[PTU] Act 1: Avalon Hills Zone

[22:33] <@TheBMW> In the depths of Unova's wilderness, far from civilization, four men and women are beginning to awaken from their unconsciousness.  Immediately the cold air of the morning assaults their bare skin.  How you got here is unknown, as is your location.  But all you know is that you have nothing, save the other people around you.

[22:33] <@TheBMW> <START>

[22:34] * Tom-Dawson bolts up. "Uh, Huey? Where are we?"

[22:36] * Sammy_Vernare numbly snaps awake, seeing a lot more green than she had any right to. "The hell?"

[22:37] * Cobalt slowly comes to. His dreams bring have him in a car ride, laying in the back seat listening to the soft radio. He fidgets a bit in the carseat, before feeling something rough prod into his back. The sound of Tom's voice awakens him, and he sits up, pulling a pinecone out from under him and having a horrified look on his face. He says nothing.

[22:38] * Plymouth awakens with a jolt looks around, shivering. "... WHAT where!?" She looks down. "My... Clothes? My ... Nootepad!?" She tries to piece it together

[22:39] * Tom-Dawson looks down himself. "Ah, crap. Not again."

[22:40] <Sammy_Vernare> "How th-OH GOD!" Sammy's gaze has the bad luck of meeting Tom, as she vaults into the nearest bush or other way to get out of easily visible sight. "Find some clothes or something!"

[22:41] <Sammy_Vernare> "...perferably more than one set!"

[22:41] * Plymouth is too busy detectiving it up, looking for a trail

[22:41] * Tom-Dawson turns around, seeing Sammy. "Well, hello there. Would you happen to know where the fuck we are?"

[22:43] * Cobalt backs up from the others a bit before standing up. He looks around him. The hell are we. What is this place?

[22:44] <Sammy_Vernare> "You think I'd be standing here naked if I did?"

[22:45] <Tom-Dawson> "Shit, I don't know what you're into, relax!"

[22:46] <@TheBMW> Plymouth analyzes the scene as closely as she can.  She, along with the three other people she's never even seen before, are standing in a small clearing.  The forest surrounding them is dense.  Thankfully, she has some knowledge on the local flora due to her experience as a Ranger.  It appears to be a mix of deciduous and coniferous vegetation, typical of the fringe areas of the

[22:46] <@TheBMW> region.

[22:46] <@TheBMW> Unfortunately, she finds no other evidence.

[22:46] <Plymouth> "We seem t be in a forest of some sorts! And look at these leaves.... typical of a more moderate climate."

[22:47] * Cobalt stands there, pale as an ice-type. Parts of his skin are a bit red from rubbing up against the wilderness. He probably has pine needle indentations on his skin, or whatever. The man stands about six foot. He's rather slender, with some muscle showing from having a high metabolism and being somewhat physically active. Long, shaggy blonde hair covers his head, with bangs hanging down covering his eyes.

[22:48] * Tom-Dawson removes a stick from his buttocks and throws it away.

[22:50] <Sammy_Vernare> "Gee, you got that we're in a forest from the fact that we're surrounded by trees? nice going, doc!" Sammy's rough demeanor is evident, as is her ever-growing fear and apprehension. what the hell happened for her to wake up here? And where the hell does she have to go in order to find something to wear?

[22:51] * Tom-Dawson looks around in hopes of spotting ANYTHING familiar.

[22:51] <@TheBMW> Sammy's apprehension causes her to slowly step back.  But suddenly, the feeling of cloth greets her foot, rather than the hard and cold earth.

[22:51] * Cobalt finds comfort in the fact that he's not alone in being completely naked and confused.

[22:52] <Plymouth> "No, dear woman, but as you can see the trees are not of a colder climate!"

[22:53] <@TheBMW> Tom spots his clothes tucked away behind a nearby bush.  Unfortunately for him, Sammy is currently standing on them.

[22:54] <Sammy_Vernare> "All I see is trees, and trees are trees." Sammy will note the clothes don't appear to be her size and leave them, hopefully if one set is conveniently lying about, maybe there's another conveniently lying-about set that will fit her.

[22:54] * Cobalt backs up some more, looking around quickly at the environment. Are we near the road? Is this place far from where we are? Can he see the car? Anything?

[22:54] <Tom-Dawson> "Excuse me, ma'am." Tom walks towards the bush, dong dangling gloriously in the open.

[22:55] * Plymouth walks ahead to the nearest densely wooded area and looks around for any fauna

[22:55] <@TheBMW> As far as Cobalt can tell, this place is completely isolated.  Not even a trail leads to it.  But thankfully, he spots his own attire lying off behind another bush.

[22:56] <Cobalt> "Shit." He walks over to pick up his clothes. He searches the pockets to see if everything is still there, before beginning to dress himself. Tight-fitting, light denim jeans. A gray and white striped v-neck t-shirt. Black, slip on Vans-type shoes.

