bravenewworld | Call to Arms

Rumors abound within Union as a number of sudden, secret and late night meetings are called by the council. Long hours of deliberation behind closed doors with no public or media admittance cause quite the stir. By morning, theories run rampant as the great doors finally open and haggard, weary, and stone-faced council members emerge, accompanied by General Ironborn of Caldera and a group of four figures, clothed in dark black robes. One of the Councillors steps forward to a mic-bearing podium and clears his throat.

“Citizens of Union, we know rumors run across this fair city, and now is time to put them to rest. Last night, we received word that Caldera had made contact and requested an immediate meeting. The request was granted.”

He shuffles a bit nervously before continuing.

“The quakes of the past month have had an unexpected benefit. They dislodged some rocks under the city of Sanctuary, opening new tunnels. As some of you may know, Sanctuary is a city currently occupied by Gigas. The rebellion has managed to escape the city, and have come to their old Calderan allies for aid. It appears Gigas is tightening their grip, nobody can enter or leave Sanctuary without approval from the Gigas Senate or military. Within Sanctuary, it is a time of fear and unrest.”

General Ironborn steps forward with some impatience, and the council member yelps and moves out of the way. His expression is grim.

“We of Caldera intend to liberate Sanctuary from Gigas. Too long have they suffered under the Gigan yoke, and we will break it by the coming summer. I am here before you today to call for aid. Alone, Sanctuary and Caldera are not sufficient. But with Union, with Refuge, with Citadel, we are strong. Today, people suffer in unjust rule and oppression. Tomorrow? Tomorrow, they can be free!”

The General steps respectfully back as the councilman reclaims the podium.

“Union has heard the pleas of Sanctuary and Caldera. We will aid. But as we have made clear, we are not a city of killers. While we will provide aid, we will not aid in the taking of life.”

Those near the podium at this point might hear General Ironborn snort and mutter under his breath “if some Gigan bastards ‘accidentally’ shuffle off the mortal coil, you’ll see no objection from me.” The Councilman, however, continues as if he didn’t hear the comment.

“We are seeking volunteers. Our allies will be convening here tomorrow to discuss the plan of attack. The good general and the rebels will be here to answer questions as needed.”

The councilman stops as one of the robed figures places a hand on his arm. They confer briefly, before he nods and steps aside. The figure takes the stage and draws back his hood, revealing a haggard man in his 30’s with a scraggly beard and skin pale and unhealthy.

“Citizens of Union, my name is Clement of House Blackwatch, Magus of the Third Order. I am a representative of the Sanctuary Resistance. Please, we need your aid! Long we have suffered under Gigas. To think that potential allies lay so close - I could not dream it! Please, lend us your aid! I implore you!”

Desperation is clear in his eyes and voice, but he respectfully steps aside as the councilman once again clears his throat.

“Ahem, yes, as I said, everyone will be available to answer questions. I must also note, Sanctuary is outside of our Warp Band network. Your bands will not function and you will be unable to summon your Pokemon as you approach the city. Our allies with Team Evolution have offered to provide us some assistance but it is… ah… a bit…”

He trails off.

A calloused hand grips the councilman’s shoulder, ushering him out of the way. A woman steps out from behind the councilman. Dressed in old-fashioned Calderan garb, she looks strong despite her size. She holds something in her left hand.

She begins to speak, without the microphone. Her voice carries surprisingly well. “My name is Ryuuko Nishimura. Mister Donnachaidh sent me ahead to prepare you.”

Holding out her left hand, a strange looking ball expands in her hands, before she tosses it out, away from the crowd. The Pokéball flashes, before a Darmanitan appears from the light, bowing deeply.

Taking the microphone, Ryuuko takes a few steps closer. “Rory tells me that the people of Union do not use Pokéballs here. However, we have taken special care to make sure that your needs will be taken care of. The Nishimura clan is well-known throughout Caldera, as master blacksmiths for countless generations. Before the cataclysm that struck our great land, the Nishimura clan was world-renowned for their Pokéball design.

“I understand your reluctance. It is for this reason that I have gone to great lengths to craft each Pokéball that we provide by my own hand.” She holds the Pokéball up again for emphasis. “What you see here is nothing like the terrible devices of old. I have studied the Habitat Tower in Caldera, as well as the Warp Bands from Union, and learned what I could from it. I have used this knowledge to construct what you see here.”

Pressing the button at the center, the Pokéball retracts, and Ryuuko pins it to her obi.

“I have done my best to make them as comfortable as possible for your Pokémon. However, I do understand your reluctance. If there are any doubts, I would be more than happy to show you the process in which they are made, if this should ease your minds.”

The woman steps back, again ceding the floor to the councilman who really, at this point, looks like he wants to go home and go to bed.

“Well then. Any questions?”

