2 � [VIDEO/ACTION FOR GOLDENROD CITY]

[fauxtographs]

[ACTION]

[Having grown tired of the stifling atmosphere of the Rocket Base, Emmy has decided that today, she'll train her Pokemon in one of Goldenrod's parks. She's not quite silly enough to do anything too serious in the middle of the city (something tells her that practicing moves like Flamethrower in such an area might be frowned upon), but that doesn't bother her too much. The training she wants to do is fairly simple, anyway.]

Keep your guard up, Lulu!

[And by training, she means...well, sparring rather aggressively with her Lucario. Her Pokemon can't have all the fun, after all!]

That's it!

[It's been a long time since Emmy has had such a good training partner, and she's taking full advantage of it. The pair punch and kick with gusto, blocking each other's moves and responding with faster ones, with Emmy occasionally shouting the odd instruction or word of encouragement. While Emmy has strong technical knowledge, Lulu has pure PokePower on her side; as an opponent, she's formidable. They begin to move faster and faster, completely oblivious to their surroundings, until Lulu happens to let her guard down at just the wrong moment-]

Gotcha!

[It's a move she's done many times before; launching herself into the air, Emmy twists and nails Lulu in the forehead with a powerful back kick, sending her tumbling onto the grass. It's rather clear that she's uninjured, however; talented as her trainer is, she's nowhere near strong enough to do any real damage. Rolling up onto her knees, Lulu pats down the fur on her forehead, waiting for instructions from her-

...ah.]

Lulu...

[Huffing, Emmy places her hands on her hips and pouts down at her Lucario, who is looking...rather guilty, like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. She thought she was being sneaky...

...]

What have I told you about going easy on me?

[Looks like they might need to take a break...]


[VIDEO]



[The feed opens to the sight of Emmy and Lulu sitting under a tree, apparently taking a well-deserved break from all their sparring. Taking a sip from a water bottle, Emmy contemplates the camera.]

Hello! I have a question for anyone out there listening, today! How do you train your Pokemon? I'd especially like responses involving Fighting-types! I prefer to be out there on the field with my Pokemon, but they tend to get a bit nervous when I do that! Don't you think that's far more rewarding, though? I get so antsy just standing around!

[Leaning back against the trunk of the tree, Emmy folds her arms behind her head and looks up at the leaves, still thinking.]

Although I suppose I can understand their fears...we humans are so fragile in comparison to them. I just wish I could keep up!

[Hmmm...

...ah! Right, the camera is still on!]

Ah, sorry about that! It just reminded me of a puzzle, you see. Do give me a call if you'd like to chat about training, anyway!

Comments

[bertall]

I can't really say anything since I've never had a fighting type, but have you tried finding another person to spar with? That way you could show your Pokemon first hand that you can handle whatever they throw at you... It might make them feel a little better.

[fauxtographs]

Hmm...that's not a bad idea! I suppose the hard part is actually finding someone who's both willing and capable...I tend to play rather rough!

[...at least she wouldn't kick another human in the head.

...

unless they were an evil henchman]

[bertall]

I'm sure there's someone around who's capable enough! I'd be willing, but I'm a little out of practice.

[friendyousohard]

Well honestly I've never been much a physical fighter to begin with, and without my magic it's hard to take a direct role. But that's okay, because the position as trainer is generally meant as strategist and tactician. These are very different from "just standing around", as you have to be actively watching the field, the opposing Pokemon, and your Pokemon, and coming up with on-the-fly tactics to counteract what the other side is doing or what you think they're about to do, while doing your best to set things up for your side.

[fauxtographs]

...huh! That's a really interesting way of putting it, Twilight! I've never thought of it like that. I tend to just make things up as I go, so...

[...maybe she should start doing a bit more of that 'strategy' stuff...]

You must be rather good at it, I gather!

[friendyousohard]

Well I don't like to brag, but that sort of cerebral activity is my forte. But improvisation has its place! At the very least, it helps keep you from being predictable.

video

[fony]

I kinda just let them do whatever they want to do. I don't have much experience with this kind of stuff.

[Besides, two of them end up fighting each other without him directing them anyway.]

video

[fauxtographs]

Oh, really? Are you new here?

[That's an interesting strategy, after all, but probably not a very effective one!]

I might be able to help, if you have any questions!

video

[fony]

Yeah, I've only been here for two weeks.

[It's not, really. He's not a tactician by any means, and he hasn't learned any of the Pokémons' moves.]

I don't have any questions, no. Some people answered the ones I had when I got here, and I'm...trying to read more.

[video]

[codeforhope]

Lately I've been training by letting my Pokemon battle each other. They do encounter wild Pokemon from time to time, but I have a Lucario and a Hitmontop who like to spar frequently. One of the two is...rather competitive, so he's always eager to practice.

