1st Petal // Video

[artificialrose]

I got rather fortunate. The kimono I arrived in was positively beautiful, but it's not very practical for traveling.

[This sure is a new face appearing on the network, seated at a window seat in a cafe. The way the 'Gear is positioned shows Cherrygrove outside, so it's clear he's done a little traveling. The bandana tied around his arm and the green apron he's wearing identify him as a shiny new breeder. There's a little Charmander on his shoulder, too.]

Let me introduce myself. My name is Garry- I'm a friend of Ib's if you happen to know her. We arrived in Cherrygrove not too long ago. I was hoping now that I've gotten... a little used to things, maybe someone could answer a few questions I have.

I'm apparently a "breeder", or at least that's what it seems to say in this handbook I was given. I've read through it, so I think I have a decent idea of what to do.. It seems Izzy here- [A point to the Charmander.] - is in the 'Monster' and 'Dragon' groups, right? What sort of Pokemon are good to breed in those groups? Or... if you don't know, what are your favorite to breed? Any sort of tips would be appreciated.

I got an egg not too long ago- [He adjusts the camera to show the little egg on his lap.] Cyndaquil is in the... field group, I believe. I know it doesn't match, but I thought maybe it would be for the best if I didn't jump into things right away. Pokemon being 'just friends' seems like a good start before I start to breed them.

[He'd much rather be home... But when in Rome, right?]

Also, I've heard there are some people who have been here for quite some time. If you'd like to talk, I'm curious about some things.

Comments

[islandshore]

Hmm, monster and dragon? Well, that's not too tough. Most of the Pokémon in that group stick out like sore thumbs.

[Case in point, he'll turn his camera towards a currently sleeping Hydreigon for a couple of seconds.]

General rule of thumb's that if it looks like a dragon, you can breed it. Just don't let Aerodactyls fool you-- they look like they'd go great with Charizards, but you can only pair them with birds.

[Which he's actually kind of grateful for, given his Aerodactyl's temperament.]

Also, you're looking at one of the oldest, crustiest trainers here, at least in terms of actually staying here.

[He's nineteen now, so not exactly a geezer, but four years in this world have given him a sizeable amount of experience.]

[artificialrose]

[...That sure is a dragon. That is a very large dragon. Pardon Garry while he kind of just stares for a moment]

Do they all grow to be that big?

[A certain little Charmander is starting to wag its tail, although it seems to have a pretty calm temperament itself.]

How long have you been here, then, if it's alright for me to ask?

[islandshore]

Most do. If you wanted to see what your Charmander's evolved form looks like, I could always show you Flare.

[Or Cinder, maybe, but she's pretty camera shy. Besides, the last thing Riku wants to do is come off as a braggart. This really is his attempt at extending a helping hand.

As for how long he's stuck around, Riku lets out a dry laugh.]

Well, it'll be four years come May. I was part of the first wave of newbies to ever pop up here, so it's been a long road, to say the least.

[artificialrose]

[So that's another person who's been here for so long... It's actually a bit worrying. Almost equally as worrying is the size his friendly little fire lizard will grow into.]

If it's not too much trouble. I think I'd rather be prepared than run into any surprises...

[islandshore]

Ha, then I'll do what I can.

[Lucky for both Riku and Garry, Flare tends to follow his trainer around at all times. As such, when Riku whistles for his trusty charizard, there's the sound of a low grunt, followed by booming footsteps before a big, 7' dragon plops down, looking over his trainer's shoulder.

He blinks when he sees the Charmander. Is that what this is about? Flare nudges Riku with his elbow, and Riku swats a hand at him in turn.]

Technically, Charizards are the second evolution, but I figure it's better to know that you'll end up with a big, orange dragon than to worry about Charmeleons. Those guys are basically just bigger Charmanders with bumps on their heads.

[artificialrose]

[Scream.]

[Alright, not really. But Garry does look a lot more pale than he was a minute ago.]

Oh.. my...

[Give him a second. Izzy the Charmander, in the meanwhile, just leans precariously off of his perch and gives a wave at Flare. Hello, bigger version of himself.]

[islandshore]

[...Yep, that's just about what Riku expected. Do pardon his and Flare's laughter, as the two grin at each other.]

Hey, relax. Charizards might be huge, but look on the bright side: you'll have a set of wings once he evolves. Makes traveling a million times easier.

[In fact, Flare flashes Izzy a thumbs-up. Keep at it, kid. You'll get there someday.]

[artificialrose]

You ride on them?

[The surprises never stop coming. He thought after everything he's been through, he'd be a little more less prone to it, but... Looks like not. At least Izzy seems happy at the prospect, tail wagging back and forth in excitement. It's only a miracle that keeps it away from Garry's hair.]

[islandshore]

Well, yeah. Those wings aren't just for show. Besides, who wouldn't want to fly? There's so much you miss when you're stuck on the ground.

[Seeing the whole landscape from above? It's like looking down at a painting half the time. Plus, there's the rush of the wind in his face, the freedom of movement... In a way, Riku kinda envies Flare. After all, he's the one with the wingpower.]

[artificialrose]

The people who don't like the idea of falling from enormous heights might not... I've had to deal with that happening twice now before coming here.

[Once from Mary, and then another time in that bizarre portion of the gallery with all the planets... Garry doesn't doubt he could survive a fall if it came to that, although he knows how much it hurts. Still, putting himself in needless danger- or Ib- isn't something he wants to do. Although-]

You did say it was a easier way to travel, didn't you?

[islandshore]

...Okay, you got me there.

[Heh. Fear of heights does seem pretty common, too-- he's sure there are others somewhere in this world that share similar feelings...

But yes, it is easier. As for how much...]

And if you want to put things into perspective, it takes two to three hours to fly what would take you a whole day to walk. What would normally take you months to do on foot, you can cover in just a few days.

[artificialrose]

[...Dang. You've got him interested, Riku. Extremely reluctantly interested, but interested nonetheless.]

That... does sound like it would be useful. If it were just myself, I imagine I could deal with it but I'm considerably more worried about the person I'm traveling with. She's still nine, you see... I don't want anything dangerous to happen to her.

[Not after they've just escaped something dangerous, after all.]

[islandshore]

In my experience, most Pokémon are pretty good about flying safely. You could try getting a saddle, but I think as long as you guys hang tight, it should be okay.

[Granted, he realizes that might still be a bit overwhelming, especially for a newbie.]

Otherwise, you could always grab an Onix and bulldoze your way down the routes. It's slower, but at least you'd stay low to the ground.

[artificialrose]

["Hang tight", that sure sounds like some dubious safety advice.]

I suppose we'll look into those, then. Just to be on the safe side for now... Ah, but I do thank you for telling me this.