henlo

>>2580418
OJIJI X KOKORO
PASTEBIN DAISUKI

>>2580418
WOOOO! Hope you're having a good night so far Gobble!

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You end up cooking breakfast, since the events of the night ended up taking up most of your time for rest. You’re physically pretty drained, but your wounds are healing up very quickly and you’re not demoralized or mentally or emotionally drained.

Your mind does wander a bit as you flip a pan and sprinkle some spices. The girls all volunteered to help, but since it’s a simple meal and there’s only really one step you can do at a time, it’s not necessary. So they volunteered to handle dishes and cleanup, which is nice. It’s just like camping.

Gobble never volunteered to help cook in the kitchen. Since the rules of the house are no pokemon in the kitchen, you guess he doesn’t want to ask for exceptions.

“Hey, Goldentop.” Abigail saunters passed your sauté. “How are you feeling?”

“A little tired, but I’m healing up. Thanks. How are you?”

“Thirsty. Need water.” She keeps reaching up for a glass in a cupboard. You reach up and and it to her. “Thanks. So, Cubone turned out to be a little vengeful, huh? Hurt Dice’s feelings too.”

You check the other pan. “She made some mistakes.”

“Mistakes.” She examines the word. “So, what’s your standard for inviting others to come along? You just trying to fix the broken with some savior complex, do just not have standards at all, or all we all so far below you that anything we do isn’t something you’re concerned about?”

“Where’s this coming from?” You ask before answering her question.

“Hey. I just want to know what your standards are. You’re a good kid.” She coughs. “Well, maybe you’re not much of a kid, but you’re a good guy. You go out of your way to help people and you don’t cause any harm. You’re giving and nice and all that crap.” You’re confused, but she must see it on your face because she continues. “But that’s dangerous. And unfair to everyone else.”

“It is?”

“Yes! Who you invite into your life impacts everyone already in it. The standards you have or don’t have to associating with you matter to everyone around you. If you tolerate someone terrible, for example, then how do I really know what you think of me? Isn’t an egg smasher a crappy person? If you invite crappy people to be around us, you’re telling us that the cost of association with you is association with them. So where's the line? Or is this little following of yours just a club for strays you collect?”


>Cubone’s not bad. She’s just had a bad lately and needs some guidance
>She didn’t smash the egg
>You don’t appreciate Abigail second guessing you
>You should go talk to Dice. Excuse me
>Is this about Cubone, or you?
>It was an extreme circumstance, it’s not like anyone in the group is in danger. Nobody here would do something heartless enough to warrant something like that from Cubone
>What about her? What are her standards?
>Something else

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>>2580436
>>2580429
[Thanks! I'm doing well. How are you?]
>>2580432
[Oops! Here's the bin!]

>>2580432
What?

>>2580447
>She didn’t smash the egg
>Is this about Cubone, or you?

>>2580460
It means, in completely shit Japanese, that from my dick to my heart I love the pastebin.

>>2580447
>She didn’t smash the egg
>Is this about Cubone, or you?

>>2580447
>She didn't smash the egg
>She'd lost her mother, you can understand where her anger came from
>But she didn't smash the egg.
>You don't appreciate her second guessing you
>You don't see anybody here as strays, even Cubone.

>>2580418
80 threads? Congrats!

>>2580447
>Cubone’s not bad. She’s just had a bad lately and needs some guidance
>She didn’t smash the egg

>>2580474
Gobbles last quest was well over 100 threads

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>>2580466
>>2580460
[Oh! I thought you were asking for the bin!]

>>2580474
[Thanks! I wish I were half as prolific as you though! You're a machine!]

>>2580499
Gobble no, you're a good qm, you're above the shitposter. Ignore it.

>>2580489
True, but making a second quest reaching such high numbers is very impressive.

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“She didn’t smash the egg.”

“Sounds like she was intending on it, though.” Abigail shoots back. Her tone makes her argument sound a little weak, but despite that you can’t deny she’s right on that front. Still. She didn’t.

“But she didn’t.” Neither of you can really deny the other’s position. Anything beyond those two facts would be speculation. Both of you think for a moment, but you speak first. “Is this about Cubone, or you?”

“What do you mean?” She looks nervous.

“I don’t remember calling anyone or doing anything that would make it a fair thing to say I think of anyone here as ‘strays’. You kept using the word ‘we’ too.”

She downs her water, then refills her cup. “Well, I’ve been thinking, is all. You told me you like me as a friend and I guess I feel the same since I’m here and all. But you sort of like everybody, don’t you? Even that crazy Jane girl. You didn’t even seem to dislike the Mandibuzz that messed you up. So I’m getting to wondering if you genuinely like some of the company you keep, or you’re just acting that way. I’m not saying you have ill-intent, maybe you just think you owe everyone unlimited access to you for some reason. Maybe you’re just compelled against having anyone dislike you. Maybe you’re suicidally altruistic. I don’t know. But it makes any praise coming from you have a lot less value.”

“Less value?”

“Sure, if you extend praise to people that clearly don’t deserve it. And what about your tolerance for abuse? Maybe you think it’s a good thing, but think logically. If somebody or some pokemon pecked out Laki or Hana or Keira or me like that, how’d you feel about it? If you saw it happen to Keira, and then saw her get her trust betrayed by the person or pokemon she was sacrificing her ribs for, and she didn’t act like there was anything wrong with that, you’d have some concerns, right? You wouldn’t tolerate that happening to someone else, but you tolerate it for yourself.” She downs her second glass of water. “Look. Let me put it this way; can you even openly declare you don’t like someone?”
>There are people you dislike. For example... (specify)
>If Keira and I had reversed roles, I’d respect her judgement on Cubone the same way she’s respecting mine.
>Any praise you give is something you believe
>You happen to be patient and like everyone you meet in some way. What’s wrong with that?
>Sometimes saying mean but truthful things isn’t productive to fixing problems
>Your actions speak loud enough. You stand up for yourself when you have to
>Something else

>>2580591
>Your actions speak loud enough. You stand up for yourself when you have to
>There are people you dislike. For example...
Easy one is Max, then there's the priest that tried to sabotage the festival between the Grass Temple groups.
>Any praise you give is something you believe
Herb doesn't say empty words.

>>2580591
>>There are people you dislike. For example... (specify)
Max. Fuck max.

>Sometimes saying mean but truthful things isn’t productive to fixing problems
>Your actions speak loud enough. You stand up for yourself when you have to
>Any praise you give is something you believe

>>2580591
>There are people you dislike. For example... (specify)
Max. That grass temple cunt who tried to ruin everything to make a buck.

>>2580622
* but not literally. Sis, do not fuck max. Swear on my pokemon.

For real though? Underhanded people, ones who refuse to be upfront about what they want or try to mask their intentions. Those feel like people who could get under Herbs skin. Not because he’s against planners, but people who are clearly being dishonest or are self centered

Gobble, how do you feel knowing that our most hated foe is a one off character that really didn't do much of anything?

>>2580625
>>2580591
Adding writein
>"We pulled what's left of that Cubone's mother out of that cave. To base your character judgement off of such an extreme situation is disingenuous.

>>2580636
I see it less as the character and more the way he acted, moving easily between actions to show himself as the good guy.

>>2580591
Oh also lakis older brother fuc k him. He almost got hana hurt

>>2580591
>>2580656
Supporting this as well, he was pretty nasty.

>>2580591
>That guy who tried to feed a guy food he knew he would have an allergic reaction to.

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REMEMBER TO ARCHIVE GOBBLE

>>2580633
Max, has already fucked our sister plenty of times. You should ready yourself for this truth.

>>2580744
According to Gobble he's making his way there but she pushed him from going all the way. Heavy makeouts so far.

>>2580744
Then we'll just have to kill max. Its simple.

Dark herb shall be brought forth via the defilement of our kin. All will know his wrath!

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“I’m always honest when I praise someone. I’ve never given a compliment I didn’t believe. And I’ve stood up for myself. I think my actions speak pretty loudly.” You try not to sounded defensive. You don’t feel defensive, but it’s always really hard to defend yourself without coming across that way.

“Your words wouldn’t hurt, then.” She playfully reaches her unwashed hand towards the food to taste some, but seeing the look on your face she decides not to. That gesture says a lot. She’s not trying to bother you just for the sake of bothering you.

“Okay. Fine.” You turn around from stirring. “I don’t like Max.”

“I don’t know who that is, but I’m really curious now.”

“And I don’t like that priest that tried to sabotage the festival between the Grass Temple groups. Or Laki’s brother. Or that guy that was trying to feed someone food he knew he’d be allergic to! And I-” You sniff. That smells like burning. “The sauté!”

You scramble to save it, quickly adjusting the heat and scraping up the burnt parts.

“Need help?” Abigail asks.

