>>36525072

You are Grey: Trainer, boyfriend, and plain ole’ 18 year-old young man. You currently have 6 Pocket Monsters to your name, a girlfriend, a shared tent, and no badges. Also, you’re kinda hungry.

You roll over softly, trying to not overly disturb the furred forms of Mitten and Apollo or the warm, soft body of Dani next to you. You blink your eyes open, slowly, while scratching at your abdomen. It’s early, yeah, but the sun is creeping over the horizon. The land outside the tent is highlighted in a pale yellow light. What time is it, exactly?

“S’freaking too early,” you grumble under your breath, lifting your left wrist as far to peer at the digital display of 6:00. This is no easy feat, mind, as Dani is currently wrapped about your arm like a Seviper at dinnertime, and Mittens has her drooling little face buried into a pillow that’s crammed under your arm. Apollo, thank the stars, is lazily stretched out to your right and is not also piled on top of you.

You look over to your girlfriend; her blonde hair is arrayed over pillows and the floor of the tent in a messy fan. She’s slowly taking deep breaths, and every time her chest rises a little snore escapes her nose. You smile at that. Looking downward you enjoy the sight of a woman’s body; soft, curvy, yet so delicate in some ways. Beautiful.

Also, Driver (her Joltik) has definitely nestled his furry yellow form into her breasts. Little shit.

>Swipe at the little bug. Those are yours!
>You can share… for now.
>Engage competitive cuddling!
>Get up. Time to make breakfast. You are best boyfriend!

>>36525122
Didn't we put them in their balls before we had sex?
>Get up. Time to make breakfast. You are best boyfriend!
Also FUCK YEAH!
Also also Come jam with the Qm https://plug.dj/pokemon-southern-shores

>>36525122
>Get up. Time to make breakfast. You are best boyfriend!

>>36525122
>Get up. Time to make breakfast. You are best boyfriend!
Give Driver the stink eye while you're getting up. Also I propose Bonny and Clyde for the mated sandshrew pair.

>>36525183
Yes. You released them afterwards so that they could get a good night's rest.

>>36525122
>Get up. Time to make breakfast. You are best boyfriend!

File: QuestNotesThread13.pdf (206 KB, PDF)

206 KB PDF

>>36525227
Also, I wanted to share a link to the quest notes so that everyone can look at them/edit them in real time.

Of course, I'll have my own private copy as a backup. Please don't vandalize the shared document. Thanks.

The link is in the header of the PDF attached.

>>36525281
>>36525224
>>36525216

Writing...

Anyone have any suggestions for the dish that you prepare this morning?

>>36525389
Well we still have that dead Fletchling right? Use it for some meat along with eggs bacon and maybe grits. Easy meal. Also who's 3rd in dark sort you didn't list them.

>>36525434
Nora.

Ah, I like being able to edit in real time ALREADY! done; fixed on the drive document.

>>36525464
I figure after we cook and eat, we take out our 2 new mons with Mittens for envoy and get to know them as well as their move set.

>>36525389

It takes a minute or two to untangle yourself from the pile of Pokemon and girlfriend. Shift Dani’s leg, lift up Mittens, move Dani’s hand, Push Mittens away…. Between the two of them it’s a wonder that you weren’t cuddled to death. You’re a bit cranky so it certainly feels annoying right now. However, you know that deep inside you’re happy to have the both of them so close, both physically and emotionally.

You step out into the dim sunshine; the air is cool and slightly humid, which is great for Southern Shores. The woods are alive with birds, the rustle of tinier bugs and plants… It’s great scenery for taking a whizz, which you quickly do with great relief. Then, you wash your hands and set to work cooking something for breakfast. You think about your options and, well, cereal or oatmeal never impressed anyone – right?

So, instead, you dig out a bunch of cooking shit and then summon the fletchling meat from a container ball. The question is, then, how will you cook it?

>Apollo! Get your fiery ass out here and help me cook!
>Put it on a stick and turn it over the fire? You know, like in the movie?
>A pot. That’ll work. Yeahhhh.
>Everything’s better in a frying pan…?
> WRITEEEEEEE-INNNNNNN
>Roll 1d100 for cooking bonus

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>36525590
>Everything’s better in a frying pan…?

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>36525590
>Put it on a stick and turn it over the fire? You know, like in the movie?

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>36525590
> WRITEEEEEEE-INNNNNNN
Can we deep-fry it?
we should deep-fry it.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>36525590
>Apollo! Get your fiery ass out here and help me cook!
>A pot. That’ll work. Yeahhhh.
>Make Wish stew (Toss things in and wish that it tastes good)

>>36525617
>>36525621
>>36525640
>>36525658

>"The more implements I use, the better it'll turn out - right?"
>Writing....

>>36525738
Grey best boyfriend!

>>36525738

>52.

Your ability to cook is okay. You’re no Rachael Rayquaza, yeah, but people eating will clear their plates.

You take a look at your assembled ingredients and materials: some crispy-ass vegetables like peppers and onions, and some fresh-ass greens; fresh meat, eggs, milk, bacon, bread; and a shit ton of pots, pans, and sticks. You’ve got this in the bag. Who could go wrong with so much stuff?

