[video]

[mamalike]

These freaky-necked things really don't let up, huh? I'm starting to think me and Ilex Forest just aren't meant to mix; every time we're ready to start that way, something comes up.

[Eda seems more amused than annoyed as she adjusts her Pokegear to show a battle: A shiny Hisuian Zorua, facing off against a Flamigo. The wild Pokemon is clearly getting frustrated as its forceful kicks keep making contact with Zorua without any results. The Zorua doesn't even flinch, in fact, it seems to be laughing.]

Anyway, this one can't be the smartest bird in the flock. Well, at least it's a good way to train up this new little guy!

...Maybe it's nuts, but I kind of want to catch the guy. I mean, you gotta give him credit for the determination, right?

Comments

[mamalike]

Oh yeah, I know about geese, those guys are funny. Or at least, it's funny how surprised humans can get when geese get mad at them for invading their space. Not sure how they expect that to go. Uh, no offense.

But can you tell me more about flamingos?

[Oh no, Kazuki has unlocked Bird Nerdery.]

[forsaintcecilia]

[Kazuki catches that, and makes the assumption that Eda was then, not human, but doesn't bring it up specifically. She would be far, far from the first he's met!]

Uhh... I'm sorry, I don't know a ton about different animals. They can fly, and I think they all migrate together at the same time? I've seen pictures and stuff of them in gigantic flocks. Like, thousands of them.

[mamalike]

Oh, it's alright. I guess I got a little ahead of myself there, huh? Birds are kind of a big thing for me - for my whole family, really.

But hey, you said you'd never seen these guys here before, do you live around Azalea Town?

[forsaintcecilia]

Yep! I run an inn on the outskirts, it's basically right nest to the forest. I also rehab local wild Pokemon when they need help, and I take in orphans people leave behind sometimes.

[mamalike]

Huh, sounds like you keep busy! I keep hearing about people who aren't from here getting their own establishments - [the word is said in a silly, faux-fancy tone]/small> - set up in this place. Not a bad idea, if you ask me!

[forsaintcecilia]

After you end up here for awhile, you tend to realize that you've gotta do something with your life while you're here, you know? I've never been good at battling or training Pokemon, so I had to find some other way. I spent a lot of time at Mr Fuji's orphanage in Lavender Town, and he kinda inspired me to give something like that a shot in Johto.

[mamalike]

It would really be the pits to just spend all our time waiting to be back home, especially since there's nothing to do about that, I'm told. Good on you for finding what worked. Sounds like you had a good mentor.

Personally, I kind of like the whole battling thing. I just haven't decided if I like it enough to go to all those gyms. Plus, I'm traveling with someone. Can't just be doing what works for me, you know?

[forsaintcecilia]

Nope, haha. And after... 5 years, that'd be way too long to just mope around.

You should give it a shot when you get the chance! People who's gone through all the Gyms and beat the Elite Four are really well respected. And then you can join the Aurora League if you want!

[mamalike]

Oh woah, five years?

Right, that's when you get a gym of your own, isn't it? That could be a lot of fun...

[forsaintcecilia]

Yeah, and it's getting closer to 6 now. I hope that isn't too shocking to hear. It's actually pretty rare for people to last that long, so it may not be the same for you.

Well, you've got all the time you want to think about it. Just try a Gym or two, and you can decide if you like it or not!

[mamalike]

I can't say it's not a lot to hear. I mean, nothing you need to worry about... And I've seen first hand that what people say is true, and things really aren't still happening back home.

Yeah, can't hurt to try, I guess. I'm pretty sure we're heading to a city called Goldenrod for our next stop. If there's a gym there, I think I'll give it a go. I mean, most bigger places seem to have one.

[forsaintcecilia]

Oof, if that's your first Gym, be careful. I hear all the time around here that Whitney's got a Miltank that's a total menace. I see plenty of trainers that come back to Azalea to level up a bit after getting crushed by her.

[mamalike]

Some people might say telling me to be careful is a lost cause. But I do appreciate the information, and I'll train up!