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POSTED ON Nov 30, 2023 13:20:24 GMT

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[attr="class","rigid"]

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“Huh, 'the strength issue'; how do you gauge the strength of a Pokemon for riding? I figured it'd mostly be a size thing, 'til you and Mirri proved me wrong. Does Pokemon typing make a difference? And is there really that big of a difference between riding a Pokemon over having a Pokemon act as a less direct vehicle for you?” [break][break]

The can of worms had been opened. Victor's growing curiosity was quickly outpacing his concern for whether or not he was bombarding Josh with his questions. Would it be rude of him to fish out his notebook and start jotting things down? Well, it wasn't like he had the hands free to do so anyway, since Victor didn't feel comfortable losing his grip on the reins just yet. He lamented this further as Josh began his tale, [break][break]

“Ah, you mean one of the most recent, terribly cataclysmic events to land in Hoenn?” Victor chuckled a little bitterly, “Only really familiar with some of the news reports. I, uh, spent the better part of that month holed up in the basement of a place I was renting outside of Rustboro.” He half-considered telling Josh about the sleepless nights curled up with his Pokemon, listening to tinny static over the radio, rationing out the cans of luncheon meat he'd stashed away, but no – this was Josh's story, not Victor's pity party. Besides, life had still found a way, hadn't it? A Lopunny slumbered under the shade of a tree in a yard they passed, and he thought he could hear the bark of a dog Pokemon nearby. It was a nice thought, enough to at least temporarily assuage Victor's anxious and persistent pessimism.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]Josh Devlin

[attr="class","rigidnotes"]

notes.

Skipping both Lillipup and Lopunny!

[attr="class","rigidpokes"] SOLOMON ♂ / SYNCHRONIZE / BABY-DOLL EYES, SWIFT, PSYBEAM, MORNING SUN, PSYCHIC, FUTURE SIGHT

HONOKA ♀ / FLASH FIRE / CONFUSE RAY, SPITE, WILL-O-WISP, NASTY PLOT, EXTRASENSORY, FLAMETHROWER

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played by

raikourider

Master of Faster

He/Him

December 12

Goldenrod, Johto

Straight

Mauville Gym Leader

Champion

6'1" height

"With great speed comes great responsibility."

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TAG WITH @joshdevlin

spiral is my big poppa pump (positive)

POSTED ON Dec 1, 2023 7:19:26 GMT

Victor certainly had a lot of questions about Josh's criteria for recruiting Gym Pokémon. They were questions he was more than happy to answer; after all, if there was an expert on mount Pokémon in Hoenn, it was him. "It's mostly size, body shape, and muscle mass. Your own weight can also make a difference." There were some Pokémon that more lithe trainers could hop onto that Josh could not. Size was not the issue with Mirri; the Delcatty was roughly as tall as her trainer was. "Sometimes with smaller Pokémon, you have to get a little creative, such as a raised saddle or ways to keep your legs at an angle. I have a Flareon I have to do that with."

The final point Victor made about the topic got to the core of why Josh enjoyed being atop a Pokémon. "Strictly speaking, whether you tether a Pokémon to a sled or some other way to travel, or whether you sit on the Pokémon's back directly, is trainer preference. To me, though, it makes all the difference." He was lost for words, trying to come up with phrasing that would truly convey why his art was more than about simply getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. After some stuttering, he at last collected his thoughts into a cohesive package.

"It's the way I bond with my Pokémon beyond what battle can do. With every stride your mount takes, you feel their strength. With every turn they make, you feel their agility. You feel like you and your Pokémon are extensions of each other. Do you get that feel from Mystic at all?"

After giving the guest plenty of time to sip Josh's thoughts, the conversation drifted to more serious matters. "To be frank, being bunkered up in Rustboro wouldn't be a bad place to be. My duties as a Gym Leader include aiding Hoenn's military when needed. Meteno was all hands on deck, and it was horrible. To be fair, if we didn't, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

Victor Haas

passing!

