victory_road | second draw (video)

[ Kaiba's sitting out by the lake in Violet City, his small Horsea swimming and playing with a Magikarp, an Alolan Raichu, and a Hisuian Goodra. It's a happy scene, but their Trainer's still frowning a little. ]

I'm getting ready to challenge my first gym once Mizuchi evolves, and I've been working and studying here in Violet for the last week or so. I believe I understand the basic strategy, and I'll give it a few days to scrape together enough to buy a TM or two, but I have a few questions:

[ He takes a deep breath. If you thought these questions would be about Pokémon training, you'd be mistaken. ]

Why am I still considered a minor by this world's labor laws? I run my own corporate empire at home, and I regularly work at least 60 hours a week. To suggest I can't handle more than 20 hours of fetching, filing, or cashiering is insulting.

[ A small Meowth bounds up and mugs for the camera. He sighs and gently skritches behind its ears. ]

So in search of alternatives, I've read about Pay Day. Sliver here hasn't mastered it yet, but it makes no sense. How does this cat magically summon legal currency, and how has it not cratered this world's economy by doing so? You can't just print money, it devalues it. Unless it somehow creates productivity by doing so...or the move somehow steals someone else's money. Does it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Marik lets out a soft airy chuckle.]

You're fine. This place is... much more lax with things than back home so... it gets you to lower your guard. Trust me, I understand completely. It's been a while since I've done anything big involving money. Let alone without... certain aspects in my mind. I got panicky. You were in the right. The more information we have, the better. I should have realized that.

[He gets up and moves to sit down next to Kaiba, offering a small smile.]

I've got a decent amount saved, I think. Why don't we get a room at the inn for the night before you battle? We could both use it and a proper bath or shower too.

I'd like that.

[ He smiles, and now that all seem well, King picks up Mizuchi and wanders over, and Filet trails behind them. Guess it's lunch time. He digs into his pack and starts passing out the food. ]

I'm still struggling to adapt too. That people aren't out to get me...guess it helps that I'm not a lucrative target anymore, huh.

[The blonde just watches in amazement as the Magikarp flops after his trainer. He's... really glad his is in his inbox. Marik gets back up to go over to his bag but doesn't get anything out of it, instead just watching as Chen floats over to hand him his cards, Usi and Bahiti following.]

Thank you.

[He tucks the deck box into his pack.]

Yeah. It is... weird not being known at all. I don't mind it. Just... wish I had my funds. I should look into buying more cooking ware and ingredients for us.

[Marik scoops up Chenzira, who hangs like a pleased ragdoll in his arms.]

What day are you thinking of taking on the gym?

...Filet, you can stay in the water. It's fine.

[ Seto shifts his picnic arrangement to be closer to the lake's edge and gently picks the Magikarp up, setting him in the shallows. He can still eat from there, it's fine. Sliver follows after Marik's team, curiously sniffing around before he settles next to Seto once more. ]

It all depends on Mizuchi. She has the moves, but I'm waiting for her to evolve to stand a better chance...maybe in a few days.

[ King and Mizuchi finally settle next to him, and he reaches over to scoop up his little seahorse and feed her some extra. ]

But I'm not rushing you, all right? I want to make sure you're ready to make a strong impression.

[The rest of Marik's team joins Kaiba's by the lake's edge. The Egyptian sets Chenzira over his shoulder and organizes the contents of his pack for a bit, making sure his deckbox and the mask polish are safely stored.]

Hm? Oh, no. Not at all. I'm... I don't think I'm ready to take on the gym, honestly.

[He smiles sadly before standing back up.]

Mine are about the same level as Falkner's right now. You've... absolutely surpassed me on that front. Even if Mizuchi doesn't evolve, you'll have no trouble beating him. We'll probably be here for another month before I think my team or myself are ready.

I said I didn't want to hold you back. I was only interested in beating the gym anyways for the HM.

[Chenzira shares his trainer's expression. Marik has never pushed him to battle, not unless he was ready. He still isn't fully comfortable with it but... this is something important to him so... he just needs to be brave and train more! The Yamask utters a few noises. Marik looks down at him.]

What? No. I'm not going to push you like that. I know you're uncomfortable with battling. Challenging a gym is a big thing.

[Chen sinks a bit.]

[ Kaiba just smiles and shakes his head. ]

We can always come back. Even if it takes a while to be able to Fly, we can use the teleporters after we travel on foot. And traveling will give us access to more variety in the team.

[ He glances at Chenzira and thinks for a moment. Battling is scary...but it seems the little guy wants to try! He's not his trainer, but maybe he can help...so he shifts forward a little so the Yamask can see him. ]

Right, it's up to you...but my team can help you train if you want to try. Don't worry, King can take plenty of hits. He'll just defend if you want to practice your moves.

[ King leans over to chorus a happy yes. ]

[Marik takes a moment to consider the offer.]

Hm. Alright. I'll hold off on challenging the gyms then. It's for the best anyways. This way I can learn more about each gym and what strategies I should be using well ahead of time.

[He's always been one for planning the long game anyways with that sort of stuff.

Chenzira looks down at Kaiba from his spot in Marik's arms and his expression turns to hope. The Egyptian notices the shift in his pokémon's mood, managing a smile. This is the first time he's seen the Yamask seem certain about something.]

You don't need my permission, Chen. If that's what you want, that's what we'll do.

[Chenzira puffs up a bit and pumps his fist. L-Let's do this! He'll get strong for Marik! Marik's smile widens.]

Looks like he's for it. ... I promise I'll repay you somehow for helping Chenzira, Kaiba.

[ Kaiba smiles a little. For as long as he's known Chenzira (not long), the little Yamask has seemed so timid. But the little ghost wants to push further and help his Trainer, and Kaiba's thrilled to support that. ]

It won't be easy, but we'll take care of you, all right? You'll get to the top.

[ His team seems to agree! Little Mizuchi even flies over to cheer for Chenzira. Smiling, Kaiba shifts his attention back to Marik. ]

All I expect from you is that you put your all into his training too. He'll be relying on you.

[Chenzira nods and lets out a determined little howl. H-He can do this! Everyone's rooting for him! So he'll make them all proud!

Marik feels... strangely relieved. Obviously he's still concerned for his Yamask and will always worry over the smallest things with him but... it feels like something has finally shifted. Chen's ready to move forward.

He nods to Kaiba with a look of determination.]

Of course. I've been far too... docile since coming here. I need to sharpen my edges again. Chen's trying to better himself for me so I'll better myself for him.

[He manages to hold Chenzira in one arm, holding out the other in offer of a handshake.

Heh. Just like their truce back when Kaiba first arrived...]

[ He's so glad to see Chenzira's determination. He's going to go far. And Kaiba will help him get there.

And they'll shake on it, again. They're together on the road to glory now. ]

I'll hold you to that.

second draw (video)

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