>>1380 Yeah, that can be fairly expected from an Espurr. Put her back in her ball, and march back north to the forest. Time to do some training. I'll make certain to have Vivi in the front of my party.
>>1381 Here you pass a boy your age coming down into Phlox City, but you pay him no need and head out into the tall grass. Your attention is diverted, however, by a pack of Growlithe that are hunting near the stream.
>>1383 Hmm. Growlithe might be a bit much, but I think all they'd have is Tackle at this point, maybe Growl… I can take at least one. Sneak up in the Tall Grass. '1d10'
>>1385 You very quietly stalk through the grass and isolate one on its own.
>>1386 You hike through some fields of grain, but out of one of the fields you see a big !
Oh no, one of those dreadful city trainers that always insists on fighting as soon as they lock eyes!
"The bread here is delicious! If you eat enough, you'll inflate!"
FISHER DOBSON wants to fight!
FISHER DOBSON sent out Qwilfish! Do it, Solaire!
>>1387 Some other kid is stalking those Growlithe now. He looks like he's wearing one of the uniforms from the Phlox City Battle Spire. Don't those guys never come down?
>>1427 I'll pet him a little. "We'll get everyone healed up real soon." >>1426 Look over my shoulder at this new arrival. "Nah, ganging up would have been sending everyone out at once. This was so that all three of mine got the experience for the fight. Didn't know I had an audience, though."
>>1430 "What else? I'm starting my journey, now that I've graduated. And the first step is assembling a team, and then making them stronger." I'll pick up Lucas. "But I'd be a terrible partner if I let them stay hurt, so if you want to continue the talk, you can join me on my way to the Pokemon Center."
>>1432 "I was actually going to head to route four to pick up a Skiddo, but I realized with the number of poison types between there and here, I'd need a psychic type to minimize the damage. Antidotes are expensive, after all." Start making my way to the PokeCenter.
>>1437 "Lot of ranches, and it's where most of the Tauros, Miltank, Skiddo, and other ungulates can be found. Of course, Route 5 is full of poison types, as I've said, like Trubbish and Grimer. They're a pain to get through without a decent psychic type. And the fire type will help with the grass types on route 4, and Lucas here will be my defense against normal, rock, ice, and other such types if I run across any."
>>1442 "Nah, it's all about making the bonding process with pokemon as mechanical as possible. By the end of it, I was just sick of my teachers. Still, it's where I got Lucas, so the place wasn't all bad." By now we should have reached the Center.
>>1476 Uh… which moves does she have again? Thundershock, Play Nice, Sand attack, …? Just forget Play Nice. "Good job Clyde! … Let's go get ourselves healed up." Make sure to pick up my pokeballs, then head back to town.
>>1487 >>1488 On that note, you set out to go all the way north through the redwood woods. The trip is largely uneventful, until you arrive at the tall grass. There's no way around it, like in the core cities…
>>1493 You arrive at Chromeburg, but something seems wrong. It's afternoon, but no one's out. You've already grown familiar to the local sounds of progress – the rumbling and buzzing of the steel mills, the great chugging of the refinery. The vroom of the trucks that move supplies to and fro. The sounds of camaraderie while people walk to their places of work. No one is out and about. The smokestacks have trickled to a stop. There are no sounds of progress.
>>1499 "No one is totally sure… we all showed up and everything was shut down."
One of the Youngsters nearby speaks up, "I saw! It was Team Empire! They said they were seizing control of the mills until the local governor would recognize them as in charge of the city. A lot of people got scared and went home… I think that's what happened here, too."
>>1502 You make your way through the woods and push your way through the tall grass back to the road, but a lone figure blocks your advance. You narrow your eyes. It's a powerful psychic type.
>>1504 Okay. Don't panic. They're smart, so the best bet at this point is to just run away. "Sorry for the bother, just looking for a shrine, no need to pay attention to me. C'mon Lucas, let's leg it." Scooping him up, I'll book it. '1d10'
>>1507 Right. Can't be but so lost. Just need to… uh. North is a good direction. That's where that shrine was. So, keep going north. I'll hit a clearing eventually.
>>1509 Right. So, since I went off… the right side of the path, I just have to go left and I'll be where I'm supposed to. Or at least I'll find a path. So let's follow the wall.
>>1513 You come to a mighty stream. This brook babbles like what you imagine girls are like, if you had ever had any contact with any outside the classroom.
>>1514 A Miltank, tied up to a nearby fence, moos at you. There is a farmer here tossing hay, and in a nearby truck, huge bales of wheat are packed up and ready for shipping over to the windmills.
>>1526 As you head out of town, somebody calls for you from an alleyway.
"PSST! You!"
>>1527 You meander back to the path and this time you are watching from the opposite position: that guy you were talking to before is now fighting a Larvesta.
>>1561 You reach the entrance of Factory Cave. You don't want to get too close to the fence, though: it has a sign on it, and you had a bad experience with signs once, so now you avoid them like the plaque.
>>1562 >>1563 Pinsir used Vice Grip! Pinsir was slowed by String Shot! Incinerate was super-effective!
>>1573 You peak into the Machine Room. It looks like some of the old equipment in here is still running, like the generator. There's a big steel doorway that's partway open – you might be able to slip into the generator room.
The loudest noise seems to be coming from the corner where a machine is scraping the wall – it seems to have been torn off its bearings by something that has tunneled out from below it.
>>1580 "Leer lowers the defense of the target! We're luck his focus energy attack only applies for one hit." >>1583 "Vivi, no!" Put her back in her ball. "Cinder, come on out and use Ember!" '1d10'
>>1583 If I had a water mon, I'd be braver but… yeah. Just slink back into the previous room. I guess I could just try for one of those Aron again though. Let's head back and see if they're still there or not.
>>1587 Oh right, I forgot. Aaaagh! Well, I guess I'll need to come back some other time then. Keep moving towards Amber city. Maybe I'll come across another pokemon.
>>1592 "Hah, yes!" I scoop it up and offer my hand to Chris. "You are a lifesaver, mister Spire Trainer. I don't think I ever gave you my name. It's Jake."
>>1592 Those things look funny! Fighting a Electric/Steel pokemon with an Electric or Steel pokemon is a pain in the arse though! "Float on, little guy!"
