ortion | Route 29

[Once everything is ready again, Nagi steps forward and takes a seat at the console, looking over at the Dedenne on his shoulder out of the corner of his eye before letting his attention turn to the computer screen. He knows the codes are there like before, just as complex and daunting as they were the first time. Knowing what's coming isn't going to help, especially when he already knows that the time he has to get through them is limited. But today, he doesn't need time.

With his gaze fixed on the screen, Nagi reaches his hand out and takes hold of the mouse, hesitating for a brief moment. The second he clicks the screen flashes and comes alive with collumns of numbers and text that appear almost faster than Nagi can keep track of. His hands pull back sharply, but instead of beginning to type, he holds his hands just a few inches off the keys. Still and unmoving.

For a moment it might appear that Nagi isn't even trying at all, possibly stricken numb by the prospect of failure a second time. That is, at least, until the silence is broken by the sound of keys being struck by invisible hands that don't need to move, and now Nagi's not even quite looking directly at the screen with his eyes partially shut as text appears as if being typed by an outside force. An outside force that doesn't need hands or fingers to beat those lines of code before they can grow unruly, saving precious seconds that had been lost previously.

A force that has allowed Nagi to break down security systems back home; ideally, the same will be true here.]

[Due to Dist's current angle he's directly behind Nagi so at first, he doesn't notice that something very strange is going on here. So at first, he stands there with his Pokemon, highly unimpressed by Nagi's delayed reaction to the start of the codes. In fact, he almost sighs in annoyance because Nagi came here and made Dist go through all the effort of setting things up again, only for him to freeze up at the crucial first seconds of the test.

But that's when he notices it. There's the definite sound of typing, but he doesn't see any movement from Nagi himself. Even at this angle, he'd be able to see slight shifts and movement in Nagi's arms and shoulders, but he's seeing nothing.

When he discovers this, he changes his own position, taking a few steps around Nagi and looking direct down at the keyboard. He freezes, eyes widening significantly. He can't believe what he's seeing. That's...that's not possible at all.]

Wh-what is this--

[He pauses for a second to consider what could be going on here. As a scientist he has to do this, think around the box to make sense of the seemingly impossible.

The conclusion he arrives at does not please him. He frowns, narrowing his eyes at Nagi.]

I didn't think of you as a cheater, boy. It should be obvious that using a Psychic type Pokemon as your aid isn't a display of your own skill. Use your own hands or I will stop this test.

[He doesn't see any Psychic types around, but he knows full well that they have good psychic ranges. It could be anywhere in the area.

He really should just stop the test now because he doesn't want to deal with a cheater at all...]

[At first Nagi doesn't answer, too deep in concentration on what he is doing to really pay Dist much mind. It's been so long since he's done this that the task of breaking the codes isn't quite so daunting now that he can actually feel his powers working. The rush of satisfaction he gets at hearing the keys start to move in response to his influence is enough to dispel any previous anxiety he might have had about doing this.

When Dist proposes that he might be cheating, however, his brows furrow just slightly. The typing doesn't stop as he answers.]

The last time I checked, Dedenne was not a Psychic type, sir.

[Perhaps it isn't in his best interest to be smart, but at the same time he can't help it. Dist's reaction to his performance the last time stuck with him, and it's half the reason he came back to retake the test at all.

As the keys keep moving and text flashes up onto the screen, he continues without turning his attention away from his work.]

I have not brought any other Pokemon with me. You are free to check if you think I am lying, but I don't think you will find anything.

[Not when they are all in their balls he won't.]

[Oh no you just didn't. A low growl escapes Dist's throat, and he leans closer to make sure Nagi can see the look of utter annoyance on his face. He even points directly at the boy for added effect.]

Don't you dare start with me. I am fully aware of Dedenne's types.

[He then straightens, angrily opening his labcoat and reaching for the Pokeballs on his belt.]

Your Psychic type could be anywhere, and believe me, I will find it.

[Especially because he doesn't like what Nagi's implying. If a Psychic type or even a Ghost type isn't manipulating those keys, then what is...?