{WC: 356}
{PC: 7}

NAME SPECIES STATUS
Mystic K!Ninetales Good
Rime A!Ninetales Good
Saber Manectric Good
Mirri Delcatty Good
Medli Meganium Good
Flint Typhlosion Good

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played by

gremlin creature

the shadow mod

wing attack

mod

googoo gaga

600 foot tall baby height

sleeping in mod reqs

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spiral and shiv's baby

POSTED ON Dec 1, 2023 21:08:14 GMT

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD BANETTE APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] FRISK
[attr="class","wildtabox"]SUCKER PUNCH	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]SHADOW SNEAK
[attr="class","wildtabox"]ROLE PLAY	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]GRUDGE
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[attr="class","wildtag"]Josh Devlin Victor Haas

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD TOGETIC APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] SERENE GRACE
[attr="class","wildtabox"]FAIRY WIND	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]BESTOW
[attr="class","wildtabox"]BATON PASS	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]AFTER YOU
[attr="class","wildtabox"] ---	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ---

[attr="class","wildtag"]Josh Devlin Victor Haas

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

[break][break]

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played by

inmediasres

vic

he/him

thirty-two

november 7th

lavender town

bisexual

freelance author

civilian

5' 8" height

i follow you into the dark

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105 posts

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TAG WITH @victorh

POSTED ON Dec 2, 2023 12:36:57 GMT

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[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

Now Victor was really regretting the lack of opportunity to take notes. He listened as intently as he could to Josh, committing the rough basics to memory. The logistics of Pokemon riding were just so tantalizingly practical. The topic of the “feeling” of riding a Pokemon was slightly less so, but on the other hand, if the Pokemon ferrying you along wasn't comfortable to ride, then that would be a deterrent from riding them in the first place. And while he couldn't exactly empathize with Josh's love of riding specifically, Victor couldn't help but smile a little at the Gym Leader's passion for the sport. Victor loved conversations like these. It felt a little precious, getting to witness expertise honed by years of fervent devotion to the craft, [break][break]

“I dunno,” Victor stated in response to Josh's inquiry about the feel of riding the Gym Leader's Kantonian Ninetales. His tailbone was a little sore from when he'd made the mistake of urging Mystic to a bounding canter – Victor didn't want to know what exactly that was an extension of, “But I do get the impression that Mystic is strong and well-mannered.” [break][break]

Riding by yet another luxurious estate, Victor was distracted by flash of movement that flicked somewhere between the stone chimney billowing smoke and the edges of the home's well-manicured lawn. Cursing his persistent jumpiness, he slowed Mystic to a stop, and stared. It was probably nothing, surely, but he couldn't help but scratch that little brain itch that was always anxiously inclined towards disaster assessment. Squinting to narrow his vision, he saw another brief blur of movement, something white and feathery. It darted in a blur, hovering over the grass, getting closer. He almost urged Honoka to hurl a Flamethrower in the anomalous shape's direction by the time it neared the both of them, until the darting thing finally stopped near the sidewalk's edge. [break][break]

Victor was not expected to be greeted by the trilling and joyful cry of a Togetic. Sweet Arceus, this Pokemon was just precious. It trilled and flitted about the party, examining them with a childlike curiosity. Victor fished out a bit of jerky from his pocket and extended it out to the Pokemon, [break][break]

“Hey little guy, do you want a snack?” he offered. The Pokemon leaned in to sniff the offering, before happily taking the treat into it's little hands. Unable to help himself, Victor fished out a Pokeball and extended it as a second offering to the Togetic, [break][break]

“Do you wanna come with me, buddy?” Victor asked. He couldn't help himself; this Togetic was impossibly, irresistibly, cute. [break][break]

While he waited for the wild Pokemon's decision, he realized that he had almost entirely neglected his companion. He stopped to consider what Josh had said; hell, the idea of having to actively intervene during disasters like the arrival of the Meteno was a harrowing prospect, [break][break]

“Thank you for your service,” Victor blurted out. No, stop, course-correct; that was a dumb way to phrase his gratitude, “I mean, I bet it was horrible. I... I can't even imagine, being expected to help with half of the insane shit that happens in this region.”

