victory_road | [video] Greetings, fellow trainers!

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[video] Greetings, fellow trainers!

[The feed shows the outskirts of Azalea Town; apparently, Doppio is having a picnic with his Morpeko, Gyarados (who is chilling in the river) and... a Politoed? Since when does he have one of those?

(Rocket colleagues may or may not know about the Politoed, Reno, by now. Doppio just doesn't talk to that many people.)

In any case, it's a celebratory picnic, because as he focuses the feed on himself, he shows off his shiny new Hive badge!]

That's the second one! These little guys - [and he momentarily turns the camera back to his Pokémon, including the Gyarados who is very much not little anymore] - did a great job, so we're unwinding for a bit before we get going.

I was wondering though... I mean, I can see how this gets way harder pretty fast, you know? The bird guy was pretty easy compared to Bugsy. So... How many badges do you guys have? And how long have you been here? I AM doing this at my own pace and all, but I'm still curious.

[The main reason Doppio is getting gym badges is because, well, he figures they're a somewhat objective indicator of his battling abilities, which he'll need to develop for... reasons. But it's occurred to him that he doesn't know exactly what the average civilian is capable of yet... And after being involved in such a large-scale operation as the whole Christmas thing, he has even more legitimate reasons to gather intel about this.

Also, if you're in the area, feel free to run into Doppio in person! He may have a few more Pokémon out than just those three by the time you find him, though.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Eight years and eight badges, but that's mostly because I haven't attempted Kanto's Gyms yet.

[He should probably get started on that again, even if he already has the best rewards.]

Congrats on your second! They do get harder as you go, but you'll also meet stronger Pokémon and raise your own along the way, so it all balances out.

Eight years...?!

[That's even longer than... that other kid, isn't it? What was his name again?

(Armin. It was Armin.)]

Oh, um, thanks! I'm still learning, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Eight years. I'm far from the first to have popped up here, but it's been a while.

[Good thing doesn't flow back home, too, because he doesn't think Romary would forgive him twice for this.]

We're all still learning, even those who have been in this place for years, so I'd say you're on the right track. Are you looking up the leaders' types and teams in advance, or do you prefer to check them out one at a time?

Wait, you can see their teams? All I knew about going in was the types...

[... So really, he hasn't been doing that poorly. Even if it is, in great part, by virtue of training until he can simply overpower his opponent.]

Turns out that the locals just love chatting about the best trainer in their city, the pride of their hometown. And you get even better info if you manage to meet their fanclub.

[Better info that was a godsend, when Ash had to pick Normal-types with helpful secondary types.]

Or you can ask on the network. I don't think their teams have changed over the years.

I had no idea! That could come in really handy.

[Of course, he won't be able to gather information so easily when it comes to the battles he REALLY cares about, so as far as testing himself goes, he probably hasn't been doing anything wrong with his current level of preparation... But conversely, doesn't that mean he should strive to find more information on all sorts of opponents, too? Gathering intel IS part of his job.]

Still, I bet they have ways of holding their ground against people who know their entire teams, huh?

They do... but here's the true beauty of it. They can only use most of their nastiest tricks when you face their Elite team. Regular challengers? Those get more of a fighting chance. For example, Whitney's Miltank won't suddenly throw Surf at you, even if you bring a Rock-type.

[That is, perhaps, the only nice thing that Miltank will ever do against an opponent.]

[This is the first he's hearing of Whitney's Miltank. Good to know! Surely, there is absolutely nothing else he needs to know about it.]

So they kind of go out of their way to give average trainers a fighting chance... Is it... a sportsmanship thing?

...Somewhat, but can it really be called sportsmanship when Clair complains every time she loses? It's probably a rule imposed by the League, rather than a decision the leaders take by themselves.

... Oh. I guess even the people here get competitive, huh? If that's the case, I guess there'd HAVE to be rules...

Thankfully, otherwise those who've lived here all their lives would crush us in their sleep.

[That's a good point. It certainly reminds him of what other people have said about this place operating on "videogame rules", too...]

But it's not like they keep their jobs for life, right? In real sports, there's new champions every once in a while, and the veterans have to retire after a few years... It could be like that.

[...Wait. Wait, hang on a sec-]

You know, now that you mention it, none of the leaders or the members of the Elite Four have changed in the last eight years or so, even though we've been defeating them all along. What kind of job security do they even have?