>>1598 Lickitung Licking Pokemon Normal Status: Wild Its tongue is twice the length of its body. It can be moved like an arm for grabbing food and attacking
>>1611 Right you are. You got on the train and rode into Hero City – and what a city it is! The great Gravespires – filled with legends of truly powerful Pokemon and trainers – stand high above the city. As you cruise into the station, you can see the great steel-wrought gates to Victory Road, opened once a month at a sending off ceremony: everyone who is certified to enter enters the darkness at once and is sealed inside… the ultimate test of survival. Those who make it out the other side in Gray City can challenge the Elite Four.
>>1613 Noted. It's dark out, but perhaps that will give you more motivation to hot-foot it to Crimsonborough.
>>1615 You've heard of it – the Psychic Shrine of Phlox City. It's a nice stately place made of marble, a lot of columns – you can see it from the Battle Spire.
>>1618 It's just a few bends and turns down the wavy streets of Phlox City to get there. It is quite nice, but you see no entrance: the from seems to be one solid piece of marble.
>>1617 Right you are. You check in at the Hero City Pokemart and buy a ball.
70P left.
Would you like to head east by train or by foot? At this hour, the train is free.
>>1620 Route 2… The Stone Forest of Tianxia. You know that this route is most famous for its population of Sudowoodo and Bonsley, but there are many roosting Pokemon that make their homes here.
It's not just tree Pokemon, though: there are great tree-like outcroppings that experts still can't determine if they were carved or petrified. Truly a mystery!
>>1621 Vivi pads slowly over to the middle of the wall and touches the center of it. Slowly, a 'door' parts. It was perfectly hidden by the rock!
>>1624 "I feel like I'm really making friend with my pokemon already! And, I heard you have wonderful bread here, so I wanted to be sure to try it before I go too far away. I'm sure Solaire wants to try it too! "
>>1634 Yeah, that's about the usual. She's a good girl, though. >>1633 "Alright, that should do it. Stay safe out there." Put Vivi back in her ball, and then head into the Psy Shrine.
>>1640 You head into the barn where a kindly old lady is sewing something at the table.
"Oh? Who's that now, dearie?"
>>1637 You arrive at the gates of Adapt City – home of evolutionary research, but you're stopped in the gatehouse. "Do you have proper documentation to enter the core cities?"
>>1642 "You don't have any certifications on this card. This would be suitable to leave the rings out into the countryside, but if you want into the core four cities, you either need a passport or other documentation. Fortunately, the league accepts cards with four certifications as valid ID to get into the core. You could ride the train along the outer ring cities and challenge each gym if you want to get in and don't want to apply for a passport."
>>1636 You walk in, and there's nothing here but a metal plate in the center of the room!
>>1645 It's quite dark out right now… you'll have to be lucky to run into anyone. You'd have better luck at this hour around gyms or hotels.
>>1650 Hmm. Well, let's pick Vivi up, just in case that metal plate is a Telepad. "If you see anything, be sure to tell me, alright?" And I'll stand on the plate.
>>1654 "You can apply in any of the outer cities: there is a simple 2500P processing fee, and then you simply wait one day and you can print it out at any Pokemon Center."
>>1655 You are prepared for a telepad: you aren't prepared for what happens. The walls fall away, and you seem to be floating in the void. Well, not quite floating… standing on a metal plate in the void. All around you, you see stars for miles. Solrock and Lunatone float about, seemingly disinterested in you.
>>1663 Mmm… tasty. Cinnamon and sugar blasts your mouth. The frosting is good, too.
Solaire carefully tastes his piece before swallowing it cheerfully.
>>1664 Nope! A bespectacled man is on the proper side of you, and he greets you:
"YO! Champ in the making! I guess you're here to see the Psychic Shrine of Phlox City, huh? It's a little unusual for your type to come to Shrines instead of Gyms, but I'm not here to judge! Phlox City is home to the Psychic Shrine because people feel more attuned to Psychic abilities here than anywhere else in the region – it's why so many psychic types are around here, too! Listen: if you want to beat Psychics, the best way to do it is with Bugs, Ghosts, and Dark types!"
>>1670 You hike on back down the Forest Road in the dark…
…You are not stopped by any Pokemon encounters.
>>1672 No, you're right, I made an error. I keep thinking Swablu is Water/Flying. Astonish failed.
Murkrow Lv10 [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
Gilda Lv9 [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>1671 "Shrines are where Pokemon trainers learn about the connection to the various and all-important Types of the world. This can be through great study, or through battle. In any case, eighteen of these places scatter Tianxia, each dedicated to a typing."
>>1683 … "Vivi, we do not have the proper types for this shrine." Not gonna stop us, though. Take a step towards… well, forward, I guess. No need to worry while Vivi and the rest are with me.
>>1698 Spoink was spooked by the Leer! His defense fell.
"PSYWAVE! If I couldn't mind-read your strategy, I'd assume it would be to just let me faint so many of your Pokemon I run out of PP!"
Spoink Lv8 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Vivi Lv9 [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>1697 Woah… what is this thing? You tripped over it… it's like a rare candy, which you've seen before, but the wrapper is… a neon blue. It is literally a glowing wrapper. What?
>>1715 "Well, there are legends of Pokemon that aren't in the Pokedex… here, I'll show you."
He leads you to the back room of the calligraphy school where there are artistic depictions of various grass Pokemon. He rifles through a collection of scrolls and eventually pulls out three, and hangs them from the wall.
"These are the legendary grass types… Celebi, Shaymin, and Virizion."
>>1734 You don't need to roll for moves that can't crit or fail, like Recover.
This is actually something to behold… the cellular structure revitalizes and replaces. Redundant, injured limbs fall off, and new ones quickly sprout. Soon, Mismar is looking fresh.
>>1737 What a weird place. But two Pokeballs, play with Lucas for a little while, and then we'll go back into the PsyShrine. Vivi is leading the party.
>>1742 Well, let's see… I don't have any balls of yarn, so I'll have to substitute one of my spare pairs of socks and we can see how many times he can bounce the sockball back and forth between us. Like catch mixed with pingpong.
>>1744 >>1752 Lucus seems to get the general idea that you want him to catch things, but doesn't throw them back. Instead, he keeps holding the sock after you throw it to him.
>>1756 "It's a game, called 'Catch.' We throw the ball, or I guess it's a sock, back and forth." I'll think a minute. "Ah, here we go. Pretend it's an Aura Sphere, and throw it at me. Then I catch it, and throw it back. Sound fun?"
>>1758 You think it's probably very good that Lucus doesn't know Aura Sphere, because he mimes the technique when you say the word, though nothing happens. He's still holding your sock. That could have been painful.
>>1759 You get to Amber City Pokecenter safely without further confrontation. Do do dododo!