[attr="class","rigidtag"]Josh Devlin

[attr="class","rigidnotes"]

notes.

Catching/befriending Togetic!

[attr="class","rigidpokes"] SOLOMON ♂ / SYNCHRONIZE / BABY-DOLL EYES, SWIFT, PSYBEAM, MORNING SUN, PSYCHIC, FUTURE SIGHT

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played by

raikourider

Master of Faster

He/Him

December 12

Goldenrod, Johto

Straight

Mauville Gym Leader

Champion

6'1" height

"With great speed comes great responsibility."

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spiral is my big poppa pump (positive)

POSTED ON Dec 3, 2023 18:52:01 GMT

Perhaps Josh had overwhelmed Victor with detail? To the uneducated, being ferried by a Pokémon seemed like a simple task. There was a lot more to it than that. "She is," the Gym Leader nodded. "She can be a bit of a handful when she tries to get inside my head, though. While we can't speak to one another directly, Kantonian Ninetales have psychic powers and can tap into their trainers' minds."

As Josh watched the trainer befriend the Togetic much like a Ranger would, he shot Victor an impressed-looking facial expression. "With skills like that, you'd make a good Ranger," he complimented. "Once that Togetic evolves, you'll have yourself a fast and reliable way to travel through the air. Did you know that they are one of only five Pokémon big enough to ride on and that can learn Extreme Speed?" Common Pokémon, that was: he knew the Johtonian god of speed was capable of the feat, as was the Beast's two siblings.

While the polite gesture was appreciated, Victor was right. It was horrible out there. The number of Pokémon he had that died while on active duty grew by the season. He still needed to catch another Braviary. Even then, it wouldn't be the same as Slider. He loved that Braviary so much. "It's a problem that there is no easy solution to," he lamented aloud. "Believe me, I've tried. It's more complex than you can ever imagine."

Victor Haas

passing!

{PC: 8}

NAME SPECIES STATUS
Mystic K!Ninetales Good
Rime A!Ninetales Good
Saber Manectric Good
Mirri Delcatty Good
Medli Meganium Good
Flint Typhlosion Good

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played by

gremlin creature

the shadow mod

wing attack

mod

googoo gaga

600 foot tall baby height

sleeping in mod reqs

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spiral and shiv's baby

POSTED ON Dec 4, 2023 1:18:49 GMT

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD CERULEDGE APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] WEAK ARMOR
[attr="class","wildtabox"]BITTER BLADE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]CLEAR SMOG
[attr="class","wildtabox"]ALLY SWITCH	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]LEER
[attr="class","wildtabox"] ---	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ---

[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

[break][break]

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD HATTERENE APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ANTICIPATION
[attr="class","wildtabox"]LIFE DEW	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]PLAY NICE
[attr="class","wildtabox"]AROMATIC MIST	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]CONFUSION
[attr="class","wildtabox"] ---	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ---

[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

[break][break]

Victor Haas CAUGHT THE TOGETIC!

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played by

inmediasres

vic

he/him

thirty-two

november 7th

lavender town

bisexual

freelance author

civilian

5' 8" height

i follow you into the dark

awards

105 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @victorh

POSTED ON Dec 4, 2023 12:34:20 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

When Josh mentioned the telepathic capabilities of Kantonian Ninetales, Victor couldn't help but immediately shoot a glance at Honoka. She was stopped now, as Victor tucked away the Pokeball with his new Togetic friend, and watched him with a pensive expression. He had to try something, [break][break]

'Honoka,' he thought, staring at the fox, 'Can you hear me? Can you say something back?' [break][break]