... Wait, really?

[Well, that kind of throws a wrench in what he was just saying.]

Maybe... That's why they have to have those rules in place? It's still enforcing sportsmanship, even if they don't like it.

Not once. Even old Pryce in Mahogany's still there, and he's definitely reached retirement age.

[Then again, with Pokémon doing most of the work, age can't be that much of an issue.]

Imposing limitations to compensate for their tenure? Maybe. And if they really want to go all out, there's always Elite challengers and unofficial events.

The Elite challengers... Right. That's when they use their best teams, isn't it? Against opponents who have a certain number of badges?

Yeah. I think the eight badges all have to be from the same region, too. Can't go for the four easiest of each to access the better fights faster.

Why would you do that anyway? Do people just really want the challenge?

The challenge, the glory, the prize money. For access to the Elite Four, I don't think it makes a difference.

Oh yeah, you DO get a lot of money. I guess even in a place like this, people would care about that...

Even here, yeah. The lowest-paying retail job may offer a living wage, surprisingly, but getting a big payout is still nice.

It's kind of funny, though. I'm not sure what to spend all that money on other than more training supplies.

[Or, you know, "training" supplies.]

I guess there's all the stuff you could normally spend your money on. Nice clothes, a house...

[The screen opens to.... a tiny rat hand right there on the camera lens. Whoops. Gremlin is pulled away patiently by the scruff of his neck, even as he frantically waves at Doppio. HELLO! HE REMEMBERS YOU!]

[And so does Dimitri, putting Gremlin back onto his shoulder. It looks like they're around some more traditional Japanese - or Johto, rather - style architecture. A giveaway, generally speaking, for Ecruteak.]

Congratulations on your victory. Bugsy is rather passionate individual who is rather clever with how he uses that type. I am certain his elite team is even more impressive, but I am afraid I am not skilled enough to take on such teams yet.

As for badges... So far, I have gone against three and emerged victorious so far. My group has just arrived in Ecruteak, however, and we have only been here for... Roughly four months or so, now.

[Oh! He remembers Gremlin too!!... And the other guy as well. Doppio greets them both with a pleasant smile.]

Oh, that's right... They have a special team for people who come in with really strong Pokémon, right? [Probably not something he has to worry about yet, but it's good to keep in mind. Raw power isn't everything - he needs to be a good strategist, too.

... He qwonders how hard it would be to covertly keep the Boss on the phone while battling a gym leader.]

Three badges in four months... It sounds like you're doing better than me, then!

[Which he does note with a small amount of nervousness, but if Dimitri is in a group of real trainers, then they're probably singlehandedly focused on the gym challenge. Doppio is, of course, busier.]

That is what I have heard. I imagine it must be the ultimate display of strength for the type they have dedicated their careers to. I'm honestly very interested... Perhaps by the time we have made it through the gyms here in Johto, I will have a team strong enough to attempt such matches in Kanto.

I imagine that having a team specifically tailored for each gym's type would be the wisest thing to do in that situation... But I am curious to see how far one can go with those they favor.

[Is Dimitri definitely one of those who wins with his favorite Pokemon instead of the tactically smart maneuvers? Listen. Maybe. He just loves all of his Pokemon so much, okay - ]

[Still, he shakes his head at the camera.]

Traveling nonstop is not something that is easy to do, so do not hold yourself up to the standards we are going at. We have two... rather invested people in our traveling group who are determined to complete this quest.

[One of them is an eleven year old child, so, like. Yeah.]

But you'd need a lot of teams then, wouldn't you? There's probably a gym for every type. [No, he hasn't checked, but it's what makes the most sense to him.] Not that there's anything wrong with having a lot of options to pick from, of course... but it sounds like it'd be a lot of work!

[That said, it probably wouldn't be impossible to have several teams full of your favourites, right? With hundreds of Pokémon out there, why wouldn't people have a handful of favourites of every type? Unless they like... really hate bugs or something.]

O-Oh, don't worry! Like I said, I was just curious. I like to travel and all, but it's no good if you don't take the time to enjoy yourself.

[Hey, that's a statement that's at least 80% true! Or maybe... completely true in meaning, not so much in spirit? There's just a certain baseline level of deception he needs to maintain to pass himself off as any old civilian.]

It may not necessarily need to be the exact opposite type... So long as the Palien you choose is not particularly weak to your opponent, I believe it is manageable, especially depending on what TMs you use to bolster them. It lends an element of surprise to your hand as well.

