tearsofademon | ☆22☆ [Video/Action for Route 40]

[Today at the beach, there is a certain lazy mage sitting on a jetty, kind of just staring at the sky aimlessly. In fact, that's what the camera is pointed toward - the afternoon sky.]

Haa... This is the first time I've ever been to the beach just to relax. I mean, sure, I've set foot... er, well, washed up on one after shipwrecking and nearly drowning, anyway... but that was just passing through, really.

This... is kinda nice, you know? Would make a good place for an afternoon nap.

[The camera is turned to get a nice view of an Absol by the water's edge. He creeps close to the edge of the surf and slowly, nervously pokes his paw toward it... and then the wave washes up a little too high before he's ready, and he leaps away, only to start creeping closer again a couple minutes later.]

And everyone seems to be having fun, so that's a good thing...

["Fairy!" Oh, there's a familiar voice just off camera... sounding almost as though she's flying toward it.]

Eh? Rose, what are-- wait a-- ROSE!!

[The Pokégear goes flying toward the sand, and all that can be heard is a loud splash. Conveniently, however, the video ends up pointed toward said splash, which continues into a few seconds of thrashing about in the water. And then when Ryner finally gets himself upright, Rose perched with her usual expression of cheerful innocence on his shoulder... well, he looks like a bit of a drowned rat.]

What was that for, Rose?! If you wanted someone to go in the water with you, you could have just asked one of the others, you know!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I wasn't laughing.

[And he puts his hand on Vulpix's nose to stop the "vul"s.]

Your Pokémon seem - affectionate.

Guess you could put it that way.

[He reaches up to give a scritch behind the ear to the Clefairy on his shoulders, who has now started playing with his hair. She's soaked too, but doesn't seem to mind this at all.]

If nothing else, well, she's having fun anyway.

[Malik doesn't know if seeing someone else's Pokémon act up is reassuring or worrisome.]

You're - not concerned about disobedience?

Eh? Ah, well, um... it's not really like she's doing anything really wrong.

I suppose not...

Still, I'd think it's important she listen to her trainer.

[Listening to himself, Malik realizes how he sounds and attempts to soften it.]

Excuse my concern, I'm just - new to this, and still figuring it out.

Well, uh... I'm probably not the best person to talk to about that stuff, really. As long as nobody gets hurt, I don't mind all that much.

[He glances up at Rose.] Of course, if she had decided to use Thunderbolt while we were in the water, then there would have been a problem...

[She just looks back innocently. Of course I wouldn't do that, dear partner. Why would I do that?]

It - sounds that way, yes.

Are you a Trainer?

[Malik doesn't look convinced by the Clefairy's expression.]

It decided to list me as a Breeder when I got here, though I'm not sure how much difference it makes. Not that I do much of either, really... I mostly just travel.

...that sounds like a pleasant option. Explains - a bit, too.

[He's warming up the idea of Being The Very Best, Like No One Ever Was, but there's also a certain appeal just in seeing new places.]

It really is nice, just traveling around without having to worry about too much. Johto's a peaceful country... well, compared to back home, anyway.

I'm glad to hear it. I haven't gotten to - enjoy traveling in a long time. Since I've got this opportunity I'll take it.

[He pets his Vulpix, who seems a bit irritated but permits the motion.]

Are vehicles expensive here? Comparatively speaking, of course.

Not really sure. I mean, I think there's a bicycle shop in Goldenrod City, but I never really looked at the prices...

Just bicycles?

[He sounds more disappointed than he thinks he does.]

You've got a lot of stamina if you've been progressing on foot.

I'm kinda used to it, honestly. Jehra sometimes lets me ride him, too, though I'd rather not push him about it.

Ah, another Pokémon?

....Breeders can take a much more relaxed approach to training, I see.

Mmm. [He turns slightly to call off-camera.] Hey, Jehra, come say hi!

[And now that Absol who was pawing at the waves comes over.]

[Vulpix stands up and "vul"s happily at the screen, saying hello. Malik nods at the Absol as well.]

Ah...hello. I'm Malik.

[To Ryner:] We haven't been properly introduced, have we.

["Sol." The Absol nods in greeting.]

Guess we haven't... I'm Ryner Lute.

A pleasure, Ryner. It's - good to see Pokémon so comfortable with their human.

[The way he says it, though, might betray a bit of a "can't you keep them in line?" attitude.]

[If he noticed, he isn't showing it.]

Well, I'd rather them be comfortable than not, anyway.

☆22☆ [Video/Action for Route 40]

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