[22:56] * Sammy_Vernare very deliberately keeps her eyes in any direction that isn't anywhere close to Tom, at least until...that is covered up.

[22:58] <@TheBMW> Empty, not even Cobalt's wallet is still there.  He's definitely been mugged.

[22:58] <Cobalt> "Fucking hell, man. You guys remember anything? My shit's all gone."

[22:59] * Tom-Dawson picks up his clothes, and gets into his attire of beige pants and a plain white undershirt.

[22:59] <@TheBMW> Stepping out of the clearing, Plymouth notices a small blue and black dog-like creature lounging about.  It appears to be bipedal, if only because it's resting its ass on a toppled log.

[22:59] * Plymouth does things apparently she can't find clothing

[23:00] * Plymouth looks at the dog and whistles

[23:00] <@TheBMW> The dog turns to look at Plymouth, then immediately starts to sprint off.  It trips over her clothes in the process, but quickly gets up and keeps running.

[23:00] * Tom-Dawson walks over to Plymouth. "The heck you whistlin' to."

[23:00] * Cobalt kicks a bunch of sticks and rocks in a fit of anger. He swears a bit, but seems to be expressing most of his anger with physical action.

[23:01] * Tom-Dawson stops and looks at Cobalt. "Never got mugged before?"

[23:01] * Plymouth grabs her black pants, her white blouse and her red trenchcoat and hat and checks to see if she has anything

[23:02] <@TheBMW> Completely empty.  Whoever did this was thorough.  Even her Styler is missing.

[23:02] <Plymouth> "Rats."

[23:02] * Sammy_Vernare keeps looking, hoping she finds something - it's more than a bit embarrasing to be wearing nothing other than her glasses - why did she still have her glasses? no clue, but she's thankful for the little things.

[23:03] * Plymouth turns to Tom. "Nothing, but by the by, names' Plymouth."

[23:03] <@TheBMW> God, it's too cold for this shi- oh hey there's her stuff.

[23:04] <Cobalt> "Fuck you, man. Yeah, I've been mugged before. Doesn't make it any better."

[23:04] * Plymouth holds out to shake Tom's hand

[23:05] * Cobalt stops his kicking fit for a moment to respond to Tom. He seems like he's blown off a sufficient amount of steam. "Detective?" He calls out. "Detective Rhodes!?"

[23:05] * Tom-Dawson shakes her hand. "Tom's the name. How strange, to get fucked up in one forest, then dumped in another."

[23:05] * Plymouth was about to say words to Tom when she looks over at Cobalt. "Rhodes?!"

[23:06] <Sammy_Vernare> It doesn't take long for the woman to put her clothes on - a long-sleeved red tee shirt and blue jeans. No luck on finding her bag, so that's all her personal effects gone. "Call me Sammy - 'fraid I don't know anything more about this than you guys."

[23:06] * Cobalt 's head starts to become less fuzzy. He remembers the fight with the goons and patrats, and the growlithe. Fuck. They must have been behind this. he turns to Plymouth. "Yeah, you know 'em? He was with me. Need to find him."

[23:07] <Plymouth> "Rhodes with you?" She looks away breifly and murmurs under her breath "... So the plot thickens." She jolts up. "Right!" She then heads off ....EAST!

[23:08] <Tom-Dawson> "You sure you know where you're going?"

[23:08] * Cobalt begins to follow Plymouth. This chick seems like she knows the guy, and might be of some help. "We need to go somewhere."

[23:08] <Plymouth> "No way!" She continues nward

[23:09] * Tom-Dawson shrugs before walking along. "The worst'll happen is death."

[23:09] <Sammy_Vernare> "Hey, if you wanna stay in the woods here, I won't complain. But anywhere's gotta be better than this." Sammy picks up the pace to match Plymouth

[23:10] * Plymouth does not slow down either, she's got tracks to make. She does pay attention to the surrounding area and where they came from

[23:10] <@TheBMW> The four begin to walk through the woods.  It's surprisingly peaceful out here, but there's nothing gives any clues as to how they got here.  After about a minute of walking, they start to hear fighting up ahead.

[23:11] * Plymouth heads towards the FIGHTING

[23:11] * Cobalt follows behind her quickly. TIME TO KNOCK SOME HEADS?

[23:12] * Tom-Dawson picks up the pace. "Finally, civilization!"

[23:13] <Sammy_Vernare> "That sounds anything but civilized..." Sammy comments. She's going to slow down so as to not burst into the middle of a crossfire.

[23:13] <@TheBMW> Another clearing is reached.  Interestingly enough, the area here is slightly rockier than you'd expect.  But that detail quickly gets ignored as your attention turns to the fight itself.  A Timburr with a small log is currently trying to smack around a man in a brown trenchcoat.

[23:14] * Cobalt tries to identify the man. Rhodes?