He shakes his head, choosing to wait to explore that possibility once he's scanned the area. Pulling a Pokeball from his belt, he releases the Pokemon inside, summoning a Reuniclus. It's Fonon, his strongest Psychic type. Normally he'd ask Kato to have Ranpu run a scan because it's extremely skilled at it, but with Kato on the other side of the building right now it isn't the most viable option. Fonon will have to do.

He faces the Reuniclus, his voice becoming stern and serious.]

Find whatever is manipulating those keys. It will be sending a signal that you should easily be able to track. I expect a response within one minute.

[The Reuniclus seems a little confused as to his trainer's strange behavior, but he nods and within a second he's gone, searching the base with rapid speed. With his range, he shouldn't be gone long. But what will he find, and how much will Nagi have completed of the test by then?]

[Something about the tone of Dist's voice is insanely amusing to Nagi, but he manages to keep a straight face as he continues to work, allowing himself an inward chuckle. Though he's twice as fast at this now, the codes haven't gotten any easier since the last time he tried to break them. The only edge he has is the faster response, able to input more lines of code within seconds instead of having to rely on the speed of his own hands, which clearly wasn't reliable enough for him to get through.

And though he's still focused, he can't help but catch a glimpse of Fonon out of the corner of his eye. The final evolution of his Solosis, an exceedingly strange Pokemon to be sure. It must be a powerful Psychic type for Dist to be using it, and that's something the boy will have to remember for later. For now it's all about this test, which Dist might be alarmed to find that Nagi is starting to make considerable progress on. He also seems a lot more calm and collected than he was the first time around. There's no evidence of his anxiety here; just cold concentration as the keys continue to move, seemingly of their own accord.

As for the Reuniclus, he will be finding nothing. Any signals he picks up from any other Pokemon that happen to be in the base won't be Nagi's. The rest of his team are in their balls and deliberately left back home. It's a risk that he would usually prefer not taking, especially since his Dedenne is very low leveled...but he couldn't have Dist accusing him of cheating, as he is now.

So, he can just count on having a very good alibi.]

[Dist is basically pacing by the time Fonon returns, anxiously turning to face Nagi's screen from time to time and inwardly panicking a little more every time he notes the alarmingly fast progress the boy is making. He's running a lot of ideas through his mind to understand how this is happening if it indeed doesn't turn out to be a Psychic or Ghost type Pokemon controlling the keys, but he can't think of anything amidst his panic. There is no magic in this world, all powers disappear upon arrival. He knows this, he's tried to use his own abilities many times. So how...?

Fonon's return and subsequent reveal of bad news doesn't help matters at all. When the Reuniclus shakes his head, Dist shoots another glare in Nagi's direction, taking a few steps so he's beside him once more.]

How- How are you doing this?

[This has to be some kind of prank. Something has to be up here. Did he sabotage the program ahead of time somehow by making modifications to the computer? No, there was no way he could get in here without authorization from Dist himself, so... And besides, it still doesn't explain the keys moving all on their own.

Well, the kid better speak up or things just might get a little complicated.]

I believe I remember telling you when I first arrived that I was rather proficient with computers.

[He begins in that characteristic, almost impassive tone of his, though the look on his face is anything but impassive. It's pleased for once, and clearly so. As he talks the keys continue to move, struck by an invisible force.]

There happens to be a certain...way I prefer to do things, however.

[The Dedenne on his shoulder lifts tiny paws to rub at his face, whiskers twitching as he looks up at Dist with a cheeky grin, his tail draped across the back of Nagi's shoulders.]

And of course, if you and your partner feel the need to make this test needlessly difficult to complete- impossible, perhaps, merely because you can- then I feel that it is only fair I even the odds.

[He's gritting his teeth at this point, trying to bite his anger at that superior attitude Nagi and his Dedenne have taken on. But since he's Dist, that's pretty much impossible to do.]