The Ninetales' red eyes narrowed, and her voluminous tails shuddered in apparent agitation. The whole 'thousand-year long curse' detail immediately sprung to the forefront of his mind, though Victor was now unsure if that was a thought that occurred to him naturally, or if that was something Honoka was deliberately trying to remind him of. Well, this wasn't the time or place for psychic thought experiments with his Pokemon anyway, so Victor turned back to Josh as the Gym Leader continued, [break][break]

“Ah, I wouldn't call being nice to Pokemon a 'skill' – one of the quickest ways to anyone's heart is through their stomach,” he replied a bit bashfully at Josh's compliment, “I didn't know the Extreme Speed thing, though. What are the four other Pokemon?” [break][break]

But then the topic returned to more serious matters. Victor frowned; for all of his anxieties about the awful shit that went down in Hoenn, he didn't often consider what it must be like for the people trying to do something about it. He felt a newfound respect for Josh; here was someone actively trying to make things better for poor cowards like Victor, who ran at the first sign of trouble, [break][break]

“I bet,” Victor sighed, “Still, I bet things would be a lot worse off for folks like me if it wasn't for folks like you.” [break][break]

It was then that Victor felt a gentle poke at his side, from the direction opposite from where he was facing. It felt polite and intentional; maybe he was in some pedestrian's way? [break][break]

“Ope, I'm sorry. Can I help you-” [break][break]

He was not expecting to meet the indigo gaze of a Ceruledge, staring up at him from where Victor was still seated on Mystic, gently prodding his side with the tip of one of it's bladed hands. Victor blinked, once, then twice, half-expecting the Ceruledge to vanish when he opened his eyes each time. But the Ceruledge remained, staring expectantly, [break][break]

“Uh, hi,” Victor began, not exactly sure what the Pokemon's intentions were, “What's up?” [break][break]

The Pokemon prodded his side again. It was then that Victor realized that the Ceruledge was prodding the same pocket that he'd taken the beef jerky out of to feed the Togetic. Maybe this Pokemon was hungry too? [break][break]

“Oh, uh, here. You want a bite?” [break][break]

Victor fished another bit of jerky out of his pocket and offered it to the Ceruledge. While he did lament the fact that he was rapidly depleting his future snack supply, he couldn't help but beam at the way the Ceruledge awkwardly grabbed at the beef jerky, pinning it between it's two sword-hands. It was a little odd, but also cute in it's own weird, charming way. Victor dug out another empty Pokeball and held it out in offering to the Ceruledge for when it was done snacking; the more, the merrier, he supposed.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]Josh Devlin

[attr="class","rigidnotes"]

notes.

Catching/befriending Ceruledge!

[attr="class","rigidpokes"] SOLOMON ♂ / SYNCHRONIZE / BABY-DOLL EYES, SWIFT, PSYBEAM, MORNING SUN, PSYCHIC, FUTURE SIGHT

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played by

raikourider

Master of Faster

He/Him

December 12

Goldenrod, Johto

Straight

Mauville Gym Leader

Champion

6'1" height

"With great speed comes great responsibility."

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7,248 posts

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TAG WITH @joshdevlin

POSTED ON Dec 5, 2023 7:18:52 GMT

Josh chuckled at Victor's approach to bribe wild Pokémon, and even tamed ones, with food. It was effective on a lot of Pokémon, especially younger ones. A lot of the ones the Gym Leader liked to raise, not so much. "It depends on how smart the Pokémon is, too. While you can treat many like that, some Pokémon, especially grown dragons, have to be treated like equals. More like how you would treat another person." It made breaking dragons to the bridle quite challenging. Josh was fortunate that he was able to do so at all. If freya morningstar 's study of dragon Pokémon met anything, dragons wearing saddle and bridle was the exception, not the rule.

