[There's a certain blond scientist walking towards you at a leisurely pace, Kimblee. Apparently he thinks it's perfectly acceptable to hike around Johto in a white lab coat. He's not really looking at you, however - apparently the Pokégear in his hand is much more interesting right now.]
When you have spent so much time and effort on a single creature, fostering the growth of a bond of loyalty between the two of you, the idea of simply ditching it is quite foolish, don't you think? Unless. Either the creature in question has gained so much power it is no longer under your control, or it has betrayed your trust in some way. Or, of course, both.
These creatures should not be incredibly different from my subjects in that regard.
[... He also seems to think that it's perfectly acceptable and normal to answer texts by discussing them in person. What do.]
[Kimblee actually sees nothing wrong with this sort of behavior; after all, given that they are in the same approximate area, it would be somewhat ridiculous to have a conversation via text, where not all inflections and meanings can be properly conveyed. Face-to-face conversations are perfectly fine!
...to say nothing of the fact that relying on the device to communicate with others is still something that Kimblee isn't too fond of - technology like this is simultaneously fascinating and uncomfortable, he finds.
However! You can have him shifting his grip on that Vulpix long enough for him to tip that fedora of his in your general direction, good sir!]
Gorthan - quite the pleasure, as always.
[...formalities are now out of the way and he now has a vaguely indignant fire fox that does not like being shuffled around, but Kimblee pays him no real mind and the creature settles quickly enough.]As for your point, I can't exactly say that I agree with you, as it implies that loyalty should come before usefulness - when one is in battle
( ... )
I would suggest that you stop putting words in my mouth - and haven't I told you before to not take such a condescending tone with me? Again, you know nothing about me; it would be a good idea for you to keep that in mind.
But I'll humor you far enough to tell you that the first mistake you're making is assuming that I would utilize the same approach in all situations; the second is assuming that I intend to use all of these creatures for battle.
[And you're almost endearingly touchy! Gorthan is about to voice that thought as it is, when he realizes that Kimblee wouldn't be too happy about it. And so, once again, for the sake of pleasant conversation, he will try to oblige you. Just keep in mind that the condescending tone is still Gorthan's standard.
He will kneel down to take a closer look at the Vulpix. Not too close, however - he isn't invading Kimblee's personal space or anything like that.]
Fair enough. However, this time, I was merely jesting, realize.
So, this fox is... a pet?
[He fishes the Gear out of his pocket again. But he actually feels that he should ask for permission before pointing it at the fox.]
[And condescension is a huge damn berserk button for him. This is clearly going to be great.]
I'm well aware of that, as far as the latter half of what you're saying goes - when it comes to the former, however...well. As much as I appreciate a challenge, there's a difference between difficulty and true futility.
[Basically, you're not going to raise a Magikarp that can best the champion, no matter what you do to the poor pathetic thing; had it no evolution, why would anyone in their right mind bother training one?
However! Clearly the status quo has been reset, and Kimblee is honestly kind of amused at both Gorthan's...weird fascination with the Vulpix and the fact that Vulpix is headtilting like a madly headtilting thing at him.]
Go on, then.
And as for whether he's a pet or not, he's...something along those lines. He'll be raised properly along with the rest, of course, once a suitable location is found to do that - there seem to be a fair amount of grass-type Pokémon in this area, however, so perhaps this will work reasonably
( ... )
[Gorthan points the Pokédex at the Vulpix and smiles as he reads the text that comes up on the screen.]
A Fire type. How interesting. It suits you, Red Lotus.
And yes, this area does seem adequate for training. Please, do keep me updated on this little one's progress - I think I would like one just like it. Where and how did you obtain it? And what about it, exactly, makes you think you shouldn't raise it as intensively as the rest of your team?
[Gorthan extends a hand towards the Vulpix for him to sniff. He's not trying to pet it yet, just testing if it's as wary of strangers as Voltorb seemed to be.]
I don't recall saying he wouldn't be raised just as intensively - it's simply that I'm not certain if he's suited for Gym battles or not. [Or, to put it bluntly...HIS STATS. HIS STATS ARE TERRIBLE. He's sure that this thing is, in fact, "Varia quality" (whatever...that means...) but his nature is really not a good one and dear lord some things cannot be helped.]
