[FIN] Just keep swimming

[BlackFireKitsune]

That's it. This whole search was hopeless, Inigo thought to himself as he flopped onto a bench with a sigh, his elbows resting on the back of it as he slouched comfortably. He'd looked in all the places he'd seen or been through before that Rouge had been to as well, or led him through or ended up in - he'd even made sure to look up at the tops of buildings - but he couldn't find that silly jester. Not even a single clue, and it was getting late. And cold. Well, colder. All his pokemon were tucked away nice and warm in their pokeballs in his belt; they didn't like the cold either, except for Sonata who didn't really mind it too much seeing as she was a fire-type, but a legitimate shiny didn't exactly help keep a low profile.

With a sigh he tilted his head back to look at the stars. Out near the edge of the city was a perfect place to see them without any tall buildings to interfere (although the bright city lights did still make it harder to see the stars) - but it also meant he was close to the ocean, but really, he mused, that's why he saved this spot for last. It was where he and Rouge had parted ways the time he'd given the jester that blanket. What was Rouge up to? He hadn't seen 'em in a while, and the grunt was wondering what the clown had been up to. Hopefully not caught by the police...

"Couldn't find Jack, huh?"

Inigo stiffened at the sudden unfamiliar voice.

"Man, why would anyone want to hang out with that basket case? Unless he's nuts himself."

Voices. And movement on the bench behind him--

Inigo jumped up and whirled around to face three strange men - no, they seemed vaguely familiar somehow.. The three of them rounded the benches and Inigo took a couple steps back, trying to think of a way to get out of here. Why did he think it would be a good idea to come to this part of town?

"He must be crazy too, why else would he've helped that crazy guy out last time?"

"Are you sure that nutjob is even a guy?"

"I dunno bro, but all I know is girls have, I dunno, a girlish figure?"

"And boobs. Jack doesn't have boobs - he's gotta be a guy."

"A gay one probably. Why else would he wear such a stupid getup?"

Inigo kept backing away as they kept advancing - the glint of metal protruding from the pocket of at least one of them prevented him from trying to reach any of his pokeballs, and their insults to his friend made it hard for him to focus on a plan of escape.

Or where he was backing up to. That is, of course, until he hit a wall and turned his head at the same time as the gentle lapping of waves reached his ears, and Inigo froze in place. The ocean. They'd backed him up against the wall, the only thing that separated him from the ocean and oh Arceus the ocean was right there, he was so going to die

He probably should've been aware that they were still talking and advancing, but he didn't realize either of those things until they grabbed him and suddenly Inigo found himself in the air, flailing in their grip and frantically pleading in Spanish and trying to get away but they wouldn't let go.

At least, not until...

"We can't stand it when people mess with us. Consider this payback, kid."

...splash.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Jerome knew that he couldn't exactly go into many of these clubs anymore, not with the kind of people that he might find in them, bangers from past rival gangs and the like.
He knew he wasn't ET-14 anymore, but that didn't mean that anyone would hold any less of a grudge.
Still, It was hard for Jerome to be away from this aria for too long, it had been his home, where he grew up, where he spent time. He knew nothing else before Team Rocket and wasn't about to forget it either.

He had been in the aria already, having just left after a visit with Izumi, a bitter sweet event spent with the innocent young women, he wasn't feeling quite up to returning to base just yet, so he hit the bars and clubs along the coast.

With his jacket on over a hoodie to help keep warn in the cold night, the hood pulled up over his dreadlocks, and keeping his face down to help keep attention to him as minimal as possible.
He strolled leisurely down the streets, a beer bottle in one hand, the other shoved into his pocket.

He avoided too many crowded arias, not finding that too difficult, and despite keeping his head down, made sure to keep an eye out at each person within eyesight.
That was when he first noticed it.

Somethin' was going down on the pier. He didn't have to see who they were to know that there was a small group advancing one someone. by the way they were walking he knew that lose dude was going to get it
It wasn't until Bro appeared from the gangster's shadow and with an alarmed "GAR!" pointed to the lone guy.

After a few seconds Jerome knew exactly what Bro was trying to tell him... That kid was a Rocket, one that Jerome knew personally.
He moved as briskly as he could across the street to get to the pier, but before he could get there and say anything, they had attacked the boy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"HEY!" A deep bark from the darkness behind the men announced his presence, Jerome having just witnessed them throw Inigo over the side. The tone, and stance was enough to signify that he wasn't pleased with what he had just seem, even if they couldn't see the hard stare he was giving them from under his ******** just roughed up the wrong kid. Y'better get the ******** outta here before I make a mess outta ya."

He hoped they would just go, so he could get down and see if Inigo was okay. trying to listen for the boy's voice.  

[Catzandbirdz]

Rouge was displeased.