You start by greasing up a frying pan with some butter, getting it worked all over the surface so nothing burns and everything just fries up all nicely. You’ve watched enough Kitchen of Houndoom to know basics like buttering the pan, jeez. But, ah…. You’re not sure what you should cook first, really. Also, how are you going to cook a whole Fletchling like this?

You muse on that to yourself. "Well, meat probably takes awhile... Better cook that up first and quickly."

You settle on slicing it up as best you can and then throwing that on the heated pan. It sets to sizzling; you watch water’n’grease dance on that pan. “Bam!” you shout, throwing the pieces of gristle and bacon down with the chicken. Should impart some flavor, or something. You let that go and then focus to scrambling some eggs: eggs, pepper, salt, milk… a little more salt. Seasoning is important, right? Let’s do more salt.

“Yeah,” you think to yourself smugly. “…women love men that can cook!”

>>>>

You focus on cooking over the twin fires of your stove, throwing together a sort of hash of pan-seared and cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, scrambled eggs… And then you toasted pieces of bread to kinda serve it on. “Gotta get them bonus points…” You mutter to yourself, plating up a sort of breakfast toast boat meal for everyone.

“Are you talking to yourself again?” Andddd it’s Dani. How does she always catch you?

>"I made you DELICIOUS"
>"Morning, honeycombee."
>"Bitch, you steppin'?"
>Writin'

>>36526061
Yeah trying to cook something tasty up so you wouldn't have to. Talking to myself to keep my concentration. So how'd I do?

>>36526061
>"I made you DELICIOUS"

>>36526061
If that last option made it look like I was "writing..." and you guys are waiting for another post... Yeah, I'm just a dumbass and feel free to tell me so.

I meant to express "Write-in..."

>>36526061
>"I made you DELICIOUS"

>>36526061
>"I made you DELICIOUS"

Also,
>Rachael Rayquaza
I love you Herald. I really do.

>>36526061
>writing

>>36526343
>Writin'
ftfy

>>36526343

No, you weren’t talking to yourself… You were just considering the ramifications of bad plating should the KoH judges feel particularly pissy today. That shit is cutthroat! You’ve seen perfect cuts of meat, seared to perfection, tossed out because the sauce decoration stuff looked off! You can’t make such a beginner mistake. “… don’t understand.” You mumble under your breath while pouring glasses of milk. “Plating is important.”

“Are you talking to yourself STILL?” You look over to see the backside of the gorgeous blonde facing the mirror the three of you tied to a nearby tree. You watch her handcomb through tangled hair before rubbing sleep out of her eyes. She goes through a whole morning freshening ritual: splashing some water on her face; tying up her hair. And then, "Bam! Instant beautiful!"

How do girls do it?

You cough a bit and pry your eyes away from her firm behind. Yeah, about talking to yourself...?

“Maybe.” You shrug, walking away and putting the plates on the table. “I may talk to myself, but the important thing is that I made DELICIOUS!” You gesture with pride at the hash-on-toast you slaved over all morning. Dani looks at the plates over your shoulders, then smiles and kisses your cheek.

“That’s great, Grey.” She walks away, calling over your shoulder. “I’m gonna wake up Erica – can you work on waking up the monsters and get them fed?”

>What? I already made breakfast. Fuck that.
>Must… be… best… boyfriend.
>Delegate to Mittens.
>Write-in

>>36526642
>Yeah, sure

>>36526642
>Write in
Work together with mittens

>>36526642
>Must… be… best… boyfriend.
>"D-dani... would you like to try a bite f-first...?"
>"okay..."

>>36526642
>Must… be… best… boyfriend.
>Mittens can help

>>36526698
>>36526700
Yes, seconding these...

>>36526642
>yeah sure

>>36526642
Ok Mittens come on lets do this.

Still here Herald?

>>36527111
there is no herald, ONLY ZUUL!

>>36527132
Well then stat it up for this quest anon.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>36527111
Herald is everywhere, in all of us...

>Rolling for Herald's love, let's see how I rank today...

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>36527147

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>36527147

>>36527163
>2 lower down
Get wrekt

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>36527147
I love you Herald!

>>36527188
My ass is ready to get wrekt'd Harold!

>>36527198
>2 lower still
Mwahahaah

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>36527147
rollin

>>36527225
Considering I was 52 yesterday I can live with that

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>36527147

>>36527333
Ouch. Sucks for you anon.

>>36527360
At least he didn't roll a 100

>>36527384
What happens if someone does I wonder... Does Herald just kick them out?

>>36527413
I think the MissingNo. eats them.

>>36527413
"No quest for you!"

I'm back. Sorry, everyone. Important meeting at work pulled me away... anyways....

>writin'

>>36527504
I'm still impressed at how much you get done with the quest whilst being at work

>>36527527
I know right!

>>36527504

You watch with a bit of mild frustration as Dani walks away. You sigh, and then look down at the spatula in your hand and the apron wrapped ‘round your chest. Dani can’t hear you whisper to yourself this time:

“Nobody appreciates the hard work of a chef, huh?”