[He laughs a little when he thinks about it before continuing.]

Actually, my Hitmontop would probably enjoy training with you...I am sure he would prefer it if I trained with him myself more often.

[video]

[fauxtographs]

Oh, that's a neat idea! Training with other Pokemon would be wonderful, because they'd bring a whole new set of challenges to the table! I can't believe I didn't think of that myself!

[...although part of the reason could be that she'd really rather not train with some of the people skulking through that Rocket Base, but details...

Ahh, if only she could bring up the fact that she used to own a Hitmontop, back when she was here before! But it's probably not wise to start that sort of topic on the unlocked network...well, anyway!]

And don't worry! I've been doing martial arts for as long as I can remember, so I feel pretty comfortable fighting my Pokemon. It's not something I'd recommend just anyone do, however! I'm sure your Hitmontop appreciates the time you spend with him, regardless.

[video]

[codeforhope]

[He nods a little in agreement.]

I think he does understand that I can't do the things he wants me to...at least, not yet anyway. But I do appreciate his encouragement!

[Even though it can be a tad overzealous at times...ces la vie.]

That must be nice, though. So you learned at a young age, then?

[Action]

[quickattackjack]

<sub>[Jack had been out walking One, his Houndoom, when he happened upon the fighters. He stops to watch in awe and lets his doomdog lope off after a flock of Pidove.]

[Once the fight looks like it has wound down, Jack applauds them loudly.]</sub>

That was fantastic! Now that's what I call Pokemon training!

[Action]

[fauxtographs]

[At the sound of the applause, Emmy turns, a look of confusion on her face. Who...?]

Oh! Goodness, I didn't realize we had an audience!

[She'd been so wrapped up in trying to dodge Lulu's moves, after all...]

Thank you, though! I think it's a good idea to train alongside your Pokemon. Good exercise, really!

[quickattackjack]

One and I go for jogs pretty often but I never thought about actually battling with him...these old bones might not stand up too well though.

_{[He grins anyway and crosses the lawn to offer his hand.]}

I don't think I've seen you around town before.

video;

[angerpoints]

I'm with you on the whole "not wanting to just stand around during training" thing. My Fighting-types used to be nervous about sparring with me, but they got over it pretty quick once I smacked 'em around a couple times. So, y'know, maybe that's what you should do. Prove you can handle fighting 'em by knockin' 'em on their asses.

[Trust Yusuke to give advice that somehow involves punching.]

video;

[fauxtographs]

[Sadly enough, Emmy is more than willing to accept advice that involves punching. It tends to get things done!]

See, that's the problem...when they were younger, we were better matched, but now that they're all quite strong...we're both aware that a proper strike would do me an injury. For that reason, they keep holding back, or purposefully throwing the fight-

[-let her just give her Lucario a rather pointed look before she continues-]

-so they don't hurt me. It's quite a frustrating problem, really! What kind of Fighting-types do you have?

video;

[angerpoints]

["Well, make 'em knock it off by kicking 'em in the face," is what Yusuke's about to tell her, but then she asks him which Fighting-types he has, and...

... oh boy. HOLD ON, LET HIM THINK HERE. He leans back in his seat and squints up at the ceiling as he tries to remember them all.]

Uhhh... let's see. I've got...

[He ticks them off on his fingers.]

Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, Infernape, Mienshao, Scrafty, Lucario, Hariyama, Blaziken, Hawlucha, Pancham, Primeape, and Breloom.

[...]

... yeah. That's all of 'em, I think.

[He thinks. SHUT UP, HE DOESN'T HAVE A PROBLEM.]

[action]

[preybeforemeals]

[It's fairly unusual for Tsukiyama to be spending extended periods of time outside on days like this; while he definitely appreciates the general lack of snow since they returned from Kalos, the fact remains that it's incredibly cold and from what he's experienced, humans just don't hold up to the elements nearly as well as what he's used to back in Tokyo. After all, if ukaku fire wasn't really able to touch him there, the cold didn't stand much chance either.

But at least his coat is warm, if a bit loud, and the belt is a bit much but he doesn't seem to mind it; the usual scarf has been replaced by something that's probably best described as "an utter fucking jankfest", given that it's...more or less this in about a million shades of green and purple and blue and it's just sort of looking like baby's first venture into haute couture gone horrifically awry - but the point is that it's warm as hell, even if it's a bit long, and colors are a great means of self-expression otherwise.