“Yeah, can you stir that other pot? It’ll burn the bottom if you don’t.”

Abigail gets to work, covering for you. You manage to save the dish with some very delicate fine-tuning, but that was a close one.

“So, you really can say it out loud.” Abigail brings it up again.

“Sure. And going back to Cubone, I don’t think it’s fair to be too harshly. We pulled what was left of her mother out of the cave.”

Abigail keeps stirring. “That’s fair. I just wanted to hear your reasoning, make sure you’re thinking. You know I’m giving you a hard time for a reason, right? You’re going to be a dad someday. You’ve got to be careful who you have around your kids.”


>What makes you so sure I’ll be a dad?
>Try to get her to open up. Why’s she so concerned about that?
>Do you think I’d be a good dad?
>Well, maybe you’ll be a dad. You really haven’t decided
>Ask about her mom and dad. Be direct
>Thanks. I can’t wait to have kids when I’m older and ready!
>Something else

I don't really understand Abi's argument. Cause Herb doesn't have very many friends, and he doesn't call anyone his friend. Herb is just willing to help people and Pokemon in a way that most people would consider extreme. I don't understand how that would lower the value of his praise, he's never been dishonest with something he's said. He's just not a person who hates easily and is more willing to circumstances around any given action as opposed to blaming an individual as being completely responsible for everything they do. I guess he just has more empathy than the standard person.

>>2580771
>Do you think I’d be a good dad?
>Ask about her mom and dad. Be direct

>>2580771
>>What makes you so sure I’ll be a dad?
>Try to get her to open up. Why’s she so concerned about that?
>Ask about her mom and dad. Be direct
>>2580774
Sounds to me more like she's just trying to figure out more about him. She's just making it prickly because that's her normal tactic.

>>2580771
>>2580778
>We'll she'll have to stick around to ensure you're not faltering in your fatherly duties.

Gonna add this. It's a little flirty, but It's also cute and lets her know we want her around.

>>2580771
>Do you think I’d be a good dad?
Cause that's what Laki's dad said to me, but I'm not so sure now.
>Ask about her mom and dad. Be direct

>>2580771
>Thanks.
>I wonder how many kids I’ll have...

>>2580799
Laki's good for like, 6 with hips like that

>>2580807
>Only Six.
Kiera is a fertility priestess and she'll want kids too.

If Herb can get his magic up and running with her rituals Maybe even Hana can have a kid.

>>2580807
I wonder if Laki would be willing to be a surrogate mother for Hana. I'm sure Hana's got some eggs left.

>>2580817
Well she’s taking birth control to control her period so I’d say so too.

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“Do you think I’d be a good dad? Because Laki’s dad said I would, but now I’m not so sure.”
She turns to look at you. Oddly enough, despite you being a good deal taller than her, the authority of her eye seems to shine through her expression. She pats you on the arm. “Don’t let your confidence get shaken so easily. And don’t take this the wrong way either. “She sighs before she begins. “Herb, if my future husband is half as good of a dad as I know you’ll be, I’ll be pretty thrilled.” She pats you a few more times. “Someone like you would be good enough to cancel out how bad of a mom I’m sure I’d be.” She goes back to stirring the pot after that.

“...Abigail.”

“Hm?”

“Why did you say that? What...what’s your home life like? Tell me about your mom and dad.”

She sighs. “You don’t want to hear about that.”

“I do.” You turn the heat off from the dish you’re working on. Everything's ready, but you still want to talk.

“Alright.” She turns around. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She pushes herself up onto the counter, adjusting her skirt and looking suddenly more uncomfortable. “So my dad’s easy. He couldn’t stand mom and he bailed. That’s okay though. It’s still up in the air if he’s my real dad anyway. He’s too scared to do a test. Says he loves me anyway. Except, you know, not enough to take care of me instead of mom.” She puts a finger on her chin sarcastically. “Oh, did I say she takes care of me? Whoops. Well, she lets me sleep in her house. Most of the time. Not really much ‘care’ there though. It’s my fault when her man of the week leaves. My fault she’s getting old and as ugly on the outside as she is on the inside. My fault her plan of substance abuse, verbal abuse, and the occasional physical abuse hasn’t made her what she was totally destined to be. What that is, I’m still not sure, but it’s some vague amount of rich and famous. I’m sure she was totally on track for that before she had me and had to give up her dreams.” She holds back any tears, but there’s a tiny sniff. “I still don’t think she realized I left. I always tried to get away. The young kids are the only ones not pawwing at me because they think I’ll put out like she does, so I hang with them. That, or at the pokecenter in town. Did you know they have a security camera that actually works? Can’t get too crazy when one of those is overhead. It’s not all bad, when the nicer nurses are there they let me help out. Keeps me busy.”

You remember meeting her in that pokemon center.

There’s a long silence. In the middle of it, you happen to notice a slight shadow beyond the open kitchen door. You’re pretty sure someone was walking along and just stopped there.

(continued)

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>>2580936
“So yeah. That’s my baggage.” Abigail says.

>Don’t make a big deal out of it. Thank her for sharing though
>Give her a hug
>You’d like to talk to her mom
>You’re sorry to hear that
>You’re amazed someone as great as her came out of that sort of environment
>Something else

>>2580949
>Give her a hug
>You’re amazed someone as great as her came out of that sort of environment
I been there done that sweet heart.

>>2580949
>Your mom sounds like a real piece of work.

>>2580949
>>Give her a hug
>You’re amazed someone as great as her came out of that sort of environment

>>2580949
>>Give her a hug
It's not your fault. You are a good person, Abi.

>>2580957
Haha, yeah. Abi's mom reminds me of my mom.

>>2580978
Ah my mom's a saint,

My father? Step father? fun fun fun.

>>2580983
Good times, it's nice to see poor people from broken homes in fiction that aren't total shit bags amiright?

>>2580990
Angela's Ashes Great read.

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You move in, giving her a hug.

“Come on, don’t get all-” Her protest stops as soon as you make contact. Eventually her hands come up to your back.

The two of you share a nice long hug.

“Well, it’s pretty amazing that someone as great as you came out of that sort of environment.”

She doesn’t pull her head from your chest. “You’re just saying that.”

“I never do that.” You retort back, smiling. “We just had this conversation.”

She snorts. It tickles your chest. Then she pulls her head up. “Thanks. I know you do.” She sniffs, but the tears never did break through. “But I know I act like her sometimes. It’s probably genetic, me being a nagging, undermining bitch sometimes. I hate when I do it but I never stop myself. If someone tells me I’m acting like my mom I just lose it. How can I be a good mom? Maybe I shouldn’t have kids. I drove my Butterfree away, and sometimes I'm mean to Conqueror for no reason. What good dad would want someone like that?”


>She’s exaggerating. She’s really not that bad at all
>She just has some things to work on first, that’s all
>...Well, you’d be okay with a wife like her helping to raise your kids
>You’re sure she’ll be a good mom
>You don’t HAVE to have kids
>Something else

>>2581080
>She’s exaggerating. She’s really not that bad at all
>...Well, you’d be okay with a wife like her helping to raise your kids
>You’re sure if she chooses to be a mom, she’ll be a good one.

She knows exactly what not to do.

>>2581080
>>2581084
I'll support.

>>2581080
>She’s exaggerating. She’s really not that bad at all
>You’re sure she’ll be a good mom
>And it may not seem like it, but I think Laki likes having you around a lot.

>>2581080
>You’ll figure it out.

>We’re young and growing a sense people. I know I have a lot lately.

>Sorry to hear about your Butterfree.

>>2581110
>>2581080
Yeah The laki thing too.

>>2581114
“as””, not “a sense”.

>>2581080
To note when we say not that bad at all, I think we mean to us, We can't really comment who she treated her butterfree. But with Laki/Herb/Hana it's always been catty/playful.

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“Sorry about your Butterfree.”

She looks away. “Oh yeah. Forget I said anything about that. I keep telling myself releasing her was the right thing. I told her she could make a choice between staying with me or going off to her mating thing. Well, I thought she’d choose me. I get why she didn’t. I was always needling her with criticisms. I always know what everyone else should do.” She scoffs.

“You’re exaggerating. You’re not that bad at all.”

“Still not great.” She mutters.

“You are great.” You say. “I mean it. I’d be totally okay with a wife like you helping to raise my kids.”

She looks up. Her hands are grabbing onto your shirt now. “You mean it?”

“Yeah. You’d be a great mom, if you choose it.”

“Don’t let Laki hear that.” She looks away again.

“It may not seem like it, but I think Laki likes having you around a lot.”

She smirks. “Really? Because I can’t tell if she wants to rip my head off or just play around. I...hey, this isn’t some attempt to get me to join your harem, is it?” She pushes off from you, smiling. She sniffles back a little, though.

