best_laid_plans | Turn 002 // Voice-->Video (action for Route 35)

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Turn 002 // Voice-->Video (action for Route 35)

[Impatient with training, Malik's left a note on his desk for his Rocket supervisors ("Back soon. Look forward to gifts") and successfully escaped HQ. A profitable venture should cancel out the breach of conduct.

Except why is it so nice outside. Why is everyone so happy. People aren't, by nature, happy creatures. This unnerves him.

Turning to the PokéGear, he switches it on.]

Experienced travelers. This weather's an anomaly, correct....

[Except then the feed goes staticky; the Gear hits the ground and switches to video. A dark-skinned boy with a Duel Disk on one arm is twisting to get a look at what's knocked him over, snuggled against his back and hugging him.

For that matter, trying to kiss him.]

Smoochum! Smoo!

[What an auspicious beginning to his life of crime.]

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[Malik just chuckles as the PokéBall stops wiggling. And, since he's feeling oddly social right now, actually says what he's thinking.

With a cocky little grin.]

I always do.

That's good!

Ah, how's your Vulpix doing? [because if that suspicion was right he might as well confirm it, and if it's wrong, well, can't hurt to ask!]

[His what now? Malik stands up, dusting himself off (and hoping being knocked to the wet ground won't leave marks).

Well, he can't bluff himself out of this, though he has a theory now about what's going on.]

Beg pardon? Oh, dear, did I know you - before?

[Yup, that confirms it. And now sheepish.]

Ahaha... Not well, but we'd spoken a little. Sorry - I don't pay much attention to when people leave most of the time, so I hadn't really realized...

It's fine! I keep to myself a lot, so no hard feelings.

["Not well" will have to do, as far as gathering information is concerned.]

Starting over, then - I'm Malik. You are?

Ryner Lute. It's good to meet you. ...well, again, from my perspective, but.

Same to you!

Though - well, this is awkward, huh?

[He shrugs and offers a nervous laugh. Meeting someone who knows him is actually an advantage, if he plays it right.

Besides, he's in a good mood today. That rarely happens.]

Since I don't remember being here before, I haven't a clue what we've already discussed...I'd hate to bore you.

Ah, no, it's okay even if we talk about the same thing again. It really wasn't all that much, anyway. We only spoke once or twice, mostly about traveling.

[well, and different attitudes toward training and obedience, but it's too nice a day to talk about that~]

Ah, I can imagine! It's an incredible chance we've been handed, isn't it?

[The "him" was from the future: he'd gleaned that much from other conversations. But he couldn't be from too far, unless...

...eh, he'll worry about it when he isn't busy enjoying the day.]

It really is. Exploring such a fascinating world with the Pokémon by your side... it really is an amazing opportunity.

It's been so far...

Hey, out of everywhere you've been and every Pokémon you've seen, what's impressed you the most?

[He's polled for general info before, to give him an idea of what to hunt for the Team. But today it's just as much fun to learn about a new place!]

The most impressive... Ah, there are so many things, I don't know if I can pick just one.

I don't mind a list!

[The event is bringing out his latent travel geekery. Everything about the world is just so awesome, he wants to ~~own~~ enjoy it all!]

Well, there's Rose, my Clefairy, for starters - she's always especially amazed me, with how motivated she is to get stronger even though I never push her, and how large a variety of different skills she can learn.

There are Dittos, that can transform into near-perfect copies of whatever they see; Magikarps, small fish that transform into great dragons; Ponytas, horses that somehow are on fire...

[no he hasn't let go of that one yet]

And the legends that I read in the library in Ecruteak, about the three beasts who were revived by a rainbow-hued bird. They were really fascinating - I'd love to see even one of them, at least once. I mean, I think the dragon that flew through Johto that one day might have been related, but I'm not sure...

...Ah, and really, the country of Johto itself is amazing.

[Yeah, he's just listening in wonder. Will probably misuse some of this information once the event's worn off, but for now it's interesting just because it's so cool.]

Incredible....so there have been sightings of legendary Pokémon! I'd only ever heard that they existed, not the kinds that might exist....

I wish I'd been here to see that dragon!

--though as you say, any Pokémon has its fascinating points.

They really do, all of them. Ah, what kinds do you have, at this point?

Not many, I'm afraid...

Aside from Smoochum, just Mawile!

[Lies. He has a Grimer too. But that's a Rocket thing, so he knows better than to point that out - and he thinks he has a good idea about what Grimer can do. It's Mawile that, if there's any secret abilities, he's most in need of an education.

So he lets her out of her PokéBall, though she doesn't look too interested in the proceedings.]

Know anything? We've been getting along, but every little bit helps!

Ah, I haven't seen that kind before!

No?

[He can't be too disappointed. Perhaps he got an uncommon Pokémon right from the start. (Besides, it's always better to do one's own research than rely on others to get it right.)]

Then we can both learn something today! Mawile, say hello.

[Mawile turns her head to the feed and gnashes her teeth-horns, distressed. Her trainer snuck out of HQ this morning. She hopes he's properly up to no good....]

[Well, if convincing Mr. Lazy Mage here that he's a nice guy can be considered up to no good, then...]

Haa, she looks kind of anxious about something. Wonder what's got her so worried on such a nice day.

[Depends what he does with that impression afterwards.]

I'm afraid that's her default expression.

Hey, now, smile. We're making a friend. [He nudges Mawile, who tosses her ears and glances up, finally smiling winningly for the camera.]

Better?

[Well, he's more likely to share information with someone he likes. Also, he's more likely to pay attention to/stare at the bothersome things someone he dislikes does.]

Ah, I know that type pretty well. But it's definitely better when she's smiling like that.

Isn't it?

[He reaches down to pick her up, so she can smile at the screen better.]

Maybe she's grumpy from being cooped up. I'll keep her out so she can enjoy this gorgeous day!

That'll be better, right?

[The last was to Mawile, who rolls her eyes at Ryner over the Gear. Apparently she's willing to give this exchange that much.]

That's a good idea! It really is such a great day out today, isn't it~

Definitely better for traveling.

I'll have to put in as much distance as I can before the temperature drops again....

[Not that he'd been out in the cold, actually, but the ground's still wet from melting snow. (He should know. Thanks, Smoochum.)]

Turn 002 // Voice-->Video (action for Route 35)

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