You slide the apron over your head and set the spatula down before marching on over to the tent. Leaning over you peel back the flaps. There, still drooling into a pillow, is your Espurr; nearby is Apollo, laying on his back and pawing at the air in his sleep; the little bastard Joltik, however, is awake and lazily brushing his front legs over the fur on his head.

You motion to the fuzzball with your hands, beckoning him towards the tent entrance. “Come’on, Driver. Let’s go. Food’s ready.”
The electric spider stares at you. It’s slightly unsettling looking back into his big black eyes, but you give him a strong glare for good measure and stick your thumb to your chest. “Dani is MINE! Dani’s boobs? MINE. Understand?” Driver waves his arms about and gurgles a bit. He probably got the message. You step back and beckon him forward again; this time, he trots out of the tent.

>cont.

>>36527756

You then turn your attentions to Apollo and Mittens. Thankfully, waking your Espurr and getting her moving is easy. You just mention food.

“Mittens… Mittens!” You call out to her gently while shaking her little belly. She thrashes about a bit before blinking awake, focusing on your smiling face, and the perking up.

“Yesssss, TrainerGrey?” She yawns a bit and then rolls over, propping up onto her front paws. “Mittens ‘wake now. Mittens sleepy. Hungry. Mittens’s tummy want food.”

“Yeah? My little partner is hungry?” You rub your hand around Mittens’s head, causing her to tumble this way and that. She starts giggling mentally, reaching out with paws to grab at your hand and block your tickles. However, you will prevail! “Does my little Espurr want food?”

She gives an excited, happy “Yes!” through your link. You can feel her hunger, and she starts projecting images of steaks, treats, and French fries…?

“Yeah? Want some delicious food?!” She pounces on your hand and looks up into your eyes, shouting “yes!yes!yes! Food now, please!”

“Then you have to wake Apollo for me.” Instantly, her mood deflates. She gives a disgruntled “fine,” and turns to the sleeping pup. She begins pawing at him, shaking him slightly while mewling and growling.

>cont.

>>36527792
Poor Mittens

>>36527792

You exited the tent after that and set to releasing your team. You released Phoenicia, as you have come to call her, first. The ball helped to heal some of her injuries, as did you field medical care.

Unfortunately, she’s still battered physically and mentally: the release flash recedes, leaving a scared and injured Fletchling on the ground in front of you. She spots you and tries to take off – she doesn’t get very far, though. Her wing seems to be fractured.

You take the time to calm Phoenicia down with some food before starting on applying some numbing agent to her wound; the cold, antiseptic spray startles the bird into trying a takeoff again, resulting in another episode of you calming her down, wiping dust from your face, and digging out food to keep her focus off of the big scary trainer.

Considering that, you DO understand a bit that trainers must be terrifying: They come in with teams of trained Pokemon, tearing apart social groups or families. Capturing Monsters... You treat them well, yeah, but it must be terrifying to the little things. You consider studying up on Pokemon psychology sometime soon.

For now, you continue your impromptu medical treatment. You work on the arm by setting it, carefully, in a splint. You're able to get a rudimentary look at the bones with the X-Ray feature of your 'Dex and you see it's just a "hairline" fracture. No serious work needed, for now...

Not long into the care session, Dani and Erica had joined you in releasing the three “teams” worth of Monsters. There was some tension, and a lot of wrangling, but settling into breakfast kept everyone calm enough.

Then, the three of you sat down yourselvs and wolfed down breakfast.

Question is: What do you want to do now?

>Train before heading to the Ranger Station?
>Talk?
>Read?
>Write-in?

>>36527893
>Train before heading to the Ranger Station?

>>36527893
>Train before heading to the Ranger Station?
Gotta prep some more so we can destroy Nick

>>36527893
>>Train before heading to the Ranger Station?
If nothing else, we should try and figure out what our two new 'mons can do.

>>36527893
>>36527936
I think we're good on training if it's gonna take a bunch of time we should make our way to the Ranger station soon...

>>36527893
WE need to name our shrews, we also need to take a look at our new mons move sets. Maybe talk to them with Mittens to establish a good dialogue and synergy. The train up one of our new healthy mons preferably the shrew as it seems like it'd be most useful. I propose Bonny and Clyde for the shrew names if Dani is amenable.

File: Giggling Mentally.png (60 KB, 209x272)

60 KB PNG

>>36527792
>giggling mentally

>>36527972
Can we call our 'shrew Shoe?
Because we contemplated turning them into shoes

File: horrifying.jpg (9 KB, 225x225)

9 KB JPG

>>36527981

>>36528017
Considering they are some level of intelligent I would rather not foster bad feelings.

>>36527972
Yes we should think of a name while eating, I'm ok with these suggestions...
definitely need to get Mittens to help with the new guys...especially the Phoenicia
All in all I say we get to know our new 'mons more than training right now...

>>36527936
>>36527944
>>36527956
>>36527971
>>36527972
>>36528035

>I'm going to have Grey discuss this with Erica and Dani IC. writing a quick update...

