02 ✦ Video

[mightdoriya]

[It's been an eventful past few days for Izuku. Not only has his group finally broken their way through the thick forest of Ilex, they're on their way to one of if not the largest city in the Johto region: Goldenrod. Boasting it's huge department store full of items likely far too expensive for him to be able to afford, but hey. He plans on at least getting a little something for each of his team members...and his travel partners too, even if he's broke afterwards. It's fine, so long as he pays Kirishima back he's okay with being broke for a while.

But traveling the last stretch of route has gotten interesting, to say the least. Namely the fact that Izuku's team has nearly totally filled out since he checked up on the network last. They have a bit of a ways to go on Route 34 before Goldenrod comes up, and while travel has been made much quicker in lieu of Pokemon to ride on, it also brings up the issue of the fact that all of his Pokemon enjoy getting some time out of their balls and, well...

Cue Izuku turning on the feed of his Gear to the tune of an Eevee, Buneary, and Rowlet all crowding in his lap at once. Thirteen the baby Duskull is latched onto his arm instead of his neck for once, visibly asleep with his face pressed into his elbow. The real camera hog though is the massive Pokemon hulking behind Izuku, basically glorming onto him from behind with copious amounts of vines just...draped all over him in the fascimile of a hug from behind. Hello, she's here too.

She being the shiny Tangrowth that scared several years off his life yesterday. Izuku looks...tired.]

I'm guessing it's something you get used to, but...taking care of Pokemon is a lot of work. I don't know how people can manage having so many...

[Famous last words, probably.]

Comments

[mightdoriya]

[HI DAD...Izuku really appreciates the advice, even if he isn't sure how well he can truly apply it sometimes. But explaining what he knows about his Pokemon is a good place to start, even as the three little ones in his lap are constantly jockeying for the most prime lap-space while he's trying to talk.]

Well...Mighty, my Eevee, really likes people and other Pokemon. It means he's constantly getting into battles before I can stop him, even when he just wants to play. He's really curious and gets into things when I'm not looking too. Mirko here- [He places a hand atop the Buneary's head, causing her to bring her paws up to hide her face.] Is a little shy, but very sweet. Thirteen, the Duskull, is still a baby. He's really clingy and a little more difficult to please than the rest. He really doesn't want much to do with other people, though he's started to warm up to Kacchan and Kirishima-kun, I think.

And these two...

[He moves his hand to the Rowlet's head, who gives a soft hoot in reply, and jerks a thumb back to the Tangrowth who is still trying desperately to become one with her trainer.]

Kamui scared me in the forest...I threw a ball at her just to keep her from coming after me. I didn't realize until after she was caught that she was just messing around. And Hawks is...I'm not sure, actually? He just seems really calm and quiet mostly, but that's the most I could hope for right now.

[nastyboy]

[Dimitri listens attentively to Izuku's list of Pokemon, nodding along with the descriptions. It seems like a varied crew already...]

I see. They all seem like good companions, from what I can tell of them.

[If he had to make a choice... Well, he doesn't want to be rude, so he nods to the Pokemon.]

Hello, Mighty. Hello, Mirko and Thirteen. And it is nice to meet you, Kamui and Hawks.

Would you all like to help your human?

[mightdoriya]

[All of the Pokemon look to the Gear as their names are called, all save for Thirteen who is still asleep. They each nod or give varying degrees of approving noises, such as Kamui who hasn't quite stopped her deep gurgling just yet.

Izuku smiles, looking embarrassed...but appreciative.]

They've been really fun to have around, as much as I make it seem like they're a lot of work. I can't say that I mind it.

[nastyboy]

Yes... That is the benefit of being partners with all of them, I think.

[Dimitri also suspects that's kind of like parenthood of a sort, but listen...]

All right, everyone... Which of you would like to help guide training, to make sure that everyone doesn't go over the top, or gets hurt?

[mightdoriya]

[It's like being asked a question and everyone tries to raise their hand at once. Except "everyone" is Mighty, who wants to be at the center of everything always...but before he can volunteer himself, Kamui- who is still looking into the camera from over Izuku's head- lifts one of her long, tendril like hands.]

...eh? Are you sure? You just got here, Kamui-

[The Pokemon gives Izuku a little squeeze, causing him to huff.]

W-well...I guess you are the strongest with us right now...and the oldest...

[nastyboy]

Very well then. Thank you for volunteering, Kamui. You have an important position.

[Dimitri makes sure to smile and nod to her specifically. It's important to reward initiative! But it's also important to make sure that no one feels left out, so he looks next to...]

And Mighty, you wished to help as well, didn't you?

[mightdoriya]

Evu-!

[The Eevee chirps when his name is called, getting up close and personal with the Gear's screen. Hello, there's an Eevee here now. Up close like this, it's easier to see that his fur is much fluffier than a normal Eevee's...it's almost curly, similar to his trainer's.

And yeah, of course he wants to help! He's been here the longest, even if he's not the oldest or strongest!!]

Only if he can promise me he'll get into trouble less...

[Pot, meet kettle.]

