Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
Andy had a bit of a interest in exploring, though his way with directions was, lets say less than stellar. Regardless he and his 2 pokemon would be walking along the grassy area of the route. For not really looking for too much along the place and more just exploring the areas of Arciel, Aqua hopping along via her tail while Quartz, a recently adopted Goomy, barely kept up with her due to not having any legs in the current form resulting in everyone going slower as as to not leave her behind. Andy would have carried her but each attempt got a few whines out of her before she was set down on the grass again to continue inching along, either she was afraid of him due to the rather rough past with her previous trainer, or she was just that determined to do things herself right now.
"We aren't going to get anywhere at this rate Quartz, we can work on your mobility a bit later okay?" Andy says after another minute of inching along trying to pick her up again to which she finally acquiesces thanks to the little promise that was just made. Both little pokemon now on his shoulder as he picks up to normal walking pace. With the grasslands now starting to become slightly rougher terrain he would continue on looking at the vista before him, Aquamarine and Quartz just enjoying the view from their perches as little flecks of white started falling around the area, "Seems we have a bit of snow today"
WC: 260
Current team: Azurill level 5 Goomy level 2
Last Edit: Feb 7, 2020 8:07:47 GMT by Andy Richter
Much of the snow in the grasslands and foothills had melted due to a recent cold snap - there were still a few tall banks here and there from Rangers keeping the roads clean, but that was about to change. Light snow began falling, but it wouldn't remain light for long...if the weathermen were to be trusted. Twilight looked more comfortable than on previous trips. This snow didn't bother her one bit - it was the bitter cold that got to her.
Having finished gearing her up for a run across the green-and-white fields, Josh mounted up, the Absol running south at a brisk pace, but not his typical blistering one. Within the first half-mile, he caught sight of another traveler in the center of the road, two small Pokémon resting on his shoulders. "How do people not know rule one of highway travel - unless you're going fast, stay out of the fast lane?" He felt a shrug from the dark-type, which was more emotion than he usually got.
The white-furred Pokémon, standing out more than she had been due to the recent melt, gradually decelerated to a walk as the flakes picked up a little bit more. "More than a bit, if the forecast is to be believed," the yellow-dressed young man greeted the traveler, quickly glancing behind him to make sure he was the only one in a hurry on this road. {WC: 235} {PC: 1} {Josh: 95/95}
As Josh glanced behind him, he would see there most definitely was another trainer in a hurry on the road- or- more-so a trainer trailing her pokemon, breathless and practically sprinting. It was the perfect time for Cornonet's walk- said pokemon wanting to leave the house as soon as possible to get her daily jogging in, and she was eager to even try a lead, since Tiara usually fell behind her on her usual walks- so here the red-head was, being dragged helplessly through the snow as Coronet sprinted her way down the path, faster, and faster- Tiara was barely keeping her feet. "Coro!" was yelled out as she brought one foot infront of the other, desperately trying not to fall-
But it was to no avail, she noticed two people up ahead moments before disaster, a loud "Coronet- careful, please!" was called, and Coronet decided that was the perfect time to take a hard left in an attempt to avoid them, the force pulling Tiara right down into the wet snow and causing her to let go of the leash. A sputter, a cough- Coronet was first and foremost confused, and let out a worried bark, backing up a little to lick at the face of the girl who was knee-deep in snow, panting slightly.
Right- uh- there were people. She tried to ignore the bite of cold that rushed through her as she peered up at them, "U-Uhm- sorry- lovely day for a walk, isn't it?" Her voice was laced with joking sarcasm as she attempting to get up, clothes soaked through. "Uh- You guys didn't get any snow on you, right?"
"More than a bit, if the forecast is to be believed," came a voice causing Andy to turn around a bit before moving to his left to bring this new person and him side by side.
"Yeah, you're right," he agrees looking to the young man in yellow as the snowfall had quickly picked up in intensity, "The name is Andy Richter, who are you?" his pokemon looking to the man as well. Another noise would once again garner his attention as some yapping was heard followed by a decently loud thud of something hitting the snow. The something turning out to be a someone instead, a red-headed girl now with snow all over her thanks to the fall.
Andy turns and faces the red-head and offer a helping hand as she spoke, "U-Uhm- sorry- lovely day for a walk, isn't it? Uh- You guys didn't get any snow on you, right?"