Speaking of self-expression, fighting is also a totally acceptable means of doing such as far as he's concerned, and it's that which has his attention today; he'd come out here with the intention of being alone while not cooped up indoors, but if this is what constitutes "not being alone," then he's perfectly fine with sharing space. He has a book with him, though it's mostly forgotten in the length of time it takes to fold it up against his chest, his fingertips holding it lightly in place against his body as he watches; he leans up against one of the trees nearby eventually, though judging from the intensity of his gaze, he's far from bored.

He doesn't try to interrupt them; he'll wait until they're done and Emmy is being rather quaintly indignant before he says anything.]

Ah, I'm sorry to intrude, Miss Altava - but that was very impressive, I couldn't help but watch.

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[Tsukiyama has chosen a good moment to interject; having suitably chastened her Lucario for letting her win in such an obvious manner, Emmy is now preparing to take a break and catch her breath. Being the sort that doesn't like to sit still for too long, however, she can't say she's too disappointed to see a friendly face who looks to be up for a chat!]

Ah, thankyou! I didn't even see you there, Mr Tsukiyama - I tend to get a bit lost in the moment when I'm training!

[...that really is a rather loud ensemble you've got going on there, but at least it's interesting! She won't comment on it, anyway. Running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to neaten it a bit, Emmy trots up to where Tsukiyama is leaning against that tree, smiling happily. Despite how intensely she'd been fighting moments ago, however, her breathing is rather steady.]

Have you been well?

[preybeforemeals]

Very well, indeed! I would return the question, but it seems that display speaks for itself; I've actually never seen anyone spar with their Pokémon quite like that.

[And it's interesting to him, from the sound of it, in a way that few things are; if anything, he'd think such a thing would be looked down upon here, but at the same time, there is the matter of humans being unable to do much damage...]

From the sound of it, you do this often...? Is that the case?

[action]

[evilfrenzy]

[On this lovely brisk winter day, Rideaux appears to be...walking his dog... Wow, since when did he become this domestic? Either way, he too was rather sick of being cooped up in the base, so he decided to bring his recently-hatched shiny Furfrou around town for a change of scenery. Naturally he packed his other Pokeballs onto his belt should they be needed as well.

A natural place to bring a dog is to the park, right? So that's where he heads, basking in all the compliments about his Furfrou's rare jet black fur as he goes. As he's passing through, he can't help but notice the fight going on. Much to his surprise, he finds Emmy there fighting with her own Pokemon. Actually, maybe he shouldn't be surprised at all. From the way he's seen her fight various Grunts, fighting with her Pokemon would probably be the next step. Well, this is another thing in common they have, he supposes.

He draws near with Obsidian, making sure to stay out of Emmy and her Lucario's range. Once things have calmed down a bit, he glances around to make sure no other passerby are within hearing range before speaking up.]

Tired of fighting humans today, Miss Altava?

[action]

[fauxtographs]

[The familiar voice manages to draw Emmy's focus away from chastising Lulu, and when she notices who it is, she smiles and waves.]

Ah, hello Doctor!

[It's rather nice to see she's not the only one going stir-crazy in that darn base. If only it had some windows...]

I'm afraid I'm yet to find a human who can keep up with me~!

[That...fairly true; back when Descole was here, he managed to defeat her a few times...but, well, he's not here any more, is he?

...fighting her Lucario is pretty close.]

Fortunately my Pokemon make for a good alternative! Out to get some fresh air, are you?

[VIDEO] sorry I'm late!

[glaciates]

Hey, Emmy.

[Isaac looks pleased to see her, though the question might have something to do with it.]

I used to spar with my Pokémon all the time, but I actually preferred more unique ones. Like the ah... Kabutops.

[Remember that one time in the Ice Path? Good times.]

I don't do it anymore and I haven't really had much experience with Fighting-types, so I can't really help you there.

[...]

But if you wanted a human partner to try sparring against I might be able to help. I prefer to focus on defending and dodging since I haven't gotten to practice that as much as I'd like.

[He's not exactly too fond of the idea of trying to hit Emmy. She's tiny and cute how could he ever possibly do that??]

[VIDEO] not a problem!

[fauxtographs]

[...isn't Kabutops the one with the...spiky sword arms?

...

...you know what; godspeed, Isaac. You fight your spiky sword arm creature! Anyway, have a cheery wave.]

Hi Isaac! You clearly need to get yourself a Fighting type if you haven't experienced them all that much! They're wonderful Pokemon; probably my favourite type!

[If that wasn't kind of obvious, and all...

...that suggestion of a sparring match seems to get Emmy rather excited, by the way...]

I would love to spar you! You'd be perfect, really; I don't think I've ever properly fought someone your height! It would make for excellent practice!

[HIT HER, ISAAC

JUST GO FOR IT

JUST GO FOR IT SHE CAN TAKE IT]