[02] [Video] [Text]

[frozenfractalsallaround]

[Option A; Video]

[The feed clicks on to a ragtag bunch of misfits all standing in a line.

You've got Skadi the Alolan Vulpix, looking as regal and proper as possible- though she looks like she's trying to hold in a sneeze. Then you've got Baldur, the fire Vulpix, sitting on his hind legs looking excited by the attention and as if he wants to bolt from the spot and run around. Next is Heimdall the Absol, standing taller above everyone else, glancing wearily at Baldur as if he's just waiting for him to step a toe out of line. After that is Eostre the Steenee and Loki the Gastly- perhaps the oddest out of all of them, because unlike normal Gastly he doesn't look quite right. ]

Are you guys ready?

[That statement is all it takes to unleash chaos, as each Pokemon lets out a cheer of excitement- then Baldur bolts from his position and starts running around in circles as if he can't contain his own energy. He dizzies quickly and runs right into Eostre, who gets so offended she kicks him away.

Heimdall steps in and starts sternly Absol-ing in her direction as Loki floats down and circles Baldur to make sure he's alright, meanwhile Skadi distances herself from the group and looks mildly put out, looking from Elsa to the group as if she's not sure what to do.

Elsa takes the opportunity to turn the camera back on herself, looking exasperated.]

Well, I had intended to announce that I think we're ready to take on our first gym, but that didn't go quite as expected.

[She forces a bit of a laugh. She looks tired- but not as tired as she had during October when all the nightmares were going on. Her eye bags are still a little intense, but only because now she's thrown herself into training to distract from the memories of all those nightmares. It's been a good distraction, they've made a lot of progress.]

With that said, does anyone have any advice for taking on a gym? I imagine it's a bit different than battling the trainers along the routes, right? Is it difficult? Is there anything in particular I should know? I'll be battling Falkner.

[Option B; Text]

Oh! I forgot. I learned that an Alolan Vulpix can evolve with the use of an "ice stone". I've talked it out with Skadi and she seems cautiously interested in the idea of evolving. I think we're both a little hesitant for such a drastic change, but it's not something we're opposed to. Does anyone know where I might find such a stone for when the time comes?

Comments

B;

[bertall]

An ice stone? Maybe... Goldenrod, since you're in Joht|

sorry wait
yours is named Skadi too?

[frozenfractalsallaround]

Oh, you have a Vulpix named Skadi as well? And here I thought I was being original.

[bertall]

I didn't know it was that common of a name, honestly! A lot of mine are named from people in stories my parents would tell me when I was a little kid or people I knew!

[frozenfractalsallaround]

Great minds think alike! That's what I'm doing as well.
I was always fond of reading about myths and legends growing up, so I've named all of mine after them as well. Isn't it fun, thinking up the perfect name?

Video;

[schachmeister]

I've found that when taking on a gym leader, it's really important to have a good strategy ready. Unlike with a trainer you might meet on the road, they are the best of the best, and you usually can't just force your way through. It's good to keep in mind the kind of Pokemon they'll be using and choosing your team based on that. Sometimes your strongest Pokemon won't necessarily perform the best in a particular gym match-up.

Have you given your battle strategy any thought yet?

Video;

[frozenfractalsallaround]

[When it's put like that, it's hard not to feel at least a little intimidated at the idea. She's not bad at battling or anything- much better than when she started out. But there's so much that goes into it! What if Falkner is more powerful than she's anticipating?]

I have given it a little thought, yes... I know I ought to start out with Skadi. Bird- er, I mean flying types are weak against ice, right? So Skadi is going to be my best chance I think.

Video;

[schachmeister]

[Armin had been intimidated too. He had fretted over it for days. He still spends a lot of time preparing for each gym battle. Unlike the rest of his friends, he can't just breeze in there. It doesn't feel right! That said, somewhere down the line, all of that has grown fun rather than intimidating. Sure, he's a little nervous still before starting a battle, always a little apprehensive if his chosen strategy is going to be the best, but it is the good sort of nerves.

Plus there is quite the sense of accomplishment when it all works out.]

I think so too.

From what I remember, Falkner starts his gym battles off with a Noctowl. Ice will be your best bet. Oh, and I'm afraid your Gastly won't be of much use in that battle. Noctowl is also a normal type pokemon, so they are immune to ghost type attacks.

[video]

[meteorman]

[It's good to see Elsa looking a little less haggard than she did the last time they talked. It seems as though everyone's recovering from last month, and thank goodness. And look at how energetic those Pokémon are!]

Gym battles tend to be much more challenging; they're designed to test how well you and your Pokémon work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles. Your team at least seems to have enthusiasm down, even if they're still working on discipline, and enthusiasm is often half the battle.

[Also most of them are babies and probably just excitable by nature.]

Re: [video]

[frozenfractalsallaround]

[She's happy to see Ford looking a bit less haggard as well. She's glad all that darkness is behind them and that they can move on from it, even if... her coping mechanism has been to just focus on training as much as possible without tiring out her team too much. Baby steps.