He was obtained through someone on the network - the individual in question seemed to have a good amount of these creatures to be sold. Various species, as well; that's also where he came from.
[Have a slightly awkward gesture toward the pig derping it up on the ground; the thing is pretty much entirely fur and nubs and snuffling, and it seems to have contented itself with looking for...something that Kimblee is half-certain only pigs know of, because he certainly can't see anything of interest over there
( ... )
Even in the case that he were not, you could make him that way. That's what I would do, at any rate.
How fortunate. A breeder, perhaps?
[He briefly turns towards Swinub and smiles enigmatically at it. But when his attention returns to the Vulpix, it's clear which of them interests him more, at least for the time being. The hand-batting hasn't discouraged him, and he will tentatively try to pet the hair on top of the tiny fox's head. As he says so, he's quietly muttering strings of words to himself, and it probably won't take Kimblee long to realize that it's Literary Quote Time again.]
[...he'll tip his head a bit in acknowledgement of that first suggestion, but he doesn't comment; you have clearly not been around these creatures for very long.]
It certainly seemed that way; some of the creatures this man's companion had with him were apparently free of charge, so it would seem that they had a bit too much stock in that regard.
[...meanwhile, Vulpix likes you, good sir - you offer pettings and pettings are always okay!
Kimblee won't say anything about the talking to oneself that Gorthan tends to engage in, simply because he fails to find it odd; Kimblee pretty much spent seven years alone in the dark, in a cell about the size of a walk-in closet, and as such he's prone to all sorts of odd behaviors. As far as he's concerned, talking to oneself is pretty much standard.]
[Gorthan's tone becomes louder for a moment, before he finally seems to snap out of his momentary trance.]
... "One sees clearly only with the heart"... Ah, of course, can you remember that person's name?
I find that the profession of breeder has much in common with my own. I simply achieve more results, at a faster pace. The regular course of nature is far too slow and too balanced to cater to certain needs.
[He will pet the Vulpix a little more - now he understands why you keep in your arms like that. It's really warm and soft.]
... Incidentally, have you taken a look at the lake yet?
[...it takes Kimblee a moment to suss out exactly what was meant by that first sentence, there; after a moment, he seems to dismiss the first bit as connected to whatever rambling was going on there and focuses on the second.]
The breeder? I believe he used the name Xanxus. He was very abrasive, and his prices were high; I'll let you know whether they're worth the cost.
Your field of study does sound fascinating, I must admit, even if the concept of it is a bit beyond me; the chimeras in Amestris were interesting creatures as well. However, creation has never exactly been my strong suit.
[Pettings! Oh god pettings everywhere that is awesome and you should feel awesome have a lot of murrrrring noises because wheee]
I see. If I may, what was it about him that made you willing to risk getting the shorter end of such a deal?
[The affectionate noises... Gorthan actually loses his smug countenance for a moment, his eyes widening in almost childish surprise. There is just something about this situation which is simply and indescribably beautiful, and...
... and we're still right in front of a potentially dangerous person, so retaining dignity is still a priority. His cold, business-like expression will be back now.
As for the lake, um. Gorthan's never seen a lake from up close. Okay, he's seen plenty of lakes, hell, there are some on Evron, too. But blue lakes filled with dihydrogen monoxide are an Earth thing, and, so far, Gorthan has only ever watched them from screens and read about them in books.]
... I simply like lakes. This one is rather remarkable, don't you think?
[Well! Anything Kimblee was about to say regarding Xanxus goes rather out the window at that reaction to the Vulpix; it was brief, but he more than noticed it - after all, he makes a point of watching for things like that, even when he has no reason to have his guard up. Consider it an aftereffect from the war, if you like; otherwise, just know that photographic memories are very good tools to have when it comes to noticing differences.