""Actually I have a bit of snow on me, none from your tumble though. Are you alright?" he asks while the blue mouse hops down for the moment to greet the new pokemon, the cold and snow not really bothering her all too much as she bounces along the snow a bit. Andy would now introduce himself to the red-head, "Names Andy Richter before addressing all of them, "What brings you all here? I'm really just exploring for now, though with this snowfall , being here isnt exactly a good idea." Andy continuing to walk after helping the girl and picking Aqua again to be on his shoulder.
The snowfall wasn't too dense for now, but the worst of it was yet to come. Twilight's tail and forehead blades turned so soft they were swaying in the light breeze. He was about to introduce himself when a clumsy-looking female and her fairy-type called out to them, wet from falling into the snow bank. Josh tugged on his Absol's reins, the emotionless-looking Pokémon turning to face the two. "Looks like you're okay, at least." From what he could see of their teams, they were much more built to travel in winter than he was.
"Name's Josh Devlin," the yellow-dressed man introduced himself. "I'm a Pokémon racer who enjoys taking on the Gym Challenge in the off-season. Nice to meet the two of you." He listened to Andy's story. Exploring the wilds was something that came with the business of taking on the Gym Challenge. "I've heard that Arciel is home to a large number of Pokémon that grow to unusual sizes. Depending on how big some of them are, it could completely change the racing scene and make them much more accessible to people who aren't multi-millionaires. I'm surprised the races aren't a bigger thing here, all things considered."
Twilight, having fallen a bit behind, picked up the pace just long enough to catch back up to the two traveling trainers. "This is Twilight, my Absol," he introduced the female, gently patting her neck. "The rest of my Pokémon are a bit too young to travel in inclement weather like this." She exhibited a subtle frown at Josh's comment. Twilight didn't want to be the team's heroine - that was something she wished Josh would understand. Unfortunately for her, Josh seemed to thrust her into this position often, especially if one of the three little ones got in trouble. That was the exact reason the easily excited fire and electric-types were being kept in their Poké Balls until this weather system blew over.
Thankfully one of them was kind enough to help her to her feet, and her snow hadn't attacked anybody during the fall. Coronet innocently returned to her side, nuzzling her face into her soaked pants as if to apologize. Tiara just giggled slightly, rolling her eyes at the mons antics. "I'm alright now, thanks!" the two males introduced themselves as the girl tried her darnest to at least attempt to semi dry herself- hopefully she wasn't wearing white, that'd probably just be a disaster!
So their names were Josh and... Andy, hm? Andy was exploring, Josh was in Arciel because of pokemon sizes and race opportunities... "Ah- well I was born here- Arciel native just... takin' Coronet here for a walk, she loves her exercise but isn't the best on a lead!" Tiara let out a soft laugh again as Coronet wagged her tail a little. "Nice to meet you both- Andy, Josh- i'm Tiara, but uh, just Tia is fine!"
She paused, then tilted her head, "We all going this way? We could walk and talk!" A smile, and she moved to push through her hair with her free hand, "There's some awfully pretty sights around here I could should you guys, if you're not in a hurry? They're on my walking route anyway~"
"I'm alright now, thanks!" the girl said before they got to introducing themselves, "Nice to meet you both- Andy, Josh- i'm Tiara, but uh, just Tia is fine!"
"Name's Josh Devlin, I'm a Pokémon racer who enjoys taking on the Gym Challenge in the off-season. Nice to meet the two of you."
"Nice meeting you both as well" he smiles to them both again before turning first to Josh, "Pokemon racer eh? Never heard of them myself but sounds like they would be cool to see." When he mentions about pokemon going to odd sizes being accessible to the middle class citizens of the region, he nods in a bit of agreement. "It could result in more pokemon being part of the races too besides what i would think are the normal Rapidashes, Arcanines and other pokemon. I guess you wouldn't see giant rabbits taking part, but I guess with the size thing you mentioned it would be possible."
"Ah- well I was born here- Arciel native just... takin' Coronet here for a walk, she loves her exercise but isn't the best on a lead!"
Andy and Quartz have a little nod to each other at this considering her Coronet induced pratfall, "Then you would be our tour guide so to speak" he jokes. "Pretty sights huh? I'd imagine so actually and i would like to see them, but not while in the snow if you dont mind. Im actually looking to become a nurse for this region, though im going to need some training first of course."
