victory_road | [Closed Log]

Entry tags:

[Closed Log]

Who: Shrike, Sandalphon, Dimitri, and Ryner
Where: Resort Gorgeous
When: Last week of August
Summary: Jirachi gave Shrike some very nice resort vouchers to share with his friends!
Rating: G, probably?
Log:

The whole wishing thing had been a neat idea, but Shrike hadn't expected anything to come of it, and definitely not what actually did. Still, he's not the type to waste a gift, so after some coordination (probably not without a bit of help) here he is, and here are Sandalphon, Dimitri, and Ryner.

The only person who knows everyone else well is, well, Shrike. Hopefully this won't be too awkward?

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Considering Shrike's circumstances as Dimitri knows them, he takes that opinion with a very small pinch of salt. Not that he thinks Shrike hates it, of course, but thinking something looks nice is, well... Everything can look nice when your circumstances were so miserable.

"But is that the one you want?" he prompts. "There are other patterns and colors too, it seems!"

"... Um."

That was not a question Shrike had expected, and it leaves him the tiniest bit flustered as he hadn't even thought that much about it.

"I guess they're all nice...?"

That wasn't the question, Shrike.

"They are," Dimitri agrees readily enough, both because it's true and also because they're right in front of the cashier. It would be rather... impolite to just stand there, insulting any of them.

"But it can be your pick, Shrike, so is there one in particular which catches your attention?"

Well, now Shrike has to take a moment to properly look over them all, rather than just boggle vaguely in their direction. That said, while they all really are nice in their own ways, he can't really deny the appeal and appropriateness of the fish Pokémon one for something meant to be used by the sea.

"Um, I guess... that one does look like it's supposed to be used where there's water?"

Honestly, any Pokémon designs in general probably appeal to him, but one has to arbitrarily pick something to go with eventually.

Well, it's certainly at least a choice! Dimitri nods, reaching in for his Gear - thank goodness he's made it habit to always have it on him now, in no small part thanks to Dean. "Then we will have that one," he tells the cashier happily. "Oh - unless you wanted to pay, Shrike?"

He'd started to pay out of habit, since he's quite happy to be back to paying for his own things instead of having Felix take care of it all while he'd been saving up for a land of their own.... But he shouldn't just suppose, he.... supposes.

"... Ah."

That's the sound of a kid who did not think to bring money or other means of payment with him when heading out to the beach.

"Umm, if you get it, I can give you the money for it later?"

Shrike still dislikes feeling like he owes someone, after all.

"Of course." Understanding this point, Dimitri nods, and hands his payment over to the cashier. Still... "You know, since we will both be using it together, would you like to split the cost in two? It may work out well for both of us."

"Oh."

That definitely hadn't occurred to Shrike before!

Granted, he's not really been in situations where it would be relevant before. (And it definitely does not occur to him that it might also be Dimitri's way of insisting on paying something without Shrike feeling he owes him for it.)

"I guess so?"

Listen, it is only fair that things are split between them when they are both going to use it! Dimitri feels this is very sensible and financially responsible. So Dimitri is quite happy as he exchanges payment, and then picks up the ball.

"Then we are all set! Have you visited the beach very often yet, or gotten a good look? I have not the slightest where a good spot for our game would be."

Probably not, if he knows Shrike, but... Dimitri is trying not to make assumptions.

"I haven't seen it all yet no..."

As probably evidenced by how nervous he was at the outset. But maybe the can explore together, or something.

"Then we can go together." Works for Dimitri, after all! So he takes off, making sure to keep his strides short enough that it's not a bother to Shrike.

There are plenty of wonderful beaches full of golden sand... but, being so near to the boardwalk areas, they also tend to be the place where many people go to spend all their time. So Dimitri cranes his neck, trying to find somewhere a little more secluded.

"Do you think your Paliens would be able to sniff out a fine spot for us...? Perhaps some of your fliers, even. I imagine the view they would get here would be fantastic."

"Oh. Maybe..."

