Three's a Crowd [GOOOLLL-LLLEEEEMMM!]

[Bill]

Cerulean City ebbed away, and in its place rose a cave of the same name. Although the sun was still present in only a faintly cloudy sky, Cerulean Cave was all but shadows lying ahead with murky movements in the air and vague apparitions of which one could only speculate as to its being menacing or not.

Bill was not certain about this. The worry on his face kept his brown eyes open and wide, pupils darting and alert. The air was thick here, curling his hair more than it already was; it rose in tumbling, strawberry brown hills and fell from a side-part over his forehead and ears. The humidity was so dense that it collected on his face, mingling with the sweat of nerves and gluing strands of hair to the sides of his face. Droplets had gathered on his pale cheeks and hung from the tip of his button nose, threatening to drip onto his tightened, frowning lips.

His previous blue polo had been replaced due to its being shredded earlier in the day by one of his company; he now wore a simple purple button-up, though now that he was standing in front of the Cerulean Cave, he wasn't sure why he hadn't thrown on a more disposable article of clothing. The ends had been tucked hastily beneath his belt, which was latched around his tiny hips and kept his jeans around his legs. The man was not quite the impressive sort: he had a rather short stature, and overall his frame was rather scrawny. He wouldn't deny that; he was a scientist, not a fighter. His being outside the Cerulean Cave would have been a mystery to him, as well, had it not been for the circumstances being what they were. Despite his apprehension, he had a duty to fulfill not only as a Pokemon Researcher but as a lover of pokemon and people; he couldn't very well leave the giant golem on its own in a city surrounded by water (of course, he couldn't subject the people of Cerulean to any surprise attacks at the wrong end of its claws, either).

Golem was the reasoning for Bill's outing. Normally, Bill was quite the homebody and enjoyed sitting in front of his computer as much as a Pokemon Trainer enjoyed battling. When there was an upset, destructive golem raging outside of his house, however, he much rather preferred keeping it from tearing apart his things. Suicune had been a tremendous help in that respect; the Legendary Pokemon had been kind enough to not only grant him her godly presence, but to also subdue the distressed golem.

Thanks to Suicune, the golem sat within a sturdy cage of ice, which also had built-in legs for easy transport. Bill wouldn't know what to do without the Goddess's generous assistance.

"Gooool.... leeeeem...." the creature breathed from its container. Its tumultuous, spherical body sat nearest the front of the sculpture surrounding it, claws dripping with a feral instinct. Its head rose and fell as it breathed audibly, releasing a vibrating noise through its unsettling, fanged mouth. Red eyes curled in their sockets, jumping threateningly to any small movement that dared catch the golem's attention. Its flat, slanted head hung from its rocky bulk. It had calmed considerably since its first appearance: after Suicune had contained its thrashing to its current confinement, Bill had retrieved a soothe bell from his quarters--one he had used to research baby pokemon--and with a thread, had hung it on the ice crate. He wasn't sure what its effects would be on a wild pokemon, but Golem did seem a little less violent. The creature was only lost and in pain, and Bill would do all in his power to make it comfortable until they were able to get it home.

Thus, his reasoning for calling a dear acquaintance of his--'dear' used in a very strained manner.

Walking through Cerulean while carting a gigantic golem in a cage of ice alongside a Suicune hadn't been like any other walk through the city. Bill thought that perhaps the few people they had walked by just didn't think Suicune was the real, genuine Goddess; although, what else they were thinking, Bill wasn't sure of. At least he hadn't waited for his friend before they had decided to make their way towards the Cave; he was sure, at any rate, that the newcomer would have made it worse, or at the very least, even more of a spectacle.

Then again, Lt. Surge was probably good with stealth and espionage. The Gym Leader of Vermilion City was the only man Bill had thought to call; his other contacts on hand consisted of other researchers like himself, but no one he could really depend on for protection. Vulpix was at his side, but as Bill was no trainer, the little fox pokemon probably wouldn't be much help in a cave full of powerful, inauspicious pokemon. Bill had seen Surge in battle and was aware the man could do exactly what was needed.

Naturally, Bill had informed Suicune of his precautions.

"I hope you don't mind... I've called a friend to help us through the Cerulean Cave," he had said upon exiting the house, newly dressed with soothe bell in toll. Eevee was now safely stored inside, Farfetch'd keeping her company and hopefully out of trouble.

"He may be a little... unorthodox..." Bill had muttered, attempting to place a little warning for Suicune's sake. "But I suppose you'd expect that from anybody who meets you? Heh."