That isn't answering my question! This shouldn't be possible, it--

[He cuts himself off, attempting to clear his mind and think of a possible explanation for this. He's established that it's not cheating with a Pokemon, he's established that Nagi couldn't have rigged this ahead of time because he would have easily been caught. He pretty much has to accept that the test is going to be completed at this rate, and if it's not through some form of cheating, then Nagi must be the real deal...but how's he pulling this off?

If it's a supernatural ability of Nagi's, it shouldn't be possible for him to be using it. However, there have been instances of powers being available to access. Is this one of those times? Dist thinks back to the previous instances...

...ah. May and November, the strange weekends where many extraordinary things occur and everything goes haywire. He's been through at least three of them himself, and he had access to his abilities then. It's November, so is this one of those weekends...?]

Is this some sort of ability? I demand you explain yourself, otherwise I'm going to make this test attempt null and void as well.

[The boy remains silent, and for a moment it seems as if he's ignoring Dist, or doesn't plan to answer...until he finally lets out a breath, the typing on the keys suddenly beginning to slow.]

Pause the test, and I will.

[That was a tense moment, but Dist's practically relieved when Nagi finally answers. With a slight nod, he leans over Nagi and types in the familiar few strokes to pause the test.

He then leans back again, crossing his arms and staring at Nagi expectantly. Out with it, boy.]

[Nagi watches until the test is paused, and once it is he pulls his hands back and lets them settle into his lap. He doesn't turn to face Dist, and instead starts to let his gaze scan the room.]

I woke up this morning with the revelation that I had returned to my full potential. ...of course, I'm not interested in letting anyone else know this unless absolutely necessary. However, you seemed like you needed an example.

[All of a sudden, a loud groan echoes in the corner of the room, sharply splitting the silence. A chair- thankfully an easily replaceable one- suddenly collapses as its legs are twisted up under as easy as if they were made of ropes.]

You made a fool of me once, creating a test in such a way that it would be impossible for me to complete it. ...Today, I can break into anything you present to me within minutes.

[He leans back in his chair, and the groaning of the other chair stops as it falls over with a metallic clatter.]

I'm not going to say your test was not fair, but it certainly was not an accurate judgement of what I can do. After all, if I really was required to uncover sensitive information, I think I would have more than a minute to do it.

...am I correct?

[So it's as he thought, an ability. Well, that certainly explains a lot...

But Dist is jerked from his thoughts rather harshly as he quickly turns his sight to the imploding chair. If Nagi was hoping to rattle him, he's certainly succeeded because Dist does not look pleased by this development. This is already going far beyond what he imagined, this ability could actually be harmful.

He tries to keep his cool though, just letting Nagi talk. That's what he needs to do, let him finish. God, does he wish Kato were here.

When Nagi turns the conversation back to him, he's still visibly shaken but rather stern when he responds. He has words for you, Nagi.]

First of all, this test was in no way rigged to humiliate you. The locks are completely capable of being cracked by someone other than Kato and I. As I said, I actually had high hopes for you.

[He's not exactly lying, at least it doesn't sound like he is. His voice is quite serious. He has to be serious, considering what Nagi just did.]

That said...yes, the majority of locks you will be dealing with will not be like this one. In fact, most security systems outside ours are quite simplistic because they don't have people like us designing them. But you must understand that we are an organization that demands the highest quality of skill. When you tout yourself as a prodigy, you're going to have to expect to back up that claim, no matter the difficulty you are faced with. I do not take that term lightly, as you have found out.

Edited (html please) 2015-01-12 03:26 (UTC)

[At that, Nagi's expression darkens almost imperceptibly, just for a moment; then, it becomes impassive once more. If his feelings concerning this situation hadn't already been established, it would almost appear as if he were bored by it.

It was hard for him not to take the response to what had happened during his prior test personally. It wouldn't be the first time something like that had happened to him.]

How many others have you subjected to your test?

[Dist remains on edge, keeping his eyes trained on Nagi for any signs that he might try something. He's not sure what he would do if he actually did do something, though. Try to have Fonon intercept it? See if he has his own abilities back? He works on coming up with a plan while he keeps the dialogue going.]

