28th moon [video]

[paladinlost]

[In the foreground, one Cecil Harvey, who is holding a few TMs and staring at them thoughtfully. In the background, one Kayne the dragonite and one Mist the Swablu, apparently arguing. Mist seems to be winning.]

How do you choose which of your Pokémon receive a particular Technical Machine? Normally, I'd simply buy two copies, but those were won from Gym leaders. I doubt they have the means to give each trainer more than one.

[The argument becomes louder and louder with each passing moment. A terrified Ralts climbs on her trainer's shoulder and clings to his hair.]

...As you can see, the potential users are having a slight disagreement. If anyone has a suggestion, I'd be happy to hear it.

Comments

[video]

[used-vinewhip.livejournal.com]

Um.. do a coin flip! And fast, it seems like that bird is about to kill the dragon..

[video]

[paladinlost]

There is no need to worry. Her level is much too low to harm him.

[Not that it would stop her from trying.]

[video]

[used-vinewhip.livejournal.com]

A-Are you sure? I mean, she looks like she's.. ready to hurt him. Really bad.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Even if she tries, she'll run out of energy before she can truly hurt him.

[Unless she aims for the eyes, that is.]

[Video]

[savedinapinch.livejournal.com]

Put them in their pokéballs and then randomly pick one! That way it's fair!

[Video]

[paladinlost]

That's an excellent ide-

[He suddenly finds himself interrupted by roars and chirps of rage. It appears certain Pokémon do not like fifty-fifty odds.]

...I believe your idea has been vetoed by the majority. How do they expect me to choose?

[Video]

[savedinapinch.livejournal.com]

Well, they'll just have to deal with it! Neither one of them likes the odds but at least they can't accuse you of playing favorites.

[Video]

[paladinlost]

Actually, I believe they do want me to play favorites. As long as they are the favorite, of course.

[As an obvious attempt at emotional manipulation, Mist zooms toward the Pokégear and makes sad eyes at Tifa. Don't you think a cute girl like me deserves a nice TM, Miss?]

[usedfuryswipes.livejournal.com]

Why don't they just make one that can be used more than once?

[Hi, Gen 5 meta, how are you doing tonight?]

[video]

[paladinlost]

That's an excellent question. We know they have the means to do it; the Hidden Machines have multiple uses, after all.

[*holds that meta gently*]

[video]

[usedfuryswipes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I forgot about that, even.

I guess they wouldn't have as many people buying duplicates. But if you make them more expensive or something...?

[Stop being clairvoyant, Ken.]

[video]

[islandshore.livejournal.com]

[Ah, TMs. Riku's faced a similar dilemma before.]

Think it depends on the Pokémon. Who do you think needs it more? Sometimes TM moves help when dealing with weaknesses, or you could teach it to a Pokémon of the same type for an attack boost.

[video]

[paladinlost]

[Cecil picks up a particular TM, and turns it over in his hands a few times.]

This one is Roost, the healing move we receive from Falkner. Three of my Pokémon can learn it; Esuna declined, but those two...

[He gestures toward the arguing Pokémon in the background.]

In both cases, healing would be a useful boon.

[video]

[swordofimpulse.livejournal.com]

...I... presume both of them can't learn the moves naturally?

[video]

[paladinlost]

Apparently not. The handbook says that Kayne could do so in theory, but it does not explain how.

[video]

[swordofimpulse.livejournal.com]

...hm.

...

What is the move you are trying to teach them?

[video]

[combat_butler]

... I only really use TMs on the members of my team who I know I'll always be using for important battles.

[video]

[paladinlost]

How can you be certain you'll not use another Pokémon? Your usual team might find itself disadvantaged against a particular Gym leaders.

[video]

[combat_butler]

Ah, well... That might be the case, but I'll always bring Hina and Sony, even if they would be at a disadvantage type wise... They're just so much stronger than the rest of my team that it balances out.

[Video] /is late

[delusorydragoon.livejournal.com]

Seems like a dilemma. [How very astute of you, Kain.]

Without more information, my biased opinion would choose your dragon.

[Video] *sees no late*

[paladinlost]

Do you hear that, Kayne? That's one vote for you.

[He hears that indeed, and that cheer is deafening.]

I was thinking of teaching them a healing move for Flying-types. Kayne is at a higher level and thus more likely to participate in important battles, but Mist shows much potential despite her young age.

[Video]

[delusorydragoon.livejournal.com]

You named him after me? I'm flattered. It's a shame what I would choose probably won't affect what you will choose.

[Ow, his ears. Meanwhile, you can hear Richard laughing at their argument.]

Hmm... I'm afraid I won't be of much help. You could make a good case for both. How much do you plan on training Mist?

{Video}

[used-glare.livejournal.com]

TMs are now able to be used on multiple Pokemon - I bought Return from the Department Store, and have used it on all of my Pokemon, and it hasn't broken yet.

{Video}

[paladinlost]

Is that so? However, I received this TM months ago. Would it also have that effect?

{Video}

[used-glare.livejournal.com]

I... think so. I don't remember the explanation, but it was something like, 'All TMs are now the same as HMs' or something.