004 || video/action for National Park;

[majorcrotchgrab]

[The feed starts with Raikov looking rather proud of himself. He's sitting on a bench inside the park. A Butterfree can be seen over his shoulder chattering away with Katya, who's sitting on her trainer's head.]

Guess I'm not so bad at this trainer thing as I thought. I got off my ass and started traveling again - as nice as staying in Goldenrod was... I'll probably end up going back eventually. Also Pasha finally evolved from that cocoon form of his and the egg that I bought hatched. As much as I love my bugs, I feel a bit safer having a Growlithe around. And he's quite handsome. My compliments to the breeder.

[The Growlithe in question is off screen resting at Raikov's feet. The Butterfree lets out a sad sound, causing Raikov to reach back and pat him on the head. The next thing he says is in Russian and it takes him a bit to properly speak it. So far that's the one part he hates about this place: He actually has to concentrate to speak in his native tongue.]

/You're just as handsome as he is, Pasha. Don't worry./

[Pasha coos, nuzzling himself against his hand. Raikov lets a gentle smile slip before he returns his attention back to his Gear, his expression turning back to his usual stoic-but-somehow-cocky look.]

... Oh, yes. I've been meaning to ask. I heard of an item that stops evolution. An... Ever Stone, I think it was called? Does anyone know where to locate one?

[Because he checked out what Joltiks evolve into and he'd much rather keep his little fluffball this way forever.]

I still have a bit before I need one but... the sooner, the better.

Comments

video;

[ossifragant]

You can get them at the department store in Goldenrod.

[Which he learned because he's been working there in his off time more often than not. Decent way to pass the time and get money!]

Bought one recently, actually.

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

I knew I should've checked out the store more. Guess I can head back then. Mind holding one for me until I get there?

video;

[ossifragant]

Naturally. There are a lot of different evolutionary stones. It's interesting, actually. I'm not sure what all of them are used for, however.

Pasha sure did evolve quickly, didn't he? None of mine have, though Martel was pretty close.

[Hence the Everstone!]

video; 1/2

[majorcrotchgrab]

Thanks.

Apparently Bug-types generally evolve quickly. He was level 7 when he turned into Metapod then level 10 when he evolved into Butterfree. Katya's an exception. The
Pokedex says she'll evolve at 36. I'd rather her stay as she is. I think she's happy with the decision too.

private/video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

When I come back, I'll pay you for the stone. Money upfront then after you get off work... a little more, if you'd like?

private/video;

[ossifragant]

[Oh, hello there.

That makes him smile.]

You don't have to bribe me, you know. I'd say yes anyway.

private/video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

I know. I wanted to treat you though.

[And there goes an eyeroll from Katya.]

video;

[otakon_geek]

Hey, Raikov. That's a nice new bug type Pokémon you've got there over your shoulder. Pasha looks really handsome now. [He was going to say just like his trainer, but Raikov might make certain comments that would make Otacon blush.]

An Everstone, hm? I can't say I'm used to evolutionary stones much. I've read about them on the PokeGear but not much else. Sorry.

What's that park you're in now? It looks really beautiful.

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

Isn't he?

[Pasha chatters happily. More compliments, yay!]

Greed's got me hooked up as far as the stone goes. And I'm in the National Park right now. It's north of Goldenrod.

[otakon_geek]

Yes, he's a very beautiful butterfly. You must be proud of him. [He offered the Russian a smile and a nod. Piplup just squinted at the screen at Butterfree and then crossed his wings over his chest.]

Greed? Oh, I think I've spoken to him before. There are so many nice places to visit around Johto. I'll have to visit there once I get to Goldenrod. Perhaps we can go fishing together once I reach Goldenrod with Snake?

[majorcrotchgrab]

I am. He really pulled through despite being a bit handicapped with his last form.

As for going finishing, it depends. Once I got back to Goldenrod to pick up the stone, I plan on continuing with my travels.

[otakon_geek]

His form did have an advantage that being he had a very high defence but a low offence, right? Metapods are known to be pretty strong bug type Pokémon in a battle.

Where do you plan on going? Have you battled any gyms yet?

[majorcrotchgrab]

He was strong. Just couldn't move around very well.

I was thinking of checking out the other towns. The gym's are for higher level trainers.

[Video]

[francia]

[Now there's something that France hasn't heard in far too long: a language other than English in this world.]

You're Russian? Are you from a version of Earth as well?

[Clearly the most important part of the post.]

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[It pertains to Raikov so it is important.]

Soviet. But yes, I am.

[Video]

[francia]

[More Soviets! The last Russia who was here was from that period, too. France beams.]

It's been ages since I've run into someone from your country. The last person here also had a pokemon named Pasha; it's quite a coincidence.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

... What was their name?

[He wants t make sure it wasn't another version of himself.]

[Video]

[francia]

[Ah, it's that time again for France to explain the nature of his existence.]

It was actually your nation, Soviet Russia. In the world I come from, all countries also exist in forms similar to humans, although we don't work biologically the same. I myself am the Republic of France.

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

... And how exactly does that work? You have thousands of little people living on your body?

[Because he finds the idea of people claiming they're countries to be insulting to said countries. You'd think he'd learn from being in this insane place to pretty much believe anything.]

[Video]

[gentlechild]

Growlithes are good companions. I think you'll enjoy yours.

[Itachi's own can be heard adding her enthusiastic contributions to the discussion.]

[Video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

I already am. He's very well behaved.

[Raikov's Growlithe ears perk up at the sound and he hops up on the bench to investigate.]

... I think he heard yours.

[There's fuzzy dog-tiger face in the side of the video now.]

[video]

[gentlechild]

[Itachi doesn't quite smile, but there's something a little lighter in his eyes when he sees that curious face, so like the one that's peering up at him from her spot at his heel. He knees and lets her peer at the screen as well, holding it carefully out of licking range.]

Yours is as inquisitive as mine, hm? She always wants to investigate new things.

[video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

He can be. This is the first time I've actually seen him this interested in something.

How long have you had yours for?

[video]

[gentlechild]

Since I arrived here. She was my starting one.

[And he's grown quite fond of her, despite her mischief.]

[video]

[majorcrotchgrab]

Do you plan on eventually evolving her?