002 [video]

[starspangledavenger]

[Steve is sitting against a ledge, a perplexed look on his face, as a Hoppip floats around on a gentle breeze while clinging to a lock of Steve's hair to keep from blowing away (doodle), it happily chirps]

So, this Pokemon caught himself and doesn't want to be released... I guess he caught me, but is there, uh, another way to raise a Pokemon without making them fight? He's really not keen on it. Actually, he just sits there and cries.

[pebbles start getting thrown at the Hoppip by someone off camera, one hits and makes it start to cry, quite loudly. Steve gives a heavy sigh, because this is a regular occurrence since the Hoppip adopted him]

Hey, that's en-

[he turns to address whoever is throwing the pebbles and the pokegear gets closed in the process, ending the feed]

Comments

voice;

[heartdive]

I haven't heard of another way of doing it... Doesn't mean there isn't one.

voice;

[starspangledavenger]

[takes a moment to figure out how to do this just audio]

So, possible uncharted territory. Sounds fun.

voice;

[heartdive]

I think just about everything here is uncharted territory.

video;

[eagletalons]

Unless the Pokémon evolves through some other means like raising its affection with you, fighting is the most effective way of doing so.

... But what was that? [Who the heck would throw a stone at a Hoppip?]

Voice

[for_realsies]

Just give it things to do like in Gym! Hopping, floating, rope climbs!

I have no idea if it'll work, but it's worth a shot! Right?

voice;

[starspangledavenger]

Can't argue that. It was shock enough when he caught himself.

video;

[starspangledavenger]

[is holding the sniffling Hoppip]

Even when I weaken a Pokemon for him, he just sits and cries, so not sure how that'll work.

And that was my starter who seems to dislike Poppins.

[there's a disgruntled sound from off screen, Steve casts a scolding glance in that direction]

video;

[eagletalons]

I think you should work out that problem first before finding a way to raise your Hoppip.

Voice

[starspangledavenger]

That's a good idea, yes, thank you. I'll give that a try. Might try to give him more... of a supporting role, might suit him better.

Voice

[for_realsies]

I dunno how leveling up and evolving work without a battle or candy, but you can help it build its confidence doing things that don't involve a fight.

And don't involve anyone throwing rocks. But I figured that was a given!

video;

[starspangledavenger]

I am, it's a work in progress. There are good days and bad days, today's a bad one.

Voice

[starspangledavenger]

Yeah, maybe some confidence will help down the line.

Oh, and I can promise the rock thrower won't be involved in his non battle training.

video;

[eagletalons]

What have you done so far?

Voice

[for_realsies]

Definitely won't hurt! Since it caught you, instead of the other way around, you should probably see why it caught you. It might want to be protected. It does seem a bit on the lover side of things, instead of fighter side.

Oh, we haven't met yet have we. I'm Imogen.

Video

[naive_nature]

All my Pokemon enjoy battling enough. I suppose you could have them attack rocks?

video;

[starspangledavenger]

[feels a bit defensive like this person doesn't think he's handling the situation the best he can, so takes on a more formal tone]

I talk with her, make sure to project my emotions for where she can't understand what I'm saying, being that she can read auras. I try to make peaceful, positive activities for them, to develop a more coexisting relationship. She sometimes gets timeouts in her ball when she's particularly bad, which she doesn't like at all. I make sure to give her positive attention when she's being good and tolerant toward him.

I do think... getting Poppins to be more 'efficient' will make her warm up to him, I get the feeling she thinks he's useless and that's why she tries to drive him away.

Video

[starspangledavenger]

Yeah, my other Pokemon loves battle, so it's quite the change to have one who hates it.

I could try that I suppose.

Voice

[starspangledavenger]

Nice to meet you, Ms. Imogen, I'm Steve.

Good bet on protection. Saved him from blowing away, he's clung to me since. I'll try to find a defensively supportive role for him to train toward. He might like keeping us from harm more than harming.

Re: Video

[naive_nature]

It's a start, at least. You might just have to sit him down and explain that he has to get stronger for his own protection.

Video

[starspangledavenger]

Good idea! I'll try that.

[video]

[rapid_dash]

Would say it's like raisin' a pet, but I ain't so sure that'll address the "not wantin' ta fight" problem. Got a Growlithe who's a bit lazy, but I just encourage him with treats; maybe somethin' like that'll work?

[video]

[starspangledavenger]

I could try that. Not sure it'll work, but worth a shot.

I don't think I could treat them as pets, they... seem too different to settle into that thought.

video;

[eagletalons]

[Whoa okay, sudden change in character there, and that leaves Hope a little confused. And thinking about how much he acts like a soldier right now.]

When you say auras, I assume you have a Riolu, considering they're the only ones around aside from their evolutions with the ability. They can be a little forceful if they want something, I admit that.

If you have a friend with a Psychic type, try and borrow it so you don't need to keep the conversation one-sided.

video;

[starspangledavenger]

[wary for a moment more but he considers he might have misread him, then decides this guy is only trying to help and relaxes some, but not all the way as before]

Yeah, Grace is a Riolu. Forceful is one word for her.

That's a good idea, I don't think either of the people I'm traveling with do, but I'll ask around, maybe see if anyone in the next town can help. Thank you for the advice.

[relaxes a bit more, losing more of the formal tone]

I'm Steve by the way.

video;

[eagletalons]

You're welcome. I hope you'll fine at least some closure about your Pokémons' problems.

My name is Hope Estheim. [Buuuuut unfortunately for him, he just cant finish off there because all this talk of Riolus had attracted someone else-- namely, Hope's Lucario who latches onto her trainer and tries to get a peek of the discussed Riolu.] ... And this is Oerba.