Today had been something of an off day for Rouge. A recovery day, if you will. And on recovery days, Rouge did not normally venture out. That changed when Zero came bolting in with a bark. An insistent tug on a certain black and red blanket was all that was needed to inform Rouge that a Spanish was sighted visiting the city, and pawing at some other miscellaneous items with a whine said that a certain gang was up to no good.

And that was how Rouge, in full makeup and clown regalia, had ended up crouched low on the rooftop of a bar on what should've been an off day. Because some nitwit newbies from a nitwit gang felt like messing with people they should not be messing with. Rouge's eyes narrowed behind the mask as the thugs cornered their target.

"Let's go, Z." The clown and Zorua duo moved to the other end of the building, where they would be able to climb back down a drainage pipe to the ground. Then they'd go teach those idiots a lesson about messing with clowns of questionable sanity.

Oh yes. Rouge was very, very displeased. And that mood was only going to go down more from there.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

The trio tensed and turned in unison at Jerome's voice, but when they saw that it was a lone man their height or shorter, they all just smirked at him and the front one crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh yeah? You and who else? Because, in case you haven't noticed, you're kind of outnumbered," he said, removing one hand to hold it palm up to his right. The guy on his right took the signal and made a jump for Jerome, while the guy on the left stepped forward, ready to help out.

-----

Neither Jerome nor Rouge would hear any unusual sounds coming from the ocean; just the sound of the waves lapping against the stone wall.  

[Blood_Goddess]

They didn't back down, though honestly, that would have been way too much to hope for.
Continuing to stare at then darkly from under his hood, sizing them up.
Young, a couple of them bigger then he was, and as they did point out... there were three of them.

Jerome might not have been concerned a year ago, he had been in enough brawls to know at least how to hold his own. But it had been a while since Jerome had even been able to walk without a slight limp, let alone fight three boys in their prime.

His eyes glanced over to the side of the rail, trying to catch any hint that Inigo was okay. but first thing was first... he had to get these guys out of his way.

Before Jerome could reach for one of the pokeballs at his hip The first punk had made his move, lunging at Jerome.
The tattooed man threw a fist out to try and catch the man's attack, while trying to dip off to the side in a feint. The sudden movement causing his stiff side to twinge in discomfort, slowing his movement considerably.

"GAR GAR!" The Gengar wasn't far behind, the large ghost appeared from the shadows behind Jerome, his wide toothy mouth scowling at the men as he glared, his fists raised.  

[Catzandbirdz]

None of the stooges noticed a rock about an inch and a half sailing through the air. Well, not until it hit the leader wannabe square on the noggin. "Can't say that's ever been an issue before," called a casually calm voice the thugs might recognize. Rouge grinned wickedly, walking ever closer and bouncing a green beanbag in the right hand. The clown came to a halt, bouncing the ball one last time before holding it in a fist. "Care to try changing that record?"  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Jerome had countered the first thug's attack, causing the man to stumble to one side, but the second one took the opportunity to jump in himself, aiming his fist at Jerome's face.

Their 'leader' didn't notice the rock until after it had sharply connected with his head. He started, reaching a hand up to his head before he scowled, turning to look for the source of the voice--

"Speak of the devil," he said with a smirk. "Big words for such a small nutjob - care to prove last time wasn't a stroke of dumb luck?" He asked with a chuckle, obviously thinking that last time had been just that, and waited the clown's first move.

-----

There was suddenly quite a bit of splashing down in the water, followed by a choked gasp and more splashing. Clearly Inigo was too focused on trying to survive instead of yelling for help.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Jerome knocked the first kid off his path, only to have the second rush up in that split second, catching Jerome on the side of the face.

The Rocket staggered backwards, losing his footing. Thankfully Bro had caught Jerome before the man had to fight to regain his footing. Something he was frustrated to find was much harder to do now a days.

His hood fell back as he lifted a hand up to brush over his bleeding mouth, until another voice pipped in.
Bro' and Jerome glanced over to see someone.
Blacked eyes blinked, the figure was someone he had never seen before, nor was he expecting anyone like this to make an appearance.
The splashing from down int he water grabbed Jerome's attention back though, for now he guessed he could worry about who this person was later. Right now all he cared about was that they seemed to be against these punks... and heck, they were wearing Rocket colors.
That was good enough for him.

"Y'go ahead take that ********," The ex-gangsters deep voice growled calmly, nodding to the leader of the pack. his gaze turning toward the other two "Bro' an I got this part."

A fist slapped into the Gengar's open palm, floating through Jerome and at the punk who had attacked first.
Jerome, coldly turned his full attention to the one who had hit him.
"Trust me Punk, I c'n take a s**t load more th'n that."
Ignoring the throbbing in his face, the gangster rushed the kid.  

[Catzandbirdz]

Rouge raised a hidden brow at the idiot's challenge. Wow. He really was dumb.

