4th Petal // Video

[artificialrose]

It's unfortunate, isn't it, when people you've grown to like suddenly disappear in quick succession. I'd grown to enjoy their company, but I suppose that's how this place is, isn't it?

[It's just... Garry's first time experiencing it. He gives a sigh, video showing him seated outside somewhere this morning with one hand petting a Gible in his lap while the other dangles a lolipop. Just something to keep his mouth occupied since the urge for a smoke was particularly strong today.]

A few more Pokemon were suddenly found in my PC with Marcia and Kaede leaving. I wonder how that works? [He gives a shake of his head and offers the network a soft smile.] But... onto brighter topics.

First of all, I've made a new version of a coat I was very fond of back home. [Yes, he knows it's tattered here and there, but it's stylishly tattered. Big difference.] Secondly-

[He shifts the video to show a Charizard swooping through the air over the ocean near Goldenrod. He seems to be showing off to the Lapras that's lounging down below.]

Izzy evolved not too long ago into his final stage! He's very pleased about it and- [A Shadow Ball is suddenly tossed at Izzy, who dodges it and gives an angry roar. Garry sighs and shifts the camera to show a Banette on the docks, pointing and cackling.] ...Red Eyes evolved as well. She's even worse looking now, and she won't let up on tormenting Izzy.

[He shakes his head, ignoring the sound of conflict.]

Those two... Anyway, I've also been doodling a few outfit ideas just to past the time. If anyone's interested, this is what I've sketched out so far. [He holds up a sketchbook, with a set of four pictures shown.] What do you think? I know it's not much but, as I said, it's just something I've been doing in my spare time for fun.

Comments

[codeforhope]

[He ponders that for a moment, looking at the collection of Pokemon with Garry. Then he looks to the Gardevoir, smiling slightly.]

Why don't we start with you?

[artificialrose]

[The Gardevoir looks back at Chihiro, holding himself up straight and elegantly. If Chihiro has seen any other of this Psychic-type, then he probably knows that this kind of Pokemon basically evolves more and more elegant. Seems to be a species trait. But this one in particular definitely seems to be doing his best to maintain that image, holding properly onto Garry's arm.]

[There's a reach out with his mind to touch Chihiro's, a soft but male voice speaking to him mentally. Hello.]

[codeforhope]

[Chihiro blinks slowly, a bit taken off guard by the male voice. It doesn't take long for the surprise to be replaced by a small smile as he dips his head a bit to the Pokemon.]

H...hello. It's nice to meet you.

...Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

[artificialrose]

[The Gardevoir definitely seems to be considering Chihiro before he answers.]

[Everyone misses Kaede-chan. Yet just missing her won't help any of us. Until they get over that, I'll keep all of them on track. There's a pointed stare to the Pidgeot, who ruffles her feathers. She trusted him- A delicate nod to Garry. -enough to travel with him in the first place, and leave us with him, so I am doing the same.]

[codeforhope]

[Chihiro nods a bit, tugging the edges of his skirt down.]

I understand. That....that is a very brave thing for all of you to do.

[For a moment he hesitates, watching the Gardevoir carefully.]

....Do you like the name "Rida"? It is a word in Japanese that means "leader" or "guide".

[artificialrose]

[The Gardevoir seems to consider it, one hand going up to his chin, before nodding. It seems like an acceptable name.]

[Thank you. The little Eevee down at Garry's feet reaches over to paw in congratulations at her friend's dress-like protrusions, pleased with this. Rida may be the leader, but the little Eevee is still the first of Kaede's Pokemon.]

Rida... It's a good name.

[codeforhope]

I'm glad you like it.

[Next Chihiro turns his attention to the other Pokemon while still speaking to Rida.]

Could you tell me a little bit more about your companions, please?

[artificialrose]

[Rida nods and lowers himself down just a bit. At the offered arm, the Eevee hops up and scurries up to his shoulder.]

[This one was with Kaede the longest- one of her children is with Garry now already.]

[codeforhope]

Oh, really? ...so she was their partner, then.

[artificialrose]

[The Eevee seems to deflate a little bit, ears lowering. Rida nods.]

[Kaede was a breeder- many of this one's children are with others. Her partner was a Buneary. That is to say, the one the Eevee bred with. Rida wouldn't exactly call them lovers or anything of that sort.]

