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[The feed clicks on, a shot from behind Yukimura's shoulder, his hair brushing gently against the lense occasionally. He's drawing - a sketch of a sleeping Umbreon, curled up on a futon. The actual Umbreon can be seen beyond the sketchpad, slightly out of focus. While the sketch isn't perfect, it's also far from unskilled, and Yukimura is taking care with it.]

[Yukimura straightens up, knocking into the Pokegear. With a slight sound of surprise he turns.]

Hey, that's not fair. Ah, I'm sorry for anyone who had to see this. They really do get into everything, don't they?

[With a smile he reaches out, taking the 'gear from the Pokemon holding it - a Jynx, who waves her arms. Yukimura doesn't seem terribly upset.]

You know, it's interesting to think about the differences in this world. Nearly all the art I've seen has been of Pokemon - just like everything else seems to revolve around them. I guess I'm no different now, though. Perhaps I ought to buy some watercolors and try a few Pokemon-free landscapes. I really have missed my art classes at home.

And if I don't practice, how will I ever become the next Vincent van Golbat? Or Claude Monferno?

[With a laugh, Yukimura shakes his head and switches off the gear.]

[The feed clicks on to show a house. You may have seen this house before, Route - it's by the breeding center, and inhabited by a little squadron of tennis players. It's been seen over the 'Gears once or twice before, too.]

[However, something seems a little different. Is that a painstakingly applied fresh coat of paint? It certainly looks like it! That must have taken days.]

[The camera shakes and turns, and Yukimura smiles into it, very pleased.]

They did quite a nice job. This is starting to look a little more like a home, even if it'll never quite be like our homes.

[There's what looks like the beginnings of a garden behind him. The soil is fresh, and what weeds there are are being removed by an Umbreon and a Smoochum. The Smoochum keeps throwing weeds rather violently at the Umbreon's head. Yukimura doesn't seem to notice.]

I think some of you might have more experience with these things than I do, so I have to ask - should I worry about discovering a wild Pokemon eating my plants one day?

[Behind him, a Meganium leans into the frame, nudging the Smoochum roughly to make it stop. Yukimura glances back.]

Thank you, Gen. [A smile.] If anyone else has any advice for keeping a garden here, I'd love to hear it.

[The feed switches on to show a somewhat overgrown tennis court. No one can be seen, but Yukimura's voice comes from somewhere behind the Gear.]

I think this will do quite well. Apparently some people in this place do things besides force their Pokemon to fight each other. I'm pleased we found this house, at least we'll be able to play without having to trek across half the city.

[He turns the Gear, swinging the camera around dizzily until it shows Yukimura himself, holding it. Not far behind him is Yagyuu, writing something in a notebook. Behind them both is a large house. Niou can be seen peeking in its windows. Neither Yukimura or Yagyuu seem particularly bothered by that.]

Of course, we'll need to clean it up, but that won't be difficult. Akaya, I certainly hope you'll be willing to stay here sometimes. Fuji, Yuuta, I imagine you won't object either? Anyone else from my world is also welcome to stop by if they wish.

And, of course, if anyone else is interested in playing a few matches, let me know. We have a court now, after all.

[At first there's nothing on the screen but blackness, and two somewhat muffled voices can be heard:]

-and thank you for an enchanting evening.

Oh no, thank you. It was a real pleasure. Good night.

[The sound of a door shutting, and then the picture swings, jumbled images of a hotel room as it's pulled out of Yukimura's pocket. He looks at it, surprised.]

I must have turned this on accidentally on the way in.

[Yukimura is dressed nicely, much more so than his normal jersey, and he looks pleased indeed. Someone had a nice night.

Ah, but I haven't had such a good time in awhile. It's nice to go out with someone so refined and courteous. It seems that we got back a little later than I intended, but these things happen when you're having such an enjoyable date. Or at least, so I've always been told.

But it is late, and I'm sorry if I've disturbed anyone. Good night.

[Another smile, and the video shuts off.]

[Taking advantage of the beautiful day, Yukimura is sitting outside on the grass, his Eevee curled up next to him with her head resting on his leg. He's petting her gently, and he seems distant, quiet - less commanding than he has been before.]

When you lose - a Pokemon battle, or anything else that's important to you - do you think that it's fair? Do you consider it the inevitable outcome of not training enough or not preparing enough? Or do you think that it has to do with luck - that you might have won on another day, if the wind was blowing differently, if you'd been just a tiny bit more confident?

The line between victory and defeat can be so thin, and sometimes the reasons for either one are difficult to determine. How far can hard work really get you?