Hang on, give him a moment or two to think about that. Then he apparently has an idea, because he digs out one of his balls to call out... the Golisopod? Huh. Interesting choice!

"Can you find a quiet place that's good for swimming, Scurrier?"

The large bug just nods and is swiftly on his way, making it clear just how he got the name. Now it's just a matter of waiting a bit... and the question of whether Shrike will think to explain his reasoning.

(Spoilers: he won't.)

For such a large bug, that certainly is an interesting way of moving! Dimitri waits a moment for Shrike to say where Scurrier is going, or how long he will be gone...

...And then Shrike sure doesn't do that!

It occurs to Dimitri to do more speaking than waiting. "Is Scurrier good at finding places that are nice and quiet?" he finally asks.

Someday Shrike will figure out all these social nuance things. Someday.

"Oh, he liked to hide a lot when he was smaller, and he likes water. So he can find out if it's calm water or not."

Shrike might not know what a riptide is, but he's familiar with how deceptively calm fast-moving streams can look from above. But a Pokemon that likes out of the way, presumably quiet places near water to hide? That seemed like a good one to send out looking.

Someday, perhaps with a bit of Dimitri's help. As it is, for right now, he just nods along with the reasoning as it's presented to him. He is vaguely familiar with that kind of Pokemon, but only so much so, honestly.

"I see... Then he really is the best suited for such a task. I was wondering, since you simply released him without much explanation. You are quite thoughtful and clever, Shrike!"

Oh boy, does Shrike not know what to say to that praise.

"I, u-uh. ... You think so...?"

The kid sure does get flustered over a simple compliment.

Really now... Dimitri chuckles, looking down to him. "Of course. I would not give out praise if I did not think you had earned it. You have many strong points, Shrike, which you seem to not realize."

Huh. He tilts his head to the side, considering some things. "What would you say your strong points are?"

If the previous compliment flustered him, the question now puzzles him.

"What do you mean?"

He's pretty sure Dimitri isn't talking about being physically strong. Probably.

"I mean... What do you think are your best qualities?" Dimitri tries again.

"Some find themselves to be particularly clever when it comes to schemes or how to fool other people. Others believe themselves to be a quick study with different weapons, or that they are quite patient. What of you?"

"... Um."

That's kind of a hard question. Even after all the time he's been in this world, Shrike still isn't used to thinking much of himself in a positive light.

"I guess I do good with Pokémon battles?" He's never had any troubles with the gyms, at least. "Oh, and Ryner keeps saying I'm good at magecraft..."

Or, well, the theory and such, as much as can be discussed outside of the weird weekends.

At least Shrike is able to offer up something, honestly. Dimitri has to say that's pretty good, all things considering. Especially with how withdrawn that Shrike is.

"Well, if someone such as Ryner says it, then I am inclined to believe it," Dimitri says, before beaming. "I never quite took to magics, you know! That you could do it at all is very incredible in my eyes."

It helps that Shrike not only helped give suggestions to take on a powerful Alpha Pokémon while they were all stuck in Hisui, but people actually listened to them. And it worked. So he has to admit he has some knowhow, at least.

"Really? It's just following the instructions right though?"

He doesn't have any clue how difficult that kind of fine precision can focus can be for people, clearly. Let alone the fact that improvising spells as he's done is a whole other level entirely...

What a wonderfully simple view of things, and yet perfect for someone so good at it. Dimitri shakes his head, although he's still smiling.

"There are a great many things which could be described as just following instructions, and yet life is not as often simple as that. For example..." Dimitri curls his fingers thoughtfully at his chin. "If I only gave you the instructions on how to wield a lance, or do complicated maneuvers with them... Do you think you would be able to do that?"

"Um, I don't know. Isn't that a weapon?"

He's never tried, and given his aversion to violence he isn't especially inclined to.

A nod of his head. "Yes - a lance is a type of polearm, meaning it is a blade of some sort on the end of a long stick.

"Excellent for cavalry riders... Or those wanting to force riders off their mounts."

Don't mind him, he just... knows so much about combat.

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