>>36528120

Erica and Dani made pleasant conversation over breakfast, with you playing a sort of “20 Questions” game with Mittens where she asked you dozens of questions while eating a kitten-sized portion of hash, meat, and toast. You avoided the questions… only for her to read your mind anyways and discover the answers.

She had just moved on from “Most embarrassing moments of child Grey’s life, the Series” when Erica spoke up to you.

“So, Grey… Thoughts on moving out today?” You look up, scrambled egg dangling from your mouth. You finish it off quickly behind a napkin. “You mentioned a ranger station before, and meeting Nick?”

You nod before taking a long swig of milk. “Yeah, Nick asked to meet me there. Also, we can all get checked out medically and our Pokemon can be treated.” Dani and Erica both nod along. Erica while chewing and handing bits of food to Jeanne. Dani while tossing bits of food to Vlad.

You throw some more bits of bird and scraps to Nereid, Sheldon, and Phoenicia yourself. “I wanted to ask, though: are you guys interested in any training before we head off? I figure Nick will want to meet around early afternoon, so we have a couple hours to spare. The station’s not too far away.”

They both agree, which is nice. But, then, Dani decides to warn Erica that “Grey is set on catching a Scyther, I’m pretty sure that’s why he wants to train so badly” Erica nods at this, a bit of surprise in her eyes.

“Can we… uhm… you know.” Erica shrugs a bit and isn’t looking you in the eyes; add some mumbling in and you wonder how anyone can ever hear her. “Can we handle that..?”

>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”
>”We’ll be fine. We have a lot of ‘mons with us.”
>”Eh, I guess you’re right. Maybe we can wait a few days, challenge the gym, train up… And then go hunting for scythers!”
>Write-in

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”
We got this.

>>36528446
>”Eh, I guess you’re right. Maybe we can wait a few days, challenge the gym, train up… And then go hunting for scythers!”
Get the gym early for more points then Scythers, plus we can help out the prof we've got a few weeks for this, and the only scythers we have a real shot at right now are weak ones.

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”
>”We’ll be fine. We have a lot of ‘mons with us.”

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”
I want to challange the gym first but if we're still gonna try to get Nick to help us with the Scythers we should do that now...

Just pointing out that this is like the second time Herald is asking us are we sure. QM don't do that unless there is a good reason. We still have almost 3 full weeks to catch one of these guys.

>>36528446
>”The important thing is that we don’t bite off more than we can chew. We’ll be careful.”

>writing

>>36528604
I could wait for the Scyther itself, but good luck convincing most of these guys...they really want this
But if we want the Scyther rivalry, and I do, I think this is our only chance..

>>36528729
We could ask the rangers at the place we're headed to about information regarding scythers, like habits, behaviour etc

Mind come in handy, might be enough to keep us alive. Have faith!

>>36528729
Thing is Appollo and Joltik are the only real threats we have to fight them until Phoenica gets healed. In a pack we're going to get creamed if they are in the 20s and strike first. Mittens is going to do jack against them and she is our strongest mon atm.

>>36528802
Vlad is good vrs them, I mean sure he's Dani's mon, but it's an invaluable asset still. He takes 1/4 damage from them per game rules.

>>36528779
>>36528802
Overall, no, I don't think this is a smart move even with information I don't think our current 'mons are up to it yet as >>36528802 said...I'm not worried about us I'm worried about loosing one of our buddies...

>>36528877
Ah, well I'm not convinced we should bring Erica and when it comes to the final stalking we might want to go solo to avoid detection. Dunno.

>>36528692

“I understand, Erica. I’m a bit nervous myself- but more than that I’m excited. I’m excited about the challenge, about seeing a Scyther in the wild… It’s something I’ve, well, dreamed about since I was a kid.” You give a little smile, and Erica looks up enough to give a nervous smile back.

“I can’t ask the two of you to just run in there with me and get killed. I wouldn’t do that.” You stand up, gathering the plates and dishes together to be washed. “The important thing is that I’m careful, and that, well, maybe I can call on you guys for backup if need be. You know, in case I'm about to be chewed in half or something." Erica gives a weak chuckle and Dani rolls her eyes before throwing a bit of egg at you.

"Hey, seriously... I promise I’ll be careful; I won’t getting bitten in half, and I won't BITE off more than I can chew.” More laughter. Dani snorts a bit, which is cute.

You've always tended towards humor to deflect, but you know how serious this is. How real the danger is. It's as real as the cold water that washes over your hands. Funny, how life just flows about you; tossing you around. Decisions to make. Things to do. Your thoughts wash over you in angry waves, like a storm. You’re afraid, you’re excited; you want this: why? Are you trying to impress someone? Dani? Erica? Nick?

Maybe… yourself?

You close off the water spout and shake your hands dry. You turn back to the girls, sitting at the dining table, and lead against the tabletop. You tightly clench the blue Pokeball pattern dishtowel in your left hand.
“I really want to do this. i'm serious. THIS is serious. I’ve prepared my whole life for this, I….”

>I’ve sacrificed a lot. My childhood: Training. Public school: Training. My life: Training.
>I need to get stronger. (why?)
>I need to prove it (to whom?)
>WRITE IN!