[23:14] * Plymouth tries to see if the man and this timburr are fightin

[23:14] * Tom-Dawson stomps up to the fight, the man specifically. "'EY! You got time?"

[23:15] <@TheBMW> The man barely rolls away from an errant log swing, then turns towards Tom.  "What?"

[23:16] * Tom-Dawson swings at the guy.

[23:17] <@TheBMW> Already being filled with adrenaline and jumpy, the man manages to roll away from Tom's strike as well.  Unfortunately, it leaves him open to the Timburr, and it lands a brutal strike against his back.

[23:18] <@TheBMW> The man topples over before quickly jumping back to his feet.  In the process, his face is revealed enough to identify him.

[23:19] <Cobalt> "Holy shit, Rhodes. Back off, man!" He runs in, kicking at the timburr with a Pound to its fat pompadored head.

[23:20] <Tom-Dawson> "Oh, my mistake. You need help with this thing?"

[23:21] <Sammy_Vernare> "...you know this guy?" Sammy remarks to Plymouth

[23:21] <@TheBMW> SMACK.  The Timburr reels slightly, dropping the log in the process.  It growls in response.

[23:21] <@TheBMW> Plymouth simply nods.

[23:22] * Cobalt has no idea what the fuck he got himself into. That log looks like it hurts, but he's not leaving Rhodes hangin'

[23:23] <Tom-Dawson> "Eh, fuck it."

[23:23] * Tom-Dawson swings at the treeman

[23:24] <@TheBMW> Tom goes for another punch, but the Timburr seems to be on the defensive now.  It leaps out of the way, then appears to concentrate.  Its muscles tighten, it looks like it's pumped up!

[23:26] * Cobalt runs up to snatch up the pokemon's log. Feel like smackin people around do you? He swings at it for another Pound

[23:29] <@TheBMW> SLAM!  Blood flies out of the Timburr's mouth on impact, causing it to stumble for a moment.  It growls as blood continues to dribble out, then starts to run away.

[23:29] * Tom-Dawson runs up to the Timburr to slap its shit.

[23:30] <@TheBMW> Tom charges forward and kicks out the Timburr's legs, causing it to topple forward and skid along the forest floor.  It lets out a weak cry as it stands back up, then tries to run again.

[23:31] <Cobalt> "Let the bitch go." He pants.

[23:32] <Sammy_Vernare> "Excuse me!?!"

[23:32] <@TheBMW> Meanwhile, Rhodes slowly gets back onto his feet.  He lets out a groan as he shifts his back around, causing the bones to audibly crack.

[23:32] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "Fuck, that hurt."

[23:32] * Tom-Dawson walks back to the group. "Yeah, you're right, that one WAS a bitch."

[23:33] <Cobalt> "Don't get your tits in a knot. It's just a word." He goes over to Rhodes to check on him. He offers a hand to help him up.

[23:33] <Sammy_Vernare> "That doesn't change shit, watch your damned language!"

[23:34] * Cobalt smirks a bit, but holds his tongue.

[23:35] <Tom-Dawson> "Oh, calm down, Sammy. It's not like you'll spontaneously combust from me saying 'bitch'"

[23:35] <@TheBMW> Rhodes gladly accepted the hand as he got back up.  It looks like he's fine, though probably a bit bruised underneath the trenchcoat.

[23:35] <Cobalt> "What the hell happened last night? You all right?"

[23:35] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "Mr. Gaines?  Ms. Plymouth?  Well, at least I'm in familiar company."

[23:36] <Sammy_Vernare> "Sorry to interrupt on the teary reunion...but where the fuck are we?" Sammy's getting that impatient/annoyingly worried look again.

[23:36] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "I'm fine, unlike last night.  I don't know what happened though.  I just woke up in the middle of nowhere without anything."

[23:37] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "No clue, I've never been here before.  Not that I'd remember what a forest looks like anyway..."

[23:38] <Tom-Dawson> "I do know that some creepy dude walked up to me and my partner before I blacked out, he had a hood on and everythin'."

[23:39] * Cobalt holds onto the log, but lets the other end rest on the floor.

[23:39] <@TheBMW> The comment on a hooded man seems to get a reaction out of Plymouth, causing her to quietly muse theories to herself.  You get the feeling that she might not pay attention to anything else now.

[23:40] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "Nothing I'd know about."

[23:40] <Cobalt> "We need to get back to civilization or whatever, then figure out what the fuck is going on."

[23:40] <Sammy_Vernare> "I can go along with that."

[23:41] * Cobalt lifts up the log to rest on one of his shoulders. It's a bit heavy, jesus. No wonder it hurts.

[23:41] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "So can I.  If we keep going this way, we might hit a nice clearing.  It's gotten a lot rockier over here, maybe there's a mountain or something."

[23:41] <Cobalt> "We can like, get a view or something. Anyone know how to make a signal fire?"

[23:42] <Tom-Dawson> "Don't look at me, I only know how to fix cars and make'm robots."

