(video)

[grice]

Hi— My name is Falco. That’s Poppie.

[ “poppie” is a proud piplup, and waves a flipper with her chest puffed out when she’s given attention. they seem to be in the room of an inn, resting from plenty of days on the road. the window is open to allow a pidgey on the windowsill, in and out. underneath it are three encased eggs, wrapped in blankets and pillows to keep warm.

the boy, on the other hand, is no older than thirteen. he’s twelve, small and young faced, but bright and enthusiastic after a day’s worth of rest. ]

I’m supposed to be a Breeder, and I wanted to start my first test clutch soon to get an idea on how it works. So— I’d like to know from my elders, or from other Trainers, [ “elders”— don’t hurt him, he’s baby, and he’s trying to be extra respectful, ] what would you say are popular Pokémon to breed? What do you look for the most, or . . . What would you want to see more of?

And, um— does anyone have [ he holds up a journal with the names primeape, zangoose, infernape, lucario, smeargle, though smeargle seems to be underlined in red, ] one of these? I read in the handbook that it’s common to borrow Pokémon for breeding, so— May I borrow one? I can send you an Egg that comes from the clutch as a thank you.

[ well, now with that all said, he bows his head! ]

—Thank you.

Comments

[grice]

Hello.

[ to the man as well as his three pokémon! the piplup with the boy joins in in the waving as well! falco hesitates, and realizes that they’re waiting for more information. oh— ]

Right— I’m looking to breed a fairy type with Close Combat. It’s . . . Supposed to be a gift. Do any of them know that move, Sir?

[insidegalra]

[Thace nods, smiling.]

Ylut certainly does. And Blorfan--

[Here Thace raises an eyebrow at the Smeargle who just makes a paw motion and a (fondly) disgruntled sigh.]

Hasn't settled on which moves to Sketch yet, so technically still could learn it.

A fairy type with Close Combat though; an interesting exercise to tackle. I know that fairy types with the right physique can often pick up punching moves, or things like Break Break and Rock Smash. Azumarill learn Superpower naturally, and several punching moves via other methods, but definitely aren't able to acquire Close Combat. Hm.

[Thace gestures, and Blorfan opens to a new page and starts scribbling out a diagram. It's very complicated.]

Are you thinking of a particular Pokemon to breed with Close Combat? Or just looking for a fairy type that can?

[grice]

[ he learns something new every day, wow. falco's mouth opens and closes; it looks like he wants to answer it, but— ]

I have one in mind— Is this call private, sir? I wouldn't want my friend to see it.

[private and encrypted!]

[insidegalra]

It was not.

[Thace chuckles.] But now it is. Someone would have to be very skilled at de-encrypting to see and hear our conversation now.

Are you planning a surprise for someone? That's the first possibility that comes to mind.

[There are many other reasons to want private conversations, but Thace has come to the realization that most otherworlders don't have the same hard won paranoia that Thace does.]

[grice]

[ well, now he’s just straight up enthusiastic to talk! ]

It’s a gift for my friend. [ all red faced like that, oh yes, “friend”! ] A Snubbull with Close Combat. So it can have— [ what’s the word, ] Good coverage. She seems to like cool Pokémon and battling, and Granbull looks . . . Pretty intimidating, but Snubbull is cute too, and . . .

[ puffing up! ]

I just think it suits her.

[insidegalra]

Ah, then we don't need to look at other possibilities.

[That is totally a knowing smile on his face. Thace looks at the Lucario, who nods.]

Ylut and I are happy to help you. Do you have a Snubbull already?

[grice]

[ !!! ah, excitement! ]

I do! Her name's Cherry.

[ now, where was cherry . . . falco turns the camera, and a pink little thing with a mean-looking glare is hiding right behind the bed frame. ]

—I think she's shy.

[insidegalra]

[Thace smiles softly at the Snubbull, then turns to Blorfan. A series of signs pass between them.]

Ylut is female, but Blorfan has agreed to sketch Close Combat from her if Cherry finds him a suitable partner for eggs.