“What do you mean?”

She folds her arms. Her posture doesn’t match the happy but smug look on her face. “Showing off how you satisfy your women, making me feel like being all domesticated, telling me Laki actually likes me. Come on, Goldentop. You can’t pretend Laki didn’t call me up to tell me not to try anything shady with you. I totally threaten her.” She pauses, thinking over what she just said. “Holy shit I totally threaten her. Me!” She runs her hands over her body quickly, assessing it. She notices you watching her and pretends she was just adjusting her posture, though.


>Okay, that’s enough on this topic for now. Time for breakfast
>You’re not trying to get her to join your harem
>You’re not trying to get her to join your harem right now, but it sure sounds like she wants in
>...if Hana and Laki are okay with it, she’s invited
>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat
>Is someone outside the door?
>Something else

>>2581224
>>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat
Hana would never say no.

>>2581224
>You’re not trying to get her to join your harem

>>2581224
>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat
Communication is good.
>Okay, that’s enough on this topic for now. Time for breakfast

>>2581224
>>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat

They're Tsun friends for eachother, everyone can see it

>>2581224
>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat

>>2581224
>>2581226
To note: I'd be up for harem stuff with Abby.. but I feel like herb can't just do that on his own, hence the talk to Laki.

>>2581224
>>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat
>You’re not trying to get her to join your harem
>At least, it feels kind of weird to do it so quickly.

I think Herb has more than a little bit of a reason to be afraid of rushing into more than he can handle in these matters, especially, as its been said repeatedly, that it's no trifling matter to add people to a group relationship.

>>2581224
>Maybe her and Laki should have a nice sit-down chat
Ready to go full mormon if the girls want to.

I worry some of us are getting greedy...

>>2581248
Hey, If they want it, who is Herb to deny them membership in a big, weird, lewd, family?

It's a weird support network/herb cult.

>>2581248
I did not vote for that option as a harem invite, so I hope gobble realizes that option didn't really sound like one to me anyway

>>2581248
Oh no doubt. That's why I think Herb should probably back off from this a little. There's obviously something but there is such a thing as too much too quickly, especially with the way Abi seems to think of it in a not quite healthy competitive way.

>>2581261
I think a sit down and talk with Laki would help with the 'competative,' thing. But it's not necessarily a bad thing. Understanding that people actually like you, granted maybe not as a lover, but as a friend is really really helpful.

But I think Laki x Abby would be stupidly hot.

I’m not opposed to things developing into friends with benefits territory provided that Abby’s attitude on sex outside of marriage changes (and not just in the moment), Laki is close enough with Abi to be comfortable with it, and Herb goes from undecided on swinging to comfortable with it. That’s a lot of provisions though.

Give it another 20-30 threads and we’ll see how I feel about adding more meaningful and intense romantic feelings for a third girl but I’m doubtful it’d feel right to me.

If there was a storm drain or sap sipper for flying moves, what would you call it?

>>2581349
Updraft.

>>2581366
Tailwind

>>2581370
That would be perfect, but it's already a move sadly.

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“Mom was full of Rhyhorn dung. I’m totally attractive enough to threaten the hipsiest, tittiest girl in the region.” She moves around a little. “No idea why. She’s not threatened by Keira or Hana.” She spins around again. “What do you think? You want to put a baby in me?”

“I think you and Laki should talk.” You turn to taste test breakfast one last time. You’ve been very distracted and want to be safe.

“Wait. Goldentop. You know I’m just messing around, right? I mean, unless you’re going to promise-”

“Talk to Laki so you guys can be friends.” You say. “I know you don’t hate her, and she doesn’t hate you. It’d be healthy if you two talked it out.”

“Oh. Yeah. I guess that’s a good idea.” She grabs two plates and dishes up. “Thanks. You’re a really good guy, Herb. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you, k?” She vanishes out the door. But you can still hear her because she stops very close to it. “Laki! Hey. I brought you breakfast.”

“Why. Did you spit in it?” You hear Laki’s voice right around the corner.

“In food Herb cooked? What are you, crazy? Smell this!”

The two girls leave, and you come out too, to enjoy breakfast at the table. Laki’s two brothers are there too.

“Sweet, food.” Laki’s older brother grabs a plate without asking.

Kai approaches you. “Hi.”

“Hi.” You say back.

Hana and Keira both begin dishing up. “Thanks Herb!” Keira smiles.

“Seriously. Best boyfriend ever.” Hana says with a mouth already being filled.

Laki’s older brother moves off, taking his plate to his room. Kai sort of just stands around awkwardly.

Well, you guess there’s someone you should talk to as well. A lot’s happened.


>Go take a dish to Dice
>Go take a dish to Cubone
>Give a dish to Kai. Let’s sit down. What’s on your mind?
>Sit down with Keira and Hana
>Go up to Laki’s older brother. You’ve got things to say to him.
>Something else

>>2581383
>Give a dish to Kai. Let’s sit down. What’s on your mind?

>>2581383
>Go take a dish to Dice
>Give a dish to Kai. Let’s sit down. What’s on your mind?

>>2581383
>Give a dish to Kai. Let’s sit down. What’s on your mind?

Laki did say to talk to him before we left.

>>2581383
>Give a dish to Kai. Let’s sit down. What’s on your mind?

How many Pokémon don’t have faces? I can think of Roggenrola, Boldore, Starmie, and Staryu.

>>2581473
Well what do you define as a face? Cause plenty of Mons have things that look like faces that are not faces for example Mimikyu.

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You push an empty plate over to Kai with your finger. “Hungry? There’s enough for everyone.”

“Are you sure?”

“Really. I cook all the time. I’m getting pretty good at making the right amount.”

He takes it. “Thanks.”

“So.” You say. “How’s it going?”

“I’m sorry.” He shoots up from his seat, then bows. He moved so quickly that dishes rattle.

“Sorry?”

“Yes. Exactly. You did nothing wrong.” He keeps his head low. “Laki...she’s not just my sister. She’s her own person. It’d be different if you were abusive or something, but you’re not. You’re...almost too kind. Please, give me a task so I can clean my slate.”

“A task?” You scratch your head. You really don't feel comfortable bossing Kai around.

“Yes. It’s an older tradition, but I think it’s an important one. For me to genuinely show repentance, I should do something for you.”

“Anything?”

“In proportion to the crime.” He says. “Umm, I thought you sort of knew about this, actually. But it’s very simple. Just think of a task I can do for you that burns away the wrong I’ve done.”

“What if I don’t want to give you a task?”

His reaction makes it clear he doesn’t want you to think that way. “Then I have to do seven good deeds for others.”

>That’s really not necessary. We’re cool
>I guess you could do the dishes
>Ask him to do one of Laki’s chores
>Help me train my pokemon
>Know anything about fixing a pokedex?
>Something else

>>2581482
>>Know anything about fixing a pokedex?
If not
>I guess you could do the dishes

>>2581482
>That’s really not necessary. We’re cool
I'd like to lean in for some guy talk, I kinda want to know what's going on with his older brother.

>>2581482
>>Know anything about fixing a pokedex?
Alternatively
>Help me train my pokemon

>>2581478
No eyes or mouth. If they’ve got just eyes or just a mouth then that’s half a face.

>>2581482
>Uh.
>Know anything about pokedexes?
>I don’t think you did anything too bad so just give it a shot.

>>2581496
Well Staryu line all have mouths it's just on their underside like real starfish. So you've eliminated half of what you originally posed as half-faces

>>2581500
I just checked in Pokémon refresh and my Staryu ate a bean through it’s gem.

>>2581507
Woah, man. That's some crazy psychic shit there, maybe it has two mouths then?

>>2581508
But it doesn’t have a mouth on the back of its model. Maybe it... teleports bites of food into its stomach?

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>>2581511
This is what a starfish mouth looks like when closed, looks just like the back of staryu to me.

>>2581516
To me the back of Staryu looks completely smooth, except for that weird garter thing.

>>2581516
And even if Staryu did eat from its back it would be eating through its anus, so I’d still say it has no face.

>>2581530
The anus and mouth can function almost exactly the same based on your biology.

>>2581537
Well my Octillery seems to eat out of a nose/mouth combo tube and Primape seems to be eating through her nose and I can’t figure out how my Tentacruel is eating and my Jellicent’s mouth seems to be an unmoving spot of color so maybe Pokémon refresh isn’t a great method of figuring out how Pokémon eat...

>>2581554
Do rogenrolla eat through their ear?

>>2581559
Oh my god, they do!
https://youtu.be/tCsfSyOCTfk?t=50s

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“I don’t know if I’m comfortable with this.” He looks disappointed, but you continue with your thoughts. “But if it’s important to you, then it’s important to me. Umm, uhh, do you know anything about fixing a broken pokedex?”

