14th Grail: [Video]

[dressofheaven]

I don't tend to make a big deal out of this sort of thing, ordinarily. But under the circumstances it seems appropriate.

[Ilya holds up Claire's Rising Badge to the camera, then shows off the other seven badges pinned to her collar. She adds the last one and makes no effort to restrain her victorious smirk.]

That's the eight badges of Johto collected. I hope the elite battles over in Kanto give a bit more of a challenge. I don't suppose anyone can give me an idea of what to expect from them. I'd like to hear any stories you might have.

Oh, but I'm feeling nostalgic. Even if you haven't fought the elite matches yet, even if you only have one or two badges, why don't you tell me about them? It seems like as good a way as any to celebrate, at least until I get my little gathering underway.

Also, Claire, if you're listening. Gyarados still isn't a dragon type.

Comments

[dressofheaven]

Of course you can-

[Ilya stops, realizing she doesn't even know this boy's name.]

Hmmm, I keep forgetting to introduce myself properly over these things. That's an awful habit to get into. I'm Ilya. Ilyasiel von Einzbern, in full.

[in_praetego]

Looks like we've got all the time in the world, really.

[ And a ruffle of his own hair. ]

At least keeping their levels high enough comes in useful when we need to defend ourselves.

[ Not that it happens very often. ]

[wing_attack]

Oh, right. My name's Tobias. It's nice to meet you, Ilya.

[He's not going to even try to pronounce her full name.]

[captainash]

Believe me, she whines a lot. ...And then she attacks the rest of us instead, but everyone else has long learned when to dodge, too.

[dressofheaven]

Well at least you know how to deal with her. I can't fathom why you keep her around though.

[dressofheaven]

[That's probably for the best. German is not the easiest of languages.]

You as well, Tobias. [She can't curtsy over the gear, but she inclines her head politely.]

[dressofheaven]

Well, yes, though it does make dealing with most attacks regrettably dull. I don't think there's a single wild Pokemon that could pose a threat to even one of mine now, save for Legendaries.

[captainash]

Why wouldn't I? Not all mementos are pleasant, and besides she's a talented battler.

[in_praetego]

There's that too... Has anyone seen the Legendary pokemon around or at least know where they are? I've only read about them.

[dressofheaven]

A Pokemon that won't obey properly is a liability. A Pokemon that actually threatens their trainer is worse.

[dressofheaven]

Didn't you come to the huge battle last year up by the Elite Four's mansion? There were three Legendaries involved there, and we even got to talk to one.

[irenicly]

[That makes him smile. The idea of Legendaries would still be a little absurd to him if he hadn't nearly watched two of them destroy the world last autumn.

Maybe in the hands of a responsible trainer they wouldn't destroy the world?]

Battling someone's Pokemon with a Legendary might be entertaining.

What would you do with one? Ride it around town?

[Admittedly, that would be a good use for a giant Pokemon.]

[captainash]

She's a dangerous liability that strikes fear into the heart of every soul that fights her. I can work with that.

[in_praetego]

I remember. After all, it isn't everyday we get the chance to talk to Arceus.

But I can't help but wonder... where do they go? Where do they come from? We don't really see them in the wild...

[dressofheaven]

Well, I can respect the intimidation factor... I still wouldn't keep a loose cannon around, but I can see your point.

[dressofheaven]

Take over the world.

[She's still grinning... that probably implies she's joking. Right?]

[dressofheaven]

[Ilya just shrugs at that.]

Given their power and the things they tend to be tied into, they probably have more important things to worry about than us. And remember, there's only one of them each, and most of them don't even live in Kanto or Johto. Seeing them at all is astounding, or did you think "Legendary" was just a name?

[captainash]

The great thing about that particular loose cannon is that I can shove her in the PC for a month, if she gets too violent. That helps dealing with her, too.

[dressofheaven]

[She can't help but laugh.]

Alright, so at least you've got a plan to deal with her worked out. Fine, it's just that all of my Pokemon are fiercely loyal and obedient. I train them for those traits, and I've never accepted anything less.

Even if some of them do like to chew on my hair.

[captainash]

Please, that doesn't even count as misbehavior. It's obviously a sign of affection. ...Or a sign that a change of shampoo might be a good idea. One or the other.

[dressofheaven]

I know it's a sign of affection, but it doesn't stop it from being aggravating. I spend a lot of time on my hair.

[in_praetego]

O... of course not!

[ Doi, Captain Obvious. Pardon the fluster. ]

It just made me wonder if they had any part to play in why we're here to begin with.

[captainash]

...I was joking at first, but have you tried using a different shampoo? If they end up not liking the taste...

[dressofheaven]

I've switched a few times, but it's never made any difference. I think they're just determined to show me how much they love me through my hair, no matter what I do.

At least it is a sign of affection and not some sort of rebellion, though. I'd have to discipline them severely for the latter.

[dressofheaven]

Some of them might. Dialga and Palkia are said to rule Time and Space, and of course there's Arceus. The first two working together could easily explain why we're here, or the latter could just be doing it on its own. Or their might be more involved that we haven't met yet.

Or maybe it's not them at all. It's all kind of a guessing game right now.