Verse and the Sand Five's Story

Snorting as he sees the Adam human, Bic abandons the charade of weakness. Coming to stand as he moves towards his cage door. Waiting impatiently for him to let him out. Letting his flame return to its full strength. This was what he'd been waiting for. Being let out of this cage. Let loose on the people that had hurt his pack, the people that had imprisoned them.

"Soon, very soon."

Adam jammed the key in and turned it. Nothing happened. Another turn. Nothing. "Shoot. Verse, can you go up ahead? There's more keys in the security desk. You can't miss it." With a nod, the Sandslash darted down the corridor on all fours, leaving Adam and Bic alone in the dark. Adam swallowed heavily.

"There is no other key," he said to Bic, "And the guards are gonna find us soon. We don't have time to figure out how to break this cage is open. But there's another way out." Adam's hand reached into his pocket and withdrew a small ball, half red, half white, with a button on the front. He placed it between the bars at the edge of the cage. "I'm not a trainer. I've never had a pokemon in my life. And I'm not about to leave you behind because I'm not going to have a second chance at this," teenage angst was starting to creep into his throat, "So if you don't get in the ball, we're all screwed, and it'll be your fault."

Grunting in displeasure as the key doesn't work. Bic grumbles in irritation. Watching Verse run off to get more of the keys. He thinks to himself, why didn't you bring more keys with you? Swallowing thickly as the Adam Human lays it out for him. Ah, that's why. He thinks. Growling to himself as a sign of distress. Sweat forming beneath his scales as he looks at the ball. Thinking back on his own words. Slaves, enslaved, slavery. Growling angrily he swears. "Fuck." Slamming his tail against the cage to emphasize the curse. But it couldn't end like this. He wouldn't let it. He had to get revenge. He had to avenge Natasha. Looking Adam in the eyes. His own full of too many emotions to count. He grunts and slams his head against the ball. Letting himself be absorbed into the device.

A moment later he would be back out on the free side of the world, stared at by the beady black eyes of Verse in the darkness. Those eyes shifted from Bic to Adam almost as if asking 'what did you do', but without saying anything. Adam on the other hand reached for his Deagle, taking the firearm out and marching straight past. "Let's go," he said as he marched back for the entrance and towards a flight of stairs.

"What just happened?" Verse asked Bic.

"I made a choice." He tells Verse. Grunting as he shoulders past him. Stalking passed Adam as they move into the building proper. Loping up the stairs two at a time. He could smell the humans. It made his stomach growl. Humans aren't food? Hah, they smell like it. Grinning to himself he waits on the others to catch up. Ready to storm in and turn their world to ash. But no one could blame him if he grabbed a bite to eat on the way to the main course, could they.

Alexander Maycross was having a wonderful day. He stood up on a podium and addressed his staff with arms open and inviting.
"...Despite the massive losses Maycross Industries has suffered this year, we have still managed to turn a profit. Yes, that's right," he spoke with a charismatic grin, "Despite the loss of a rocket, the unfortunate weather station incident and other troubles, we still came out ahead. Think on that for a moment. You all made it happen. Thanks each and every one of you, we managed to make a space ship worth of profit!"

There was polite applause, some cheering, smiles all around.

"So enjoy yourself while I personally cook the first ten sausages."

It wasn't long before he was in his office, fetching some files from his computer for an employee at the luncheon and he just had to stop and stare out the window so he could appreciate the sun shining on the city. It was a beautiful day. Everything was going perfectly. Which was odd, because lately everything had been going quite horribly. And even if he thought it was about time luck rolled in his favour, he had to admit the timing of everything going right all at once was suspicious. His eyes flicked to the safe in the wall and he marched over to it. Deft fingers swung back and forth then tugged it open. The ball was still there, but that wasn't a comfort. He had to know. He had to see it for himself. He pushed the button. The ball sprang open in a mechanical fashion, but there was no bright light, no summoning, no... anything. And then his phone rang.

"What is it?" he snapped at the caller.
"Sir, the prisoners are escaping."
Teeth grit and he turned about, heading for the elevator. He knew where he would find them.



"The exits just ahead," Adam whispered as he stepped out into an old, dirt-floored pokemon battling arena on the ground floor of Maycross Industries. It was for entertainment purposes and the ground was to give Alexanders Dugtrio a native advantage. Across the way was a metal roller door, currently closed, with a green exit sign above it. But no sooner had they entered something begin to whir and move.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p09hhXbsB9c

A platform used to introduce the battling trainers descended from the ceiling, Alexander Maycross, CEO of Maycross Industries, standing atop it. "You destroyed my rocket. You trashed my helicopter. You attacked my convoy. And if I didn't know any better, I would suspect you were somehow responsible for the attack on the weather station. And now, finally, you walk into my trap."

