[video]

[beastofasister]

Look, isn't he cute?

[The speaker is off-screen, leaving the viewer an unobstructed view of the 'he" in question: a Woobat, a tuft of hair tied up on the top of its head with a Bellsprout-themed ribbon.

Manaka is in Violet City, and she'll be damned if she doesn't use her time outside Goldenrod to buy cutesy touristy accessories and put them on her Pokémon.

Despite Manaka's bubbly enthusiasm, the Woobat seems flustered by the attention, tucking its head down and covering its face with its wings. Manaka giggles, and then the view spins. When it comes to a stop again, Manaka is beside her Pokémon, affectionately bumping her cheek against its.]

If I haven't spoken to you before, my name is Manaka! I still haven't been here for very long, I don't think, so I wanted to ask everyone something: Out of all the Pokémon you personally have, which one do you think is your cutest? And if you have any fun pictures or stories about them, you should definitely share those, too!

Comments

[beastofasister]

Mm, it's true! It's not an easy question. But... [Manaka makes a show of looking around, then leans closer to the camera, lifting a finger to her lips as she stage whispers:] Whatever you answer, I promise I won't tell!

[So he doesn't have to worry about any of his Pokémon getting jealous. ♥]

[modulatingphases]

[He lets out a soft laugh at her actions before glancing around himself.]

Well, between you and me...

[There's a bit of shuffling before he holds up one very annoyed Ninetales.]

I'm pretty fond of her.

[beastofasister]

Oh! [Manaka's expression absolutely lights up at the sight of her.] She's so pretty! How did you meet her?

[modulatingphases]

[Almost instantly Angel goes from annoyed to practically preening at the compliment, making happy little sounds in way of thanks.]

She was my starter. Guess that's why she's so special to me.

What about you? How'd you meet that handsome little fellow?

[beastofasister]

[Manaka giggles at the Ninetales' reaction, tilting her head and leaning aside like it'll help her get a better look. When Zack speaks again, though, her gaze lifts back to his face.]

Mm, that makes sense! [She was hoping he could tell her where to catch one of her own, but the pang of disappointment does nothing to dim her sunny disposition.] It's natural to be biased toward your first. I am, too!

Oh, me? [Idly, she sets a hand on the top of Mochi's head, fluffing his fur with her fingertips.] I was minding my own business, and he flew right into me! I still don't know where he came from, since I've never run into another one like him. But he was all dizzy and confused afterward, so I decided I should take responsibility.

[None of that is true, but she can't exactly say that Team Rocket gave him to her along with her starter. The lie comes out smoothly, Manaka's smile unfaltering as she spins the tale.]