The big guy that seemed to be taking on the thugs in Spanish's favor wasn't doing so bad. Rouge gave a mock salute at Jerome's suggestion with the hand still holding the beanbag. "Don't mind if I do. Feelin' pretty lucky today."

If the answer was in response to the leader or to Jerome, it wasn't clear. Not that it mattered... Considering that a matter of seconds later waves could be heard splitting with a crash as a sizable Gyarados raised out of the water right behind the nitwit thugs. If it was possible for a Gyarados and manic clown to share the same evil face-splitting grin, it just happened.

"Oh, and by the way. Meet my little friend. He says 'hi.'"  

[BlackFireKitsune]

Before any of the trio could respond much to their opponents, the sudden appearance of a Gyrados made them all freeze.

The first thug was the first to respond - he stumbled backwards, wide-eyed, before he turned and started running. "Man, ******** you guys, I'm outta here! I didn't sign up for this s**t!" And with that, he disappeared into the nearest alleyway.

The second thug was too busy being rushed by Jerome to really pay much attention to the Gyrados, and landed with a grunt. He jumped back up pretty quick though and feinted to one side before aiming another punch at Jerome's face.

The leader of the trio duo staggered back a couple steps when the large water-type appeared, but his mouth formed a flat line as he pulled a gun out of his pocket, aimed it at the Gyrados's face, and fired several times in rapid succession.

-----

The splashing and frantic gasping sounds continued down in the water.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Bro' blinked when the one he was advancing on suddenly ran off. He hung in the air for a couple of seconds, staring off at the fleeing man, before his arms dropped to his sides in disappointment.
The ghost swiveled around, giving the Gyrados a frown, throwing his arms into the air at him as if to say "Really?!"
Then crossed his arms, pouting.

Jerome was able to land alright himself, and though it was not nearly as beautifully executed as he usually did, was back up on his feet though a roll and advancing the man again, taking the hit again, though this time able to move his shoulder into it. and throwing his elbow widely toward the man's gut.
There wasn't anything pretty about this fighting, gritty brawling. Thats how it usually ended up though.
Get the job done as quickly as he could, so he could get to his team mate.  

[Catzandbirdz]

The Gyarados almost seemed to laugh to itself as the man fled the scene. It did an odd head roll that somewhat suggested a nonchalant shrug to Bro'.

Oh look, the little idiot man had a gun. The Gyarados deadpanned in his own way of saying, "Really?" The thug began firing right as the Gyarados let out a roar and lunged down in a rage. The bullets barely seemed to phase it as its mouth opened wide, ready to swallow the man whol-

The Gyarados glimmered and flickered out of existence, leaving behind...

"Zo?"

... A very confused looking Zorua standing on the walkway between the leader and the water.

"Z! Hand!" Rouge jumped forward, letting the beanbag fly at the back of the leader's head and running up close to now personally fight the man, starting with a punch aimed for the face. Zero took the order and ran at the man in a zigzag, every intention to jump up and bite the man on the gun hand.  

[BlackFireKitsune]

The man went for Jerome again, but he wasn't expecting an elbow to his gut, and he fell to the ground. He didn't want to stay down though, not with an enemy standing over him, so he tried to sweep his leg around to knock Jerome's feet out from under him.

The leader had every intention of shooting the Gyarados's face more, except it.... disappeared. He blinked at the Zorua in confusion once or twice before Jack's voice - and beanbag - hit him. If anything, the combination warned him of the coming attack, so he was prepared for the punch that grazed his face and countered by trying to slam his gun into the side of Rouge's head.

-----

There was a brief pause in gasping and splashing, but it resumed with a vengeance several seconds later.  

[Blood_Goddess]

Jerome let out a sharp cry when he suddenly found his legs were no longer supporting his weight.
He knew the movements to catch himself, from this posture he could pull of some pretty bad a** moves to keep control of his moves. But when he tried to, he found that his body was still not reacting the way he needed it to.

He his the wooden boards hard. Growling in frustration, but not wasting any time as he rolled over, kicking a leg out to try and catch, and pin the other man down.

Bro' having more free time now, though keeping an eye on Jerome in case his friend needed him, floated over to the edge of the pier, looking down into the black liquid below to try and find where Inigo was. finding his eye was caught by the water sloshing up onto the wooden pillars supporting the structure. making it difficult to find point the struggling human.  

[Catzandbirdz]

The blow struck true against Rouge's skull, sending the clown down and to the side. Rouge was quickly back up on two feet- make that one foot and a knee- okay, two knees and going back up to one foot- oh, forget it.

While the clown waited for the world to slow down some in its spinning, Zero jumped with a vicious snarl. The Zorua latched onto the man's hand holding the gun with a mouthful of teeth, followed by wrapping around with four paws of claws.