victory_road | [closed] May Catch All

Entry tags:

[closed] May Catch All

Who: Dimitri, Grant, Claude, Dedue, Eri, and Shrike
What: After lots of loss, Dimitri manages to sheepdog herd the people he cares about into getting back onto the road. First stop: hitting up the Kanto gyms
When: May
Where: Saffron, Vermillion, Cerulean

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It certainly can get busy, especially if there's a lot of classes and such going on. Fortunately, Shrike's been here before (have you seen the library upstairs??) so at least he doesn't feel a need to get out as quickly as possible. Though the extra attention he's probably drawing right now as the latest challenger doubtless isn't helping any.

In any case, while there's a few different ways Shrike can take that remark, he goes right for the obvious one:

"What's a scholar?"

"A scholar is someone who learns and investigates things, often writing papers and books." Dimitri pauses, thinking to all that's around them. "I suppose here in Johto and Kanto, they would call them scientists and researchers."

He's fairly certain that's what he's observed, at any rate.

"But to be a scholar, one has to have a quick mind and memory for such things - which you seem to possess plenty of."

That's definitely an interesting idea, and Shrike does like the idea of studying somewhere quiet more than, well, most other things, but first, there's a very important point to clarify here.

"So there's people who just spend time learning things all the time? Like reading books and stuff?"

No, he did not realize this was an actual career path that existed.

"Oh, yes." Dimitri nods, smiling. "Although they do more than reading books as well, but... I think, with your talents, you would be able to manage that as well." The kid did live on his own, doing magic from reading, so a little bit of fieldwork wouldn't be unusual.

"The professors you occasionally here of seem to manage such things, after all... But yes. Often, you work under the patronage of a noble, or a school - there were professors back in the academy who relied on the church for funding while they looked into their specialties."

Although, here... Dimitri taps his chin. "Perhaps... You could always see if there is anyone who would mind you assisting them? Ah, do you know Armin?"

This is all largely news to Shrike. Sure, he's heard of schools and knows there's teachers and such there, but that's different from what Dimitri's describing. Suffice it to say, Shrike is intrigued.

"No."

That said, it probably shouldn't be surprising he doesn't know many people.

"Well, perhaps you could get in contact with him," Dimitri suggests. He knows this is a lot to ask of Shrike, who is reluctant when it comes to socializing, but... Maybe there's at least enough of an interesting reason, here.

"From what I understand, Armin has made himself to be quite the respected academic here in Johto and Kanto. He studies Lapras, you see, and has helped bring back many of them, since their numbers were quite small at one point. Perhaps you could work alongside him as a temporary apprentice, to see how it works... Or he could introduce you to someone else who may wish for an assistant. It could be your own path here, if you so chose."

There's also the question of whether tha field of research is of interest to Shrike, though he's really not thought about it before, anyway. But also...

"Is that different from Ryner?"

Dimitri might have to ask for clarification, it doesn't occur to Shrike that most people probably don't know much about the less prominent of the two Collegiate Gym leaders. Well, besides the general fact that the gym has a large library and offers assorted classes, that is.

"Well..." Hm. True enough, while Dimitri has spoken at length with Sion about the things he does - or at least a little more - he isn't entirely sure how Ryner goes about it. He tilts his head to the side.

"I suppose I would have to know a little more about how Ryner does such things, since I am afraid I am not as familiar with his line of work."

"Oh, he does classes at the gym, and finds books about legendary Pokémon."

Have the two nerds talked a bit? The nerds have definitely talked a bit.

"I think he tries to figure out stuff with magecraft too when it works, but there aren't books here to read about it."

"I see... then, yes, that is also a form of being a scholar, so long as he accepts such a description." There's no point in forcing it upon someone who doesn't care for the idea, after all.

"Depending on the thing which you wish to research, there are many different ways to be a scholar, in truth. I have done my best to give examples, but speaking with proper experts would tell you a great deal more, really."

"But, don't you still have to earn money somehow? Ryner's a gym leader..."

Mind you, Shrike would be more than happy to get paid to read books and study magecraft all day, but he's not quite sure that's how it works. Of course, by that same token, given his interest in such things it's probably easy to see how his older self landed as prestigious a position as court wizard.

The bad news is that Dimitri doesn't quite know either, and he tilts his head to the side.

"I know that, back in Fodlan, you could teach and the school would fund you in turn... And of course, there were many scholars and mages who found employment by nobles so that they could use their research. However, I imagine this place does not do it the same at all. It would be best to ask those more involved in this line of work; I am afraid I know rather little."

"I see..."

So, that's something he'd have to think about and look into. Assuming Shrike feels confident to try it, that is.

"As I said, if you wished to be introduced to Armin, I imagine we could make a call easily," Dimitri says encouragingly. "And if you wanted to stay a while long to speak with Ryner, we could do that as well! We still have time for the train."

"Oh, um."

Give him a moment, this is a lot to think through.

"I don't know?"

In fact, it might require a fair bit more than a few minutes' thought.

You know what, that seems about right, honestly.

"That is fine as well. We can get a meal to celebrate your victory before returning, and perhaps you will decide then. If not, we can always return."

"Okay."

Going to get something to eat is probably a good idea. The gym battle may not have required physical activity on Shrike's part, but it was absolutely mentally strenuous. Some time to unwind would definitely help.

As someone who has been in many a gym battle nowadays, Dimitri understands completely. So he's more than happy to escort Shrike along... although with one more shoulder bat.

"Here's to celebrating a wonderful victory."

There's really nothing Shrike can think of to say to that. In fact, he glances away, for all that one can tell with that hood.

He's a bit flustered at the positive attention he's still not used to, you see. But in the good way. Maybe, eventually, he could even get used to this...

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[closed] May Catch All

Shrike's badge got belatedly approved now btw!

whoo!

everyone can congratulate him on what's probably one of the harder challenges, or something

or something

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cue end?

That works~