video

[talkyourwayout]

[For one of the first times across the network, Louie is actually using the video feature. Being a human isn't so weird to him anymore, honestly, and besides- He's found something else to be disgruntled by today. The boy in the video feed looks irritated and tired.

It'll be pretty clear to those who've been to Sprout Tower before that it's where Louie's posting from. Specifically, he's standing in front of one of the ladders to the second floor, and even though he can't go up there yet...]

Seriously?

Like it wasn't bad enough I had to go to school to save money on the hotel here? Or, you know, that the center of this tower wobbles so much that looking at it makes me feel sick? But now you're telling me that if I wanted to get up there, I'd have to climb a ladder? This place can keep big monsters in tiny balls but they can't put an elevator in here? Even stairs would have been better!

[He sighs, shaking his head.]

Please tell me this is something unique to Sprout Tower, because I would be okay with skipping the upper floors of this place.

Comments

[text]

[instrumentally]

The monks say that climbing the ladders builds character. I do not know if that is true.

[text]

[talkyourwayout]

I bet they do. Adults are always saying how hard work "builds character."

[And, true, he's learned that sometimes that is indeed the case, but...]

I just don't see what life lessons a ladder is going to give me.

[instrumentally]

It will teach you how to climb a ladder.

[talkyourwayout]

I

Sure, yeah. I've climbed a ladder before, though.

video

[epitaffio]

[It's this kid again, huh...?]

I think it's just because that's an old building. These sorts of places usually think tradition is more important than, you know... modern conveniences like that. I'm honestly kind of surprised you can even post from there...

[At least Doppio doesn't seem like he's judging him! Or... thinking much of him one way or another. Or thinking much, period.]

[instrumentally]

Perhaps you might need to practice this skill.

text

[songstressedout]

Well it's a pretty old and traditional building, right? They probably just don't want anything like that there. It wouldn't be very traditional if there was an elevator.

[talkyourwayout]

I don't see why. I don't think me practicing ladder-climbing is going to help me with my training, or any kind of- I don't know. Enlightment or whatever.

[talkyourwayout]

Yeah, I guess so. I just don't see why you can't mix that two!

I don't know if I'm supposed to be posting from here or not. It's not like I thought I needed to ask.

[instrumentally]

It might, if there happen to be other ladders along the way.

Additionally, if it is such a challenge for you, I would be willing to provide some assistance.

text

[talkyourwayout]

Okay, but adding an elevator wouldn't take away all the things that are traditional about the building, would it? And they'd probably get a more people to visit if it weren't for the ladder-climbing.

[Honestly, the points being made about tradition make sense to Louie, but he's also been traveling for two weeks straight. That's new even for his adventure-filled life. Frankly, he's very tired and cranky.]

[talkyourwayout]

...Okay, yeah, I can see that point.

Oh, no, it's okay. I can't go further up until I get the badge here in the city anyway.

[Then why is he complaining? Sometimes he just likes to.]

If you're offering, though, I'm guessing you're in Violet City, too?

[epitaffio]

That's just what it's like in places that are all about tradition, I guess. I kind of get it, I think? When you're used to doing things a certain way, you probably figure you don't need to change.

... Even if it'd make things way easier, like with elevators. Then again, maybe they're afraid of elevators...

[talkyourwayout]

Yeah, people get stuck in there ways, that's true. It's just kind of frustrating.

[Although judging by the yawn that follows, there may be a reason for that frustration, in addition to the lack of convenience.]

Why would someone be afraid of elevators? Afraid of heights, maybe, but that's definitely not the case if they've got this tower set up.

[instrumentally]

Yes. I am staying in the Pokemon Center at the moment.

[video]

[lightningfang]

[Oh, Razor knows this place! That kid is going about it all wrong, though.]

Very many 'mons there! Big fuzzy bats with heart noses. Rats, birds, bears... Lots of ghosts.

You don't climb? Climbing is fun. Jumping from high places, also! Um... But maybe not here... No wings.

Text

[fingersandteeth]

Retrofitting old buildings can get pretty expensive and if they're monks, they might not have the cash. I mean, they are Asian-style monks, so the vow of poverty might not apply, but I can't think any kind of monk would be *rich*.

[talkyourwayout]

Would you want to train with me some? We could battle or, I don't know, whatever else works.

[The kid's been traveling solo the past two months and he's getting a bit lonely, he must admit.]

[talkyourwayout]

There's bears in here...? Weird. And no, climbing is not fun. It's tiring.

You had wings? Where you're from, I mean.

[instrumentally]

I will be there shortly.

[His pokemon are probably a little too high in level to be a fair battle, but maybe they can find some wild pokemon to challenge. Anyway, it takes her about ten or twenty minutes to make her way to Sprout Tower, her Solosis floating behind her like a bubble in a bath tub.]

Text

[talkyourwayout]

Oh, okay, yeah that's true. At least it's a better reason than the tradition thing, even if I wouldn't be surprised if that plays a part, too.

[talkyourwayout]

[Louie gives her a wave in greeting when she arrives, pushing off against the wall he'd been leaning on.]

Hey--

[Oh wait he never did get her name, huh?]

I'm Louie. Thanks for coming by.

[instrumentally]

My name is Rei Ayanami.

[She bows her head in acknowledgement. Mitochondria hovers around, sending along thoughts of Who is this?? Hello stranger!! that only Rei can hear.]

Would you like to begin training?

[talkyourwayout]

[Louie can't help noticing how quiet Rei seems; very to-the-point in what she says. It's not a bad thing, but for a kid who finds comfort in talking, it's a little odd. Still, he smiles and nods at her.]

Yeah, sure. I'll admit, I haven't battled that many other trainers yet, though.

[epitaffio]

Well, they're really small, tight spaces. If you get trapped in an elevator... That's pretty dangerous!

[... He'll probably spare the kid the details of dying of asphyxiation.]