66th moon [video]

[paladinlost]

The route northwest of Viridian is closed. Trainers are currently not allowed to cross it, not even to see if the Elite Four is truly waiting beyond.

[He can't even hide his disappointment properly. He'd been looking forward to confirming that particular rumor.]

That leaves route 26 to the south and route 28 to the west. If anyone knows where they lead, I'd appreciate any information. ...Or perhaps I should go back and-

[And it's off. Guess that last part wasn't meant for everyone to hear.]

Comments

[paladinlost]

Of course. So did that rumor about the eight badges, and that did nothing for us.

[papasmellslikethis]

And yet, there's nothing keeping us from achieving all eight badges. [ At least, none that he knows of. He's only got one... ]

There's something keeping us from this Elite Four, though.

[paladinlost]

Nor is there anything to keep us from earning all sixteen now, but there used to be. Yet earning them all did nothing for me, beyond giving me some satisfaction.

[papasmellslikethis]

Sounds a little like it's just a distraction.

How long'd it take you to earn those badges?

[paladinlost]

Two years exactly. I think only two of us have managed it as of now, unless certain people are keeping quiet about it.

[papasmellslikethis]

Two years? Is it really that much of a challenge?

[paladinlost]

Not particularly, but I spent some of that time traveling with friends. The burns I received in Cinnabar also slowed me down during the last few months; otherwise, I would have been done with it in July.

[papasmellslikethis]

I see. So most of it is travel time, then?

[ Nod, nod... processing this information. ]

Thank you for the information. I'm afraid I'm still quite new here, compared to many others.

[paladinlost]

Travel time, working time, training time... The last two years have been somewhat busy.

[Even if they're pretty much the only vacations he's had in decades.]

It's no trouble. I remember a time when no one could have answered those questions; I'd not wish that on any newcomer.

[papasmellslikethis]

[ Still... ]

Two years, huh? That's a long time to be stuck here.

[paladinlost]

...That it is. Most of the people I met are long gone, and I last saw someone from my world nearly a year ago.

[papasmellslikethis]

That can't be pleasant.

[ A careless shrug ]

There's nobody I care for from home, so I guess I won't have to ever worry about that.

[ Except that's a lie. ]

[paladinlost]

That's a shame. The joy of seeing a loved one arrive in New Bark Town is more than worth that worry.