>>36528862
>>36528904
It's the swarm though, the pack, and from what I've seen we need more training before I feel good about taking them on...

>>36528862
Still overall strength difference, and if they are halfway intelligent they'll hew through the lines to kill the trainers at the first opportunity. They'll prioritize using normal moves at higher attack stats on the ones that can hurt them and either ignore or offhand backhand the rest. Seriously if I were a scythe and saw Apollo first thing i'd do is cut his throat. Then he's a non issue.

>>36528906
I need to prove it to myself, to show that all the pain and the work I put into this isn't for nothing.

>>36528906
>I need to prove it myself.

Also, to get psychics to fuck off. /s

>>36528906
>I’ve sacrificed a lot. My childhood: Training. Public school: Training. My life: Training.

>>36528906
>I need to prove it myself.
"I need to be the very best!"

>>36528981
Like no one ever was!!!

>>36528906
It seems more like we just think it's cool...but that's not gonna make them feel any better...and it looks like we're really doing this now, ok no more nagging from me then...
>I need to get stronger. (why?)
In the end we did say we were shooting for the champion spot...and you can't get stronger without pushing yourself...I just hope we can keep our 'mons safe...they come first...

>>36528981
>>36528997
Leaving this here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev3VwmpBXyo

>>36528906
>>36528981
>>36528997
To catch them is my test!

>>36529012
To train them is my cause!

>>36529012
to grab tits is my cause!

>>36528906
>"I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch that scyther will be my first test, imposed by myself. I want to surpass my limits and I want to prove my strength to the world. This is the first real challenge I'll face and I want to take it head on."

>>36528981
>>36528997
>>36529012
>>36529022
Way to ruin my joke whilst I was slowly tpying the followup....

File: A true breast lover, boner.jpg (62 KB, 730x541)

62 KB JPG

>>36529026
>>36529039
>"I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To catch that scyther will be my first test, imposed by myself. I want to surpass my limits and I want to prove my strength to the world. This is the first real challenge I'll face and I want to take it head on."


Changing from >>36528981
Its perfect anon!

>>36529039
Yessss, perfect!

>>36529039
>imposed by myself. I want to surpass my limits and I want to prove my strength to the world. This is the first real challenge I'll face and I want to take it head on."

Hate to say it anon, but everything in that post that isn't a song quote is shit.

>>36529078
Yeah, I was trying to hash it out before the entire song got posted U:

>>36528906
>Begin impromptu músicla number.

>>36528906
>Just say the whole song

>>36529152
We'd need DAni to do the female voice though.

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>36528906
ROLLING FOR IMPROMPTU MUSICAL NUMBER!

File: mittens detective.png (46 KB, 250x310)

46 KB PNG

>>36528446
>You avoided the questions… only for her to read your mind anyways

>writin' just smiles

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>36529183

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>36529183
Rollin'

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>36529183
Rollin'

>>36529185
OH MY GAWD.
YESSSSSSS

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>36528906

>>36529183
>>36529199
>>36529206
>>36529208
>>36529226
Well Grey can obviously not sing at all

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>36529288
The two 60's put him in an acceptable state for singing.

File: shut your whore mouth2.jpg (48 KB, 500x398)

48 KB JPG

>>36529288

>>36529304
>>36529316
rolled a 3 which is a critfail though.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>36529340
Ohshit, yeah, I forgot it was top and bottom three rolls.

Carry on.

>>36529357
Carryin on, kinda wondering why me point out a crit fail earned a shut your whore mouth though.

Your thoughts turn to long days of sprinting drills: run, grab, throw, repeat; “Faster, Grey. Faster!” He would say, urging you onwards. Run: your legs pound into hard dirt along trails you have worn into the grass over years. Grab: your hands find wellworn grooves in the pokeball attached to your waist. Throw: Your muscles follow a carefully choreographed, oft repeated movement. The ball sails. You repeat.

Years passed and the distances that you ran grew. The weights you dragged through fields grew heavier and time seemed to wear a deeper burden on your soul. You went from dreading your training to hating it; hating it to bearing it; bearing it to ignoring it. Apathy soon followed. Days of learning to light fires, abandoned in cold forests became commonplace annoyances where you would shut off your mind, get to work, and survive. No time for laughs, for fun. You were too busy trying to earn your mother’s attention as the years passed. Then? One day, you stopped caring. Or, at least, that’s what you told yourself. Instead, your obsession just switched targets – you were good at switching targets. You had trained at that.

You stopped waiting at the dinner table. Instead, you would drag your exhausted ass to your desk. You’d flop down, ease your way through your coursework and then settle into a long night at your computer. Forums. Porn. Videos: League matches. League matches. League matches. Nights on the internet, arguing about who was “the best.” About which Pokemon was “Strongest” and could kick the asses of everything else. You worked your way through anything that might give you a “buzz,” or a spark. Interest.

Motivation. A challenge. Anything.

Anything.

>>36529897

It had been so long since you felt anything.
You look up, your eyes leaking onto your cheeks. You might have been sniffling, crying; whatever. You’re not sure. It hardly matters, now. They've already seen it.

