best_laid_plans | Turn 008 // Video (Text to Rockets)

[Today the feed opens up on a bright, sunny view of the Goldenrod Game Corner. It zooms in on the name of the building, then on the motto inscribed on the sign - "A Safe and Sound Playground!" - before finally landing on someone's smiling face.

Someone's slightly bruised, smiling face.]

Good morning! Is everybody doing all right? How about that weather....

No, I shouldn't joke. [He looks more thoughtful.] I do hope everybody made it through the storm okay. But let's focus instead on the present, and future.

I never introduced myself in full! I'm Malik, and starting today, I'm the new manager of the Goldenrod Game Corner!

[Another pan out. Ta-da! (Whoever's filming this is having a lot of fun.)]

Pretty much everybody on their Pokémon journey goes through Goldenrod at some point, huh? Well, if you've been, I hope you'll give us a second look, and if you haven't - I hope you put us on your list.

Here, I'll show you a little of what's in store.

[He holds the door open for his cameraman, who says "smoo" in reply as something she's riding on lumbers in.]

Right now, in addition to the usual slot machines, we've got a very special game unique to Johto! It's called "Voltorb Flip", and while I'd bore everybody explaining the rules, I'll give you a demonstration today...

[He then proceeds to sit in front of the machine and pwn at it. While doing so, he chats.]

Sorry, is this still boring? Turn it off at any time....but I hope you'll come in and give this a shot for yourself. We've got lots of great prizes - TMs, but also some rare Pokémon, who I'm sure would love to meet great trainers and find welcoming homes. But we can't give those out to just anybody - you have to prove you're dedicated, so be sure to keep stopping back to win coins.

[His game concluded, he turns back to the camera and smiles.]

The staff and I would love to meet you, too! So that's the Goldenrod Game Corner, and my name's Malik. Best of luck on your journeys, and happy playing!

[The feed cuts out. Malik, for his part, has to rub his cheeks from smiling too hard and immediately types up a little memo for his fellow Rockets. Best show them how quickly he can change gears.]

Congratulations to everyone on the mission's overall success. I'm sure it proved profitable for us all.

Onto further business. Advertising could always use an additional boost...

Tell me what you know about the Psychic type.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Personally I would have evolved it right away, but I do see your point. Some Pokemon don't learn quite as much after they've evolved.

[He'll buy that, then!]

Gardevoir excels at Special Defense. They are interesting Pokemon, but I personally find Alakazam far more useful. I haven't raised a Gallade and I don't know what it's capable of. It seems to be better at physically attacking. Interesting, but not very useful for a Psychic-type Pokemon.

[Interesting. Well, he has other attackers he prefers....]

Points duly noted.

And the Alakazam in question? You speak so highly of it, I'd like to know the reasoning. As well as if I can count on its assistance - if you're intrigued.

I obtained it as an Abra from the Game Corner; it came knowing the move Shadow Ball. At level 16 it evolved into Kadabra, and then I traded it to my associate to get it to evolve fully. In short, I had an Alakazam very early on. I have been training it for quite some time; I obtained him in December.

I have taught him several TM moves and he has performed admirably in every battle. I started communicating with him after he fully evolved - I allow him to read my mind and he likewise allows me to read his. It is a connection that is strong enough to branch out to other trainers. He has communicated directly with my associate before.

[Admittedly that was because Archer freaked out while battling Suicune and left himself unprotected, but that's not important now!]

He is the Pokemon I rely on the most. I highly suggest it if you're searching for a powerful Pokemon you can obtain in very little time. Abras are difficult to catch in the wild, but if you have the time and money, the Game Corner is a decent option.

Of course, I could just breed one for you.

And we hand these out for coins? I'll have to up the pricing somewhat.

[Because that, ngl, sounds like just what he's after. And he'd hate to get even further into debt with you, but...]

Breeding's quite the generous offer. I imagine that'd entail additional moves....

I'll pay, of course. And reward any involvement in my upcoming experiments.

Ah, you work at the Game Corner, then?

[Interesting, but that's something he'll consider later. That could certainly be useful in the future~]

As it stands, the offspring will only know Protect. I can possibly get more egg moves within the month, though I need to obtain a female Abra first.

[He'd really rather not breed his Alakazam, then breed the offspring with said Alakazam. That would be creepy.]

Yes, I've been meaning to thank you for that. Manager of the Goldenrod Game Corner, as of this morning. Your collaboration these past weeks is, naturally, appreciated.

[Gloat? About his promotion? Perish the thought!]

As for the Abra, I'm in no hurry. My time's well-spent, as you know, with the others, and it sounds as if the egg will be worth the wait.

I suppose you'll be setting the price?

[Oh Malik, he knows this feeling~]

Of course. I intend to expand the business once I've obtained more Pokemon to breed. In fact, I can give you the Abra egg for free if you can give me an egg in return. I can breed your Pokemon if you would prefer to trade one over briefly.

That won't be necessary, though it's generous. I've an existing partnership with a local breeder. He'd surely be thrilled to assist a friend.

Any specific requests, or shall I improvise?

I have a good number of Pokemon available already, I would prefer something new. What do you have?

[...tch, he'd wanted to keep this one a secret as long as possible. But he knows it'll seal the deal, so.

Malik attaches a picture to his next text.]

Will this suffice?

[............WHAT IS THAT THING OH GOOD LORD IT'S GOING TO BE IN HIS NIGHTMARES]

Yes, it will. What type is it? What can it do?

[HE NEEDS THIS IN HIS LIFE, MALIK!!]

[He loves having that effect on people. ~~Though he'll end up having to breed it all on his lonesome anyway because haha, as if he's showing Yuugi the Instrument Of His Eventual Demise, Muahaha.~~]

Cofagrigus. Ghost-type, as one might expect. Extremely impressive Special Defense, with some nasty legends within the Pokédex entry. (I haven't fed anyone to it, personally. Yet.)

I was going to breed more anyway to supplement the Psychics. It'd be my pleasure to send one your way - provided no one learns my involvement.

Indeed? I'll certainly be interested in studying it. And don't worry. If anyone asks, I took it from one of those hapless trainers.

[This is glorious, Malik! No seriously, a coffin-ghost that eats people? Awesome.]

[I know, right?! He didn't even mention how Yamasks possess people. He likes that part, himself.]

I'm glad we understand each other.

A trade once both the eggs are ready, then? As well as - collaboration - on further research.

[MALIK, HE APPROVES OF YOUR EVERYTHING.]

Of course. I'll let you know once I've gotten the egg. I look forward to working with you.

[AND HE APPROVES OF YOUR APPROVAL

AND YOUR ALAKAZAM

BASICALLY, THIS IS A GOOD SCHEME AND HE FEELS GOOD]

Likewise. To a successful collaboration, then.

Turn 008 // Video (Text to Rockets)

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