"You're native to Arciel, Tia?" Josh turned toward her. "That's great - maybe you can show me around! I'm a Johto native myself." When Tia explained she wanted to show them some fine views the region had to offer, Josh couldn't help but smile. "I'm in a little bit of a rush to get to Cedar, but not so much that I can't see one or two sights. Who knows? Maybe I'll run into a good racing Pokémon!" The snow didn't seem to bother him at all - back when he was a kid, he loved sledding down the steepest hills he could find. "I'm raising these three for the circuit - Saber, Blitz, and Aslan," he introduced all three of them, letting the Electrike, Shinx, and Litleo out of the Poké Balls in that order. The electric-types started crowding around the boy's Azurill, excited to meet new Pokémon. "Hey--give them some space!"
Once the two distanced themselves from the Azurill, Josh and Aslan faced Andy, his white-furred mount giving the male a blank stare. "Surprisingly, Rapidash and Arcanine don't see as much use as you think. There are over 150 different Pokémon species recognized as suitable for races. On some tracks where cornering is important, Rapidash and Arcanine will not perform well. Sure, they're extremely fast, but they can't use that speed well on curvy courses. You do see primarily Fire and Electric Pokémon, though." He paused for a few seconds, watching a surprisingly calm Aslan trot along the snow-dusted road. "Overly large Pokémon can also be a liability. There are anywhere from 12 to 30 Pokémon in any given race at once. The larger your ride is, the harder it can be to pass and gain position."
Josh listened to Andy's story about wanting to become a nurse. Even Twilight perked up at hearing it. "That's a noble profession to get involved in - good for you! My first job was actually in-house transport at a local hospital. It felt good to help people who needed it the most, and all that walking helped keep me in shape."
Andy was right, pokemon racers did sound fairly cool. "I'm sure my brother would love to see you race some time!" Prince would adore it, pokemon racing, the speed, the anticipating, the speculation, the crowds, he'd have this huge smile on his face, he'd wave his hands in the air before grabbing one of her own, yelling out 'Tia, I bet you that one'd win!' and he'd always be right, because there never was a time he was wrong in anybodies eyes.
As Andy declined her invitation to be shown around right now Tiara shrugged, she was used to this weather, Arciel being her home after all, but she wouldn't mind doing it another day! Socialising was fun, she didn't talk to people much anyway. Though as he brought up... wanting to be a nurse Tiara felt a soft pang in her stomach, ah... both Josh and Andy were aiming to be something admirable, something worth looking up to, and here she was... a dishwasher. Not that being a dishwasher was bad but, if you put them all side by side you'd never look up to Tiara, you'd pick any job after hers- not that she wasn't satisfied!
To switch from her thoughts she nodded with, "Ah, that's alright! Some other time, then? I wouldn't mind showing you both around then, when the weathers more to your standards." She tilts her head, "Though there are some gorgeous rivers around that look stunning, I think... they'd be frozen around now, actually- lots of fun for pokemon to play on, and super safe!" A hand is brought to her chin as she thinks once more, "And... there's also a creepy abandoned house just before the ice meets the rock, though it's not much of a tourist spot more as a spooky place for kids to prank each other..."
Yeah, childhood was fun. Prince would love both these guys. As Josh showed his pokemon and began speaking about racing specifics she kept a smile patiently on her face nodding every so often, he really knew his stuff. Coronet sat by her side, nudging a nose into the girls hand as if realizing something the girl hadn't already. "Is there any races being hosted soon? I'd love to attend and watch if i'm not working, and so would my-" She cut herself off, and Coronet urged her to pat her, the girls hand instinctively moving to weave itself through the dog pokemons fur. "...Nevermind."
That's right. Princeton was dead. But she could still go by herself!
"Surprisingly, Rapidash and Arcanine don't see as much use as you think. There are over 150 different Pokémon species recognized as suitable for races. On some tracks where cornering is important, Rapidash and Arcanine will not perform well. Sure, they're extremely fast, but they can't use that speed well on curvy courses. You do see primarily Fire and Electric Pokémon, though."Overly large Pokémon can also be a liability. There are anywhere from 12 to 30 Pokémon in any given race at once. The larger your ride is, the harder it can be to pass and gain position."
"Really? That's surprising but then again I don't know that much about pokemon races. Seriously?? 12 to 30 pokemon at once?" an astonished Andy remarks upon hearing that, "Sounds like they would need about a route sized track just to run around in. Actual race tracks seem just way too small unless some small pokemon are used." now looking to the pokemon that were released by Josh and currently crowding around the tiny mouse. She didn't really mind about that right now as she was squeaking a greeting to each of the pokemon present around her, bouncing a few times so Andy can see her as to not get lost in the crowd of pokemon.
