Case 008: [video] Backdated to Dec 2nd

[fortunatewings]

[The feed turns on accidentally, to reveal Naoto in Blackthorn gym, challenging Clair.

The battle is mostly over, and there are an exhausted Xatu and collapsed Drifblim at Naoto's side.

Out on the battlefield is her battered Graveler, facing off against a tired-looking Dragonite.]

Now Hercule! End this!

Dragonite, dodge it![The Graveler uses

Comments

[video]

[restardom]

... Wow, is it me, or do they just keep getting grouchier the further you go?

[video]

[fortunatewings]

[It's a couple hours later, and Naoto is soaking wet, but she has the badge. ...She also has a concerned Dratini on her shoulders.]

I can't say for certain, but I will admit that an extra test is quite unfair.

[video]

[restardom]

Wh-- did she make you go Dratini-diving!?

[video]

[fortunatewings]

No, not precisely, though he saved my life. I had to take the "Dragon Den Challenge" and...it was not easy. Perhaps if I had a water-type that could learn Surf.

[She's shivering, because it's chilly up in the mountains.]

[video]

[restardom]

What was she thinking? Stop talking to me and go get a blanket or at least dry off! You're going to get sick at this rate, all because of a little badge and some crazy lady!

[video]

[fortunatewings]

That I wasn't worthy of the badge. Well, if nothing else, I have now proven my determination.

[Her teeth chatter for a minute so she mutely nods and shuts off the feed. About a half hour later it comes back and Naoto is wrapped in a blanket and surrounded by her Pokémon. A Skarmory is the other new addition.]

That is better. I will need to speak with Kanji, but we should be able to set out soon.

[video]

[restardom]

You definitely move fast.

[ Rise looks vastly relieved, though. No need for Naoto to get herself sick on the road. ]

[video]

[fortunatewings]

The city is quite compact; it didn't take long to get back to my room.

[She is petting all of her Pokémon in turn, looking very pleased with them. ...well, petting Marple's string thing, anyway]

[video]

[restardom]

I meant in general!

[video]

[fortunatewings]

[She chuckles] I suppose I am. There was no reason to delay though; I was ready.

Even though it was a tough battle, we won. And then I met Bao Zheng.

[The Dratini gets extra pets.]

[video]

[restardom]

Bao Zheng?

... Was that the name of that restaurant in Okina?

[ ... please forgive her. ]

[video]

[fortunatewings]

What? No, of course not. Bao Zheng was a minister in China; he is also featured in a detective story; one of my favorites.

[video]

[restardom]

... Should've known.

[video]

[fortunatewings]

[She chuckles] It should not be difficult to deduce by now. I quite enjoy finding detectives that fit my party.

[video]

[restardom]

Are there really that many detective books out there?

[video]

[fortunatewings]

[Naoto actually laughs]

There are hundreds; it has been a very popular genre for well over a century.