Now that they were here and awaiting Surge's arrival before entering the Cave, Bill wasn't certain how to introduce the Legendary Goddess, Suicune, to the Gym Leader of Vermilion City. He supposed he would just go about it as casually as possible, and insist they get going to perhaps shorten any amount of awe Suicune's appearance might inspire in Surge. Of course, Bill was only reflecting on his own reaction to Suicune--and how could anyone not feel crazy delighted out of their mind to meet such a pokemon? Even Vulpix shared the sentiment; he took care to place himself directly between Bill and Suicune, so he could be at his trainer's side as well as the lovely Goddess's.

((...I totally stole the title of this thread from a transformers episode. -cackles and scampers away-))

[Lt. Surge]

[/b] -- but I can think of several things he needs help with.
... Like how to flirt, for example.
But that's something I'll have to address to him another time.
He's talking about some wild Golem or something that needs to be released -- I don't know.
I wasn't paying too much attention, honestly.
Anyhow, I came prepared for whatever hell may cross my path.
Ever since that catastrophe in '99, well, I just can't help but be a little safe and prepared.
CARRY ON:
Beretta 9MM semiautomatic.
Smoke bombs -- count of five.
Escape rope -- count of two.
Grenade -- count of three.
And my trusty explosive ammo belt -- six Voltorb and four Electrode on hand.

These feral Pokemon aren't the easiest to deal with -- one can never be too sure.
Not to mention, I've got to watch Billyboy's back if this creature pulls some shit.

I see the cave in the distance -- I'll be logging off now.
Lieutenant Robert Surge -- log NO. 467
OVER AND OUT."
[/color][/i]

Surge lowered the Poketch from his lips as he pressed a button, blue eyes narrowing from behind his orange tinted aviators. His worn out combat boots crunched against the rocky and dirty pathway, demolishing small twigs and plants as he plummeted through, walking briskly.
The tall man was thick in stature, shapely muscles contouring his military B.D.Us into a signature and most attractive look of a soldier. From head to toe, he was covered in camouflage print with a black undershirt sporting underneath.
"Torb."
The robotic voice of the rounded Pokemon chirped from the ammo belt that was strapped across Lt. Surge's chest, followed by an array of different buzzing noises as their eyes peered up at their master.
"Trode. Elect-trode."
By the devious grin that spread across Surge's face, the explosive Pokemon knew what they were in for.
He was lacking his cannon that he usually catapulted the Pokemon from, but that was alright. The Voltorb merely shut their eyes and enjoyed the ride, while the Electrode put on a smirk to match Surge's own.
He climbed over the hill with a small grunt surpassing his lips, and saw in the distance a short fellow with a curly, reddish mop of hair.
The man ran his arm across his protruding nose and chuckled to himself at the sight of this young man before speaking into his Poketch once more,"Eight o'clock sharp. Destination has been reached. Let the record reflect the time of my arrival."
Surge pressed a few more buttons on the Poketch before lifting a hand to his spiky, flaxen colored hair. He slicked it back, brushing a few particles of dirt out of the gel from his journey.
A light amount of salty sweat kissed his forehead as he made his way towards Bill, walking at an easy paced jog. He stopped in front of Bill, and after an awkward pause, took no hesitation in letting out a string of husky laughter and slapping Bill harshly on the back. He pulled him into a hug as he greeted Bill with nothing more than an insult, "HAAHAA! Long time no see, runt! You look GREAT -- but ya could of at least put on a less girly color of a shirt! What the hell is up with the purple!?
......
Nevermind! I'm here! What have we got here? What do you need my help with?"
As Bill was pulled into an awkward man-hug, the Voltorb and Electrode grimaced as his body was pressed against them, and began buzzing quietly in disgust.
"Trode-trode-bzzznnnttt..."
"Voolllltttt-bzzznnttt..."
No worries, Bill. They only zap or explode on command.
Surge didn't bother to introduce the Pokemon that hung onto his body -- he figured he was would addressed about it later. After all, it wasn't everyday you saw somebody with an accessory like that. They were very useful, though. Perhaps not for this mission, but Surge couldn't help but bring them along.
Especially with that paranoia of his -- one couldn't be unprepared.
A look of excitement flourished through Lt. Surge's face as he looked about wildly and his speech was quickened with eagerness. He caught sight of the Golem in the ice chamber and blinked a few times,"Woaahh! What is this!? How-- how did you managed to do that!?!"
Of course, Surge wasn't informed at all over the phone that a certain legendary Goddess was here to help as well. And, Surge was too wrapped up in his thoughts and anticipation to notice the dog nearby as he marveled over the ice chamber that with held the Golem.
In fact, the lieutenant was now circling the cage, looking absolutely impressed with a sinister grin transfiguring on his face.