As Josh remarked on Andy's aspiration to be a nurse, he smiles. Healing up pokemon from battle or getting rid of anything that ails them was something he enjoyed alot, more after the fact where said pokemon is not annoyed or screaming in pain. Not to mention his tiny mouse friend also was a bit of a inspiration for the profession, a way to help her and many other pokemon. Hearing about Josh's first job in a hospital brought a smile to his face as well as a bit of annoyance he didn't do that himself.
"Ah, that's alright! Some other time, then? I wouldn't mind showing you both around then, when the weathers more to your standards." She tilts her head, "Though there are some gorgeous rivers around that look stunning, I think... they'd be frozen around now, actually- lots of fun for pokemon to play on, and super safe! And... there's also a creepy abandoned house just before the ice meets the rock, though it's not much of a tourist spot more as a spooky place for kids to prank each other..."
"I would like to see all of that at some point Tia, maybe we can explore those together sometime?" a bit curious thanks to Tia bringing them up, exploring was part of being in the region after all. After this, Andy listened to Tia start to ask Josh a question before cutting herself off. "Something wrong Tia?" he genuinely asks growing concerned, and possibly somewhat nosy.
When the electric-types were a safe distance away, Aslan trotted up to the Azurill, let out an affectionate purr, and started sniffing the small Pokémon. "Be gentle, Aslan!" he briefly faced the cub before turning back to Andy. "They're like kids--don't want to listen to a word I say. They probably just need time." Saber wanted to join Aslan, but Blitz blocked his every move, the two almost playful in that matter. "The little Shinx is already growing up. I feel he'll evolve any given day now."
Andy's remark about Route-sized tracks was typical for those not familiar with the circuit. "Funny you bring that up - many of Johto's tracks are built around rural roads like this one, as well as other natural features. The only grandstand where people sit is around the start and finish line. For higher-level races, there are fantastic camera-people spread across the track that capture and feed the action to a screen the spectators can watch. A lot of smaller tracks are designed so that people in the grandstand can see most or all of it, even if some of it is really far away."
Though Josh didn't mind sightseeing when he was going through wilderness looking for Pokémon, it was not his primary motive. "I tried ice skating once when I was young and couldn't maintain my balance at all," he related, completely tuning Tia out when she mentioned an abandoned, possibly haunted, house. Ghost-types didn't interest him at all.
Josh turned to Tia when she asked him about upcoming races. "The season back in Johto doesn't start for another month, so I imagine Arciel's doesn't start until then, either. I hear that Bass City's hosting the season opener the last weekend of March - if you want to watch a race for yourself, that would be the soonest one. Twilight and I are going to--you okay?" he asked as Tia was about to present another question then suddenly stopped herself.
Ah! So Andy would be interested in seeing all the sights some other time! That could be, uh, easy to arrange, though it didn't seem like Josh was into either, which was perfectly fine! It's not like she was going to tow two compelte strangers who were of higher experience and way above her around. Her, a measley dishwasher- aha... her headspace all at once had gone bad, Coronet was licking at her hand now, attempt to bring her attention over to her to take Tiara's mind off everything.
Of course she did it again. Why does this keep happening? She got so caught up in her ideas that her brother's passing breezed right over her head- Arceus- it'd been nine years, she had to let it go! he was dead, Tiara. You couldn't take him anywhere, do anything with him. There were no races to enjoy, rollercoasters to ride, haunted houses to explore- he was out of your life, and had been for a while!
Was it because her parents weren't here to remind her? She didn't know, but she bit down on her lip, suddenly aware of the two males enquiring about her and she shook her head a few times, moving to wave her hand once more through Coronet's fur. "Ah, i'm as good as a well-baked tart! Perfectly fine! Just forgot I had to go to the shops to get some extra milk suddenly!" An awkward giggle left her then and she averted her gaze. Right, perfect strangers who she bumped into- she shouldn't just insert herself into their convo like she did, it would have been better to just walk away, they're both way more skilled and she shouldn't be interupted them, uh...
