(OOC: Mah turn I guess x3)
As the once booming metropolis known as Chipper City came into view, Chris couldn't help but let out a sigh. Against the bleak, sullen sky, the city looked more like a place of dread rather than the one he remembered. The last time Chris visited here was for a badge, trying to take one step closer to the league, not trying to restart an Uprising.
Before reaching one of Chipper City's infamous gates, Chris made sure to summon his Gligar and discretely return him to a Pokeball. No need to put everyone else in danger. Slipping the Pokeball into his pocket, he entered the city with the rest of the group. However, the sight was not what he remembered.
What used to be a busy city now seemed bleak and deserted. Buildings were boarded up, forced out of business, the few spared seeming deserted and awaiting the same fate as their neighbors. The few people walked among the empty roads with faces of distress and depression. And as if this feeling was a virus, Chris felt it as well. Chris remembered having a battle against a trainer not too far down the road, loosing, but vowing to return and beat the trainer. Chris could feel it wouldn't happen.
Chris was so caught up, he almost didn't notice Isabel address the worry-wooper standing next to him.
Be sure to keep your more incriminating tattoos covered," she said in a low voice, then quietly addressed the rest of the group. "Make sure to safely put away whatever might arouse suspicion. I think you know what I'm referring to," Isabel said, pointing at her empty belt. "If you get caught in possession of a..."
Chris stopped listening, instead taking off his jacket and throwing it to Shelia. "Here, use this to 'bundle up'" He then crossed his arms, bracing himself against ever growing wind.
Chris followed the group through the city, past the curious eyes of a few native residents.
Eventually, the Uprising reached the eastern part of the city. Chris never visited it on his trip to the city, but he had to guess it never looked like this. Hundreds of white tents, as far as the eye could see, were lined along the outskirts of the city.
"Refugees?" An old woman asked, approaching Isabel and identifying her as the leader of the group.
Isabel nodded. "Most of us are from the Wellspring Foothills, though we picked up a few others on the way down here."
The woman's expression softened slightly, perhaps feeling sorrow for the group.
"Well… Our sleeping arrangements are getting a little cramped. There's an empty tent you may use, however, if you don't mind both genders sharing it."
"That would be wonderful, thank you," Isabel said with a tired smile.
"I'll lead you there."
Isabel turned around and walked back to the group, pausing in front of Chris.
"We're a group of refugees from the Wellspring Foothills with a person or two from Oran Valley. She's bringing us to a tent for the night. There's something I have to do, so if I'm not back before morning, bring the group to the fountain in the center of the city. Make sure nobody does anything stupid," Isabel whispered in his ear.
"So I'm stuck here babysitting…" Chris muttered under his breath, letting out a tired sigh as Isabel walked away. "Just be careful."
Chris continued following the woman along with the rest of the group, winding through rows of tents and past hundreds of sullen faces, until finally they saw an uninhabited one. Chris looked at the woman, then at the tent, and back again. The tent would never be able to fit all of them, and Chris gave the woman a look of disapproval. To this the woman gave him a sharp glare and walked away, leaving the Uprising alone- that is if you don't count the thousands of people around them.
With a sigh, Chris turned and addressed the remaining members, some engaging in their own conversations, others sitting down and relaxing. "Alright, Isabel is out on some... business, so I'm your babysitter tonight. Our tent space is a little... small. So guys, you'll be sleeping outside tonight." Chris grinned slightly. You're on your own for dinner tonight, but before you go, make sure you unpack your stuff. I wouldn't leave anything here you don't want to get stolen." The grin on his face suddenly grew wider. "Just be back by curfew or you're grounded." Chris's grin immediately faded. "Aaaahh... That was bad even for me..." He regained his composure, switching back to his regular demeanor. "Anyways, don't let anything *cough* out, don't cause any trouble, and don't do anything stupid; 'cause I'm not going bail you out if you do." Chris put one hand in his pocket and began to walk back to the city waving with the other as he left. "Adios. And I'll say it again, don't do anything stupid."