[/ul]

[Mim]

It had been so long since the Goddess had been so immersed in such lively presences; Suicune had been somewhat mentally stunned. The barrage of emotions delightfully foreign to her had not shown in her expression, though, as she had accompanied Bill through the rest of Cerulean City. Perhaps the slightest flash of curious warmth had jumped into red, immortal eyes as human children had run past, or when other examples of human life had bloomed in front of her. What love they had for each other, the emotion somehow expressed through smiles and held hands and teasing. Cerulean rarely had pollution in or around its pristine borders, whether a physical stain or one related to its people. Its maintained purity made it a regularly frequented spot for Vesi, seeing as there were various ponds and small lakes to dance and swim in. Naturally, the blue-furred feline was happy that she'd met Bill in this city as well. Humans of his kind were hard to find these days, a lamentable thing when trash and clean waters were added to the situation.

Of course, Vesi didn't normally walk through human establishments, so it was understandable that her liquid gait had stiffened into a sort of stately gliding as she'd followed Bill toward Cerulean Cave. Ironically, the Goddess's reputation as a graceful, never-surprised Pokemon lay heavily over her real countenance and disguised the awkward looks she kept shooting at her surroundings. The way buildings deterred and altered the wind's course had resulted in a darkened mane and a slight flickering sound akin to the snap of cellophane – the Goddess's tails whipping up over her flanks and back to the ground behind her. She had immediately relaxed some as the Cave had drawn nearer, the aurora hovering over her back returning to its playful shimmering.

She didn't mind that Bill had called another human; Suicune had taken to to the idea after a ponderous moment on human nature. She'd concluded that an acquaintance of Bill's had to be tolerable, at least.

Now Vesi sat near Cerulean Cave's entrance, limbs loose and eyes half-closed. The Goddess obviously wasn't very apprehensive about whatever company Bill had called. Every so often the icy cage connected to her mind shifted to balance the mollified Golem inside it; with each small movement the Soothe Bell attached to the faceted container was permitted a light toll. The polished crest on Suicune's forehead glimmered as she swayed minutely to the clear sound, a pleased hum rising from her chest to mingle with the bell's melody.

A voice broke the slim music and got the deity to fully open her eyes. Another human greeted her vision, a blond man who'd come up near Bill. Slowly Vesi rose to her feet, tails uncoiling from their places to sift through the air around her shoulders. At the comment on purple's mandatory gender categorization Suicune let out a slight huff and projected the general thought that purple was a very nice color and not something to be confined to one gender group. She might have been biased, since there were all sorts of indigo-violet-lavender-sky-lilac in her mane, but she was female as well and therefore putting some effort into defending the color.

[Bill]

Looking at Suicune was enough to render Bill's uncertainty; perhaps they had arrived a little early--Bill didn't keep a watch on his person--but he was growing a little apprehensive. Not only was this the first time in meeting Surge since their introduction, but Surge was also a force himself not to be reckoned with. Suicune's atmosphere seemed ever calm and serene, but while she laid outside the cave with half-lidded eyes, Bill couldn't help but feel a little impatient on her behalf.

Turning to face the path that led to the cave, Bill was immediately met with a surprise; whether it was unpleasant or of relief, he had no time to contemplate. His initial gasp was followed by another, breathy gasp as lo and behold: Surge had appeared, slapping a large hand against Bill's rather fragile-in-comparison back. Before Bill could gather much else, the same arm wrapped around him, and, much to his horror, he found he was being embraced against the larger man's chest.

"Wha-ah!" Bill cried, though his voice was completely overthrown by Surge's boom of a vocal introduction. He felt himself squished against more than just a camouflage jacket over a broad chest, but several thought-provoking lumps. Looking down, he realized he was inadvertently pressed against a string of rather displeased-looking voltorb and its evolution. "Lieutenant S-Surge!" Bill sucked in his stomach, pushing his frail weight against Surge's considerable arm, looking frantic at the electric pokemon. While he was a 'Pokemaniac,' he did have enough sense to be afraid of them when the situation called, and this situation seemed to be calling quite loudly. Voltorb and especially electrode were rather unstable pokemon known for their self-destructive abilities, something Bill wasn't entirely interested on researching up close and personal. Another reason for his exclaiming Surge's name was the mere ineptitude of such an informal greeting. He supposed he should have expected as much, but he really wasn't comfortable with this kind of physical contact. Especially when the man he was being forced to hug had unpredictable explosives strapped to his body.

Beside his trainer, Vulpix yipped, slightly perturbed by Surge. He recognized him, of course; he had battled alongside him once before. Vulpix's tails swung back and forth as he watched, blinking with more confusion than anything else.

