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]

All night?

[That is... All night?]

Do people not sleep?

[Curious, not accusatory. The only occupations he can think of that's "round the clock" are medical and security, for obvious reasons.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley chuckles.]

Some keep ... weird hours.

[behindblueskin]

I know that healers and sentries can keep unusual hours, but I am afraid I do not know what other occupations could keep people awake at night.

[crystalmaster]

Some people just like being up at night, so some businesses cater to that. It's a good practice, when possible.

[behindblueskin]

I cannot imagine why they would.

[It just seems ... strange to him. More strange in a world full of strangeness.]

But, then, I cannot understand why people would be willing to spend much of their time living out in the wilderness as they move from locale to locale.

[That's a bit too much like what his life was like after his banishment, and he can't wait to get a permanent roof over his head again.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smirks.]

I don't mind being up at night, but I detest camping. I don't get the appeal at all.

[behindblueskin]

I do not enjoy it either. I have already done enough of it for one lifetime.

[He means "back home", but it could sound like he means "in this world".]

[crystalmaster]

[From their prior discussions, Radley assumes he means both places.]

I can imagine. Well, hopefully soon you won't have to put up with as much of that.

[If he can use a Pokemon for faster travel or if he finds a place to settle down. Or both.]

[behindblueskin]

No. I do hope I will not.

[He was going to evolve Fukiran for the transportation job, but he didn't, so he might have to use another instead.

Maybe Mikazuki? She's a midday Lycanroc. She's big enough.]

[crystalmaster]

So are you looking to settle down for the night or do you wanna do something else?

[He didn't want to overstay his welcome.]

[behindblueskin]

[Radley's not really in danger of overstaying his welcome. His company is always appreciated.]

I have a room at one of the hotels here. But it is a bit of a walk to get there, especially from here.

[He could rent a room that's closer, but some of his belongings are in the other room, and it'd make more sense to go back there than stay here.]

[crystalmaster]

That's fine, if you wanna go back there.

[Radley would, if it was him.]

[behindblueskin]

I do. I do not mind the walk.

[Unless it's all day, every day. Then it starts to feel a bit like a death march.]

[crystalmaster]

[Radley nods. He's alright with some walking too.]

Cool. Let's go, guys!

[Evie scampers back over, warbling.]