>>1760 I suppose. Sighing a little, I'll head over to Lucas, and take the sock back. "Alright, here's how catch works. I have the ball here." I'll hold up the sock. "Now, since this is a game, I throw it to the other player, you." I'll lightly toss the sockball to Lucas. Shouldn't be hard, since we're right next to each other. "Once you catch it, you throw it back to me, and the game continues."
>>1768 Heinz continues his eternal dance, even in your arms, cheerfully swaying about.
>>1770 Trish adjusts her position to be attached to the side of your head, covering your right ear.
On the way to the north gate, you observe a few Emolga in the nearby park grass, scavenging for nuts under a tree. You notice a voltorb rolling off down an alley as well.
>>1773 Well, I don't have any pokepuffs. And who says I have to stick to just ten? "It's fine, I'm not going to do anything other than give you a good head rub."
>>1775 "Why do you know all your attack commands, even for moves you don't have, but can't understand me?" Honestly perplexed, I'll pat the ground next to me, point at Lucas, and then pat the ground again.
>>1771 I smile down at him. "Well I guess you're right there. No such thing as a bad fight when you win one. I think Millie agrees." I continue on, keeping my eyes open.
>>1776 You ignore the urban Pokemon and head out the northern gate.
Route 12… or as it was once called, Route 1. This is certainly a popular place to start. It's absolutely swarming with Youngsters – and more than a few of them have classical starters like Charmander or Squirtle. They're running about, playing… learning by doing. You doubt any of these kids went to a formal learning institution like you did.
>>1778 Nearby, you spot a Pansear climbing a redwood. Up ahead, you see a Hiker and Skater battling. There is a small wooden cabin nearby, on the north side of the road.
>>1780 Well, that's… something, at least. "I guess that's enough playing for today. We'll figure this out eventually." Put the sock away. "Okay, are you ready to go out and battle, Lucas?"
>>1782 No doubt many of them. If you want, you could strategically approach ones with certain elemental starters (roll for accuracy) or you could keep hiking up and take your luck.
>>1784 "Dumb question, I guess. Well, let's go!" I'll stand up, and motion Lucas to follow. I'll go north, though. Level Lucas a bit so he doesn't get one-shot by a psychic type.
>>1785 You head out through Phlox City. Nearby you spot a Gothita trying to look in through the window of a store, and you hear a beautiful song coming from nearby.
Onward to the north gate?
>>1786 Ah, yes… there's a Chikorita. Challenge the trainer? With Trish in front?
You let yourself in and saunter inside. It looks like it's half hobby shop, half convention center, though it's not very large – perhaps six hundred square feet. Trainers are trading and battling Pokemon in the back room, and in the front, an old man is selling items.
>>1791 "The Northern Trader, son. We're a little of this and a little of that, but for most folks we're a local supply between Crimsonborough and Cyan. Some travel some distance to trade here, though: lotta Pokemon Traders in the back."
>>1795 "Oh, the essentials: more types of balls than you can count. Potions, antidotes, et cetera. Mail. Collectibles. Sometimes we get TMs in, but that's not to often. Usually we have a daily special going on – oftentimes it's an evolution related item, like a Whipped Dream or King's Rock. Today's special is Fire Stone, for just 2000P."
>>1796 You bonk your head as you run straight into the back of the local concert hall.
>>1799 Well, that would explain that, wouldn't it… Maybe there are trainers inside? "C'mon Lucas, let's have a look around." Rub my forehead and walk around to the front door, like a normal person.
>>1799 I whistle. "That's better than most marts I've been to. Where do you even get your supplies from?" I check out his healing stock and ball selection.
>>1800 This place is completely packed… which is odd, because you knew that while concerts drew attention, you never knew they were THIS popular. And besides, how many FREE concerts get filled up?
Wait… the beautiful singing has started again! Roll to fight through the crowd to get a look.
>>1801 Potion Super Potion Hyper Potion Full Restore
Pokeball Great Ball Ultra Ball Dusk Ball Quick Ball Timer Ball Heal Ball Net Ball Dive Ball Luxury Ball Repeat Ball Fast Ball Heavy Ball Love Ball Moon Ball Nest Ball
He smiles. "Trade secret."
Their prices are a little higher than the city's MART, but you feel good supporting local businesses instead of the MART megachain.
>>1803 I can cheat. If I hold up my Dex high enough, I'll be able to get a picture. Or at least record the music. But that's if I can't see on my own. '1d10'
>>1805 Unlike the heavily regulated MART megachain, this guy doesn't care about your gym certifications, like most rural traders. He'll sell you the best even if you haven't been to a gym – which you haven't.
There are a bunch of guys back here. Mostly neckbears, but they seem mostly alright. They are chattering about trading and battling. Some are showing off collectibles or even painting figures.
>>1813 Argh… nothing. The song ends before you can snap off anything good, though you do get several pictures of the curtains.
Soon the song is over and people are streaming out of the performance hall.
>>1814 A nearby neckbear gives you a smile. "Oh, yes indeed. We just started a new dungeon crawl season – well, actually this week is the dead week, so we're working on compositions, but next week we start up! This is the best week to get in on trades. Speaking of which – I happen to have a Chancey up for trade if you have a Fletchinder or Talonflame."
>>1815 Well, you're already well familiar with the rocky pond nearby. Will you return and admire the hoodoos where the wild pokes are, or will you head up along the lake to the gates of Server Valley?
>>1816 Damn. I'll wait until everyone files out, and then try and speak with some of the staff. "Excuse me, but I was wondering if I could get a good look at the pokemon that was singing earlier?"
>>1818 The usher shakes his head. "Unfortunately, that was a guest appearance. I don't know what to make of it – I'm sure if the owner knew they'd be here and it would draw such a crowd, he would have charged for admission. I confess – I don't even know what kind of Pokemon that was. I can tell you the owner's name, though."
>>1819 Okay – so maybe 'gates' was a little bit metaphorical. Server Valley is an open city, mostly characterized by urban sprawl. It only has the north gate to Route 5. You do see it from far off, though: the towering buildings are quite a sight next to the rocky shore of the lake, and you notice how much of the land here – normal streets and walkways are reinforced by concrete and rebar. Entrances to subways everywhere – what a bustling city! You know that this is the home to the master Smarts competition, too.
>>1820 "If you want in on the new season of dungeon crawling, you should ask Gabe. Otherwise, feel free to look around for trades."