"The races in Bass-" She spoke again, quickly changing the subject, "They sound lovely. I'd have to check my work schedule, since I work basically everyday from 5-9 so..." A soft shrug and another uncomfortable laugh, "And Bass is a little far from Pine, but if you could get me, say, uh... some dates maybe?"
"Ah, i'm as good as a well-baked tart! Perfectly fine! Just forgot I had to go to the shops to get some extra milk suddenly!" came her reply leaving Andy sure he had just hit a nerve a second ago.
"Gosh darn it dont't be so nosy next time you dork or everyone will be uncomfortable around you!" he admonishes himself mentally before turning to Josh who would go into explaining how Jotho's races were actually held on rural roads with the only things that looked like a normal raceway feature being the grandstands at the start/finish line.
"Shows how how much I know, I didn't even know they existed until now." he chuckles a bit to himself before Josh continues speaking.
"For higher-level races, there are fantastic camera-people spread across the track that capture and feed the action to a screen the spectators can watch. A lot of smaller tracks are designed so that people in the grandstand can see most or all of it, even if some of it is really far away."
Tia mentioning the abandoned house was more of a mixed bag for Andy. On one hand, was his curiousity about the place itself and the pokemon that would reside there, mostly of the ghost variety. On the other hand, those same ghosts like to play alot of pranks and while he didn't mind a few of these, the ghosts may take it just that little bit too far that could result in them or their pokemon being harmeed and he definitely didn't want that in spite of pursuing to be a nurse.
"The races in Bass...if you could get me, say, uh... some dates maybe?"
"I would like those dates myself, I'll come and see you and your pokemon during the racing season. I don't think we will get involved but would for sure watch a few races." he tells Josh, referring to he and Aqua in terms of getting involved in races, they did seem cool to spectate though.
...Milk? Where did that come from? "Just wanted to make sure you were okay," Josh replied as Tia ceased eye contact with him. "Come to think of it, I'm a bit low on traveling supplies myself - gotta make a stop at the Mart when we get to Pine. Can't head east without enough food, water, and medicine to make it." He was silent for a few seconds before interjecting a "You sure?" - the giggling gave away something was on her mind. Before he could say anything else, Josh overheard his electric-types barking and crying at each other.
Blitz started to become fatigued, letting out a not-co-cute roar, the three Pokémon silent after that. Josh turned to the small Pokémon, even Twilight stopping to give Saber a stare of disapproval. "That's enough - since the two of you can't behave, I'm withdrawing you both." The Electrike and Litleo frowned as Josh recalled both of his Pokémon.
"Since it's getting a bit warmer," he continued, "I could show you the rest of my team. Nitro, Illumina, you're up!" From the number three and four Poké Balls emerged a Skiddo that stood quite high for its kind, not too far off the Absol in stature. The grass-type stood in front of a Chinchou atop a short pillar of water that enabled her to swim. A small bud popped up on the side of the road as Nitro brought his front hooves down, demonstrating his Growth technique.
"Nitro here," he reached over to pat the grass-type's steering horns, "is the first Pokémon I ever raced with. I got to race him once toward the end of the season last year. We finished..." his voice trailed off for a bit before letting out a sigh, "...in 29th place. At least it wasn't dead last?" he weakly smiled before turning back to Tia.
"Every race is a three day event - the first day, in Bass's case Friday, is practice. It's where anyone who's registered can come and get used to the track. The second day, Saturday, is the time trials. In the time trials, they time you for three laps, the last two of which are boost laps. You can't use things like Quick Attack on the first lap. Through a weight of your fastest lap time and overall finish time, they determine which racers make it to the big race on Sunday. Usually it's the top 30."
When asked about getting a date for Tia, Josh wasn't sure how to respond - when he was a child, his father had often teased him about staying away from women. Josh had taken it for real, and had never showed interest in women beyond mere friendly relationship. He tensed up, looking like he wanted to say something, but kept it in. He relaxed when Andy chimed in about such dates. "Thanks - I can understand. Races aren't for everyone, just like competition Pokémon battles aren't for everyone. Life's all about what you enjoy doing, and this is the calling I've found. Opening weekend is March 27, 28, and 29. If I see you in the grandstand, I'll wave!"
