A Badge of Honor - Video

[brokencode]

Video, Night, Backdated to Late May

[When Angel's feed clicks on, she looks... put off. Though her expression doesn't quite border on the annoyed, there's certainly something on her mind. That something quickly comes to light as she holds out a badge -- the award for defeating Falkner.]

It seems Mari got a little excited. [From off-screen, the sheep Pokemon manages a rather pleasant bleat. Not only is the Mareep excited, but she's a touch pleased with herself as well.]

She encouraged the rest of my team to challenge Falkner. And... considering her strength alone? We came out on top.

[The siren lets out a breath, something far closer to a sigh than a simple exhale.]

I was hesitant to take on this challenge, for fear of injuring my Pokemon in some way or another. But it seems they are more than willing, perhaps even eager to take on the challenge. I guess that is why I wanted to make this video. Is this something Pokemon truly enjoy? Should I go ahead and take on the next challenge?

I... await your responses.

Video/Action, Early June, Azalea Town.

[Angel's next broadcast starts not with her, but with a soft peep from a rather odd looking bird. He might have resembled a Swablu, if Swablu were gold. Experienced trainers would, of course, recognize the creature as a shiny.]

I am a bit late announcing this. [Angel tilts her camera upward, aiming it at her face.] But I wanted to show off my friend. His name is Murphy, and he came from the eggs we received at prom. Like many others have pointed out, he appears to be a shiny variation of his breed. He is... also quite smitten with Bailey.

[Murphy let out a peep at the name, whereas, of screen, Bailey let out a defiant chirp. She clearly didn't return said interest.]

For those keeping track, we have made it to Azalea on our trek. I have... never been here before. It is quite the place, I must admit. If anyone is around here, I would be pleased to meet up. I get the feeling we will be here awhile.

Comments

Video; (May)

[schachmeister]

I think it depends a little on each individual pokemon, but some of them definitely enjoy the challenge of battle. Look at Blitz. He's always spoiling for a fight. Magellan is the same way. He hates it when I switch him out during a gym battle, even when he is injured. I recently caught a new pokemon and he seems to be that type as well.

[Niccolo doesn't listen to Armin though, so he won't be featuring in any gym battles any time soon.]

[brokencode]

[Blitz wasn't the only Pokemon she knew that positively chomped at the bit for battle. Murder Chicken and Torch Dragon seemed to love their brushes with combat, and it wasn't as if Krieg or Athena were the types to force the rest of their team into combat.

So why she thought it was so bad for her to send her team into combat, she didn't know. Not when they all seemed eager enough.]

It really is in their nature to fight, isn't it?

[schachmeister]

For some at least.

[He thinks for a moment.]

Maybe... maybe it helps if you think of it less as battling and more as competing. I mean, battling can have a bit of a negative tone to it, but for most of our pokemon this sort of thing is not negative at all. It's more like trying to be the best at a game.

And I feel that if they seem willing and eager, they must trust that you will have their best interests at heart and won't push them further than what they can bear.

Video; (June)

[schachmeister]

Bailey doesn't really seem to share his interest, huh? Strange. She always seems so friendly.

[That couldn't at all be cause Armin has mostly seen Bailey when she is trying to sweet-talk Amadeus, no sir. His owl could never be a variable in this.]

[brokencode]

Maybe she just misses Amadeus? And doesn't appreciate what might seem to be an attempt to replace him?

[She had considered breeding the two, as was her duty, but if Bailey was going to be like this... She wouldn't force her Pokemon to fight, why would she ever force them to mate?]

I should send her your way at some point. That way they can visit.

[schachmeister]

Bailey is always free to come and visit. I'd send Amadeus down to you, but Bertolt asked to borrow him for a little while.

[Armin, no. This is how eggs happen.]

Oh, did I tell you yet? Amadeus knows Fly now. He can actually carry people into the air now.

video; both combined just because

[notvaljean]

Angel!

[Hello hello! Look who it is, it's Jean!]

I think it depends on the Pokemon. Blitz loves fighting, but Burrito hides behind him whenever I even bring it up. If your sheep likes it, then it's fine to fight her.

[Most of Jean's Pokemon are on the extreme of loving to fight, with Burrito being the lone exception.]

And he's cute, although it doesn't sound like Bailey thinks so.

[brokencode]

Jean!

[If she knew any better, she'd stop encouraging him in this way. But she didn't, and so she did. After all, she wasn't about to mask just how excited she was to see one of her dearest of friends.]

I'm sure you are right. I just need to... accept the fact that it's okay, that this is what these creatures do.

[She wouldn't ask Blitz to change his nature. Why should she do the same to her own Pokemon.]

I think he is too. And his feathers are so soft. I hope you get to meet him soon, Jean.

[notvaljean]

[It's okay, Jean has learned some... rather unsettling things about himself recently, so her gentle, friendly flirting is just that: gentle, friendly flirting.]