[23:43] <Cobalt> "Shit, rad. You a scientist or somethin?"

[23:43] <Tom-Dawson> "I've probably said too much already, but nah. I'm just a greasemonkey."

[23:44] * Cobalt begins walking in the way Rhodes suggested. He keeps his eyes out for any signs of civilization. Cities in the distance, trails, roads, signs. "Right on."

[23:45] <Cobalt> "I guess we're all stuck together for a bit. Don't want to sing kumbayah or anything, but you can call me Coby."

[23:45] <@TheBMW> Rhodes starts to follow along, but suddenly a loud bark comes from up ahead.  Before anyone can react, a small red dog with tan fur leaps out of the underbrush.  It pants happily as it approaches Rhodes and Cobalt.

[23:45] * Tom-Dawson glances at the dog before walking the way Rhodes suggested.

[23:46] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "Well, at least somebody made it okay.  Come on buddy, we better get moving."

[23:46] <Sammy_Vernare> "...good dog?"

[23:46] <Cobalt> "Hey there, buddy. You all right?" He reaches out to the dog, letting it smell him before attempting to pet it.

[23:47] <@TheBMW> The Growlithe happily lets Cobalt go for some petting.  He seems perfectly fine, miraculously enough.

[23:47] <Cobalt> "We can't be too far from where we all were, I guess. Unless we got dragged out further. This is some bodysnatchers bullshit, right here."

[23:49] <@TheBMW> The forest is starting to thin out now, making it easier to spot the wildlife roaming about.  A Patrat, a Sewaddle, and another red dog can be seen, all minding their own business.

[23:50] * Cobalt keeps walking. Fucking patrats.

[23:50] * Tom-Dawson looks around again to see anything familiar

[23:51] * Cobalt feels his stomach. "I had better still have my fucking kidneys." He lifts up his shirt to check for scars.

[23:51] <@TheBMW> Tom really doesn't know his forest that well, but this forest seems completely new to him.

[23:51] <@TheBMW> No scars, thankfully enough.  Whoever did this obviously wasn't doing it for some quick cash.

[23:52] * Cobalt sighs a sigh of relief. As they walk, he minds his distance and begins to swing the log like a baseball bat. He occasionally hits a tree branch or whatever object he happens to come across.

[23:53] * Tom-Dawson walks a bit faster from Cobalt.

[23:53] <Sammy_Vernare> puppies are cute. and despite all her rough attitude she's shown, Sammy's a dog girl at heart. She'll whistle to the dog, trying to get its attention. "Here boy!"

[23:53] <@TheBMW> The Pokemon are bypassed, and the forest completely fades away.  The party now finds itself standing in a rocky clearing.  Though the land is flat, it appears to suddenly drop off up ahead.  A small log cabin is set up just past it.

[23:54] <@TheBMW> Well, most of them anyway.  The dog stands up at attention when Sammy calls for it, then slowly approaches.

[23:55] * Cobalt approaches the edge of the drop off. He looks down, seeing it there's a path to walk down, or a climbable portion of it.

[23:55] <Sammy_Vernare> "We're going to find somewhere nice to go, yes we are. do you want to come with us?" Yeah, she doesn't know what she's doing with this, but whatever.

[23:55] * Tom-Dawson walks over to the drop off.

[23:55] <@TheBMW> The Growlithe just gives her an odd look.  It clearly isn't used to the whole puppy talk thing.

[23:56] <Sammy_Vernare> "umm...please?"

[23:56] <@TheBMW> Meanwhile, Cobalt and Tom investigate the drop-off.  As it turns out, it's closer to a small ravine.  The bottom isn't even visible from here, though there appears to be more than a few trails leading down into the darkness.  A makeshift log bridge has been pushed across the gap to their right, but... well, it's just a log.

[23:57] * Tom-Dawson looks towards the ravine's ends.

[23:57] <Cobalt> "Hope none a ya are afraid of heights." He approaches the log, putting a food on it. He presses on it to test it's sturdiness.

[23:58] <@TheBMW> After thinking for a moment, the Growlithe lets out a small bark.  It seems wary, but it's also clearly intrigued.

[23:58] * Cobalt puts a foot on it, as well as a food.

[00:00] <Sammy_Vernare> "I...I really don't know what I'm doing here. I just want someone...something to help me out, because Arceus knows I'll need it. Please?"

[00:00] * Tom-Dawson picks up a rock and throws it into the pit.

[00:00] * Cobalt throws his Timburr log into it as well. He's getting tired of carrying it.

[00:01] <@TheBMW> The Growlithe lets out a slight whimper, then nuzzles its head against Sammy's leg.  Meanwhile, Cobalt tests the bridge.  It seems solid enough, but it's not flat.  It might be tough to get across for those lacking coordination.

[00:01] * Cobalt decides to test his luck. He's had his fair share of climbing shit and attempting to parkour back in Nacrene. He steps up onto it and slowly begins to walk across. It's kind of fun.