You meet Dani’s eyes, and nod at her. “I need to prove it to myself.” You wipe at your face with both hands furiously, growling under your breath. Dumb, stupid weakness on your part. You’re acting crazy. “Sorry, just… I put so much into preparing for this. There’s still a big part of it that wants it to be worth all the time… and the fucking time. And energy.”

"I had planned for everything." You slam your hand on the tabletop. "Everything, except, well... Fuck." You run a hand through your hair and wish you could be somewhere else. "Except for you guys. I know I sound like a whiny bitch. Y'know? I'm just bitching, yeah, but I haven't had someone to care about for so long. Haven't had someone, you know, be my friend."

You look at Dani, and she weakly smiles at you. "I bet this sounds so stupid to you, Dani... I know that compare to you my 'troubles' are shit.... You too, Erica. I'm sorry. I just don't even know who I am. I've been training to be the best: but I don't know how to be the best friend. The best person. I don't take care of other people!"

You throw your hands up, sighing. “I mean, I couldn’t even grow up I was so busy working on this shit! And, damn… it…” You start sobbing. You can’t help it; James? Yeah, he toughened up your body. He sharpened your mind.

But he couldn’t toughen up your heart.

Dani rises from her seat quickly (you can hear the chair being knocked over) and wraps her arms around you. Erica does the same. You feel a soft, furry form about your left ankle and you realize Mittens has grabbed onto you as well.

You feel her mental connection. You can tell that she’s trying to pour happiness into you.

>>36529978
Ok was James Purple haired? That name raises serious rad flags for me.

>>36530094
haha same here

>>36529978

I was trying to think of where to go from here, but I think it should be left to you guys, Anons.

>Write-in encouraged!
>"Thanks. All of you."
>"I could use some time to myself."
>Talk about.... (what?)
>Ask about ..... (what?)

>>36530229
>"Thanks. All of you."
>"So. Yeah. Scythers. Wanna get some training under our belt?"

>>36530229
>"Thanks. All of you."
Why don't we hit the ranger station first get some more info and then maybe come back later. I'd be a shitty friend if my desire to win got you all hurt.

>>36530176
If mom is a redhead I am going to flip out.

>>36530229
Looks good >>36530275

>>36530290
Old Man James isn't out actual father, just some guy who trained us.

Which makes it all the more likely that our mom has red hair

>>36530229
I'm not sure what to say...I didn't even know we felt like this...
If it were me I'd probably just stay silent for a while...then
>"Thanks. All of you."
We need to make sure our goal of becoming the strongest, or whatever it is, doesn't make us blind to what's in front of us..."proceed with caution"

>>36530229
I second >>36530275

>>36530275
Seconded

>>36530332
Yea h I know we aren't related to him. Which is why I suspect mom might be a redhead. Only thing worse would be the fact we're used to talking cats via past exposure.

>>36530376
But then the question is, who's our father?

>>36530406
Anyone and noone? Does redmom sound like the kinda person to really keep track of these things...

>>36530406
>Mittens intensifies

>writing

>>36530406
Vaguely Mediterranean features with black hair, hmm I don't know?

>>36530426
I am not the father! Fuck, I'm not even in this setting!

>>36530453
I was thinking more asian, with a penchant for chasing skirts.

>>36530535
Naw, we have clear eyes that aren't squinty at all, we aren't THAT tan, plus I'm pretty sure mom would shank that guy on principle if nothing else. Now we're vaguely Mediterranean and have a name that starts with G. Sounds like anyone else familiar?

>>36530436

You wipe your eyes dry with your only free hand before giving the hug pile a sort of general “squeeze.” You thank Dani and Erica audibly and Mittens mentally. Your little purple friend stays latched onto your leg.

You didn’t know Espurr could cry tears.

You pick her up, holding her against your chest and cooing at her. “I didn’t mean to get your so upset, little one.” You ruffled her fur a bit. “I’m sorry…!” You repeat that sentiment to everyone and then offer to do some training real quick before heading off to the Main Station.

>>>>

Your Pokemon assembled before you, you begin thinking about how you want to set them to work. Maybe your past which, well, emotionally crippled you can serve to your benefit here?

>Grey is determined to do well by his Pokemon and his friends. He wants to train for them but also care for them in the ways that he wasn’t.

>Let’s start with Mittens:

>Work on new moves
>Work on Physical stats (Attack, speed)
>Work on Defensive stats (HP, Defense)
>Work on Utility stats (SPCATTK, EXP)

>Pick one no matter your vote. Creative write-ins can add bonuses or increase odds of success

>>36530638
>Work on Physical stats

>>36530606
>Work on Utility stats (SPCATTK, EXP)
Have her juggle hard to hold things like fire, water, a loose ball of sand, etc.

>>36530638
>Work on Utility stats (SPCATTK, EXP)
Work on that psybeam

>>36530638
>Work on Utility stats (SPCATTK, EXP)
Have her juggle hard to hold things like fire, water, a loose ball of sand, etc.

Sorry wrong post reply. Still haven't figured out how to delete.

>>36530638
>Work on Utility stats (SPCATTK, EXP)
Gotta get that psywave up and kicking to spill everyone's waffles. We presumably don't need a target for this so it would possibly be a good idea to keep everyone away during this.