[grice]

[ the boy's face absolutely lights up. he'd wanted to keep some offspring for himself, so the first clutch size might become heavily limited to sell off. thace has made his day.

oh, but first . . . he did need to check on cherry. ]

Cherry? Don't you want to come see? [ she probably does. she does, for the record. falco is gentle and patient, though, coaxing her once and waiting. she's not coming yet . . . ] Sir, that'd be— I'd be really grateful. Would you like an Egg from the clutch, since you'd be helping?

[ something pink has popped part of her ear onto the screen and is slowly bringing a single eye into view— ]

[insidegalra]

I don't have a Snubbull in my family yet, but I don't mind, should you not have enough eggs.

[Thace is smiling gently.] And feel free to ask, if you need or want further assistance. One of my first companions here was a breeder, and my family and I enjoyed helping her.

[grice]

Thank you very much, sir. I'll contact you as soon as I have some news. You can choose an egg, since— I'll only really need one.

[insidegalra]

We will take the best care of the little one, won't we?

[Thace is half saying that to Falco, and half to the little Happiny, who's apparently done with picking Berries and climbing into a pouch that Thace has affixed to the sling over his chest. Overall it looks not unlike the way she herself has a stone in her pouch, or a Chansey or Blissey carry eggs.]
~iny~~!

We'll await your contact. But first, where are you located right now so that Blorfan can join you temporarily?

[grice]

[ falco eyes the little happiny— with a warm, expecting grin. he has an egg that should hatch one. reading about the caring blissey line after encountering them in pokemon centers had him do some research and decide to have one on his team. it'd definitely help him take care of everything. ]

Oh— [ attention! right! ] I'm in Ecruteak, sir.

[insidegalra]

[Thace smiles]

Excellent. I make my home in Goldenrod, so it will only be a single warp. Do you have a timetable in mind, or would you like to start immediately.

[Thace pauses for a moment.] Also, would you be interested in any Berry plants? My family got very... [he chuckles] enthusiastic while tending to our garden during everyone's recent unexpected trip to Hisui and I will need to prune and repot quite a few plants so everything can flourish.

[grice]

If I could start . . . [ falco nods. ] I think I'm ready.

[ now is the best time to do anything! ]

I'd love some berries too, if that'd help.

[insidegalra]

[There's a quick conversation of signs and Thace turns back to the camera.]

Alright, Blorfan will need a little time to sketch moves, but he estimates it won't take long, now that picking one move narrows down his choices. Why don't we meet at the Pokemon Center in Ecruteak in two hours?

We'll bring a selection of potted Berries with us too.

[grice]

Of course— I can’t wait.

[ ecruteak pokemon center, two hours . . . well, he should start getting ready! he waves! ]

We’ll see you all soon!

[insidegalra]

We look forward to it.

[And with that, Thace signs off. He ends up early at the Pokecenter, but is more than content with waiting, even if the Nurse Joy is eyeing the potted Berry plants with concern. Possibly more because of all the very interested Pokemon than the plants themselves.]

[grice]

[ the one thing that falco would like to make a habit of is always healing his pokemon to full health— all except, perhaps, poppie, the young nanny of the team. she’s first on the scene boldly happening upon thace’s feet with twinkling eyes set on her favorite fruit: oran berries.

you can’t resist her. she is owner. her flippers rise in a clear “give me” gesture, but other nearby interested pokemon may offer a stink eye or two. the nerve of some penguins! ]

Mister Thace!

[ a boy sounds off not too far behind her. ]

[insidegalra]

[Thace laughs and places the Oran plant pot on the ground for Poppy.]

Here you are, little one. Take good care of it and you will have Berries season after season.

[Thace then stands up and waves a hand at Falco.]

It's good to see you in person.

[grice]

[ piplup are proud little things that aren't exactly known to accept food like this— but this is different. clearly, poppie has already been told through her selective hearing that their little posse have already claimed ownership since the dawn of time. she is not accepting a gift. those have always been hers.

so thank you, sir, for returning them to their rightful owners. poppie claims the berries with pride! ]

You too, Mister Thace. [ the boy bounds up and eagerly dips his head to acknowledge the older man. ] Thank you, for the berries. Poppie loves them.

[ she just stink eyes for a split second at the "thank you" . . . there should be no thanking here, boy. ]