002. [Text/Action for Route 44]

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And a good evening to you, Johto.

Conversations with a few of you have shed some interesting light on opinions of exactly what it is we do here. The mandates we've received from the faceless entities that have brought us here make it very plain that we're supposed to humor them, to collect these 'badges' and essentially wander around for no real reason other than training these creatures and strengthening them - not so much a militaristic society as it is battle culture, if you will. However, others refer to these creatures as 'pets' or 'companions'; while I suppose the act of training these things may lead to bonds being formed, such people seem to have a different view of this world entirely.

I ask, then: from whatever standpoint you hold, be it one geared more toward companionship or more toward advancement - at what point does it become acceptable to you to release these creatures back into the wilderness? Surely there are some that aren't exactly battle-capable, or at least not as capable as others may be, and effort goes into their training; when do you decide that continuing to train them is no longer granting you benefit equal to the effort you're putting in?

I'll grant that "never" may be a perfectly valid answer, should your tendencies lean that way.

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[Well, whatever Kimblee was going on about before, it's clearly not affecting his relations with his own Pokémon any; he's currently standing beneath one of those trees on Route 43, though the white coat he's usually wearing makes him a bit obvious. He's always been a bit curious regarding what these things will do when not given orders, and he's keeping an eye on what appears to be a new member of his team from a distance; judging from the Swinub he's watching from a short distance away, apparently the answer is "generally snuffle about, and occasionally roll around for no real reason."

Of course, he seems to have another new one with him today - he did purchase two eggs from Xanxus, after all, and as a result Kimblee is now the proud owner of what seems to be the smuggest Vulpix on the planet.

...it doesn't help that Kimblee doesn't seem to have put the fox down since he hatched it, instead choosing to carry it around like a somewhat oversized cat. Seriously, Ernst Stavro Blofeld would look at him and tell him he's spoiling the damn thing.

His life, his choices, etc.]

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[Today has been a damn good day for training. The bat and bird actually work quite well together now that they both respond to Archer's commands without needing attack names shouted at them. He's quite pleased with his work and originally intended to rest up for a bit - ah, but Kimblee would have something to say to the entire network, wouldn't he? Time to go figure out just what he's rambling about now!]

[Though Archer is immediately distracted once he enters the area by the two new chimeras. Archer has the Murkrow on his shoulder, the bat flying behind him, and is still carrying around that damn egg; but it looks as though Kimblee has obtained more chimeras.]

I thought we were going to keep our number of chimeras equal. It wouldn't be fair to battle with an advantage in numbers. [Though he'll approach to examine the... fox-thing curiously - it's far more interesting than the pig derping it up on the ground.]

Then I would suggest you either keep up with the raising stakes, or find another person to battle with. I see no reason why I should delay my own activities because you're taking your time.

[Excuse him while he side-eyes that egg a bit, though; how long ago did you obtain that thing?

As it is, however, the Vulpix will just be the little prince Kimblee is raising him into by looking over at Archer for a few moments before seeming to decide it's not worth his time to really investigate, instead pressing into Kimblee's arms a bit and pawing at him. Clearly, he doesn't like having attention taken, here.]

[Oh you bitch...! Archer narrows his eyes at that, but he doesn't respond immediately. He was told that they could only obtain six chimeras, but if Kimblee already has four, he really does need to work on raising the two he has and hopefully the egg will hatch soon...]

[The... fox-thing in Kimblee's arms is actually cute (probably because it does sort of look like a cat), and certainly an interesting addition.] What is this one? I've never seen a chimera similar to it. Where did you get it?

[...Kimblee was never informed of this six-chimera limit, and if it turns out to be true he will lineface, but for now he seems content to...look down at that Vulpix and make a quiet chiding noise at it, because the incessant pawing-at is more than slightly obnoxious; stop it, you.]

The species name is Vulpix; it's a fire-type. It was a recent purchase, actually - there was someone selling large amounts of these creatures, from what I understand they were bred to some sort of standard.

[He'll just be tipping his head in the direction of Rolling Pig over there.]

That's where he came from as well. Ground and ice, and a ridiculous amount of moves already.