"The other four are Dragonair, Dragonite, Arcanine, and Linoone," he recited. "I know the last one seems a bit small for it, but with one of the red-eyed ones from a Distortion and some creativity with their gear, they're big enough. I'll have to show you Screech one of these days. Perhaps on our next errand together."

The grim change of subject was one Victor clearly was not comfortable discussing. Current events in Hoenn were certainly hot-button topics, and ones more than capable of causing stress. "Hoenn probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for us Gym Leaders," Josh bluntly clarified, leaving the discussion at that. While Victor was off interacting with the Ceruledge, Josh detached Saber's Poké Ball from his belt, ready to hurl it toward the ghost-type in the event things escalated.

Victor Haas

passing!

{WC: 253}
{PC: 9}

NAME SPECIES STATUS
Mystic K!Ninetales Good
Rime A!Ninetales Good
Saber Manectric Good
Mirri Delcatty Good
Medli Meganium Good
Flint Typhlosion Good

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played by

SHIV

GONGAGER

he/him

October 13

GONGAGA

gongaga-romantic

gongager

gongago

me?

gongaga

808 height

WHERE ARE UNOVA REMAKES

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shiv

POSTED ON Dec 6, 2023 2:02:26 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wildtemp"]

[attr="class","wildbgsaf"]

[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD TOUCANNON APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] KEEN EYE
[attr="class","wildtabox"]PECK	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]SUPERSONIC
[attr="class","wildtabox"]SCREECH	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]DRILL PECK
[attr="class","wildtabox"] ---	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ---

[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

[break]

[attr="class","wildtemp"]

[attr="class","wildbgsaf"]

[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD FIDOUGH APPEARED!

[attr="class","wildshiny"]

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] MALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] KLUTZ
[attr="class","wildtabox"]DOUBLE EDGE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]TAIL WHIP
[attr="class","wildtabox"]BITE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]WORK UP
[attr="class","wildtabox"] ---	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] ---

[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Victor Haas CAUGHT THE CERULEDGE!

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played by

inmediasres

vic

he/him

thirty-two

november 7th

lavender town

bisexual

freelance author

civilian

5' 8" height

i follow you into the dark

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105 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @victorh

POSTED ON Dec 6, 2023 11:59:26 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","rigid"]

[attr="class","rigidw"]

Treated like equals. It made sense, Victor thought as he pocketed the Pokeball with the caught Ceruledge. He knew some Pokemon had human levels of intelligence and comprehension. Trying to do something like bribe a sapient creature with food would probably come across as condescending more than anything else. And not to mention whatever might come from dealing with dragons - terrifying, powerful creatures, some of the strongest in the Pokemon world. Victor felt himself shudder involuntarily. [break][break]

He paused at the mention of the Distortion, making a mental note to look into that later. Victor was tempted to ask Josh for more specifics, but he'd already bombarded the poor guy with enough questions. On the bright side, Josh was opening the door for Victor to pester him some more the next time they hung out. Victor smiled a little at the thought, [break][break]

"Sounds like a plan," he responded with a nod. Victor couldn't help but ask one more question when he considered the Linoone and the specialized gear to ride it, "Do you offer riding lessons? I figure I'll need all the help I can get once I catch more of my own Pokemon to ride."[break][break]

As he talked, Victor spurred Mystic on once more, realizing that he was continuing to get distracted from their primary objective; the Checkered Flag, and the promise of a deliciously greasy Unovan burger. They managed to make it a whole other block before he realized that his own Ninetales was missing. Stopping Mystic in front of a storefront decked in all the mistletoe and trappings of the Pokeyule season, he looked around and called out, [break][break]

"Honoka? Where'd you get off to?" [break][break]

He heard a loud, bird-like squack and a sharp yelp from somewhere behind him. Moments later, Honoka came trotting up the street, pleased as punch, carrying a knocked-out Toucannon by the scruff of it's neck. She approached Victor and dropped the unconcious bird Pokemon at Mystic's feet, the smaller Ninetales' nine tails swishing with gloating self-satisfaction, [break][break]

"You're gonna be the death of me," Victor sighed as he tossed another Pokeball at the bird. If he had a dollar for every time he had to catch a bird Pokemon to facilitate it's medical treatment, he'd have two dollars. It wasn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice in the same outing.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]Josh Devlin

[attr="class","rigidnotes"]

notes.