>>1823 "Some of the guys found this stronghold up north that is notorious for having powerful Pokemon in it. Something about the place… Pokeballs don't seem to work – or, well, that's not universally true, but the failure rate seems much higher, but that may just be me. Anyway, we like to head up there to see how far down into the stronghold we can get before we're forced to return to heal. You see, by working in teams, we can take on much higher level Pokemon. You might not be strong enough to join us yet, though, but I'll mark the location of the place on your map. Remember to never head down there alone. If you just want to get some practice in working with a team, I think there are some other newbies around here looking for some practice. You could join them. I think I heard they're hunting a big Fearrow that keeps buzzing them from time to time."
>>1822 "His name is Bismarck. I think he said he's from Server Valley. I'd try the back door – he won't be heading out the front where people can swarm him."
>>1825 Server valley doesn't have much of a park. There's a square, and there are trees about for decoration, but no real park area in this city. Such is the demand for space, you suppose.
Still, you walk through the city admiring the towering 'scrapers and the sound of rail-pounding subways below. Your Shuckle sits on your head.
>>1826 Skate around a bit, heading towards one of the subways. If there is an attendant, ask him about which one to take towards the Competitions. There should be plenty of other trainers hanging out there.
>>1829 "A lot of powerful stuff. I've failed on several occasions to get a Klefki out of there, hence my remark about capture rates. Last season our progress was ended by an untimely encounter with a Hydreigon!"
>>1830 Subway attendant? You should be so lucky! There are signs in the city, though, and since you're literate, you're able to skate on over to the city's main contest hall. It's something to behold, alright: mighty fossils of Pokemon flank the entrance, and it boldly reads:
SERVER VALLEY ACADEMY FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTELLECTUALISM
>>1831 >>1832 "Well, Lucas, this got interesting. Looks like we're going to Server Valley after we leave Phlox." Time to go back to that shrine. We'll clear that out, and then hit the Gym.
>>1834 It looks like most of those here are using Psychic, Ghost, Grass, and Poison types. A scholarly looking man in a vest nearby is tending to his Mismagius wearing a Green Scarf.
And remember: they're not trying out Cool things here. They're trying out Smart things. These guys are doing stuff like reciting pi to the 25th digit to their Pokemon, or working with double integrals.
>>1835 You return to the shrine and the door is still as hidden as ever.
>>1836 "Some of the guys speculate it's guarding something. I dunno."
>>1843 The girl seems pretty shy, and her boyfriend quiet. The other two are loud and rowdy, though.
"Sure are!" "You joining us?"
>>1844 You wander for what seems like an extremely long time, until finally, you spot something other than void: a pillar floating up ahead. There's a man standing next to it.
>>1842 "Yeah, if you wouldn't be bothered, I'd like to watch how they train Pokemon here. I've always liked how much trainers from here worked with their friends ever since I had seen a few trainers come over to Talentton."
>>1847 "That's cool. We were just talking about how we're going to do this. Fife brought up that we might want to try to catch it, but we'd all want a powerful pokemon, so I figure the fair way is to cast dice. Everybody rolls, if there's a tie, we roll off. If it becomes apparent we can't catch it though, we're just going to faint it. Either way, we'll all get a lot of experience out of this. Sound good to you?"
He offers you a die.
>>1848 He looks very different. He's dressed in all black. Black jeans, black belt, black turtleneck, black beret.
He shakes his head. "No. Your search is at an end, Battlespire Graduate Chris. I am the Shrine Keeper of the Phlox City Shrine – medium of the psychic types."
>>1849 He nods. "Very well. As long as you don't interfere with our training."
He leads you into a side room that has been cleared out. "My strategy is calculated around sapping my enemies while promoting our own image. Smart moves… Shadow Ball for an opener!"
Mismagius fires off a round with devious cunning. "Shadow Ball gets an extra appeal bonus if used during the first round. Other moves like Astonish, Psywave, Taunt… they startle and make opponents nervous."
>>1850 It was super effective! Charmander fainted!
>>1851 I'll look at him a little curiously. "So… you're the one in charge? Maybe you can tell me what this place is all about. Couldn't get a straight answer out of the other guy."
>>1852 "No, I don't imagine you would… I sense many different things in you… your catechisms, but perhaps something more. Hmph. Maybe I'm just growing soft. The Battlespire apes what we attempt to do here, and it is very troubling to me."
>>1854 "Green scarves help too: it is a relaxing color that helps expand your worldview – and you probably didn't know that bitter poffins stimulate the mind."
>>1853 '1d10' Fife '1d10' Joe '1d10' Tyler '1d10' Adrianna
>>1857 Adrianna gives a little smile, but doesn't say anything.
Joe nods. "Yep, looks like we have a winner. Alright, you guys ready to move out?"
>>1858 "Indeed. The entire modernist idea… of optimizing Pokemon for battle… squeezing out damage… even turning something as pure as friendship into a science to be studied for cold numbers. It disgusts me. And now you've found yourself inside my Shrine. But not just anyone can find this pillar in the void, so maybe you do have potential. Let's see if you truly do have a connection with your Pokemon – or if it's all sterile and professional."
>>1863 "Oh, I am very much a native of Server Valley. I've hardly left the city since, except in my youth to visit the other cities for contests – that's when I found Misdreavus. I recommend you keep at it no matter what, and learn by doing. Nothing helps you learn faster than experience."
>>1874 What'll it be, are you making a bee-line for Phlox City, or will you meander through this urban wasteland in hopes of finding more Pokemon and trainers?
>>1876 Well, skating around in the dark is dangerous, even for someone as good as me. Let's look for a hostel that hosts trainers and see if we can wait the moon out.
Pokemon Center? Those things never close! You can always count on them. You head on over.
>>1904 You head into Phlox City, and it is quite the sight to behold. This beautiful city is, even at night, characterized by brightly painted buildings, wall art, wavy streets, and pleasant aesthetics. The whole city is easy on the eyes, which is quite a reversal from your spartan home in Amber City. In the center of the city, the mighty Battlespire Academy looms over the rest of the populace – they're one of your rival schools. There's a gym here, too, not to mention all the services.
>>1909 >>1910 "Come on back, Vivi, you did a great job." Think a minute. "Lucas, this isn't going to be fun, but you're up!" He'll come out with Quick Attack. '1d10'
>>1914 Could really use a critical here. And honestly taking more than one hit is beyond my expectations. "We need to hit it hard, Lucas! Use another Quick Attack!" '1d10'
>>1916 Because Pallet is already holding Pokeball, he can't hold mail unless you take that, so you give the mail to Pincel.
…Hey, where'd Pallet find a Pokeball?
