113rd moon [video]

[paladinlost]

...You know, I cannot quite recall who first completed the Johto Gym challenge. Remembering Kanto's is easy, but Johto's... It's completely slipped away from my memory.

[Today, brodcasting from an unrecognizable building, Cecil looks a touch delighted, a dash nostalgic... but their a strong undercurrent of pride in there.]

Back then, during the first year of our presence in this world, there was a rumor. Defeat the Elite Four, and the path home will be revealed. Many believed it, and put all their efforts in earning all eight badges, hoping to be recognized as worthy challengers. Those efforts continued and doubled, along with the number of badges we could win. Of course, they were in vain, as we were only recognized as serious contenders a year ago and only three among us have prevailed since. Most of those hopeful trainers are long gone now, without ever reaching the goal they strived for.

[There's a point to this beyond the sneaky announcement, and he's getting there. Promise.]

So. Whoever you were, wherever you are, know this: the Elite Four have no way home to reveal, no explanation to share, and whoever invented that rumor had far too much imagination to share. My apologies for the wasted time and the dashed hopes.

Comments

[islandshore]

So they didn't have any resources, period? Not even about broader things? Geez...

[But maybe it was just wishful thinking. At this point, he should expect nothing less.]

Did they have anything to say? Was it all worthwhile?

[paladinlost]

There's the possibility that the events surrounding that last 'party' is linked to that absence, to be fair.

[Considering all that happened...]

Well, I now have money, new items and an egg, and the official permission to build a Gym, for what it's worth. I did not stay long to chat, but they mostly has congratulations and small talk to offer.

[islandshore]

...A gym, huh?

[There's a vague hint of a smirk on his face. Oh, that's interesting.]

Now you've got me wondering how that'd work if we, say, already have an unofficial facility. Dang it. If Sora could just beat those gyms faster, I could maybe stand a chance of catching up with you.

[paladinlost]

...I've no idea, now that you mention it. Sion and Ryner had their own built from scratch, but it might not be mandatory... How far is he along the way, if I may ask?

[islandshore]

...Only about halfway.

[Cue a frustrated sigh.]

He's been dragging his feet a bit. Honestly, I could probably take them on right now, but I wanted to do it with him.

So I'm waiting. But I guess that's more time to prep up, too...

[He's honestly not sure what to expect, anyhow.]

[paladinlost]

I've no doubt you don't need the additional preparation time. But it sounds like you might need extra motivation to offer Sora instead. Is there anything that could convince him to earn badges faster?

[A bet, a vacation, a nice speech about one's uncertain future in this unstable world?]

[islandshore]

Ugh, yeah. I guess I could challenge him somehow? Or there's always blackmail, I guess.

[He smirks.]

No ice cream until he gets his butt in gear.

[Though it's not long before that smirk recedes.]

Man, I sound like a mom at this point.

[Dang it. He is totally not an overprotective parent!]

[paladinlost]

Imposing restrictions on sweets is hardly a mother's domain; parents of both genders can do it.

[Cecil couldn't do it, but that's completely on him.]

...But that hardly helps, does it? Embracing your role as the mature adult friend is not always easy.

[islandshore]

...Point. There I go with stereotypes.

[He rubs his neck, his smile crooked.]

And yeah, that's the thing. Plus, Sora's an adult, too, so even if I do something about it, no guarantee he'll follow through.

[paladinlost]

No, there is none. But he cares enough for you that he'll surely consider your wishes when he makes his own choices. Fully rejecting someone's preferences is not to be done lightly.

[islandshore]

Heh, true. I guess I should just nudge him about it. It's just frustrating, y'know? All that time waiting to progress, and now I'm kinda stuck in limbo.

[...]

I really need to loosen up, don't I?

[paladinlost]

It's fine to feel some frustration, as long as you do not take it out on him or let it poison your days. But letting yourself enjoy the forced downtime has its advantages, too. Though I'm sure you hardly need more time to prepare your strategies.

[islandshore]

I mean, I'd be down for any pointers in terms of what to actually expect. It'll help me figure out who to actually bring with me... considering I've got over seventy monsters in my roster.

[paladinlost]

Between them, you surely have plenty of Pokémon who can counter Psychic-, Poison-, Fighting-, Dark- or Dragon-types. You'll be fine.

[A beat.]

...Which only leaves the poor Fairy-type unused by the region's strongest trainers. I know it spontaneously manifested itself, and not so long ago at that, but still...

[islandshore]

Fairy type's... handy, though I admit I haven't played with it as much as the others. That dragon immunity's nice, though. Gotta admit that much.

[But hrmm... He rubs his chin, brow creased.]

So definitely bring a Psychic type to deal with the fighting and poison... Dark to deal with Psychic, Ice, Fairy, or other Dragons to deal with dragons...

Any nasty tricks I should know about? Strategies that'll make you scream your lungs out?

[paladinlost]

Nothing particularly terrible. A few tricky secondary types, of course, and solid strategies, along with pure strength and defense... The greatest danger is attrition. Think of the quantity of curatives you intend to bring, and double it.