fauxtographs | 1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

[ACTION]

[It's a quietish, average day in the Goldenrod Rocket base, although that silence is soon broken rather aggressively by the sound of a shout-]

I'll show you what I think of your "uniform violation"!

[Suddenly, there's another shout, and if you're lucky enough to be standing near the doorway where first one came from, you'll be treated to the sight of a Random Grunt being hurled out of it.

That...yep, he's definitely airborne, and doesn't seem too pleased about it. At least his flight is short, as he soon lands in a heap amongst a nearby group of metal bins with a deafening crash. He seems uninjured, if...extremely dazed, and it isn't long before his assailant comes exploding out of the door.

...all five, furious feet of her.]

There! Right in the rubbish, where bullies like you belong!

[The source of the argument quickly becomes apparent now that the young woman is in view; she's wearing the typical female grunt uniform, but only the hat, shirt and skirt. Instead of the regulation boots, she's wearing a pair of knee-high green boots, and a pair of white tights underneath her skirt.

Apparently, someone hadn't agreed with her alterations. To add insult to injury, a Lillipup immediately runs up and starts furiously barking at the Grunt (as tiny dogs are want to do), although her trainer doesn't seem interested in doing anything to call her off.]

Hmph!

[Gripping the brim of her cap, the woman straightens it angrily, muttering darkly to herself as she looks up and down the hall. Her anger is quickly abating in favour of confusion, and perhaps a little bit of despair.]

And I still don't know where the exit is...this place is more of a maze than Misthallery!

~~

[VIDEO]

[Some time later, Emmy has finally managed to puzzle her way out of the Rocket Base and into the heart of Goldenrod City (ensuring, of course, that she changed out of the uniform before she left). While a few subtle things are slightly different, on the whole...it feels like she never left.

It's enough to make her want to just...sit down for a bit - so she does, after walking briskly to the outskirts of the city and collapsing on the grass with a sigh. Her two Pokemon, Lillipup and Scraggy, having been in dutiful pursuit since she left the base, similarly crash down to the ground nearby and look at her expectantly.

All in all, they make a rather amusing picture. It's now that she's using the Gear - still lying in the grass, with it held up in her outstretched arm.

Her chosen camera angle is about more than just a lack of desire to stand up, however - the last time she was brought to Johto, she arrived in New Bark Town. Of course, the last time she was in Johto, she hadn't been automatically enlisted in Team Rocket, and the whole fiasco has made her rather suspicious. If there is a chance that Goldenrod City arrivals and Team Rocket are linked...she can't afford to broadcast her current location to the entire network. Best to be safe, and solve the puzzle later. This way, with only her upper body and the grass in view, she could be anywhere. Hopefully, people will assume she's somewhere between New Bark Town and...oh, what was it called...Cherrygrove! Yes!]

Ah, hello there! My name is Emmy!

[With a slightly awkward, yet friendly wave, Emmy chases any negative thoughts out of her head and focuses on smiling for the camera. It's been so long since she's done this - the whole experience feels rather surreal, yet there's a strong feeling of deja vu.]

I was just wondering...well, if any of you happened to recognize me! You see, I've actually been here in Johto before, and it looks like it wants me back for Round 2!

[To her credit, she looks and sounds completely sincere. Continuing to smile, Emmy shifts slightly on the grass and adjusts her grip on the Gear.]

I don't really expect any of my old friends to still be here, but I thought I'd ask anyway! Other than that...well! Do any of you have any good battling Pokemon to recommend?

[Laughing softly, Emmy beckons to something off-screen; soon, her Lillipup trots into the frame and rolls onto her back so she can look at the camera too, tail wagging furiously.]

At the moment I've only got this cutie, so I'm going to need some suggestions! I'm no beginner, so hit me with whatever you've got!

Thanks for listening, and have a good day!

[And with that, the feed is cut.]

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...Ms. Altava?

[WELL, AT LEAST SOMEONE SEEMS TO REMEMBER HER]

Well, it certainly has been a long time indeed. I'm not even sure if I remember the last time we spoke --- but regardless, you've returned at a very interesting time.

[KAYNETH SHE IS SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU

LEGITIMATELY]

Lord Archibald! Hello!

[That will even make her sit up off the grass!

...ensuring that hasn't got Goldenrod City behind her, of course]

You don't know how glad I am to see a friendly face! Have you been here all this time?

[...

...wow that. is a while, isn't it um]

My, my - it's been a while since I've heard from you, Miss Altava. I was beginning to think you didn't like us anymore.

[And will you look who it is. He's even deigning to do video for once, just for you; he's come to rather hate it over his time here, but, well. For certain people he'll make an exception, let's put it that way.

