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

[behindblueskin]

[How many stomachaches did that lead to?]

Matcha? That sounds familiar.

[Almost like the Gar's own word for it.]

It's a kind of green tea.

[Oh! They have that stuff here, too!]

I will have it, then.

[crystalmaster]

[Luckily, he is able to easily eat most foods other than anything with grape products.]

Sure, I'll try it too.

[behindblueskin]

[So no regular wine for you, then.]

Right then.

[The owner leaves for a few minutes, then brings back a plate of sweets.]

Water's on the boil. Should be ready in a few minutes.

[crystalmaster]

[Which makes it extremely awkward and uncomfortable since his family runs a winery. But he can't help that.]

Cool. Thanks.

[The Pokemon exclaim in delight. Radley chuckles and gives them each a treat from the plate.]

[behindblueskin]

[Perhaps he should save some for his own; to give once he's done here. He could do it now, but there really isn't a lot of room for things like Ampharoses or Lycanrocs.

As for the tea, it doesn't take long for the water to boil and be brought out along with several other items that should be familiar to anyone who's attended something more traditional.

Two bowls are set down, alongside a pot of honey for flavouring, powdered tea is scooped into them, then the hot water is added, and finally the owner begins whisking until bubbles form.

This is definitely not traditional, Keldor notes to himself, remembering to not interrupt until the owner's finished with both. But it's not bad, either.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley doesn't know enough to know that it's not traditional, but it's intriguing to him to watch.

His Pokemon watch too, after they have the treats.]

[behindblueskin]

[Mmmm smells almost like proper Garese tea. But will it taste the same? During his time on Anwat Gar Keldor had managed to acquire a taste for the bitter brew, so if this is either "about the same" or "less than" he won't need the honey.

While the owner waits, Keldor picks up the cup in his hands. Nice. Warm. He smiles, thinking of the island of his people, then takes a sip.


Ooo this is very good!]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smiles, glad he enjoys it. He tries it too. It might take a little getting used to for him.

The Pokemon want to try it too. Evie wags her tail.]

[behindblueskin]

[That's what the honey's for, if it's too bitter for you.

As for the pokemon, well... Maybe one of them is of a bitter-loving nature.]

Can they have some?

[The tea's been prepared so he feels comfortable in breaking the silence.]

Well... I guess they can...

[crystalmaster]

[Radley isn't a huge tea fan regardless, but the honey helps.

He smiles, petting Evie.]

Thanks.

[He waits, not sure if the host is supposed to pour all the tea.]

[behindblueskin]

[The host doesn't mind. He just heads back to get six more cups for Radley's pokemon to drink from.]

Here you go, [he says, scooping, pouring and whisking tea for each of the Eevees and one Ralts.

If any of them like it sweeter, he's ready to add honey as needed.]

[crystalmaster]

[Evie chirps a Thank You and starts lapping it up. The other Eevees do likewise, while Cosmo holds her cup and sips it like a human.

Isla and Lily seem to like it the best. Lily especially is used to eating whatever she can after having grown up in Hisui.

Evie is just thrilled to share this with Radley and doesn't care how it tastes. Evan and Kiryu want honey.]

[behindblueskin]

[Those who want it get it.]

This is quite excellent, [Keldor compliments anyways, even if we're not following tradition.] I would be surprised to hear you tell me you do not grow it yourself.

[The host's face turns slightly pink, then he says,] Not me, but my grandmother does.

She truly knows her trade, then, for I have not had anything this good since before I came here.

[There's a pleased look on the man's face now.]

My family is well-known for our tea.

And they should be.

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smiles.]

That's really special that you can share this together.

[He wishes it was like that with his family.]

[behindblueskin]

[Yeah, it sucks not being able to share something with relatives. He can relate.]

And we can also share it with our customers.

[There's a hint of "you'll be coming back, right?" in his voice.]

If the tea and the service continue to be sublime, then you will have me amongst them.

[The host nearly squeaks with joy, but manages to hold it in. It wouldn't do to get too excited about these things.]

I'll be looking forward to it, then!

[crystalmaster]

I'd like to come back too. And I think my Pokemon are all enjoying it.

[Evie cheers. Probably not the response with the best decorum, but she's very sweet and sincere.]

[behindblueskin]

Oh, splendid! And they're welcome to come back! Such well-mannered creatures!

[The host's smile could outshine the sun.]

Do you happen to sell loose tea?

We do. Are you wanting to take some with you?

[A smile of his own.]

Yes. I would like that.

I'll go ready some for you then.

[crystalmaster]

They are.

[Radley speaks with pride.]

What other teas do you have?

[He's curious. He knows there are hundreds.]

[behindblueskin]

Many kinds! [he says with enthusiasm.] Anything you might like in particular?

[crystalmaster]

Hmm. Raspberry?

[behindblueskin]

I think I just might. Give me a moment.

[He bustles off to go and check his inventory and find what he's looking for.]

This place is better than I expected it to be. I do believe I will be returning here in the near future.

[crystalmaster]

It is pretty neat. It's like going back in time ... in a pleasant way. My Pokemon like it too.

[Evie rubs him.]

[behindblueskin]

As for me, it is like being back in Anwat Gar. So much of it is similar to things look and are done there.

[If he sounds wistful he does. He misses it from time to time.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley understands homesickness. He grasps anything that's like Earth.]

That's great. I'm glad for you.

[He smiles, looking a bit wistful too.]

[behindblueskin]

[Things must seem to have gotten rather quiet at the table when the host returns with two tea jars.]

Is everything okay here?

Everything is well, thank you for inquiring.