[00:02] <@TheBMW> Both objects seem to smack against something along the way down, then continue to make noise as they descend.  It takes more than a few seconds for you to hear it hit the bottom.

[00:02] <Tom-Dawson> "Welp."

[00:02] * Tom-Dawson looks for any footholds along the sides.

[00:02] <Sammy_Vernare> "Thanks. Umm...I'll come up with a name for you later, okay?" As for the log bridge, that thing may as well be a cakewalk for someone who runs around oil drums most of the day.

[00:03] <@TheBMW> Cobalt breezes across the log, reaching the other side without losing his breath.

[00:04] <@TheBMW> The edges of the ravine are rough.  Small pathways seem to cut up and down its sides, and it's likely you could head into its depths if you wanted to.

[00:07] * Cobalt could really go for a cigarette right about now. He stands on the other side, watching Tom think this through.

[00:07] <@TheBMW> The Growlithe tags along with Sammy, at least for now.

[00:07] <@TheBMW> <PAUSE>

[00:08] * Tom-Dawson looks down the pathways, then at the log, then back to the pathways.

[00:08] <Tom-Dawson> "Hahah, fuck that."

[00:09] * Tom-Dawson begins to climb his way down the ravine.

[00:12] <@TheBMW> Tom descends into the ravine with surprising agility.  It treats him well, but suddenly the wall he's clinging to starts to turn in on itself.  It seems the ravine slopes down here; that would explain the first hit from the log and rock.

[00:13] * Tom-Dawson descends as far as he can.

[00:15] <@TheBMW> Tom's side of the ravine eventually grows too steep, forcing him to leap off and onto the other side's slope.  He could probably just ride it the rest of the way down if he felt like exploring, but even so he could probably climb back up from here.

[00:17] * Tom-Dawson looks down at the abyss.

[00:17] <Tom-Dawson> "Why not. What's the worst thing that could happen."

[00:17] * Tom-Dawson slides downwards.

[00:18] <@TheBMW> Tom only slides for a few short moments before coming to a rest on some even cavern floor.  He is now standing on a small ridge, overlooking a large underground river.  It appears to flow with the ravine, heading towards the south.

[00:19] * Tom-Dawson looks around for anything else.

[00:21] <@TheBMW> Tom spots a floating gear in the distance, as well as the silhouette far too familiar to him.  Its body is covered in inky blackness, unidentifiable in the dark.  But what he can make out is two pairs of legs, with the front appearing to be winged.  A dragon-like mouth with serrated teeth occasionally lets out a husky breath, releasing a cloud of cold air.

[00:22] <Tom-Dawson> "Oh, now that son of a bitch is gonna get it..."

[00:22] <@TheBMW> The Klink floats southward in your direction, while the winged lizard simply rests on its own raised ledge.

[00:23] * Tom-Dawson stops his movement to hop down to look at the Klink approaching him.

[00:25] <Tom-Dawson> "What's this now? Wha'do ya want?"

[00:26] * Cobalt perches on the top of the ravine, chilling out for a minute while Tom is down there.

[00:26] <@TheBMW> The Klink immediately stops, confused.  It then starts to back away, if slowly.

[00:27] <Tom-Dawson> "Eh, suit yourself, if you're just curious to what I'm doing, I won't stop ya."

[00:27] * Tom-Dawson begins climbing downwards again.

[00:28] <@TheBMW> Tom slowly approaches the beast.  It appears to be sleeping, for better or worse.

[00:29] <Sammy_Vernare> "...so..." Sammy will look over at Cobalt, fidgeting a bit. "Where're you from and all that? Figure if we're stuck together we may as well know some stuff"

[00:29] * Cobalt looks up to her. "Nacrene. You?"

[00:30] <Sammy_Vernare> "Canalave."

[00:30] <Cobalt> "That's in like.. Sinnoh?"

[00:30] * Tom-Dawson walks up to the shadowy beast, before shouting "WAKE UP, I WANT WORDS WITH YOU!"

[00:31] * Cobalt hears Tom shouting. "You all right down there!?"

[00:31] <Sammy_Vernare> "Yeah. Big port town, all the ships and stuff go from there." It's worth noting that despite her obviously foreign accent, Sammy has a good command of the language.

[00:31] <Tom-Dawson> "No, I'm not! I think I found the thing that totalled my car!"

[00:31] <@TheBMW> The beast immediately leaps up, startled by Tom's shouting.  Once it gets its bearings, it turns to him.  Almost with a sick grin, it opens its mouth, exposing its fangs.

[00:32] <Cobalt> "Then get the fuck out, man!"

[00:32] <@TheBMW> The beast starts to rear back as its yellow eyes glare, looking over its new meal.

[00:32] <@TheBMW> ...Wait a second, didn't the thing from before have red eyes?

[00:32] * Cobalt looks down into the ravine, attempting to spot the man.

