Fifth Spell: Post-Victory [Video].

[behindblueskin]

Is Keldor looking inordinately pleased with himself? Does he have a reason to be?

Yes and yes.

Not long after coming back from the battle convention, Keldor decided to get in some last-minute training for his very first ever gym battle. Much was learned while he was there, and, eager to put that new knowledge to good use, Keldor did what he could to get everyone as ready as they could be for the showdown with Falkner.

But first, he'd decided to test what he learned on the students, who were the only ones there at the time [not that he minded at all—all experience is valuable; including the ones that gain levels].

Sadly, though, they're just students and can't give out badges to trainers no matter how well they did. If Keldor wanted one, he'd have to come back another time.

He did, and this time, Falkner was in.

It was a good battle, and at the end, Keldor got what he came for.

Now that that's over, it's time to get ready to pack it up and head on out towards Azalea Town and the next challenge.

First, though, Keldor has something else he'd like to do.

Shidosanda the Hisuian Voltorb and Fukiran the Growlithe are sitting in front of their trainer as their teammates look on.

It's a big day. A momentous occasion.

In Keldor's hands are two boxes. Inside these boxes are a leaf stone and a fire stone. He'd gotten them not that long ago, and had been keeping them boxed to prevent an accidental exposure to them.

Now? He's going to use them.

"You have done well," he addresses them all. "Fought well and helped me earn the Zephyr Badge. And now it is time for the next stage."

Keldor opens the boxes and empties the contents into his hand. Is he nervous? Yes. But he doesn't show it.

"Shidosanda?"

The Voltorb rolls forward.

Keldor touches it with the leaf stone.

A flash of light, and the stone is gone.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEELLLECCCTROOOOOOOOOOOODE!"

"Fukiran?"

The Growlithe comes forward.

"It is your turn."

But this time Keldor hesitates in evolving.

Is his bond with the Growlithe strong enough? Will Fukiran's disposition change once he's an Arcanine? Will he accept the kind of non-battle training Keldor intends for him?

Will Keldor be able to use Fukiran to get about the Pokemon World with?

Only one way to know...

Comments

[crystalmaster]

Hey, congratulations! I'm really happy for you.

[Radley watches the first evolution and then sees Keldor's hesitation on the second. He definitely understands hesitating, although his reasons might not be entirely the same. He would, however, certainly be worrying about a personality change.]

[behindblueskin]

[So far, the evolutions he's experienced haven't altered his pokemons' personalities too much, though Mikazuka can be, well, a Lycanroc when she wants to be.]

Thank you, Radley.

[Feels good to have hit his first milestone in this strange journey of his.]

[crystalmaster]

So, how tough was Falkner?

[behindblueskin]

He gave a good account of himself during the battle. So I suppose he was "tough".

[Keldor wonders: do the leaders get more difficult the further along in the journey one gets, or is it the same across the board?]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley imagines they get harder, like in the old Kanto video games, but he doesn't know.]

That sounds about like a gym battle should be.

[behindblueskin]

[They'll just have to find out as he journeys from town to town then.]

He is the gym leader. I should expect no less than his best.

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, I'd hope the gym leaders would be worthy of their trade. It sounds like a good day.

[behindblueskin]

It most certainly was.

[Any day you come out ahead is a good day.]

[crystalmaster]

So, are you planning anything for a celebration?

[behindblueskin]

Not as of yet, but I might consider it.

[Maybe he could visit that one teahouse that looks like it could be a near-replica of a Gar teahouse. Would be nice to experience a bit of home again.

Or even catch a new friend.]

[crystalmaster]

Cool. It deserves a celebration!

[behindblueskin]

Well then. Celebrate it I shall.

[He worked hard; he deserves a treat.]

[crystalmaster]

Any idea what you might wanna do?

[Radley would always be up for providing a celebration, but he wouldn't want to interfere with something Keldor might like better.]

[behindblueskin]

[That can still be done, when he's acquired another badge or two. Really have a cause for celebration.]

There is a teahouse out by the road that leads to the Ruins of Alph. One that reminds me of a traditional Garese teahouse. I would like to see it before I eventually leave for the next town.

[crystalmaster]

That sounds really cool! I'll have to check it out sometime myself. I like all the things here that are similar to home.

[behindblueskin]

I will show it to you should we both be in Violet City at the same time.

[And if he likes it enough to do so.]

[crystalmaster]

That would be great. I like exploring much more with friends.

[He wonders if Pokemon are allowed inside. Some places won't let them be out.]

[behindblueskin]

[Won't let them out? Poor Keldor got pestered over just such a thing when he first got here. Ah, memories.]

I shall keep that in mind should I find anything of potential interest.

[crystalmaster]

Cool. I will too.

[behindblueskin]

[Keldor starts to say something else, but Fukiran's starting to get tired of being ignored, and has started bapping Keldor on the knees.]

Eh? Oh. I am sorry. Have I been neglecting you?

...grrrrowwww...

[That might be a "yes".]

[crystalmaster]

Oh, I'm sorry too. Hmm. Have you decided if you're going to evolve him for sure?

[behindblueskin]

I do want to...

[His voice trails off a little.]

My concern is that I wish I could foresee what Fukiran will be like once he becomes an Arcanine.

[The pokedex said that Arcanines are brave and loyal, but... Not every pokemon will be like what the dex says. Every pokemon is different.]

It is a shame sometimes that evolution is permanent.

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smiles kindly.]

I think so too. I wish it could be turned on and off like Mega Evolution. There's no harm in waiting a little longer if you're not sure you're ready.

[behindblueskin]

[Fukiran whines a little, as if to reassure his trainer.

Everything will be OK, whatever Keldor decides.]

Perhaps I shall wait.

[The stone is replaced inside its box for later.]

[crystalmaster]

[The Eevees chorus cutely. Evie asks Fukiran if he wants to evolve. She's always curious.

Radley nods encouragingly.]

Well, I'll let you check out that place. Let me know how it is!