Tiara, to her credit, was trying hard to pay attention to the talking... but with thoughts of her brother swirling it was fairly difficult. She wasn't really being spoken to anyway, so it's not like it really mattered. The girl took a death breath, in an attempt to stabilise herself while Coronet continued pushing into the girls palm, nuzzling her nose and barking softly to keep her attention on the positives. Lots ot race stuff, the dates, the trial things- if Prince was here he'd have been to everything, grinning at her, telling her his bets, the odds, jokingly pushing her towards the track, calling her an idiot and sticking his tongue out-
Celebrating with mum and dad, winning a hell of a lot of money from what he bet, getting pat on the back, getting hugged, getting everything he ever wanted while Tiara watched from the sidelines, smiling. Because her brother was her hero. He was her everything. She faintly heard dates being given and spoke once more, trying desperately to bring herself out of her thoughts. "Again i'll have to check my schedule, but it- uh- sounds cool!" A nod, these were strangers. She couldn't attend a strangers race if all it was going to remind her of was how much her dead brother would enjoy it.
She could maybe imagine him by her side now, smiling, his grip on she railing as he che- shut up. She forced out a laugh and glanced forward, "Is it- uhm- just me or is it heating up a little out here?"
Aquamarine would have a bit of a breather from those other two jostling around, they were certainly the energetic bunch as they were withdrawn. She would then take her place beside Andy now starting to relax again as the trainers continue chatting.
"Is it- uhm- just me or is it heating up a little out here?"
"Yeah it is getting warmer," he agrees taking off his jacket fold it up and put it into the bag while Josh would release some of his other pokemon. These were a Skiddo and a Chinchou , "Quite the nice pair there, I'd assume you find these two more behaved than the Litleo and Electrike?" he nods, Josh speaking now on his first race with the Skiddo.
"Nitro here, is the first Pokémon I ever raced with. I got to race him once toward the end of the season last year. We finished... in 29th place. At least it wasn't dead last?"
Andy had a bit of a chuckle at this but completely understood that, "We all have to start somewhere" he says looking to the green kid pokemon. "So how would these work exactly?" Josh then goes on to explain that.
"Every race is a three day event - the first day, in Bass's case Friday, is practice. It's where anyone who's registered can come and get used to the track. The second day, Saturday, is the time trials. In the time trials, they time you for three laps, the last two of which are boost laps. You can't use things like Quick Attack on the first lap. Through a weight of your fastest lap time and overall finish time, they determine which racers make it to the big race on Sunday. Usually it's the top 30."
"That is quite the event i must say. Sounds grueling for both the pokemon and the racer really."
Going off of the racing tab for a moment he would turn to Tia, "How about you Tia what do you like doing besides exploring haunted houses?" noting that her attention seemed elsewhere during the time the two guys were chatting, this, he assumed, was due to her thinking of other things. "Perhaps cooking?" he guesses remember her 'well-baked tart' analogy.
Last Edit: Mar 8, 2020 7:18:13 GMT by Andy Richter
"That was one big sigh," Josh thought, Tiara apparently quite lost in thought. His curiosity drew him to delve deeper, but he had been involved in others' personal affairs before. At best, he was injecting himself in situations he nor others did not benefit from, At worst, he was escalating existing conflicts and risking severing friendships - even long-standing ones. Neither of those situations nor any in between were particularly desirable. Whatever situation was distracting her would need to be resolved among herself and her close circle.
Josh subtly shook his head when Tia mentioned it was getting warmer outside. He glanced upward to a brightly-shining sun, the thick cloud cover that had covered the sky drifting eastward. There were no clouds coming in from the west, either - it was going to be an unseasonably warm afternoon, but a cold night. "It is," he answered. "Spring is coming, after all. Back when I was a kid, I used to enjoy winter. About ten minutes from home, there's this big, really steep hill I loved going sledding down. It was something I looked forward to every year. If I had a Pokémon like Twilight when I was younger, I would have gone out there by myself."
Nitro seemed content to walk alongside Josh and Twilight, Illumina comfortably floating at the top of the pillar of water keeping her off the cold ground. "...More reserved is probably a better phrase," Josh answered Andy. "They're also still very young. They just need time to understand how we work as a team...which is something I'm confident they'll understand after they evolve." When Andy mentioned how hard racing was on both the Pokémon and trainer, Josh nodded. "Absolutely. That's why I prefer it over Pokémon battles. As a racer, you have a much more active role - you truly work as a team rather than serving a more passive role like a sports coach. It's why most leagues only race once per week - sometimes two in one week."
