victory_road | 001; video

[boy, has it been a morning.]

[after she woke up, and after the standard good-luck-sweetie-you're-gonna-do-great! shove out the front door from Mom, Madoka spent a good hour wandering about New Bark Town, poking tentatively at plants and buildings, trying to determine if she had wandered into a labyrinth.]

[and to be honest, she's not entirely convinced she hasn't. but, on the bright side, at least this one came with an instruction manual! so she spent another hour or so poring over the details, and eventually figuring out which pokéball exactly contained her "starter."]

[when the feed begins, Madoka's standing right at the edge of Route 29, just at the edge of the tall grass. she offers a warm, if unsure, smile, layered neatly over the "what on earth have I gotten myself into?"]

Hello! My name's Madoka — the people back in town said you all might be able to help, so ...

[the feed lowers to her feet. the tiniest of tiny Eevee has somehow wrapped itself around her ankle, and squeaks in protest when Madoka tries to lift her foot even a half inch off the ground. when the feed returns to her face, her smile's morphed into something a bit more sheepish.]

I don't have to battle anything to get all the way down this route, right? I can just run for it? [Madoka might know a thing or two about not forcing someone to fight if they don't want to. but she also doesn't think the two repels in her backpack are going to get them safely all the way to the next town.]

Oh — thank you for your help!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm Yayoi. And it's a bit of a trip down to the first city depending on where you started at least, and I'd imagine it'll be hard to get through the tall grass without some kind of Repel.

That being said, battling Pokemon is a fundamental of this world and Pokemon can get stronger, and healthier by battling with other wild Pokemon and trainers. it depends on what your trainer ID says, if you're a Trainer or Breeder or what not.

That being said, Pokemon like to battle, it's instinct, and they enjoy healthy competition.

[Madoka's at rapt attention while Yayoi speaks, head tilted slightly — she steals a glance at the Eevee attached to her leg at the mention of instinct.]

It's nice to meet you, Yayoi. I wonder if maybe my pokémon is just nervous? — I guess this would be her first battle, after all.

It could be. Some Pokemon are nervous, or shy or timid. It's all due to their nature, and it affects their confidence. The best thing to do is to start building a bond with your Pokemon. It usually likes you first off, but a few exercises like games, training and otherwise spending time with them helps a lot.

[Aww that's cute, at least they seem very good together as friends so far.]

Making friends with your Pokemon helps. Are you in Johto or Kanto right now? You might be able to make your way to the major cities depending on where you are at the moment, and they have few wild Pokemon but a lot of resources for Trainers and Breeders.

I'm on Route 29 right now, so ... Johto? [let her take a quick peek at her map to confirm.]

[and once she does, she crouches down, set on taking Yayoi's advice. after putting the 'gear down, gently pries the Eevee off of her leg and sets it down on the ground before her.]

What do you think about doing some training? I promise I won't let you do anything that could really hurt you — and it sounds like you'll have a lot of fun!

[the Eevee stares, wide-eyed, at Madoka. then it turns to look at Yayoi on the 'gear. back to Madoka. back to Yayoi.]

[and then it places a paw on the toe of Madoka's shoe, chirping in an almost scolding tone. it wants the pokémon version of a pinky promise.]

That'd be Johto, yes. I'm headed over to Goldenrod right now, so I'm nowhere near the starting town unfortunately or I'd come over to lend a hand.

[Aww that's adorable! Yayoi grins a little, watching the pair interact. So cute. In the background of Yayoi, deathkyu and Pikachu nod in agreement, that Eevee just needs some light training to learn how to grow strong and confident -- seconds before deathkyu leaps at Pikachu and the pair start rolling around on the ground. Notice my powah auntie!]

That's all right! You've already given such good advice, we'll probably be all r—

[... what's going on back there. both Madoka and the Eevee pause from their pinky promise and watch the pokémon rumble going down behind Yayoi.]

Um...

Hmm?

[Noticing Madoka's look, Yayoi turned around to watch the Pokerumble take place before sighing.]

Don't worry, they do that sometimes. I think Mimikyu just wants to show his auntie how strong he is, by uh... tackling her.

They actually don't hurt one another, they're just rambunctious.

[well, then, since she has no reason to worry!]

Ah, they're so cute!

[rollrollroll wait cute? deathkyu visibly blushes through his outfit, and toddles back before falling over a log. Pikachu's there to help him up.

Yayoi laughed at that.]

I think Mimikyu likes to be called Cool instead.

[not really helping your case there, bud. but Madoka laughs, too, perfectly fine with entertaining him (but she'll privately continue thinking he's adorable).]

You're right, I definitely see it now! He has the cool look down pat.

[deathkyu puffs up proudly as Pikachu sighs a little. Teenagers, go figure! He struts around showing off how cool he is, as Yayoi adds,]

He is cool, but he's still a handful, but definitely fun to have around.

He does look like a lot of fun. Are those two the only pokémon you have?

I have two more; Ponyta and Cotton Candy who is a shiny Mareep. Both of them are napping right now but they'll be up later.

I'm training Ponyta how to be a Ride Pokemon, so that it'll make traveling a whole lot easier.

[she understood the word "pony."]

Really? All the pokémon I've seen have been really small and cute. [that's not a complaint, either.]

So how many different kinds are there?

They come in different styles, shapes and sizes. There's over 700 different ones, with 18 different classifications strewn across this area. It's not too bad to be honest. You can see so many Pokemon just by traveling. It's why my Pokedex is so ful.

Wow ... And they all — well, a lot of them — like to battle each other?

Some do, some don't. It really depends on how they live, how wild or tame they are, and natures factor into it. Like if you have stubborn or excitable Pokemon, then they'll want to battle over territory or what not.

Others are like pets, where they're very calm and docile, and love to just curl up with their owners and trainers on a cool day. Every Pokemon can battle, it's just if they have confidence in doing so. That's where building it up is key.

Ah, I see! Thank you so much, Yayoi, you've been a really big help.

[she's pretty much Yayoi-senpai to Madoka now. she might also notice that Madoka, now holding the tiny little Eevee in her arms, has started walking down Route 29, a bit more confidence in her step.]

Hopefully I won't have too many more questions.

Not a problem, I like helping out people when I can! I'm glad I could answer as many questions as possible.

[Aww, that's cute, and Yayoi was glad for Madoka. She hoped it would be a start to a better confident journey.]

If you ever come up with something, I'll be here to answer them when I can. I'm headed to the first city, Violet City, and I'm going to be challenging a Gym so I might see you on the way there.

All right! Maybe I'll get the chance to cheer you on.

Sounds good. Have a good time, Madoka!

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