"Your eco-terrorist 'Cause' ends here at the hand of league contender and rightful league champion, Alexander Maycross." The platform finally stopped and three pokeballs rolled from each sleeve into the gaps between his fingers, then dropped for the floor releasing his entire team, and in a flash he jumped down to join the six pokemon. Jolteon, Dugtrio, Ninjask, Weavile, Alakasam and Crobat. The fastest team ever formed.

"Surrender now, and I might show you mercy."

He smelled him long before he ever saw him. The human with the fast bastards he'd fought before. A battle here, when there was just the three of them. It wouldn't go well. He let the heat swell in his gut. Just like he and Natasha had practiced. The move took a bit to start up, to gather the energy for. For good reason. It was a monstrous thing that would probably be banned from any sensible tournament. As the heat builds inside his body he starts to shape, making it churn even before it leaves him. In the same way that he would shape a firespin, but on a much larger scale. He can feel it burning even himself with the heat. It started to hurt, he bends forward. Dropping to all fours as the human lowers himself releasing his pokemon and talking as if he owned the fucking world. It probably looked like he was sick. Far from it. He was beyond angry. And just as he orders them to surrender, Bic lurches forward, his throat expanding slightly as his maw opens a hellish light spilling out of his throat, and then the world knew fire. A firball lobs from him mouth. Shooting in an arc towards the enemy. Looking almost pathetic as it goes. And then it explodes a firespin big enough to fill the room erupts from the orb, turning quickly into a tornado of flame that moves towards the enemy. Natasha would be proud.

"FireStorm, Motherfuckers," Bic is moving after his words. Using his move as cover to get in close to the enemy. He wasn't pulling any punches. His speed already beginning to build as his flame surrounds him. He intended to gut the first pokemon he came across.

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Praeceps had a bad feeling. The boss had ordered them out. That wasn't unusual. They were his team after all. He did his best to look haughty as he looked down on their enemy. He could see Verse and he gives him a shrug: meaning, what can ya do? They were on different sides after all. It was hardly his fault who the humans decided to kill. The flame lizard looked sick that was good. He hated fire. But he quirks an eyebrow as he seems to wretch, the small ball of flames coming towards them. He laughs, gesturing, "What is that supposed to... oh shit." And then he didn't have time to do anything but move.

He didn't give a moments thought to the matter before he said, "Move!". He gestured for his Ninjask and Crobat and the two swooped around him, each grabbing a shoulder and hoisting him off to the side, then releasing to send the man into a roll back up to his feet far from the flames, ending up conveniently near the exit. Dugtrio had burrowed immediately and the Alakazam teleported, leaving only the Jolteon and Praeceps to make their own way around the massive attack. "If you can't run, Blizzard!" he shouted over the den of the flames.

But Adam had taken the initiative, breaking into a run and raising his gun, firing twice for Alexander and missing both shots. "Bic! Goggles on!" Verse snapped as he doubled over and dug his claws into the dirt and started tossing it into the air around them both, loosening the soil as much as he could before he started spinning and stirring it all up around him into a hasty sandstorm.

Not having to be told twice he slams the goggles down. Letting them block the dirt and silt thrown up by Verse. Bic surges forward into his own flames letting them strengthen him just like a nice sunny day would. He roars for the first time in forever. The sound primal and angry, meant to trigger the survival instinct of anyone who hears them. He moves towards where he could smell the little electric user that he had fought last time. A vicious grin on his face as he readies the metal across his body to get by its attacks. It would be the first. As he sees it he puts on a burst of speed. Running low to the ground intent on taking its feet out from under it and then pin it down as he savages it.

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Praeceps could do nothing but run. Using his icy breath to keep himself from being burned he scowls heavily as his fur is singed. Heading towards the boss. He wanted nothing to do with this insanity. He was an ice type for Arceus sake! Making it to the boss he whips around and tries to cull some of the flames with his Blizzard.

"Ninjask, the human," Alexander said as he turned his attention to a rush of wind as Bic made for the Jolteon, "Crobat, air slash!" He gestured a pointing finger towards Bic even through the sandstorm and the pokemon complied, charging into the midst of it to strike at Bic from the side. The Ninjask dove low and barreled into Adam's legs, sending him stumbling right up to Maycross who wrapped his own arm around Adam's to trap the gun.

With a sandstorm in full fling hiding Verse he decided to play interference, bowling straight into the Alakazam the moment its teleport ending and bouncing straight off of its bodies with a rake of hind-claws over its chest.

Bic hits the Jolteon like a sack of hammers. It smirked as he came into sight letting loose with a large bolt of lightning, Bic's metal claws meet it before it can hit him. The bolt arcing into his arms, running along the circuit that is his scales until, with a slap of tail against the floor he discharges the attack. It took a second, but the Jolteon is too stunned to react. He roars, causing it to start. And then its world is upside down as he rakes its legs out from under it, the strike so hard it is in the air for a moment. His claws hamstringing it as he goes, using his momentun to spin them both. Bic comes down on top of the pour creature, slamming it into the unforgiving floor. It hisses and spits at him, electricity surging through his scales and being ignored as he claws at it. It would need serious medical treatment to be worth anything again.

