91st moon [the 4th Wall of Jericho]

[paladinlost]

[Ah, it's that time of the year again. And unlike last time, Cecil wakes up in his own bed (even though he'd been on his way back from Saffron when he fell asleep), surrounded by his own Pokémon (and Grimers, but at this point they're almost part of the family), and with his own belongings exactly where he left them (except for his left sock, but he's long learned to expect that).

He's safe, he's in a good mood, and he intends to stay that way for the rest of this madness. And this time, he's even in a position to share the joy with any visitors!

Which is why he's now grilling all sorts of food on a fire pit in his yard, while his Pokémon are bringing chairs and large cushions outside. That they manage to do so while linked to each other with duct tape is somewhat impressive, but he's too busy not burning a steak to admire their efficiency.]

Comments

[paladinlost]

[He nods.]

They have other functions, but this is the most useful of all. Not everyone has such a large house to hold their sea sepents.

[dragoon_pride]

I would imagine not, especially if people collect as many of them as you've implied they do.

[paladinlost]

Oh, they certainly do. Restricting the size of your team over the years is more difficult than it looks.

[dragoon_pride]

I can imagine. Has it at least been satisfying to deal with these creatures?

[paladinlost]

It certainly is. Watching a young pup or a tiny plant grow strong enough to tear trees apart with care and training is more than worth the effort.

[dragoon_pride]

Then... I suppose that's what matters. How many of them do you have in your... team?

[paladinlost]

I have...

[He pauses, turns around, and starts counting them. This might take a while.]

[dragoon_pride]

[Kain raises an eyebrow, folding his arms and watching him expectantly. He definitely hadn't expected it to take so much time.]

[paladinlost]

[This would probably be much easier if the three Gyarados didn't keep moving around and hiding behind each other, and if the Lilligants stayed still.]

...Fifty-three.

[dragoon_pride]

It sounds as if you have a regular army prepared, in that case. Do others have nearly as many?

[paladinlost]

Most have fewer, as I've been in this world for quite a long time. But a few trainers have larger teams.

[dragoon_pride]

Just don't go making enemies of those others, and you should be fine.

[paladinlost]

I try not to, but if they happen to be members of team Rocket I have no choice but to oppose them.

[dragoon_pride]

What is this "team Rocket"?

[What, are they dealing with more space people trying to take over or destroy everything here?]

[paladinlost]

A local criminal group that will not hesitate to damage whole cities or steal Pokémon from unarmed children.

[dragoon_pride]

[That sounds... familiar. Ugh.]

I hope they're brought to justice for their crimes.

[paladinlost]

Some are, but not nearly often enough, and they recover their freedom quickly.

[dragoon_pride]

I'm certain someone can make them regret it.

[What, it would be a good repenting project for him, he thinks, going around backstabbing these bad guys... Ok, fine maybe stabbing them in the front?]

[paladinlost]

The only permanent way to do so would be to steal their own Pokémon, but as the Pokémon themselves would be the greatest victims I'd rather not do so. Disabling or killing them is impossible.

[Sorry, Kain, no literal backstabs for you.]

[dragoon_pride]

Is it so wrong to make these Pokemon serve a new summoner? One who isn't committing crimes?

[paladinlost]

It's more or less the equivalent of abducting someone's pet cat or child and giving them to someone else.

[dragoon_pride]

Even for someone who doesn't deserve to have them?

[paladinlost]

They might not be deserved, but they still love their trainers more often than not.

[dragoon_pride]

Such loyalty is truly admirable.

[paladinlost]

While still remaining the norm here, rather than the exception.