37 [Video/Action] (backdated to Friday 6/6)

[mischiefbreeder]

[Video A]
[It was a delayed effect the draft had on Gold. He'd been on numerous drafts before, and thanks to a combination of cunning, strategy, and a lot of luck, he always pulled through fine without an issue. Not without his fair share of injuries, but always without casualties.

But something was different about this one. Even besides how sloppy everything turned out, one thing in particular hit really hard. Crystal lost one of her Pokémon on this draft, and it didn't look like he was coming back, either. Originally, it only particularly weighed on him because he neglected to be there helping her. She was new to this. She wasn't experienced with the drafts like he and Silver were. But then a different feeling began to overwhelm that, once that guilt subsided. The sudden realization that she's not the only one it could happen to.

No matter how much luck and skill he demonstrates out there, there's always the chance one of his Pokémon could get killed, just like Archy did. Just like that, he could lose Explotaro, or Togetaro... or even Aitaro. The idea of losing one of his trusted partners hurt even more than the idea of losing one of his friends. And that was why he had to find a way to get stronger, to be able to stand on his own two legs and fight with his own two hands, without having to rely on his Pokémon to fight his battles for him all the time.

Albeit with hesitation, he makes a post to the journals.]

Anybody out there who might be able to teach me how to fight?

[He hopes there's someone willing and able.]
--
[Video B (accidental)/Action]
[Following that little excursion, Gold took to the rec center, hoping to distract himself with a little game of pool. He sat the journal on the edge of the pool table, keeping it nearby if he got any responses.

And then suddenly it happens. While lining up a particularly tricky shot, everything just suddenly vanishes. The pool table, the pinball machines, the table tennis, all the furniture... and the building itself. Gone, in an instant. Gold misses his shot due to the shot no longer existing, causing him to nearly stumble forward due to losing his balance from supporting himself against the table. The journal falls to the ground and opens up to a blank page, starting recording just in time to catch Gold's reaction.]

Wh--... What the hell just happened?! It... It's gone!

[If running into him in person, feel free to catch him either before or after the rec center disappears.]

Comments

[Video]

[fashionably_strong]

You mean the basics, or as in you've already had some training and want to learn more?

[Video]

[mischiefbreeder]

Kinda both, I guess?

[Video]

[fashionably_strong]

What kind of training have you had already?

[video]

[windandrain]

That would depend on how you'd want to learn to fight.

[Saori's already teaching Red, and working with others too, so one more couldn't hurt.]

With your fists? Or with a sword? Or did you have something else in mind?

[video]

[mischiefbreeder]

Nothin' like that. I wanna learn... a bo staff, I guess it's called?

[video]

[windandrain]

Ah! Yes, that's right. I know how to use those, and several derivative weapons too. I'm more than happy to teach what I can.

Do you have a staff already?

[Video A]

[savedtheworld]

You... wanna learn how to fight, Gold?

[Video A]

[mischiefbreeder]

Yeah... I've gotta be able to fight for myself, so I don't have to rely on my Pokémon to protect me. That's the only one I'm gonna be able to defend my friends.

[Video A]

[savedtheworld]

[It's a sentiment he can understand. Fighting not for revenge or violence, but to protect others. That's Aang's groove.]

I see. I think that sounds like the right thing to do. [Honestly, it had bothered him a lot that trainers primarily seemed to have their Pokemon do their fighting with him. Although all the time he's spent with Ikki in her training of Soren has helped him to understand the complexities in a better way.]

I wouldn't really call myself a fighter, but I might be able to help you in some ways. How are you thinking of... doing this fighting stuff?

[Video A]

[onearmedexmerc]

[Evan tilts his head. Young, but that can help with combat training. Still, there is another offer already.... Oh well. One more won't hurt.]

You already have an offer, but I figure another one won't hurt. So, sure, I'd be willing to help you learn to fight. I mainly teach hand to hand and firearms.

[Video A]

[mischiefbreeder]

I really kind of just want to learn how to fight with a weapon, but I guess hand-to-hand training probably wouldn't hurt.

[Video A]

[onearmedexmerc]

It can be helpful. Still, if you want to focus on a weapon first that's good too. Like I said, I also teach firearms, but if those aren't your weapon of choice, I'm not much use. [Evan gives a grin.] But like I said, you already have an offer, so I'm just a backup choice really.

[Video A]

[capturespecialist]

[Second offer? More like hey, Gold, she's butting in for this one. She doesn't normally, since it feels kind of rude, but...]

If Gold doesn't take you up on your offer, I'd be happy to. [If she's planning on leaving her team behind when it comes to combat, she's definitely going to need to learn more than just kicking.] Or... I'd like to, once my wrist gets a little better.

[Video A]

[onearmedexmerc]

[Hello new person. Evan doesn't mind the butting in at all.]

My offer is open to all comers. [A grin before his expression turns thoughtful.] Injured wrist? Well actually I can still teach you some basics even with an injury like that. If you want.

Video [B]

[cilantro]

[Cilan doesn't comment on Gold's desire to learn how to fight earlier, but the accidental recording that appears later is a little concerning, so--]

Gold? What's going on?

Video [B]

[mischiefbreeder]

It's gone! The rec center just... vanished! Outta thin air!

Video [B]

[cilantro]

Really? [He'd ask how, but...we're in Luceti, usually assuming shifts or magic or what not is usually the answer around here. Besides, at least Gold's not hurt or something, so he can breathe a sigh of relief there.]

That's quite a strange taste, having the building just vanish like that without warning...

[Voice]

[dancing_flames]

That all depends on what kind of fighting you want to learn.

[Voice]

[mischiefbreeder]

Staff fighting. [He's starting to feel like he should have specified that.]

Video A

[risingwinds]

[How could Ven ignore a message like this? As a friend, it'd be rude to let it slip under the radar, especially when this is something he could help with. Sure, Ven's no Master, but he's trained long enough to have a solid foundation and skills to squeeze him through tight spots.

So when he addresses the journal, he starts with a nod.]

It sounds like you've already got a couple offers, but if there's anything I can teach you, just say the word, and I'll see what I can do.

Video A

[mischiefbreeder]

Hey, the more I can pick up, the better.

action

[pokeboy]

[ Red was just doing his thing, not even paying attention to the rec centre at all and about the walk by it. But it's the sound of Gold's baffled reaction that makes him look over, and -

... wait.

Isn't there something missing?

He's looking from Gold and to around him, taking a few steps towards the direction of Gold, but... ]

Gold? [ -- wait ] The rec building-?

[ Even Pikachu is looking perplexed, sitting on top of Red's head. ]

action

[mischiefbreeder]

[If Pikachu's expression is perplexed, Gold's is downright flabbergasted.]

Wh... where did it go...?

[video a]

[fellpool]

Good luck with that, dude. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

[And he can definitely understand where this desire is coming from, considering the brutality of that last draft.]

[video a]

[mischiefbreeder]

Yeah... Only makes me wish I started a lot sooner on this.