>>36530638
>Work on Defensive stats (HP, Defense)
Sounds right

>>36530697
Seconding

>>36530706
Why Our shw and Sheldon would make for good tanks. Mittens is our psy relay and mental attacker.

>>36530706
>Not making your psychics the glassiest of cannons

>>36530728
>>36530733
Eh, I just thought that it sounded like a good idea at the time.
Then again, I was never really one to care about stats.

>>36530638
Alright, utility it is.

Now, Apollo:

>Work on new moves
>Work on Physical stats
>Defensive
>Utility

Same rules as last time.

>>36530777
>Work on Physical stats

>>36530777
>Defensive
Definitely if hes gonna be our front line against the Scythers...

>>36530777
>Work on Physical stats
Wasn't there an option last time to improve his hp and atk for blitz blaze use or something?

Whichever that was, I opt for its this-time equivalent.

>>36530777
>Work on Physical stats

>>36530777
>Work on Physical stats
Work on his speed, we'll need the agility so he can hit the scythers

>>36530812
Not if we blast the area with an overheat, though if we're in a forest that may be pretty darn impractible

>>36530798
If you can give me a good write-in on a way to train a "charge" attack like blitz blaze I'll consider training attack, hp, and speed in one.

>>36530812
How about speed so he can avoid getting hit by the Scythers

>>36530832
It's also a one off and leaves him completely drained. He'd be out of the fight after. Not to mention easily taken out.

>>36530844
That too.

>>36530836
Have the meat on a high up point that he has to knock down so he can get at it. He burns it he burns the meat too.

>>36530836
Have him train by trying to knock a small tree down or something with a a charge attack, later give him practise at maintaining a flame whilst charging.

We could try and develop a fire fang guys. This would give him an attack that wouldn't ignite the forest we're in and possibly through the scythers off, since I doubt they expect to be attacked at close quarters.

>>36530945
Still Apollo in the middle of a pack of Scythers. Not the best idea.

>>36530892
I like that idea.

>>36530905
Good to see write-ins from both of youse.

Next up is Sheldon!

>Moves
>Physical
>Defensive
>Utility

And then Nereid!

>Moves
>Physical
>Defensive
>Utility

>>36530836
Are there any hills or inclines near by have him try to get to the top to get some meat while avoiding light water fire...

>>36530969
>Defensive
>Physical

>>36530969
Sheldon
>Physical
We gotta up his speed at least a little...
Nereid
>Moves
More water power...

>>36530969
>Sheldon
>Defense
He'll need to sue that shell of his well.

>Nereid
>Moves
She's the gun happy little water weasel otter thing/

>>36530969
Sheldon
>Physical
Nereid
>Utility

>>36530966
They're scythers. They move faster than anything we have even if we boost Apollo's speed. Face it, he'll be in the middle of things regardless. With a super effective bite attack he can retaliate.

>>36530969
>Shelly
>Defensive
His water pulse looks up to scratch as it stands so lets make sure he can switch out and take a tanking.

>Nereid
Can we try learning a mistspray attack? Something to fog the air and decrease visibility, might help us keep our Mittens out of scyther range.

>>36530969
Next up is Sheldon!
>Moves
Nereid!

>Moves

>>36531048

Hm. Smokescreen is a possibility. Perhaps train Phoenicia on using that, specifically?

As for Nereid or Sheldon... A bubble-based attack might work best. But, a misting attack could be possible. It would most likely be an attack that leans towards ice-types in terms of creating mist...

We can certainly go for it / try. You and Mittens will have to get one of them to produce very cold water or just a shit ton of water, increasing the humidity of the area and bringing the dew point up.... hmmm.

>>>>

It's currently at Defense with Sheldon and Moves with Nereid.

So, question:

Do you want to work on
>a mistspray attack with nereid or
>something more offensive?

>>36531286
>a mistspray attack with nereid or
Since Mittens can't affect them for crap we need another mezzer.

>>36531286
>something more offensive?

>>36531286
>a mistspray attack with nereid
This sounds amazing and I personally think it compliments her playful disposition very well...

Alright, please give me some rolls for training! I will add the training results into the opening of the next thread!

You guys have been very patient today. I feel like this has been a slow thread and overall pretty boring, so apologies for that - excitement is coming, I suppose.

I will be running tomorrow, same time. Nick is on the horizon, as are the scythers. I will be around for most of the night, checking in and answering questions or complaints. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>36531546
I want to be the very best!

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>36531546

This one's for the gipper.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>36531546

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>36531546

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>36531584
Saving the dayyyy!!!!

SHINING FINGERS!

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>36531584
Oh deary deary me

>>36531619
Thank god you came

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>36531619

Rolling for that crit....!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>36531663
Just keep trying...

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>36531676
Maybe this time?

>>36531719
stop you have a serious problem

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>36531757
I have a gambling addiction.

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>36531546

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>36531719
What happened to ya'lls luck, anons?

>>36531787
I-i-i...waaaaahhh

>>36531787
We decided to push it by going after a pack of angry killy velociraptors bugs.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>36531787
Here it is!

