victory_road | 014

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014 - video

[A tournament is happening. So you would think that Dimitri would be spending a non-inconsiderable amount of time going over his strategy with his team, and agonizing over what moves to use, and when, and all of that.]

[Instead, he is showing up on the network.... camera just a little too close to his face as he starts up the video, but, listen, his thumb isn't on the lens this time, it's fine. He pulls away when he realizes the recording light is on.]

So, some of you may have had the opportunity to meet my Hisuian Zoroark, Mononoke. [He... is pretty sure he's said that right, Mononoke has bitten him when he hasn't.] As is apparently common in his type, he has been known to play... tricks, on occasion.

...And walk around in an illusion using something similar to my own appearance.

[Dimitri, could you sound a little more concerned about that...]

His mischievous ways, along with his rather proud nature, have made him occasionally difficult to keep a handle on, especially when I am not personally there to watch over him. Hafren, my Alolan Marowak, has had an effect on him, but only to some degree...

But it seems as though I have managed to find a way to calm him down!

[And with that, the camera fumbles a bit as Dimitri turns it around.... and steadies it on the sight of his Zoroark in question.]

[To be exact, his Zoroark seated on the grass outside somewhere while a large Hisuian Typhlosion just... patiently licks at his mane. In front of him, what must be Hafren the Marowak is doing a little dance, her bone club burning with that strange green fire.]

[Mononoke seems completely zoned out. Like a cat that's just... had so much nip. The normally thin pupils are just blown right out.]

[Dimitri, at least, sounds cheerful.]

This is the most calm he's ever been!

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Then you must have found the right combination to make Mononoke completely docile. Maybe it's similar to how a mother cat would lick her children clean?

[A pause.]

You said he's able to shapeshift and even mimic human form?

Perhaps... Certainly Twyi is a very warm and reassuring presence.

[And honestly, ghost types are fucking weird, Dimitri isn't sure how to solve this mystery.]

Ah, yes - they are illusions. Zorua, their young and pre-evolved stage, are capable of some minor ones, but... Zoroark seem to have a far better aptitude, or perhaps more reserves of power, to make more complex things.

It is actually rather impressive... or it would be if he were not using it for mischief.

[Ghost types are weird and Marik loves them.]

Huh... That's interesting. I had no idea pokémon were capable of that, illusion or not. My Duskull's capable of sort of mimicking voices but to take on the form of something is really impressive. ... Even if it's for mischief.

[He remembers Loki having a Hisui Zorua. What a fitting starter for him.]

Are they capable of disguising their voices as well? Or capable of speech at all?

Oh, yes - or at least Mononoke is also quite adept at it. And, while it is not exactly the same, I have found that a few Psychic types are capable of communicating in their own ways, although not... aloud.

[Which can be a really disconcerting sensation]

[...Unless you are prone to auditory hallucinations already]

[In which case it has the potential of starting an anxiety attack at the very least, but that's why Dimitri's psychic types mostly refrain and instead just eat his dreams.]

[anyway]

I've found that Mononoke has quite a talent for changing his voice, although I would not necessarily this is always a good thing... But the others seem to delight in having him narrate things for them if they can merely get him to cooperate.

That's both terrifying and impressive. Pokémon really are full of surprises, aren't they? Just when you think you've mostly figured them out, they throw you another curve ball.

[He taps his finger against his necklace in thought.]

Huh... If Mononoke's left unchecked, do you think he could be legitimately dangerously or just keep it to light mischief?

Oh, yes, he has quite a bit of hatred laying within him.

[....Just going to say that really casually, are we, Dimitri.]

Of course, in many instances, I do not get the impression he feels the... need to do it, especially to most. Rather, he would prefer other people to simply suffer in different ways. I wonder if that has anything to do with the nature of this place...

At any rate, it is mainly thanks to Hafren that he has in the past been so well behaved. She has a way with... that particular typing, amongst a few others, and so he has not caused as many problems as he might otherwise.

Of course, I at times do my best to watch him, and he seems to do well then... Although he still seems inclined to picking fights like that. With my face...

It seems that he only needed one more minder to calm down!

[If ever there was a person to say it so casually to, it's Marik. He lets a bit of dark curiosity out in his expression but otherwise he just seems unphased.]

I have a Duskull who acts similar. I've debated letting him go just because he seems... unhappy. Restless, you know? I bested his challenge but I feel that's the only reason he let me capture him.

Is Mononoke your starter?

No... He is actually one of my latest companions. I did not intend to make him a part of my team, actually, not initially. He came as a part of a strange swarm - one which we now know the cause of, with that strange scholar who dragged us all back into Johto's past.