[After a moment, he smiles, shaking his head as if to dislodge unwelcome thoughts.]

I'm just curious, really, since everyone here seems to battle so often. Personally, I dislike losing! Others seem to have a much easier time with it, though. In a way, I admire that.

I wonder if I could learn how to be that way, or if I even want to.

[Yukimura seems to be a little way outside Goldenrod City, once more training his Pokemon - only this time with actual battles instead of tennis. In fact, it looks like his Eevee is about to knock out a wild Rattata. Yukimura stands nearby, arms crossed, watching the battle intently, and when it's finally over he speaks.]

This time was much better, Aya, but you're still attacking too wildly. You need to choose your targets well and aim for them properly - you're not strong enough to be able to simply attack wherever you please. At this level, it's important that you focus on your natural talents, like your speed. Making proper use of them can be the difference between victory and crushing defeat, and Rikkai doesn't accept defeat.

[His tone and words are very firm, almost harsh, as if he's scolding the little Eevee. It's... not clear whether or not Aya understands Yukimura at all, but he sure is watching his master intently. Is that a glint of sadness or guilt in his eyes for not living up to Yukimura's very high expectations? Nooo, sad Eevee alert!]

But despite your carelessness, you did win. Not bad.

[Yukimura kneels and, in congratulations, pats Aya on the head. Oh man, that formerly-sad Eevee sure looks happy to get a pat on the head, and have you ever seen a happier Eevee? No, you haven't, because Aya is so happy. Standing again, Yukimura glances at the Gear.]

Ren, I hope you did as I told you and got the data from this Pokemon.

[He blinks and steps closer, a frown crossing his face as he realizes the camera is on. It clears quickly, though, as he realizes the potential usefulness.]

Ah, very nice. If this recorded some of the battle, perhaps we can watch it back over and see what else there is to improve. At this rate you might live up to your name, Ren.

[A tennis ball bounces against the ground, one quick bounce before Yukimura catches it easily.]

While we've been doing some more normal training, it has made me wonder why these Pokemon are used to battle each other. Doesn't that seem a bit barbaric? I think there are ways to resolve people's differences without injury - at least, without much injury. The battles can be exciting, but I'd prefer something more sporting.

[He turns to his Chikorita, Gen, which looks about as determined as a Chikorita can look - which isn't very, but it sure is trying. It braces its legs, and catches the tennis ball with its leaf as Yukimura tosses it.]

Gen, serve.

[And oh man, that little Chikorita sure does try to throw the tennis ball. It gets a little height and distance, at least, and it looks oh so proud of itself. Yukimura looks more calculating, judging the throw.]

Not bad, but with a little training you'll do even better. I'm sure -

[Yukimura is cut off as Gen bounces on its little legs, excited, and all of a sudden evolves! Even Yukimura looks startled, blinking at his brand new Bayleef. Naturally he'll attribute this evolution to the godlike powers of tennis, rather than the actual training they've done.]

Well, that was... hmm. I suppose I can do something with this. Perhaps there are others who might be interested in teaching their Pokemon something a little less violent.

Hello, you have reached Yukimura Seiichi. I'm afraid I can't answer at the moment, but if you leave a message I'll get back to you when I am able to.

( Permissions )

( CR Chart )

( Pokemon )

[The feed clicks on to show Yukimura's face - quite close, a little too close. Frowning, he fiddles with the device, making the video swing wildly, until his expression clears and he nods, moving back and looking straight at the camera. The glimpses of the town behind him certainly look an awful lot like Mahogany Town.]

I'm sorry, I'm afraid technology isn't my strong point, but I think I see how this works now. I trust I won't seem too naive if I ask where exactly I am? I've never seen this place before, though it does have certain similarities to - well, I'm sure that's impossible. While it doesn't seem like a terrible place, I have to object to arriving so suddenly - I have tennis practice in two hours, and as the captain my presence is required. We may not need to worry about Nationals anymore, but that doesn't mean anyone can slack off.

[With a slight smile, Yukimura shakes his head, apparently more amused than annoyed. At least for the moment.]

I do have another question as well, about this new... companion of mine.

[The PokeGear is tilted downward to show a rather happy-looking Chikorita curled up by Yukimura's feet.]

While he's very cute, I'm not entirely sure how to take care of him. Should he be treated as an animal or a plant? Normally I'd say animal, but there is a leaf growing out of his head.

[He moves the screen back up.]

Any advice or answers would be greatly appreciated.

( application )

This is an all-purpose HMD post. You can feel free to comment here anytime, and I'll link it on the HMD memes as well! Anon commenting is on, IP logging is off.