blue_ice: (asking questions)
Seto Kaiba ([personal profile] blue_ice) wrote in [community profile] victory_road2022-09-07 08:04 pm

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?
thetombkeeper: (085)

action;

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-09-09 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]
thetombkeeper: (172)

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[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-09-09 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[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.
thetombkeeper: (002)

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[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-09-11 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
[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...]