That reaction was an incredibly open one, far moreso than what Gorthan usually gives him; that, combined with that latter response, actually gets a laugh out of him - though again, there's nothing mocking in his tone. Just. Amusement, really.]Forgive me for that, but that was remarkably straightforward. Most seem to like justifying the things they appreciate - "I simply like this-or-that" isn't something you hear too often
( ... )
[Gorthan's eyebrows twitch with mild irritation at Kimblee's laugh. But he's also aware that, well, he should have seen it coming. He looks in the lake's direction - that means that the pettings are temporarily out of stock. Sorry Vulpix.]
If only the weather was nicer, one could swim in it, and...
[... Wait a second. That remark on creatures with teeth...? He quickly turns to face Kimblee again.]
... "Too many teeth"? Is there a story behind this idiosyncrasy of yours?
[Yes, well! After the condescension from earlier, let's just consider it even and call it a day.
...or not...although Kimblee doesn't seem too fazed by the question, simply because he'd known something of the like would probably be asked - after all, hearing something like that, he likely would have asked as well.]
I wouldn't call it an idiosyncrasy; I prefer to think of it as "a lack of desire to be mauled." It's a reasonably normal way to be if one wants to stay alive, I believe.
[His tone is light, as opposed to truly condescending; teasing, really.]
When you have spent so much time and effort on a single creature, fostering the growth of a bond of loyalty between the two of you, the idea of simply ditching it is quite foolish, don't you think? Unless. Either the creature in question has gained so much power it is no longer under your control, or it has betrayed your trust in some way. Or, of course, both.
These creatures should not be incredibly different from my subjects in that regard.
[... He also seems to think that it's perfectly acceptable and normal to answer texts by discussing them in person. What do.]
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...to say nothing of the fact that relying on the device to communicate with others is still something that Kimblee isn't too fond of - technology like this is simultaneously fascinating and uncomfortable, he finds.
However! You can have him shifting his grip on that Vulpix long enough for him to tip that fedora of his in your general direction, good sir!]
Gorthan - quite the pleasure, as always.
[...formalities are now out of the way and he now has a vaguely indignant fire fox that does not like being shuffled around, but Kimblee pays him no real mind and the creature settles quickly enough.]As for your point, I can't exactly say that I agree with you, as it implies that loyalty should come before usefulness - when one is in battle ( ... )
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It sounds to me like you can't appreciate the challenges posed by desperate cases. Speaking of which.
[He finally puts the Poké Gear back in his pocket and raises his arm, pointing a finger at the Vulpix.]
You certainly love spoiling them, don't you? Will you elaborate on the usefulness of that approach?
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...yes, well, you're tacky.]
I would suggest that you stop putting words in my mouth - and haven't I told you before to not take such a condescending tone with me? Again, you know nothing about me; it would be a good idea for you to keep that in mind.
But I'll humor you far enough to tell you that the first mistake you're making is assuming that I would utilize the same approach in all situations; the second is assuming that I intend to use all of these creatures for battle.
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He will kneel down to take a closer look at the Vulpix. Not too close, however - he isn't invading Kimblee's personal space or anything like that.]
Fair enough. However, this time, I was merely jesting, realize.
So, this fox is... a pet?
[He fishes the Gear out of his pocket again. But he actually feels that he should ask for permission before pointing it at the fox.]
May I?
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I'm well aware of that, as far as the latter half of what you're saying goes - when it comes to the former, however...well. As much as I appreciate a challenge, there's a difference between difficulty and true futility.
[Basically, you're not going to raise a Magikarp that can best the champion, no matter what you do to the poor pathetic thing; had it no evolution, why would anyone in their right mind bother training one?
However! Clearly the status quo has been reset, and Kimblee is honestly kind of amused at both Gorthan's...weird fascination with the Vulpix and the fact that Vulpix is headtilting like a madly headtilting thing at him.]
Go on, then.
And as for whether he's a pet or not, he's...something along those lines. He'll be raised properly along with the rest, of course, once a suitable location is found to do that - there seem to be a fair amount of grass-type Pokémon in this area, however, so perhaps this will work reasonably ( ... )
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A Fire type. How interesting. It suits you, Red Lotus.
And yes, this area does seem adequate for training. Please, do keep me updated on this little one's progress - I think I would like one just like it. Where and how did you obtain it? And what about it, exactly, makes you think you shouldn't raise it as intensively as the rest of your team?
