Video

[crystalmaster]

[Radley is sitting and writing at his kitchen table. Behind him, a window is half-open with the curtains blowing in the gentle breeze.]

So I've been wanting to organize a bi-weekly or monthly Duel Monsters get-together. I thought it would be nice for all of us who know about the Duel Monsters card game to get to know each other more, and to share the game with others here who might be interested. I talked it over with Marik months ago and was going to introduce it in July, but ... yeah, that didn't work out. I'm thinking now that with the hype of the upcoming tournament, it would probably be better to wait until that's over to start having the get-togethers, unless anyone would like to have at least one of them this month? I was just planning on casual games and socializing here at my restaurant in Goldenrod, nothing seriously competitive. Of course I'm sure at least some of you will want that at some point. [He smirks.] So if the get-together goes well, maybe sometime in the future I'll consider holding a mini tournament....

[He is suddenly interrupted by a wild Eevee jumping through the window. She lands on his shoulder, rubs against his head, and drops into his lap to keep cuddling. He laughs in bewildered shock.]

What the ... ?! Where did you come from?!

[Some of his Pokemon enter the video, bewildered as well. "Vee?!" Evie exclaims.

The wild Eevee keeps snuggling close, apparently with no intention of moving any time soon. Radley holds her, shaking his head in amusement.]

I don't even know this sweetheart. I have no idea why she randomly jumped through my window instead of someone else's, but I think she's decided she's adopting me?


((I was told this adorable story of a dog who basically did this and another about a kitty and I desperately wanted to incorporate it into Radley's story. I hope that's okay. He's only encountered two other Eevees in the wild, but he breeds them, so he has quite a few from that. I try to give him some variety in what else he has, and I think he's going to end up with six more cats very soon from unclaimed hatching eggs, but I really wanted it to be an Eevee claiming him this way.))

Comments

[scalpelofmarmora]

I think that your place has more space so it might be easier if I come over to your place. Mine certainly wouldn't mind.

[crystalmaster]

Sure! That would be great.

[The Pokemon wandering into the room chorus happily.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Shall do it now? Or would another time be better?

[Ulaz's Pokemon are also making a lot of noise too]

[crystalmaster]

We can definitely do it now.

[The Pokemon exclaim in glee.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Of course. I will put the rest of the team away and we will be right over.

[And he will soon be heading over with his Mightyena, Hisuian Zorua, Espurr, Eevee, Alolan Vulpix, and Spheal in tow. Irkut the Espurr got to ride in the backpack while Ulaz carried Jaxu. He arrived at the door and Primdes immediately started calling out. Who needed doorbells here?]

[crystalmaster]

[The Eevees and Skitty start calling out in response. Radley threads his way through them and opens the door.]

Hi!

[The youngest Eevees start dancing around, as do some of the older ones. Scotch is especially thrilled for new company to play with.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Quite the greeting. But I'm sure mine would do the same if you came to visit. Hello.

[Foudre, Primdes, Venthri, and Trunti all approached immediately. Trunti definitely seemed less shy than she did before, following the others easily. Ulaz put Jaxu down first before kneeling so Irkut could get out of the pack. Irkut squeaked and followed after the group as fast he could, Jaxu waiting for him even if no one else did]

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, they always get excited for company, but especially when it's friends.

[And o course, if it's people who aren't friends yet, like customers, Evie hope they will be!

The Eevees rush over, Cuddles and Elliott and Harley following soon after. Cosmo moves to Jaxu.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Mine do as well. They enjoy coming over.

[There was a general chorus of agreement at that from Ulaz's Pokeman. They did enjoy coming over.

Irkut squeaks in greeting as everyone comes over, the rest of his "family" waiting for him, which was fine since Radley's Espurr was probably speed limited as well. Jaxu greets Cosmo specifically since she had come back over to him]

[crystalmaster]

I'm glad. We're always happy to see all of you.

[Elliott is toddling quite a bit. Cuddles too since her legs are small.

Cosmo smiles. She's definitely feeling a little braver, at least around these friends.]

So, can I get you anything to eat?

[scalpelofmarmora]

And we are happy to see you.

[So much toddling. Foudre had the biggest advantage, now having long legs and being made for speed. Jaxu wasn't very fast either... on flat ground. He was very fast going down a hill. Bet was pretty fast too, but he was currently in the pokeball.

Jaxu was glad to see her being a bit braver. He'll look after Cosmo]

I would. Thank you.

[crystalmaster]

Anything in particular?