>>1917 You wander through the quiet night streets. No one else is really out and about: it's quite late, but there are still many lights on in the city. On the way to the gym, you pass a very stately looking building with columns.
There is a Gothita wandering about the street corner nearby.
>>1918 …There's no running from a trainer battle… "I doubt you'd accept surrender? I know we can't win as it is now. Lucas, Vivi, and Cinder all tried their hardest."
>>1919 "Hmph. You're less connected than I thought. BEHOLD!"
He flings his arms out to the side, and suddenly, you crumples as your senses are overwhelmed from within. Shooting pain… anger… resentment… fury… And yet… the will to continue. The burning wish to see this through to the end.
It's only after you come to your senses, gasping for breath, that you realize that this is what Lucus is feeling. Just how Psychic is this mysterious Shrine Keeper?
"You will never be a successful trainer OR friend to Pokemon if you cannot understand them! You coddle your Pokemon believing that is what they want – but it's only because that's what your textbooks have told you! Every Pokemon is unique! And this battle must continue! Do you still demand surrender?"
>>1920 Hm… there's a sign: Phlox City Psychic Shrine In dedication to the bond we share.
Funny to call such a mighty temple of thought a mere "shrine".
>>1921 "No. It was just the selfish desire not to have Lucas, or any of the others, resent me for sending them into a fight they can't win." Shake my head a little. "Sorry for doubting you, Lucas. Let's see if we can't pull victory from the jaws of defeat here… One last time, use Quick Attack!" '1d10'
Lunatone used Psychic! It was Super Effective! Lucus fainted!
As he collapses, he shoots you a look. Maybe it's the remnants of the mental link, or maybe your imagination, but you'd swear it meant… don't waste this chance.
Foe's weak. Get 'em, Cinder!
Lunatone Lv12 [▓▓▓░░░░░░░]
Cinder Lv 16 [▓░░░░░░░░░]
>>1923 You walk down the street to the base of the Battlespire Academy and find a large, if conventional building. Ah, yes. Phlox City Gym.
The shrine keeper nods. "Hmph. I told you to believe in yourself. For defeating me in battle and proving that you aren't too thick to listen to your Pokemon, I'm awarding you this, if you modern trainers even care for such things. It's the Heart Badge. Because a bond between Pokemon and Trainer… lies not in the mind, but the heart. Additionally, I'd like to give you TM23. TM23 contains Smack Down. Use it against flying or levitating foes. Maybe… just maybe you learned something."
Suddenly, the walls close back in, and you find yourself back on the metal plate.
>>1926 You stroll into the gym. There are a few trainers hanging out in the lobby, besides a few gym clerks working in the back. A bespectacled man stands near some large slabs at the entrance.
>>1928 Don't forget anything. Hug Cinder. "We did it! Everyone, all together! Now let's get everyone healed up!" And off to the Pokecenter, where everyone will get healed, and we'll celebrate.
>>1929 "YO! CHAMP IN THE MAKING! I guess you've come to challenge the acclaimed Phlox City Gym – known for its bonding techniques! You're right, of course, the gym leader is currently out – but you can defeat your preliminary one staff member now and then wait until morning.
>>1932 Let's have everyone out of their balls in the lobby. "Great job, guys. I'm so proud of all of you." I'll give Lucas a good head pet and ear scratch, as well as paying attention to Vivi and Cinder.
"Yo, champ in the making, let me give you a word of caution."
He points at the slabs behind him. There are hundreds of names inscribed there. Maybe thousands.
"Everyone who has ever beat the Phlox City Gym has their name inscribed here. But don't be fooled! Ten times that number have tried and failed! Make sure you let the staff know you have no certifications, that way they'll use their easiest Pokemon on you. You'll still have to beat a level 15, though!"
>>1937 I'm gonna have to save up to get Lucas a massage, or haircut. Something to make him more at ease around me. …Can 60P get three poffins or puffs?
>>1945 "Huh? Oh, sorry. We've just come out on top of the Phlox psychic shrine, so we're celebrating. And yes, this is my Riolu and Larvesta. Name's Chris, Ace Trainerin training. Can I have your name?"
>>1947 "Shrine. Turns out there are shrines scattered all over the place that represent the bond trainers can have with each type of pokemon. Phlox is home to the Psychic shrine, and the Fire shrine is apparently off in the North Road somewhere." I'll consider a moment. "I was thinking of taking the gym challenge as well. How's your team look?"
>>1949 I'll look suitably impressed by them. "You must be from pretty far away. None of those are from around here." I'll think a minute. "Well, the shrine almost wiped us, thanks to type disadvantage, but you should have no problem with them if you decide to stop by. The shrinekeeper uses Solrock and Lunatone, so your staryu should have no trouble. And the other shrine dweller has a pair of Spoinks that your Joltik should be able to take care of, providing it knows any bug-type attacks."
>>1952 "Your Riolu? That's a nice name. I graduated from Amber's institute in breeding myself. When I graduated, I got to keep Mismar here, the last egg I hatched."
>>1960 Right, so after our little celebration in the center, let's go peruse the shops. Maybe I can a decent puff or poffin store. Or at least a berry shop. With berries, I can make poffins.
>>1918 "I didn't steal this, right? The doors would have beeped." I think to myself.
Anyways, now that we are ready, we'll head down through Route 5 to Phlox City. This time, I'll be carrying Pincel so he can enjoy the speed. What lies down this road?
In any case, there are a bunch of berry, shake, poffin, and puff shops down this avenue.
>>1962 Route 5: The Trash Route, as some call it. Today is a bit overcast, but route 5 isn't very easy on the eyes either way. It's something of an urban wasteland that neither Phlox or Server Valley wants to claim responsibility for. Crumbling streets and rusted rails… under a nearby bridge you see a conclave of Grimer. Nearby, a Trubbish rummages through a trashcan.
Pallet wants to learn Wrap. Forget a move and learn Wrap?
>>1965 Well, let's look for a decent place where I can get three good puffs or poffins for 60P. Otherwise I'm going to have to do a bit of trainer hunting. '1d10'
>>1970 He taps his chin. "Maybe you saw it, or maybe you were mistaken. I wouldn't put too much thought into it, these Pokemon are not even certainly real, more of legend."
>>1985 >>1977 "That Pokemon is called Shaymin. According to legend, Shaymin has the ability to instantly purify any polluted area of all unclean things in the air and transform it into a lush field of flowers. It can take in the polluted air, purify it inside its body, break it down into water and light, and release the purified substance in a violent, explosive burst. Supposedly, flowers grow wherever it walks, and it is attracted to gratitude. It is considered a symbol of good luck and fertility."