[...Okay, somehow or other that fox is managing to make Kimblee look cute. That's not okay. Only Kimbley was allowed to look cute-- except he never did anyway, shut up.]

[Anyway, Archer glances at the fox and then the pig as Kimblee points them out.] That's interesting. I suppose you heard about this over the network? [He'll just have to keep an eye on it then! Can't let Kimblee get all the powerful chimeras, now can we?] Have you started training them yet? Are they any good?

My, my, there's no need to be so impatient; are you always going to insist on asking me multiple questions at once, or will you relax eventually? Don't worry, I'm hardly rude enough to wander away from you mid-sentence.

[Despite that, however, his tone is light; almost teasing, really.]

To answer you, however - yes, I heard about this over the network, and no, I haven't begun training them just yet; they just...came into my possession recently, and I've been trying to get an idea of what they're like. It was pointed out that these chimeras have definite temperaments to them, along with definite strengths and weaknesses from the beginning; as such, I've been keeping an eye on them.

[We will not get into the fact that he has effectively hatched a baby fox from an egg. We do not discuss this.]

[That will get Archer to huff and fold his arms, glancing away. Oh come on, he can't help it that he's curious and refuses to shut up! Still, he recognizes the tone of voice and his own irritation is merely a front in response to it.]

I see. Have you discovered anything about them, then? Aside from the fact that this... Vulpix evidently likes to be carried. [He notices the stressed words and wonders about them, but Archer doesn't ask any further questions. It's not necessary; if there's something wrong, he's certain Kimblee will tell him.]

If they decide to stay, I won't say no. If they decide to leave, I won't stop them.

[...Archer, you have entirely too much faith in what he may or may not be willing to tell you. Entirely too much.]

The way they engage other chimeras when not under direct order to attack tends to vary, though that would be expected; Carlisle [...have another gesture toward that pig] seems more the sort to attempt asserting dominance; there isn't much wariness there at all, which is odd in comparison to the others I've been raising.

[Basically, that pig doesn't afraid of anything and that is clearly the coolest thing ever. Or, at the very least, it's a useful thing.

However, Kimblee quickly turns his attention to that fox he's carrying around, his expression somewhat reproachful as he continues.]

Whereas, to be blunt, this one seems to be incapable of socializing altogether - ah, don't give me that...! [That would be in response to that really indignant sulking the damn thing is now doing.] There's no need to be rude about it; it's blatantly true.

And am I to assume you would have no preference either way? Or is it simply that you refuse to try to force your decision on them?

They have their own lives to live. I'm not going to force them to do anything they don't want to.

do you type that much all the time or just on special occasions?

[...He might get around to answering Kimblee's actual question at some point.]

Perhaps, but the fact that they willingly obey the whims of whomever manages to ensnare them in some sort of capsule calls that sort of logic into question to begin with - whether you're forcing them or not is a bit of a moot point when their free will is so easily overwritten.

Sarcasm aside, I would hardly call this a special occasion; it's just a question, nothing more.

special, no, but people rarely ask questions for no reason at all. I don't see what's so interesting about if other people release their pokemon or not.

[He doesn't think it's some secretly meaningful or important question, but he is trying to work this alternate version of Kimbley out more. Otherwise, how will he know how to deal with him if necessary?]

And that would be because there's nothing particularly interesting about it - however, sometimes it's less about what people say, and more about how they say it.

[There's a certain blond scientist walking towards you at a leisurely pace, Kimblee. Apparently he thinks it's perfectly acceptable to hike around Johto in a white lab coat. He's not really looking at you, however - apparently the Pokégear in his hand is much more interesting right now.]

When you have spent so much time and effort on a single creature, fostering the growth of a bond of loyalty between the two of you, the idea of simply ditching it is quite foolish, don't you think? Unless. Either the creature in question has gained so much power it is no longer under your control, or it has betrayed your trust in some way. Or, of course, both.

These creatures should not be incredibly different from my subjects in that regard.

[... He also seems to think that it's perfectly acceptable and normal to answer texts by discussing them in person. What do.]