“No.” He looks down. “Wait! I know somebody who can though! I can take it to him and I know he can fix it.”

“Oh great! That works. Is he close by?”

“Yeah! Well um, sort of. He’s got a shop near the gym in town. Near the temple. I’m not allowed to go that far alone though.”


>Great! Let’s eat, gather everyone up, and go
>You’ll (Herb) take it there then. Thanks for the referral. Consider the slate clean
>Ask why his brother is the way he is
>Ask if there’s anything he can tell you about Laki, like a gift or something she’d like
>Ask how things are going with his bullying
>Something else

>>2581571
>Great! Let’s eat, gather everyone up, and go

>Ask how things are going with his bullying

>>2581571
>Great! Let’s eat, gather everyone up, and go

>>2581563
Doesn’t Shedinja just completely refuse food? Or it’s incapable of eating? Or am I thinking of another Pokémon?

>>2581571
>Great! Let’s eat, gather everyone up, and go
>Ask how things are going with his bullying

>>2581583
Don't know, never heard of that before.

>>2581571
>>Great! Let’s eat, gather everyone up, and go
>Ask how things are going with his bullying

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“Great! Let’s gather everyone up and go!” You say excitedly. It feels like forever since you’ve been on the move. You want to ask him about his bullying, but figure that’s something you can do while you walk.

“Really?” Okay! I’ll go ask mom and dad. They’ll say yes but I should still do it.”

You spend the rest of the morning getting everyone together and ready to go and feeding the pokemon. The girls help out after doing dishes, and everything is pretty uneventful. Even saying goodbye to Laki’s parents is quick and pleasant. Her dad shakes your hand firmly and pats you on the back, saying he looks forward to seeing you again. Her mom gives you a quick hug and welcomes you to the family. They do the same for Hana too. Lake really seems he admires both of you.

“Later. I guess.” Laki’s older brother says, barely paying attention. He loosk like h wants to go back to his room.

“Got everything?” Laki’s mom asks. “You’re always welcome to come by.”

“And cook.” Lake adds in. Everyone laughs.


>Thanks for having us! See you later
>Talk to Laki’s older brother about something
>Promise you’ll bring a new accessory for Onix next time since the scarf got ruined
>Wait. There’s one more thing you want to do (specify)
>Something else

>>2581641
>Promise you’ll bring a new accessory for Onix next time since the scarf got ruined
>Thanks for having us! See you later

>>2581641
>Thanks for having us! See you later
>Promise you’ll bring a new accessory for Onix next time since the scarf got ruined

>>2581641
>>Thanks for having us! See you later
>Promise you’ll bring a new accessory for Onix next time since the scarf got ruined

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“Thanks for having us.” You say happily. “You have a wonderful home.”

“Little empty, though.” Laki’s mom says. “I can’t wait to fill it with the sounds of little feet.”

“Heh. Umm, oh yeah. I’ll bring Onix a new accessory next time, since the other one got ruined.”

Lake rubs his neck. “You don’t need to go out of your way. Don’t worry about it.”

Oh! This must be one of those things where he has to decline a few times. “Really. It’s no big deal. I insist! I love designing.”

“Err, well, okay then. Good luck on your trip. Don’t let the monks of the temple rough you up too badly.” He says before turning to Laki. “Don’t hurt them too badly.”

“I’ll try, Dad.”

“You too, son. Don’t let them rough you up too badly.”

“I could win.” Kai says defensively.

“That’s the spirit.” His dad roughs up his hair. “Go get ‘em, champ.”

There’s an exchange of hugs and words you don’t hear between Laki’s family members, and then you’re off on the road. You, Laki, Hana, Keira, Abigail, Gardevoir, Cubone, and all of your pokemon form a small caravan.

Keira and Hana walk with Gobble and Dice. Keira holds Tirtouga too. He seems to be quite the comedian in her eyes because she keeps praising his wit.

“So, Kai.” You say, walking alongside the young guy. You’re starting to feel like there’s a bigger age difference than before. He looks a little awkward in how he walks and moves, out in the sunlight. “How are things going with the bullies?”

He freezes up. “Fine.”

“Fine?”

“Okay. Not fine. Why? What do you know about it? Being picked on?”


>Your experience isn’t important. This is about him
>It’s part of why you went to your grandpa’s so often
>You’ve never been bullied that hard, but people have made you feel bad
>Believe it or not, you bullied someone when you were younger
>Something else

>>2581741
>It’s part of why you went to your grandpa’s so often

>That fourth one
GOBBLE! LIES AND SLANDER! HERB IS A GOOD BOY!

>>2581741
>Believe it or not, you bullied someone when you were younger

I don’t know why this appeals to me so much.

>>2581741
>It’s part of why you went to your grandpa’s so often

>>2581743
Everyone makes mistakes. Maybe Herb got really desperate for attention when his little brother first cane along.

>>2581741
>It’s part of why you went to your grandpa’s so often

>Believe it or not, you bullied someone when you were younger
I really really want to do this one. Just the casual drop with everyone else walking around him. The issue is that I can only see two ways this could go.
A-It was something really minor and most of the others joke it off even if it's big to Herb
B-It was something horrific and Herb had a moment of clarity where he made a choice to be a better person.

>>2581741
>It’s part of why you went to your grandpa’s so often

>>2581748
>>2581747
h-herb is a good boy.. h-he wouldn't do that!

>>2581748
>>2581751

Maybe Herb had a friend growing up, but they started spending a lot of time with a third person. Herb gets jealous and tries to drive that third person away but ends up losing both friends.

>>2581754
They didn’t see that Herb was acting out because he was hurting, and now Herb is inspired to look for the hurt underneath other people’s bad actions.

>>2581754
Haha, that's funny little Herb didn't have any friends that's why he likes pokemon so much the mons in his Grandpas day care were his only friends.

>>2581741
>>2581746
Adding
>Believe it or not, you bullied someone when you were younger

Make it traumatic or make herb a bad boy gobble

>>2581758
h-how could you!

>>2581757
I don’t know that funny is the right word...

>>2581758
but i dont want herb to be a bully

>>2581764
FORMER bully. Big difference.

>>2581764
It's too late. Herb has become: max

>>2581765
Nope, don't want him to have bullied, be bully, or bully in the future

Herb being a genuinely good guy is kind of a core character trait and I think you guys are just kinda throwing that under the bus for a bit of background drama.

>>2581768
Don't worry bully didn't get enough votes unless gobble wants to tie it in some how

>>2581768
And that's why I voted for "going to your grandpa's"

It feels POSSIBLE, but not likely.

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“I know bullying.” you tell him. “It’s why I started going to my grandpa’s all the time. But, not why I kept going.” You let a small wave of nostalgia wash over you. You can still hear his voice and smell that burning fireplace.

“So...you ran away from your bully problem?” He sounds unimpressed. “I don’t have a grandpa. Well, I do, obviously. Two of them. But they’re on the other side. I don’t plan on going there for a long time.”

You laugh. “Good. But I didn’t run away from my problems. I-”


>Won them over with kindness until they couldn’t bring themselves to bully me any more
>Okay. I sort of did. But here’s what I should have done (write-in)
>I came back and they were nicer to me. I can’t remember why. Let’s see. I remember them having some bruises and my sister was grounded...
>My little brother was born and I found the strength to stand up
>I just learned to shrug it off. It’s no fun bullying someone who’s apathetic to it
>I learned to stop dressing so poorly. That's why they picked on me in the first place
>Something else

>>2581785
>I came back and they were nicer to me. I can’t remember why. Let’s see. I remember them having some bruises and my sister was grounded...

>>2581785
>>Something else
We all got into this big fight, and were all put in detention, but we got to know each other there. We were never really friends, but we learned to respect each other.

>>2581785
>>My little brother was born and I found the strength to stand up

>>2581785
>I learned to stop dressing so poorly. That's why they picked on me in the first place.

>Basically, I caved in.

>>2581785
>>2581794
Supporting

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“We all got into this big fight, and were all put in detention, but we got to know each other there. We were never really friends, but we learned to respect each other.”

“That’s it?” He asks, arching an eyebrow in a way that reminds you of Laki.

“Well, I also learned how to dress better. That’s why they were picking on me in the first place. And I think maybe my sister talked to them.”

“Great.” He says.

“I understand how she felt, though. My brother was born that week and the whole reason I got so worked up was that they mentioned him growing up to be like me.”

“Wow.” He says, sarcasticaly before changing his tone. “So how’d that kid become you?”

“....what do you mean?

“You’re not like that now. Laki told me you’re super tough when you need to be. And you did get in that scrap with that Mandibuzz. So, what happened? Why’s she say you’re the strongest guy she’s met? I’m assuming she was talking about your character.” He glances at your arms. “How’d you become the person you are today?”