[00:33] <@TheBMW> No good, just inky blackness down below.  You can't see anything from up here.

[00:34] * Tom-Dawson walks towards the thing, finger raised. "You wrecked my car, AND you split up the duo of Tom and Huey! Who the hell are you to think yourself high enough to do that?!"

[00:34] <@TheBMW> The creature backs up slightly, almost intimidated by Tom's anger.

[00:35] <Tom-Dawson> "And you BETTER know where my fucking hat is, or there WILL be hell to pay!"

[00:35] <@TheBMW> The thing's head starts to tilt slightly.  It doesn't know what the fuck's going on anymore.

[00:36] * Cobalt really wants a cigarette right now. He sounds like he's got it under control, I guess. Whatever. "The hell are you doing in Unova, then?"

[00:37] <Tom-Dawson> "WELL? DO. I. HAVE. TO. SMACK. A. BITCH?!"

[00:38] <@TheBMW> The beast replies to Tom's shouting with an ear-shattering roar.  The sound echoes off the sides of the ravine, blasting everyone top-side with full-force.

[00:38] * Cobalt stumbles backwards. "SHIT, man"

[00:38] <Sammy_Vernare> "Parents thought I needed to do something other than run around the port."

[00:39] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "OW!  What the fuck's going on down there?"

[00:39] * Tom-Dawson simply crosses his arms at the response. "Ten seconds. That's what I'll give you to run."

[00:41] <Sammy_Vernare> "I'm not sure I want to know."

[00:41] <Cobalt> "He's toast, oh man."

[00:41] <@TheBMW> The creature continues to glare for a few moments, but backs off.  With an angry growl, it leaps from the ledge and onto the cavern wall, then charges along it at breakneck speeds.

[00:42] * Tom-Dawson looks around the cave. "Now where the FUCK is there a way out."

[00:43] <Cobalt> "It's going to be night at this rate, damn." He stands up, and makes his way toward the Cabin. "Shout if he needs help, or whatever. Dude's insane."

[00:43] <@TheBMW> It seems Tom can climb out the way he came.  It should be easy enough, what with the gradual incline.

[00:44] <@TheBMW> As Cobalt starts to approach the cabin, the door flies open, and a husky man in hiking attire storms out, shotgun in his grasp.

[00:44] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Alright, where is it?!  Where is that fucking monster?!"

[00:44] * Tom-Dawson begins crawling up to the other side where the others are waiting

[00:44] * Sammy_Vernare instantly throws her hands up "Dont shoot!"

[00:44] * Cobalt recoils at the Hiker. Oh fuck oh fuck. "Chill man, be cool. Shit. Heard something in that cavern, what the hell is that?" The gun makes him very nervous.

[00:45] * Cobalt holds his hands up as well.

[00:45] <@TheBMW> Rhodes also puts up his hands.  Thankfully, the hiker immediately lowers the weapon.

[00:45] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Heh, sorry 'bout that.  Just tired of dealing with the damn things."

[00:46] <Cobalt> "It's.. It's probably eating that dude. What are they?"

[00:46] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Dunno what they are, just some angry four-legged lizards with wings.  They fuckin' hurt, and they're tough sonsabitches too."

[00:46] * Cobalt remembers that they are lost in who-knows-where. "Glad to find someone out here, man. We're lost. Where the hell are we?"

[00:46] <@TheBMW> As if on cue, Tom pulls himself up from the ravine.  The Klink from before follows, if a bit cautiously, eyeing the crazy mechanic with curiousity.

[00:47] <Tom-Dawson> "And it wasn't even the fucking monster what wrecked my car!"

[00:48] <Sammy_Vernare> "...I need a drink. Don't really care what anymore..." Sammy sighs as she puts on hand on the growlithe's head.

[00:48] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Prolly not.  There's lots of 'em.  So, you boys and girls are lost, eh?  Not used to the Avalon Hills?"

[00:48] * Cobalt turns to look at Tom as he approaches. He's still in one piece, at least. Lucky sona bitch. He turns back to the hiker.

[00:49] * Tom-Dawson goes over to the others. "No. We woke up naked in the woods."

[00:51] <Cobalt> "Man... They dragged us out pretty far. Shit."

[00:51] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Woke up naked in the woods?  'They'?  What were ya kids doin' before ya ended up here?"

[00:52] <Sammy_Vernare> "Sleeping."

[00:52] <Tom-Dawson> "Battling an eldritch monstrosity."

[00:52] <Tom-Dawson> "Again."

[00:52] * Cobalt rubs his head.

[00:53] <@TheBMW> <Hiker> "Sounds... interestin'.  How about ya come in for a little bit?  I just got done makin' some breakfast, ya'll are free to have some."

[00:53] <Tom-Dawson> "THAT, would be a real delight sir."

[00:53] <Cobalt> "Fuck yes. Thanks man." He raises his hand for a hiker fist-bump as he begins to head in

[00:54] <Sammy_Vernare> "Thanks...umm, what should I call you?"