Catching Toucannon!

[attr="class","rigidpokes"] SOLOMON ♂ / SYNCHRONIZE / BABY-DOLL EYES, SWIFT, PSYBEAM, MORNING SUN, PSYCHIC, FUTURE SIGHT

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played by

raikourider

Master of Faster

He/Him

December 12

Goldenrod, Johto

Straight

Mauville Gym Leader

Champion

6'1" height

"With great speed comes great responsibility."

awards

7,248 posts

DOLLARS

part of

TAG WITH @joshdevlin

spiral is my big poppa pump (positive)

POSTED ON Dec 6, 2023 18:56:44 GMT

Josh's eyes lit up upon hearing Victor's request. Would he be another paying customer? As much as Mauville Racing Grounds was subsidized by taxpayers by proxy of being the city's Gym, he wouldn't say no to more income. Income for reinvesting into making the place better, and of course, a little off the top for himself for his hard work. Arceus knew he needed it after having to pay a six-figure fine earlier in the year.

"I do! We have classes for riders of all skill levels, from those with no experience to advanced trainers looking to become experts. If you go on Mauville Gym's website and register, you can sign up for the next class." With the lowered tuition rates thanks to the Gym's expansion and the popularity of racing Pokémon, the cost was surprisingly affordable.

"You have a heart for Pokémon," Josh noted aloud as they turned a corner leading to the edge of the upscale district. "When you get more experience with them, you might make a good Ranger."

Victor Haas

passing!

{PC: 10}

NAME SPECIES STATUS
Mystic K!Ninetales Good
Rime A!Ninetales Good
Saber Manectric Good
Mirri Delcatty Good
Medli Meganium Good
Flint Typhlosion Good

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played by

gremlin creature

the shadow mod

wing attack

mod

googoo gaga

600 foot tall baby height

sleeping in mod reqs

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3,728 posts

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spiral and shiv's baby

POSTED ON Dec 7, 2023 3:53:39 GMT

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD CERULEDGE APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] FEMALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] FLASH FIRE
[attr="class","wildtabox"]ASTONISH	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]LEER
[attr="class","wildtabox"]EMBER	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]PSYCHO CUT
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[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

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[attr="class","wildtitle"]A WILD EXPLOUD APPEARED!

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[attr="class","wildtabox"] MALE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"] SCRAPPY
[attr="class","wildtabox"]SYNCHRONOISE	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]HOWL
[attr="class","wildtabox"]ICE FANG	[attr="class","wildtabox2"]ECHOED VOICE
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[attr="class","wildtag"]Victor Haas Josh Devlin

[attr="class","wildnote"] WHAT WILL YOU DO?

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Victor Haas CAUGHT THE TOUCANNON!

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played by

inmediasres

vic

he/him

thirty-two

november 7th

lavender town

bisexual

freelance author

civilian

5' 8" height

i follow you into the dark

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105 posts

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POSTED ON Dec 7, 2023 15:26:34 GMT

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There was genuine delight in Josh's voice when he discussed the riding classes offered at the Mauville Gym. That, if nothing else, had sealed Victor's fate; now he was going to have to follow through on signing up for a class, if for no other reason that to avoid potentially disappointing someone he was beginning to consider a friend. He stepped off the Ninetales and reached for the Pokeball housing the Toucannon, it's polished surface reflecting the dazzling Christmas lights of the festive store front they were stopped in front of. [break][break]

Riding on again, now nearly out of the Mauville Hills neighborhood, he felt his face flush at Josh's praise, [break][break]

