one; video in New Bark Town

[notvaljean]

Okay, seriously, this is just stupid.

[For someone who had never seen a camera or a video until a couple of hours ago, Jean has taken to both rather quickly. He always did enjoy fooling around with things and learning about them through experimentation, and while the angle of the camera is distinctly unflattering—somehow stretching his long face out even longer while simultaneously giving him six chins—the sheer indignation in his eyes comes across perfectly.]

Everyone else gets something cute, or useful, or sweet or whatever. And I get this.

[The camera swings around, jittering wildly out of control for a moment, and then focuses on a round, red and white ball with glaring eyes. The ball’s eyes narrow further when it realizes the camera is on it, and it lunges forward with a crackling sound. Jean yelps and jumps backwards, making the camera swing wildly for a moment.]

See! He’s crazy!

[The Voltorb crackles ominously but doesn’t try to come any closer, watching Jean from where it hovers.]

So how am I supposed to make friends with this thing? Because that’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Make friends with them?

[Jean sounds almost condescending about the idea of befriending the Pokemon. Anyone listening very closely might notice how his voice is trembling the tiniest bit, betraying all his uncertainty that he will vehemently deny if he gets called out on it. His hand stretches into view, pale with callouses across the palm, and he extends it towards the Voltorb.]

You want to be friends, asshole?

[The Voltorb lunges forward again, and the camera falls to the ground, pointing upwards towards the sky, capturing cheery blue and recording the sounds of electricity crackling and Jean shouting.]

Ow! OUCH! You dick, what was that for?!

Comments

[Video]

[notvaljean]

[Well, damn. That's the kind of grin Jean likes on a girl, and he flashes one right back at her. Time to turn on the old Kirschtein charm.]

We could battle now, if you want. I'm pretty sure my ball here is ready to go.

[The Voltorb bounces a little, excited at the prospect.]

[Video]

[foolishwren]

_{[SORRY JEAN, SHE'S TAKEN. Also, you're a little young for her. She is, however, charmed by his spunk.]}

Hah, sorry to disappoint, but I'm no bully. I don't fight folks who just got here. _{[NO FUN IN THAT.]}

Call me up after you've won a few badges, then maybe you'll be tough enough to take my Pokemon on.

[video]

[notvaljean]

[Wow, excuse you, madam, he is a suave and mature fifteen years old, single and ready to completely strike out mingle!]

I'll do that. Time to go grind through the levels and get good, ball!

[The Voltorb rolls its eyes. Ball is not an appropriate name!]

[video]

[foolishwren]

_{[And she's 24 (not that she looks it, she's got that 'doomed to eternal carding in liquor stores' look), so STILL TOO OLD 4 U, YOUNG MAN. God, though, when did THAT happen? When she got here, she'd still been an Angry Teen (tm) and then at some point she became a Less-Angry Young Adult (tm). All these rotten kids coming here and walking on her lawn!]}

Best of luck.

I'll keep an eye out for your battles on the network-- I fully expect you to be ready to take down Falkner of Violet City by the time you get there.

[video]

[notvaljean]

[Jean hopes to someday evolve into a Less-Angry Young Adult (tm), although considering his lifestyle and life choice back home, that doesn't seem too likely.]

Thanks. Falkner, huh? [He cracks his knuckles, and Blitz rolls his eyes in the background.] I'll be ready for him.

[video]

[foolishwren]

_{[That's what THIS place is for!]}

I don't doubt it.

Your floating ball's Electric moves will be perfect for clipping that birdbrain's wings.

[video]

[notvaljean]

[Once all this settles in, Jean will hope he has a chance to evolve into a Young Adult instead of his current form of Moody Teen.]

Okay, so electricity is good against birds, got it. Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

[Mama Kirschtein raised a boy who remembers his manners, when it behooves him to do so.]

[video]

[foolishwren]

Hey, no prob.

The least us veterans can do is toss you new kids a few bones every now and then.