I hope so too. We're still on the Badge trail, but a bunch of our Pokemon learned how to fly! We can travel just about anywhere in the world now!

[As in, to wherever she's at. Visit soon, y/n?]

Video (May)

[11121_assumption]

I believe it is something Pokemon enjoy. Many of my pokemon have sought to become stronger; I think it's why some of them agreed to join me.

I have been collecting those badges too. They allow you to use certain Pokemon attacks that are useful when traveling. And...it's proof. That our Pokemon can protect us, and have grown strong.

[brokencode]

That... isn't entirely comforting. I don't want my own need for strength or convenience to come before my Pokemon's safety.

[Even if they were chomping at the bit to fight.]

Still, you do make a good point. Thank you, Walter.

[11121_assumption]

It isn't? [ He's honestly confused. He confirmed that most Pokemon do enjoy battling and that the badges are useful, both as medals of achievement and for more practical uses. But then she clarifies. ]

Pokemon are very hardy, compared to a human. As long as you heal them and do not throw them into hopeless circumstances, their safety is assured. If you continue to gather badges, then....then please don't be afraid to call. I have four badges so far - I intend to get them all.

[video] (it's gonna be MAY)

[eclectictype]

It depends on the Pokemon! If your Pokemon seem to enjoy it, then it's okay, right? Oh--but you should tell them that you are scared of them getting hurt, then maybe they will realize they need to take their eagerness down a notch.

Congrats on your badge, btdubs! The next challenge is Bugsy, so you will need some fire-power to take down his insect kingdom!

[brokencode]

I can try that but... [She let out a breath, while her brows lifted in the slightest.] They're always listening to me. Maybe it's my turn to listen to them.

[Fire-power. If taken literally, that would mean she'd need to bring Bailey in. And study up on other typing advantages. Battle was hard!]

Have you fought him before?

[eclectictype]

There has been talk around our household of resuming the badge challenge too, so almost! For my bit, though, I asked around and...it's kind of obvious in his name, isn't it? Bugsy uses Bugs--kind of silly, but Pokemons love puns.

[It's pretty apparent that this is a kid who really loves Pokemon.]

You should! The bond between a Pokemon and their Trainer is important, especially in the mutual respect and listening department!

Video - may/night

[veggie_vamp]

You're, like, totes overthinking it! Does your world have any, like, extreme sports?

[brokencode]

Does skag fighting count?

Action; June

[toxicodendron_isley]

[Ivy's also in Azalea Town, sat on the grass outside the PokeCenter.

In her hand she holds a spray bottle which she's using to mist a collection of Grass Pokemon gathered around her.

She glances up when she notices Angel and gives her a smile.]

[brokencode]

[Pocketing her Pokegear, Angel turned to glance at the woman. Her brows drew together in the slightest as she studied what the woman was doing, then pulled up as she realized that Ivy had caught her staring.

Figuring it rude to not start a conversation after that, Angel shifted toward the woman, head tilting to the side.]

What are you doing? [She nodded to her spray bottle.]

[Video]

[rosehecate]

What is it like in Azalea? I...did not linger for very long while passing through. [A pause.] All I really remember is the pink things.

[She's lying, she has to lie - Anthy's never been to Azalea Town, but thank goodness she knows people who have.]

[brokencode]

The slowpoke, you mean? [Those are Pink, right?] It's a very quaint town. The woods nearby are pleasant, even if I have not traveled into it very far. And the people are nice enough.

[action]

[purramedic]

[Of course Anders jumped on the opportunity the moment he heard Angel happened to be in Azalea too. Pokeworld is small indeed.

The Pokemon that accompany him on his shift have increased by two, so when he approaches Angel afterwards, there are a friendly Chansey and Chikorita eager to introduce themselves. Flop hangs back but gives her a wave.]

It's been a while, hasn't it?

This is Lily and Bean. [Let them love you. Especially Lily, who will absolutely not leave Angel alone until she's determined that there's nothing amiss with her.]

[brokencode]

[The Warden-Commander is offered a polite wave in return, before Angel's attentions were occupied by Lily and Bean. Kneeling down before the Chansey, Angel held her hand out as if to shake. Who says she can't have manners toward Pokemon, too? Afterward, Bean gets a number of headscritches.]

It has been far too long, Anders. You are lucky I'm distracted. I would hug you, if I had the spare hands.

action; (May)

[fuelthefire]

[While Angel may be experiencing extreme reservations about Mari's decisive and aggressive victory, Krieg has never been prouder in his life, both of the little Mareep and her trainer. What a good sheep! What a good show!]

The birds got slaughtered again! I bet the sheep wants to take on the bugs, too!

[brokencode]

[It was hard to feel weird about things when Krieg was cheering her on. A small smile pushed over her lips, even as she gave a slight shake of her head.]

Maybe not Mari. I am sure she could take them, but I have... done some research. [And heard from a few knowledgeable friends.] I think Bailey would be far better suited to lead against Bugsy.