“Well, uh, thank you,” Victor replied earnestly, “I dunno if I'm cut out for that line of work, though.” [break][break]

He couldn't deny that it was a wonderful thought, the idea of actually helping people and Pokemon instead of running at the first sign of trouble. And who knows what sorts of places he could go to and people he would meet in that line of work? But no, he knew his place; it was as a transient fleeing at the first rumblings of danger, barely scraping by with the ad revenue he received for whatever mediocre writing he could churn out for his blog. But now was not the time for a pity party; they were almost out of the district, and the Checkered Flag was calling his name. [break][break]

As they reached the edges of the Mauville Hills neighborhood, he saw a figure(?) running towards them in the distance. Victor really hoped this would be the last obstacle between him and his burger as he squinted his eyes to get a better look at whoever was bee-lining towards them. As the figure drew closer, he realized it wasn't a person, but another Ceruledge. The Pokemon was charging forward, bladed arms extended, clearly on the offensive. But why? Victor didn't have time to contemplate the specifics as the Pokemon launched itself in a leaping vault, attempting to land a descending Psycho Cut on Victor and the Ninetales he was riding, [break][break]

“Honoka, use Extrasensory!” he commanded. [break][break]

With a yelping cry, his own Ninetales hastily complied. Her eyes glowing with eerie, supernatural energies, which quickly enveloped the Ceruledge in a psychedelic shroud of pinks and purples. The force of the attack killed the wild Pokemon's vaulting momentum, sending it to a skidding halt just a few feet in front of the party. There was a moment of hesitation as it leered at the group. With a sigh, Victor tossed what he hoped would be his final Pokeball of the outing. After all, he couldn't exactly knock the creature unconscious and just leave it in the street. Maybe if the capture attempt didn't work, it would still be enough to scare the Pokemon off.

[attr="class","rigidtag"]Josh Devlin

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notes.

Catching Ceruledge!

[attr="class","rigidpokes"] SOLOMON ♂ / SYNCHRONIZE / BABY-DOLL EYES, SWIFT, PSYBEAM, MORNING SUN, PSYCHIC, FUTURE SIGHT

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raikourider

Master of Faster

He/Him

December 12

Goldenrod, Johto

Straight

Mauville Gym Leader

Champion

6'1" height

"With great speed comes great responsibility."

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POSTED ON Dec 8, 2023 21:04:20 GMT

Victor Haas likes this

The edge of the Mauville Hills neighborhood was past a nearby traffic light, the fox and feline stopping as they waited their turn to cross. Cars and speedy Pokémon headed though the intersection, the nearby light show distracting the Gym Leader momentarily.

"I didn't think I was, either," Josh related his own experiences as a Ranger. "I wanted to be a professional Pokémon racer. But when the barrier went up last summer, I had to do something else, what with Hoenn being cut off from the rest of the world."

It was a joy saving every life he could, even drawing people toward his riding academy after they got the taste of being on the backs of his Pokémon during the trip home. Victor seemed like one of those people: a genuinely kind soul with a heart for the many strange creatures populating the region.

The light at last turned green. The foxes crossed into the slums of Mauville. They were far from slums, too; they looked like any middle class neighborhood in any other city. "I've got some errands I need to run on this side of town. It's been great. Need help getting off Mystic?" Regardless of whether he needed help or not, the blogger and the Gym Leader would part ways, but they would be certain to see each other again.

Victor Haas

passing!

{PC: 11}

NAME SPECIES STATUS
Mystic K!Ninetales Good
Rime A!Ninetales Good
Saber Manectric Good
Mirri Delcatty Good
Medli Meganium Good
Flint Typhlosion Good

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SHIV

GONGAGER

he/him

October 13

GONGAGA

gongaga-romantic

gongager

gongago

me?

gongaga

808 height

WHERE ARE UNOVA REMAKES

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