020. [Text/Action for Vermilion City, and one other thing.]

[explosivecombat]

[TEXT]

This seems to be a time of loss for many; while there are several who have joined us in Johto, there are several others who have left us. Some may have come as a shock; from what I understand, many had been here for years.

My advice to you now is to mourn, but not stagnate; acknowledge the loss without allowing it to define you or your actions. If this is the first time this has happened to you, take this experience and know that while it may be repeated, it is bearable. If you've lost many during your stay here, know that you will continue to survive, as you have in the past. Draw your strength from previous experiences.

This world won't stop for you, nor will it stop for those who are gone from it. Move forward, but don't forget. Never forget; the most insulting thing you can do with the memory of those you care about is to ignore or defy it.

And yet moving on is essential. Those you have lost can no longer have an impact on this world, nor will they be able to until the day that they return. The best thing you can do to remember them is continue to affect the world in their stead.


[ACTION]

[Kimblee can generally be found at the docks today; he seems to have given up on training for the time being, despite the fact that he's kind of in a tournament-deciding match tomorrow. He seems calm enough for the time being, though there are some signs of tension if you know him well enough; he's shivering once in a while, despite the weather not being nearly cold enough to warrant that, and his gaze is strange and unfocused - he's looking at the water but not seeming to see anything in front of him.

There's also a Pokéball he pulls out once in a while, for the sake of toying with it; he has no idea why he received this particular one, but it's been weirding him out. It's something he's wanted for a while, species-wise - the ball contains a high-leveled Magmar - though he has to admit the source surprised him; it seems his original assessment of this "Minnie" woman was entirely accurate, and she really was too giving for her own good.

However, for the time being he's content to not dwell on it; he'll just be relaxing(?) by the ocean today, trying to keep himself calm in preparation for tomorrow.]


[PRIVATE TEXT TO RYUUNOSUKE URYUU]

I trust you're prepared for tomorrow?

Comments

[explosivecombat]

[Kimblee's attention snaps up abruptly at the sound of Archer's voice; he doesn't seem too bothered by Archer's presence, though he does tense up a little where he's leaning up against the railing at the edge of the dock.

His voice is calm when he responds, however; he's just been a little ball of stress all day, don't mind him.]

I doubt it was anyone you knew; it was a person that I met in Olivine months ago and kept up correspondence with once in a while. I believe I told you about that woman who offered us somewhere to stay, should we require it?

[determinator]

[Archer thinks about that for a moment, nodding slightly.]

That's right, I do remember that. She returned home, then?

[He's not entirely sure if he should express his sympathies or not. Not that he's really sympathetic anyway, but it's the thought that counts?]

What did she leave you?

[explosivecombat]

She did, though I can't complain about the creature she left behind - Magmar, actually. Level 75, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given that she was here so long.

[...oh, right.]

And yes, it's female.

[He knows how you are with the breeding, man.]

[determinator]

Oh excellent.

[He certainly seems to light up at that! Magmars seems to be pretty rare - at least, he hasn't seen one anywhere. He'll have to look and see what they evolve into and what sort of crazy things they can breed with...]

I do know that it has an evolution; I wonder why she didn't evolve it?

[Maybe it's one of those mythical Pokémon that "doesn't want to evolve". Not like those really exist of course.....]

[explosivecombat]

[Don't ever tell that to poor Logan.]

I don't know, myself; she seemed the sort to let her Pokémon do as they wished, though obviously I wasn't familiar enough with her to be certain.

[He pauses for a moment, glancing back toward Archer.]

What brings you out here, anyway? Did you require me for something...?

[determinator]

[Archer makes a noncommittal noise at that; he can't imagine why a Pokémon wouldn't want to evolve, but that's not really something he's going to dwell on.]

I wanted to see how you were doing. Are you excited for you match?

[GUESS WHO IS, NO JUST GUESS

YOU'LL NEVER GUESS

DO YOU WANT A HINT

OKAY IT'S HIM \o/ ]

[explosivecombat]

[That question will just get a soft, but decidedly amused noise in return, Archer.]

That's one way of wording it, I suppose; I suspect it will be interesting, if nothing else.

[determinator]

Interesting?

[Archer's expression sobers at that.]

Do try to take this seriously, Kimblee. And please set that Scizor on fire for me.

[Because fuck that bug. >:| ]

[explosivecombat]

I'm more than capable of fighting and enjoying myself at the same time, you know; I hardly would have gotten far in Amestris otherwise. I'll do what I can, however; you don't have to worry about that.

[determinator]

Excellent. I would hate to see you lose after coming all this way.

[explosivecombat]

It's not what I would prefer myself; you know that. I'll try not to disappoint you.

[determinator]

Good. Do you need to run through your strategies?

[He certainly wouldn't mind helping!]

[explosivecombat]

...no, I'm pretty sure I'm fine...

[Archer, is this going to dissolve into "Please stop helping" because that's usually his department but...oh god, please. Please stop helping.]

[determinator]

And what is that look for?

[Oh come on now, his help is invaluable! You should consider yourself lucky to get it!]

[explosivecombat]

[...what is a poker face, damn it.]

It's nothing, Archer. You don't need to worry so much, is all.

[determinator]

[Not something you need, clearly.]

I'm not worried.

[Tsun tho.]

I just don't want you to lose.

[explosivecombat]

And I've already said that I have no intention of doing so. What's your point?

[determinator]

A little last minute training never hurt anyone.

[explosivecombat]

[Archer...]

I've been doing nothing but for weeks; I think I'll be fine.

[determinator]

If you say so.

[Ugh, fine, fine, he'll give up.

...If you lose to that Scizor he will flip every table. Just saying.]

[explosivecombat]

...Archer, you're fully aware of what I've been occupying myself with. Some time away from training won't hurt, and if anything it'll allow me to clear my head a bit. Relax.

[determinator]

I am relaxed. I trust you know what you're doing.

[explosivecombat]

...all right then.

[SOMEHOW HE FAILS TO BELIEVE YOU.]

Besides, it's not my performance I'm concerned about tomorrow.

[...seriously archer this is the last time he leaves anything to one of the bbthings

plans tend to go horribly awry when they're left to the bbthings

horribly arwy]

[determinator]

[THIS IS SO TRUE OH MY GOD...]

Hopefully everything will go according to plan. I trust you've given him instructions on what to do should things go badly?

[explosivecombat]

I've told him what to do regarding Teleport; I've also instructed him to get in contact with Kato should things get too far out of hand for him to handle. Other than that, there isn't much to be done at this distance.