[Jane has truly helped him, in offering her reusable TMs... Dimitri had taken a good look at what the Department Store held as well. There's a lot that he would like to get for Gremlin, but, alas, he can't afford to spend too much right now.]

[Later. Hopefully.]

You are right in that regard. I'm glad we've been able to stay in most of the towns we have visited for at least a couple of weeks. You are in Azalea right now, which, unfortunately, is the one we stayed in only very briefly. I wish I could tell you more about interesting places to visit there...

[... He keeps forgetting this guy just. Calls them Paliens. The look Doppio gives the camera at that moment may be almost suspiciously blank.

But never mind that!]

It's pretty quiet down here, so maybe you could come back when you feel like taking a little break! I'm probably moving on soon, myself.

Edited 2021-02-13 19:51 (UTC)

[Listen... He is committed and taking no criticisms at this time.]

[Dimitri lets that moment of silence pass, and seamlessly continues onto talking about traveling.]

It is certainly something that I have considered doing, but perhaps at a later date. Along with how much progress we would all like to make on this challenge, I also have plans to do as much work as I possibly can. There is something I would like to save up for, after all.

Still, in this season, I recommend using the warp pads if they are applicable to your situation. Ilex Forest is beautiful, but it is a long journey, and the forest is a terrible place to be stuck in if a blizzard occurs.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely taking the easy way back. I haven't tried to go through the forest yet, but I know I'd get lost.

[So, warping back to Goldenrod it is! Also...]

You're saving up for something?

[He's kind of curious about that - his savings have been building up, and he's not too sure what to spend them on aside from crime and other general expenses.]

Honestly, it is actually easier to traverse the forest during the winter, so long as you are not caught in the midst of a heavy blizzard. The snow allows you to see the path of those before you, after all, and so you can see which path has been most traversed.

I imagine once the weather warms, it will become much harder... But, in turn, the journey will likely be more pleasant.

[Dimitri knows a lot about this for "being mostly feral in the wilderness or slums for five years" reasons. Still, he's happy to talk about it, smiling slightly.]

[It shifts to embarrassment as his savings are brought up, and he tilts his head down a bit.]

Yes, I am. There is - let us say a large project that I hope to do, one day, and I will need far more to my name than I have currently.

[Huh, that's a good point about the snow - he hadn't thought of that. Still... If he can warp to Goldenrod, and there isn't too much profit to be made from Ilex Forest... he should probably just save himself the trouble.]

That sounds pretty nice! I'm guessing it'll take a while, though, the way you're talking about it.

Yes. This place is wonderful in many ways, with the cost of things and how easy it is to establish a living, but sometimes, well, this sort of thing is unavoidable.

I'm hoping to surprise the people I'm traveling with, you see, so I apologize for being rather vague.

[The medieval fantasy man has, fortunately, understood the network is very public.]

Oh, gotcha. Never mind all the questions then!

[He DID genuinely want to know, but hey, if it's personal and supposed to be kept a secret? He's not so desperate as to pry.]

Thank you for my understanding. Frankly, it is difficult for me to stay quiet on the matter, as you might have guessed.

[He's just really excited... Secrets are hard to keep, when they're, you know. ones that don't suck.]

To get back on track... When I go up against Ecruteak's gym, would you like me to tell you about my experiences there?

[Personal AND sentimental, it seems like. It's fine, then. Chances are he really didn't need to know.

Back to the original subject, though...]

... Really? You'd do that? [He... was not expecting any offer of the sort.] That gym specializes in ghosts, right? I haven't fought a lot of those.

Neither have I... and I am frankly not looking forward to it.

[He's just recently stopped thinking the dead were speaking to him. He really doesn't want to deal with actual ghosts or... whatever Ghost type Pokemon are. ~~And that's before everything Happens So Much for the rest of February.~~]

I've already promised to tell someone else what I know about gyms as I go through them, so this would really be no trouble at all.

That'd be a great help, thanks! I don't really know what I can do in return, though... I mean, you're already ahead of me.

[Realistically, there is a lot of valuable info he could provide a civilian with. Naturally, he will share none of it.]

Think nothing of it. Perhaps we can have lunch together if we end up in the same town, but there is no reason to worry about anyone owing anyone else anything for right now.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[video] Greetings, fellow trainers!

[video]

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