>>1986 On the way there, a man in a labcoat calls out to you from the street corner.
"You there, kiddo! You look like you could use a way to make some really easy money – no effort at all, just need your time!"
Why does everything insist on happening at the same time? Besides these two new interruptions you still need to heal up and tell someone about Chromeburg…
>>1991 "Hannah, this is PROF ORANGE speaking. I was thinking: evolutions can be out there anywhere! You should try to keep Clyde in Eevee form to discover more if you can. Every time you discover an undocumented evolution, I'll send you another Return Stone through the Item Storage System on the PC."
>>1997 Oh wait a minute I am stupid. Rock has a RESISTANCE to normal, not a WEAKNESS. Yours was NOT very effective. This time it is a CRITICAL HIT though.
Bonsley used Low Kick! It was super effective!
Bonsly Lv 12 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░]
Sven Lv12 [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>1998 "We're looking for Pokemon to test in our trial for the local academy. There are only two stipulations: the Pokemon must be Normal-Type, and it can't be in more than one Egg Group. If you let us borrow your Pokemon briefly for the test, we'll pay you a substantial amount: 1000P. It won't take long, either. You can stay for the duration of the trial."
>>2000 Why come to the forest KNOWN FOR BEING FULL OF BONSLY AND SUDOWOODO?
Sven used Scratch! It wasn't very effective. CRITICAL HIT!
Bonsley used Rock Throw!
Bonsly Lv 12 [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Sven Lv12 [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>2001 "The Saint Mendel's Academy of Inheritance Studies. Colloquially, the breeding school. Sorry to hear that. If you get a Pokemon that matches that description, come back!"
>>2002 You hike down the Forest Road. On the way, you encounter a migration of Metapod. These noble travelers are very very very slowly crossing the road.
>>2003 "Right!" … I'm not sure I trust an offer like that. Sounds too good to be true. Let's go get my mons healed up and that Return stone into my possession.
>>2018 "I just arrived her from Chromeburg. That team of thugs everyone has been talking about are trying to take the town over! Everything is closed down!"
>>2029 Though most young trainers head out the north gate to the classical first route for training, Route 12, you buck the trend and head south, out onto Route 11, notorious for being an electrical badland. You pass the gates where the Helioptiles are sunning themselves on rocks.
Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! It was super effective!
>>2031 Sweeeet. Now, I should head the other way. You know, to avoid those pesky rock-fighting users. Switch Bush to the head of my party and head on Route 3, towards Amber City.
>>2033 Route 3 is in the general direction of Amber City, though you'll pass through Adapt first.
You head out the gates into the route most notorious for its powerful Pokemon: route 3. Better be careful while you're out here…
Route 3 is surprisingly wooded for being in the core of the ring cities. It's warm, humid, and seemingly tropical. Vines hang everywhere: It almost seems as if time stands still here, and this jungle land hasn't changed or evolved for thousands of years. All the more camouflage for powerful and dangerous Pokemon to hide behind… no wonder so many prefer to take the train.
>>2034 You don't need to fight to prove you're right. You don't need to be forgiven. You don't cry. You don't raise your eyes. It's an electrical wasteland.
As you walk down the road, you encounter a Mareepherd leading a herd of Mareep. He gives you a friendly nod.
Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! Weedle used Poison Sting! It was super effective!
>>2036 Damn. Is it late enough to use the train? I doubt I'm in any shape to check out the pokemons here, and I'm also out of poke balls… But just to be sure, walk a few steps into the joungle… '1d10'
>>2053 >>2054 You head out into the woods and pass the migration of metapods.
Your trip is otherwise uneventful and you arrive at Fandango City in short order.
>>2052 You push through way through the thick foliage in time to get an angry eyeful from a nearby Kangaskhan that appears to be beating up a large tree. It doesn't move to attack you, but just watches.
>>2056 "And the Phlox gym leader's are even stronger than mine. So if you want to be the champ, you've got to work hard." I'll pet Lucas a bit and congratulate him on the good fight, then we'll go look for another trainer. How populated is the place? '1d10'
>>2057 Woah! Tentacool is your opponent now!! If he evolved, you might use a master ball on him! Do it, Solaire!
Tentacool Lv17 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Solaire Lv16 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2058 It eyes you suspiciously for a time before returning to beating up that tree. Eventually the mighty kapok collapses and the Kangaskhan hauls it off.
>>2059 Stunfisk used Mud Slap! Accuracy fell! Super effective!
Stunfisk L12 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Lyra L11 [▓▓▓▓░░░░░░]
>>2060 It's really populated. Lucas pulls away as you pet him. You suspect he has a Proud nature. You find another young kid to beat up for change.
>>2075 Stunfisk used Bide! Stunfisk storing energy…
Stunfisk L12 [▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░]
Clyde L15 [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>2076 Tentacool used Supersonic! Solaire was confused!!
Solaire used absorb!
Tentacool Lv17 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Solaire Lv16 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2077 You head into Adapt City. As one of the older cities of the region, it has many historical buildings, intermingled with the new ones. The Pokemon center is nearby.
>>2080 It's perhaps best known for the National Evolutionary Research Center - headed by the illustrious Professor Orange as director of the program. People call him the Pokemon Prof!
>>2084 "It doesn't, but it's not particularly effective either. Still, you're doing a good job keeping type matches in mind when you battle." I'll put Vivi in the front of the party for the next fight. "Good job, Lucas." And let's find another youngster.
She hands you a little leaflet that has pictures of different evolutionary lines. It discusses where the foundation gets its funding, its mission statement, etc. and has a phone number, too. You add it to your Dex registry.
>>2096 OUR MISSION To better understand what causes evolution, what role it plays in the lives of Pokemon, to seek out new evolutions and to study what impact evolution and typing changes have on our world and species of Pokemon.
YOUNGSTER CARLIE doesn't really feel like fighting.
"Awww."
YOUNGSTER CARLIE sent out Charmander!
Charmander L10 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Lucas Lv14 [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
>>2106 You reach out to pick up the mirror, when it suddenly transforms. Ah!! A ditto in disguise!
Do it, Pincel!
Ditto L8 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Pincel L6 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2104 Your trip continues uneventfully until you reach the path that leads to the entrance of the Safari Zone. There's roadcrew with a barrier up blocking the way, but you can still continue down to the next city.
"Safari Zone is temporarily closed. Rogue Rhyhorns."