File: Task failed successfully.jpg (13 KB, 350x230)

13 KB JPG

>>36531828

>>36531828
>Here it isn't!
FTFY

>>36531828
N-no that's not it...I don't know that roll

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>36531848
>>36531853
;__;

>>36531787
Scythers are bad luck.

This is what happens when we rely on luck too much. The Tg dice gods get angry and betray us.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>36531896
Enh, it's just training...

>>36531908
>Implying it isn't important
>Implying one of our heavy hitters isn't going to get hurt and miss the rival battle
>Implying that what we're trying to learn now won't be important when we face a pack of angry murderbugs.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>36531966
>Implying it isn't important
It's not critically important
>Implying one of our heavy hitters isn't going to get hurt and miss the rival battle
We'er going via the ranger station, they can heal up anything there.
>Implying that what we're trying to learn now won't be important when we face a pack of angry murderbugs.
If we fail this training too much then that just provides a good reason to delay the hunt, which is what some people have already been pushing for.

>>36531966
Seeing as how the place we're going to for the rival battle has a place to heal pokemon? I'd say the first one actually isn't important.

>>36532028
1. Fair enough
2. That might take time like Phoenicia's wing if its bad enough.
3. I'm all for it but most anosn seems to want a Scyther nao! Which in all fairness a ack of them should cut us to ribbons unless we are really powerful. There is a reason we'd been told to avoid the everloving shit out of them.

>>36532028
>If we fail this training too much then that just provides a good reason to delay the hunt, which is what some people have already been pushing for.
I don't wanna injury our friends in a attempt to delay our suicide...plus I don't think that's going to stop some of these guys...

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>36532080
>Phoenicia's wing
We haven't actually gotten her to a medical centre yet though. As far as I remember the medical technology involves restoring the pokemons energy/data form and basically is just a BAM. Instaheal.

And yeah, I'm a scytherNao Anon too, but I'm prepared to retreat when we're half way in and realise we need to or whatever.

>>36532130
Anon, they are a shit ton faster than us, only way we'd escape is to sacrifice one or more of our mons. We can train up hit the gym for easy points then maybe grab one, Herald said we have time on that front.

>>36532080
As a Scythernao anon, I have no interest in running into the middle of a pack and going for it. I want to team up with Nick and have us both try and lure a Scyther and catch it.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>36532165
What >>36532172 said. I don't intend to face a full pack of scyther.

As for backing out, that's more along the lines of we're trailing a scyther and then it rejoins the gang, then we back out without being noticed with luck. That kinda backing out.

Or the kind where we realise ahead of time that we're not convinced we can do it.

>>36532172
Scythers aren't going to be stupid, all mons have at least dog like intelligence. Plus if they are raptor based they could easily ambush us unless we rolled really well. They do kinda blend in and are frickin fast.

>>36532222
>Implying we can see one without one of its buddies seeing us.

I really want a scythe too, but i'd rather not lose a friend or most of our team to catch one who likely wouldn't listen to us anyways.

>>36532222
Exactly. I think of Scythers as analogous to wolves. If you are trying to capture a wolf and can't overpower the entire pack then you attempt to lure a single wolf away from the pack and attack it there.


>>36532291
>all mons have at least dog like intelligence

And that leaves them perfectly able to make mistakes. Animals and people constantly do shit that leaves them vulnerable to predators. We are going to have to be careful and not go running in blindly. Also, I feel like you're over hyping their abilities a good deal.

>>36532374
Still if the rangers don't think its safe for one of them to get them away from the city.......

As far as abilities they are likely going to be a lot higher level than anything else on our team. Also a call for help would screw us. We got very lucky with that Talonblaze.

Op ded?

>>36533746
He's done for the day
>>36531546

>>36533783
Missed that thanks.

>>36533824
No problem anon

>>36532411

Just finished reading the thread, and the issue I have, herald, is that the emotional scene was very railroaded or something? Idk. Maybe if it was done as a cyoa sort of thing and not just exposition?
Also, it kinda felt like it was out of nowhere.
I enjoy getting into the chars heads though

>>36533746
I'm here if you have any questions.

>>36534085
How bad have the Sychters been? Have their been any reported attacks? We didn't we get training options for our shrew and Phoenicia? was that just because we need tog et to know them first or what?

>>36534362
You will get to know them in the span of the training/exercises. It was somewhat intentional because they are both injured and unused to you they shouldn't be doing serious training yet. Just working on communication with grey should be good.

>>36534430
Fair enough we gotta name the shrew anyways. No more news on the Scythers then?

>>36534362
Also, the scythers have not been "too bad," a railway maintenance worker was attacked but his crew fended them off. Two separate sightings near northern edge town recently by civilians as in a few days ago; no attacks, but seeing scouts like that makes the rangers uneasy. A scyther could easily kill a child if "provoked." This could amount to the child screaming for help.
With sorties coming in for season rangers took precautions. Young trainers could wander in unawares

>>36534597
ok then thanks for answering the question Herald!

>>36534626
Of course. Thanks for questions / criticism

>>36534653
herald pls