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Matthias wasn't a soldier...he knew that, but he was a guardian; a sword and shield for the weak against their oppressors and one look at Basil was all the conformation he needed on that subject.

As usual, they were on the same page.

With that, he took a few steps forward and clicked his heels together before taking the usual at attention pose common within the Sword ranks.]

General Ironborn sir! As a member of the Swords of the Savior, I made a vow to uphold the most base tenant of our order. Be the shield for those who cannot protect themselves, and a sword against their oppressors. If we're giving aid to Sanctuary, then I, Matthias of Union pledge my service towards this effort!

[And Matthias' Lopunny is right there next to him as they both give a proud, official looking salute in unison.]

[The General returns the salute sharply]

We are fortunate to have the support of the Swords of the Savior in our endeavor.

Edited 2015-05-23 05:36 (UTC)

Thank you sir, I'll do my best to bring honor and victory to Union and our allies. May I ask though, when will we be departing? And through what method are we planning on approaching Sanctuary?

I expect within a few days. We will likely make a base of operations a few miles from the city limits and away from the prying eyes of Gigan soldiers.

Edited 2015-05-23 05:41 (UTC)

I see, that makes a good deal of sense. I can't imagine there will be any sort of outright assault on the city...too many innocents caught in the crossfire that way; would that mean we'd be taking advantage of the resistance's secret entryways into the city so we can sabotage Gigas' control from within?

That's the plan we brought to the council. I suspect they will request some revisions.

It makes the most sense, but we can play things by ear once we assess the situation up close I'd imagine. From there...only the Savior knows; we'll only have our recon intel and what information the resistance has...a fairly patchwork plan, but they do say the oddly stitched cloth is the strongest.

Must be a Union saying. Be that as it may there are some resources. We won't be going into the situation blind.

I'd imagine so, I've heard it here often. I'm glad to hear it though sir, I'll take my leave then and I'll be ready when the time comes to march. For Union and our allies.

[And that's one final salute before waiting to be dismissed.]

[The General returns the salute with a nod of dismissal]

[Off to the side, Martin is both proud and a little worried. Matthias has no idea what he's getting into. Well, guess that's decided it for him.]

If you're is going, then I should as well. Someone has to keep you out of trouble.

[He almost huffed at that. ALMOST. Just like, this close. But he catches himself and smiles sheepishly when he realize who spoke.]

O-oh, Martin! I uh...I apologize...I don't know what came over me honestly. I just...I couldn't stand the thought of Sanctuary being under such tyrannical rule if I could do something to help it.

And you've about as much impulse control as I do.

[Boar snorts. Martin actually admitted it!]

When we get back, we are going out and finding you another Pokémon to bond with--and I won't hear otherwise. If you're going to be volunteering your services like this, we can't put it off any longer.

I...yes...I suppose that's fair, but for a mission like this I would only want to take Basil anyways. I get the feeling we're going to be doing a lot of things very fast, and the more coordinated we are, the easier it will be.

[It didn't get any more coordinated than these two fighting together, they were basically on the same wavelength after all.]

True, but I've learned to work with more than just Boar and I've known him since we were both young. You can learn to work with more--and you'll have to eventually.

Yes, yes that is very true. I just hope Basil doesn't get jealoOOF.

[Yeah he just got punched in the side by Basil because Basil's big enough to reach there now instead of the side of Matthias' leg.]

S...strike that...he's not jealous...I think I need to sit...

[Right in the kidney Basil, what the heck?]

Oh dear.

[Martin grabs Matthias's arm and helps him sit down.]

We really need someone who can use Heal Pulse...

Yes...yes that would be good...

[He'll let himself get guided into a seat while Basil stands near a wall and looks away, trying to hide the fact that he is indeed laughing. What a pal.]

And maybe you need to deny Basil his favorite snacks.

[He knows you're laughing.]

[Whoops, Basil ain't laughing any more. Now he looks outright scared.]

No...no I earned that one...he doesn't like when I talk of him like he isn't here.

[Martin is Boar's human. Boar is a pig. Martin knows how to handle your type, Basil.]

Still. Maybe he won't punch so hard next time.

At least...hopefully not where he just punched...I'll take one to the shoulder next time please.

[Why. Why were kidney's nothing but tiny balls of nerves and pain??]

[Because they are.]

You are entirely too blasé about your Lopunny punching you.

...It's never been a problem before. He hasn't punched me since he evolved...I can take a punch to the side of the leg...I think he's learned his lesson though.

[Once is a slap on the wrist. Twice is loss of snack time. Three times is bed without supper Basil; the Lopunny knew what that look he was getting meant and he made a mental note to aim ABOVE the belt next time.]

Hmm. If you're sure. Still in pain?

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iamthatis - 2015-05-23 06:41 (UTC) - Expand

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