Feeling the change in thermal pressure Bic lets his instincts guide him as his tail turns to iron. He spins, never breaking stride as he comes off of the broken, but sadly not dead body of the Jolteon. His claws and fangs bloody. Letting his tail slap the hard blade of air out of the sky, shattering it into a million pieces. He flinches from the feedback ringing into his body, stumbling as he comes down on all fours. Readying himself to pounce onto the Flying pokemon.

In a flash of light the Jolteon vanished to its ball in Alexander's free extended hand. "Ninjask, the Sandslash. Weavile, Crobat, stay close. Alakazam, get up! He barely touched you!" he snapped as he yanked Adam's arm around to aim for Bic, "And you, stay still!" His fingers squeezed around Adam's and depressed the trigger multiple times in quick succession, unloading the time clip in just a few seconds, then with a shove sent Adam sprawling to the floor.

The Ninjask released a series of Fury Cutter's, blocking Verse's forwards progress and sending him into a roll as the Crobat turned and shot back for Alexander, looking to regroup with the rest of the team.

Bic's eyes widen as he hears the human shout. Just catching sight of him forcing Adam's gun towards him, he tries to move but he's in a bad position. Just as he's starting to move the shots ring out. The first hit's him in the chest. Throwing him backwards into the air, the second slams under his chin, sending him spinning with the force. His body slamming down hard onto the floor. The last six shots go wide. Thank Arceus, but he lays on the ground stunned for a moment. Long enough for them to think he might be dead. The wounds ooze blood, the same as last time. Only going slightly deeper than the time he'd been shot by Ozzy. Waiting for his head to stop ringing he grunts and stands. shaking his head, and snorting through his nose. Sending sparks and smoke across the room. The slugs clatter to the floor as he looks at Maycross enraged.

"That really stings," He says, and drops back into his combat stance. Ready to charge at any moment.

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Praeceps didn't need to be told twice. He wasn't going anywhere near that fire punk. He hated the heat. And he wasn't an idiot.

"Crobat, Haze!" Alexander suddenly barked, and a wave of hair unleashed from the creature, dampening down the sandstorm. His revolver was drawn and pointed towards Adam as he looked from Verse to Bic and said, "Nobody move, or I shoot. Dugtrio, if they try to get close, split the ground."

And in the den of the silence, a soft pitter patter of water could be heard against the door behind Maycross.

Every muscle in his body taut, Bic stands ready for the moment an opportunity presented itself. This bastard wasn't at the top of his list. But he was close. As the sandstorm subsides he slides the goggles back down around his neck. Bic calls out to Verse.

"If he shoots Adam, stop the dirt from being split. I'll take care of the rest of them."

Maycross looked confused. He took two steps away from Adam towards the button on the wall and pressed it. The roller doors slowly ascended as water leaked in around Alexander's feet, barely thick, but enough to cause him to question, "Rain?"

He took a step out into the downpour, feeling it wash over his features and immediately soaking his suit wet as he said, "Impossible. It was sunlight just a minute ago..."

A crash came from far overhead as the roof tore open under the weight and force of something heavy, metal and rounded until it breached the arena and came slamming down into the center. It was cylindrical bigger than a human with a gleaming red timer counting down from thirty. Maycross' mouth went dry. "Everybody OUT!" he shouted, reaching down to grab Adam's arm and help him to his feet along with an encouraging push for the door.

"Bic, get out its gonna explode!" he shouted, then darted for the exit where everyone was currently hastily fleeing out.

Confused, not entirely sure what was happening Bic fled the building the same as everyone else. Following Verse's lead. Rushing out the door as the strange device continued to count down. He made sure to keep an eye on their enemy, hoping for a chance to get Adam away from them in the confusion. It would be good if he could maybe take a couple of them out in the mean time as well. But he was patient.

"Now what?!" He shouts to Verse as they move.

Maycross was returning all of his pokemon to their balls. "Get clear of the building!" he shouted, trying to raise his voice over the suddenly immense rain that was falling all about, like a tropical storm. "I have to go warn the people!" he added as he turned and ran for around the corner.

"You guys heard him," Adam said, "Let's go!" He nodded towards an alley that would take them away from the structure and took off. Verse didn't have to be told twice, chasing immediately after him.

Bic didn't need to be told more than once. Regretting that he didn't get to find the one he was after. But glad that he'd get a chance, he followed his allies into the ally.

A blue sphere hurtled down the alleys towards shore and shot overhead of the three figures who had stopped when they heard the boom to catch their breath and saw the building come down in the distance, only for the blue sphere to stop and float back. "You two," Zee said, gesturing with one of his three fingers on each hand for Bic and Verse, forming a sphere around them both of psychic energy, "Your friend, the Lapras, she's out in storm with my friend. I need your help." He tilted his head down in guilt and the sphere dissipated. "Sorry. Force of habit. Can you please help me. For both our friends sake."