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]

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.

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, we're just enjoying the atmosphere.

[He smiles.]

[behindblueskin]

[Atmosphere. Yeah, he can go with that. Better than having to explain your sudden moodiness to a complete stranger.]

Ah. Thank you. I will enjoy this muchly on my journey.

You're quite welcome! Is there anything else you'd like.

[Now that you're asking...]

The Sinistea outside. They are yours?

Oh, no. They just like to gather around at night. I think they feel I've got some really good tea here.

They may be correct about that.

[More happy faces from the host.]

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, thanks! This is great.

[Radley smiles and takes his. The Pokemon warble happily.]

[behindblueskin]

[From the sounds of it, he can catch himself a Sinistea or two, if no one owns them...

But right now it's time to pay the old man—

—who gets a little extra as a gratuity.

He's Very Happy Now.

So will Keldor be if he can catch tiny ghostly teacups.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley hopes he can.]

Thanks again! It's been really nice.

[He gets up with his Pokemon.]

[behindblueskin]

[It's now properly night when he leaves the teahouse, jar of matcha stored in his backpack. It's also slightly chillier, and he's digging around for something warm to wear.]

It was never this cold back in Anwat Gar. I shall need to procure something if the temperature continues to fall.

[Catching Sinistea will need to wait a moment, or it won't be pokemon Keldor will be catching tonight.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley regards him sympathetically.]

It probably will get colder, if it's like back home. The seasons so far have been pretty similar. Winter is really cold, depending on where you live.

[behindblueskin]

Much of where I had been did not see much change in temperature. I had to venture quite far to find a place that got snow.

[He finds a coat, but unfortunately, it's a little thin. Keldor will need to go shopping tomorrow to find something better-suited for the upcoming cold season.]

[crystalmaster]

I'm guessing snow will probably fall all through Johto. The stores probably have winter wear now.

[He should probably get things too, come to think of it.]

[behindblueskin]

I should hope so. But I do not know if any such merchants are open at this hour.

[Also he'd like to have a go at catching a Sinistea, and who knows how long that would take.]

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, I'm not sure either. The department store in Goldenrod is open, but here ... it's hard to say. It's not too nippy for me, but if you're not used to it, it could be miserable. How do you feel?

[behindblueskin]

I am better now than before, but I will still need something warmer.

[But trying to catch a Sinistea might help him warm up through physical activity; at least for tonight.]

[crystalmaster]

Yeah, you'd better get something soon. What do you wanna do about the Sinistea?

[behindblueskin]

I still intend to catch one.

[If he can even see one at this time of night.

Time to call for some help.]

Tanpopo! Go!

[He sends out his Ampharos first, in the hopes it can "shine a light" on things.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley watches curiously. His Pokemon are dancing around and may very well be seeing them, if they're still out. Or maybe they're trying to entice them out....]