003; video

[soulcomet]

[it has been a very busy, and certainly rough, two months for Madoka. but she is a girl on a mission, and, despite any misgivings she may have about herself, whenever she has a mission, there's little stopping her from running full-speed toward it.]

[that being said, she did notice what day it is. but fifteen doesn't really feel much different than fourteen, not really — a birthday isn't really worth celebrating when she has something way more important that she desperately needs to handle first, is it? when the feed clicks on, she's crouched in front of a hefty looking Nidorina, dutifully applying a potion. it seems they finally have this battling thing figured out.]

... There. I think you're ready. [she thinks she is, too, almost. Madoka hopes Lilly will be proud of them.]

[she settles herself down on the ground, turning her attention to her 'gear, offering a small smile and wave.]

Hello! Um ... I know there are a lot of really capable people here, so I was wondering if I could get some advice?

If ... if you had something really important you're getting ready to do, how do you go about preparing for it?

Comments

[Video]

[cyan_maid]

[Well, that...seems new. Madoka hadn't seemed the type to actually start battling, but if the other girl needs advice, then there's no reason Jane should ignore her request.

Also, wow, Nidorinas look pretty cool. Guess that's on Jane's catch list.]

What sort of thing do you want to get ready for? It depends on the thing.

[Video]

[soulcomet]

[under the right circumstances, and if it's what is needed to be done, Madoka can be pushed to fight anything — pokémon, friends, giant fireproof witch conglomerates ... but her smile here is steady, if only slightly unsure.]

A battle, actually. [but not a gym battle. she ... hasn't told Jane, has she? she hadn't meant to go radio silent, she'd just been so determined to get stronger, to not have to constantly ask others for help like she has her whole life, that she hasn't really focused on much else.]

Um ... someone stole Lilly earlier, and I think I might have an idea of where she is now.

[Video]

[cyan_maid]

[Jane's eyes widen, and then get a very harsh glint to them as this news filters into her brain.]

Are you going to need any help? I'm in Goldenrod, and I can get to most anyplace in Johto by now. Even if it's just for moral support, I can come.

[Because when a sweet girl you're acquainted with has had a friend taken from her, you definitely offer to help with the rescue. Always.]

[Text]

[timelesschampion]

Train. Gather up everything you need. Make sure you know what you're going to do and how you're going to do it.

What is it that you're going to do? Are you planning on a big trip or something?

[Text]

[soulcomet]

Not a trip! I'm just trying to get something back.

[she remembers what Sidon said about Link being a hero, so she will definitely take any advice he has to heart — even if he's really talented at crashing into things??]

What sort of supplies do you usually have on you?

[Text]

[timelesschampion]

Did you lose something?

[Look not all heroes are graceful, okay.]

Food, weapons, clothing for any kind of weather,
things I can use to make other things that I might need.

I have a habit of gathering up anything and everything I can find just in case.

[Text]

[borschtkot]

Train and practice! Do things a little outside your normal to push yourself!

[Text]

[soulcomet]

I think that makes sense! Is there a way to know for sure when you're ready?

Text]

[borschtkot]

No. You just go out and do it and do your best. If you fail you try again.

Video;

[schachmeister]

I suppose it would depend a bit on exactly what it is but--

[He thinks for a moment.]

I think I would try and envision as many scenarios as possible so I can prepare ways to deal with those possibilities beforehand. I wouldn't want to leave things up to fate or luck if I can be prepared instead.

Video;

[soulcomet]

That makes sense. I'm ... not the best at planning in advance, I think? So, trying to come up with everything that could happen might be a bit tough.

Video;

[schachmeister]

Can I ask what sort of thing you are preparing for? I know sometimes it can help to ask someone whose already been through something similar. They can give you an idea of things that might happen that you aren't able to think of yourself.

[But not knowing what she is preparing for, it is impossible to say if Armin himself can give her that sort of advice or if he knows someone who does.]

Of course I can understand if it is private.

[Video]

[pikapikajankenpo]

Training yes, supplies most definitely, and um... you're doing the third thing I would recommend which is getting advice from allies.

Did something happen while I was away?

[Because that's not her Eevee there...]

[Video]

[soulcomet]

Ah ... yes.

Someone took Lilly.

Re: [Video]

[pikapikajankenpo]

Oh no!

[That was awful! Who would do that? A righteous fury filled Yayoi as she said,] Did you need help rescuing Lilly?

[rambling_runner]

[ Ash knows that Nidorina! He beams when he sees them both and nods to them. ]

Personally, I make sure I got everything I need. So if I'm gonna face a gym, I take potions, medicine, that kinda stuff. If I'm going for a long run, I grab some water, good running shoes, all that jazz.

And she looks amazing. [ There's no denying it, he's really proud of the pair of them! ]

[soulcomet]

Oh — running shoes! I didn't think of that, thank you.

[Madoka picks up the 'gear, and moves it closer to the Nidorina so that Ash can get a better look. she is a strong, proud, serious, and very pointy creature.]

[Madoka adds, helpfully:] I named her Clara.

[Video]

[charcoalfeather]

[Oooh.... Rakka's glad that so many people around here care so much for their Pokemon.]

Well... I guess it has to do with psyching yourself up for it. Like, making sure your mind is in the right place.

[Video]

[soulcomet]

Mmm ... you mean sort of like meditation?

[Text] - Private

[bleedingunversed]

Aw isn't this cute?

Going to try and beat me up?

[Text] - Private

[soulcomet]

If that's what I need to do to get Lilly back, then yes.

[secondhandsome]

Make sure I got everything I need, psyche myself up... Try not to have a panic attack, that's always an important step. I sometimes failed at that part.

I guess it kinda depends on what exactly you're prepping for.

[soulcomet]

I'm ... preparing for a pokémon battle, I guess? [she's pretty sure that's how it's going to go, anyway.]

What do you do to psyche yourself up?

[video] hope you don't mind late tags!

[faintwaves]

[Isn't that relevant. If there's something really important, huh...how did she go about preparing for her end? To tell the truth, she agonized over it, isolated herself, asked for help. "What should I do?"

But Xion was told the same thing, "only you can decide that."

Only she could.

But she can't tell Madoka that. Think, think.]

...You tell yourself what's at stake, remind yourself why you're doing it. Be strong and...just go for it. Don't give up and don't run away. That's what I do.

[video] not at all!

[soulcomet]

That makes a lot of sense.

I guess ... the hardest part for me is putting what I tell myself into action. It's a bit like trying to jump a hurdle, except the hurdle is yourself.