Forced Together

"Let's exchange information," Yan Yang said, doing his best to keep his tone calm. "You tell me what you know, and I'll tell you what I know. The more we communicate and share information, the easier it'll be for us to assess the situation and find a chance to escape."

At that, Volcanion haughtily turned his huge red head aside and snorted two streams of white vapor from his nostrils, full of disdain.

He muttered to himself, What right does a little idiot like you, who got captured in such a muddleheaded way, have to exchange information with the great Guardian of the Plateau as an equal?

What could you possibly know that's worth anything?

But as soon as that thought arose, he found himself lacking confidence.

It seemed... he had been captured directly too?

Wasn't that just the pot calling the kettle black?

He immediately suppressed that trace of self-doubt, masking his momentary embarrassment with a louder burst of steam.

Seeing how utterly unresponsive he was, Yan Yang felt his temples begin to ache. His mind rapidly simulated the possible consequences of every approach he could take:

If he used an extremely respectful tone: "Esteemed Lord Volcanion, should we discuss how to escape our current predicament?"

—Volcanion would most likely sneer: "What a disgusting little flatterer!"

If he used a forceful, commanding tone: "Volcanion! Take a good look at our situation! Get over here and exchange information already!"

—Volcanion would very likely fly into a rage: "Oh? Who gave you the nerve to speak to the great Lord Guardian like that?"

If he used a weak, pleading tone: "Lord Volcanion... please, let's talk this over properly..."

—Volcanion would probably be even more disgusted: "I can't be bothered wasting my breath on a weak little ant!"

If he argued back