[00:54] * Tom-Dawson walks towards the cottage.

[00:54] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Eh, just Bobby.  It's what they all call me back home in Driftveil."

[00:55] <Sammy_Vernare> "Driftveil?" Sammy perks up. "Is it still closeby?"

[00:55] <@TheBMW> The hiker rests his shotgun on his shoulder, stepping out of the way.  Tom enters the cabin, as does Rhodes and his Growlithe.  The interior is basic, yet surprisingly cozy.  It's a one-room house sectioned off into a living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedroom.

[00:56] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "'Fraid not, at least not in walkin' distance.  Ya'd have to hit Anville, then take a train down to Nimbasa."

[00:56] <Tom-Dawson> "Driftveil, eh. Place still as mind-numbingly boring?"

[00:56] * Cobalt shudders at the mention of Anville.

[00:56] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Well, I'm all the way up here.  Whatcha think?"

[00:57] * Cobalt takes a seat on a chair inside the cabin. What a shitshow.

[00:57] <Tom-Dawson> "Heh, somehow I ain't surprised."

[00:58] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Aye.  It's still home though, gotta go back and see it every so often."

[00:58] * Tom-Dawson sits down on a chair and leans back. "So why did you run away?"

[00:59] <@TheBMW> The hiker places his shotgun back into its rack on the wall, then joins Tom.  "Got tired of sittin' around.  I wanted to see the world, ya know?  But I tried seein' the cities, it was just the same.  I found out the wilds are the real place for me."

[01:01] <Tom-Dawson> "Same here, 'cept I just made a car from a scrap pile the repair shop'd probably miss and drove off into the sunrise."

[01:02] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Ain't nothin' wrong with that."

[01:02] * Cobalt helps himself to some breakfast.

[01:02] <@TheBMW> With a grunt, the hiker brings his feet to rest on the table.  "So, ya said ya woke up naked in the middle of nowhere.  What happened?"

[01:03] <Cobalt> "No clue, man. Rhodes and I were in a car, ran over some spikes and got jumped by some people with patrats. Got knocked out, and woke up out here."

[01:03] <@TheBMW> An assortment of food is cooked in the kitchen.  Pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon.  Nothing too fancy, but it's a lot for just one person.  Maybe THAT'S why the guy is so big.

[01:03] <Tom-Dawson> "Well, lawfully there is. But I don't know about the naked thing. Got my ass whooped by a giant shadowy dragon, saw a man in a strange robe before I went out, and then I was there."

[01:03] * Cobalt likes his man how he likes his quilfish. Round and horny.

[01:04] * Tom-Dawson digs in on the breakfast foods.

[01:04] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "That doesn't sound like a coincidence.  I think we just became another tally on the list of kidnappings.  But why?"

[01:05] <Cobalt> "It's fucked up, that's why. Know any way for us to get to Anville from here?"

[01:05] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Aye.  Just keep on headin' east, right down the mountain.  Ya oughta be there in an hour or so."

[01:06] * Cobalt is surprised he doesn't recognize the area. Didn't spend a lot of time in the wilderness when he was out here, he figures.

[01:07] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Tell ya what, that reminds me of somethin' strange though.  Last night, I got woke up by some sort of rumblin' noise from outside.  Couldn't find what made it, but it sounded like one of them planes, only a lot softer."

[01:07] <Cobalt> "Sounds up your alley, dragonman."

[01:07] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Kinda thought it was somethin' from Mistralton at first, but now I dunno.  Maybe that'll help ya somehow."

[01:08] <Tom-Dawson> "Well, I did scare off a dragon-like thing from your chasm."

[01:09] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Ah, so ya DID take care of it!  Looks like I owe you a drink!"

[01:09] <Cobalt> "Hey man. Got a phone I can use?"

[01:10] <@TheBMW> Bobby makes his way over to the kitchen, opens a cabinet, and pulls out a bottle of whiskey.  He grabs two shot glasses, then sets it all down at the table.  You notice that Rhodes isn't totally comfortable with this place.  It might be the gun racks that are doing it.

[01:10] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Nah, not up here.  Ain't no phone lines, and I never liked them high-tech phone-from-anywhere gizmos."

[01:11] * Cobalt sighs. So much for that idea. He looks around for a clock. "You got the time, at least?"

[01:11] <Tom-Dawson> "You are totally right on that, my good man. Let's drink to fleeing dragons."

[01:12] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "My only clock's the sun boy.  If I were gonna guess, it's probably 'round 8.  Nice and early."

[01:12] <@TheBMW> Both shot glasses are filled, and one is pushed over to Tom.  Bobby downs his glass immediately, then goes for a refill.  This guy can drink.

[01:13] * Tom-Dawson downs the shot like a true man.