>>2117 "Great job!" Pet Blink and then switch so that Venonat is up front. Lets go into the forest near the shrine and try to fight a wild pokemon '1d10'
>>2136 "Does… does it really seem like I'm picking on you guys? I tried using a lower level pokemon so you'd stand a chance…" I'll pet Vivi. "Good job, Vivi."
>>2139 Ekans resisted the Supersonic! Ekans used Wrap!
Ekans [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
Venom [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░]
>>2141 Nope, he's not here. Gym time it is. The gym is as you left it, but it seems a little busier now, perhaps in anticipation of fighting the leader.
>>2144 "It's a powerful Pokemon… the evolution of Spearrow. Trainers have been trying to catch Pokemon out here, and it is swooping down and taking out entire teams… trainers can't escape. Nasty beast. Someone has to catch it or put it down."
>>2142 Well, she likes the ear scratches, at least. Let's poke around in the grass a little before heading back to town. Might find something interesting. '1d10'
>>2149 "We're not sure, but someone has to do something about it. Might as well be us."
The trees about you seem to bristle with anticipation… seemingly swaying unnaturally far in the wind… Then, BOOM! The fearrow bursts through the clearing and onwards through the treeline.
"TALK LATER! AFTER IT! GO!"
Fife sends out a Growlithe and runs after it, others deploying Pokemon as they charge off as well.
>>2155 You charge after them but start losing ground – before you know it, you're just tracking them by the rips in the foliage left by the rampaging Pokemon. You tear around a corner and find Tyler crumpled over near a tree. "He got me and my Meowth. Keep going! They're just up ahead!"
>>2153 You stand up to go in and challenge a staff member, but someone else gets up and gives you the eye.
"Hey buddy – it was my turn next. I've been waiting since before you got here."
>>2162 You arrive in the next clearing to see battle well underway between the three remaining partners and the Fearow. It delivers a terrible Pluck to Joe's Marill, fainting it – then there were two, but seeing no time to lose, you join the battle. You're in charge, Chopshop!
>>2172 "Oh. I'm sorry, I guess I overestimated it. Sorry you didn't get to catch it." I rub Chopshop's carapace. "Still, you did good, big guy. Especially up against a flyer."
SNORUNT aimed extra accurately for GYM CHALLENGER VIC! Mismar was badly poisoned!
Snorunt L15 [▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░]
Mismar PSN [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2174 Adrianna seems a little put out, but Fife is cheerful enough. "It's enough that the menace was ended. We took heavy losses from that fight, you know – I figured with five we'd get it without losing anyone. We should head back to heal."
>>2179 Time to train up Lola so that she's up to snuff. Time to go up north, where we're going to be putting that Bite attack to good use. She'll be leading the party.
>>2192 "Didn't know about Cyan City? Oh, well we're headed home after this… in fact, we can heal there. Do you want to come?"
>>2190 You fall in a bunch of brambles and give up on looking for Pokemon. You head to Crimsonborough. Soon you see the lights of the city on the side of the mountain.
>>2191 Snorunt was paralyzed! He might not attack!
>>2194 The town is a lot smaller and quieter than the bustling Phlox City. You're surprised by the amount of traditional architecture – a lot of wood in buildings. There's a whole forest on the side of this mountain – supposedly it's a dead volcano. In the center of town there's a huge temple with lit braziers that really steals the show at night – flames everywhere!"
>>2195 "Yes, the Water Shrine. Many sailors still visit it to ask for good luck on the waves."
>>2198 "Not just a port – it's an island. Eh… besides a port and the shrine? Those are the two real centers. Of course, there are a lot of water types nearby, and there's a waterfall near the center of the island… hm…
"I know what you're thinking… does he have one Pokemon, or two? Well in the excitement of coming to the gym earlier, I forgot how many Pokeballs I took out of the PC and put in my pocket… so I guess the question is… do you feel lucky, punk? Do ya?"
You climb down a latter from here – surprising. You immediately head deep under ground, and right away you start to sweat. You wonder if the heat is from all those braziers. Inside, there are a number of carved out statues that have fires burning inside. Two doors from here, one to the left, and another to the right.
"Impressive! I guess by now you've figured out that I'm not really a challenger… I am a staff member here to challenge trainers in the lobby… you can take on the Gym Leader now!"
>>2218 Huh. Guess it is the fire shrine. A pity I don't have any water types… but Smack Down, a rock type move, should help here… Can any of my pokes learn it?
>>2218 "Yes.. you seemed a tad strong for a challenger. But how did your pokemon shake off the paralysis? And so many other things it did that seemed.. unnatural. "
>>2226 "You'll have to deal with far more than that if you want to take on GYM LEADER TODD. He's a master of Pokemon Bonding! By exploiting the tendency of Pokemon to like their trainers, we can eek out extra damage points and other similar benefits. It's a heavily studied and empirically proven process."
>>2236 Shake… shake shake shake…. Pomf! It appeared to be caught! Ugh… you'll need a near perfect throw to catch with such a basic Pokeball, but none of these stupid MEGACHAINS like MARTS will sell you better balls without certifications. You wonder if the countryside is looser about that kind of thing. Still… best not to give up… this is a very rare pokemon!
>>2237 Well, the Center, at least. Since everyone's still at full health, let's check out the road towards Cyan city. I should be able to pick up some water types around there.
>>2237 Put Owlene in front. Time to get to the gym leader. Oh and peptalk them. Our first true challenge! We've made it well so far, so let's do this! With our strength and our wits, we'll find a way!
Pallet drank some berry juice. …When'd he get that?
Pallet L8 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2239 Fortune favors the bold. You vaguely wonder why the temple was headed down inside the mountain before you set out, gazing up at the uneven mountain – coated in trees. It is certainly dead – this forest represents centuries of old growth.
Even though it is dark, you have Larvesta's warm light to guide you down the road.
>>2242 "Not at all. Hey, we're going to go train and reconvene when the dungeon crawl season officially commences next week. Apparently they uncovered a wing of weaker Pokemon that we might stand a chance against – call me sometime starting Tuesday, okay?"
>>2244 I'll have Cinder hang on to me, then while we're walking along the way. "Once we hit the seaside, there should be lots of water types. We might even find a staryu, like that Arthur kid has. That'd be a neat addition to the group, don't you think?"
>>2244 pfft "Really? That's awesome!" I say excitedly and then calm myself and bow back motioning for Venom to follow suit. "Thank you, we will follow you."
>>2245 "Scared, Owlene?" Return the others to their balls and let Owlene perch on my arm or leg while walking to the gym.
