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

[wing_attack]

Yeah, I guess.

[He's quiet for a few moments before he sighs and continues.]

... I've just kind of got bad experiences with that sort of thing.

[dressofheaven]

I think almost everyone has bad experiences with unpleasant people. It's more or less what they do, and there are too many of them to avoid them all.

[wing_attack]

I mean - never mind.

[This is getting too personal. Rachel tries to lean in to see who he's talking to, and he turns the camera so that the Ursaring can see the screen.]

... Sorry, she just gets curious.

[dressofheaven]

[Ilya, however, seems quite delighted to see the bear.]

Oh hello there! You're a fierce-looking one. [She beams at Rachel.] And what's her name?

[wing_attack]

Her name's Rachel, since she reminds me of a friend at home that likes grizzly bears.

[Rachel huffs and nods a little bit. Okay. She sounds okay.]

[dressofheaven]

A friend with good taste.

[She raises an eyebrow, a thought occurring to her given what Tobias has told her already.]

A friend who can become a grizzly bear, perhaps?

[wing_attack]

... Yeah. She's one of the best fighters we have.

[There's suddenly a giant paw patting him on his head.]

... I'm okay, Rachel. I don't need you to do that.

[dressofheaven]

I imagine she would be, with an alternate form like that.

[She restrains a giggle at the sight of the Ursaring so obviously trying to comfort her trainer.]

She's a lot sweeter than she looks, isn't she?

[wing_attack]

Well, we all had a lot of forms, but yeah. That was her main battle form.

[He flushes faintly.]

Yeah. The phrase 'mama bear' exists for a reason.

[dressofheaven]

Awww, so she sees you as her cub?

[She doesn't even make the slightest effort to disguise the fact that she's teasing him.]

[wing_attack]

I guess. I've had her since she was hatched, but she and Regal are both pretty protective of me.

[dressofheaven]

That's adorable.

[It really is, but she might be exaggerating her reaction just a bit to mess with him.]

[wing_attack]

I... I guess.

[She ruffles his hair and he tries to fix his hair.]

[dressofheaven]

You take care of your trainer, Rachel. It's obvious he needs you.

[Now she's just being mean about it.]

[wing_attack]

I can take care of myself.

[Rachel laughs a little, making a huffing noise.]

[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.

[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.]

[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.]