[codeforhope]

Poor thing...

[Chihiro hesitates before reaching out a hand to gently rub the top of the Eevee's head.]

....Kanri-jin means "caretaker". Perhaps Kanri, for short....since I'm sure you care for your children very much. Kaigo-shi is "caregiver", or Kaigo, if you like that better.

[artificialrose]

[The Eevee accepts the pet willingly- it's clear that she has a very tame attitude. Definitely the kind of Pokemon that wouldn't give anyone trouble breeding. The suggestions have her ears twitching, and she looks to Rida for a moment. The two of them seem to be having their own private chat before the Eevee gives a chirruping kind of noise.]

[She likes Kaigo Rida translates. The Eevee's tail does seem to be softly swishing back and forth, to the amusement of the Altaria still taking up residence on Garry's back. Ssssh, no what do you mean it's pecking at it or at least trying to? Avert ye eyes.]

[codeforhope]

[SPEAKING OF ALTARIAS, it's your turn, isn't it? Chihiro nods with a small hum and turns his attention to the bird perched on Garry's back, resisting the urge to laugh at the sight.]

Now that just leaves you.

[artificialrose]

[There's some awkward clicking of talons on the floor of the store, but it takes Rida to say There's Pidgeot as well. It's understandable to miss her. Despite being such a big bird, she's apparently a master of shrinking in on herself. Even just attention being brought to her has her shuffling behind Garry's long legs.]

[The Altaria doesn't seem to be as bothered, just utterly relaxed and giving content coos.]

oh whoops SORRY PIDGEOT

[codeforhope]

O-oh! Yes, of course. I'm sorry. I...I'm much like that, too.

[Ok, let's see...Chihiro gently reaches a hand out to the Altaria first, not touching but instead waiting for it to decide to come to him. He figures that, maybe, after some time the Pidgeot won't be quite as shy and will be more willing to approach him.]

HOW COULD YOU i take offense to this as bird overlord

[artificialrose]

Don't worry, I missed her too the first time...

[Garry understands the feeling. While he and Kaigo start to try and coax the Pidgeot, the Altaria just casually leans his head into Chihiro's palm. Hi there friend, what nice palms you have.]

CRIES

[codeforhope]

[Hi hello there bird friend, you seem very nice. Chihiro is just going to pet your head gently.]

Hello. So....what is there to know about you...?

NO MERCY FROM THE BIRDGOD

[artificialrose]

[He's too relaxed. Rida seems exasperated by this fact. He's been as upset as the other two, but once he gets attention, he forgets about everything-]

[And that is when a very chill and slow moving Altaria wing pushes against Rida's face. Ssssssh friend, he is trying to get pet here.]

[Needless to say, Rida looks a bit disgruntled.]

[codeforhope]

[Oh no, that's adorable.]

Mmm...that's not necessarily a bad thing. As long as he's feeling better...

[artificialrose]

[He lives too much in what's happening in the moment. Rida tries to push fluffy Altaria wing away. He'll remember after he stops getting petted again.]

[But right now... Definitely absorbing all them pets, yisssssss]

[codeforhope]

[Chihiro is just going to keep on with the pettings because everyone is winning here, except Rida perhaps.]

You have a very mellow, easy-going personality... You go with the flow, like...like an easily flowing river.

River in Japanese is Kawa. Do you like that name?

[artificialrose]

[That earns a slight nibble to Chihiro's fingers and another cooing noise. Garry laughs quietly, finally coaxing the Pidgeot out at least a little.]

I think he does.

[codeforhope]

[Chihiro grins, nodding. OK, THREE DOWN. Now he looks over to the Pidgeot, smoothing out his skirt before kneeling in front of the bird with his hands on his knees. He speaks in his usual soft, gentle voice.]

Hi there. Please don't be shy... I'm a friend.

[artificialrose]

[The Pidgeot just hides her head behind her wing before peeking out shyly. She's still a bit timid, even with how nice Chihiro seems.]

[codeforhope]

You are very pretty.

[Chihiro whispers gently. It's a genuine observation too, and not just the boy trying to butter the bird up.]

Pretty like Hana....a flower.