"Our only failure is in quitting. Even after you got knocked out just now, you grew stronger, didn't you? To be honest, I fear, too. But unless we give it a shot we'll never find our way. And if we can't we'll keep shooting until we do!"
>>2249 You part ways with Fife and Joe who return to Crimsonborough. Tony and Adrianna take you to the Pokemon Center, where they get healed up.
"Well, this is where we part. If you need a place to crash instead of the hotel, we have a couch."
>>2250 Owlene flutters up and perches reversed on your arm right arm, then turns her head left – a whopping 270 degrees to face you, without moving her legs.
"Hoot."
>>2248 You head deeper into the mists where Kenshiro bows and leaves you – there is a table before you with a pitcher of tea. A woman is sitting at it.
"Please… join me. Do you take your tea hot or on ice?"
>>2247 Cinder gives you his dependable, if enigmatic stare. Perhaps he'll be able to better express himself when his face is less of a mask – though that is a long time away.
>>2251 Give her a small bow and sit down with her before speaking cheerfully. "Hot tea! Its not as easy to drink, but it taste better." Look down at Venom. "Do you like tea Venom?"
>>2251 Well, I know she'll be fine until then. I've just to pick up the more subtle things. While I'm walking, do I notice anything interesting? Wild pokemon, strange sheds, other trainers? '1d10'
>>2259 Only that sharp rock you tripped over, Curry 2.0.
You blithely reach the bridge without seeing anything interesting in the dark. You consider singing a song about following her – Cinder – into the dark, but you think better of it.
>>2260 You head deeper into the gym and find a man at a desk working on paperwork.
"Another student come to challenge the Master Bonder, eh? Well, do you think you've trained enough? I hope you're prepared to take on a pretty significant team. I could see from here that you are just starting out – zero certs, eh? So I'll be using just two Pokemon for you. One is level twelve, and another is level fifteen. Are you sure you're ready?"
>>2261 Take a sip and offer Venom some as well. "Well, I think that this is going to be a very long journey. And.. You seem like a nice person.. I'm Emily."
>>2267 "Yes, and you seem like a very pleasant girl. So pleasant, that I will not waste your time any further. I am Charlotte, and that tea was poisonous. It isn't lethal, but it will knock you unconscious soon… so your goal should be to defeat me before that happens. But I like you, so I won't waste any more time – let's start now! Go, Stunky!"
>>2268 Nuts. Ah well, I'll just have to hike out here tomorrow. Let's head all the way back to Phlox. Give Vivi and and Lola some battling experience on route 5, since I need to pick up a poison type for the Grass gym once I get to that point.
"I'm afraid it was necessary if you were ever going to understand… do you remember where you are? And besides… I drank the same tea."
Stunky used Sludge Bomb! It was a critical hit! It wasn't very effective…
Stunky L8 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
Venom L10 [▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓]
>>2272 You pass all that and can't find anything at all in the dark until you get to the gates of Server Valley where there are lights. Nearby you see a trainer in battle.
>>2281 >>2277 "Of course I remember! How could I forget that I'm visiting my very first shrine since leaving home! And its the same type as Solaire, Poison.. oh.." '1d10' "Try a supersonic attack."
>>2295 "The groovy place known as Talentton. Managed to get my start into true Coordinating there, but I'm traveling around for inspiration at best, building my own team of Pokemon at worst."
>>2297 "Talentton? That's down south, isn't it? How'd you get through Server Valley? You'd need four certifications normally, and if you had those you'd have more than regular pokeballs at your disposal…"
>>2301 "You're a Server Valley native?" I'll raise an eyebrow. "And as a matter of fact, I had plans on it. There's someone in Server Valley I wanted to meet, but without four certifications, I'm pretty much locked out."
>>2304 "I gotta thank you for helping me catch Canvas here, and a visit to a pokemon center sounds like a good idea too, so let's see if I can get you in. Whatta you say?"
You enter the bustling metropolis of Server Valley and get healed up at the Pokecenter. Although it is night, it is still quite busy because it is a huge city.
>>2310 I'll take out my Pokepals and let them enjoy the night air for a bit. Pallet on my head, Pincel can use his corrals to hold on to my chest, and see if Ditto likes being on my shoulder.
>>2314 "Smart kid. Me, I'd figure it'd be best to just a crew of my own first. Whatever I lack in type, I can make up with a well-coordinated group."
>>2313 "Fair enough. Good try, boy. Come back when you've learned more about the scientific strength of bonding. Remember: ten clockwise facerubs is the golden rule."
>>2315 "That's one way of going about it." Since he let his out, might as well let my crew take in the night air. Ear scratchies for Vivi, pets for Cinder, a tummy rub for Lucas if he'll let me, and some petting for Lola.
>>2319 "Ah, you don't have to go that far. I can pay my own way." >>2320 Well, that was sort of expected for Lucas. Time to find some snacks for the team. They've been doing well.
>>2324 "Someone named Bismarck. He was at the Phlox Opera house recently with a Pokemon I've never heard or seen before. I couldn't get a good picture from the nosebleed section, so I hoped to find him here." >>2325 Noodles are good.
>>2336 Trish cocks her spider head at you and chirps at you blithely. Most wild Pokemon are very animalistic and it takes them a while to learn what people are saying… you wonder how much of that she was able to pick up based on intuition and the time you've been together. It was a fairly complex thought.
>>2338 "Hahaha! It looks like you do understand. I didn't like what he was saying either. Of course, it's nice to be friends with pokemon, but just to battle? Is that so important? I wonder how they really think of their pokemon? As trophies? As much as my dream is to be a pokemon professor to understand more, I can't cheapen my pokemon comrades like you like that as subjects just for knowledge. "
>>2347 You're not quite sure about "he" or "she" for Mismar, and "it" doesn't feel right, so you usually use whatever feels right at the time. Lately Mismar feels like an ice queen. Indifferent.
Owlene hoots cautiously. You suspect she has a Circumspect nature.
>>2352 Time to dine. "Alright, just give me one second…" I'll divide the second bowl from my order amongst the four smaller bowls. "Now, be careful since it's hot. You might have to blow on it a little to cool it down." Once they're all set up, I'll dig into my own. Cooling as necessary, of course, in case the crew needs a demonstration.
>>2359 I'll frown a little at Lucas separating himself from the group. But, at least he's eating. It's only been a few days since we've become partners, so I guess I can't expect him to magically be friendly right out the gate. But, can't show that face in front of everyone else. A bad mood can ruin even a perfect meal! So I'll keep eating until everyone's finished, then gather the dishes. Are they disposable, or should we be returning them to the cart owner?