(no subject)

[schachmeister]

[Note, this is a mass-text to Armin's close friends (Shiro, Tyler, Steven, Jean, Angel, Maya etc etc). If you have long-term CR with Armin, feel free to assume your character was included in this text.]


I guess there is officially no way back now...

[Attached to that rather cryptic seeming message is a photo. It's a photo of a very official-looking document. There is a Pokemon League header, and while the complete letter is not visible, enough of it is to make out the words 'Dear Mr Arlert.

We hereby grant you permission to build your gym in the applied for location. A League-certified contractor and building crew will contact you within three business day to--'.

It is done. It is time. And he is absolutely terrified.]

Comments

text;

[shiro2hero]

[That text barely has time to send. It's like someone saw Armin's name pop up and scooped up their 'gear immediately.]

[Let's be real, that's what happened.]

ARMIN!!

That's great!!

:) :) :)

Where is it? How can we help?

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[schachmeister]

I... I'm not sure. About needing any help, I mean. I know. I know where my gym will be.

Sorry, I feel like I'm barely making any sense.

[He's going to need some help grounding him before he vibrates off his whole boat out of sheer nerves.]

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[shiro2hero]

It's okay. I

This is amazing. I'm so proud of you.

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[schachmeister]

I guess.

Is. Is it weird that this feels completely unreal?

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[shiro2hero]

No, I don't think that's weird.

It's huge. It's normal to feel like that, I think.

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[notyourgoddess]

Congratulations!

That's awesome, Armin. Do you need any help with anything?

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[schachmeister]

I don't... think so? The League will be handling everything building related. I just need to tell them what I want.

[It feels very unreal. And wrong. Who gave him permission to do this?]

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[notyourgoddess]

Can't wait to see what it looks like.

You're going to be great at this.

[It's too late Armin, they believe in you.]

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[schachmeister]

You really think so? If I can be honest, right now I feel like sending this letter back to them with my quickest pokemon and telling them they made a mistake. There have to be better-qualified people to do this sort of thing. And I've never run any sort of gym. What if I mess up?

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[notyourgoddess]

Then you'll figure out what went wrong and fix it.

It's a new chapter of your life, of course you're going to be nervous. But you've already proven yourself to these guys and the people who know you.

[angewiesen]

What're you looking all nervous for? It's about damn time they get back to you.

[schachmeister]

What if I mess up? I've never run a gym before, you know. And there is still so much I don't know.

[angewiesen]

From everything we've discussed, I think you've got a better idea of it than some of the Leaders I've already wiped the floor with. Have some confidence!

[schachmeister]

You shouldn't underestimate them, Jean. They've all been gym leaders for at least a decade.

[And you shouldn't overestimate him because he has a gym leader for like. Two hours now? Gym Leader without a gym.]

[angewiesen]

And I know you well enough not to underestimate you either.

Maybe I'll give them a little more respect when I get to face their elite teams.

[fingersandteeth]

Holy *crap*, Armin. I'm so proud of you.

I guess this means in a couple months I'll have to try challenging you, huh?

[schachmeister]

You'll always be welcome. Though you might need a few more water pokemon before then. Even Fail Whale can only do so much.

[fingersandteeth]

I ended up getting a Carvanha egg from the Joestars back in June. And I also managed to find a Slowbro. So that's three.

What are you going to do for your gym speciality anyway?

[schachmeister]

Ah, I didn't tell you?

[At this point, Armin had used several of his friends as sounding boards for his gym ideas, and it is a little hard to keep track of who knows what.]

It'll be an aquatic gym. All battles will take place underwater. I wanted people to experience what water pokemon (and other aquatic species) can really do when they are in their element.

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[lordofthefries]

[It's a good thing Sasha's been practicing her reading because apparently, Armin can't be relied on to actually explain what the heck is going on. But that's okay cause she's happy for him anyway. He's smart enough to have worked hard to get where he is and it seems that if he gets a gym, that means Armin gets to stay here. Alive. And that seems the best part of all to Sasha.]

we have to buy a cake

[The text cannot show how she excited is for an opportunity for cake.]

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[schachmeister]

[Sorry Sasha. He doesn't always remember that some people don't take to reading like he does.]

Well, maybe a small cake. Nothing too extravagent.

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[brokencode]

I am sure you have gotten at least a thousand responses like this one but --
Congratulations, Armin. You are going to be a fantastic gym leader. I can't wait to visit!
Let me know when you want to get celebratory ice cream. My treat.

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[schachmeister]

[On the one hand, Armin has been trying to keep everyone from making a big fuss over this. On the other hand... ice cream with Angel.]

I always have time for ice cream with you.

[It is a good thing this is text so he doesn't have to think about the absolutely goofy smile he's got on his face right now.]

[brokencode]

[Armin isn't the only one with a goofy smile. Angel can hardly help herself, and has to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from hurting herself with her wide grin.]

Ice cream it is, then. Let me know when you have a free moment.

[schachmeister]

I can be free tomorrow. I have to wait until they get back to me anyway.