Being called a great trainer by someone who was clearly experienced in the field was high praise that made Andrea devolve into a flustered, stuttering, jittery mess. "W-w-why, t-t-thank you, sir! Although... I'm not sure if that's true. It's my Pokémon that are great, not me!" She said, eliciting a growl of agreement from Chomper.

Indeed, utilizing big and powerful Pokémon was the signature style of most PokéManiacs. Size wasn't everything, of course, but it certainly helped. "We've battled for a while. Sometimes I don't even tell my Pokémon what moves to use. I just let them do their thing and it usually works out!" The dragon-hooded girl explained, while petting her Zweilous' heads.

MATIAS SILPH

☉

"a pokemon, no matter how strong it may be, is nothing without its trainer."[break][break]

his words look to reassure her because he's been in her shoes. he once doubted himself, doubted whether he had it in him to truly be a good trainer.[break][break]

those days are long behind him.[break][break]

his lips curl into a small smile as she continues to explain. it sounds similar to how he battles.[break][break]

"are you challenging the gyms here, andrea?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Andrea Vaneau[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-noibat color-shiny"]

Andrea tilted her head to the side. "The Gyms? No, I guess I haven't really thought about doing that." With her team, she would probably stand a decent chance, but was collecting all the badges a goal she was actually interested in pursuing?

"On one hand, the Gym challenge could be a chance to face many strong trainers..." The girl contemplated aloud, Chomper's heads perking up at the mention of strong trainers. "On the other hand, it would distract me from my goal of becoming a Pokémon. All the fame and glory will mean nothing if I've given up on my dream." She said resolutely.

MATIAS SILPH

☉

"you should! hoenn's gym circuit is among the best in the world."[break][break]

at least in terms of structure with the separation between the minor and major leagues. it allows for more novice trainers to participate and dip their feet in the waters.[break][break]

"your goal of becoming a pokemon?"[break][break]

matias blinks, looking back at her.[break][break]

"like, a dragon?"

[attr="class","ooc"]Andrea Vaneau[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-noibat color-shiny"]

"Preferably a dragon!" Andrea corrected him, pointing a finger upwards. "Any kind of Pokémon would do, though. They're all cool and amazing! Onix with its huge, sturdy body. Corviknight with its massive wings. Stunfisk with its profound expression..." She gushed on and on about her favorite Pokémon, which as it turned out was an inexplicably long list. Someone should probably stop her.

"Maybe I'll even turn into a Zweilous. Then Chomper and I will match!" The young woman casually remarked, affectionately petting Chomper's heads once again. "So you see, I don't have time for the Gym challenge. I need to uncover the secrets of human-Pokémon metamorphosis!" She declared with zeal that matched her partner's zeal for battle.

MATIAS SILPH

☉

"that's interesting."[break][break]

someone else might have found it absurd but matias doesn't. it's a blessing to know what one truly wants in life. in a way, he's almost envious of andrea.[breka][break]

"have you heard of Eva Morales? she's one of the league's head scientists. she's incredibly good with pokemon and biology so i'm sure she'll be happy to talk to you."[break][break]

he smiles, raising his drink for a sip.[break][break]

"in the meantime, andrea, i think you should be challenging the gyms. get stronger as a trainer."

[attr="class","ooc"]Andrea Vaneau[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-noibat color-shiny"]

"Morales, huh? I'll look her up. The power of science can do everything, after all. I'm something of a scientist myself!" Andrea confidently claimed. Who knows, she might have already met this Eva person or currently be meeting with her in another time and place. Fluid time was trippy!

"And if you insist, I'll give the Gym challenge a try someday. Thanks for the advice!" The girl smiled, closing her eyes. She wasn't sure exactly how becoming a stronger trainer would help her physically become a Pokémon, but if Matias was telling her that it was a good thing, he probably knew what he was talking about.

MATIAS SILPH

☉

matias wishes he could be as smart as them sometimes. alas, he is no scientist. he could not even pretend to be one.[break][break]

"that's the spirit! i'll set up a meeting with her to introduce you. she's always on the lookout for bright minds."[break][break]

he smiles, genuine.[break][break]

"and good! you should try the minor league circuit first to get a feel of how the challenges will go."

[attr="class","ooc"]Andrea Vaneau[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-noibat color-shiny"]