Laki said that about you?

You?

But you need to push that aside for a minute and think. Have you changed since you were younger? Have you changed since you've started your journey? What caused it?


>You have no idea. Sorry.
>You met some great friends who are great influences
>You’re the same guy as you always were
>Changes happen slowly with experience and habit, and usually whether we want it or not
>Hey. What’s wrong with mutual respect? You can talk out any problems
>Something else

>>2581830
>>Changes happen slowly with experience and habit, and usually whether we want it or not

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[I'm afraid we'll have to call it there. But we're running again on Tuesday!

In the mean time, I'm always lurking. Don't be shy with questions, comment, suggestions, and very especially things I can do to make a better quality of life for everyone following. If there's something other QMs do that you enjoy or just tips or advice or things you think would be nice, let me know!]

>>2581830
>You’re the same guy as you always were
>Hey. What’s wrong with mutual respect? You can talk out any problems
There is no magic bullet or solution, you just handle each problem as they come.

>>2581836
Thanks for running, gobble. I'm going to bed

>>2581830
>I don’t think I’ve changed. I’ve just grown skill, habits, parts of me that I needed to.

>>2581836
Goodnight!

>>2581836
Thanks for running Gobble!

>In the mean time, I'm always lurking. Don't be shy with questions, comment, suggestions, and very especially things I can do to make a better quality of life for everyone following. If there's something other QMs do that you enjoy or just tips or advice or things you think would be nice, let me know!

Honestly? Just keep trucking as you have been, you've been running for quite a long while and I just love the way you write characters and stories. Beyond the occasional typo there's no real weakness in any character or poorly made/vague wording that's easily misconstrued. You've got your style on lock, Gobble. Have a good night!

>>2581835
>>2581838
>>2581841
>>2581843
>>2581846
[Thanks! Sleep tight!

I'm glad about the clarity part. Last thing I want to do is have a big-ass "glass him" moment or something like that.

Guess my biggest thing is update speed. I want to get that down to be a lot more frequent.]

>>2581850
A R C H I V E
R
C
H
I
V
E

the last thread, peas and carrots

>>2581850
I don’t know for certain why, but sometimes it feels like there’s something stressful around every corner. I have some guesses why though.

A: it’s a reflection of how characters feel they can be open about heavy stuff with Herb.

B: I’m in a transitional period in my life and I’m projecting my own anxiety onto low stakes situations.

C: the rule of having choices be important to maintain reader engagement makes Herb’s life stay high-stakes

Or some combination of those.

Like, today we’ve not been in any danger but the conversations we’ve been in have seemed to have an air of weight to them from an implication that the Abi and Kai were in moments where our words might mean a lot to them. But starting the session, I was expecting something chill after the big thing with Cubone.

The bins, by contrast, tend to show sort of day-to-day little interactions that flesh out all the characters and their relationships better, to have lower stakes throughout, and end on comfy notes rather than cliffhangers.

Like, for example, surfing with Polu had a shark attack at the end. Maybe it’s just Herb’s rotten luck but it seems like his life is so full of situations that turn serious that as a reader placing myself in his shoes I feel drained a lot.

I can’t really say that people would like slower pacing or less important votes though, so I can’t really think of any actual ways to work on it. It’s just something that struck me.

>>2581383
>“Wait. Goldentop. You know I’m just messing around, right? I mean, unless you’re going to promise-”
What was she going to say???

We lesbians yet?

>>2582256
Huh?

>>2581930
Marriage probably

>>Changes happen slowly with experience and habit, and usually whether we want it or not

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>>2581855
[Thanks! I took care of that after because you reminded me]

>>2581857
[I really appreciate the thought put into this post. I think that's really observant and it's giving me a lot to think about in terms of how the quest is paced and run. A is dead on, B makes me wish for the best for you and makes me wonder how much I project into the quest. C is something that's making me think a lot about how to make choices matter without it always being a big stakes thing. I've always complained about movies and things just upping the stakes in a cheap attempt to up the drama, and I say stuff like a good story could be about someone trying to find their keys.]

>>2581930
>>2582563
[Herb should ask her some time!


Also, thread shortly!]

>>2585754
I’m glad you liked it, I think it’s something that people need to look at as quests grow as a medium.

And even then, I’ve noticed that you do at least mention when Herb has had down-time to relax and recharge off-screen. It might not quite carry over to the audience feeling it, but at least it makes it believable that Herb’s kept from becoming a bundle of nerves.

You’ve done a good job of being clear about the tone at the beginning of the quest, which makes me wonder if people have different unspoken expectations about, say, to what extent the audience and the main character are the same person.

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Road to the Fighting Temple

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Pokemon%20Island%20Adventure%20Quest
https://twitter.com/GobbleQM
Character info pastebin in progress: http://pastebin.com/iB0tb7rz
Dice odds for best of 3: http://pastebin.com/994WTT3g

General rules:

There is a 10 minute voting period after each post. Non-contradictory votes will be combined as best as possible.
Write-ins for all votes are always welcome and encouraged. They may not all make it into the post or be altered to fit in, but I'll do my best to at least try to address the spirit of the write-in.

Very important or contentious votes may be redone in a stricter voting system as circumstances warrant.

Combat mechanics involve three rolls of 1d100, taking the best, and using the base accuracy and crit ranges of the the PTU system, roughly, but the 'turn order' will be more like the anime, where sometimes you can do a few moves in a row or be hit by a combo of moves yourself, all depending on circumstances. Stronger moves tend to take more time and have more cooldown than weaker moves and also may leave you open to an interrupt, so beware of that timing. Speed is more important for closing ground, intercepting, and other things and doesn't necessarily mean going first.

Pokemon and trainers are unique, and may have certain specializations, skills, or other things that the video-game mechanics might not allow. Some examples: That kung fu Bellsprout in the anime, that crystal Onix, or a Roggenrolla that can fly. Herb's perception skills, pokemon knowledge, context clues in general, and other things will hopefully come into play to avoid completely unfair, unforeseeable bullshit, but expect more bullshit from more advanced trainers.

Call me out on a mistake and receive a suggestive picture, mostly likely a butt.

Pokemon:
Gobble (Munchlax)
Mace (Roggenrola)
Belladonna (Roserade)
Dice (Croconaw)
Sorbet (Vulpix)

Location: Akaneki, outside, walking.

>>2585786
Hype!

I’m looking forwards to asking Keira about Shedinja, babying Dice, and maybe triple battling the Fight gym with our girls or learning a dish from the fighting temple!

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You, Kai, your pokemon, Laki, Hana, Abigail, Keira, Gardevoir, Cubone, and some of the girl’ pokemon walk towards the local temple.

“Well, change happen slowly with experience and habit. And usually, whether we want it to or not.”

“So... the habits I have today will determine the person I am tomorrow?”

“I guess so. To be honest, I don’t think I really changed that much since then. I still sort of approach things the same way, but I’m a much better cook and dresser now.”

He looks you up and down. “You may want to go clothes shopping soon, then.”

You look over your clothes. You guess you’ve been pretty rough on them. You’ve been packing multiple sets and rotating them fairly well, but the cumulative damage from each little adventure has really done a number on them. Your skills in sewing and drawing the eye can only go so far. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Can...can you take me shopping some time? For clothes?”

“Me? Really?” Your mind and heart race. Passing on all you know about fashion and helping someone with the same general build as you sounds pretty tempting. Huh. Actually, you are still a bit bigger.


>Sure! Let's go shopping on the way to the temple
>Yeah, some time. We'll arrange something. Maybe get your friend Valerie to help
>How would he like some of your old clothes? They'd fit well
>Well, you could give him some fashion tips, but you've got places to be...
>Something else

>>2585816
>>Yeah, some time. We'll arrange something. Maybe get your friend Valerie to help

>>2585816
>>Yeah, some time. We'll arrange something. Maybe get your friend Valerie to help

>>2585816
>>Yeah, some time. We'll arrange something. Maybe get your friend Valerie to help


Wooo! Hope you're having a good night so far Gobble!

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You try not to squeal and grab his hand. “That sounds awesome! Yeah. I have this friend Valerie who can really help. We’ll work out a time and go together and see if she can come.”

“Another girl friend?” He asks in that deadpan way of his that makes it hard to distinguish if he’s being judgemental, inquisitive, or something else.

“Yup! I have lots of friends that are girls!”

“Uh huh. Is she pretty?”

Hana appears out of nowhere, putting a hand on your shoulder and weighing in her own opinion. “Valerie is the single best looking girl I’ve ever seen in real life.”

“Talking about Valerie?” Laki shouts back. Hana gives a thumbs up, to which Laki confirms she agrees with a quick. “Yup.”

“Well, I guess I don’t mind waiting.” Kai says.

