victory_road | 02

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02 | Video

[Yuuko's finally made it out of Union Cave, and while she's happy about that, that isn't the reason she's making this video. She waves to the screen before speaking.]

Hi, Yuuko here. So I guess this wouldn't be much of a big deal to those who have been here longer than I have, but one of my Pokemon evolved while I've been traveling! And she seems really excited to show it off, so I just thought I'd make this video.

[Yuuko turns the camera to the right, revealing a Steenee that's standing a short distance behind her.] This is Ina! She was a Bounsweet when I caught her, but now she's a Steenee. [Ina waves to the camera as well, but with a lot more enthusiastic bouncing up and down. She has actual arms now! And longer legs! And no longer has to worry about bird Pokemon trying to eat her! The world is now so full of possibilities!

Yuuko just smiles. Her ~~children~~ Pokemon are growing up so fast...hey, she has actual kids at home, so she really can't help but be reminded of her own daughters.]

So, I guess that's really all I wanted to-- [Yuuko is then interrupted by Ina squeaking excitedly and bouncing around even more, the pigtail-like sepals on her head swinging around wildly as she gets even closer to the screen.]

W-wait--Ina, slow down...! [And it looks like Ina got so excited about evolving that she's knocked the 'gear out of Yuuko's hands and cut off the feed. Whoops.]

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Congratulations! One's very first evolution tends to be the most memorable of all. What kind of opponent managed to trigger it? A Pidgey during routine training, a Mareep while facing down a local trainer...?

It was one of those boulder Pokemon with arms...a Geodude, I think? We were almost at the exit to the cave and it wouldn't leave us alone, so I sent Ina out to drive it off and I guess that was enough to get her to evolve.

She had the type advantage, then. That poor Geodude surely regretted its unwillingness to leave you alone, though I doubt it lasted long enough to behold the evolution that followed.

Yeah, her type makes her work really well against Rock and Ground types. The Geodude ended up fainting. [Honestly, Yuuko tends to feel a little bad about making Pokemon faint, but she really wanted to get out of that cave and the Geodude was being annoying.]

Such is the fate of wild Pokémon who choose to challenge partnered Pokémon. Their temporary sacrifice is greatly appreciated, especially when it offers such impressive results.

[Now, if only his dear Deathbringer could understand that...]

I guess that Geodude was no match for the power of friendship. [Yuuko's tone suggests that she's only half joking.]

By the way, the Vulpix that hatched from the egg you gave me is doing really well.

In its defense, that's a very difficult power to face.

[Cecil is very much 100% not joking.]

Is that so? I'm glad to hear it, and its mother will also surely pleased to know that. Does the child get along well with its teammates?

Well, he tends to be pretty quiet and he prefers spending time with me or my Seel, but he's starting to open up more to my other Pokemon. Just a second...

[Yuuko takes out Salchow's Pokeball and gives it a light toss to release the Vulpix. Then she scoops him up so she can hold him.] Salchow, do you want to say hi?

[Salchow blinks at the screen a few times before silently raising his paw in greeting.]

My, what a handsome young fox! It's a pleasure to meet you, Sal-

[Cecil's attempt to wave back is suddenly interrupted when his own dear Blizzaga brutally tramples him. That's her baby! Hello sweetie, mama is so happy to see you!♥

Used to this kind of behavior, Cecil just tries to wiggle his way out of that fur.]

As you can see, his quietness is not an inherited trait.

I can see that...so is that one of his parents?

[Salchow perks up at seeing his mother on the screen. It's hard to tell if he actually recognizes her as his mother, but at the very least he does seem to be interested in how she looks so similar to him.]

That would be his mother, yes. My sweet Blizzaga. She's terribly fussy when it comes to food; I do hope she's not passed that on to her boy, for your sake.

[That earns him a paw to the ribs, but Blizzaga is too busy cooing at her baby to cause much damage. Asserting his health and strength is her duty and pride, after all.]

He was a little picky about food after he was hatched, but he's eating better now.

And wow, she's so pretty! I can see where Salchow got his good looks from. [This is the first time Yuuko's seen a Ninetales. The name sure is an apt one...]

That's wonderful to hear! You may be spared the need to buy separate meals yet.

[Unless mama convinces him to joins the 'healthy organic free-range locally-sourced meal' bandwagon. She's tempted to try.]

Most eggs take after their mother, though few species are as lovely. He'll certainly grow up to be a handsome fox.

I did have to go through two or three brands before I found one he liked, but at least he's happy with the one I'm giving him now.

I don't doubt that. Will he evolve after he gets stronger, or do Vulpix have to evolve some other way?

You'll need an Ice Stone when the time comes. Which can be whenever he wishes, mind you; evolving too early may make it impossible for him to learn certain attacks, but the stone itself will work without issues.

I see...so it'll be up to him when he evolves, then. [She turns to Salchow.] Salchow, what do you think?

[Salchow just quietly blinks at her.]

...I think the jury's still out on that.

Luckily for him, unlike certain other methods stone-based evolutions never become impossible. He has all the time in the world to make his decision.

I'll try not to put any pressure on him about that, then. [Though maybe she should buy an Ice Stone just in case.]

He... does not seem the type to bow to pressure, to be honest.

[It's something positive. Probably.]

No, I guess not. He's usually pretty calm, as you can see. [Even if it does make it a bit hard to tell what he's thinking at times.]

He did seem pretty interested when he saw his mom, though.

It's hardly surprising. What child would not wish to know more about their origins, if such information becomes available?

That's true. He's been with me since he hatched, but I guess he'd have to meet his parents at some point, right?

Surprisingly, few parent/child pairs meet up, unless their trainers already spend time together. Meetings over the Pokégear are more common, but still not universal.

Is that right...do you think it's because we're the ones looking after the Pokemon, so they don't need to meet up?

It could be. Then again, many animals do not raise their young very long. Perhaps it's the same for Pokémon?

02 | Video

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