Elsa lets out a laugh at his comment.]

You're right. If they weren't enthusiastic, I don't think I would feel as confident that we can win as I do.

[She shuffles away from the group so that she can talk a bit more privately without hurting their feelings.]

I do wish they were a little more disciplined, though. Baldur has so much energy, it's exhausting. He's like a puppy! And Eostre... ha... let's not get into that right now. I mean, I love them! Don't get me wrong.

[meteorman]

A gym battle may be just what they need to focus some of that energy, then. And of course there's always meditation. My own Pokémon meditate with me and it's done wonders, particularly for the ones who used to be difficult to control.

[Like Scylla, who is still difficult but no longer an active threat to his safety. Or like Phoebe, who happens to be out at the moment and climbs right up onto his back to peer into the 'gear over his shoulder.]

Phoebe, for instance. You were impossible not too long ago, weren't you?

[She bops him on the side of the head but, like, affectionately.]

[video]

[paladinlost]

[Ah, a first Gym challenge! Those are always the most nerve-wracking...]

As long as you have a few Pokémon with a neutral or advantageous type and levels similar to the Gym's team, you'll be fine. Send your Alolan Vulpix first, and remember that support moves can make or break your strategy just as much as any Ice Beam.

[video]

[frozenfractalsallaround]

[Right? It's very, very nerve wracking. But it's validating to hear that she ought to send out Vulpix. At least she's on the right track there.]

What types of support moves should I be using?

[So far against wild Pokemon and various trainers, a more direct attack approach has been pretty good, so she wants to make sure she's Doing It Right.]

[video]

[paladinlost]

Let's see, now...

[What did Falkner have again? That was so long ago...]

Sleep-inducing moves will be of little help this time, but paralysis can buy you precious turn. None of his species learn Aerial Ace naturally, so you can safely raise your team's evasion.

B

[charcoalfeather]

A "ice stone" like... a stone made of ice? Well, I can tell you that there's a lot of things you can find at the Goldenrod department store. So that culd be a good spot to look.

Or, there's also an ice cave in Johto. I've seen people talking about it before. Maybe that's what you need?

[frozenfractalsallaround]

I assume it's made of ice! Or resembles ice, at the very least. I'll keep that in mind, though! Hopefully Anna and I can make it to Goldenrod in the near future.

Have you ever been to this ice cave or have you only heard about it? I would be interested in learning more.

[Ice is kind of her thing so consider her Interested.]

[charcoalfeather]

Yes! It's really nice here. I've been living here probably the longest out of anywhere I've been. Even if the stone isn't here, there's still plenty of things to do!

I've only ever heard of the caves, or seen them on video. I actually, uh, don't even know where it is.

[But it's probably pretty cool!!]

[Video]

[2hellwiththe1stlaw]

Well the first thing you gotta do is make sure you're taking on the right gym! I started at the Goldenrod gym and it was WAY too powerful for my team. We got stomped by that rampaging Miltank she had.

The second thing you gotta do is get HYPED! High energy! High confidence! You and your team have been working their butts off to prepare for this!

[Video]

[frozenfractalsallaround]

Oh, that doesn't sound fun at all!

[She's glad that as far as she knows, she's hitting the first gym and doesn't have to worry too much about that. Elsa just hopes she's trained enough for it at this rate.]

I think my team definitely has the energy going, though! [She says like they aren't still having kind of a scuffle in the background.] I just hope they can channel that into a victory for us.

Re: [Video]

[2hellwiththe1stlaw]

Eh, it sucked balls that's for sure! But the only thing to do when you get knocked down is to get back up and WRECK whoever knocked you down!

Yeah I am loving the energy your team is bringing! But they do listen to you right? You're the chief tactician on this one after all.

[pipers_son]

Sounds like a lot of folks have given ya some solid advice. Has that helped much, do ya think?

[frozenfractalsallaround]

I think so! I'm still a little... apprehensive, I want to say? I believe in my team absolutely, but there are still a few kinks I'm trying to work out. Mainly getting them to work together like a family, you know?

[pipers_son]

Ah, yeah... I can get that. S'tough whether the personalities are too different or too alike.

Anyone in particular givin' ya trouble, then? Or each other trouble, whatever it is.

[B; here I come back like a flakezart]

[styxiedust]

Oh, those are sold in the department store over in Goldenrod.

I live nearby, I could go get you one.

[Offering help or advice out of nowhere, that's her thing.]

[Text; me same it's okay]

[frozenfractalsallaround]

Would you really do that? Oh, that would be wonderful, Botan!
Thank you! I can pay you back, too! And if there's anything I can get you from Violet, just let me know!

[Text]

[styxiedust]

No, no, dear, I don't need anything in return! I won't take compensation for helping somebody, I may not be a trainer but I do manage.

So it's Violet? Back when I first arrived here people used to comment on how easy it was to get stuck in that city, not sure why. Maybe because of the monks' grape juice they're so proud of.