You can see the temple in the distance after Laki points it out to you. It’s a pretty long trek uphill, but there are a few shortcuts Kai and Laki know about. Laki seems to know more, but some of them are previously empty lots that are now built over.

“Lots of construction.” You comment.

“It’s what we do.” Laki says. “Construction season lasts pretty much year round and only pauses for storm season. There’s always work if you want it. I’m actually pretty surprised nobody gave you any hassle when you went with dad to the site, though."

“Why’s that?”

“More and more places are bringing in mainlander labor.” Laki says. “People aren’t too happy about it.”

Your conversation is interrupted by the sight of a man, missing a leg, sitting on the sidewalk, begging for change. His little Munchlax sites beside him, looking hungry and sad.

“Oh no.” Hana says, putting a hand in her pocket and moving towards him.

But Laki stops her. “Don’t. It’s a scam.”
“You know him?” Hana asks.

“I know his type. He makes more than that fake psychic booth over there. That’s a scam too but at least it’s a fun one and everyone knows it.” Laki says. “That guy’s missing a leg but that doesn’t mean he can’t find honest work. He probably starves that Munchlax to make people feel worse for him.”

“Yup. We get a lot of that back home.” Abigail says.

Hana hesitates. Keira hasn’t said anything, but watches everyone else.

He turns and makes eye contact with you. You’ll be walking by soon and he’s looking like he’s going to say something when you get closer.


>Ignore him
>Give him some change. What’s it hurt?
>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf
>Something else

>>2585911
>Give him and his Munchlax some Food

>>2585911
>>Give him some change. What’s it hurt?
>>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf

Got to at least hold the hope.

>>2585911
>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf

I'm seeing this as another case like the young girl on the other island, Laki said pretty much the same last time, to be more cynical. I think this should definitely be on Herb's mind but I don't want it to stop him.

>>2585911
>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf

The Pokémon can’t hve done anything wrong.

>>2585911
>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf
We're ratty enough to pull the "sorry, I'm broke" line.

>>2585911
>Give his Munchlax your spare boco bread loaf
At the very least.

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“You got any change?” He asks. “Been having a rough time finding work.” The smell of alcohol hits you once you’re closter.

“Well, there’s this food.” You produce the neatly wrapped package from your bag. “Here you go. This should fill even a munchlax right up. Isn’t that right, Gobble?”

Gobble nods enthusiastically. Dice, whose been mostly pretty quiet, looks up and watches.

“Yeah, but you got any change?” He insists, holding it away from his sniffing munchlax.

“I do.” Laki says. “If you have something of value to trade for it.”

He sighs and the air around him changes. It’s like she just instantly changed his attitude. Not to anything hostile, but he’s dropped his inviting smile. Now he looks like he’s all business. “Watcha want? Song? Dance?”

“Song.” Laki says, producing a bill but, trying not to look at his leg. She ends up averting her gaze towards Hana and then really avoids looking at anything. “Umm, do you know any sailor songs?”

“It’s how I lost my leg in the first place.” He says. “Lemme see if I can remember.” He coughs a few times before he begins. But as he sings, you become more and more impressed. He’s got a decent voice! Laki joins in, knowing the words. Abigail mouths the words along but doesn’t really sing. Keira and Hana are entranced. Even his munchlax gets up to do a quick little half-dance, and Gardevoir has a joyous look and sways from side to side. Kai watches, saying nothing but smiling slightly. The song ends up drawing a small crowd. When it’s over, Laki puts the a couple bills in his hand.

“Hey, kid. This is really good.” You hear him shout out to you as you and your friends walk away.

“Thanks!” You beam. You look back to see him and his munchlax sharing it, but you also notice he had moved a lot closer the garbage can. You try not to assume that’s where he was headed.

Boy, that munchlax is going to town on that bread!

“Why did you do that?” Keira asks Laki.

“Trying to humiliate a con-artist and it backfired.” Abigail teases. You can tell she doesn’t mean it, though. Even Jane could see that Laki didn’t approach the situation with malice. Cynicism, sure, but not malice.

“Soon as you suckers slowed down I know you’d get guilted into giving him something for nothing.” Laki says. “Now at least he’ll value the money a little more. He earned it, too. Good pipes on that guy.”

“Pipes?” Keira asks.

(continued)

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>>2586050
Hana explains the slang to Keira as you think about what you just saw. That boco bread has gotten a lot easier for you to make, but it’s still a prized treat here. It’s hard enough that most people can’t make it. He didn’t seem to care at all until the song improved the general mood. And why did it? Is it even fair to try to learn any lessons from just a single encounter?

How do you feel about what just happened?


>You feel glad to have someone as worldly as Laki around
>You feel like Laki’s cynicism and making him work for it wasn’t a good thing, even if it happened to work out. What if he got offended or couldn’t do anything she’d pay money for?
>You have no real thoughts about it. It’s just a thing that happened
>Ask Keira why she didn’t offer anything. Aren’t priestesses supposed to be charitable towards the less fortunate?
>Ask someone else in the group for their thoughts (specify)
>You feel a little burned. He was going to toss your bread
>You feel like this is a lesson in that people can be full of surprises
>Something else

>>2586055
>>You feel glad to have someone as worldly as Laki around
>You feel like this is a lesson in that people can be full of surprises

>>2586055
>You have no real thoughts about it. It’s just a thing that happened

>>2586055
>You helped out without spreading yourself too thin and everything worked out.

>>2586055
>You feel glad to have someone as worldly as Laki around

>>2586055
>>You feel like this is a lesson in that people can be full of surprises

>You helped out without spreading yourself too thin and everything worked out.

>>2586055
>You feel glad to have someone as worldly as Laki around

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You think it over. You’re surprised by both him and Laki. She’s always been really good being tough when needed, and sometimes that can make her seem a little rough around the edges, but she’s always looking out for you and everyone and you’re really glad to have someone like that around.

You’d never have expected that guy to be such a good singer. Not just a good singer, but an entertainer. He worked the audience a little. It wasn’t that amazing and he sounded like he forgot a few words, but it was still impressive for doing it on the fly. The audience didn’t care. That’s the sign of being a good entertainer, right? And even if he might have been a little dismissive of your food at first, he did seem to brighten up a lot after the song and looked like he and munchlax were enjoying it.

You and the group work their way up the big hill. Wow. You always forget how tiring it is to go up a steep climb like this. The heat of the sun makes the strenuous work that much more exhausting. But you know if the group takes a break now with so many people, it’ll probably be a really long one just because it’ll take a bit to get everyone moving again.

Laki and Hana look like they can keep going easily. Abigail and Kai look like they’re struggling. Keira is sort of middling, like you.

“So, what’s the temple like?” You ask nobody in particular.

“Pretty strict.” Laki says. “Good cooks, though.”

“Really?” Your head shoots up so fast that you almost knock Belladonna from your shoulder

“Yeah. Turns out people that train all day like to eat well.” She smiles. “I didn’t want to say anything until we got there.”

Gobble looks up at you. He’s suddenly full of energy.


>Run up the hill the rest of the way. The others can follow or not but you’re going there now!
>Let’s take a break by that small pond. There’s plenty of day left. Enjoy some break time with someone
>Walk normally. See who you encounter on the way up
>Let's take that path near the tall grass
>Something else

>>2586161
>Walk normally

>Sidle up to Keira. You made a mental note to ask about her Shedinja, remember?

>>2586161
>>Walk normally. See who you encounter on the way up

>>2586161
Supporting
>>2586170

>>2586161
>>2586170
Supporting

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You’re eager to get there, but you suppose there’s no big rush. Besides, you still have so much catching up to do.

“Hey Herb!” Keira smiles. Since she’s come back she seems a lot happier. She looks like she’s really resolved a lot about what’s been bothering her. Not everything, but it’s a big difference from when she was at the Grass temple.

“Hey! You seem happy.”

She smiles even wider, if that’s possible. “I am! I’m still lost, and things haven’t been easy, but I’ve been feeling more and more that everything will be alright as long as I keep trying my best.”

Wow! That is a good mood. “Great! Umm, so I’ve been meaning to ask about your Shedinja.”

Her smile shrinks a moderate amount. “Ah. Yes. That hasn’t been easy.”

“How...how is it even possible?” You ask. “It can’t see or hear your, right?”

She sighs. “Yes. That’s true. Shedinja isn’t even aware of my presence. I have to ask the other pokemon to pass on my messages.” She looks down. “I could show Shedinja my face, but I’d have to do it every time I want to communicate. Shedinja says it doesn’t mind, but I can tell how confused and scared it gets sometimes. Shedinja are special spirits, having split off from Ninjask. In fact, that’s a major supporting argument about the nature of spirits. See...well, that part doesn’t matter. What matters now is how I can communicate with Shedinja, or if I should let it go or give it away. I don’t feel like I can give it the attention a pokemon needs. How am I supposed to earn trust if it only knows I exist through the others?”