Quite a few- at least over a dozen. None managed to get to the final stage, except for you. I suppose that in and of itself should be considered impressive, but the initial stages really weren't that difficult.

[He tries to loosen himself up, going back to crossing his arms just so he can tighten his grip on his arms to stop them from shaking.]

But seeing you completely destroy those codes just now, it's...well, nothing like I've ever seen before. It was startling, and naturally my first instinct was to believe you must have been cheating. Clearly I've been proven otherwise.

[While Nagi is arguably one of the strongest psychics his age from home, he's not one to actually use his powers with reckless abandon. It's only due to how angry he had been at Dist that he wanted to do this in the first place. Shake him up a little, not necessarily injure him. That much wasn't necessary. It seems clear that he's done that much.

Of course, he doesn't plan on telling him that. But, for the moment, he has returned to the quiet child he was before, blue eyes as piercing as ever as he stares up at Dist.]

...I'm certain this isn't going to last.

[He finally says, a bit quieter than before.]

But I would rather you know that I am capable, when I am not handicapped.

[And really, he feels like he would be able to break those codes on his own with time and practice. He just didn't have the luxury of that at the moment.]

[Dist locks eyes with Nagi, studying that expression along with his words. He doesn't say anything at first though, but it's clear the wheels are turning in his mind.

Finally,]

It won't last, no. Your abilities will likely be gone within the next couple days.

[Which is unfortunate, because as unsettling as that power is it has so many beneficial uses. He's sure Nagi knows that, though.

But that's not the main point right now.]

I imagine the difficulty would have been startling at first if you were handicapped. Do you believe you can pull it off without those abilities if I give you time to practice?

[Inwardly, he likens it to having the fon slots on his body sealed. It's basically what happened when he arrived himself. It's rather difficult to adjust to having your abilities dampened, especially when they were used for your work. He understands this.]

Edited 2015-01-12 04:36 (UTC)

....Yes.

[It takes him a moment to answer, but when he does it's a definitive one. The idea that he's going to lose his Telekinesis isn't one he's happy about, but having it back for just a short time is better than nothing. He still has his Pokemon to help with that, after all.]

[He continues to look at Nagi with that serious look, then nods.]

Very well. I will grant you some time, then. You will conduct your practice in here, as usual. You can come to me when you wish to begin.

[Part of him can't believe he's doing this after the stunt Nagi just pulled. He should be way more pissed than he is, because he was just messed with in a way that's beyond acceptable to him.

However, part of him is still quite curious about this child. With those abilities, it's no wonder why he was considered a prodigy. That is the skill he was hoping to see the first time around, but he had no idea Nagi was operating under a handicap, and accordingly got frustrated when the boy didn't act as predicted. However, it takes practice and effort to get over a handicap that wasn't there before.

He wants to see how far beyond that handicap Nagi can get.]

[Nagi doesn't seem to react outwardly to this beyond letting his eyes fall closed, not seeing his Dedenne curl up quietly at the nape of his neck. He hadn't exactly been expecting to get more chances to prove himself. If he was being honest with himself, he fully expected to be kicked out, or worse, if his abilities hadn't been preventing Dist from doing so.

But instead he just sits there, silent.]

I will not fail next time.

You had better not. I simply can't stand when people waste my time.

[Though he sounds serious when he says that, he does seem to be smiling slightly. That sounded rather familiar, didn't it?]

Now, get out of here. I still have much to do today.

[Along with a lot of reflecting and recovering, after all that just went down. Boy is he going to have quite the story for Kato.

He'll stand back to let Nagi exit before him, his Pokemon remaining close to him in a protective manner as though they're still expecting something to happen.]

[He pushes the chair back from the computer and stands, saying nothing else as he quietly leaves the room. Naturally he plans to go straight back to his room, now that he's accomplished what he came to do.

Perhaps now he will be able to find some sort of place with Team Rocket. But for now, he's fine with keeping to himself as he always has.

He'll have them begging him to work before all is said and done.]

Route 29 | IC Inbox

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