[Gorthan extends a hand towards the Vulpix for him to sniff. He's not trying to pet it yet, just testing if it's as wary of strangers as Voltorb seemed to be.]
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He was obtained through someone on the network - the individual in question seemed to have a good amount of these creatures to be sold. Various species, as well; that's also where he came from.
[Have a slightly awkward gesture toward the pig derping it up on the ground; the thing is pretty much entirely fur and nubs and snuffling, and it seems to have contented itself with looking for...something that Kimblee is half-certain only pigs know of, because he certainly can't see anything of interest over there ( ... )
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How fortunate. A breeder, perhaps?
[He briefly turns towards Swinub and smiles enigmatically at it. But when his attention returns to the Vulpix, it's clear which of them interests him more, at least for the time being. The hand-batting hasn't discouraged him, and he will tentatively try to pet the hair on top of the tiny fox's head. As he says so, he's quietly muttering strings of words to himself, and it probably won't take Kimblee long to realize that it's Literary Quote Time again.]
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It certainly seemed that way; some of the creatures this man's companion had with him were apparently free of charge, so it would seem that they had a bit too much stock in that regard.
[...meanwhile, Vulpix likes you, good sir - you offer pettings and pettings are always okay!
Kimblee won't say anything about the talking to oneself that Gorthan tends to engage in, simply because he fails to find it odd; Kimblee pretty much spent seven years alone in the dark, in a cell about the size of a walk-in closet, and as such he's prone to all sorts of odd behaviors. As far as he's concerned, talking to oneself is pretty much standard.]
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... "One sees clearly only with the heart"... Ah, of course, can you remember that person's name?
I find that the profession of breeder has much in common with my own. I simply achieve more results, at a faster pace. The regular course of nature is far too slow and too balanced to cater to certain needs.
[He will pet the Vulpix a little more - now he understands why you keep in your arms like that. It's really warm and soft.]
... Incidentally, have you taken a look at the lake yet?
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The breeder? I believe he used the name Xanxus. He was very abrasive, and his prices were high; I'll let you know whether they're worth the cost.
Your field of study does sound fascinating, I must admit, even if the concept of it is a bit beyond me; the chimeras in Amestris were interesting creatures as well. However, creation has never exactly been my strong suit.
[Pettings! Oh god pettings everywhere that is awesome and you should feel awesome have a lot of murrrrring noises because wheee]
...as for the lake, I have. Why do you ask?
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[The affectionate noises... Gorthan actually loses his smug countenance for a moment, his eyes widening in almost childish surprise. There is just something about this situation which is simply and indescribably beautiful, and...
... and we're still right in front of a potentially dangerous person, so retaining dignity is still a priority. His cold, business-like expression will be back now.
As for the lake, um. Gorthan's never seen a lake from up close. Okay, he's seen plenty of lakes, hell, there are some on Evron, too. But blue lakes filled with dihydrogen monoxide are an Earth thing, and, so far, Gorthan has only ever watched them from screens and read about them in books.]
... I simply like lakes. This one is rather remarkable, don't you think?
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That reaction was an incredibly open one, far moreso than what Gorthan usually gives him; that, combined with that latter response, actually gets a laugh out of him - though again, there's nothing mocking in his tone. Just. Amusement, really.]Forgive me for that, but that was remarkably straightforward. Most seem to like justifying the things they appreciate - "I simply like this-or-that" isn't something you hear too often ( ... )
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If only the weather was nicer, one could swim in it, and...
[... Wait a second. That remark on creatures with teeth...? He quickly turns to face Kimblee again.]
... "Too many teeth"? Is there a story behind this idiosyncrasy of yours?
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...or not...although Kimblee doesn't seem too fazed by the question, simply because he'd known something of the like would probably be asked - after all, hearing something like that, he likely would have asked as well.]
I wouldn't call it an idiosyncrasy; I prefer to think of it as "a lack of desire to be mauled." It's a reasonably normal way to be if one wants to stay alive, I believe.
[His tone is light, as opposed to truly condescending; teasing, really.]
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