>Finding a trainer that wants it sounds nice
>Releasing a pokemon can be tough, but that sounds like the right call
>Well, you have an idea (write-in)
>Maybe she should just keep doing what she’s doing. Shedinja might adapt to it in time
>Ask about what happens if you stare into the hole in it’s back
>You’ve got nothing, but you can just listen to her talk for awhile
>Something else

>>2586276
>Well, you have an idea (write-in)
Is there some sort of icon or item that she could wear that Shedinja could see? After that lots of physical contact could maybe be a boon?

Side note, if she becomes a fertility priestess does she keep the 'youcan'tseeme' makeup? Or is that just a ghost priestess thing?

>>2586276
>>Well, you have an idea (write-in)
What if she just took it to the professor for now? Think it over some more until she comes to a decision or ends up changing temples.
>Ask about what happens if you stare into the hole in it’s back

>>2586276
>Well, I imagine that it’s close to Ninjask. If so, it’d be a shame to break them up.

>Some trainers use things like whistles to communicate with their Pokémon.

>Or would something like that cleanse tag you made work?

>Or you could get a Pokémon to use Soak on it so it’s not a ghost type.

>Either way, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.

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>>2586290
>Side note, if she becomes a fertility priestess does she keep the 'youcan'tseeme' makeup? Or is that just a ghost priestess thing?
[It's a ghost priestess thing. Although she'd feel very naked suddenly going without it.]

>>2586401
Well, being naked is part of their job description.

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“Well, isn’t there some sort of icon or item you could use that Shedinja could see?”

She looks down. “Well, maybe. But you have to understand. Part of the reason the rituals imbued into my makeup work is by being unsettling and unpleasant to Ghost types and spirits that look closely. It’s like you or I trying to get used to something revolting and scary. Without that, a Ghost type or spirit could look close enough and no longer be fooled. And if one notices, all the ones around will be curious and notice as well.” She thinks. “It could work, but I’d really need Shedinja to pretend not to notice me almost all the time in case other spirits can see me.”

“Well, maybe the professor might be able to help. Or at least, hold onto it until you figure things out. I imagine it’s pretty close to Ninjask. I’d hate to see them split up.”

“Me too.” She scrunches her face to think. “I suppose there’s no harm in asking.”

“And in the meantime, we could try a few ideas. Maybe there’s a special Cleanse Tag you could use, or a special whistle, or maybe you could get a pokemon to use Soak so it’s not a Ghost type for awhile.”

Her eyes pull away from the ground. “Yes. Yes! There’s a lot to try. I shouldn’t give up! Thanks Herb.” She looks determined now.

You hope that thanks is warranted. You’re way outside of your area of expertise. But seeing Keira’s determination feels great. You’re sure she’ll figure it out.

The sounds of a pokemon battle draw everyone’s eyes. A Gyarados is facing off against a Pikachu, and finds itself being overwhelmed by the tiny pokemon. Laki immediately runs ahead to watch, causing Bella to jump off of your shoulder so hard that you have to put a foot back to keep your balance.

“Not often you see a Gyarados as the underdog.” Abigail says. “Come on you ugly fish! Show that rodent what the king of the sea can do!”

“Isn’t that a Seaking?” Hana asks.

Abigail has no answer beyond the scowl she shoots towards Hana.

The small group watching all see pretty into it. There are a few bets being tossed around and cheers. Looks like the match just started.

>You bet you could find a battle. That’d be good practice. Ask around
>Come on guys. We’re almost at the temple
>Stay and watch. See if you can learn something
>Make a bet with someone over who you think will win
>Something else

>>2586448
>You bet you could find a battle. That’d be good practice. Ask around

>>2586448
>Stay and watch. See if you can learn something

I’m ready to see some SHENANIGANS.

>>2586448
>Stay and watch. See if you can learn something

>>2586448
>>You bet you could find a battle. That’d be good practice. Ask around

friendly match, why not! I bet Bella would like the chance to finally show off her evolved form in a real fight.

>>2586448
>Stay and watch. See if you can learn something

>>2586448
>>You bet you could find a battle. That’d be good practice. Ask around

It’s tied still.

Hey, isn’t Kingdra the king of the sea?

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You work your way up the hill with your pokemon. Mace doesn’t fly up, but he does use little bursts to help make big leaps. Sorbet’s been walking under the shade but runs out to a spot where she can watch without getting too close to the crowd. Cubone seems to like that idea and joins her. You notice Dice looking a little weird when she runs by. Keira takes Gardevoir by the hand to help her step up over a small obstacle.

Hana takes your hand, but you feel something strange. She’s got her thin gloves she sometimes uses to hide the metal of her hand.

“On sunny days like this, you can fry an egg off the shiny parts.” She explains before you even ask. “But I guess I shouldn’t put any cooking ideas into your head.” She smiles.

You both walk up the rest of the way, Abigail struggling right behind you.

“Got. To get. In shape.” She wheezes.

You join the small crowd watching the battle from a respectful distance. No sense getting close to that massive pokemon while it’s battling. You resolve to ask someone for a battle after, because even just seeing this really makes you excited for one.

Pikachu keeps pressing the advantage, using it’s electrical attacks as a way to move Gyarados where it wants, rather than fighting purely offensively. You can sort of see the strategy. Despite the type advantage, that Gyarados looks very experienced and very tough. Pikachu is wearing it out by keeping it moving under the hot sun while it attacks from under the shade. It almost seems like it’s intentionally just barely missing.

“Keep it up, Gyarados.” It’s trainer yells. “It can’t aim from this distance, but I bet you can hit it with a water attack! Hydro Pump!”

Gyarados growls in protest at the command. It seems to disagree with that tactic.

“Gyarados. You need to listen to me. I’m your trainer. Trust me and we’ll win!”

Gyarados does as ordered, taking a small leap back to make hitting it with Thundershock that much harder, and shoots out a mighty torrent of water. And it hits, too! Pikachu’s knocked right over!

Pikachu struggles to get up. But from where you’re standing, that blow didn’t look that hard. Maybe it’s been weakened from something else before you got here?

No wait. Of course! The sunlight!

“Now Gyarados! Move in for the finishing blow! Crunch!”

Gyarados rushes forward with great effort. It looks a little sluggish though. It’s mighty jaws open and it descends on the tiny rodent pokemon.

(continued)

>>2586605
Oh gosh, So on a hot day Hana can have fun and cook on her body? When it gets cold can Herb use her limbs as a cold plate and make dessert?

Hana would love to be a stovetop/that japanese eat off the girl thing.

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>>2586605
Hana gasps and looks away. But it’s not Pikachu that gets hurt. An electrical surge rocks Gyarados to its core. A high voltage power attack. That gets Hana’s attention again.

Gyarados comes crashing to the ground, knocked out. Pikachu crawls out from under it, then stands on top, triumphant. “Pika!”

“Kingdra.” Abigail pants and puts a hand on Hana’s shoulder to balance herself. “Is the king. Of the sea.”

“Then what’s empoleon king of?” Hana asks without taking her eyes off what she just saw.

“Not king.” The tiny redhead wheezes. “Emperor.”

“Oh yeah.” Hana thinks.

You’re only half listening. That was some battle!

Bella leaps off of Laki’s shoulder and back over to you. She’s pointing and gesturing and really excited. She wants to know if you saw that, and what you thought.

Well, if you had to sum it up in simply a way she’d remember...


>You need to think about why your opponent is doing what they’re doing. Gyarados’s trainer failed to see their opponent’s strategy
>Weather really matters
>Offense is the best defense
>Don’t just rely on type advantages. Pikachu could have easily been knocked out.
>Always try to conserve energy and not wear yourself out
>Don't underestimate your opponent, no matter how much experience you have over them
>Sometimes pokemon can notice something a trainer won't. If she's in that situation, she should ignore your orders in favor of her best judgement
>Something else

>>2586617
>Don't underestimate your opponent, no matter how much experience you have over them
>A pokemon and a trainer have to work in tandem, if the trainer ignore's his pokemon's advice things can get rough.

>>2586617
>You need to think about why your opponent is doing what they’re doing. Gyarados’s trainer failed to see their opponent’s strategy

>Don't underestimate your opponent, no matter how much experience you have over them

>>2586566
Damn right

>>2586617
>>Don't underestimate your opponent, no matter how much experience you have over them
>You need to think about why your opponent is doing what they’re doing. Gyarados’s trainer failed to see their opponent’s strategy

>>2586617
>It doesn’t matter if you’re more powerful if you don’t know how to use it. If that Gyaradis had known Earthquake, it would have been a different story.

>>2586616
He’ll yeah.

