, "Well, be seeing ya, I guess."

He glanced one more time towards the screen. A Lucario and it's Trainer were just stepping into the fray, beginning their first attack. From what he could glean, this was the last line of defense. He had to hurry.

He bolted out the front door of the Pokemon Center, sprinting through one of the alleyways of Nimbasa, and ran for the desert. He was very careful to avoid the detection of the patrolling minions, catching their view before they could his and either letting them go past or moving past them before they could spot him. When he entered the outskirts and stood on the sand of the desert, he shifted into his Electric Form and burst forward, running towards Nimbasa City. His Electric Form was faster and he needed all the speed he could get. He wished he had the Power Boots to make him even faster, but he reckoned Tag needed them more. For that matter, he wished he had brought along the Power Bat. That would make his task ahead a lot easier.

But those were fleeting thoughts as the real concerning issue pressed in the forefront of his mind: How long could that Lucario hold out for?

The Scrafty smiled.

Sorry. I can't share my plans yet. But take care little dude. Don't do anything troublesome.

Kasumi Ambroise arrives, coming from Unova.

Kasumi Ambroise descends into Castelia City.

Jennifer Harsdorff has arrived, coming from Unova Route 4.

Jennifer Harsdorff ascends towards Unova.

STOMP STOMP STOMP

A Tyrantrum stomped through the streets. A young man lying on its back, looking up. He seemed bored.

"Tsk. Figures all the damn gyms are shut down. James probably left already too. Man, this shit is boring... Hey, Ty, think you can speed it up a little? The faster we get home, the quicker we can go swat that fly, Claire."

The Tyrantrum nodded and breathed harshly through its nostrils before moving faster.

Thumb vanishes into nothingness, but you get the feeling they are heading somewhere else.

Emile Fourneaux has arrived, coming from Unova Route 4.

Emile Fourneaux has left the area, heading south into Unova Route 4.

Emile Fourneaux has arrived, coming from Unova Route 4.

Emile Fourneaux has left the area, heading south into Unova Route 4.