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Post by lichlord on Apr 22, 2020 23:37:42 GMT
She laughs and shakes her head.
"Alright then, I guess they are mine."
She sticks her tongue out.
Regardless, with fun out of the way, she needs to start training. First, on the next day they start flying their way to Falkner!
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May 31, 2023 21:25:23 GMT
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Post by Raven on Apr 23, 2020 0:57:04 GMT
Walking into the Violet City Gym, Victoria is greeted by a surprised Falkner. Apparently he was just on his way out.
"Oh! Victoria, wasn't it? I am pleasantly surprised to see you again. How is your journey going?" He asks.
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Post by lichlord on Apr 23, 2020 1:54:44 GMT
"Morning sir!"
Victoria waves.
"Well it's going pretty good, just the other day I've beaten Clair for my 8th badge. So I'm all set for the Silver Conference!"
She beams.
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May 31, 2023 21:25:23 GMT
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Post by Raven on Apr 23, 2020 2:12:33 GMT
"Oh? That's wonderful news. Clair is a very difficult opponent to face. Even I can't really stand up to her Champion-level team for very long." Falkner replies. "So! What brings you here then? Surely you didn't drop by just to let me know the good news? I didn't think I'd made that much of an impression on you."
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Post by lichlord on Apr 23, 2020 2:15:37 GMT
"Well now... I gotta start prepping for Silver Conference level teams."
She gives him a smirk.
"And I've come here to challenge your high level team."
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Post by Raven on Apr 23, 2020 2:22:13 GMT
Falkner grins. "Oho? Well, we may not match up to Clair's level of strength, but I can promise you that you'll find our momentum hard to overcome. My precious Flying Pokemon haven't had a chance to properly fight in ages. It'll be good to shake off the rust a bit." He turns back and leads Victoria back into the Gym to the arena. A few quick button presses and the roof opens up to allow the full range of the sky to be used for his Flying-Types. The referee for this friendly match announces that this will be a full 6 on 6, with the usual rules, though in this case substitution is fully allowed. Both sides may freely switch between Pokemon on their team as desired.
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Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2020 5:29:51 GMT
Falkner grins with just a hint of smugness. Oh yes, it was close, but the sheer momentum of his Pokemon's fighting style clinched victory again. Precisely as expected. "D'you plan on working with Bugsy in the future, Victoria?" Falkner asks, eyeing Whitney over in the stands. "I'm sure he'd gladly take you on as an apprentice if you asked. Of course, if you already have post-League plans..."
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Post by lichlord on Apr 24, 2020 5:45:43 GMT
Victoria's already thinking about what she could do in order to close the gap in case she's at this massive a disadvantage in the Conference. Falker's speaking snaps her out of it. She looks a little blushed being deep in thought like that.
"I mean I don't have anything set in stone for plans. If I set that up in stone now, then what am I doing but assuming I can't win the championship?"
She laughs, but does catch his gaze.
"Although I have thought on it a little, yeah. I've always had an affinity for the bug-type, which is why I ended up with a bunch and have decided to take a bug-centered approach for the Conference. That's why I came here. I figured you'd be basically be one of the hardest challenges I could face, being effective against me while I have problems facing you. But... yeah I want to keep being a trainer professionally after this, and Bugsy was first on my list. I had thought about Whitney too, but... there may be a little bit of a conflict of interest there."
She blushes and laughs.
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Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2020 5:50:20 GMT
Falkner laughs as well. "Yes, perhaps so. I don't mean to imply that you can't possibly take the Championship in the Conference, but it's exceedingly rare for Trainers to pull that off in their first ever tournament. Just...keep that in mind as you push as far as you can. Don't worry overmuch about the future until it gets here. Just have some ideas ready to explore."
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Post by lichlord on Apr 24, 2020 5:56:43 GMT
"That's it exactly. I've got basic ideas but I'm not gonna psyche myself out somehow by picking a way to go right this second. And yeah I know. It's literally a tournament with many other people who've reached my current level so I can't assume I'll sweep the whole thing. But all I can do is be as prepared as I can and give it my all and try, win or lose."
She beams at him.
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Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2020 6:01:59 GMT
Falkner nods. "Yes! That is an excellent mindset to have. I'm glad you understand. So many younger trainers don't get it. They think just because they've got the requisite eight badges that they're set for life or something." He shakes his head. "It's absurd to consider, but they're kids; what're you gonna do? They'll get their reality checks soon enough." Falkner offers to give Victoria advice on working with any Flying-Type Pokemon she comes across should she ever desire it. Whitney is a great tutor, he's sure, and many Flying-Types are also Normal, but the advice isn't quite the same.
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Post by lichlord on Apr 24, 2020 6:15:32 GMT
Vicky thinks for a moment. She does have two flying/bugs to worry about. They could potentially use help in the future.
"I actually may take you up on that. We'll have to see how the next weeks go. Regardless, it was a good match. I still have some futzing to do with my team still. But I'm on the right path. Glad you could break your high team out and have them have some fun. Have a good day, Falkner!"
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Post by Raven on Apr 24, 2020 6:17:25 GMT
Falkner bids you farewell as he strolls to the Pokemon Center to get his team fixed up. Whitney and May are happily chattering away about how awesome your Bugs did against him. Almost had him too!
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Post by lichlord on Apr 25, 2020 3:07:44 GMT
"I was 'real' close, yeah."
They get back to the ranch and Vicky looks back.
"Well the rest of the day is shot, and the team is a bit too beat up to do anything tomorrow. Suggestions? Otherwise I was gonna go see if Aima and Miyako had any progress."
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Post by lichlord on Apr 26, 2020 7:19:24 GMT
On the next day, Victoria preps to head out, and she's... not really ready to go face Jasmine again 'quite' yet. And Falkner mentioning Bugsy did make her realize there's a challenge in bug v bug, as well as a way to really prove herself IF she did want to become a trainer for him.
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2020 22:48:26 GMT
Bugsy is quite happy to see Victoria again. "Ah! Welcome back, fellow Bug Enthusiast!" He greets with a grin.
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Post by lichlord on Apr 27, 2020 22:52:42 GMT
Victoria waves back.
"Hi Bugsy, how are you today?"
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2020 22:54:23 GMT
"I'm doing quite well, thank you. I see you've picked up a couple of tagalongs during your journey. Whitney I recognize, but who is your other friend?" Bugsy inquires.
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Post by lichlord on Apr 27, 2020 23:06:01 GMT
Vicky giggles.
"Less 'tagalongs' and more 'lovey dovey hug pile'."
She hugs May and Whitney close.
"But yes Whitney you know, but this is May! May, obviously this is Bugsy, the bug gym leader!"
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2020 23:08:37 GMT
May squeaks in embarrassment at being put on the spot, even as Bugsy offers her a warm smile. "I see! It's wonderful to meet you, May." He then turns his attention back to Victoria. "So, what brings you all to my humble Gym today?"
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