He sounds rather pleasant, as always, despite the light teasing in his words; his location is a bit difficult to discern, but it seems he's back in that house in Mahogany town that he...un-lime-greenified all that time back.]

It's a pleasure, as always; I trust you're doing well?

[Oh hello alright - for a moment, Emmy stares at the Gear in shock, before quickly pushing herself off the grass (without any recognizable landmarks behind her, thankfully...) and crying out-]

Kimblee!

[...it's safe to say that she's happy to see you; put it that way.]

Yes, I'm fine, I mean...well, I'm not great but I've been worse! I'm so glad to see you, I...

[No really, it's...frankly a massive relief, especially after everything that has happened recently; both here and at home.]

How have you been? I...goodness, I don't know what to say! I'm so glad you're here!

I find that I can't complain.

[Not particularly stellar himself, but it could be far, far worse, and it's mostly circumstantial as opposed to anything direct anyway.

He sounds content enough, anyway.]

I returned home for an extremely brief period myself, but otherwise there haven't been too many new developments.

That's excellent! I was just looking around the town, and it's like I've never left!

['Town' could mean New Bark Town - that would be where he would assume she is. If he had returned home, could that mean that he might not be in Team Rocket any more? How did Johto choose where to put people, anyway?

...ugh, it was making her head hurt! But to her credit, none of her internal frustration shows on her face. She's had a lot of practice with her poker face, after all. Down at her lap, Lily the Lillipup places her front legs on Emmy's knees and looks at the camera curiously.]

Where are you at the moment? Oh, I have so many questions for you! You'll certainly save me a lot of puzzle solving!

Ah, I'm in Mahogany Town for the time being, but I'll likely be in Ecruteak fairly shortly; it all depends on how things go. But you can ask me anything you like, Miss Altava, that hasn't changed.

[...that certainly is a puppy you have with you, please tell him you haven't named it something inane...]

[...it's one of those names that manages to be both pleasant and inane, but at least it's a step up from her previous naming scheme...]

Ah, I remember Mahogany Town! And the Lake of Rage, of course!

[How could she forget all these memories? Back in London, she hadn't know anything about any of this, but the second she returned here, it all came back...

...maybe she won't dwell on that, for now.]

We'll have to go back there - just like old times!

[After all, she's still trying to work out whether or not she's going to mention...her current issue.]

I'd like that quite a bit, actually.

[...it's vaguely alarming, the fact that he legitimately would, but that's not something he's going to let himself consider for very long.]

How are things in London? Still working with your professor?

[The question makes her heart sink, but her smile doesn't fade.]

Ah, well, I'm actually not working for him any more...trying something new, and all that! I was actually just leaving London when...well, I ended up here.

[And things managed to become even worse, which was...lovely.]

So! Good timing, and all! I'm sure I can find something appropriate for me here!

Is that so...

[His expression doesn't falter any, but it's something he's going to file away for later, let's put it that way.]

Well, there are still plenty of us here in Johto - Isaac is here as well, actually - so you aren't going to be completely on your own, should you not want to be.

[Rideaux and his two ~~minions~~ Pokemon happen to be making their way down the hall when this all goes down. It's a good thing he decided to stop at the sound of the shouting because he very well could've been in the way of that flying Grunt. Instead, he and his Pokemon watch with mild curiosity as the poor dude goes sailing by, their gaze following his movements until he comes crashing down.

What surprises him more is who's behind this debacle. To be honest, he was not expecting it to be a young woman throwing a full-grown man across a hallway.

This is hilarious, he won't lie.

He watches in silence, allowing her to finish her tirade before smirking a little once she looks in his direction.]

I'm impressed you even bothered to put some of it on.

[Yeah, he...hasn't bothered to change yet. At least his colors are sort of TR-related...!]

I couldn't help but overhear... [It was totally very difficult to eavesdrop on that yelling, you know how it is.] You're looking for the exit?

Ah, Isaac is here? Excellent! I mean, I don't mind being on my own, but knowing that you two are here is wonderful!

[Really, it's like she never left! Or, well...almost.

...alright, maybe not, but still. It's excellent to hear.]

...

[...although.]

Ah, Mr Kimblee...there is one question I have. If you don't mind, of course.

Of course, Miss Altava - anything.

[Emmy is still fuming to herself, so the sound of Rideaux's voice takes her by surprise.]

Sorry?

[...oh. Right, there are...people around, aren't there...

...at least, judging by what he's said, this one doesn't appear to be, you know. Important.]

I mean, yes, I...I'm looking for the exit. Have you seen it?

[Having been in Johto before, Emmy manages to find the 'Lock' function of the Gear instantly.]

