002 | VIDEO/ACTION FOR GOLDENROD

[ajustcaws]

Good day, citizens of Kanto and Johto!

[The intro is heroic as fuck, and the pose is suitably dramatic, but the setting is... well, it's outside a pastry shop. It is hard to look suitably heroic outside of a pastry shop.

...furthermore, only two of her Pokemon are backing her up --- a Rufflet, who is also attempting to LOOK COOL with his wings spread and a rather small, young-looking Ponyta, who is attempting a clumsy Cool Equestrian Pose but is failing at it even harder than the Rufflet and his trainer. A Zebstrika is trying to hide outside the frame, while a Murkrow is eating an eclair in abject boredom]

I hope you're all doing well on this extra special day, because I am doing spectacular! ...I mean, I didn't come up with something extra special for my dramatic appearance because I think all of us could maybe use a little more practice, but we've got all the time in the world!

...though, actually, I kind of have a question about that for people who've been around here for a while! How do you go about building up a Pokemon's confidence, exactly...? Thunderhoof here ---

[--- she brohugs her now mortified-looking Zebstrika into the frame ---]

--- has always been a little on the skittish side, which, you know, I understand! ...I guess! She doesn't seem like she has a problem when the going gets rough, but she's a little... shy, I guess? I thought that she'd be a little more confident when she evolved into a super cool big electric horse that I could probably actually ride, but she hasn't actually changed all that much! I dunno, I guess I'm a little worried... not too worried, but if anyone has advice, I'd like to hear it!

Also, does anyone else want to get some pastries today? Because I want to get some pastries today, on this glorious 14th of May!

Comments

[paopuprincess]

That does sound pretty cool.

[Says the girl who gets around by teleporting with her friend's 'mon.]

You should come travel with me and Ilya some time! We're going to tour some of Johto, I think.

[ajustcaws]

We will wake up in the radiant light of dawn and race against the sunset as it descends into the west!

...but yeah, that would definitely be great! I wonder if we all could ride Ilya's Metagross...

just gonna jump in here

[dressofheaven]

Well, Berserker is my usual ride, but I would be more than happy to bring out Talos if you prefer.

Happy birthday, Cynthia.

[ajustcaws]

Oh, man, that's such a difficult decision! They're both super cool. Maybe we should switch it up...?

And thanks!

[dressofheaven]

It would make it easier on them if we switched mounts every so often. What do you think, Kairi? Berseker or Talos, which would you prefer to ride?

[paopuprincess]

I think I'll have to catch something for us to ride. It's not fair that Ilya gets to have all the fun.

[She giggles. She's good at making decisions.]

[dressofheaven]

Perhaps we can have ourselves a race once you both get Pokemon you can ride on. Well, I suppose you already have a couple, don't you Cynthia?

[ajustcaws]

Well, hey, Thunderhoof evolved into Zebstrika! She's more than big enough to ride on for a race! ...Even though I'm not sure if we could all ride her at once. I mean, I could definitely take one of you...

[dressofheaven]

No, silly, we'd all be racing on Pokemon of our own. You on Thunderhoof, me on Berserker or Talos, most likely, and Kairi on whatever she manages to catch.

[paopuprincess]

Whatever I catch, it'll be faster than you two slowpokes.

[Grin.]

[ajustcaws]

Oh, yeah, I figured something like that! But really, I can't wait to take you both on! I mean, I will obviously be the winner, but I bet you two will be worthy opponents!

[dressofheaven]

Your challenge is accepted, both of you. I'll do my best not to utterly humiliate you.

[Even the pre-challenge banter is fun with these two. Ilya knew there was a reason she likes them.]

I'm especially looking forward to what you manage to find, Kairi.