[Thanks, you absolute mess of a scientist]

There was an entire pack of Zorua who I ran into, and they were only quelled by the dancing of Hafren, although they soon began to mimic her appearance and the dance steps themselves. After I managed to ply them with food, most left... Save for Mononoke, who instead had taken on my appearance during the meal instead of staying with Hafren's appearance or even his own.

I thought he merely wanted to stick around because of her, although I had some faint hopes that he might be fond of me as well.

...Of course, then he robbed people of their wallets during a party and spent the funds gambling while using my appearance, so I do have to wonder sometimes if I simply make it easier for him to cause problems.

[Marik pinches the bridge of his nose at the mention of Cara. Her. But as Dimitri continues to describe his little hellion, the teen can't help but cackle.

For some reason, he's briefly reminded of a certain Spirit from back home. That would be the perfect pokémon for him.]

Hahahaha...! I-I'm sorry, Dimitri. I know that's a serious problem but it's... oh, that's just too good!

[He carefully dabs the corner of his eye so as to not mess up his makeup. Hoo. That was fun.]

[But in all seriousness, Marik clears his throat before he continues speaking although he still looks amused.]

... If you'd like, I could have Chenzira try and talk to him to see why he acts out that way?

[Dimitri sort of wants to be offended there, but, well... He supposes it is a rather outrageous tale, in the end. He cannot front Marik that. All he can do is sigh.]

Well, I have my guesses on his temperament and reasoning, but... Well, he is capable of speech, but he has not been inclined to speaking of it to me, if that makes sense.

Still, if you think that Chenzira could be persuasive enough...

[In the third person, it's hilarious. Marik would never want to deal with it personally of course.

The teen looks off screen at Chen.]

Hm... He's... Maybe he's not a good fit.

[He's protective of his baby.]

I can't understand Usi, my Haunter, as clearly but he's a good pick. He's far more mischievous. They might feel like kindred spirits.

[A pause.]

But it's probably best to wait on that for now. If Mononoke is calm for a change, I don't want to disturb that.

Indeed... He seems to be at least at ease. I will see how he feels about speaking to another once the three of them are done.

[Doing... what? Do not ask him. He is not sure. Hafren is dancing and that's all he can really say about anything.]

I do wish to thank you for the answer, of course. It is very kind of you.

Ah-

[It's still weird hearing those words, even after being here for a few months now. Especially being called kind of all things.]

Y-Yeah. It's no problem at all. Just send me a message whenever you're ready.

Of course. Although.... I wonder if they would do well over the Gear, or prefer something more face to face.

I do not suppose you know if yours has a preference? I feel it may help to plan such things ahead of time, especially for something so...

...Personal, I suppose it could be called?

[Since it's very clearly going to address Mononoke's issues.]

That's a good point. It might be better in person...

[He looks off screen - although a big ol' Haunter hand reaches in and ruffles Marik's already crazy hair.]

... Yeah, okay. Usi doesn't have a preference.

[He attempts to smooth out his hair. It doesn't work.]

Hmm... Kaiba and I will be in Goldenrod for the rest of the month until that tournament takes place, then we'll be heading to Viridian to watch. Do either of those work for you?

Oh, yes! That would work out quite well. And Mononoke tends to stick near to me when we travel for a particular event... although I admit that it would be more accurate to say that I rather insist upon it myself.

[Gotta keep the problem fox out of trouble.]

I have been to Viridian a bit myself, so perhaps I could find a nice place for us to meet. Do you have a particular food you favor?

Better to be safe than sorry. I get you.

[Marik rubs his chin in thought.]

... Honestly, I'm not a picky eater. As long as it's not a dish that only consists of meat, I'm good with anything.

Then I will be sure to arrange a nice meal somewhere we can meet up, to properly repay you for your trouble! There are no shortage of restaurants in Viridian, so I am sure something will be just perfect for you!

And an enclosed space will help me keep better track of Mononoke.

Hey, it's no trouble at all. I'm just really fascinated by ghost types.

[Despite everything, he has some pride about his duties and reputation as a tomb keeper. Not that he'll tell anyone about that.]

Like I said, I'm up for whatever. I am a sucker for anything with rice though...

Oh, then... Perhaps a sushi place? They often have delightful soups and fried vegetables as much as the sushi itself!

[And it's been a while since he's eaten at one himself.]

Sure! That sounds great.

[Hhh rice and veggies and fish. Yes please.]

Just shoot me a message when you're free.

Of course! In the meanwhile, I suppose I should get back to watching the three of them...

Probably he should not be relaxed for... too long.

[Dimitri is pretty sure troublemakers are biologically made to not be relaxed for too long, need to get that energy out.]

[As a fellow troublemaker, Marik can confirm this.]

Yeah, probably not. Good luck with them.

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