Fourth Spell: Getting Ready Catch-All [video/in-person]. Plus Forward-Dated Swarm.

[behindblueskin]

Who: Keldor
Where: In and around Violet City
When: Sept. 19-21; Sept. 22 [swarm]
Summary: Keldor begins his preparations to battle for his first gym badge.
Rating: PG
Log: Berry picking.

Not far from city limits it's All-You-Can-Pick time at the berry farm, and Keldor's making the most of it, building up a stash for future battles. His basket's getting heavy with all that he's plucked so far, but he doesn't mind.

Nor does he mind all the Patrats, Watchogs and Pachirisu scurrying about, berries in their mouths.

What he does mind, though, is a rather pesky Skwovet that's decided to turn berry-picking into a race. As in, if you don't get there fast enough, it's definitely taking every last berry on that bush or tree. And, unlike everyone else picking berries, it's not being slowed down by ladders and baskets.

He'd try and catch the thing, but the owner has a "No Catching" rule in place [good for the tree rat; not so good for the customers], so he's doing his best to not lose to the rodent.

---

Fishing at the pond.

Berries picked and paid for, Keldor's off to a rather large pond that's something of a popular fishing spot. Unlike the farm, there's no rules against catching anything, and he's already gotten himself a Goldeen [who will take care of water transport once it's able to], so the rest of the day is spent training up Shidosanda, Nami, and his recently-acquired Mareep, Tanpopo. If he's to beat Falkner, he needs strong pokemon.

The fish in this pond are "helping" in that regard.

---

Back on 32.

Keldor's electric types are getting a nice rest after beating up all the fish pokemon he could catch, so now it's time for Mikazuki the Rockruff he found in Dark Cave and Sugi the Pidgeotto he'd caught out here when he'd gotten Tanpopo to get in a workout. Of course, today is the day when finding Mareep is easy why couldn't it have been like this two weeks ago?, so Mikazuki and Sugi have plenty of opportunities to hone their skills in combat before the big day arrives.

---

At the deer park.

Simply put, it's a park. With Deerling and Sawsbuck roaming about or being fed by the visitors.

It's a nice place, and Keldor's either catching a break or feeding the very hungry pokemon crowding around him.

It's also very cute.

---

Swarm!

What hey? Where'd all these Pumpkaboos and Phantumps come from?

More importantly though, can he catch one?

Never know when you might need a Ghost type.

Comments

Berry Farm

[crystalmaster]

Radley decides to get berries too and has come with some Pokemon to help him stock up. He is also annoyed by the Skwovet, and Evie and Isla are keeping busy trying to engage it in playing instead. Cosmo sticks close to Radley and helps with berry-gathering, as do Lily and Ruby. Elliott walks around and picks up berries now and then too.

Radley looks over and sees Keldor. "Hi! It's quite a turn-out today."

[behindblueskin]

Dang! He wasn't expecting Radley of all people to show up here!

Or. Well. Maybe not today...

"Yes. Yes it is."

All those people picking any berries they managed to get to before the Skwovet did. The farmer is gonna make serious bank once harvest season is over.

[crystalmaster]

"I wonder if I should grow berries," Radley muses. "I was just going to get a few, but now I feel like I'm witnessing an incredible business opportunity. I might stay and observe for a bit." He always stays alert for new business ideas.

[behindblueskin]

"Oh? Do you not already have employment?"

The idea of multiple careers or business ventures seems to be novel to him. As will be the idea of capitalism.

Still...

Keldor examines a Nanab bush.

"Though... These berries do seem to be profitable."

...it's not a bad idea.

[crystalmaster]

"Yeah, but it never hurts to pick up a little more on the side," Radley smiles. "People could buy some when they come to the restaurant."

He examines the bush too, definitely growing more excited by the thought.

Evie cheers.

[behindblueskin]

Restaurant? Oh. Right. Those places that serve food like they do in taverns. Minus the wenches. But sometimes with a lot of noise.

"I would consider such things, too, but if I do, it would be after I am finished with training and challenging gyms."

[crystalmaster]

"Yeah, that's probably for the best," Radley says. "That's a pretty time-consuming goal on its own."

[behindblueskin]

"So it has been so far."

Putting the "grind" in "level grind". But it's all worth it.

"Before too much longer, I shall have my first badge."

[crystalmaster]

"That's great!" Radley beams. "You're planning it all out really carefully. It's nice to watch."

Even though he's not interested in following that path himself, he'll support his friends.

[behindblueskin]

"Training for a pokemon battle is not so different from training as a soldier preparing for possible war."

It also helps knowing that the gym leaders tend to specialise. "Strategy" here means "know your type advantages".

"You hone your skills in combat in case it should ever be needed."

[crystalmaster]

"That makes sense," Radley muses thoughtfully. "You're probably going to excel at the gym battles."

[behindblueskin]

Keldor can't quite keep the look of smug confidence off his face.

"This is an arena in which I intend to excel at."

[crystalmaster]

Radley smirks. "Great. I'll be rooting for you all the way."

[behindblueskin]

"It is good to know that I will have someone on my side during this journey of mine."

It makes him want to perform to the best of his ability; having Radley in his corner.

[crystalmaster]

"It is," Radley says, quieter now. He would have thrived on that when he fell to his rival Malcolm back home.

But he doesn't want to talk about sad things. He smiles again, chuckling as Evie comes with a sprig of berries in her mouth. "Thank you!" he smiles, taking it.

[behindblueskin]

Radley's change of tone is noticed, but unable to be remarked on in time. It's just as well. This is a time to think of positive things.

Like winning against Falkner.

That's positive.

[crystalmaster]

Evie beams and wags her tail.

"Eevees kind of act like a cross between cats and dogs," Radley chuckles.

Isla jumps on his head.

"Dogs don't do this, but kitties do," Radley laughs.

[behindblueskin]

"I would never allow Panthor to do such a thing were he his true size."

Balancing an 800 pound cat on your head might look impressive, but would lead to serious injuries.

"Though, he is still a bit too large for that."

Pause.

"They have many evolutions, correct?"

[crystalmaster]

Radley laughs.

"Yeah, you wouldn't wanna allow that."

He nods. "Eight known ones. I wonder if more will be found!"

He only knew of the original three before coming here.

[behindblueskin]

Not unless he wants to wear a neck brace for the rest of his life.

"Hmmm. Possible."

He's eying Isla.

"I would like to get one."

Or two or three. To get different evolutions.

[crystalmaster]

Radley smiles. "Yeah? I still have two eggs no one's bought."

Some of the Eevees wail, and he winces.

"But I've had them so long, the poor parents were counting on keeping them. Maybe I could give you the next one? They come up with eggs pretty often."

[behindblueskin]

So often it must feel like you only have to turn your back for a second before an egg appears.

He addresses the Eevees.

"Do not worry; your children would be well-cared-for."

Then,

"I would like that."

[crystalmaster]

It does, sometimes!

The Eevees warble. They're happy for Keldor to have some of their kids. Just ... probably not the two eggs they thought they would get to raise that Radley's had for weeks.

"Great. I'll put you on the list," Radley smiles.

[behindblueskin]

Keldor would never part them from their children if they really want them to stay. He knows what that sort of thing feels like; at least to a child. Being deprived of some of your family.

Not knowing your real mother...

Dammit! Now he's gonna get mopey if we let him!

Focus on something positive...

"I would appreciate that."

[crystalmaster]

"I won't be surprised if they make one or two special for you," Radley chuckles.

The Eevees beam innocently.