[nastyboy]

[Well, Dimitri certainly won't promise him that... This is something that relies purely on trainer and Pokemon. But for now...]

Then you have a very important position. You are Izuku's starter, his partner. That means you must put on a good example for the other companions that join the pair of you on your journey.

So you should do your best to get to know your fellow teammates, and learn about them. That way, you can help keep them safe, and out of danger.

Additionally, you should keep an eye out for your trainer. You should make sure he sleeps enough, and that he eats regularly.

Do you know how to use the clock on the Pokegear?

[mightdoriya]

[It's funny, the idea of Mighty turning himself into something of a leader for the group as well as a guardian for Izuku of all people...but the more Dimitri talks, the more that determined sparkle in Mighty's eye seems to brighten. Oh no, he may be creating a monster.

The Eevee bounces in place and nods quickly...then shakes his head no. Izuku laughs and pets between Mighty's ears.]

He's very interested in the Gear basically all the time, so I'll teach him how things work more specifically than the video feature.

[nastyboy]

[Listen, sometimes monsters are good. That is just one lesson Dimitri is learning.]

[Still, he smiles at the Eevee's excitement.]

Very good. And you can call my Gear whenever you like, Mighty, if you need help or don't know what to do while you are Izuku's partner. Dean, my Emboar partner, is very knowledgeable about such things, and can help you.

[Dean is also very calm and sensible, which can help ground a more excitable and younger Pokemon.]

Then... That leaves Mirko, Hawks, and Thirteen, doesn't it? Well... Thirteen seems still very young, so that is fine.

[Some Pokemon can just Baby all they like for a while.]

Mirko and Hawks... Would either of you like to help keep track of Izuku's items, and food that the group has?

[mightdoriya]

[Thirteen is going to keep being a baby!! That's what he's best at, after all.

The other Pokemon on Izuku's team come to attention as their names are called, and the moment food is mentioned it's Hawks who flaps his wings and gives a little hoot of confirmation. But so Mirko won't be left out, Izuku supplies-]

Hawks can monitor the food while Mirko keeps track of anything that isn't food. So long as he doesn't try to sample all of it.

[Said with a slight smile as he ruffles the top of the Rowlet's feathery head.]

[nastyboy]

There you go. Then it sounds as though everyone has a job that they can do, so that hopefully the load will be a little lesser all around. It can also help them find their place, if they are uncertain about this new stage of their life.

[Giving his Pokemon a clear role, and the chance to meet certain others on his team, has certainly seemed to help him out, after all.]

In turn, this should help give you more time to learn about new members on your team, should you ever add more to it. [Which he will. It's almost a guarantee at this point.] I hope that helps to some degree.

[mightdoriya]

I really appreciate the help, Dimitri-san. If I have any more questions about Pokemon care, I know who I'll be going to.

[Assuming he doesn't mind Izuku's Ever Presence and curiosity in needing to ask questions about things he doesn't yet know. Izuku never knew his dad okay, this is good energy to have in his life.]

[nastyboy]

I will help to the best of my ability... and even if you cannot reach me, you will likely be able to reach one of my companions, and they should also be able to assist you.

Gremlin knows how to type.

[Dimitri isn't sure when, but he suspects video games have to do with it.]

[mightdoriya]

[...oh my god.]

If one of mine learns how, I don't think I'd ever get my Gear back.

[nastyboy]

You will want to be careful on where you leave it, then. Gremlin found mine in my bag, and downloaded video games onto it.

[And it's never been the same since]

[mightdoriya]

[GREMLIN...]

Are you sure it's even yours anymore, at that point?

[nastyboy]

Oh, no, it's not. [He made peace with that a long time ago.] But Gremlin allows me to know when I get messages. I have a spare, as well, that someone sent me for Christmas. Its casing is much sturdier, so I prefer it.

[Sometimes you just have two Gear, because reasons]

[mightdoriya]

[You get a Gear and YOU get a Gear-]

That's good! Sounds like everyone benefitted from that, then.

I guess the only problem I'm going to have now is deciding what roles to give whatever new Pokemon I end up with in the future...

[Because...let's be honest with ourselves here. He will be getting more.]

[nastyboy]

As you adjust to having a large team, and become more experienced, I am certain you will figure it out. It seems overwhelming now because you are new to it.

Once you adjust, and learn how to communicate with your companions... It will become easier. The most important thing is having those you can rely on to help guide the others.

[mightdoriya]

I believe you, Dimitri-san. You're definitely living proof of that.

[He seems Quite experienced with Pokemon, at this point.]

[nastyboy]

Ah.... Thank you. [His head tilts down just a little bit, embarrassed.] I am... aiming to be as good a person as I can be, for my Paliens and people both.

Regardless... We will answer as soon as possible, if you need any assistance. It does not only have to be for advice on your team, either.

[mightdoriya]

Thank you! I should probably go now, since we'll be getting back on the road soon...but I'll talk to you again soon!

[Izuku and his Pokemon respectively wave goodbye to the Gear before turning off the feed.]