Finally, Bill was released from the stranglehold. Bill felt his feet securely on the ground, and function was gradually restored to his ears and lungs. His face was a bright red, be it from embarrassment, lack of air, or something else. He was too easily flustered when it came to anything that involved something physical. He slowly regained himself, feeling air comb his skin beneath the purple button-up Surge had so eagerly insulted. Bill ran a small hand over his hair, molding a few awkward curls back into place as he watched Surge circle Golem.

"Gooool," the large pokemon uttered threateningly, kneading its claws against its knees and narrowing its eyes, feeling threatened by this new, boisterous human. Another shake of the cage relaxed it slightly, soothe bell ringing its easy music.

Bill could barely bring himself to glance at Suicune. He stepped forward, still unable to shake off the remains of the recent flustering event, and addressed Lt. Surge in a voice that cracked with nerves. "That is the work of Suicune. She's helping me transport Golem..." While there was certainly nothing casual about the situation at all, Bill tried to talk about it as if it might be so. He hesitantly brought his brown eyes to said Goddess. "Suicune, this is Lt. Surge." Bill managed a faint, friendly smile, forcing away most of the pink from his cheeks at this point.

[Fidge]

[/i]!! You're a real joker, kid!! Ahh, that's why I love ya!"[/color] Surge roared back in hysterics as he jabbed Bill playfully on the shoulder, "Now honesty. How the hell did you do this? It's remarkable.."
It wasn't until Surge lifted his eyes to scan the surroundings when he noticed the Suicune standing nearby in all of her glory. Almost immediately, his attention was drawn to her as a look of awe flourished over his face.
Now, unlike Bill, Surge wasn't the smartest when it came to identifying Pokemon, but he was somewhat familiar with the Goddess.
The ice cage seemed unimpressive now that he caught sight of the Suicune. Unable to contain his amazement, Surge made his feelings concerning Vesi obnoxiouslly known as he bolted over and began to circle the Pokemon, indescribable stutters spitting out from his lips before he formed a complete sentence, "FwaahHAAHAA! Get out! How did a runt like yourself get this here beauty to assist you!?" He exclaimed as he examined Vesi like she was something on display. Before Bill could really answer, Surge snapped his head in the feline's direction, "Seriously. What is he paying you for this?"
The Electrode and Voltorb eerily watched Vesi as well, putting all their attention on her and buzzing occasionally.
And thus, another introduction was made awkward, thanks to Surge's loudness and all around arrogance.
[/ul]

[Mim]

Human affection was a strange thing.
If it was even affection that was being exhibited here, of course.
The newcomer seemed enough at ease, though Bill was rather awkward about the whole thing...
This was why she didn't act the same toward her siblings. The extra emotion was sometimes so hard to interpret.

Vesi tilted her head the slightest bit to the left as Bill spoke, the researcher's voice mixed with the edged buzz of electricity. Her gaze flickered momentarily to the source of the sounds, blocked by the humans, and Suicune hummed in a noncommittal way before turning to smooth the fur at her shoulder with a sandpaper tongue. The irate static sounds seemed to be from the species of Pokemon prone to explosions, something that sent a quick sheet of confused worry over Suicune's expression. Their human master didn't seem too fretful (not that Lt. Surge seemed the fretful type) about the unstable Pokemon strapped to his front; the lack of emotion concerning Voltorb and Electrode let Vesi release her thoughts on the matter and relax into a loose stance.

Her cage seemed to be attracting some sort of...admiration? attention from Bill's acquaintance. As Surge examined the frozen container some more Vesi thought over the man's name, tails sifting through the air to tap ponderously at her front legs. The human seemed familiar, in the sense that she'd at least heard of him. Red eyes drifted from the Lieutenant to Bill and over the trapped Golem before sliding into sharp recognition. Lt. Surge was the human Raikou had mentioned to her - something about "Being badass enough to tolerate and having a damn good sense of what to blow up". Vesi didn't really see how that warranted a friendly countenance toward Surge, but she wasn't going to argue.

Speaking of, Surge had already circled the Goddess a few times by the time she'd finished her rambling thoughts. She followed his last bit of movement with a turned head and flicked a tail lightly out at Surge in response to his first sentence, a trace of humor entering her eyes. Deciding to speak at last, she let her words travel from her mind to open air in a ripple of sound. Pleasure to meet you. Forging past the compulsory greeting (of course, it also served to prove that Suicune could indeed communicate), Vesi moved toward the cage linked to her consciousness while replying to the odd question Surge had directed toward her. Pay? I don't see what you mean. His city is clean and has pure water; that is enough for me. Unaware of how vague her answers were, she sat primly by one of the cage's legs.

[Dragon]

This role play is being moved due to inactivity.

Please contact an admin or moderator if you would like to reactivate the topic.