[Radley went around to the kitchen counter. Harley flew past overhead, supervising the game with a loud call.]

Whoa!

[He chuckled.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

Nothing in particular. Whatever you wish to make.

[He glanced up as Harley went through]

A new friend?

[crystalmaster]

Okay! I'll do one of my favorites.

[He set about preparing to make burritos.]

Harley's been here quite a while, but she's decided she's supervising the household, so she's pretty busy. Aside from this new cutie Ruby, the most recent ones are Scotch, Billie, and Levi.

[He points to three of the Eevees.]

And Virgil and Jimmy, but they're outside in the pond. They're Magikarp.

[scalpelofmarmora]

Thank you. I still am not good with human foods.

[The curse of having been another race before coming here]

I see. Occasionally Bet tries, but it is harder with Foudre as she wants to be in charge as well. You have quite a collection. I think I'll have to collect some others. I wanted to spend some time training the ones I have first.

[He paused for a moment, glancing at his party]

Foudre. Would you come back? You can return later.

[Foudre debated, but went back into her pokeball, which allowed Ulaz to bring out Bet's pokeball, the Corvisquire coming out. A friend for Harley?]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley chuckles at that description of things.]

Uh oh. Do they have any sibling rivalry going on?

[He nods.]

I've got a lot of possible couples for breeding now. Although some are still too young, and that's fine.

[He looks at Bet in surprise. So this is what it will be like when Harley evolves....]

Hi, Bet. Do you manage okay having Bet in the house still?

[He remembers them talking about that.

Harley chirps up an excited conversation.]

[scalpelofmarmora]

In a way. Foudre was the first so she believes she is in charge. It is also the nature of her type as I understand it. It is also the nature of Bet's type to be a bit more pushy so they clash. At least Sninguv is more willing to follow along.

[Otherwise there would be three who wanted to be in charge]

I'm sure I will at some point.

[Primdes and Vethri were definitely rather close, but they were still on the younger side.

Bet perched on the floor, replying to Radley in greeting before chatting with Harley]

It is a bit tight and he can no longer use his tree as easily, but we manage.

[crystalmaster]

That sounds like it's probably a headache sometimes.

[He smiles.]

Cool. Breeding has been interesting and surprising, but enjoyable too.

[He pats Harley as she lands.]

That's good it's still working out. Hopefully our house will be finished soon and then we can live there with more space than there is here in the restaurant.

[scalpelofmarmora]

It is, but it is still not as bad as those of my race behaved around each other.

I'm sure that it would be. Hopefully soon.

[Bet walked over to Ulaz, settling down next to him. He was definitely a large bird and not as large as he was going to be]

Hopefully, soon. I should consider something like that as well.

[crystalmaster]

[Radley winces.]

They didn't get along?

[He nods.]

Getting a house would probably be a good idea. I see some nice ones here in town.

[scalpelofmarmora]

We became a very militaristic race. Moreover, they would fight each other for the best assignments. Many died needlessly. When I was undercover in the military, I had to keep from doing anything even remotely questionable as that would make others target me.

[Bet made a sound, looking up at him. Ulaz gave him another pat]

I will have to take a look. The city is more convenient, but now that some of Pokemon are evolving and becoming larger, it is not as good for them.

[crystalmaster]

That sounds like a pain.

[To say the least.]

I had some times like that back home. I couldn't give any indication I was ever going against the rules my rival set up that we had to follow.

[He would be sad for Ulaz to leave Goldenrod.]

You'd think there'd be people who want their Pokemon in the house with them and buildings to accommodate that....

[scalpelofmarmora]

It is. My kind were not well liked, even among each other.

I see. That is quite difficult. I understand it well. You have to play by the rules and break them when they are not aware of it.

[He really does not wish to leave, but he would have to find a property large enough for it]

I'd think so too. At least my party is not so large as others. There is no Onix for example.

[crystalmaster]

That unfortunately goes on with humans too.

[He nods wearily.]

We weren't even supposed to leave town. I snuck out a couple of times late at night to get supplies from the City nearby.

[He smirks a bit.]

That definitely helps, I'd think.

[scalpelofmarmora]

It is good that you did. Supplies are important. But certainly makes things more difficult for others.

[He patted Bet again]

I think Bet is currently the one that will be the largest of my group. The second largest would be Srel, but I think I will try to keep Srel as he is.

[Not because he had any real attachment to Srel being a Stufful, but because he had read information about Stufful's evolved form and he would much rather deal with Srel as a Stufful considering Bewear was actually rather dangerous, even when trying to be friendly]