I have all my memories of everything that happened last time I was here, so I was wondering...

[...]

...how is everything with Team Rocket? Has...has 'Seth' been caught?

[He nods, sternly watching his Houndour as she makes a move to communicate with Emmy's Lillipup. Fellow dog!]

It's pretty difficult to miss, if you're actually paying attention.

[Apparently that wasn't rude at all to him, because he just keeps on going.]

Did you just arrive?

[Well, the sight of another dog Pokemon manages to draw Lily's attention away from the bins; hello there! Her trainer, however, bristles at Rideaux's first comment, but manages to control herself long enough to focus on the second.

...she's still annoyed, however.]

Obviously. Why do you think I can't find the exit?

[Hmph!]

You're new too, aren't you?

[With a shrug,] You spoke as though you had at least been here long enough to discover it on your own. Don't you worry though, I'll show it to you.

[He's still keeping an eye on his Houndour rather than Emmy, as though he's annoyed by his Pokemon's actions. We didn't come over here to be all chummy, Hellfire!

Though this young woman is pretty amusing so far, so he supposes he can allow it for now.]

Yes, I arrived a few days ago. Quite a show they're running here, isn't it? I'm still not quite sure what's so special about these monsters that they're stealing massive quantities of them. They don't seem to do anything too out of the ordinary.

[...hmm. You're a bit of a jerk, but you're offering to show her the exit. Potential...gentleman? Maybe? Regardless, some of that anger might evaporate a little.]

Oh, no - I only just arrived. This is my first time out of my bedroom, really-

[Ooh, wait, hang on! A question about Pokemon? She can answer that!]

Ah, well, you see, Pokemon have all sorts of wonderful abilities! Some are actually incredibly powerful, with the right training. That's why Team Rocket is working to steal so many of them. Frankly, it's horrid!

[...

...that might have been Too Much Information, but she can roll with it.]

[Well that's interesting, and not just her apparent disdain for the organization she ended up working for. Rideaux raises an eyebrow at her, gently placing a hand against his hip.]

You sure know a lot for this being your first time out of your bedroom.

[Without missing a beat, Emmy shakes her head.]

First time out of my bedroom, yes, but you're not the first person I've spoken to. I've been chatting with a few of the other grunts, here and there. Enough to know that I'd much rather get out of here, anyway. He-

[-and she'll nod at Bin Grunt-]

-was supposed to tell me where the exit was, but instead he seemed more concerned with my outfit.

[It's a believable excuse; she's still not sure if it's...wise to spread the fact that this isn't her first time in Johto. It sounds like the sort of thing that could be used against her.

...perhaps it's best to plead ignorance, if this fellow has any more questions. Hmm.]

You're not even wearing this silly thing! Not that I can blame you.

[That response doesn't give him any reason to cast doubt on her. It was sincere, and her tone never faltered through it. He gives a satisfied nod when she's done explaining.]

I don't see a need to unless I'm actually on business. Frankly, the uniforms are hideous.

[That should be confirmation enough that he doesn't intend to ditch this place for the time being.]

But from the sound of things, you didn't choose to be here either. Don't you wonder why they've gone through the trouble of bringing us here? They must really want our services. I imagine they'd be very disappointed if their new recruits were to immediately up and desert them.

...that's what I'm confused about, too.

[To put it mildly.]

Judging by the information I've gathered, this...really isn't the sort of place I want to work. I mean, I'll do it if I have to-

[-maybe-]

-but I don't think I'd make a very good thief.

[Looking over at poor stupid Bin Grunt, Emmy frowns, shifting her gaze down to her hands.]

Maybe it's...because I know how to fight? But it's not like I could take on a properly trained Pokemon...

[...there's another, niggling reason for why they would have recruited her, but she pushes it away. That can't be it, surely!]

What about yourself...?

[It hits her at that moment that she's having a happy discussion with what could be a horribly evil maniac, since...you know, Team Rocket wanted him.

...she needs to get out of here ASAP.]

[Probably for the best, Emmy. You really have no idea.

Rideaux flexes his fingers at the mention of fighting.]

I'm not quite sure myself. If it's my superior healing or fighting abilities they're after, they did a wonderful job limiting them by taking away my Spyrix.

[He looks annoyed by that, whatever a Spyrix is. Really, what's the point of dampening his power if they want strong members in their ranks?]

They even confiscated my weapons and gave me...these, [He extends his hands to motion at his Zangoose on one side and his Houndour on the other. They both look up at him with mild discontent.] in exchange. Are they really that much more powerful than us that they can be substituted for real weapons?

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1 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE GOLDENROD ROCKET BASE/ROUTE 34]

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