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

[video]

[dressofheaven]

That's what the elite teams over in Kanto are for! All the more reason to get all the badges, wouldn't you say? Besides, even if they had been at their strongest level her Pokemon wouldn't have been a match for mine.

[video]

[ajustcaws]

Oh, yeah, that's true! I guess if they didn't want to get their tushes handed to them, they'd be using their secret awesome teams right out the gate instead of the teams that aren't as good.

[video]

[dressofheaven]

They are used to much less skilled trainers, after all. Really, some of the natives are just downright embarrassing. That Joey boy, for instance.

[video]

[ajustcaws]

Aww, Joey isn't very good, but he's got a lot of heart, though! I bet he'll be able to take on Falkner with his Rattata someday. I mean, it's in the top percentage of all Rattata, so that's gotta count for something, right?

[dressofheaven]

It's still a Rattata. I'd be a lot more impressed if it was in the top percentage of, say, Tauros.

... I should get a Tauros.

[ajustcaws]

I don't know, there's something to be said about trying to win with your favorites!

...but yeah, get a Tauros, they seem pretty cool.

[dressofheaven]

Well, fair enough, but he could at least evolve the thing. And it's still only one Pokemon. If he likes Rattata so much he could at least get it some friends.

[And she's now picturing a team made of six Raticate. She snickers at the thought.]

[ajustcaws]

Yeah, that's really the part I don't get. Winning with your favorites is more fun than just picking the strong ones, but isn't part of the fun having a lot of Pokemon...?

[dressofheaven]

I can understand focusing on one Pokemon you have a very strong bond with, but if you can only grow close to one at all, well... that's plainly sad.

[ajustcaws]

Well, I think there are some people who have Pokemon that they don't really battle with. He is just a kid, so maybe he spends a lot of time with his parents' Pokemon...?

[dressofheaven]

Perhaps... Or he keeps losing all his money in battles so he can't afford any Pokeballs.

[ajustcaws]

...now I feel even worse for the poor guy. Maybe I should stop by Petalburg sometime and give him some...

[dressofheaven]

I don't think that would really solve his problem. He'd just lose it in battles he can't possibly win.