>>2586617
>“Kingdra.” Abigail pants and puts a hand on Hana’s shoulder to balance herself. “Is the king. Of the sea.”


Is Abigail best girl?

You know, Nidoking can learn surf, so theoretically he can be king of the sea as well.

>>2586712
He may be able to use surf, but any water type can body him.

>>2586712
USURPER. THIS MEANS WAR!

>>2586720
He can also learn electric moves so don't count him out.

he's my favorite.

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“There are a lot of things to take away from this.” You tell Belladonna. “The main lesson, I think, is to never underestimate your opponent, even if you have a lot of experience over them. Remember how you managed to win against more experienced pokemon before?”

She nods. That’s right. But she disagrees with why that is by showing off some quick jabs and movements.

“Yes, you’re very strong. But so was Gyarados.”

She glances back as the Gyarados’s trainer baby’s the massive pokemon. The fierceness of the sea monster and previous arrogance of the trainer are all gone. Now all you see is loving care.

“You also need to try to think about why your opponent s doing what they’re doing. After all, if you have a plan, they probably do too. If you can figure it out, you’ll have a major advantage.”

She nods again, sort of paying attention.

“And when it comes to...” You stop she’s already very distracted and no longer paying attention. You guess you can’t just overload her with too many lessons at once if you want them to stick. Still, you think she’ll take what you’ve said to heart.

“You as excited as I am?” Laki picks Belladonna up.

“I can be.” Hana volunteers eagerly.

“Really? You want to find a battle?”

“Oh. Uh, yeah. Sure.” Hana hides her face under her hair. “I’m been out of practice.”

“Me too.” Abigail says.

“I wonder if Ninjask wants to battle someone.” Keira ponders, holding her ball. Her Tropius basks in the strong sunlight, not seeming to want to do anything else but relax and take it in.

Kai hasn’t said anything, but you can see some magic in his eye from watching that battle.

>Great! Let’s all find a battle with someone and continue to the temple after
>Ask someone to be your double battle partner, then look for someone to battle
>Battle one of the girls
>On second thought, you’ll pass on battling
>Something else

>>2586728
I too have a soft spot for the king, but he rules on land, not at sea.

>>2586731
>>Ask someone to be your double battle partner, then look for someone to battle

Laki? Or Abby?

Might want to see if Bella wants to battle with herb or her mom.

>>2586731
>>Great! Let’s all find a battle with someone and continue to the temple after

>>2586731
>Great! Let’s all find a battle with someone and continue to the temple after

>>2586731
>Great! Let’s all find a battle with someone and continue to the temple after

>>2586731
>Ask someone to be your double battle partner, then look for someone to battle

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“Great! Let’s all find someone to battle, then gather up and continue onto the temple!” You say.

“Yeah! Okay.” Hana gets a little into it. “I’ve got to sharpen my skills as a trainer.”

“Yeah!” Laki is already very into it. “Hey! You over there with the beard! Fight me!”

“Ahh, why not?” Abigail gets up to stretch. “Beats just watching.”

“Kai, did you want to be my partner?” Keira asks. “I’d need your help to use Shedinja, but-”

“Okay!” He stands up. You’re not sure if it’s just the same genes as Laki or the fact that Keira’s asking with such a big smile while smelling like flowers. She takes his hand and walks off, making him visibly shaken and nervous. Again, it’s unclear if that’s because she’s a Ghost Priestess, or because she’s Keira.

You stretch and look around. There are a lot of trainers here. You guess they like to train near the temple for some reason. It’s a Fighting type temple, so maybe there’s a lot of encouraging battling or something.

Now let’s see. There’s a big looking guy over by a motorcycle. Laki’s discussing a battle with his friend with the beard. He looks friendly.

There’s Pikachu’s trainer, a guy around your age. He’s got two badges but is clearly a clever trainer from what you just saw.

Gyarados’s trainer finishes spraying his pokemon with something to treat it and inspects his other pokeballs. He’s about the same age too, but much taller and fatter. There’s still a lot of muscle under it though. You bet he has other pokemon that are just as tough.

There’s an old lady that’s been watching everyone and looking unimpressed, but she does have a pokeball on the tip of her cane.

There’s also a strikingly handsome man with what looks like some Fire temple symbols on his necklace, but he’s not dressed or acting like the Fire temple people you saw before.

Who do you want to approach for a battle?


>Motorcycle guy
>Pikachu’s trainer
>Gyarados’s trainer
>The old lady
>The handsome fire guy
>Something else

>>2586832
>The old lady

>>2586832
>The old lady

>>2586832
>The old lady
Hard Mode!

>>2586832
>>The old lady

>>2586832
>The old lady

>>2586832
Old lady, this is not a drill

>>2586832
>>The old lady
>>2586860
what if she has an excadrill though? What then?

>>2586865
Then we're even more screwed

>>2586865
Then Gobble is gonna punch good.

>>2586832
>The old lady


>And this is how we meet the old man's wife.

>>2586874
You mean Jane's Grandma?

>>2586878
>Yes
I knew he was related to someone, I thought it was Jane. I didn't want to get it wrong and be a dunce.

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“Hello.” You say, approaching the old lady. You quickly remember your manners and offer a respectful bow.

“Hello young man.” She smiles. Her voice is smoother than you expected, but still distinctly elderly. She gives a small bow in return. “May I help you?”

“Well, there are a lot of people battling, and I saw you had a pokeball on you, and was wondering if maybe you’d like to. Um battle, that is. Me.” You stumble a bit. You’ve been really good at avoiding that lately but she just has this sort of commanding presence that threw you off a bit.

“You want to battle m...you have no idea who I am, do you?”

You concentrate really hard, but nothing is coming to mind. “Umm, sorry. No.”

She smiles. “You’re not just picking me because you think I’m some defenseless old woman, are you?”

“Oh, not at all! I know better than to judge a trainer like that.”

She retains a sort of playful smugness in her eyes. “So you’re saying I’m old?”

“I, uh.”

She laughs, easing the tension. “I am! And it puts me at the top of my game, too. They want me to retire to Opala, but I'm still as sharp as I ever was. You’re on, young man. But I should warn you, I’m very, very experienced, and my pokemon are the farthest thing from pushovers. What sort of battle were you looking for?”


>One pokemon each. You don’t want to take too long.
>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick
>Three pokemon each would make for a nice balanced match
>Why not four? You can cover almost any weakness
>Five Pokemon each. Let’s make this a battle to remember!
>On second thought, maybe you’ll find someone closer in experience
>How about a double battle?
>Ask more about who she is
>Something else

>>2586916
>>One pokemon each. You don’t want to take too long.
>Ask more about who she is
[also it's 5am here and i'm going to sleep, night Gobble]

>>2586916
>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick
>Thank her for the opportunity.

>>2586916
>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick

Pretty sure Mace is well her senior.

>>2586916
>>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick

I'm leaning towards leading with Bella but I think Gobble would be a good choice overall too.

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>>2586921
[Good night!]

>>2586934
She mentioned retiring to Opala, not Kontote, which makes me suspect she’s a bug leader/priestess. So Mace could be a good choice. Plus, Rocks Fall has the sort of overwhelming force that we might need.

On the other hand, I’d like to see Gobble use his most recent training if it’s not a bug.

I do wish we’d trained Weather Ball with Bella though. It would benefit from this naturally sunny weather.

>>2586916
>>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick

>>2586916
>>Two pokemon each would still be pretty quick

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“How about a regular battle with two pokemon each?”

She cracks her neck. “That sounds lovely. You’ll excuse me if I take the shaded area. This heat is too much for an old woman like myself.” She asserts. “Now. How confident are you? I’ll take almost any wager in money you want, but again, I must warn you that I won’t go easy.”

“Kick her fake teeth in!” Abigail pats you on the back as she walks towards a different trainer. Her comment was loud enough that the woman clearly heard.

You're about to bow to apologize for Abigail, but she stops you. “Nice friend.” She comments. “Maybe I’ll battle her next. Remind her that she’ll have fake teeth only if she survives as long. She could learn a thing or two about manners from you. I like you.”


>No bet. Let’s just have fun!
>Make a medium bet. Enough for something nice if you win but not a big deal if you lose
>Make a heavy bet. You have a lot right now, and winning would put you up so high you wouldn’t have to worry about money for a long, long time
>We could angle the fighting area so we’re both in the shade
>Ask for the shaded spot
>Something else

>>2586979
>Make a medium bet. Enough for something nice if you win but not a big deal if you lose

>>2586979
>No bet. Let’s just have fun!

>>2586979
>Make a medium bet. Enough for something nice if you win but not a big deal if you lose

>>2586979
>>No bet. Let’s just have fun!

>>2586979
>No bet. Let’s just have fun!