[01:13] * Cobalt figures this guy could probably learn some technology that isn't gunpowder, jesus. "If we make it to Anville before noon, we can probably hop a train while the crew is takin their breaks and not lookin."

[01:14] <Tom-Dawson> "Or, y'know, we could commandeer one for personal use."

[01:14] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Ya know, I'm startin' to see why ya ended up all the way out here."

[01:14] <Cobalt> "Good luck with that. Them dudes would hand your ass to you in a heartbeat."

[01:15] <Tom-Dawson> "'Ey, we's was fighting the good fight!"

[01:16] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Heh.  Never said I didn't approve!"

[01:16] <Tom-Dawson> "Well, until that demon from elsewhere came and handed our asses to us."

[01:16] * Cobalt chows down on some hotcakes

[01:16] <@TheBMW> <Rhodes> "Enough.  If we're going to get to Annville, we better leave soon."

[01:16] <Cobalt> "Right on."

[01:16] <Tom-Dawson> But

[01:16] <Tom-Dawson> But

[01:16] <Tom-Dawson> "Boooze!"

[01:17] <@TheBMW> Rhodes lets out a sigh, stepping outside.

[01:17] <Cobalt> "Take some to go. Ain't no liquor laws out here."

[01:17] <Cobalt> "Maybe you can go take some to that fucking demon you decided to have a chat with." He downs a sausage.

[01:18] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "If ya'll are leavin', I'll give ya some supplies.  Nothin' major, but it'll keep ya alive at least."

[01:18] <Cobalt> "Right on, Bobby. Appreciate it. Anything we can do for you before we take off?"

[01:19] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Nah, I oughta be good.  Scarin' off dem lizards is all I could ask for, and apparently ya got that taken care of."

[01:19] <Tom-Dawson> "Could you believe it thought it could eat me?"

[01:20] <Cobalt> Is kind of comforted knowing Tom is able to face things like that. Should keep them safe. At any rate, he'd make good bait.

[01:21] <@TheBMW> Bobby merely laughs in response as he gets back up and heads back into the kitchen.  Another cupboard is opened, but this time he retrieves a small box.  It's placed on the table and opened, exposing four Potions and four Basic Balls.

[01:22] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "I got more, but I gotta keep some for mahself.  If ya run into trouble, hurry on back, I can patch ya up."

[01:23] <Tom-Dawson> "You aren't so bad, Bob. You wouldn't happen to have something hard you could part with, too?"

[01:23] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Eh, sorry boy, I ain't that kinda man."

[01:24] <Tom-Dawson> "You wound me. I was asking for your liquor."

[01:25] <@TheBMW> Bobby laughs hysterically for a few moments.  When he settles down, he gestures to the bottle of whiskey.

[01:25] * Cobalt smirks at their interaction. He takes one of the potions and one of the pokeballs. Been a while since he's had one of these. Rad.

[01:26] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Just go ahead, I got plenty lyin' around."

[01:27] * Tom-Dawson grabs the bottle, the potion and the ball, before looking around for that floating gear.

[01:28] <@TheBMW> The Klink appears to be floating around outside.  At least you think so, these windows are pretty smudged up.

[01:29] * Tom-Dawson walks outside and nods at the thing. "You there!"

[01:30] <Cobalt> "Thanks again, Bobby. Take it easy man. Maybe I'll swing by some time next time I'm through Anville. Bring you some moonshine or somethin." He makes his way out of the cabin.

[01:30] <@TheBMW> The Klink turns at the outburst, curiously looking at Tom.

[01:30] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "Happy trails!"

[01:30] <Tom-Dawson> "Wanna get out of here?"

[01:30] <Cobalt> "Oh hey, Bobby. One more thing. Got a cigarette I can bum off ya?"

[01:31] <@TheBMW> <Bobby> "'Fraid not.  I got a pipe lyin' around though if you like that sorta thing."

[01:31] <Cobalt> "Don't worry about it. Peace out, man." He leaves for reals, going out to see Tom and the gears.

[01:32] <@TheBMW> The Klink simply appraises Tom for a few moments, then floats over.

[01:32] <Tom-Dawson> "This place isn't exactly fit for your kind of body, plus..."

[01:33] * Tom-Dawson wraps an arm around the gear, whilst extending the other out towards the horizon. "I could make you something greater. Something worthy of a being like you."

[01:34] * Cobalt raises an eyebrow. This guy is something else. He makes his way toward Rhodes.

[01:35] <@TheBMW> You swear the gear's eyes sparkle for a moment as it looks towards the horizon with Tom.  It gives a nod with its body, clearly won over.

[01:36] <Tom-Dawson> "Great! While I know it's dumb and I don't quite know how it works either, this ball gives you a safer place to be in while we travel in search of that greatness."

[01:36] * Tom-Dawson presents the ball and taps it on the gear.

[01:37] <@TheBMW> Between the awe and the sheer confusion the Basic Ball brings, the Klink is caught without any protest.

<To be continued>