When Andy changed the subject and faced Tia, Josh turned toward both of them. "Before I got into the races, I used to be a big video game enthusiast - especially the old ones. A lot of what I played growing up is older than I am! I still am somewhat of one, but I don't really have the time aside from the off-season. I'll still sit down and play on occasion though, especially when I miss qualifying." Nitro edged ahead of Twilight, the bladed, white Pokémon paying her companion no heed.
Yep. Yep it was getting warmer. With a new season around the corner of course it was. Tiara wasn't good with these people, she didn't really feel comfortable right now nor did she knew where to inject herself in the situation. A hand swept through her hair as she half-heartedly listened to the conversation happening around her. "...Yeah winter is lovely, but... i'm looking forward to the sun, a natural heater, rather than heating which is much to expensive right now..." A shrug was given then.
Racing stuff about working together as a team, there was a lot being spoken and Tiara's mind simply struggled to keep up- that and she couldn't help thinking about Princey, and racing... and... yeah... Her hand idly patted Coronet who let out a soft whie, the Furfrou just wanting to go back to her walk. And- oh- Andy was speaking to her? Uhm... her likes? Before she could open her mouth to speak he said... cooking and eyes brightened slightly- however before she could answer Josh jumped into his own likes.
Uh... well, this guy kinda talks a lot, doesn't he? Tia had thought the question was directed at her but maybe she'd just... misunderstood it or something. A hand weaved through her hair and she smiled politely as he spoke, nodding with a, "Video games are a popular past time, that's really cool!" Although it... might have been slightly half-hearted. Coronet was tugging at her lead a little now and Tiara waited a few bneats before going, "But, yeah- uhm- I... i'm actually a dishwasher- not somebody who does the cooking, so... most of my time is spent at work, cleaning dishes... but... ye-" Coronet went to run once more and Tiara felt herself dragged slightly through the snow again.
A huff was given followed by, "Coro, wait a second!" Before her attention turned to the other two, "I'm sorry, she doesn't really like pitstops on her walk- uh- maybe we can continue this another time?"
Seems he had hit the correct guess with Tia's likes of cooking, though he didn't get a full list of them thanks to Josh going into his own likes for a bit mentioning video games. "I'm not much of a video buff myself, I more prefer being outside even if it's just for explorations." he says before looking back to Tia while she explains that she was only a dishwasher. Not like he minded that one bit saying, "Everyone has to start somewhere, eventually you would be cooking gourmet meals for pokemon and possibly humans." trying to be as inspiring as possible though he wasn't sure how well that was working for her.
Sure Josh did talk a lot but Andy just figures he was just excited to chat. Josh resumes talking about the life of a racer, That's why I prefer it over Pokémon battles. As a racer, you have a much more active role - you truly work as a team rather than serving a more passive role like a sports coach. It's why most leagues only race once per week - sometimes two in one week."
"Well considering you two are pretty much doing the event together I can understand why it's only once or twice." he would nod to Josh before an audible huff from Coro drew his eyes back to Tia again, "seems she is a bit impatient, that or she likes exercise" he smiles to Coro. Tia would soon confirm this.
"I'm sorry, she doesn't really like pitstops on her walk- uh- maybe we can continue this another time?"
"I'm okay with that, it seems we have interrupted her routine for a long time anyway."
A natural heater was one way to put it. Josh had forgotten how expensive the cost of heating was, given that he was far away from home and had to get lodging during the evenings. Lodging in Arciel was less expensive than back in Goldenrod, but then again, Goldenrod was a major metropolitan area. In the big city, everything was expensive. "We get pretty mild weather back in Goldenrod - we're far north enough that we're not covered in snow for four months, but also far south enough that it's not boiling hot during the summer," Josh related. "I have no idea how Alolans can stand that heat and humidity all year."
Nitro by now was a bit too far ahead of the rest of the trainers and Pokémon. "I think he's getting cold," Josh noted aloud, recalling the Skiddo. "They have to keep moving in weather like this or they'll freeze." He tilted his head back toward Andy. "Travel is also a concern - you'll find yourself going all over the region." He pulled up Arciel's league schedule on his phone - if he wanted to make every event, he wouldn't be doing much else. "Looks like every major city in Arciel has one this year, plus--"
Josh cut his thought short upon seeing Tia struggle to keep her partner from taking off without her. "Andy, I think they want us to pick up the pace a bit. Think you can keep up?" After a few seconds, Twilight entered a trot in an effort to catch up to the runaway Furfrou and trainer.
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