[Kimblee actually sees nothing wrong with this sort of behavior; after all, given that they are in the same approximate area, it would be somewhat ridiculous to have a conversation via text, where not all inflections and meanings can be properly conveyed. Face-to-face conversations are perfectly fine!

...to say nothing of the fact that relying on the device to communicate with others is still something that Kimblee isn't too fond of - technology like this is simultaneously fascinating and uncomfortable, he finds.

However! You can have him shifting his grip on that Vulpix long enough for him to tip that fedora of his in your general direction, good sir!]

Gorthan - quite the pleasure, as always.

[...formalities are now out of the way and he now has a vaguely indignant fire fox that does not like being shuffled around, but Kimblee pays him no real mind and the creature settles quickly enough.]

As for your point, I can't exactly say that I agree with you, as it implies that loyalty should come before usefulness - when one is in battle, loyal soldiers mean nothing if they're incompetent enough to hinder you.

[The fedora-tipping is acknowledged with a small nod.]

It sounds to me like you can't appreciate the challenges posed by desperate cases. Speaking of which.

[He finally puts the Poké Gear back in his pocket and raises his arm, pointing a finger at the Vulpix.]

You certainly love spoiling them, don't you? Will you elaborate on the usefulness of that approach?

if you don't want it, release it or give/trade it to somebody

not exactly rocket science

_{[As much as Heather's grown attached to her beasties, she's never felt bad about giving away the ones she doesn't want. ... Little more iffy on releasing, but hey, if it could reasonably survive in the wild...]}

[That...!

...yes, well, you're tacky.]

I would suggest that you stop putting words in my mouth - and haven't I told you before to not take such a condescending tone with me? Again, you know nothing about me; it would be a good idea for you to keep that in mind.

But I'll humor you far enough to tell you that the first mistake you're making is assuming that I would utilize the same approach in all situations; the second is assuming that I intend to use all of these creatures for battle.

Oh, believe me, I'm rather inclined to agree with you, and that line of thinking in general; I simply find it interesting how many aren't.

[And you're almost endearingly touchy! Gorthan is about to voice that thought as it is, when he realizes that Kimblee wouldn't be too happy about it. And so, once again, for the sake of pleasant conversation, he will try to oblige you. Just keep in mind that the condescending tone is still Gorthan's standard.

He will kneel down to take a closer look at the Vulpix. Not too close, however - he isn't invading Kimblee's personal space or anything like that.]

Fair enough. However, this time, I was merely jesting, realize.

So, this fox is... a pet?

[He fishes the Gear out of his pocket again. But he actually feels that he should ask for permission before pointing it at the fox.]

May I?

[And condescension is a huge damn berserk button for him. This is clearly going to be great.]

I'm well aware of that, as far as the latter half of what you're saying goes - when it comes to the former, however...well. As much as I appreciate a challenge, there's a difference between difficulty and true futility.

[Basically, you're not going to raise a Magikarp that can best the champion, no matter what you do to the poor pathetic thing; had it no evolution, why would anyone in their right mind bother training one?

However! Clearly the status quo has been reset, and Kimblee is honestly kind of amused at both Gorthan's...weird fascination with the Vulpix and the fact that Vulpix is headtilting like a madly headtilting thing at him.]

Go on, then.

And as for whether he's a pet or not, he's...something along those lines. He'll be raised properly along with the rest, of course, once a suitable location is found to do that - there seem to be a fair amount of grass-type Pokémon in this area, however, so perhaps this will work reasonably well. Whether I end up using him in these...Gym battles or not is another matter entirely.

But I've told you before that I don't believe in taking on charity cases; he'll learn to fight eventually.

[Gorthan points the Pokédex at the Vulpix and smiles as he reads the text that comes up on the screen.]

A Fire type. How interesting. It suits you, Red Lotus.

And yes, this area does seem adequate for training. Please, do keep me updated on this little one's progress - I think I would like one just like it. Where and how did you obtain it? And what about it, exactly, makes you think you shouldn't raise it as intensively as the rest of your team?

[Gorthan extends a hand towards the Vulpix for him to sniff. He's not trying to pet it yet, just testing if it's as wary of strangers as Voltorb seemed to be.]

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002. [Text/Action for Route 44]

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